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Michel Petrucciani was one of the most brilliant pianists to emerge from Europe’s jazz scene in the late ‘70s. Despite his short stature due to glass bone disease, he rose to international acclaim, performing with the likes of Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, Stephane Grappelli and many other greats. “Jazz Club Montmarte-CPH 1988” is a previously unreleased live set recorded during a memorable performance at Copenhagen’s Jazzhus Montmarte, capturing Petrucciani in the company of two jazz icons, Gary Peacock on bass and Roy Haynes on drums. While the trio only came together for a brief European tour in the summer of 1988, the chemistry they shared on stage was undeniable.
Over her 20-year career, Judy Wexler has earned the reputation as one of the most compelling vocalists on the West Coast. Known for her warm voice and affective interpretations of lyrics, her repertoire has been replete with songs that are off-the-beaten path. All About Jazz describes her as “an actress, mood painter, song archaeologist, and vocalist par excellence.” Now on “No Wonder,” her seventh and newest recording, Ms. Wexler lends her sumptuous voice and highly personal takes to some of the finest songs from the Great American Songbook.
Also this week, David Caffey, Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Northern Colorado, presents the third release from his jazz orchestra, “At the Edge of Spring”; “Small Things” displays the growth of the young St. Paul-raised guitarist and composer Jackson Potter since his arrival in New York City in 2021; and drummer Steve Johns, who has been one of the most dynamic and versatile drummers on the New York scene since the early 1980s, unveils his third album as a leader, “Mythology.”