Michael Leonhart ORCHESTRA – THE NORMYN SUITES (JAZZ)-The constant in every Leonhart project is his excellent gift of melody and ability to draw the listener in. “Shut Him Down,” the album opener co-written with guest vocalist Elvis Costello, combines all Leonhart’s melodic gifts with Costello’s powerful and expressive baritone. Leonhart’s horn chart is sparkling and powerful, and frequent collaborator JSWISS provides a power rap to move the song further forward. The Normyn Suites is dedicated to Leonhart’s dog, who recently departed, and serves as a testament to connection and love. Michael Leonhart’s “The Normyn Suite #2 (Love and Loss)” was constructed during the dog’s final days and displayed a range of emotions and musical dynamics. Guitarist Bill Frissell is prominent on “Waking For Sedation,” and keyboardist Larry Goldings also lends his magic. These special guests never distract or overwhelm Leonhart’s composition. He is a remarkable arranger and bandleader, melding heady pieces to create a cohesive and emotionally compelling album. These 17 songs are yet another example of why Michael Leonhart is among the best jazz composers and arrangers today.         

BOBBY BROOM – KEYED UP (JAZZ): The opening chords of “Second Thought” confirms instantly that Bobby Broom continues to elevate his acumen. He brings along long-term band members Kobi Watkins (drums) and Dennis Carroll (bass) for yet another spirited ride of contemporary jazz, with pianist Justin Dillard joining them for a daring adventure through time-tested jazz standards. With a recording career dating back to the early 1980s, Broom is as skilled an arranger as a guitarist. The interplay between Broom, Dillard, Watkins, and Carroll makes me truly believe in telepathy. Additionally, space is granted for Bobby Broom to stretch his legs on songs like “Humpty Dumpty” (check out Dillard’s electronic keyboard solo) and “Driftin’.” Broom and his band will awe you while leaving a smile on your face.

            Johannes Wallman- PRECARIOUS TOWERS (JAZZ): Jazz pianist, composer, and educator Johannes Wallmann seems only to be picking up steam ten albums into his career. Precarious Towers, recorded in February 2021, puts Wallmann’s new Chicago-based band through a rigorous workout. The title track is filled with rhythmic twists and turns, yet struts with a funky melody and able solos by Wallmann on piano and features alto saxophonist Sherel Cassity. “McCoy,” a tribute to McCoy Tyner, is an elegant sendoff to the legend but doesn’t rely on the predictable. Vibraphonist Mitch Shiner adds nuance to the more-than-able rhythm section of John Christensen on bass and Devin Drobka on drums. Wallmann’s piano solo is touchingly inspired as well. The album closer, “Saturday Night Meat Raffle,” will have you grinning from ear to ear with its vivid vibe passages and expressive drumming. 

Johannes Wallmann and his band pack a lot of good stuff in Precarious Towers. So much, so that repeated listening is a requirement. That’s the hallmark of a great album   

Mark Wade Trio- True Stories- The album starts with one of two originals, “I Feel More Like I Do Now.” Tim Harrison’s acoustic piano sets the central theme, quickly shifting with the time signature changes. Wade’s bass solo is as expressive as ever, and Scott Neumann’s snare and rim work add to the dynamics. The song harkens back to jazz classics of yore, setting a high bar. One of my favorite songs on the album is “The Soldier and the Fiddle.” It’s a seemingly simple introduction, which is centered on Wade’s single repeating note on the bass gently giving way to his glorious solo, which is followed by a solo by Harrison, which adds to the song’s ascent. This Mark Wade composition is said to be inspired by Igor Stravinsky. I can not make that music connection, but I will attest to the fact that “The Soldier and the Fiddle” is a piece that seems to evolve and unfold with every listen. Indeed this album becomes more rewarding after each listen.     

SIMON PHILLIPS – PROTOCOL V (JAZZ FUSION): Hard to believe it’s been five years since the last Protocol studio album. Phillips released an excellent box set that covered his Protocol output and rarities a year or two ago, but the band itself has been dormant. At the same time, Phillips engaged in production duties such as the grand Darwin albums, among others. Protocol V continues Phillips’ jazz-fusion ambitions with another fine lineup. This time, guitarist Alex Sill, saxophonist Jacob Scesney and keyboardist Otmaro Ruiz join Phillips and long-time bassist Ernest Tibbs in furthering the legend of the Protocol band. Sill follows a line of brilliant players, demonstrating his chops on “The Long Way Home,” yet Phillips’ expertly arranged songs find space for Scesney during moments like “Isosceles.” Check out Ruiz on “When the Cat’s Away” to hear how Simon Phillips is able to combine the best from each of these soloists, along with Tibbs’ infectious groove. There is plenty here to keep the die-hard drum fanatic happy (in particular on “Undeviginti”), but this album isn’t just a solo work but a proper band collaboration. It all comes together to create a welcome return of true musical maverick.

