New Jazz Releases – 09/28/2026
By Russell Perry
Kevin Sun
This week is the WTJU Jazz Fundraising Marathon! The hosts from our Jazz Department are joined by announcers from across all musical genres and dedicated members of the music community to bring carefully curated programs for seven full days starting at 6:00AM on Monday September 28. There will be live music every night from 8:00 – 9:00 and music all night long. Check out the schedule and plan your week.
Notable new music this week from the Kris Davis Trio, alto saxophonist Todd DelGiudice, newcomer guitarist Zebu Zheng, The Mike Dana Jazz Orchestra, trumpeter Josh Lawrence, Carla Bley veteran Andy Sheppard, trombonist Bob McChesney, Marlon Simon & The Nagual Spirits featuring brothers Edward Simon and Michael Simon, tenor saxophonist Kevin Sun, and multi-reedist Enzo Favata. Whew!!
Kevin Sun – Kevin Sun I (Endectomorph Music, release 09/25/2026). Kevin Sun – tenor saxophone, Max Light – guitar, Walter Stinson – bass, Jon Starks – drums.
Kevin Sun – Kevin Sun II (Endectomorph Music, release 09/25/2026). Kevin Sun – tenor saxophone, Christian Li – piano, Walter Stinson – bass, Kayvon Gordon – drums.
Prolific tenor saxophonist Kevin Sun has simultaneously released a pair of sets. The first is a studio set of tracks developed over 18 months of live workshopping with a quartet featuring Max Light on guitar, Walter Stinson on bass and Jon Starks on drums. The second was recorded live with his touring band of pianist Christian Li, Stinson on bass and Kayvon Gordon on drums. This is the band with whom he recorded on 2024’s Quartets (previewed 10/21/2024). While there is more than a little Coltrane channelled here, Sun’s influences spread further afield, including video game soundtracks and film noir. Of the two new discs, the live set with the startlingly good Christian Li on piano most moved me and I recommended that one.
Review: Downbeat, Paris Move
Louhivuori / Lønning / Myhr – Nubes (We Jazz, release 09/25/2026). Eivind Lønning – trumpet, Kim Myhr – guitar, Olavi Louhivuori – drums.
Eivind Lønning, Kim Myhr, and Olavi Louhivuori are a Finnish – Norwegian trio of improvisors who gently paint a soundscape of sound.
Kris Davis Trio – Lost In Geneva (4166 Records, release 09/25/2026). Kris Davis – piano, Robert Hurst – bass, Johnathan Blake – drums.
Pianist Kris Davis is back with her trio of bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Johnathan Blake (Run The Gauntlet, previewed 09/02/2024) for another satisfying set. Recording a mix of originals by the leader and selections from her bandmates plus one cover, the remarkable pianist leads us through moods from playful to anxious and many places in between. This is an excellent piano trio and a fine record. Highly recommended.
Review: AllAboutJazz, Jazz Views, Paris Move
Jalen Baker – Repaved (Cellar Music, release 09/24/2026). Alexandria DeWalt – flute, Paul Cornish – piano, Jalen Baker – vibraphone, Yoojin Park – violin, Chiara Jamila – violin, Tia Allen – viola, Reenat Pinchas – cello, Gabriel Godoy – bass, Gavin Moolchan – drums.
Vibraphonist Jalen Baker presents an eight-part musical tribute to the Third Ward, his neighborhood in Houston, and a lament to its gentrification. With a band that puts a flute and vibes in front of a rhythm section emphasized by strings, Baker creates a unique sound to carry his compositions.
Review: AllAboutJazz, Jazz Views, Downbeat
Dana Fitzsimons with Bill Graham and Brandon Boone – Fault Lines (Self Produced, release 09/21/2026). Bill Graham – piano, Brandon Boone – bass, Dana Fitzsimons – drums.
An unfamiliar trio led by drummer Dana Fitzsimons delivers a lovely piano trio set primarily composed by pianist Bill Graham, although the Rodgers and Hart theme Where or When most affects these ears.
Review: AllAboutJazz, The Jazz Owl
Todd DelGiudice – Mas Alto (OA2 Records, release 09/18/2026). Todd DelGiudice – alto saxophone, Jon Hamar – bass, Obed Calvaire or Jim White – drums.
Altoist Todd DelGiudice pares his ensemble back to the tried-and-true sax – bass – drums trio over a program of five originals, one by bassist Jon Hamar and four covers. Without being derivative, DelGiudice bring the history of the alto to play with particular reverence for Lee Konitz, but I also hear references to the sensibilities of Bird and Art Pepper. The choice of format opens the music up, giving space for the personalities of all three trio mates to find expression. DelGiudice is facile and reaching. Love this. Recommended.
Zeju Zheng – A Mind In Motion (Shifting Paradigm Records, release 09/18/2026). Arnie Sainz – piano, Zeju Zheng – guitar, Drew Gress – bass, Chidiebere Emmanuel – drums.
