(Jazz Legacy Productions)

Growning up in Brazil, pianist Helio Alves was more interested in the classical music he was studying, than the more rhythmic forms associated with his country. His latest recording, Música reflects all those influences and more. The music here runs the gamut from kineticly energized to cooly reflective. Alves’ technical brilliance is complimented nicely by the work of bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Antonio Sanchez. The album is further enhanced by guest appearance of revered guitarist Romero Lubambo and trumpetmaster Claudio Roditi. The quality of compositions chosen for the project also makes it first rate. Comprised of standards and tunes by other composers, Alves’ interpretations makes them shine anew.

(ECM Records)

Together, the multi-national trio of British vocalist Norma Winston, Italian pianist Glauco Venier and German bass clarinetist and saxophonist Klaus Gesing make hauntingly beautiful music. On Stories Yet To Tell,  their second recording for ECM, the three achieve an alchemy that is soul-piercing. The acoustics of the recording lend to the sense of intimacy and space, with the notes of Venier’s piano reverberating and Gesing’s clarinet and saxes looming, while Winston’s beautifully operatic voice ebbs and flows through it all. The mood of the music, most of which was written by each member of the trio, is subtle and soothing. The convergence of these three talented artists make listening to this recording both reflective and transportive.        

(Demi Sound Records)

The companion piece to saxphononist Myron Walden’s In This World: What We Share, To Feel  is another chapter in the prolific, productive career of this talented musician. Walden says in a note in the package that his his hope for the project is that it ”will inspire you to reflect on the beauty that exists in the world”.  It certainly is music for reflecting, with a very gentle, warm and embracing quality. Walden composed all the tracks on the project. Guitarist Mike Moreno providesa nice electric accompaniment to Walden’s tenor throughout the set. Also on the recording are Jon Cowherd and David Bryant on Fender Rhodes organ, Chris Thomas and Yasushi Nakamura on acoustic basses and Kendrick Scott handling drums on most the tracks, with Brian Blade of the Fellowship fame, playing on two of the recording’s eleven tracks. This is deeply beautiful work of art that must be heard and appreciated, along with the other part of the musical diptych.

(MCG Jazz)

Revered reedman and composer Paquito D’Rivera’s fuses Latin jazz with classical feel for a sound and album that is engaging and beautiful. Panamericana Suite derives from a commissioned piece that D’Rivera created for Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2000. The project feels both epic and intimate at times and features a multi-national ocrchestra of talent that add brilliant colors to the music. Among those featured on the recording are trumpeter Diego Urcola, Andy Narell on the steel pans, Dave Samuels on vibes and Alon Yavnai on piano. The voice of Puerto Rico-born soprano Brenda Feliciano is stunning and beautifully accents the colorful array of the production. 

(Self Released)

Tenor sax man Bob Mintzer has been able maintain his own musical identity while also remaining a centerpiece of the Yellowjackets for many years now. The successful balancing act continues with his new album Canyon Cove. The new album features Mintzer’s signature big, bright sound in a wholely new context once again. Joined by Larry Goldings’ stirring B-3 organ, Peter Erskine’s solid drumwork, this is yet another great work from one of the great saxophone voices of the modern era.  

(ECM Records)

(Resonance Records)

Christian Howes is a classically-trained violin whose path was changed when he started playing in African-American churches. You can hear the strong bluesy influence in his work on his latest release, Out of The Blue. If the project wasn’t bluesed up enough, he’s joined in this effort by guitar virtuoso Robben Ford. The string fellowship between the two is not to be missed. The supporting ensemble on the recording is outstanding as well, and includes Tamir Hendelman on piano, Bobby Floyd on Hammond b-3, Kevin Axt and Joel Rosenblatt on drums. Howes nicely covers a cross-section of tunes by Chick Corea, Ornette Coleman, Fats Domino and Carla Bley, with the project swinging from start to finish.