New music from artists features original compositions in latin, soul jazz, and a new take on funk. Let's take a look at some of the best albums of the week.
Keyon Harrold, Foreverland
Trumpeter Keyon Harrold takes the listener on a journey to peace for his new album Foreverland. Heralded as “the future of trumpet” by Wynton Marsalis, Harrold’s carving his own niche, adding his lush trumpet over r&b heavy production. Collaborating with fellow jazz musician Robert Glasper, Harrold’s third album also features lyrical master Common and soulful vocalist Jean Baylor. With an album cover that harks back to the Ohio Player albums, Foreverland’s sure to stand out in your collection of records.
Kinga Glyk, Real Life
Funk is alive and well! And is clearly worldwide as Polish bassist Kinga Glyk’s new album Real Lifeis sure to stop you in your tracks and look up just who Kinga is. Kinga follows the footsteps of other female bass players who are redefining the instrument and the genres they play. Her album features original music, blurring the lines between funk, rock and fusion as Kinga plucks away at her bass. The album has that Minneapolis funk sound, made famous by Prince and other artists from the area. With uptempo grooves and plenty of funk, it won’t be hard to find the beat listening to Real Life.
Diego Rivera, With Just a Word
I think Diego Rivera is putting a word in as one of the hardest working men in jazz today. Six albums in four years, including his 2024 release With Just a Word, Diego’s back on the scene with his latest Posi-Tone release. Playing in a quartet setting with long-time band and label-mates Rudy Royston and Art Hirahara, these scholars of jazz run the gamut of genres to bop, straight ahead and latin jazz.
