Elastic Groove
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: Colin Heshmat is a New York City based jazz pianist and composer. He studied both engineering and music at the University of Illinois, finally leaning towards music for a career. Elastic Groove is his debut album including eight originals. He leads a quartet with Ryo Sasaki (t), Yuma Takagi (b), and Ben Cliness (d). We welcomed Sasaki’s warm tones on “Sea Breeze”, and the suspense of “Centre Street Theme I”. We also enjoyed Heshmat rolling on “Ember”, the cool covers of “Just Friends”, “Cantaloupe Island”, and the title track.
Windward
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: The Pentland Bergonzi Quartet features leaded, bassist, composer Sean Pentland and tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi with Julian Shore (p) and Jongkuk “JK” Kim (d). Windward is dedicated to their late friend and collaborator Sebastian Nay. The seasoned saxophonist blends well with the younger musicians on this neo-bop session, all written by Pentland except for Coltrane’s “Countdown”. We welcome the fresh music especially “Claudia”, the bubbly “Beantown Blues”, and “The Magus”.
I’m A Woman
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: I’m A Woman is the powerhouse debut from vocalist Liz Cracchiolo. It’s a coming out session with Liz expressing herself through these jazz, pop and blues classics. She shines on freshened arrangements of “I’m Beginning to See The Light” with Jonathan Michel (b) & Benny Benack III (t, vocals), “These Boots Were Made For Walkin’”, and “Fever”, a duet with bassist Russell Hall. She swings on “Tainted Love” and stirs up the blues closing on the title track!
The Empire CHild
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: British vocalist, songwriter Ruth Rothwell’s mom was Indo-Jamaican and her dad from South Africa, bringing global threads to her voice and style. She makes her debut as The Empire Child after many years developing artists at MCA/Universal. She gets support from Spanish producer, keyboardist, composer Mariano Díaz. The music has elements of jazz, soul, reggae, and pop providing songs that will appeal to a broad contemporary audience. “By Boat”, “Step Up, Step On”, “Trace The Race”, “Feeling Of Healing” and “Mind Be Free” are highlights.
Kickin’ It
shaun@blittzedmarketing.com September 29, 2026
O's Notes: Josie places her voice in front of a large ensemble, including the lush Chrystal String Section. Soloists are plentiful and noteworthy including Chris Sargent (p) on “Autumn Nocturne”, Fareed Hague (g) & Jim Gailloreto (s-sax) on “Flor de Lis”, “Love Dance” with Jeremy Kahn (p), and “I Just Found Out About Love” with Gailloreto (a-sax). Two of the selections are a quintet, notably “Social Call” featuring soloists Falbo, Geoff Bradfield (t-sax), and Steve Million (p).