Music from Carlo Aonzo, Martin Taylor, Mike Marshall, Bob Brozman, Mike Compton, Jerry Douglas, Radim Zenkl, Frank Vignola, Frank Wakefield, Jim Hurst, and more. CD

Tracks from Agallah with Jojo Pellegrino & Jukstapose, Chaundon with Sadat X & Craig G, Sean Price with Irealz & Baby Blak, Fresh Daily with Phil The Agony* & Torae, Eternia, Copywrite with Rasco & King Magnetic, Tone Spliff, Reks with Murdoc & Emilio Lopez, Mac Lethal & Esoteric, Termanology with Punchline, King Dom & David Correy, Blacastan with C Rayz Walz & AG, Big Noyd with El Da Sensei & Irealz, and Emilio Rojas. CD

We love the work of trombonist Michael Dease, and a record like this really has him in the best possible setting to really do his thing – working with a combo of well-chosen, sympathetic players, getting to unfurl some great new compositions, and stepping forward with this rock-solid energy that easily makes him one of the greatest contemporary musicians on his instrument! Dease isn't one to take the trombone into free jazz territory – but he does evolve the instrument a few steps past the territory of predecessors like JJ Johnson, Curtis Fuller, and even Steve Turre – working with a voice that's all his own, and a tight sense of phrasing that resonates especially well here with work on trumpet from Alex Sipiagin. But, as mentioned, the whole group's great – a wonderfully warm lineup with Renee Rosnes on piano, Rudresh Mahanthappa on alto, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums – the last two of whom are wonderfully hard-swinging, and are fast becoming one of our favorite contemporary rhythm teams. Titles include the Dease originals "Horse Trading", "Lullaby For Rita", "Charly Jaye", and "Parker's Brood" – plus the tracks "Tiktaalk", "Glory", "Rainbow People", and "With Love". CD

Really rich sounds from reedman Michael Dease – a baritone player, and one who handles the large horn with effortless ease – taking us back to some of our favorite bari players of the 50s who could carve out a line as if they were swinging an alto or a tenor! The rest of the group have an equally compact sort of vibe – tight, yet always thoughtful, as they pack plenty into each of their solo spaces, while also coming across with that sharp sound as a whole that can make the best Posi-Tone sessions so great! Ingrid Jensen plays trumpet, Art Hirihara plays piano, Boris Kozlov handles bass, and Rudy Royston is on drums – and on three tracks, Altin Senclar also joins the group on trumpet. Titles include "New Blues", "Galapagos", "Appreciation", "Don't Look Back", "Melancholia", and "Just Waiting". CD

With Tony Reedus on drums. CD

Equal Interest is Joseph Jarman on flute and reeds, Leroy Jenkins on violin and viola, and Myra Melford on piano. CD

Drummer Steve Fidyk is a hell of a sharp talent on the kit – and he's working here with a mighty tight group that features Terell Stafford on trumpet and Tim Warfield on tenor! Fidyk's got a way of propelling things forcefully one minute, then stepping back and providing this carefully compelling rhythm the next – a quality that really makes him a well-balanced player, but also one with an inherently rhythmic focus even in the mellower moments. All players really seem to catch the fire of his leadership – including guitarist Shawn Purcell, who rings out with some beautiful tones at times, in a group that also features Regan Brough on bass. Titles include the originals "Untimely", "Might This Be Bop", "TTJ", and "The Bender" – plus versions of "Make Someone Happy" and "Love For Sale". CD

A brilliant record from tenorist Ken Fowser – a player who seems to grab our attention more and more with each new record – both as a soloist and as a rock-solid leader who always brings something special to a session! Ken dedicates this record to the inspiration of pianist Harold Mabern – and you can really feel a lot of Mabern's warmth and soul flowing through the record – as the tunes bristle with the kind of soulful imagination that we always loved in Mabern's music from years back – even though they're all originals by Ken, with piano handled beautifully by Tadatka Unno! This might be the first time we've ever heard Unno on record, but we're already in love – and the rest of the group features Josh Bruneau on trumpet and flugelhorn, Vince Dupont on bass, and Joe Strasser on drums. Titles include "This That & The Other Thing", "Moving Forward", "Three For Leathers", "Morning Light", "Firefly", "The Instigator", and "Without Saying". CD

