jazz2love

  Indianapolis-based saxophonist, composer and bandleader Sean Imboden cultivates a modern jazz, big band atmosphere that brings new elements into the platform.  He directs the Sean Imboden Large Ensemble (SILE), a 17-piece group that reimagines traditional big band scores and ventures into creating original material through enthralling improvisations and dynamic interplay. "We have many great musicians in Indianapolis, so I have a large pool to draw from," he cites, describing, "I look for people I know will play the parts well, and can blend well with their bandmates."  "Everyone in the band has a good amount of experience with playing in big bands and other ensembles," he determines, "so when they get together for my gigs, they know how to dial it in. Another important quality is for each musician to be willing to prepare their individual part before the rehearsal. Then, when we get together to play, we can focus on details and bring out the musica...

  Album:  Earth Travelers Artist:  Asai Kastan Duo Label:  Space2Groove Records Release Date:  April 23, 2026 Website:  http://www.takeshiasai.com/index.html https://www.space2grooverecords.com Earth Travelers is a kaleidoscopic voyage helmed by pianist Takeshi Asai and Brian Kastan on fretless bass.   Their prismatic inflections, multi-hued tones, and free flowing sound waves craft an atmospheric expedition that delights audiences.  The pair demonstrate a smooth repartee formed by the piano and bass, rarely experienced in music.  Their lyrical improvisations and random dynamics keep the tracks in a state of flux that heightens the listeners senses from the fiery exchanges of "We Made It" to the silky conversing through the title track.   The cresting and ebbing motions of "Sonic Pathways" permeate an emotive vibe, while the lulling swells of "This Is The Way" project a consolatory stroking.  The duo travel from the ether...

  New Release:  Fool's Fate from Rik Wright and the Fundamental Forces Label:  HipSync Records Release Date:  July 10, 2026 Website:  www.rikwright.com Seattle-based guitarist and composer, Rik Wright is at the helm of Fundamental Forces, a quartet that hones psychedelic jazz soundscapes,  balancing improvised movements with melodically structured motifs.  Their 2026 recording Fool's Fate , comprised of original material written by Wright, shows the quartet's malleable quality to be spontaneous, riffing off one another while maintaining the core thread.  Tracks like "Nothin' But A Thang" and "Freezer Jam" are hold together by a recurring motif that each musician builds from, exercising their extemporaneous leanings.  The soft splendor of "Luminescence" is tasseled in James DeJoie's dulcet saxophone twirls, cradled in the lounging bass pump of Geoff Harper and steady beats of drummer Greg Campbell, as Wright's unbridled musings on th...

  New Release:  Eklektika from Carolyn Lee Jones Label:  Catn’round Sound Release Date: June 15, 2025 Website: www.carolynleejones.com Singer-songwriter Carolyn Lee Jones showcases a vocal swagger that exudes confidence and total command of the progression of the melodies in her performance, emblematic of the elegant charisma of Jane Monheit and the sentimental persuasion of Wayne Newton.  Her 2026 release Eklektika presents a complementing range of material from Broadway standards like George and Ira Gershwin's "Embraceble You" to the uplifting narration of "That’s What Being in Love Is All About," written by Roger Boykin and propelled by a swinging rhythm and balmy embers.  The classic bopping tremors of "Out of Nowhere,” by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman, features a sizzling saxophone solo from Shelley Carrol and a striking piano vamp played by Peter Rioux.  The cushiony bossa nova ambience of Michael Franks's ruminating tune "Tell Me All About...

  New Release:  Colors of Time from Sergio Pereira Label:  Sergio Pereira Music Release Date:  May 15, 2026 Website:  www.sergiopereira.world A fusion of R&B/soul, smooth jazz, and Brazilian rhythms, guitarist, vocalist, percussionist, composer, and bandleader Sergio Pereira stylizes a feel-good repertoire on his 2026 release Colors of Time .  Containing original material written by Pereira, his music conjures images of balmy summer days strolling leisurely across beach sand, lounging listlessly on the deck of a sailboat cruising around a picturesque island, or enjoying an outdoor samba dance party.  His music puts a smile on the listener's face, loaded with pleasing aesthetics, enjoyable tones, and attractive rhythms.  Bossa nova swells put listeners at ease through the title track, drifting into the soothing ambience of "Brightness of You," and the shimmying grooves of "Up the Hill," augmented by the gentle flutter of Oriente Lopez's flute....

  New Release:  A Texas Sized Band from the Joymakers Label:  Turtle Bay Records Release Date:  April 24, 2026 Website:  www.facebook.com/colin.hancock2101 Based in Austin, Texas, the Joymakers revive stomping ragtime jazz, which emerged in speakeasies through the 1920's and early '30s.  Rejuvenating the hot jazz of vaudeville shows, Broadway's tinpan alley days, and the nostalgic dancehalls of Storyville in New Orleans, the 10-piece ensemble delivers Prohibition Era jazz with a modern tilt on their sophomore release A Texas Sized Band .  Fronted by multi-instrumentalist Colin Hancock, the tracks are vintage standards, arranged by Hancock and saxophonist/vocalist Lauryn Gould.  The tunes are overwhelmingly sunny and jubilant anchored by strutting rhythms, horns that blare and pop, keys that rattle and sizzle, and Westen Borghesi's banjo that quivers and flares.  The clip-clopping beats of "The Pay Off" induce a party atmosphere, turning to a ...