Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify   
On his self-released ninth album, “Henri and Rachel,” titled for his parents, Tel Aviv-based saxophonist and composer Eli Degibri reveals his ability to convey profound emotions in the language of notes and tones. Recorded days before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, this is Eli’s first album of original music in seven years. Joined by his Israeli rhythm section, he spins an intimate, impassioned love story, portraying the personalities and idiosyncrasies of his tight-knit family.

     “Tina’s Contemplation” is drummer/composer Skip Walker’s jazz piano trio tribute to the late tenor saxophonist and Blue Note recording artist Harold “Tina” Brooks. Brooks is arguably on of Blue Note’s most underrated artists. Walker aims to sonically rediscover and reinterpret the genius of Brooks with a few of the artists landmark compositions and a few original compositions dedicated to Brooks. The project features the seasoned playing of pianist Travis Shook and bassist Essiet Okon Essiet.

Also this week, tenor saxophonist Diego Rivera transcends cultural boundaries to deliver an emphatic message of intelligence and inclusivity on his latest release, “Mestizo”;

 rising trumpeter and bandleader Grace Fox premieres her powerful all-female big band on her debut, “Eleven O’ Seven”;

 and Ricky Peterson and the Peterson Brothers—Minneapolis institutions Ricky on keyboards, bass player Billy, drummer/guitarist Paul and their nephew, saxophonist Jason—present new pieces based on the soul jazz of the ‘60s and ‘70s on “Under the Radar.”