Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble: Blueprints (Chicago Sessions)

Chicago Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble: Blueprints (Chicago Sessions) – Trumpeter Victor Garcia and pianist Darwin Norguera lead this smoking Latin-Jazz ensemble that features guests Steve Turre and Neal Alger. Nice solos glide atop the infectious rhythms. The dynamic arrangements allow the musicians pack loads of emotion into the pieces. Blueprints is their debut. Recommended. Play 1 2 5 6

Dave Sharp's Secret Seven: 7 (Vortex)

Dave Sharp's Secret Seven: 7 (Vortex) - Ann Arbor, Michigan based bassist Dave Sharp (Sphere of Influence) presents a diverse stylistic palette of modern jazz which taps into African, Latin, New Orleans and Asian influences. Saxophonist Chris Kaercher delivers several sweet solos. The set really cooks. Recommended. Play 1 2 3 4 6

Trombone Shorty: Backatown (Verve Forecast)

Trombone Shorty: Backatown (Verve Forecast) - Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews' verve debut takes it's name from the locals' term for the area of New Orleans' 6th Ward where Troy was born and raised. His older brother gave him the nickname when he was four years old – as he marched with a trombone twice as long as he was high. With a New Orleans flair, he mixes jazz, funk, rock, and soul into a high-energy "supafunkrock". [Note: Featured in four episodes of the HBO series Tremé] Recommended.

Liam Sillery: Phenomenology (OA2)

Liam Sillery: Phenomenology (OA2) - For his fourth album, trumpeter Liam Sillery straddles the line between traditional and free jazz. Within non-standard time signatures creative solos flourish. The sonic roller-coaster balances foundation and freewheeling. Grab a ticket and climb aboard. Recommended. Play 1 2 3

Mitch Marcus Quintet: Countdown 2 Meltdown (PFR)

Mitch Marcus Quintet: Countdown 2 Meltdown (PFR) - Bay area saxophonist Mitch Marcus and his Quintet features a melodic, two-sax front line and dexterous guitarist Mike Abraham in traversing the progressive jazz idiom. Regardless the mode, the steady rhythms always keep things cooking. The arrangements reference Kelzmer and even Link Wray throughout the smoldering set. Recommended. Play 1 2 3 6 7 8