Frank Gambale on guitar, Stuart Hamm on bass, and Steve Smith on drums. CD

Cascading vibes from Behn Gillece – easily one of our favorite contemporary players on his instrument, and a musician who always seems to find a great way to resonate with his bandmates on a session! This date has Gillece mixing his warmly chromatic sound with great contributions from Art Hirahara on piano and Fender Rhodes, Diego Rivera on tenor, Altin Sencalar on trombone, and Patrick Cornelius on alto, soprano, and bass clarinet – musicians who don't all crowd in at once, but are nicely spaced in ways that really help shape the sound of the record when they appear. Rhythm is from Peter Slavov on bass and Vinnie Sperrazza on drums – and the record is filled with great original tunes from Behn – including "Between The Bars", "Mindful Moments", "Roamers", "It's Like Magic", "Due Up Next", "Thinking Cap", "Celestial Lullaby", and "Horizons". CD

In recent years, Behn Gillece has risen to become one of the most consistent musicians on the vibes in jazz – both in terms of his own music, and the ever-growing legacy of records he's been giving us! This set finds Behn at the top of his form – effortlessly ringing out these bold, beautiful notes on the vibes – as he runs through a set of his own compelling compositions, in the company of a sextet who definitely matches his groove! Gillece is a master of color and rhythm throughout – and he's joined here by Stacy Dillard on tenor, Bruce Harris on trumpet, Art Hirahara on piano and Rhodes, David Wong on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums – a combo who really keep things lively throughout. Titles include "Break The Ice", "Bossa For RM", "Ready For Tomorrow", "Smoke Screen", "Evening Glow", "Alice's Journey", and "Shadow Of The Flame". CD

The vibes of Behn Gillece are always a delight – but they sound maybe even more so here, as Behn's working in a stripped-down quartet – which makes for even more room for the leader to solo! The group is super-tight, in the best style of the Posi-Tone label – piano from Art Hirihara, bass from Boris Kozlov, and drums from Rudy Royston – all players strong enough to be leaders on their own, coming together here beautifully in a set of nearly all-original material by Gillece! The album's awash in cascading tones and colors from the vibes – and titles include "Four Of A Kind", "Changing My Day", "Get On It", "Shimmering Sands", "Dreamscape", "In The Huddle", "Barreling Through", and "Lazy September". CD

One of the greatest contemporary talents on vibes – sounding great here in the company of a very tight quartet! In truth, the group was the "pod" of Behn Gillece during 2020 – players that really know each other, and who work together effortlessly here on a set of tunes that explode with the kinds of colors and tones we've always loved in Behn's music! All tracks are original, which furthers the special, intimate vibe of the group – written and performed by a quartet that features Art Hirihara on piano and Fender Rhodes, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums – matching the energy of Gillece at every turn, on titles that include "Rattles", "Extraction", "Event Horizon", "Going On Well", "Don't Despair", "Outnumbered", and "Glad To Be Back". CD

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Art Hirahara is a player who keeps winning us over with each new release – a wonderfully sensitive musician and thoughtful composer, but also one who's got a great way with a soaring, swinging sound as well! Part of that latter quality comes here from the superb accompaniment of Boris Kozlov on bass and Rudy Royston on drums – players who've worked with Hirahara before, and who seem born into his energy with their efforts – rising up as a cohesive whole to bring vision to the album's all original tracks – material penned by Hirahara, with a few by Kozlov as well. Titles include "Ali Blu", "Spider's Dance", "Mia Bella", "Major Waltz", "To The Sky", and "Echo Canyon". CD

These guys hardly need to get a grip, and they're also not graced with idle hands either – as the record flows with magical energy right from the start – served up by an array of all-star players you're likely to know from other great releases on the Posi-tone label! The record has all the best aspects of solo work by members from the group – including key use of their own original compositions – work from a lineup that includes Will Bernard on guitar, Behn Gillece on vibes, Donny McKaslin on tenor, Art Hirahara on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and EJ Strickland on drums! The combination of vibes and guitar is especially nice – much sharper than you'd expect, in part because the tenor of McCaslin keeps urging them onward – and titles include "Memphis Redux", "Presence", "Tomorrow Blues", "Show Of Hands", "Soho Down", and "Dream Of Life". CD

Robben Ford on guitars, Jimmy Haslip on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. CD

Steve Khan on guitar, Ruben Rodriguez on baby and electric bass, Dennis Chambers on drums, and Marc Quinones on timbales, bongos, and percussion. CD

Steve Khan on guitar, Ruben Rodriguez on bass, Dennis Chambers on drums, Marc Quinones on percussion, Bobby Allende on congas, Rob Mounsey and Jorge Estrada on keyboards, Randy Brecker on flugelhorn, Bob Mintzer on tenor sax, and Tatiana Parra on vocals. CD

