Jazz Albums released in 2021

Robert Castelli & BOOM!(Spain)-Vamos
Album: Party at One World Plaza
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Florin Raducanu(Romania)-Christmas Theme for Piano 2021
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Roberto Magris(Italy)-Match Point
Composer: Roberto Magris
Album: Roberto Magris-Match Point
Label: JMood Records
On Match Point, his latest album, Italian pianist and composer Roberto Magris gathered together a brilliant line-up of accomplished musicians: Alfredo Chacon – Vibraphone And Percussion, Dion Kerr – Bass, Rodolfo Zuniga – Drums on what can be described as a festival of rhythms and styles from bebop, to blues, and Latin.
His signature style and imaginative arrangements put a new spin on compositions by Richard Kermode, McCoy Tyner, Thelonious Monk and Randy Weston along with four originals that blend into the mix like a charm.
One of the special beauties of the album lies in the delicate balance and fusion between piano and vibraphone radiating a warm melodic atmosphere filled with generous spaces to improvise. 
Plenty of surprises, the album takes off with Yours is The Light, made famous by Santana on his Welcome album. Of course, there’s no guitar here, nevertheless, Roberto Magris takes it to new jazz heights while maintaining its Latin edge and beauty. It is a pity that Kermode died young; he would have been so proud to hear his composition wearing these new clothes. Searching for Peace is a 15-minute long rendition of McCoy Tyner’s ballad, an opportunity for subtle improvising and rhythm changes. The sunny Samba for Jade is another showcase of the virtuosic piano-vibes pair based on a memorable melodic theme signed by Magris. Magic Blues, is exactly what the title promises: blues made magic by a combination of extended solos of vibes and piano. On Thelonious Monk’s Reflections, the pianist takes the liberty to surprise us with an imaginative version that maintains a beautiful fluidity through the fast-changing harmonies. Caban Bamboo Highlife retains the festive mood and alert rhythms of the original piece, bringing forward the outstanding art of Rodolfo Zuniga. Without the horn section blowing on the original, the sound is smoother and graceful yet not losing its playfulness. Match Point the title track, another original, goes vibrant and swinging, the band is going over the top in a frenetic ride. To use just one keyword to describe this album: splendid! 
Roberto Magris @ JMood Records  

Ramiro Pinheiro(Spain/Brazil)-Limão
Composer: Djavan
Album: Limão
Label: Brasounds Productions
“Limão” is a song written by the great Djavan. It is the opening track for his album “Novena”, announcing the fresh upbeat spirit of that album. This version is an homage to him by these exponents of the new Brazilian Jazz: Ramiro Pinheiro, Rodrigo Balduino, Pedrinho Augusto. Special guest Nahor Gomes is the first trumpeter in SP Jazz Symphony Orchestra, member of Banda Mantiqueira, and has worked with João Donato, Milton Nascimento, Chico Buarque, to name a few.
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Florian Arbenz(Switzerland)- François Moutin(France)- Maikel Vistel(Cuba) – Scarlet Woman
Album: Conversation #4 – Vulcanized
Florian Arbenz’s new Conversation album called Vulcanized reveals to be a fluid interaction of undeniable virtuosity between three well established artists. What a joy to hear Maikel Vistel and François Moutin bright combination of saxophone and bass and Florian Arbenz’s compelling taste and movement.
Besides the five originals we can listen to three inventive fresh takes on well-known compositions of Thelonious Monk, Joe Zawinul and Bill Evans. Last minute changes to the band members makes for a rough-around-the-edges surprise that rejuvenates pumping up the creative juices. The change is exactly what the album needs: to elevate the sound to authentic mastery, the likes of which the jazz fan is looking for. The perfect setting for consuming this music is fireside, with eyes shut, and all senses tuned to the vivid vision that this work imagines. Hackensack is a breakout, powerful piece that entrances the listener with high-energy notes and fast-paced journey through the musician’s mind. The nearly six-minute masterpiece is zany and energetic, and calls the listener to come along for the bumpy ride and enjoy not the destination but the sights along the way. In contrast, Scarlet Woman drags the attention into the piece with a soft intro that quickly becomes a sultry, warm piece filled with musical melodrama.
A special mention of the introspective A Soothing Thrill infused with a range of poetic, mysterious layers. Overall, the arrangements are cohesive yet leaving enough space to all three musicians to showcase their abilities . The feat that was this production by the trio was nothing short of impressive, and creates much promise for Florian Arbenz’s future creative encounters.
Florian Arbenz on Bandcamp

