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34-year-old Japanese-born pianist Miki Yamanaka has called New York City home since 2012 and in the past decade has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the leading personalities of her generation on the piano and beyond. Critics laud her “light, expressive touch and solidly crafted mainstream approach,” while audiences delight in not only her playing, but her vibrant personality as well. Yamanaka has gained international recognition from her albums as a leader. Her new release, “Chance,” is her first classic piano trio disc. It was recorded at the historic Van Gelder studios with her working trio of Tyrone Allen on bass and Jimmy Macbride on drums.
Guitarist Peter Bernstein has become an expert in crafting remarkable music from the bonds he’s forged over his three-and-a-half-decade career. His own mastery is reflected in the hall-of-fame roster for whom he’s been the guitarist of choice over the years, from legends like Sonny Rollins, Lou Donaldson, Jim Hall and Dr. Lonnie Smith to peers including Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Eric Alexander and Nicholas Payton. His new project, “Better Angels,” is a once-in-a-lifetime summit of four revered artist: Bernstein, pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Al Foster.
Also this week, pianist Dred Scott pays homage to the pioneers of Latin jazz on “Cali Mambo”: drummer Charles Ruggiero drops his eight disc as a leader, “But of Course”; and the esteemed saxophonist and distinguished professor at the University of Central Florida, Jeff Rupert, is joined by pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Joe Farnsworth in showcasing a blend of six original compositions and three thoughtfully selected standards on “It Gets Better.”