Trumpeter Josh Lawrence has a nicely compressed approach to his trumpet – a sound that's sometimes got the more focused vibe of an early Miles Davis, along with all the sense of sparkle that might imply – yet with a delivery that's got a lot more space between the notes, and which really catches the best sort of energy from his hip bandmates on the date! Willie Morris III provides some sharper lines on tenor, and the rhythm work is wonderfully warm and fluid – with Art Hirihara on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and either Rudy Royston or Jason Tiemann on drums. Lawrence contributed some great original material to the record – "Left Hanging", "Cantus Firmus", "North Winds", and "Black Keys" – and Morris contributed the cuts "Grit" and "Hole In The Wall". CD

Trumpeter Josh Lawrence has a nicely compressed approach to his trumpet – a sound that's sometimes got the more focused vibe of an early Miles Davis, along with all the sense of sparkle that might imply – yet with a delivery that's got a lot more space between the notes, and which really catches the best sort of energy from his hip bandmates on the date! Willie Morris III provides some sharper lines on tenor, and the rhythm work is wonderfully warm and fluid – with Art Hirihara on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and either Rudy Royston or Jason Tiemann on drums. Lawrence contributed some great original material to the record – "Left Hanging", "Cantus Firmus", "North Winds", and "Black Keys" – and Morris contributed the cuts "Grit" and "Hole In The Wall". CD

Maybe the first album we've ever seen from trumpeter Josh Lawrence – and a set that will definitely have us looking out for more! Lawrence composed almost every tune on the set, and works with a sense of color that really lives up to the title – on lines that are sometimes nicely compressed and subtle, and blown on flugelhorn – sometimes bold and vibrant, soaring out in the company of an excellent group that includes Caleb Curtis on some especially nice alto and flute! The keyboards shift throughout – as Orrin Evans plays acoustic piano on five titles, and Adam Faulk handles Fender Rhodes on seven more – creating a nice shift in color that furthers the spirit of the tunes, driven by rhythm work from Madison Rast on bass and Anwar Marshall on drums. Titles include "Black", "An Uptown Romance", "Yellow", "Presence", "The Conceptualizer", and "Green". CD

A really wonderful album from trumpeter Josh Lawrence – a very strong-voiced talent who's got a way of being bright and sharp at the same time, and who can always bring lots of his own compositional strengths to bear as well! The core group is a quartet – with Lawrence blowing beautifully over piano from Zaccai Curtis, bass from Luques Curtis, and drums from Anwar Marshall – and the set also features some great alto from Caleb Curtis on two tracks, balancing out the sound of Josh in this strongly soulful spirit! Brian Charette brings some organ to the album's final track – a great remake of the Earth Wind & Fire tune "That's The Way Of The World" – and all other titles are Lawrence originals, with tunes that include "We're Happiest Together", "Composition #2", "Wind", "Earth", "Sugar Hill Stroll", and "Sunset In Santa Barbara". CD

A storming set from trumpeter Joe Magnarelli – working here in an excellent quintet that also features equally great trombone from Steve Davis – a perfect partner from Joe in the front line! Davis has sharp phrasing that really matches Magnarelli's deft trumpet lines – and the pair get a soulful swing from a tight rhythm trio that features Anthony Wonsey on piano, Mike Karn on bass, and Jason Brown on drums – a group that brings in bold, strong tones right from the start – and still finds a resonant depth even on mellower numgers. Many tunes are originals from Joe, mixed with a few well-chosen classics – and titles include "44", "Third Set", "Inner Beauty", "Miles Mode", "In Walked Lila", "Blue Key", and "Easy Transition". CD

The title's a great one for this album by alto saxophonist Sarah Manning – as she's got a very strong sense of harmony on the record, and mixes her reed lines wonderfully with the guitar of Jonathan Goldberger and viola of Eyvind Kang! Both musicians have these tones that come into contact with the alto in ways that are rich and bright, yet always have a dark edge too – one that comes through even more strongly when Sarah really takes off on her solos! Other group members include Rene Hart on bass and Jerome Jennings on drums – and titles include "Tune Of Cats", "I Dream A Highway", "Copland On Cornelia Street", "On The Beach", and "Three Chords For Jessica". CD

Features Dick Oatts and Billy Drewes on reeds, Ed Neumeister on trombone, McNeely on piano, John Hollenbeck on drums, and others! CD

Joe Morris on guitar, Mat Maneri on violin and baritone violin, Chris Lightcap on bass, and Gerald Cleaver on drums. CD

