[COULEURS JAZZ MONTH – THE BEST OF!]
On COULEURS JAZZ RADIO – www.couleursjazzradio.fr:
Paris-time: Monday 04:00pm, Wednesday 05:00pm, Thursday 06:00pm.
NYC time :at 08:00PM Tuesday and 10:00 PM Wednesday
12 Best albums releases of last month : February 2025, so:
Chantez sous l’appli !
Apps Couleurs Jazz Radio GooglePlay : https://bit.ly/CJRGooglePlay
Apps Couleurs Jazz Radio iOS Appstore : https://bit.ly/CJRAppstore
With :
- Arturo O’Farrill for “Mundoagua“
- Tomer Cohen for “Story of a Traveler”
- Yannis Constans, Samson Schmitt & Camille Wolfrom for “Esperanza”
- Sullivan Fortner for “Southern Nights”
- Eleonora Strino Quartet for “Matilde”
- Nicole Johänntgen for “Labyrinth II”
- Macondo Trio for “Morayó”
- Eyolf Dale for “When the Shadows Dance”
- Joost Zoeteman, Bart Tarenskeen & Wim De Vries for “Standards-No Standards”
- Géraldine Laurent, Noé Huchard, François Moutin, Louis Moutin for “ The Hookup ”
- Nick Hempton & Cory Weeds for “Locked Horns”
- Ben Markley for “Tell the Truth”
#arturoofarrill #jtomercohen #yannisconstans #samsonschmitt #camillewolfrom #sullivanfortner #eleonorastrino #jnicolejohanntgen #macondotrio #eyolfdale #joostzoeteman #bartterenskeen #wimdevries #geraldinelaurent #noehuchard #francoismoutin #louismoutin #nickhempton #coryweeds #benmarkley #couleursjazz #couleursjazzradio #thebestof #bestofthemonth
Arturo O’Farrill – The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra – Mundoagua celebrating Carla Bley.
Mundoagua (Moon-dwa-gwa) – Lets read what Arturo O’Farrill has to say about this moving project:
“Commissioned by The Columbia School of the Arts in 2018 to com-memorate the Year of Water, Mundoagua was meant to have its world premiere in 2019 in the Miller Theater at Columbia University. This was rescheduled because of the global pandemic caused by the Novel Coronavirus. It was a strange coincidence, because so many of the sub-themes in the narrative of the composition have to do with global crises caused by neo-fascism and the death throes of predatory capital-ism, which are fundamental reasons for all human suffering – – and global warming with its resulting climate disasters, including the breaking of temperature records and cataclysmic weather events daily, if not hourly. Still, the composition is neither optimistic nor doomsaying. It is a journal-istic approach to telling the story of how a species is slowly, irrevocably killing its host, so that corporate entities benefiting a handful of reprobate individuals can engorge themselves while millions die.
Still, this is not the source of my inspiration. What is, is the inalienable free will that determines individual comportment. Ultimately, we have the choice to be cognizant of our individual contributions to global warm-ing.
Mundoagua begins with the movement entitled Glacial. It is a study of four meditations on the gift of water. It begins with five prayers and a benediction loosely based on the five daily prayers found in the Islamic tradition, Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Ishra. These are loosely represent-ed by the initial composed (most prayers are formally structured) trumpet statements and then a setting of repose, which begs the four meditations that the trumpet players improvise.”
REEDS: Ivan Renta Adison Evans Jasper Dutz Roman Filiu Larry Bustamante
TRUMPETS: Adam O’Farrill Seneca Black Bryan Davis Rachel Therrien
TROMBONES: Rafi Malkiel Remee Ashley Abdulrahman Amer Earl McIntyre
RHYTHM: Arturo O’Farrill, piano Andrew Andron, piano Ricardo Rodriguez, bass Vince Cherico, drums Carlos Maldonado, percussion Keisel Jimenez, percussion
VIBRAPHONE : Patricia Brennan
GUITAR : Sergio Ramirez
Tomer Cohen – Story of a Traveler
With Story of a Traveler, Tomer Cohen takes us on a sonic journey where each track tells a fragment of his artistic evolution. From the nostalgic Moving Pictures to the energetic Falafel, and the poignant A View, the album explores a wide range of emotions and influences.
