Brief Notes On New Jazz Releases

As we now begin to approach the end of this twisted year, feeling hopeful again after so much darkness and despair, musicians are here to help guide us safely into whatever world tomorrow will bring. Here are some brief notes on a few new jazz releases that you might want to check out.

Noah Bless: “New York Strong – Latin Jazz!” – The opening track of the new release from trombonist Noah Bless is titled “Chasing Normal,” a title I think we can all appreciate these days. And who in 2015 would have predicted that the word “normal” would soon carry such weight, and that its return would produce such joy and relief and optimism? This is an original composition by Noah Bless, and it creates a pleasant and spirited atmosphere, perhaps just what we need as we finally near the end of this disastrous and ugly year. And before the tune’s conclusion, there is a delicious joy and excitement in the air, and the track features some great work on piano. It is one of two pieces written by Noah Bless on this disc, the other being “The Key,” an interesting piece that in some of its livelier sections feels like part of a theme to some wonderful 1970s television program or film. Most of the other tracks explore Latin jazz compositions, beginning with Rudy Calzado’s “Ganga,” featuring some wonderful percussion that will keep your body moving. Then check out that excellent bass work on “Canto De Ossanha.” This disc also includes a beautiful rendition of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Ligia,” Noah Bless’ work here being gorgeous and moving. Probably the most surprising choice of tunes here is James Taylor’s “Fire And Rain,” with Noah’s trombone taking the vocal line. The group on this album includes Noah Bless on trombone, Mike Eckroth on piano, Boris Kozlov on bass, Pablo Bencid on drums and Luisito Quintero on percussion, with Alejandro Aviles joining them on flute for two tracks. This album was released on October 23, 2020.