Livio Almeida, Rodrigo Bezerra, Rodrigo Balduino(Brazil)- Radamés y Pelé
Album: Radamés y Pelé
Label: Brasounds Productions
Radamés y Pelé is a song written by the great maestro Tom Jobim for his last album, to render homage to these two geniuses – and friends of his: the composer Radames Gnatalli and the soccer player Pelé.
This mixture between choro and bossa-nova is the first release of the project Jobiniando, and was handled by 3 exponents of the new Brazilian Jazz: Livio Almeida (sax tenor) has a master’s degree in composition at the Brooklyn College of New York and plays with great names of the American jazz scene, such as the Grammy award winning pianist Arturo O’Farril, Ari Hoening, Helio Alves and Romero Lubambo.
Rodrigo Bezerra (guitar) is one of the most prolific guitar players and composers of his generation. Having recorded 6 albums as a leader, he can easily combine jazz and Brazilian music, and have played with artists such as Ellen Oléria and Carlos Malta.
Rodrigo Balduino (bass) is a member of the Esdras Nogueira Quartet. He has shared the stage with names like Bocato and Dominguinhos and has recently produced the new album of Ramiro Pinheiro, released with the jazz label Fresh Sound Records.
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Sinclair Lott(USA)-Checkered Past
Album: Long Story Short
Label: Blue Canoe Records
Drum extraordinaire and composer Sinclair Lott delivers a thoughtful straight-ahead jazz album with a modern twist. Featuring Bob Sheppard (saxophones), Tigran Hamasyan (piano), Danny McKay (bass), and Sinclair Lott (drums). This ten song album titled, “Long Story Short” features seven original compositions and three cover tunes by Dizzy Gileespie, Dave Brubeck and Ornette Coleman. Fans of traditional jazz will enjoy listening to Sinclair’s Story of music with this uplifting collection of compositions and performances.
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Medeljazz Quartet(France)-Sevenot
Composer: Laurent Medelgi
Album: Versature
Label: Zorojazz
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Fabrizio Savino Trio(Italy) – Rebirth
Composer: Fabrizio Savino
Album: The Rising Sun
From Saturday July 10th 2021, “The rising sun”, the new and fourth album by modern jazz guitarist Fabrizio Savino, is available on all streaming and download platforms including Apple Music. (Read more)
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Jimmy Layton and his International “Not Your Daddy’s Jazz” Band(USA) – Only A Fool (feat. Lena Rose)
Album: Thief In The Night
Label: Jazzapple Records
A vocal piece in the vein of Basia

Jimmy Layton and his International “Not Your Daddy’s Jazz” Band(USA) – The Man From Nowhere
Album: Thief In The Night
Label: Jazzapple Records
So, what is ”Not Your Daddy’s Jazz”? Using, as it’s guideline, the principle of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do ~ it takes what is useful, and discards what is not. With neither prejudice towards traditional jazz, nor discrimination against other music styles, it freely integrates elements of jazz, Latin, funk, rock and classical. It’s only goal is musicality. It is a form that has no form. “There are only two kinds of music. Good music and the other kind.” ~ Duke Ellington
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Big Space(Canada)-Triptrap
Composer: Grant King, Ian Murphy, Ashley Chalmers
Album:  In Relation To
Big Space is an instrumental jazz-rock trio Newfoundland & Labrador featuring Grant King (guitar), Ian Murphy (bass) and Ashley Chalmers (drums). The band’s music blends jazz and improvisation with genres like post-rock, math rock and progressive rock. “Triptrap” is the first single from their upcoming album “In Relation To”, which releases October 22, 2021. The song is a good representation of the trio’s style, ranging from contemporary jazz fusion to instrumental rock and atmospheric soundscapes, with plenty of improvisation.
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Cara Ronzetti(USA)-In Love Again
Composer: Tucker Ronzetti
Album: In Love Again
Swing romantic song featuring Cara Ronzetti on vocals
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Family Plan(Canada/Chile)-Who’s Your Copilot
Composer:  Simón Willson (Willson Music / ASCAP)
Album: Family Plan
Label: Endectomorph Music
Out September 24, 2021 on Endectomorph Music, Family Plan recasts the classic jazz piano trio with intricate counterpoint, 21st-century beats, and electronic production.
CD Release Concert:
Thursday, September 30, 2021
6:30 – 9 PM, free admission / open to public
Green Oasis Garden
376 E 8th St, New York, NY 10009
Website
More info

