Echoes
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: American jazz pianist Luke Marantz teams up with Irish guitarist Simon Jermyn for Echoes, a musical illustration of open landscapes especially on each of the four-part title tracks. They composed all the music that feels larger than the duo. Guest drummer Josh Dion appears on two selections the rock based “Hovering” and “Passages”. “Shori” is also notable.
Spark
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Clarinetist, saxophonist Aaron Irwin leads a trio with Mike Baggetta (g) and Bill Campbell (d) for his latest release Spark. Theresa is a folksy, country swagger on tunes like “A Blues Feeling”, “The Snow Man”, “Mississippi Hurt”, “Giuffre”, and “Skull”. The overall feel is relaxation, calmness and a sense of peace. One of the best is a ballad, “Goodnight Laverne”.
100 Miles for Mile Davis
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Jason Miles was the man programming the synthesizers on Miles Davis’s Tutu, Amandala, and Siesta. He was inspired by the legend and celebrates his 100th birthday with 100 Miles For Miles Davis. Jason assembles a bounty of talented musicians for the effort. We liked “The Girl With The Purple Hair” featuring Ada Rovatti (a-sax), the lazy vibe of “Malibu Midnight Blue” with Jeff Coffin (s-sax) & Vinnie Coliauta (d), “Jeanne Moreau” featuring Patches Stewart (t) & Jay Rodriguez (t-sax), and “Miles To Miles - 1994 Bonus Track” with guitarists Dean Brown & Bill Washer.
Time
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com June 30, 2026
O's Notes: Legendary singer, guitarist, composer Taj Mahal leads The Phantom Blues Band for his 2026 release, Time. His long-time band includes Tony Braunagel (d), Larry Fulcher (b) Johnny Lee Schell (g), with guests Jon Cleary (p), & Mick Weaver (organ). The title track is a previously unreleased song written by the late Bill Withers and Taj does it justice. We liked Bob Marley’s “Talkin’ Blues” with vocals by Ziggy Marley, “Sweet Lorene”, “It’s Your Voodoo Working”, and “Crazy About A Jukebox”.