Iraida Noriega Ven Conmigo (Independent) Regarded as one of the great new voices in Mexican jazz, Iraida Noriega deserves  recognition beyond the borders of her country. On Ven Conmigo, recorded live at Mexico City’s Papa Beto Jazz Bistro, the singer’s talent shines through a collection of originals blended with personal [...]

Bill Frisell History, Mystery (Nonesuch) Guitarist Bill Frisell may not be the flashiest personality in modern jazz, but he’s among the most consistently compelling. While History, Mystery is a relatively low-key affair, the generous two-disc set effectively showcases his skills as a writer, arranger and player of uncommon intelligence and [...]

Jessica Williams Songs For A New Century (Origin) One of the giants of the jazz piano since her solo breakthrough in the late 1980s, Jessica Williams has technique on the level of Oscar Peterson, a wit inspired by Thelonious Monk, a solid sense of swing and a very fertile imagination. [...]

Grupo Fantasma Sonidos Gold (Aire Sol/High Wire) The artist formerly known as a symbol, and now, again as Prince, was so taken with Grupo Fantasma’s last release Comes Alive that he hired this Austin band to back him on several occasions and to perform at his Las Vegas nightclub, 3121. [...]

Roswell Rudd Quartet Keep Your Heart Right (Sunnyside) Trombonist Roswell Rudd emphasizes the warmth and humor in his music on this delightful album of 10 agreeably eccentric, original songs laced with ironic wit and homespun philosophizing. He presents these slightly skewed but accessible songs with an unconventional quartet featuring pianist [...]

Dr. John and the Lower 911 City That Care Forgot (429) This album might be the most powerful and emotionally naked recording in his long career. He lays to rest any notion that New Orleans has forgotten what happened on Aug. 29, 2005, or has forgiven what happened next. In [...]