We love the work of saxophonist Willie Morris – one of the freshest talents to hit the Posi-Tone label in recent years, and an artist who really seems to take off with this album! Willie blows tenor throughout, and the set's got this unexpected depth, especially on his original compositions – while also sharing some of the solid swing that we love from the label's other releases – thanks to rhythm work from Jon Davis on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums and percussion. There's a mix of fresh ideas, solid soul, and modern currents that almost echoes some of the late 60s work of Jackie McLean – maybe underscored by the excellent alto work of Patrick Cornelius, whose horn is a perfect counterpart for Morris' tenor. Titles include "Delusion Of Understanding", "Terminal Lucidity", "To Worlds Unknown", "Leaving Paradise", and "The Imitation Game". CD

A definite conversation starter from tenorist Willie Morris – a rich-voiced player who steps out here in a set of mostly original material that really knocks things out of the park! Willie's got this way of wrapping his horn next to the alto of Patrick Cornelius – as the pair move things past conventional hardbop, maybe in the way that Hank Mobley or Lee Morgan were doing at Blue Note near the end of the 60s, but with a more conventional vibe as well – one that picks up plenty of energy from the rest of the group – Jon Davis on piano, Adi Meyerson on bass, and Ej Strickland on drums! There's a soaring, soulful quality to the whole thing that's wonderful – a shining moment from a leader we'll be watching in years to come – served up on titles that include "Keep Talking", "Azar", "Tina's Dream", "St Upton Hin", and "Cries", and "The Strength Of Those Who Bear The Burden". CD

A definite conversation starter from tenorist Willie Morris – a rich-voiced player who steps out here in a set of mostly original material that really knocks things out of the park! Willie's got this way of wrapping his horn next to the alto of Patrick Cornelius – as the pair move things past conventional hardbop, maybe in the way that Hank Mobley or Lee Morgan were doing at Blue Note near the end of the 60s, but with a more conventional vibe as well – one that picks up plenty of energy from the rest of the group – Jon Davis on piano, Adi Meyerson on bass, and Ej Strickland on drums! There's a soaring, soulful quality to the whole thing that's wonderful – a shining moment from a leader we'll be watching in years to come – served up on titles that include "Keep Talking", "Azar", "Tina's Dream", "St Upton Hin", and "Cries", and "The Strength Of Those Who Bear The Burden". CD

Great work from this top-shelf group of up-and coming players – all newer artists on the Posi-Tone label, hence their name – but working with the kind of crystal clear focus on original material that always makes the label so great! If you love Posi-Tone as much as we do, you'll likely have other albums by these artists – but the lineup together is even greater than the sum of its parts – with a bold sense of arrangement that seems to have each soloist spurring the other on to new heights – amidst original material written by the members of the group! Players include Brandon Lee on trumpet, Markus Howell on alto, Nicole Glover on tenor, Caili O'Doherty on piano, Adi Meyerson on bass, and Cory Cox on drums – on titles that include "Luna Lovejoy", "Shades Of Brown", "Whistleblower", "Afloat", "Stop Gap", "Hold MY Heart", and "Blues For Tangier". CD

Trumpeter Farnell Newton has been making music for a number of years – but he really seems to be taking off and finding his groove on recent albums for the Posi-Tone labels – records, like this one, that really have Newton demonstrating his strong ear for phrasing, and his ability to come up with just the right sort of a tune for both his solos and his sidemen! Here, the group features core work from a great quartet – Art Hirihara on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums and percussion – a lineup that features shifting contributions from Jaleel Shaw, Patrick Cornelius, and Braxton Cook on alto saxes – plus Brandon Wright on tenor and Michael Dease on trombone! Just about every tune has an additional horn joining Newton in the lead, and the sense of interplay is what really makes the record special – tight, but very personal solo work from all involved – on titles that include "Affectionately Roy", "Feel The Love", "A Child Not Born", "The Bluest Eyes", "Pale", and "Laws Of Motion". CD

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Pianist Caili O'Doherty has a great sort of shimmer to her tone – a sense of swing that's familiar, but nicely personal as well – a bit hard to describe in words, but a charm that grabs you instantly from the very first note! Her look on the cover, and the somewhat dated title reference might get in the way of the contents of the record – which are rock-solid, and a great statement from this young artist who's really found a way to leave her mark on the piano trio format – proof that with the right player, the trio still has a long way to go! Tamir Shmerling plays bass, Cory Cox handles drums, and Nicole Glover blows a bit of tenor and soprano sax on a few tracks – titles that include a great remake of the well-chosen Duke Pearson number "You Know I Care", plus the originals "Salt & Vinegar", "Runaway", "Mr O", "Al", "Quarantine Dream", and "Reach Within". CD