Equally gifted with aching ballads and mid-tempo swingers, guitarist Zebu Zheng has served up a fine debut – one of my favorite guitar offerings of this year. The communication between the leader, pianist Arnie Sainz and veteran bassist Drew Gress (Lisa Rich, Sylvie Courvoisier, Phil Haynes, Fred Hersch) makes for a very coherent work over a program of original compositions. I love Zheng’s warm tone and look forward to many more releases from this new artist. Highly recommended.
Review: Jazz Trail, UK Vibe
Janis Siegel – The Art of Vocalese (Origin Records, release 09/18/2026). John Di Martino – piano, Lonnie Plaxico – bass, Vince Cherico – drums / guagua, , Janis Siegel – vocals with Wayne Escoffery – tenor saxophone, Frank Vignola – guitar, Ed Cherry – guitar, Bobby Sanabria – percussion / congas, Raul Midón, Lea DeLaria, Laurel Massé, Lauren Kinhan – vocals.
Vocalist Janis Siegel has followed the retirement of Manhattan Transfer (her long-time cohort) with a solo record very much in the same vein, but primarily with solo and duet singing in lieu of the vocal quartet setting in which we expect to hear her. Her reverence for singer / lyricist Jon Hendricks continues unabated and she has included four lyrics from his pen. Vocalese (applying lyrics to improvised instrumental solos) has always been on the edges of jazz singing, reaching its peak in the 50s and reemerging periodically. With Manhattan Transfer gone, Janis Siegel has picked up the torch.
Review: Paris Move
Mike Dana Jazz Orchestra – Farther (Still) (Origin Records, release 09/18/2026). Wayne Bergeron – trumpet, Daniel Rosenboom – trumpet, Alex Iles – trombone, Alan Ferber – trombone, Joe Turgeon – bass trombone, David Becker – alto sax / tenor sax / flute / clarinet, Ron McCarley – alto sax / tenor sax / flute / clarinet, Michael Mull – baritone sax / clarinet / bass clarinet, Jessica Hoffman – oboe, Lisa Nauful – bassoon, George Stone – piano / keyboard, Mike Dana – guitar, Ron Suffredini – basses, Dave Tull – drums, Brian Kilgore – percussion with Aaron Janik – trumpet, Ingrid Jensen – trumpet, Eric Marienthal – alto sax, Bob Mintzer – tenor sax, Tim Ries – soprano sax / tenor sax.
Guitarist and bandleader Mike Dana leads a talented big band through a set of seven originals and two covers. Each track features one or more of the guests – Aaron Janik or Ingrid Jensen on trumpet; Eric Marienthal, Bob Mintzer, or Tim Ries on various saxes. These are terrific arrangements of catchy compositions from a tight and talented band. Highly recommended.
Review: Jazz Weekly
Josh Lawrence – Philly Twisted (Posi-tone Records, release 09/18/2026). Josh Lawrence – trumpet, Altin Sencalar – trombone, Willie Morris – tenor saxophone, Art Hirahara – piano / Rhodes 7, Boris Kozlov – bass, Rudy Royston – drums.
Trumpeter Josh Lawrence (Still We Dream, previewed 09/08/2025) and a band full of Posi-Tone Records stalwarts capture the muscular horn sound of Blue Note / Prestige from the 50s and 60s in this set with multiple references back to Philadelphia, the leader’s musical home. Whether at top speed or strolling along steadily, the three-horn front line is consistently powerful. Straight ahead and recommended.
Review: UK Vibe, Couleurs Jazz
Andy Sheppard – Salt Catchers (ECM, release 09/11/2026). Andy Sheppard – tenor saxophone / soprano saxophone, Rita Marcotulli – piano, Michel Benita – bass.
British saxophonist Andy Sheppard famously recorded a series of sax – piano – bass sets with Carla Bley and Steve Swallow. His new release features the same drummer-less lineup with Italian pianist Rita Marcotulli and French bassist Michel Benita. The leader wrote all the tracks except for one entry from Carla Bley. Spacious, but not without rhythmic drive, the set shows the leader’s compositional chops, which are substantial. Recommended.
Review: UK Jazz News, AllAboutJazz
Bob McChesney – Wingwalkers (MoCo Records, release 09/09/2026). Bob McChesney – trombone, Bill Cunliffe – piano, Kevin Axt – bass, Vinnie Colaiuta – drums.
Trombonist Bob McChesney is such a fluid player that he makes the notoriously unwieldy horn sound effortless. The quart features familiar tracks by Trane, Chick Corea, Joe Henderson, Bird, Fats Waller, Monk and Irving Berlin. Jitterbug Waltz on trombone! Simple instrumentation, elegant arrangements and inspired interpretations. Recommended.
Review: New World ’n’ Jazz
Carmen Lundy – Notes From The Wine Cellar (Afrasia Productions, release 08/21/2026). Tatiana Tate – trumpet / flugelhorn, Julius Rodriguez – piano / Hammond B3 organ, Andrew Renfroe – guitar, Jermaine Paul – electric bass / acoustic bass, Terreon Gully – drums / percussion, Carmen Lundy – vocals / keyboards / guitar.
2026 NEA Jazz Master vocalist Carmen Lundy is “all in” on her latest release, composing all the tracks and contributing guitar and keyboards. Needless to say this is a highly personal affair with so top-notch lyrics.
