Meshell Ndegeocello Offers Superb Soulful Duets of Classics
Meshell Ndegeocello’s Synonym is a superb modern soul album filled with sensual grooves, compelling vocals, and ingenious arrangements.
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Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves Pay Tribute to Coltrane
Of all the John Coltrane tributes we’ll likely hear in 2026, Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves’ Dedicated to You will be the most heartfelt and authentic.
DOMi & JD Beck Create a Brilliant, Jazzy Genre Mash-up
Gen Z “jazz” duo DOMi & JD Beck conjure the breathtaking sophomore release Who Asked?, which straddles jazz, classical, electronica, and pop.
Jazz Pianist Nduduzo Makhathini Mixes Yearning with a Modern Sound
As a South African artist, Nduduzo Makhathini inherits a grand tradition of cross-pollination between American jazz and the music of his own culture.
Vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa Molds Moody Jazz Atmosphere
Gabrielle Cavassa’s voice balances on a knife-edge between jazzy nostalgia and indie originality. Blue Note knows she is something special.
Saxophonist Walter Smith III Presents His Soulful Trio Voice
A trio like Walter Smith III’s is exceptional for its commitment to playing as a unit. Their jazz language as a whole can’t help but impress.
Melissa Aldana Creates Ideal Latin American Balladry
The overall sensation of Melissa Alada’s Filin is not just beauty but distillation. The songs, even those without sung lyrics, get definitive interpretations.
Vibes Phenom Joel Ross Dips His Jazz Into Gospel Music
Joel Ross takes his usual pyrotechnics and funnels them into a refined ensemble sound that also channels sincere, powerful jazz with a gospel center.
Julian Lage Teams with John Medeski for Impeccable LP
John Medeski colors each Julian Lage composition to perfection. For all its ease of listening, this album isn’t comfort food as much as a really balanced meal.
Aaron Parks Looks Back and Points Forward with Gorgeous LP
The music is beautiful in jazz pianist Aaron Parks’ new album, but the truth of By All Means is more wonderful and complicated than that.
Kenny Burrell Is Mesmerizing at the Five Spot Café
Jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell’s collection feels more like a warm vignette than a cynical freeze-frame. This is one occasion where digital files simply won’t suffice.
Nels Cline’s Forward-Thinking Jazz Is Superb
Trailblazing guitarist and Wilco secret weapon Nels Cline is back with a bracing new jazz quartet recording and joined by similarly forward-thinking musicians.