CATHERINE RUSSELL – SEND FOR ME (JAZZ/VOCALS): Accomplished song stylist Catherine Russell changes things up just a bit on her April 1, release, Send For Me. Not that the Steely Dan band vocalist needs to fix anything regarding her prior releases: 2019’s Alone Together made my best-of list for that year, and I always catch Russell’s invigorating live show whenever I can. This, her eighth studio release, has a bigger feel. Produced by Russell with long-time collaborators Katherine Miller and Paul Kahn, Russell’s classic-yet-expansive vocals are enhanced by the horn section on “Send for Me” – a song closely associated with Nat “King” Cole. Her bluesy take adds elements to the piece I’ve never noticed before. “Going Back to New Orleans” is another favorite, with strutting rhythm and touches of banjo and tuba all supporting Russell’s laidback vocal. Here’s another example of Catherine Russell transporting the listener to other locales with her delightful vocals and stunning arrangements. I guess some things never change.

ADAM LARSON – WITH LOVE, FROM CHICAGO (JAZZ): Saxophonist Adam Larson has accelerated his creative ventures as of late. The composer, bandleader, and educator are not one to let the grass grow under his feet but instead have seemingly increased his recording output. With Love, From Chicago represents the first of three recorded projects to be released in the next year and a half. On this album, Larsen engaged the astute drummer Dana Hall (check out the drums on “Angolan Babys”) and double bassist Clark Sommers, who shines throughout. These Chicago musicians provide a swagger fitting Adam Larsen’s warm yet challenging compositions and carefully selected covers. Other highlights include Adam Larson’s take on John Wojciechowski’s “Twirl” or his driving tenor work on Sommers’ composition “Kansas to Chicago.” If you’re a fan of challenging instrumental jazz, With Love, From Chicago will be a great way to end your 2022.

Michele Thomas- the assumption 

The assumption, Michele Thomas’ crowd-funded 2022 release is a labor of love from start to finish. Accessible yet musically challenging, the singer-songwriter takes on mature themes such as the Black Lives Matter movement and the nation’s mistreatment of women. The album, divided into three chapters, builds like a spiraling and enticing play. “I Know Because You Told Me So,” co-written with Damian Espinosa is a stunning end to chapter one. “Spiral” a John Coltraine composition with lyrics by Thomas, makes clever use of her stellar band and her lyrical prowess. The final chapter concludes with a cover of “Can”t Find My Way Home,” originally by Blind Faith. The song contains yet another stunning vocal delivery. Bold in concept and brilliant in execution, co-producer Darren Scorza worked with Michele Thomas to produce an album of originals and covers that dazzle from beginning to end. 

Thoughtcast – Nimbus in Motion

Leader and bassist Graydon Peterson along with his inspired band deliver adventurous, layered and powerful songs. Peterson uses touches of electronics and pedal effects to provide nuanced and contemporary sounds. At the heart of Nimbus in Motion, are forward leaning compositions such as ,”Feeling Unprepared” and “For the Drum” . However, it’s the band that carries out Peterson’s grand vision. Drummer Ben Ehrlich swings with wild abandon on “For The Drum”; Peterson’s approach to “The Bellhop” is memorizing, and trumpeter Jake McGlone and keyboardist Joe Strachon add vivid touches of musical color throughout. This is a great listen from start to finish. 

JEFF DENSON, BRIAN BLADE + ROMAIN PILON – FINDING THE LIGHT (JAZZ): Finding the Light is the result of a few gigs drummer Brian Blade played with bassist Jeff Denson backing Joel Harrison. They decided to expand on their chemistry, initially enlisting guitarist Romain Pilon for 2019’s trio-recorded Between Two Worlds. The follow up is enthusiastic, challenging, and endearing. “Daily Jubilee,” with Blades’ faux shuffle, Pilon’s challenging fretboard runs, and Denson’s meaty bass, is endearing and densely packed. “Terre” is perhaps my favorite song on Finding the Light. Composed by Pilon, the song is bluesy, and dark. Bassist Denson starts the slow-burning fire with his expressive bass intro, only to have his challenge met by Blade’s brush work and Pilon’s meaty picking. The song is the musical equivalent of a fine bourbon. Out now on Ridgeway Records, Finding the Light should not go overlooked. Hopefully, they will take this on the road soon.