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Independent Culture
- Macy Chen’...
  
  After 75 Years
  
  Twinz Records
- Pianist Hiroe S...
  
  A-mé
  
  Sekai Music
- Spring Forward,...
  
  Spring Forward
  
  Innova Recordin
- The Dan Sulliva...
  
  Cape Cod Magic
  
  Self-Released
- Cleveland-based...
  
  Originals
  
  Azica Records

INDEPENDENT CULTURE

Passion-driven independent record companies have produced some of the most important music in jazz. The tradition continues...

Drew Davidsen

Around (Again)

[Creative Soul Jazz]

Drew Davidsen’s chart topping “Astro” single is just one of a collection of tunes included on this exceptional testimony to Davidsen’s masterful composing and skillful command of the guitar. Talented session players, joined by guest artists including legendary bass player Gerald Veasley and dynamic keyboardist Jay Rowe, take you from compelling high energy [...]

Bill Banfield

Spring Forward

[Innova Recordings]

Spring Forward, on Innova recordings, is the fourth from guitarist composer, Bill Banfield. This music is about connecting. Focused on the joy of playing more than market categories, it draws on a collaborative construction Delfeayo Marsalis called, an important experiment in American music. The record highlights Banfields guitar work, composing [...]

John Stetch

TV Trio

[[Brux Records]]

With a blast from the past, pianist John Stetch switches things up, turning unlikely TV theme choices into stand-alone jazz gems. The trio, with Rodney Green and Doug Weiss, delightfully punches through our old clichéd memories, serving up such classics as Star Trek, Six Million Dollar Man, Rocky & Bullwinkle, [...]

Mark O’Connor

Live in New York

[OMAC Records]

“O’Connor’s facility as a composer allows him to craft artfully constructed statements rather than overwhelming listeners with his remarkable technique.” —Los Angeles Times. “O’Connor and his group have brought this infectious art form to a new height, both technically and musically.” —Chicago Times. “A direct disciple and former sideman of [...]

Loretta McNair

Intimate Portrait

[[Myo-On Music]]

Jazz and blues in the great tradition of the American Songbook, with a velvet and powerful voice reminiscent of Rosemary Clooney and Judy Garland. Loretta blends her love of roots music from several genres in these original compositions that are partly taken from personal experiences, which accounts for their universal [...]

Steven Santoro

Whisper My Name

[[Red Lion Music]]

Steven Santoro (whose real name is Steven Kowalczyk) originally debuted on Atlantic Records, and just completed his latest project titled Whisper My Name; a collection of intelligent and heartfelt compositions featuring James Genus (bass) and Clarence Penn (drums). Ejazz News calls Whisper My Name “one elegant piece of jazz vocals [...]