The JVM Collective(USA)-Into The Night
Album: Frontiers
Label: Blue Canoe Records
The JVM Collective consists of guitarist/producer Denny Jiosa, bassist Roy Vogt, and drummer Tom Moller. This Nashville Jazz trio delivers a creative and powerful album of beautiful original compositions, deep grooves, and inspiring improvisations titled, “Frontiers”. Fans of instrumental, eclectic music will surely love The JVM Collective and their 8 song album titled, “Frontiers”.
Blue Canoe Records

Camille Harris and David Linard(USA)- The Nearness of You
Composer: Hoagy Carmichael
Album:  The Nearness of You
Website

Kevin Sun(USA)- Greenlit
Composer: Kevin Sun
Album: <3 Bird
Label: Endectomorph Music
Out August 29, 2021 on the 101st anniversary of Charlie Parker’s birth, <3 Bird celebrates the legendary saxophonist with radically inventive compositions inspired by his music
“…Sun swings for the fences with his sense of form and scale.” – Nate Chinen, WBGO (Read more)
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Nastazio Gkoumas Trio(Greece)-Chicken Bucket
Composer: Nastazio Gkoumas
Album: Escape
Nastazio Gkoumas : guitar
Demetris Papanikolaou :double bass
Rafael Kyriakides : drums
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Calabó(Puerto Rico)-Red Sky
Album: Mind Colors
Mind Colors is a collaboration between artists forging in this way a refreshing musical conversation with a new vision of the improvisational jazz genre. Featuring Artist: Jandro Rivas, Danel Díaz, Letzer Cartagena.
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Camart Jazz(France)-Mars Bossa
Album: Mars Bossa
2006/2021
Camille et Arthur LANARRE-Guitars
Certains morceaux reflètent la période West Coast (Progression ou Feeling Of Autumn), d’autres le style Bossa (Mars Bossa et Bossa Samba), le style Jazz-Blues (Sun Blues et June Blues) le style Jazz Moderne (By The Beginning) et le style Blues (Camart Blues).
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Florian Arbenz(Switzerland)-Rhenos
Album: Conversation #2 & #3
On Conversation #2 & #3 Swiss drummer Florian Arbenz brings on board vibraphonist Jim Hart and bassist Heiri Känzig, two prolific artists with a broad experience on the contemporary jazz scene. The synergy between musicians is clearly working either in a duo or trio format. Florian Arbenz, the project’s creator, known for experimenting with new sonic paths and techniques, continues to try out new creative interactions with his new collaborators in dialogue.
The result is a fascinating universe of rhythms in multiple forms with vibraphone and drums engaged in a mutual exchange of creativity, obvious on the ensemble of tracks. Appreciated is the sheer energy of “Evidence” or the sophisticated “Between Times”. With Heiri Känzig joining in, the conversation goes three ways, reaching an inventive fluidity weaved by all three voices blending naturally into a flow of spatial harmony crossed by intense yet subtle drumming.
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Igor Willcox Quartet(Brazil) – U.F.O.
Composer: Igor Willcox
A fresh release from the Brazilian power group Igor Willcox Quartet, displaying once more their creative power already proved to be solidly rooted in a fertile jazz fusion territory.
After a syncopated introduction weaved by intense drumming, organ and sax the song grows into a series of intricate free-flowing exchanges colored by inspired solos. The flawless interplay between saxophone and keys creates a mysterious sonic space rich in nuances fueled by the liveliness of drumming and pounding bass lines. Building around a melodically-adventurous concept that may suggest to some listeners moments of Billy Cobham’s Total Eclipse, the band balances with skillful tension and softer intermezzos that ultimately manage to keep the listener involved until the end. 
Personnel:
Wagner Barbosa – saxophone
Vini Morales – keys
Glecio Nascimento – electric bass
Igor Willcox – drums/composer/mixing/mastering
Website

