Best of December 2024

Highlights include “Tatomania,” showcasing Vizcaíno’s brilliance, “Mozart a la Cubana,” a reimagining of classical repertoire, and “Armando’s Rhumba,” a tribute to Chick Corea. Tracks like “Congablues” and “Punto Cubano” delve into the deep roots of Cuban music while breaking new ground. A masterpiece that cements Valdés’ legacy in the annals of global music history.

Released by Fresh Sound New Talent, Roller Coaster is Dmitry Baevsky‘s eleventh album, a work of spontaneous elegance. Recorded in New York in just six hours, without rehearsals or embellishments, it highlights the exceptional synergy between Baevsky and guitarist Peter Bernstein, supported by David Wong (double bass) and Aaron Kimmel (drums).
The album traverses contrasting realms, from the sentimental blues of Ray Charles to the melancholy of “Gloomy Sunday.” Opening and closing with duets between Baevsky and Bernstein, it showcases a rare, profound musical connection. Roller Coaster is a candid and unvarnished reflection of Baevsky‘s artistic journey. Read Didier Pennequin’s paper here.

Concert dates: La Scala Paris (December 6, 2024) and La Scala Provence, Avignon (December 15, 2024)
With Live at La Scala Provence, Maxime Sanchez revisits the grand repertoire of jazz in a trio setting, accompanied by Florent Nisse (double bass) and Guilhem Flouzat (drums). Across nine tracks, the pianist pays homage to his heroes—Lennie Tristano to Duke Ellington—while infusing vibrant freshness and emotion.
Balancing delicate lyricism and a quest for simplicity, the trio achieves rare equilibrium, capturing the essence of jazz: life itself. Each note and silence resonates with shared energy, blending virtuosity and humility. A heartfelt celebration of jazz’s legacy and timeless power.

Released November 15, 2024, Chasing Shadows represents a milestone for Minneapolis guitarist Zacc Harris, cementing his position among contemporary jazz’s emerging voices. Inspired by nature and a creative retreat in Wisconsin, the album offers cinematic compositions performed by a harmonious quintet: Brandon Wozniak (saxophone), Bryan Nichols (piano), Chris Bates (bass), and Pete James Johnson (drums).
From the intricate post-bop of “Catalyst” to the bossa nova sophistication of “Worlds Apart,” the album demonstrates the ensemble’s fluidity and chemistry. Tracks like the dynamic hard-bop “Fleeting Moments” and the emotional ballad “This Day” round out this richly cohesive album. Chasing Shadows is a captivating contribution to contemporary jazz.

A daring synthesis of 30 years of creation, Arsis Thesis is a monumental, visionary work. Both epic and intimate, it merges organic and synthetic elements to offer a poetic alternative to the illusions of our techno-driven era.
Born during the pandemic—a time of reflection for Médéric Collignon—this album reflects his eclectic journey. Leading a virtuoso orchestra (including Géraldine Laurent, Pierrick Pédron, and Christophe Monniot), Collignon blends jazz, rock, funk, and orchestral music, enriched with vocals and electronic effects in post-production.
By pushing back against technological formatting, Collignon restores humanity to the musical experience, delivering an intense, authentic, and resolutely visionary work. see the rest of the review  by Bruno Pfeiffer. 

In I Hear Echoes, George Cables reflects on the defining memories of a career spanning over six decades alongside jazz giants. Each track resonates as an echo of his influences, experiences, and compositions.
Opening with “Echoes of a Scream,” inspired by a David Alfaro Siqueiros painting, the album revisits classics like Miles Davis’s “So Near, So Far” and Duke Ellington’s “Prelude to a Kiss.” Cables reinvents his own works, such as “Morning Song” and “Blue Nights,” with newfound depth.
Standards like “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” and “Clockwise” are paired with newer compositions, including Arcoiris Sandoval’s “Journey to Agartha.” The album closes with an intimate rendition of Horace Silver’s “Peace,” offering a serene, emotive reflection.

Recorded live in Munich on July 13, 1994, City Lights showcases Oscar Peterson’s triumphant return after a stroke that weakened his left hand. Accompanied by Lorne Lofsky (guitar), Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (bass), and Martin Drew (drums), Peterson reaffirms his title as the “Maharaja of the Keyboard.”
Alternating between virtuosity and newfound sensitivity, tracks like “The Gentle Waltz” evoke nostalgia, while “Kelly’s Blues” bursts with energy. Peterson’s originals shine, and NHØP’s standout solo on “Samba Petite” captivates. The Ellington classic “Satin Doll” and funky closer “Nighttime” highlight the quartet’s synergy and Peterson’s undiminished creativity.

Longtime collaborators André Villéger and Alain Jean-Marie pay tribute to Benny Golson with Benny’s Keys, a refined and elegant album dedicated to the legendary saxophonist’s compositions.
From the opening track, “Along Came Betty,” Golson’s signature melancholy is beautifully rendered through Villéger’s precise phrasing and Jean-Marie’s delicate touch. Supported by Thomas Bramerie’s dynamic pulse and Antoine Paganotti’s creativity, they honor Golson’s legacy with pieces like “Whisper Not” and “Benny’s Changes.”
Produced by Camille Productions, Benny’s Keys is a fitting homage to a jazz master. See the rest of the review by Alain Tomas.

In 2024, Rhoda Scott and her Lady Quartet mark two decades of unparalleled musical camaraderie. To celebrate, they’ve crafted a third album that blends boldness, humor, and a modern take on musical parity.
This new opus features two remarkable male voices: Hugh Coltman, whose bluesy depth captivates, and Emmanuel Pi Djob, whose powerful voice evokes gospel, soul, and world music.
Since their journey began at the 2004 Jazz à Vienne festival, the quartet—composed of Julie, Lisa, Sophie, and Rhoda—has evolved into a tight-knit musical family, united by unwavering sisterhood and a shared passion for excellence.

Born in Trieste, Italy, in 1959, Roberto Magris is an internationally acclaimed jazz pianist. With a career spanning over 40 years and 39 albums, he has collaborated with legends like Art Davis, Idris Muhammad, and Brian Lynch.
In 2023, Magris revived the Europlane Orchestra after 20 years for a remarkable concert in Bad Goisern, Austria, recorded live on April 25, 2024, as part of the European Capital of Culture 2024. Captured by ORF radio, this triumphant performance reestablishes the all-star band’s legacy. Roberto Magris – piano ; Tony Lakatos – tenor and soprano sax ; Florian Bramböck – alto and baritone sax ; Lukas Oravec – trumpet and fluegelhorn ; Rudi Engel – bass ; Gasper Bertoncelj – drums