The title track, Story of a Traveler, encapsulates this musical quest with a concise melody symbolizing an ever-changing journey. Cohen also revisits his past with Pastures 2.0, a nod to his debut album, while Bait (Home) questions identity and belonging.
The album owes much of its richness to an exceptional ensemble: Shai Maestro weaves sophisticated harmonies on the piano, Cyrille Obermüller crafts both solid and melodic bass lines, and Gert-Jan Dreessen injects dynamic, impactful rhythms. Blending jazz, folk, rock, and Middle Eastern influences, Tomer Cohen delivers a vibrant and innovative work.
Yannis Constans & Samson Schmitt – Esperanza
Esperanza is the result of a long-standing musical friendship between jazz manouche virtuosos Yannis Constans and Samson Schmitt.
Since their first stage performance together in 2011, their chemistry has only grown, culminating in this trio album with Camille Wolfrom on double bass. Joining them are two renowned Sicilian musicians, Roberto Gervasi (accordion) and Nicola Giammarinaro (clarinet), adding vibrant colors to this recording.
Entirely composed by the duo, Esperanza is an intimate, family-centered album.
Yannis dedicates several pieces to his children and niece, while Samson invites his father, Dorado Schmitt, to play violin on three tracks.
His daughters, Stefi and Stenli, lend their voices to emotionally charged songs. With a mix of swinging rhythms, delicate bossa, and gypsy influences, this album reflects an open and elegant jazz manouche.
Nicole Johänntgen – Labyrinth II
With Labyrinth II, Nicole Johänntgen and her trio offer a hypnotic and bold musical experience.
Featuring an unconventional lineup—saxophone and vocals (Johänntgen), tuba (Jon Hansen), and drums/percussion (David Stauffacher)—the album navigates between rhythmic power, captivating melodies, and free improvisation.
Built around the theme of love, the album explores rich soundscapes where groove and poetry blend intensely.
Each track evokes a journey through a musical labyrinth, advancing and retreating, creating subtle tension between raw energy and softness. Unlike the first volume, which was composed in urgency, Labyrinth II benefited from several months of refinement, allowing the compositions to reach a remarkable depth.
With refined percussive rhythms, powerful melodic flights, and bold instrumentation, this album proves that “less can be more.” A captivating journey full of surprises.
Eleonora Strino Quartet – Matilde
With Matilde, guitarist Eleonora Strino pushes the boundaries of jazz, drawing inspiration from a painting by her father. Deeply rooted in jazz and Spanish musical traditions, the album embodies the “Spanish touch” that Jelly Roll Morton considered essential to jazz.
Eleonora Strino and her quartet present a modern yet tradition-based vision of jazz guitar, avoiding the conventional paths of rock and fusion.
Recorded in June 2024 under the guidance of producer Ermanno Basso, Matilde unveils one of the most captivating voices in contemporary jazz guitar.
A must-listen for jazz lovers!
Ben Markley – Tell the Truth
With Tell the Truth, pianist and composer Ben Markley continues his rise, blending energetic swing, deep groove, and a sharp sense of musical dialogue.
Staying true to his approach of tailoring compositions for his collaborators, Markley highlights the powerful rhythm section of bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Kyle Swan.
Inspired by the Blue Note sessions of the 1960s, he reinvents the classic lineup by replacing the usual trumpet role with guitarist Steve Kovalcheck, alongside alto saxophonist Wil Swindler. Evoking influences of Cedar Walton and Bill Evans, Markley once again proves himself a master of swing and melody.
A bright album, ideal for both jazz purists and newcomers.
Nick Hempton & Cory Weeds – Horns Locked
As the world faces uncertain times, Horns Locked arrives as a breath of fresh air—a pure and energetic dose of soul jazz.
Combining gritty blues, groovy rhythms, and crystal-clear melodies, this album embodies the essence of swing without any artificiality.
The project began in Vancouver during an electrifying weekend at the legendary Frankie’s club. With Jesse Cahill and Nick Peck already setting the stage on fire, the arrival of saxophonist Cory Weeds ignited true magic.
