I will forever praise Leo Feigin, the courageous figure who introduced me to new post-Soviet music. My first purchase from his renowned Leo Records was the album that introduced me to Sergey Kuryokhin, Russia’s most radical pianist and multi-instrumentalist. Kuryokhin impressed musicians traveling there and later collaborated with several Americans, Continue Reading
Jazz
Sun Ra – The Sun Ra Arkestra Meets Salah Ragab In Egypt
Leo Records never misses a beat. This album brings together two legends – Sun Ra, who needs no introduction to those who love freaky jazz, and drummer Salah Ragab, Egypt’s king of rhythm.
Bertil Strandberg Kvintett – Cirrus
From the Frederiksberg Records Bandcamp site: “Frederiksberg Records is proud to announce the first vinyl / digital reissue of Bertil Strandberg Kvintett’s “Cirrus” album. In 1973, a snowstorm almost prevented the band from making it to the studio to record this album. Cirrus, released in 1974 in tiny numbers, has Continue Reading
Cal Tjader – Huracan
A tip of the cap is due to Liberation Hall Records out of Massachusetts. They managed to publish one of the few Cal Tjader albums I haven’t heard, and the sound is spectacular, capturing Cal still at his peak in 1974, well before his tragic passing in 1982 at the Continue Reading
The Uproot Group – Vampires
Every time I delve into the Mexican new music scene, I come up with something brilliant, but this time I was given a heads-up by The Uproot Group band member Enrico Gianfranchi to hear this album. What can I say? This made my day! The release blends jazz (naturally) with Continue Reading
Sonny Rollins – Way Out West
The Colossus has died. Sonny Rollins passed away at the age of 95, leaving a body of work that will number him among the greatest musicians jazz has ever produced.
Various Artists – BBE: J Jazz volume 5: Deep Modern Jazz From Japan 1970-1988
From the BBE Bandcamp site: “This final volume features a selection of tracks that is as diverse as it is deep, reflecting the rich and varied Japanese jazz scene that spanned from the late 1960s to the late 1980s, a golden era of innovation and creativity. J Jazz volume 5 Continue Reading
Jonah Parzen-Johnson & Lau Nau – A Few We Remember
From November 2025, we have a very good free improv release worth checking out. From Jonah Parzen-Johnson’s Bandcamp site: “A Few We Remember is the new album by Jonah Parzen-Johnson and Lau Nau. The recording debut for the new duo of Finnish composer Lau Nau, aka Laura Naukkarinen, and American Continue Reading
Nicola Conte – Terra Em Transe / Naquela Base
When in doubt, easy listening cures most ills! Nicola Conte thrills with this 7-inch single, bursting with bossa nova, smoky jazz, and a lounge-laden vibe that hits the spot.
Moyses Dos Santos – Maria
Far Out Recordings should be lauded forever for bringing so many great modern (and a few elder) Brazilian musicians to the attention of Western listeners. On that note, we welcome a debut from a new talent who will serve as a vanguard to Brazil’s diverse music scene in Moyses Dos Continue Reading