At the forefront of new releases this week is Joni’s Jazz, a sweeping retrospective that traces Joni Mitchell’s evolving relationship with jazz through sixty-one handpicked tracks, and featuring legends like Herbie Hancock and Charles Mingus. Spiritual vocal textures are explored in Kiosk's Nyt Ritual, intimate guitar and bass explorations are the emphasis for Kozlov and Bollenback in Synergy, and German vocalist and pianist Sophia Oster leads her quartet in their latest release Praise. Finally, vibrant Brazilian rhythms come to life in Tamborim by bassist Dudu Penz, bringing the best of energetic rhythms and improvisation.
Joni's Jazz
Joni Mitchell
This eagerly anticipated collection, titled Joni’s Jazz, showcases 61 tracks handpicked by Joni Mitchell that trace the profound and evolving influence of jazz across her career. From rare alternate takes and 1980 demos, to live performances that feature luminaries like Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, and Charles Mingus, the set highlights Mitchell’s inventive artistry.
Available format: 4 CDs
Nyt Ritual
Kiosk
Kiosk's Nyt Ritual is a vocal-driven jazz project, featuring a selection of vocalists that includes Maj Ørskov, Line Klinke Solina, Viktoria Søndergaard, and Lise Ørskov. Blending choral textures and contemporary jazz arrangements, the album weaves together spiritually infused compositions with evocative titles and offers a deeply introspective and ritualistic listening experience.
Available format: Download & Streaming (up to 48 kHz, 24 bit)
Synergy
Paul Bollenback & Boris Kozlov
Guitarist Paul Bollenback makes his debut as a leader on the SteepleChase label, forming a guitar‑and‑bass duo with Grammy‑winning bassist Boris Kozlov. Mixing original compositions with jazz standards to spotlight their intuitive musical interplay, Bollenback explores fresh musical terrain in the intimate yet adventurous Synergy.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 16 bit)
Here We Are
Lori Williams
Here We Are brings together highly-acclaimed jazz vocalist Lori Williams and a top-tier European ensemble in a warm, collaborative project that blends original songs with beloved standards. Spanning Brazilian grooves, romantic ballads, and classic swing, this release channels Williams’ expressive vocals and impressive improvisation across all nine tracks.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 48 kHz, 24 bit)
Praise
Sophia Oster Quartet
The Sophia Oster Quartet deliver their latest album, Praise, involving an eclectic mix of originals and imaginative covers combining the music from Joni Mitchell and Wayne Shorter. With Oster leading, and acting as lead vocalist and pianist, her ensemble includes the talents of Konstantin Herleinsberger, Paul Imm, and Rafael Müller.
Available format: Download & Streaming (up to 96 kHz, 24 bit)
Tamborim
Dudu Penz
In an expansive and rhythmic journey through vibrant Brazilian grooves, Tamborim is the latest album led by bassist Dudu Penz and supported by his ensemble and guest lead vocalist. Filled with energy, Penz brings a heavy dose of Latin flair and liveliness in his latest release with Unit Records.
Available format: Download & Streaming (up to 48 kHz, 24 bit)
