Jesse Davis Quartet; Reflections

Here's your chance to discover a first class quartet led by alto sax man Jesse Davis working with a dream rhythm section of Spike Wilner, piano; John Webber, bass; and Lewis Nash, drums. Four of the seven selections here are hearty real deal originals from the leader. Additionally we are treated to Thelonious Monk's triumphs in the title tune, “Reflections”, and “Evidence”. The surprise of the set is the quartet's take on a real oldie, “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans”. Sound wise, he is in the midst of the tradition. Certainly he is influenced by Charlie Parker and the likes of Sonny Stitt. In other words, the real good stuff---first note to the last. Cellar Records, I am convinced, is a major player in this era for conserving and celebrating the tradition of jazz that you and I have loved for so many years.

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 57 min.

Danny Sinoff; Make Someone Happy

In more than thirty years of writing jazz reviews, it seems as though I receive perhaps ten female vocalists for every ONE from a male singer. So considering that, welcome Danny Sinoff. A singer who not only chooses great material, but does so with a strong natural jazz essence. A big plus here is that Sinoff also accompanies himself on piano. His colleagues are A+ throughout as they wend their way through “Taking A Chance On Love”, “Three Little Words”, “I Won't Dance”, “Mood Indigo”, “Charade”, “Black Coffee”, and a Sinatra vehicle, “All I Need Is The Girl”, among others. Putting it simply, Danny Sinoff has that thing going that usually can't be taught---the leanings and explorations of a jazz singer. Give him a try!

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 44 min.

Brian Lynch; Torch Bearers

How nice to hear trumpet maven Brian Lynch on a recording including a mix of musicians that are somewhat surprising. Consider this: depending on the track of choice, there are three pianists and two drummers. But they are all hip and ready on a session mainly comprised of originals. The celebrated young singer Samara Joy gets a chance to strut her stuff on two tracks. In addition, the familiar titles include “Luminoso” by Barry Harris, plus “But Beautiful” and “Blue And Boogie”. A consistent high point here is the alto sax of Charles McPherson who earns lots of solo opportunities. And don't forget Mr. Lynch. His trumpet prowess remains superb and right down the center of mainstream boulevard. This is great music with top tier people to play it. Sounds like a welcome meeting of creative minds to me.

Holistic Music Works; 2026; appx. 60 min.

April Varner; Ella

You're likely to be in agreement that Ella Fitzgerald is considered by many to be the greatest female jazz vocalist ever. So let's give singer April Varner the courage to take on a project like this. Good thing, because amazingly, Vainer possesses much of the vocal magic we long fell in love with from Ella. With an excellent big band to work with, Ms. Varner captures the “Ella thing” to near perfection. Ella would have been giddy to hear, among others, “Dream A Little Dream Of Me”, “Night And Day”, “Cheek To Cheek”, and my personal fave, “Mr. Paganini”. So hurrah, thank you, and let's hear a lot more from a refreshing talent in April Varner.

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 40 min.

Ulysses Owens, Jr.; Around The World With U

Don't miss out on your chance to inhale some scorching hard bop with all hands on deck getting ready to spin your head around! Drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr, is the leader on this smokin' session of eleven tunes including three bristling originals and two standards that have survived long lifetimes, Diz's medley of “Bebop” and “Confirmation”, and Hoagy Carmichael's classic “Stardust”. Many people grew up with that kind of musical excitement. The reason it's still around today is that it's so artistically relevant. Truly representative of the jazz art, these young veterans carry on an honored tradition. Just know that the music is safe in their hands. And talented hands they are!

Cellar Music Group; 2026; appx. 55 min.

Isabella Isherwood; The Sweetest Sounds

It took an initial glance at the tune list of this session and I immediately noticed that the opener was Bob Dorough's “Devil May Care”. “Here's someone who gets it”, I thought. Her name is Isabella Isherwood, and her vocals and piano lead an in-the-pocket rhythm section of guitar, bass, and drums. Isherwood hits the target on an even dozen tunes including a rather brisk version of “Till There Was You”; plus “This Time The Dream's On Me”; “My Buddy”; a racehorse tempo on “The Song Is You”; “Teach Me Tonight”; and more. I would have locked the door on “Don't Think Twice, It's All Right”. It somehow didn't fit in with the other choices. I will refrain from becoming overly picky. Isabella Isherwood has given us an extremely well thought out album loaded with quality vocals and premium accompaniment. 

Sabrina Records; 2026; appx. 50 min.

Hendryk Meurkens; Samba Tonto

How very nice to hear the result of harmonica expert Hendryk Meurkens' latest excursion to a recording studio in what seems like quite a spell. In a setting configuration, Meurkens delivers a resonant, often captivating performance primarily devoted to brisk Latin tempos, but for very good measure, there are gorgeous takes on “The Summer Knows”, and “My Romance”. For me, the big winner is a real rarity called “Surf Board” by Antonio Carlos Jobim. It's a pleasure to hear it once again. To be clear, Hendryk Meurkens is always at his best. So it's no surprise that once again, he's exactly in that sometimes tender and beautiful, and other times in that exhilarating and resplendent spot. 

Cellar Music Group; 2026; 53 min.