Wonderful work by a group who really know how to make their mark – coming across with a sound that's very much their own, with a quality that hits you from the very first note! As with previous records, a big part of the sound here depends on the vibes of Behn Gillece – already a really great player on his own records, and a core part of the color and tone of this quintet – a tight lineup that also features Patrick Cornelius on alto, Ryan Keberle on trombone, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums! There's a way in which the vibes are used that's very different than on other records of this nature – maybe the initial paintbrush on the palette, with a stroke that resonates throughout the canvas and touches all other players – bringing them together wonderfully on tunes that include "Slope Of The Blues", "Dinner Is Served", "We Will Know", "Sisters Of Mine", "We Dare", "After KW", and "Waiting For Takeoff". CD

Wonderful work by a group who really know how to make their mark – coming across with a sound that's very much their own, with a quality that hits you from the very first note! As with previous records, a big part of the sound here depends on the vibes of Behn Gillece – already a really great player on his own records, and a core part of the color and tone of this quintet – a tight lineup that also features Patrick Cornelius on alto, Ryan Keberle on trombone, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums! There's a way in which the vibes are used that's very different than on other records of this nature – maybe the initial paintbrush on the palette, with a stroke that resonates throughout the canvas and touches all other players – bringing them together wonderfully on tunes that include "Slope Of The Blues", "Dinner Is Served", "We Will Know", "Sisters Of Mine", "We Dare", "After KW", and "Waiting For Takeoff". CD

Great work from Out To Dinner – an all-star group who certainly weren't out to lunch when this set was recorded – as it's got all the sharp crackle of some of the members' other work on the Posi-Tone label! The lineup is a bit different than the previous record, but every bit as wonderful – theses bold colors from the vibes of Behn Gillece, soulful flow from the tenor of Nicole Glover, well-punctuated trumpet from Giveton Gelin, round bass from Boris Kozlov, and sharply snapping drums from Donald Edwards – joined by the alto sax of Patrick Cornelius on three of the album's thirteen tracks. Tunes are all relatively short – between four and six minutes – but are mostly originals from group members, and really pack a lot of imagination into a short space. Titles include "Asami's Playland", "Random", "The Essential Passion", "Abe Duct", "Something From Nothing", "Rebecca's Dance", and "Into The Shadows". CD

Great work from Out To Dinner – an all-star group who certainly weren't out to lunch when this set was recorded – as it's got all the sharp crackle of some of the members' other work on the Posi-Tone label! The lineup is a bit different than the previous record, but every bit as wonderful – theses bold colors from the vibes of Behn Gillece, soulful flow from the tenor of Nicole Glover, well-punctuated trumpet from Giveton Gelin, round bass from Boris Kozlov, and sharply snapping drums from Donald Edwards – joined by the alto sax of Patrick Cornelius on three of the album's thirteen tracks. Tunes are all relatively short – between four and six minutes – but are mostly originals from group members, and really pack a lot of imagination into a short space. Titles include "Asami's Playland", "Random", "The Essential Passion", "Abe Duct", "Something From Nothing", "Rebecca's Dance", and "Into The Shadows". CD

Nobody's out to dinner here – or out to lunch – as the quintet revel in the tight intensity that we love from some of the recent all-star projects like this on the Posi-Tone label! The combination of instrumental elements here is wonderful – the sharp alto of Patrick Cornelius, colorful vibes of Behn Gillece, the deep-toned trombone of Ryan Keberle, careful basswork of Boriz Kozlov, and well-placed drums and percussion of Rudy Royston – all players that really have an understanding of each other, and work brilliantly as a group, even though any of the members could be a leader on their own! As with other projects like this, almost all the tunes are originals by group members – really fresh numbers that make the album a fresh delight throughout – titles that include "Episodes Of Grace", "We Create", "Precious Moments", "Hollow Men", "Green Machine", and "The Last Corner". CD

Nobody's out to dinner here – or out to lunch – as the quintet revel in the tight intensity that we love from some of the recent all-star projects like this on the Posi-Tone label! The combination of instrumental elements here is wonderful – the sharp alto of Patrick Cornelius, colorful vibes of Behn Gillece, the deep-toned trombone of Ryan Keberle, careful basswork of Boriz Kozlov, and well-placed drums and percussion of Rudy Royston – all players that really have an understanding of each other, and work brilliantly as a group, even though any of the members could be a leader on their own! As with other projects like this, almost all the tunes are originals by group members – really fresh numbers that make the album a fresh delight throughout – titles that include "Episodes Of Grace", "We Create", "Precious Moments", "Hollow Men", "Green Machine", and "The Last Corner". CD

