Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Grammy-nominated multireedist and composer Anat Cohen shifts her focus to an intimate group sound on her newest release, the endlessly colorful “Quartetinho.” The ensemble of New York-based international instrumentalist virtuosos are all drawn from the ranks of her Grammy-nominated Tentet, featuring bassist Tal Mashiach, pianist/accordionist Vitor Gonsalves and vibraphonist/percussionist James Shipp. The program includes original tunes by the band members along with material by the great masters Antonio Carlos Jobim, Egberto Gismonte, and more.
One of Western Canada’s most celebrated instrumentalists, composers and bandleaders returns with his second studio album as a leader, “Imperfect Perfectionist.” The sophomore release from saxophonist Keith O’Rourke features his new concept of a piano-less trio, giving the artist space to develop thematic improvisations and small group explorations that merge the influences of artists like Sonny Rollins and Gerry Mulligan’s groups with his own distinctive voice on the instrument. Toronto-based sensation Sanah Kadoura was Keith’s first choice for the drum chair as she’s known for her fearless playing and endless creative chops. Double-bassist Kodi Hutchinson was a natural choice with his wealth of trio experience.
Also this week, multi-Grammy Award winner Eliane Elias masterfully captures the music of her home, Brazil, with the vibrant bossa nova album, “Quietude”;
Milwaukee-based trumpeter Eric Jacobson looked to his friends in Chicago to form the core of his quintet for “Discover”;
and Harlem-based saxophonist and Philly native Sam Taylor presents his third release, “Let Go,” featuring trumpet master Terell Stafford.