Henry Threadgill’s Trio Creates Brilliant Art Jazz
For jazz that is still moving the art forward, Henry Threadgill, Vijay Iyer, and Dafnis Prieto’s Fifteen is right on the money.
experimental jazz
Nicola Miller Expertly Guides Her Jazz Combo on Fantastic LP
Nicola Miller’s SPIT! is a fun, exciting, boundary-smashing jazz experiment among five deeply talented musicians with an uncommon gift for musical telepathy.
Tyler Sabbag’s ‘Novella’ Is a Glorious Cinematic Musical Journey
On Novella, composer Tyler Sabbag conjures a wonderful, sun-kissed orchestral jazz vibe that’s just in time for summer.
Adam Schatz Creates a Passionate, Unique Improvisation
Prolific jazz saxophonist Adam Schatz, known for his work as an in-demand sideman, takes a bold step forward with Civil Engineering, Vol. 1.
Phillip Golub Tackles Stunning Microtonal Maximalism
Partisan Ship, is a jarring yet highly welcome shift that showcases Phillip Golub’s far-reaching keyboard approach and his ensemble arrangements.
Caroline Davis Explores Endless Musical Possibilities
Through composition and improvisation, experimental jazz saxophonist Caroline Davis creates a sound all her own on Fallows.
Matt Bachmann’s Latest LP Invokes a Film Score Aura
Matt Bachmann’s instrumental collection is adventurous and unpredictable, with the record’s connective tissue being the variety of styles and moods throughout.
Lingyuan Yang Made a Spellbinding Jazz Trio Album
Lingyuan Yang has crafted a brooding, often tumultuous beast that takes the best aspects of freeform jazz and turns it into something unique and beautiful.
Tropos Unleash a Wild Ride Into Experimental Jazz
Tropos possess a seemingly boundless energy supply, but it’s delivered smartly and with brilliant flair for instrumental fluidity and a sense of adventure.
The Eyes in Sam Wilkes’ Head Sees the World Spinning ‘Round
After discovering Phish due to an ice cream flavor, Los Angeles avant-bassist Sam Wilkes’ new trio record shows just how distinct a legacy he’s carved for himself.
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.
Phillip Golub Experiments with Loops on Mesmerizing LP
Loop 7 is yet another in a series of ambitious experimental projects from Phillip Golub and another stunning home run for Joseph Branciforte.