Alphabetical order: Artist(s) / Title / Label
Dayme Arocena / Nueva Era / Brownswood
This talented Cuban vocalist brings traditional and modern elements to her debut release produced by British DJ/producer, Gilles Peterson. She was part of the Havana Cultura Mix project, enlisting producers worldwide to mentor local Cuban musicians to make a record in Cuba.
Christian Finger / Ananda / Strikezone
As a drummer and leader, Finger draws on rhythms from many cultures, fusing Jazz with Rock and World music in this album of all originals. The full band sound is further enriched by Jazz violinist Zach Brock and The Mivos String Quartet.
Robert Glasper Trio / Covered / Blue Note
Grammy winning Glasper returns to his acoustic Jazz trio with mostly down-tempo ballads covering music by Joni Mitchell, Radiohead, Musiq Soulchild, Harry Belafonte and others. Recorded live at Capitol Records’ studios.
Giovanni Guidi / This is the Day / ECM
Pianist Guidi draws on Jazz and Classical music to bring us emotionally expressive compositions enhanced by tonal and tempo variances. His music is improvisational with beautiful, fluid and lyrical melodies intuitively played by bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Joao Lobo.
Elektra Kurtis / Bridges from the East / Milo
Polish born, Greek violinist and composer Kurtis’s new album resonates with stylistic elements from Eastern Europe and North Africa. She also references her Classical background and draws on influences from Bartok and Stravinsky among others. The music is upbeat with a contemporary feel.
Maria Schneider Orchestra / The Thompson Fields / Artist Share
Lush orchestral compositions from this highly acclaimed veteran composer, arranger and bandleader that is autobiographical as it is inspired by her childhood home in southwest Minnesota. She brings this new music to her Detroit Jazz Festival performance this Labor Day weekend.
Andy Sheppard Quartet / Surrounded by Sea / ECM
The British saxophonist said “coming from England, I’ve grown up with the physical awareness of being surrounded by the sea”. The music is very atmospheric as it reflects the various aspects of the sea with its moods, vast openness, gracefulness, and mysterious qualities. Instrumentation includes guitar, bass, drums and electronics.
Tiempo Libre / Panamericano / Universal
The band presents hot, danceable and solidly constructed Latin Jazz that includes overtones of funk, and traditional Afro-Caribbean Jazz and Folk forms. The seven internationally respected band members are all classically trained.
Kamasi Washington / The Epic / P&C Brainfeeder
This thematic 3-CD release is a 172-minute “Epic” written and conceived by Kamasi Washginton for 32-piece orchestra, 20-person choir, and 10-piece band performing 17 songs. The expansive work breaks through traditional concepts and prepares a new generation for the future and power of Jazz.
Ben Williams / Coming of Age / Concord
A former protégé of Rodney Whitaker, Mr. Williams is one of the most in-demand bassists performing Jazz today. He’s recorded, toured and played with everyone from Pat Metheny and Wynton Marsalis to Herbie Hancock and Terence Blanchard. His new album features both originals and covers with special guests vocalist Goapele, trumpeter Christian Scott, and vibest Stefon Harris.
*The Jazz playlist reflects Judy Adams’ personal recommendations and does not represent those of the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe or Mack Avenue Records.
Detroit Public Radio mainstay, Judy Adams, is a trained pianist, composer and musicologist who hosts a Jazz and contemporary music show on CJAM 99.1FM and guest hosts on WRCJ 90.9FM.
