Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
 Iconic pianist/composer Fred Hersch was an early adopter of new technologies and new ways forward when the pandemic hit in early 2020. But he’s also been among the most eager to return to live performance and collaboration now that life has begun to resume some semblance of normality. His newest project is one of his most ambitious to date: “Breath by Breath,” his first album ever pairing jazz rhythm section with string quartet. It draws inspiration from the pianist’s longtime practice of mindful meditation, centered on the new eight-movement “Sati Suite.”

     In 2019, when saxophonist/composer Remy Le Boeuf released his first large-ensemble album, it was clear his 20-piece orchestra would last beyond just one album. Lauded by the Brooklyn Rail for its ‘cinematic majesty,’ the Assembly of Shadows orchestra now returns on “Architecture of Storms,” adding another riveting chapter to Le Boeuf’s innovative vision as a jazz orchestra composer. The ensemble performs with gripping virtuosity on a richly varied program of original pieces.

Also this week, “The Dark Fire Sessions” is the sophomore release as a bandleader from pianist Alex Brown, an electrifying rising artist in the New York jazz scene, whose vision, musicality, and abilities as both a pianist and composer have aptly lauded him praise from Downbeat and the New York Times;

  “Myth & Wisdom” is the first in a series of releases by Blue Moods on Posi-Tone Records to highlight the overlooked compositions of jazz masters, in this instance Charles Mingus;

     and Spokane, Washington-based trumpeter and composer Jared Hall is joined by saxophonist Vincent Herring on his second release as a leader, “Seen on the Scene.”

   Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify   
 Multi-Grammy-winning piano legend Bob James returns to the trio format for the first time in four years with “Feel Like Making Live!,” a celebration of his unique artistry and storied career that stretches back 59 years. Consisting of bassist Michael Palazzolo along with drummer Billy Kilson, the trio’s blend of youth and experience is an exciting combination on an album which reaches back in time to embrace Bob’s musical roots. Recorded live in the studio, the pianist serves up tasty morsels from different phases in his career.

     The music of Brazilian guitarist and composer Baden Powell has enchanted listeners for decades. The French-born, Brazilian-raised bassist and composer Gui Duvignau was drawn to the music through his Brazilian guitarist friends, who all considered Powell a fundamental figure in the worlds of Brazilian music and acoustic guitar. Years of studying and performing Baden’s music led Duvignau to the idea of developing a recording celebrating the great guitarist. The new album, “Baden,” uses Powell’s beloved songs as a foundation for explorative interpretations and improvisations from Duvignau’s fantastic ensemble, along with esteemed guests Ron Carter and Bill Frisell.

Also this week, guitar master Dave Stryker addresses one of the few configurations he hasn’t tackled during his 40-plus years in the jazz trenches, integrating string quartet arrangements into his suite of new originals, “As We Are”;

guitarist Romero Lubambo also experiences a first as he teams up with arranger Rafael Piccolotto to present his music with the more expansive color and texture palette of a chamber orchestra on “Live at Dizzy’s”;

   and the Pittsburgh-based Reid Hoyson Project is joined by special guest saxophonist Keith Bishop on the new release, “Your Move.”