Ahhh . . . The young genius of The Replacements! A bit punk, a bit garage, with a heartfelt quality that you didn't always find in indie rock at the time. These rough hewn gems are already as brilliant as they can be – shiny little diamonds that show Westerberg and crew working at top form, possibly topper than they'd ever be at in later years. Every single track is fantastic – and the album dances from number to number with delight, an endless array of great hooks, soulful vocals, and searing guitar bits that are laid out with early 80s economy! Titles include "Take Me Down To The Hospital", "Run It", "Color Me Impressed", "Within Your Reach", "Buck Hill", and "Treatment Bound" – and it's finally, after all these years, been carefully remastered! CD

Amazing work from Terry Riley – just the sort of recordings that will always make us love him forever! The album features two long recordings of the title track – "Persian Surgery Dervishes" – both built out of slow, spare organ lines from Riley – played in these really modal, long-flowing ways – then augmented with additional feedback that's totally great! The sound of the keyboards here definitely lives up to the billing Terry got from the Who as "Baba O'Riley" – yet in the original form like this, you can really hear Riley's genius. The music is very similar to his classic Rainbow In Curved Air, and the quality of the sound is excellent! CD

A corker of a set from tenorist Diego Rivera – a player who's been around for a bit, but who really seems to find his groove in this Posi-Tone setting! The album's got Diego working with some great labelmates – including trombonist Michael Dease on all cuts, a name that's worth us checking out the album alone – plus work on various tracks by Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Markus Howell on alto, and Behn Gillece on vibes! The core quintet also includes Luther Allison on piano, Andea Owens on bass, and Jason Tiemann on drums – all playing nice and tight, so Rivera and Dease can really soar on their solos – taking off on tunes that include the Rivera originals "Connections", "Ties That Bind", "Nueva York", "O Moderno", and "Mother's Nature" – plus Dease's "Seiko Time", and a nice bold-voiced version of "Naima" – done very differently than usual! CD

Diego Rivera's a hell of a tenorist – and he plays a bit of soprano too – packing a heck of a lot into just a little bit of space, almost with the mix of hardbop and soul jazz we'd hear from 60s favorites like Benny Golson or Jerome Richardson! As with both of those artists, Rivera's got a way of making his presence known right from the start – but then never needs to overstate himself – as his playing is always right on the money, with just the right notes along the way – supported here by a crack quartet that features Helen Sung on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Donald Edwards on drums – plus trumpet from Etienne Charles on three of the album's twelve tracks. Many tunes are originals by Diego – just the right material for his balance of expression – and titles include "Indigenous", "Sombras Del Pasado", "Secret Life Of Plants", "Melina Maria", "BLM Plaza", "Shir Lashalom", and "Purpose". CD

Diego Rivera has a very classic look on the cover – and the record comes across with a very classic vibe as well – back to the days of Sonny Stitt or Hank Mobley, when a top-shelf saxophonist set up in a quartet was more than enough to make some really special magic on record! That's definitely the case here – as Rivera blows both tenor and soprano with a mixture of deeper tones and lighter colors, in a voice that's very much his own – mostly on shorter original tracks, save for one take on a John Coltrane number that stretches out nice and long. The compactness is key to the sound, as Diego packs a heck of a lot into the three to five minute space of most tracks – working with a great rhythm trio that features Art Hirihara on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums. Titles include the originals "Ganas", "Soul Purpose", "Anticipation", "Composure", "Simon", "La Malinche", and "Battle Fatigue" – plus a nice take on "Alabama". CD

Diego Rivera has a very classic look on the cover – and the record comes across with a very classic vibe as well – back to the days of Sonny Stitt or Hank Mobley, when a top-shelf saxophonist set up in a quartet was more than enough to make some really special magic on record! That's definitely the case here – as Rivera blows both tenor and soprano with a mixture of deeper tones and lighter colors, in a voice that's very much his own – mostly on shorter original tracks, save for one take on a John Coltrane number that stretches out nice and long. The compactness is key to the sound, as Diego packs a heck of a lot into the three to five minute space of most tracks – working with a great rhythm trio that features Art Hirihara on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums. Titles include the originals "Ganas", "Soul Purpose", "Anticipation", "Composure", "Simon", "La Malinche", and "Battle Fatigue" – plus a nice take on "Alabama". CD

