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Much in the way Michael Dease has defined state-of-the-art for jazz trombone over the last two decades, his effectiveness in shaping the next generation of players also requires inspired superlatives. A 2025 Guggenheim Fellow, and Distinguished Professor in Rodney Whitaker’s renowned Jazz Department at Michigan State University, Dease has been central to fostering MSU’s reputation as a thriving center of creative musical development. “Spartan Strong” reflects the powerful musical instincts, exhilarating orchestrations, and uninhibited improvisational prowess of the MSU Jazz Trombones, the 18 members of his teaching studio.

Alexa Tarantino’s fifth studio album, “The Roar and the Whisper,” is a spellbinding new chapter in the jazz musician’s evolution. The saxophonist, flutist, composer and educator has long been lauded for her poise and precision— “a one-woman wrecking crew,” as Wynton Marsalis calls her. The new disc features Ms. Tarantino’s sophisticated compositions as well as her razor-sharp quartet with Steven Feifke on piano, Philip Norris on bass and Mark Whitfield, Jr. on drums. It captures the full breadth of her artistry: from spirited, up-tempo improvisations to intimate, ethereal ballads.

Also this week, the rewarding alchemy between composer, arranger and ensemble distinguishes every track on “Wake Up Call,” Detroit-based pianist Rick Roe’s new release, and the 19^th recording of Lansing, Michigan-based composer Gregg Hill’s music to appear in the last decade; “Strasbourg 82” is a previously unreleased live set from the 1982 edition of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers featuring Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison; and “Old Knew” is saxophonist and composer Gregory Groover Jr.’s follow-up to his 2024 debut release.

Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify
“Decidedly So” is the new album from veteran New York City trumpeter and composer Joe Magnarelli, whose performances reflect the essence of modern jazz: warm, distinctive melodies in both compositions and improvisations; rich, expressive harmonies; and an alluring sense of swing. For his third release for Cory Weeds’ Cellar label, Joe features trombone dynamo Steve Davis on the frontline, backed by a snap-crackle rhythm section of pianist Jeremy Manasia, bassist Clovis Nicolas, and drummer Rodney Green. They investigate a solid, appealing mix of originals and standards with elan that makes for deeply enjoyable listening.

The first recording by the Vancouver Jazz Orchestra provides a glimpse into the institution’s dedication to highlighting a wide range of Vancouver artistry. The band members of course are essential to this aim but so are the local composers and arrangers whose work straddles the divide between innovative and traditional. “Vancouver Jazz Orchestra Meets Brian Charette” documents some of the city’s finest jazz artists, established players like James Danderfer, Steve Kaldestad, Jesse Cahill and Dave Sikula, as well as young talents like Nebyu Yohannes and Michael Kim. The album also features special guest New York City organist Brian Charette, who has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz.

Also this week, guitar virtuoso Julian Lage unveils his fifth Blue Note album, “Scenes from Above,” the second made with revered producer Joe Henry, and his first with a striking new quartet featuring keyboardist John Medeski, bassist Jorge Roeder, and drummer Kenny Wollesen; Israeli guitarist Gil Livni dives into the soulful pulse of the jazz organ quartet with “All In,” blending swing, bluesy grit, and hard-bop fire with a modern touch; and saxophonist Kate Olson’s “So It Goes” captures the wide-open imagination and understated cool of her chord-less Seattle quartet, thriving on the interplay and invention built through steady collaboration on Northwest stages.