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With a discography that stretches back nearly 60 years, pianist, composer and arranger Antonio Adolfo has recorded over 25 albums as a leader. On past albums, Adolfo focused on a particular composer, including Antonio Carlos Jobim and Milton Nascimento. It’s been 65 years since Bossa Nova was born on the south side of Rio, probably the most important musical movement to come out of Brazil in the 20th Century. On his newest album, “Bossa 65: Celebrating Carlos Lyra and Roberto Menescal,” Adolfo turn his attention to two great composers who are on the frontline of the creation of this popular and beloved music.
Trombonist Michael Davis’ new recording, “Open City,” is a musical reflection on the inclusive, open nature of being a musician in post-pandemic New York City. “The joy of being back, performing live with other musicians, going into a studio to record our projects, sharing the challenges we all faced as performing artists and building back the business we all share so much passion for,” says Davis. The new disc marks Davis’ fourteenth album as a leader, and his sophomore recording fronting his Hip-Bone Big Band.
Also this week, pianist Dred Scot, who’s played and recorded with the likes of Anthony Braxton, Joe Henderson and Joe Morello, has a new project, “The Pacific Jazz Group”; Eastern Iowa favorite Ray Blue is joined by special guests Kenny Barron and Bobby Sanabria on his new CD, “#People”; and the Brazilian singer and songwriter Nanny Assis features Ron Carter, Randy Brecker, Fred Hersch, Lakecia Benjamin and other luminaries on his new recording, “Rovanio.”