Rich-voiced tenor work from Diego Rivera, a player who just seems to get better and better with each new album as a leader! The set follows strongly on Diego's previous – and as with that one, features that top-shelf Posi-tone presentation – with a focus on original material, a strong group of sidemen, and a nicely unified vibe! Other players include Art Hirihara on piano, Luques Curtis on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums – plus Pete Rodriguez on trumpet, also adding in some percussion at points that have a slightly Latin vibe. Titles include the originals "With Just A Word", "Tinte Latino", "Machete", and "Dignified Response". CD

A freewheeling trio set from reedman Sam Rivers – the kind of hard-burning, open-ended record he does so well! Rivers' energy here is amazing – a fire that hasn't dimmed since the start of the 70s, when he first started letting loose like this – and throughout the course of the album's space, Sam plays tenor, soprano sax, flute, and piano – in a trio with Doug Mathews on bass and bass clarinet, and Anthony Cole on drums, tenor, and piano. Given that both players move between rhythm instruments and horns, they've really got the right sort of dexterity to match Sam's efforts – as you'll hear on tracks that include "Commemoration", "Observance", "Dedication", "Effusion", "Appreciation", and "Currents". CD

Four of a kind, and a very well-matched quartet – all players who know each other well, and really soar together in a setting like this! The album's got the solid punch we love in Rotondi's best work – that well-crafted frontline of trumpet and flugelhorn – sometimes muted, sometimes full blown – with wickedly sharp rhythms from David Hazeltine on piano and Fender Rhodes, John Webber on bass, and Joe Farnsworth on drums! Hazeltine's Rhodes is especially nice – and the subtle snap of Farnworth keeps things swinging, even at gentler moments – in a way that really pushes Jim forward nicely. Titles include "Ruth", "Falset", "Minor Adjustment", "I See You Brother", "Blues For BC", and "Manteca". CD

A standout set from trombonist Altin Sencalar – a player who seems to get better and better with each new record, not just for the soulful sound on his instrument, but also for his work as both a leader and writer of fresh new tunes! The record's got the tightness we love on the best Posi-tone label releases – and also features a slightly larger group too, with work from Diego Rivera on tenor, Markus Howell on alto and soprano, Anthony Hervey on trumpet, and Michael Dease on baritone – players who shift strongly between the solo work you'd know from their own albums as leaders, and a strong ensemble to color in Sencalar's tunes. Rhythms are great, too – and include work from Art Hirihara on piano, Paul Reyas Bueno on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums – with occasional Latin currents from percussionist Pete Rodriguez. Titles include "Nuevo Dia", "The Sunday Affair", "Awareness", "Pocket Of Clave", "Blue Evening", "It's Easy", and "More Than One Answer". CD

Trobonist Altin Sencalar is a new name in the lineup of Posi-Tone Records jazz musicians – yet he steps out right away with all the sorts of strength we love from their releases, while also bringing in some strong new flavors as well! There's some Latin currents on the record at times, and Sencalar has a great way of updating the role of trombone in Latin jazz, while also merging it with the strengths of some of his labelmates – working here in a really cool combo that features Diego Rivera on tenor and soprano, Patrick Cornelius on alto and flute, Art Hirahara on piano and Fender Rhodes, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums! We fell in love with Altin's sense of tone and phrasing right away, and are eager to hear more – and titles on this debut include "Homenaje A Armando", "Mixed Feelings", "Reimagined", "Marina's Arrival", "Nutville", "Minor Mishap", and "Fall". CD

Trumpeter Alex Sipiagin is no newcomer to jazz, but he also seems to have really grown as both a player and a leader in recent years – deepening his sound sound with a sense of color and timing that we've never heard before, and really making the most of his comrades in a combo – especially in a setting like this! The tunes are mostly all originals by Alex, delivered with a strong focus by the quintet – a lineup that also features Diego Rivera on tenor, Art Hirihara on piano and Rhodes, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums and percussion – a group who work with an innate sort of energy throughout, really packing a heck of a lot into a small space – while still allowing for plenty of individual moments of expression! Titles include "Dolphin's View", "Doppio", "Hindsight", "No Doubts", "Rush Hour", "Sandrigo Blues", and "Novorod Bells". CD

Steve Slagle on alto sax and flute, Dave Stryker on guitar, Cameron Brown on bass, and Gene Jackson on drums – plus special guests Joe Lovano on tenor and Joe Locke on vibes. CD