Ric DelNero & Chris Cummings(USA)-Nero
Composer: Ric DelNero & Chris Cummings
Album: After All
Label: Orenled Music
After All is a collaboration between composer/guitarist Ric DelNero and drummer Chris Cummings. The music featured on this recording is an instrumental fusion of Jazz and Rock in a power trio setting.
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Utopia(USA/Japan)-Imaginably
Composer: Yuto Mitomi
Album: Imaginably
Utopia: Yuto Mitomi (Tenor & Soprano Saxophone)/ Yuto Kanazawa (Brazilian 7 string guitar )
Imaginably is the 2nd album of Utopia, NY based duo project formed by Japanese musicians Yuto Mitomi (sax) and Yuto Kanazawa (guitar) who share the same first name. The first track Karatachi no Hana is written by Japanese composer Kosaku Yamada in 1925, Mitomi originally arranged this piece for his octet and later he started to play together with Kanazawa. Title track Imaginably is the original composition by Yuto Mitomi, other tracks are a collection of jazz standards and pop covers.(Continued)
Bandcamp

Final Step(Switzerland)-Disconnections
Album: Disconnections
From the multi-lingual border region of Ticino in Switzerland, guitarist Matteo Finali brings Final Step with their 5th album release, Disconnections. To be organised neatly on your shelf marked ‘jazz fusion’, the group display a shared passion for that post-Miles brand of electric jazz which unites rock, funk, blues and ethnic music. (More info)
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Alchemy Sound Project(USA)-The Fountain
Album: Afrika Love
Afrika Love, the breathtaking third album by Alchemy Sound Project, traverses boundaries of genre and geography An ode to the grandeur of nature, reflections on relationships, and a pair of musical tributes comprise five eclectic, aurally compelling original works Released May 14, 2021 via Artists Recording Collective. Read more
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Nastazio Gkoumas(Greece)- To All People I Love
Composer: Nastazio Gkoumas
Album: If You Know
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Philippe Brunel Acoustic Band(France)-Altair
Album: Quelles nouvelles des étoiles …?
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Rouge(France)-Derrière Les Paupières
Disponible le 16/04/2021 chez Laborie Jazz

Joined by Sylvain Didou (double bass) and Boris Louvet (drums), pianist Madeleine Cazenave deploys her sound palette in an album of amazing beauty. One of the great successes of the trio is this unique way of weaving a melodic mesh to stretch bass lines in it and capture the percussive squeak. Based on Madeleine Cazenave’s compositions, the three alchemists of Rouge work together to perfect the collective vibration

Rouge, le nouveau projet de la pianiste Madeleine Cazenave, est à découvrir dès le 16 avril 2021 avec l’album Derrière Les Paupières qui sort sur le label Laborie Jazz. (Continued)
Site officiel | Bandcamp

Roberto Magris(Italy) & Eric Hochberg(USA)-Shuffling Ivories
Album: Shuffling Ivories
Label: JMood Records
A heartfelt, intimate tribute paid by two seasoned musicians, pianist Roberto Magris and bassist Eric Hochberg to African American jazz musicians and especially to Eubie Blake, a jazz pioneer whose contribution to the American jazz and culture is undeniable. Roberto Magris has never shied away from sharing his personal vision and talent as a composer and performer when paying homage to the past, and this album is no exception. The flawless interplay between the two musicians is a definite asset to this enchanting album, which creatively mixes tradition and contemporary without losing the original spirit of these timeless classics. Besides two compositions signed by Blake, the album includes pieces by Trudy Pitts, Andrew Hill, Jack Palmer and Spencer Williams, Billy Gault, Cal Massey and by Roberto Magris himself. His composition “Shuffling Ivories” sets the tone referencing Blake’s Broadway musical “Shuffle Along”. He also signs two other works that are wonderfully related to the theme. On “Italy,” he creates a melodic connection between European and American jazz, while “Clef Club Club,” an intense display of impressive virtuosity with a cinematic edge, is an eruption of impressive virtuosity. The elegant and romantic Andrew Hill’s La Verne, one of the album’s most stunning pieces, transforms into a ballad of unique beauty that defies classification; it’s pure music, and both musicians excel at performing it.
JMood Records

