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.
Jazz
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
Devin Gray feat. Andrea Parkins & Frank Gratkowski – Hz of Gold
This is the second album in the past few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing that features percussionist Devin Gray, and the two musicians he collaborates with on this disc are legendary: Andrea Parkins- electronics, accordion & wurlitzer Frank Gratkowski- saxophones, flutes, & clarinets Devin Gray – drums & Continue Reading