Brian Bromberg, whose career has spanned a remarkable journey from an in-demand session musician to a leader in his own right, is back with his latest album, LaFaro. On the album, Bromberg pays tribute to Scott LaFaro, a legend whose contributions have left an indelible mark on jazz music. These twelve songs delve into the nuances of Bromberg’s bass playing and the chemistry within his ensemble and offer a comprehensive album of the influence of LaFaro and the Bill Evans trio in which LaFaro performed.

From the outset, LaFaro is an exhibition of Bromberg’s virtuosity and deep respect for jazz tradition. The album starts with [...]

Anna Hillburg’s latest album, Tired Girls, brings solid songwriting and tones to the indie pop genre, encapsulating the essence of contemporary womanhood through its intricate soundscapes and lyrical depth. With Hillburg’s decades of experience in the Bay Area’s music scene and a background that boasts collaborations with acts like Shannon and The Clams and The Dodos, her third solo album unfolds as a journey through her evolving artistry with her songwriting, instrumentation, and thematic exploration.

Tired Girls, released on October 13, 2023, by Speakeasy Studios SF, benefits from the collaboration between Hillburg and [...]

Big Boss Man’s latest single, “Das Freak,” from their upcoming album Bossin’ Around, is an eclectic mix of ’60s R’n’B, Soul, Latin, Funk, and Bongo-Hammond-Fuzz. Big Boss Man has carved a niche in the music industry since their inception in 1998. With a rich history of hundreds of concerts and festivals across the UK, Europe, and beyond, their music has not only graced live audiences but has also found a home in film, television, and advertising – notably in the international NIKE WORLD FOOTBALL ’06 campaign and the BAFTA-nominated short film “Sweet” by The Mighty Boosh.

“Das [...]

Val Giamo’s latest album, Stay With Me For Thirty Minutes, released in December 2023, is a musical journey filled with her ability to weave intricate stories through the emotive sounds of solo piano and, piano and cello. Living in Gothenburg, Sweden, Giamo has honed her craft over the years, drawing from a rich array of influences and experiences. From her classical education in Russia to her explorations in various music genres, her work culminates in this album—a narrative journey shared with cellist Axel Vilborg, who joins her for two selections.

The album opens with “Let Us Find A Place,” immediately [...]

Laura Misch Released Sample the Sky on October 13, 2023, by One Little Independent Records, and it turns out to be a captivating auditory expedition through the peripheries of London’s untamed landscapes of electronica-based sounds. This debut album is a collection of songs that will grab your attention with their intimately woven narrative of care, connection, and an acute influence from listening to the whispers of the natural world. Through Sample the Sky, Misch invites listeners into a realm where organic electronic productions, well-penned lyrics, and the breathy echoes of saxophone merge seamlessly with elements of singing and synthesis [...]

In world music, the fusion of traditional forms with contemporary sounds often results in a sound rich in heritage and expression. Fiesta at Caroga, the latest offering from The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective, is a vibrant program of this synthesis, marrying the rhythms and textures of Afro-Caribbean music with the expansive possibilities of world music. Under the leadership of guitarist Jose Guzman, this octahedron ensemble embarks on a celebratory journey that is sure to get your blood and feet moving.

The album starts with “Descarga 2,” a track that sets the tone with its robust Afro-Caribbean salsa [...]