A record that definitely lives up to its promised title – as the whole thing brims over with excellent work from players you might know from other albums on the Posi-Tone label! The group name doesn't get at the heart of the sound, though – as there's a sharp, soulful focus to the music throughout – kind of a classic hardbop approach, but with maybe a more contemporary sense of freshness, especially on the solo voices – which is no surprise, given that the sextet features Nick Finzer on trombone, Alexa Tarantino on alto, Sam Dillon on tenor, Art Hirahara on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums! The album's also brimming over with original material – tunes composed by group members or their labelmates – with tracks that include "Coppertone", "Slick", "New Directions", "Why Aren't You Excited", "Breeze", "Vast", and "Overcooked". CD

A gem of a record, and one that might be easy to overlook – given the unfamiliar group name and relatively murky cover – yet a set that bristles with all of the energy of some of the best records on the Posi-tone label of late! There's a number of the label's key players here – working as a sharp sextet who manage to really pack a lot into each tune on the set – well-written numbers that are full of personal moments from players who include Markus Howell on alto and soprano, Willie Morris on tenor, Altin Sencalar on trombone, Misha Tsiganov on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Donald Edwards on drums. Sencalar is a great player here – someone we really want to hear more of – and as with the label's best, the work here is mostly original, contributed by the players in the group – a lineup fo tracks that include "Grit", "Niecee", "Here To Stay", "The Path", "Flyover Country", "Seeley Street Song", and "Yasya". CD

A gem of a record, and one that might be easy to overlook – given the unfamiliar group name and relatively murky cover – yet a set that bristles with all of the energy of some of the best records on the Posi-tone label of late! There's a number of the label's key players here – working as a sharp sextet who manage to really pack a lot into each tune on the set – well-written numbers that are full of personal moments from players who include Markus Howell on alto and soprano, Willie Morris on tenor, Altin Sencalar on trombone, Misha Tsiganov on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, and Donald Edwards on drums. Sencalar is a great player here – someone we really want to hear more of – and as with the label's best, the work here is mostly original, contributed by the players in the group – a lineup fo tracks that include "Grit", "Niecee", "Here To Stay", "The Path", "Flyover Country", "Seeley Street Song", and "Yasya". CD

One of the most important albums on the mighty 2 Tone label – and part of a huge ska revival on the British scene that would send ripples through modern music for years to come! And sure, the words "ska" and "revival" in the same sentence can often make most folks wince – but The Specials here work at a time long before the mode was reduced to cliche – and during a punk rock period when their contributions were especially vital – presented beautifully here on an album that's also produced by a young Elvis Costello! There's no overdone jams, no schlocky frat boy modes, just hard-edged London ska with a strong nod back to Kingston roots – on titles that include "A Message To You Rudy","Do The Dog", "It's Up To You", "Doesn't Make It Alright", "Concrete Jungle", "Monkey Man", "(Dawning Of A) New Era", "Too Much Too Young", and "Gangsters". CD

The album's a heck of a great ride with tenorist Tom Tallitsch – a player who's stepped in traditional tones and phrasing, but who can also push things forward with his own personal agenda as well! Tallitsch has a really old school depth to his instrument – a quality that reminds us a bit of Eric Alexander at his best, as does the flowing sense of rhythm the album gets from Art Hirahara on piano, Peter Brendler on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums – a rhythm trio that fits together very well and provides a rock-solid and soulful swing on the album's best numbers. Michael Dease blows some tight trombone throughout too, and most tunes are originals – with titles that include "Ride", "Rubbernecker", "Rain", "The Giving Tree", "El Luchador", and "Turtle" – but the album also features two surprising ballad remakes, of David Bowie's "Life On Mars" and Led Zepplin's "Ten Years Gone". CD

The first we've heard as a leader from saxophonist Alexa Tarantino – a great talent who's really been bubbling under on other ensemble records for the Posi-Tone label, and who's very much at the start of a great career of her own! Alexa plays some mighty nice soprano sax on the album – plus tenor and flute – all with this nice sense of edge in her tone, mixed with a more forward-moving flow – this subtle quality that really keeps things interesting, and which has us held surprisingly rapt whenever one of her horns stretches out in a solo. Most tunes are originals, with this fresh sense of timing that really works with her tone – and the rest of the group features Christian Sands on piano, Joe Martin on bass, and Rudy Royston on drums – and a few tracks also feature trombone from Nick Finzer. Titles include "Wisp After Wisp", "Breeze", "Face Value", "Seesaw", "Without", "Ready Or Not", "Zingaro", and "Square One". CD