Something Else, Soul Jazz
Led by Vincent Herring (Saxophone) Something Else!, debut project is a collection of bop, soul and straight ahead classics performed with swagger and grooves. Herring leads an all-star septet featuring Jeremy Pelt (Trumpet), Wayne Escoffery (Saxophone), Paul Bollenback (Guitar), David Kikoski (Piano), Essiet Essiet (Bass) and Otis Brown III (Drums) on their new album Soul Jazz. The 8-song suite features fresh takes on classics composed by Donald Byrd, Roy Hargrove, John Coltrane, and more.
Steve Turre, Sanyas
Recorded over a weekend at the Smoke Jazz Club, Steve Turre’s latest album definitely captures the feeling of spontaneity on his latest album, Sanyas. Throughout 2024, the historic club is celebrating their 25th anniversary, featuring live albums from artists who’ve called Smoke Jazz Club home. In turn, Turre’s album made for a multi-generational affair of artists, including, Nicholas Payton (Trumpet), Ron Blake (Saxophone), Buster Williams (Bass), Lenny White (Drums) and Isaiah J. Thompson (Piano). The sextet performed underrated standards and a brand new composition from Turre titled “Wishful Thinking.”
Mahogany L. Browne & Sean Mason, Chrome Valley
A required listen for 2024, Black Music Appreciation Month, and beyond, Poet Mahogany L. Browne collaborated with pianist Sean Mason for a collection of poems turned-songs on their debut album, Chrome Valley. The album is a deep look into Black life in America, focusing on the resistance and generational trauma in Black communities.