Stefano Di Battista(Italy) – Morricone Stories Stefano Di Battista revient sur le devant de la scène, avec cette fois-ci un projet dédié au compositeur émérite Ennio Morricone. L’ambition est donc de taille pour ce nouvel album Morricone Stories qui sort le 02 avril 2021 chez Warner Music. (continued)

Igor Willcox Quartet feat Wagner Barbosa, Vini Morales, Glecio Nascimento(Brazil) – 2020
Fresh single from the explosive jazz-fusion Igor Willcox Quartet starting the new year with an effervescent composition fueled with impetuous drumming and imaginative interactions.
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 Ararur(Portugal)-Promontório
Composer: António Silva
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Sallaberry & Friends(Brazil/USA)-Risca Faca/Latin Nights
Composer: Sallaberry/Marcos Romera-Sallaberry/ David Frederick
Album: Reflections. A Soundtrack From a Movie Never Made
Label: Sallaberry Music
Sallaberry plays drums, keyboards, percussion and voices.
Guest musicians:
Azeitona Trompete, Abraham Ferreira, Camilo Carrara, Cassio Poletto, Claudio Rocha, Corciolli, David Frederick, Fabio Valois, Flavio Medeiros, Fúlvio Oliveira, Jean Trompete, Jorge Pescara, Luciano Magno, Márcia Sallaberry, Marcos Romera, Marcus Cesar, Maurício Marques, Michel Freidenson, Ricardo Vignini, Samuel Pompeo, Victor Colmenero, Vlamir Abbud
Produced and mixed by Sallaberry. eMastering by Cassio Centurion.
CD Store Website

Russell Ferrante Trio(USA) – Inflexion D
Composer: Russell Ferrante
Album: Inflexion
Label: Blue Canoe Records
Russell Ferrante (YellowJackets founding and current member) releases a beautiful jazz trio album titled, “Inflexion”. Inflexion or inflection comes from the Latin root inflexionem meaning to bend in, to change direction. This music is indeed very personal and intimate and one could say it bends in. Featuring the beautiful interplay from Russell Ferrante, Michael Valerio (bass), and Steve Schaeffer (drums).
Album Promo Video | Blue Canoe Records

Kari Ikonen(Finland)-Trance Oriental
Composer: Kari Ikonen
Album: Impressions, Improvisations and Compositions
Label: Ozella Music
Kari Ikonen recorded Impressions, Improvisations and Compositions on his historic Steinway in his living room in Helsinki, using fine microphones and audiophile equipment. The Mastering was done by our friends from Pauler Acoustics (Engineer: Hans-Jörg Maucksch) in Northeim/Germany. This music is nothing to listen to on the side, the album demands full concentration from the listener! But whoever brings it up will be very rewarded. The album title refers to the working method of Wassily Kandinsky, who is a great inspiration for Kari Ikonen. We were very lucky to be able to use a work by Kandinsky for our artwork. Doesn’t the album look great? Above all, the 180 gram vinyl pressing in gatefold cover is a haptic experience and an acoustic revelation. Read Review. Like all our releases, the album is also available on iTunes, Spotify and all other important digital platforms. We have distributors around the world for our physical releases, so please check out your local record store and say hello. Or say: “Kari Ikonen – Impressions, Improvisations and Compositions”
Kari Ikonen | Ozella Music | YouTube

Marc Hoffman(USA)-I Love the Way
Composer: Marc Hoffman
Album: Always Wanting
Label: Virillion Music, BMI
The timing is finally right for the release of Marc Hoffman’s, Always Waiting, an album of 10 new originals. “There was a lot of stop and start with this project, thanks to pauses for a couple of film projects and a deadline for a concert piece, but I’m delighted to be releasing the album at last,” Marc said. This is a personal record, with songs that cover the search for meaning in the universe, the affirmation of love, the regret of lost love, dreams of now and what comes next, and of love for the moon. With roots in jazz, classical and pop, there’s something for every listener on the album.
Featuring: Marc Hoffman – vocals/piano/percussion; Zack Page -bass, Justin Watt – drums, Chris Garges – drums/percussion .
Marc Hoffman