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After producing over 50 albums for other artists in Puerto Rico, Colombia and the U.S., participating as pianist/arranger on more than 100 recordings, and writing music for feature films, theater and television, the Bronx born, Puerto Rican bred pianist Israel Tanenbaum is stepping out with a new disc of his own, “Impressions.” Leading his Latinbaum Jazz Ensemble featuring a talented crew of players who hail from Cuba, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and New York City, Tanenbaum creates irresistible mambos, danzons and descargas that showcase his refined arrangements while also revisiting his musical roots and rekindling some nostalgic memories along the way.

Scandinavian bassist Thomas Fonnesbaek and the young pianist Justin Kauflin have a shared history going back to 2015, when they were introduced to each other at a gig at the legendary Jazzhus Montmarte. Since then, the two have played, recorded and toured together, increasing their mutual understanding in the process. The latest addition to the two gentlemen’s musical partnership, “Danish Rain,” builds on and expands the soundscape of their previous releases together. The recording consists of some modern and older standards and original compositions from the duo.

Also this week, Chloe Jean joins forces with guitarist and arranger Ray Obiedo on “Fairy Tale Fail,” combining original music and lyrics drawn from Chloe’s personal life and times;

 Indian-born guitarist and composer Noshir Mody returns with his latest album, “A Love Song,” a captivating collection of contemporary instrumental jazz that pays tribute to love and life;

and Tim Ray’s new release, “Fire & Rain,” features his jazz piano trio with John Lockwood on bass and Mark Walker on drums.

Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
“Words From My Horn” is the debut album by trumpeter and composer Anthony Hervey, who was recently chosen as one of Grammy.com’s 10 Emerging Jazz Artists to Know in 2023. He’s been a first-call sideman for luminaries such as Christian McBride, Wynton Marsalis, Jon Batiste and Michael Buble. Thematically, the album meditates on the impact Hervey’s mother and grandmother had on his upbringing, his birthplace of Terre Haute, Indiana, and the concept that hope can prevail in the face of harsh realities.

Cecile McLorin Salvant’s new album, “Melusine,” features a mix of five originals and interpretations of nine songs, dating back as far as the twelfth century, mostly sung in French along with Occitan, English, and Haitian Kreyol. The songs tell the story of the European folkloric legend of Melusine, who turns into half-snake each Saturday as a result of a childhood curse by her mother.

Also this week, pianist-composer Richard X. Bennett and saxophonist Matt Parker unite their diverse musical visions to create the exhilarating “Parker Plays X,” a collection of Bennett’s jazz compositions written with Parker in mind;

 pianist Jeb Patton, whose deep understanding of the jazz tradition has earned him frequent company in the bands of Jimmy Heath and Charles McPherson, presents a fine recording of his original “Preludes”;

and the young saxophonist Tim Lin unveils his second release as a leader, “Empathy.”