On stage, the saxophones paid tribute to the great duos of the past—Dexter Gordon and Herschel Evans, Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt.
To capture this raw energy, the recording was done live, without overdubs, in a basement infused with groove and good vibes.
Revisiting tenor saxophone legends like Dexter Gordon, Stitt, and James Moody, alongside punchy original compositions, Horns Locked promises an irresistible swing session that will have you tapping your feet and smiling.
Géraldine Laurent, Noé Huchard, François Moutin, Louis Moutin – Twenties: The Hookup
The Hookup. A name that evokes intense musical connections, raw energy that unfolds both on stage and in the studio.
This quartet, born from the chemistry between Géraldine Laurent and the Moutin brothers, finds perfect balance with the arrival of young and brilliant pianist Noé Huchard.
With Twenties, The Hookup revisits a century of jazz by reinterpreting 1920s standards.
But rather than a simple nostalgic journey, the album bridges past and present, offering a bold reimagining infused with each musician’s unique voice.
More than just a tribute, The Hookup is an exploration.
Each piece transforms under the influence of dynamic collaboration, where classical structures give way to improvisation and modern reinterpretation.
Géraldine Laurent, Noé Huchard, François and Louis Moutin, and craft a jazz that breathes freedom, creativity, and the urgency of the moment.
Eyolf Dale Trio – When Shadows Dance
With When Shadows Dance, Eyolf Dale and his trio—Per Zanussi on double bass and Audun Kleive on drums—continue their musical exploration between cinematic lyricism and atmospheric depth.
Eyolf Dale weaves compositions blending impressionistic delicacy with powerful crescendos, rooted in Nordic traditions yet open to new sonic horizons.
The trio’s synergy is evident: Per Zanussi’s expressive bass and Audun Kleive’s nuanced percussion support Dale’s enchanting melodies.
This album confirms Eyolf Dale’s talent for fusing jazz, classical, and folk into a timeless yet innovative soundscape, where shadows and light dance in perfect harmony.
Joost Zoeteman, Bart Tarenskeen & Wim De Vries – Standard – No Standard
In a world where musical genres constantly intersect, Standard – No Standard proves that jazz, while rooted in tradition, continues to evolve. This trio—guitarist Joost Zoeteman, bassist Bart Tarenskeen, and drummer Wim De Vries—moves seamlessly between past and present.
The album blends original compositions with reimagined standards, respecting jazz’s history while injecting fresh energy.
More than just a tribute, their music explores the delicate balance between freedom and structure, improvisation and precision.
With a stripped-down trio format, they craft an intimate yet vibrant sound, proving that jazz remains as relevant and dynamic as ever.
Macondo Trio – Morayò
The coming together of three distinct musical personalities gave birth to Macondo Trio – Morayò, a subtle fusion of jazz, world music, and African rhythms. Blurring boundaries between improvisation and popular melodies, their music transports the listener into a sensory journey of rhythm and harmony.
Alternating between introspective, groovy, and danceable moods, Macondo Trio, shapes a blended jazz where listening and sharing take center stage.
The album showcases original compositions by Sylvain Debaisieux (tenor saxophone), Federico Stocchi(bass & double bass), and Angelo Moustapha (drums), with lyrics penned by Seif Kribi and Ibrahim Nasrallah. Special guest contributions include Ghalia Benali (voice), Pierre-Antoine Savoyat (trumpet & bugle), Wajdi Riahi (piano), and Simon Leleux (doholla), enriching the musical narrative with their unique artistry.
Organic syncopations and nuanced melodies invite the audience to experience an ideal world where diversity and harmony coexist.
Sullivan Fortner – Southern Nights
Grammy-nominated pianist Sullivan Fortner kicks off 2025 with Southern Nights, a new trio album set for release on February 14.
Recorded live at New York’s legendary Village Vanguard, this album features bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore, two key figures in contemporary jazz.
A protégé of the late Roy Hargrove and a collaborator with Billy Hart, David Liebman, and Cécile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner blends tradition and modernity.
Expect a rich repertoire of original compositions, tributes to Bill Lee and Consuela Lee, and fresh takes on classics by Allen Toussaint and Clifford Brown.
RECENT COMMENTS