Review: Bistro Awards
Steve Rawlins – Word On The Street (Self Produced, release 08/14/2026). Sal Lozano – alto saxophone / tenor saxophone / flute, Steve Rawlins – piano, Grant Geissman – guitar, Ken Wild – bass, Hussain Jiffry – bass, John Ferraro – drums.
Pianist Steve Rawlings, who has been behind the scenes in the music world for most of his career, steps into the spotlight for this straight-ahead sextet date. Rawlins wrote or co-wrote all but one track showing a strong capacity for melody on the one hand and a capacity to rock out on the other. I have only ever heard multi-reeds player Sal Lozano in large ensemble sax sections (Adam Schroeder / Mark Masters, Gordon Goodwin) and it’s great to hear him stretching out in a featured role.
Review: AllAboutJazz, Making A Scene
Marlon Simon & The Nagual Spirits – Resistencia! (Stay Black Records, release 08/14/2026). Alex Norris – trumpet, Michael Simon – trumpet / flugelhorn, Ivan Renta – tenor saxophone / soprano saxophone, Edward Simon – piano, Michael Eduardo Boone – bass, Marlon Simon – drum set / percussion, Carlos Maldonado – percussion, Roberto Quintero – percussion.
Venezuelan drummer Marlon Simon and his band The Nagual Spirits (On Different Paths, previewed 02/12/2024) is back with a live set and it continues to be a family affair with brothers Michael Simon on trumpet and Edward Simon on piano (Femeninas, previewed 06/12/2023 – one of my favorites of 2023). While the three horns in the front line and three percussionists define the sound, it is the piano of brother Edward that is most satisfying – he’s a heck of a player, with driving rhythm joined to a powerful melodic sense. Highly recommended.
Review: Exclusive Magazine
Takashi Matsunaga – Ride Five (Ride Five, release 07/06/2026). Takashi Matsunaga – piano, Christian McBride – bass.
In a fully improvised acoustic duo set, Japanese pianist Takashi Matsunaga sets the pace with opening rubato passages to which bassist Christian McBride (Without Further Ado Vol. 1, previewed 09/02/2025) responds and then the pieces take on lives of their own with ideas flowing back and forth. It is thrilling to witness.
Review: Exclusive Magazine, The Jazz Word
Enzo Favata – Ritornare (ECM, release 07/03/2026). Enzo Favata – soprano saxophone / clarinet / bass clarinet, Daniele di Bonaventura – bandoneon, Marcello Peahen – ten-string guitar, Salvatore Maltana – double bass, UT Gandhi – drums.
Sardinian multi-reeds player Enzo Favata has produced an unhurried set whose quiet introspection and coupled with the contributions of bandoneon player Daniele di Bonaventura call to mind the small groups of Dino Saluzzi. Marcello Peahen’s guitar playing when combined with Favata’s soprano playing includes shades of Ralph Towner and Paul McCandless during their stint with Oregon. These are sonic references that include tender folk music overtones in my memory. Peaceful and rich. Recommended.
Review: ECM Reviews, Marlbank
Aiden Plank – Where We Started (Hidden Cinema Records, release 04/24/2026). Scott McKee, Garrett Folger, Jack Schantz, Frank Walton – trumpet, Jimmy Redmond, Chris Anderson, Zach Warren – trombone, Amber Forrer – bass trombone) Howie Smith, Chris Coles – alto saxophone, Brad Wagner, Max Schlenk – tenor saxophone, Bettyjeane Quimby – baritone saxophone, Bryan Kennard – flute / alto flute, Anthony Fuoco – piano / organ, Charlotte Beers Plank – piano, Ariel Kasler – guitar, Kip Reed – electric bass, Aidan Plank – bass, Dustin May – drums, Patrick Graney – percussion, Chelsea Selvaggio – vocals.
Bassist and composer Aidan Plank wrote seven of the songs on this set and arranged the other for performance by a big band and an octet.
Bobby Selvaggio – Red Rhinoceros (Hidden Cinema Records, release 03/27/2026). Tommy Lehman – trumpet / flugelhorn, Zach Warren – trombone, Bobby Selvaggio – alto saxophone / soprano saxophone, AJ Kluth – tenor saxophone, Bettyjeane Quimby – baritone saxophone / bass clarinet, Zakk Jones – electric guitar, Kevin Martinez – electric bass, Zaire Darden – drums.
Cleveland alto saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio and his eight-man little big band brings some blues and some bebop to a set of eight original compositions. The five horn front line is a favorite of mine and they bring energy and finesse to this fine live live set.
Review: AllAboutJazz, Paris Move, Jazz Weekly
As you read this, the WTJU Jazz Marathon is underway 24 hours a day (from September 28 – Sunday October 4.)
Your support creates the infrastructure that enables a large cadre of passionate music fans from this community to bring you music you already love and new music to explore. Please join the fun and call 434-924-3959 or go on-line to WTJU.net. And please be generous.
Russell Perry
Jazz at 100 Now!
If your music isn’t changing your life, you’ve simply picked the wrong songs. – Ted Gioia
