Avishai Cohen Trio, Julian Lage, Snarky Puppy and Lizz Wright are all among this month’s best new releases
Naive
Avishai Cohen (b), Elchin Shirinov (p) and Roni Kaspi (d)
Three extremely gifted musicians, playing top notch originals and pushing each other in the process. What’s not to like? One of the best of 2022, without a doubt. Kevin Whitlock
Read it Jazzwise exam
Cellar band
Billy Drummond (d), Dayna Stephens (sax), Micah Thomas (p) and Dezron Douglas (b)
Impressively, Drummond captures the contours of Bley’s village band aesthetic through the tones of a fiery, contemporary quartet of sax and rhythm. Drummond’s style is rooted in the work of Tony Williams – the closest album ‘Lawra’ was composed by the late drummer – and here explosive cymbals flesh out the texture and drive the band. Mike Hobart
Read it Jazzwise exam
33Recordings
Geoff Eales (p, ky, org), Jason Yarde (as), Mark Lockheart (ss), Ben Waghorn (as, ss, bcl), Andy Findon (f, penny whip), Carl Orr (g), Matt Ridley ( b), Sophie Alloway (d), Shirley Smart (clo), Brigitte Beraha, Jackie Hicks, Brenda Ford and Jenny Howe (v)
You have to love Geoff Eales, not just for his fabulous touches and songwriting skills, but for the absolute passion for his vision. Sacred and Profane Love is his masterpiece. Andy Robson
Read it Jazzwise exam
Bell
Chris Hodgkins, Noel Langley
An invigorating tribute to a hero but more than that, a chance to hear today’s soloists valiantly respond to the inspiration of a past master. Hopefully there’s more of the same to come. Pierre Vacher
Read it Jazzwise exam
blue note
Julian Lage, Bill Frisell (l), Jorge Roeder (b) and Dave King (r)
It’s one of those albums that doesn’t betray its secrets easily, and can be turned over and over again when a cool nuance, an inspired moment of counterpoint, or a perfectly framed melodic variation comes to light to contribute to a wider understanding. inspired creativity at work here. Stuart Nicholson
Read it Jazzwise exam
sunny side
Ethan Philion (b, arr), Russ Johnson, Victor Garcia
If that makes you want to hear the originals again, then that’s fine, but these reinterpretations are compelling enough on their own. Brian Priestley
Read it Jazzwise exam
GroundUP
Michael League (el b), Bill Laurance, Bobby Sparks, Shaun Martin (ky), Justin Stanton (ky, t), Bob Lanzetti (el g), Mark Lettieri, Chris McQueen (g), Mike ‘Maz’ Maher, Jay Jennings
With 12 musicians contributing 16 tracks, it feels like each songwriter is writing for their Snarky idea, an interesting experience that doesn’t end up bringing too much new, but solidifying, tightening and polishing their awesome band sound. Hugh Morris
Read it Jazzwise exam
Imani records
Caleb Wheeler Curtis (as, ss), Orrin Evans (p), Eric Revis (b) and Gerald Cleaver (d)
heat map is truly exhilarating post-Ornette free-jazzmaking, and confirms how this method can still trigger rich invention. John Fordham
Read it Jazzwise exam
Blues & Greens Records
Lizz Wright (v), Chris Bruce (g), Bobby Ray Sparks II (ky), Ben Zwerin (b) and Ivan Edwards (d)
With stunning recorded sound, a wonderfully attentive audience and an irresistible communion between singer and band, this is the most transporting and beautiful album I’ve heard this year. Pierre Quinn
Read it Jazzwise exam
Read reviews for all these albums – and more – in the September issue of Jazzwise. Never miss an issue – subscribe today
