Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify

When trumpeter Terell Stafford took his quartet to the Village Vanguard in July of 2020, it was the height of the pandemic and the iconic room was empty save for  four camera people broadcasting to an equally isolated livestream audience, his bandmates hidden behind facemasks. The experience led Stafford to ponder the many ways that his life and career have necessitated juggling the demands of two different worlds at once. His stunning new album, “Between Two Worlds,” is his emotional and wide-ranging response, featuring an all-star band of longtime collaborators: saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Bruce Barth, bassist David Wong, drummer Johnathan Blake, and percussionist Alex Acuna.

Alfredo Rodriguez’s new album embodies the sound of Miami: a melding of the Latin pop, timba, salsa, bachata, tango, reggaeton, and bolero that permeates the city’s diverse community of Latinos living together while individually sharing their unique musical backgrounds from their cultural regions. After moving to Miami in 2019, Rodriguez took note of the few collaborations and cross-pollinations between mainstream Latin music and Latin jazz. “Coral Way” serves as the connective tissue between these worlds—an artistic statement for the diverse Latin community to feel seen, heard and take pride in their history while creating a path forward of individuality through community.

Also this week, Duncan Hopkins honors fellow Canadian trumpeter and composer, the late Kenny Wheeler, with “Who Are You?: The Music of Kenny Wheeler”; rising star Jalen Baker takes the helm for the 6^th release in Cellar Music’s black artist-led series curated by Jeremy Pelt, “Be Still,” showcasing Baker’s exceptional skills as both a vibraphonist and composer;  and Christian McBride is producer and bassist on the new release from singer and songwriter Nicole Zuraitis, “How Love Begins.”

                           

  Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
Eau Claire, Wisconsin native Pete McCann has been an integral part of the New York jazz scene for over 30 years. A sought after sideman from duos to big bands, he’s played guitar on over 100 CDs, and has performed or recorded with Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Dave Liebman and others. McCann has taught at New York University, City College and the New School and has written articles for DownBeat and Guitar Player magazines. His new CD, “Without Question,” is his seventh as a leader and features saxophonist Steve Wilson.

Amidst the challenging times of the pandemic, drummer Gerry Gibbs and his wife embarked on a journey across America, recording in various locations and racking up 15,000 miles. They found refuge in San Antonio, Texas, where they discovered a group of musicians whose chemistry and talent were undeniable and captured the essence of their musical vision. Thus, Gerry Gibbs Thrasher People was born. Their debut two-disc set, “Family,” is Gerry’s thirteenth as a leader.

                                         
Also this week, renowned vocalist and guitarist Allan Harris unveils “Live at Blue Llama,” his first live album in over thirteen years; 

composer and arranger Dan Bonsanti and his band, The 14 Jazz Orchestra, present a collection of swinging, contemporary jazz arrangements of 11 straight ahead, pop, and fusion compositions by modern masters on “Islands”;

and trumpeter Jon Menges’ latest album, “Spirit of 3, Spirit of 4,” showcases two ensembles—one a trio, one a quartet—presenting an eclectic collection of twelve of his original compositions.