Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
The newest recording from renowned guitarist and composer Roni Ben-Hur includes a fascinating collection of “Stories” from his genre-busting 40-year multicultural musical journey. “Recording ‘Stories’ has been a unique and very fulfilling experience,” the Israeli-born Ben-Hur says, “allowing me to incorporate songs I loved since my childhood, and ones that speak to social issues that are important to me.” Joining him is the legendary George Cables on piano, esteemed trumpeter Ingrid Jensen, and the steadfast rhythm section of bassist Harvie S and drummer Victor Lewis.
The legendary Hammond B3 organist Dr. Lonnie Smith has recorded over 30 albums as a leader, but his favorite setting to document his creativity is live. During the 2017 celebration of his 75th birthday, Smith settled into the Jazz Standard in New York City for a live recording date with his steady trio mates Jonathan Kreisberg on guitar and Johnathan Blake on drums. That celebratory week has now yielded a second fantastic album, “Breathe.” The disc is bookended by two remarkable studio collaborations between Smith and the legendary vocalist Iggy Pop.
Also this week, Jane Monheit celebrates 20 years as a jazz vocalist with “Come What May,” her first disc in five years;
pianist Shai Maestro expands his trio of fellow Israeli Ofri Nehemya on drums and bassist Jorge Roeder with the addition of trumpeter Philip Dizak for the quartet session, “Human”;
and trombonist Michael Dease delivers up his eighth release for Posi-Tone Records, “Give It All You Got.”