Itai Doshin
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: Drummer Mike Clark assembles a seasoned quintet for his latest release, Itai Doshin. Versatility is the name of the game here with songs ranging from straight-ahead to funk. There’s a lazy rendition of “Cherokee” featuring bassist Henry The Skipper Franklin. Patrice Rushen tickles the ivory on “Mganga” and the Rhodes on “I Shot The Sheriff” with Eddie Henderson (t).
Embraceable
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: Drummer, arranger & producer Tom Cohen serves up a rich blend of instrumental and vocal Latin jazz that is easily Embraceable. Chico Pinheiro (g) shines on “Tarde”, vocalist Barbara Mendes stars on “Brigas Nunca Mais” with Chris Farr (t-sax) & “The Girl From Ipanema” with Larry McKenna (t-sax). We also enjoyed “Adeus America” with Filo Machado (g) jazzing the mic. Other notable selections are “Cafe Com Pio”, “Bebe” featuring Valtinho Anastacio (vocals, perc), and “Aquelas Coisas Todas”.
Live at KNKX
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: Live at KNKX is an invigorating set at Seattle's Public Radio station during 2009 and 2017. This is previously unreleased material recorded with Roy's working quintet. The late Roy Hargrove is on top of his game and brings it with four rich warm selections not only surfacing himself as a leader on trumpet, but also showcasing Justin Robinson (a-sax), Ameen Saleem (b), Tadataka Unno (p), and Quincy Phillips (d). Montez Coleman plays drums on “Soulful”. The other three selections are “Top of My Head”, “The Seattle Vibe”, and “Angels”, and they’re all good!
CHristmas Interlude
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: Jazz trumpeter Jeremy Pelt serves up his interpretations of five classics on Christmas Interlude in a quartet. They open with the warmth of “The Christmas Song” followed by a cool take of “We Three Kings”. We also enjoyed “Christmas Time Is Here” with nice work on the Fender Rhodes by Victor Gould and bassist Leighton Harrell. The pace increases on “The Little Drummer Boy” featuring Jared Spears (d). This set of jazzy ballads is easily one of the best new holiday releases of 2025!
Amaré
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: Amare is a Brazilian trio with Enrique Gomide (p), Celine Rudolph (vocals) & Joao Luiz Nogueira (g). The music on their self-titled debut is airy, refreshing, and calm, a mix of obscure standards and originals. “Embaixo da Imsidao”, “Itacimirim”, “Beijo Partido”, and “Avril” are notable.
The Nutcracker Remix
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
O's Notes: The Nutcracker Remix is performed by CCJO conducted by Eric Lechlter. They perform a dozen selections of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite recrafted for a large jazz ensemble. Highlights are “Camel Capery” featuring baritone saxophonist Phil Hilger, and “Everybody Digs Flowers” featuring pianist Matt Harris. Vocalist Mandy Gaines appears on three bonus tracks notably “Merry Christmas Baby”. There is a QR code for digital liner notes that are very good.
Gilded & Silver
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com December 29, 2025
Canadian vocalist Heather Ward has rich alto tones and heartfelt lyrics on Gilded and Silver. She follows her debut with a collection of twelve fresh covers with some originals as well. We liked “Midnight At The Oasis”, “Blue Collar”, “He’s A Tramp”, and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love Baby”.