Three standout new jazz releases arrive this December, each preserving a unique chapter of the music’s living history.
Drummer Bob Holz honors his longtime collaborator with Honoring Larry Coryell (MVD Audio), a 10th anniversary live concert recording featuring seven previously unreleased performances from 2015. With nearly 80 minutes of music, the set captures Coryell’s guitar mastery across classics like “Spoonful,” “Footprints,” and “Bag’s Groove,” alongside Holz originals such as “Yes We Can” and “Moving Eyes.”
Pianist, composer, and arranger Christian Elsässer reveals a more intimate side on The Move (Edition Collage). Known for his orchestral work with Europe’s leading ensembles, Elsässer leads a quintet of longtime collaborators through lyrical, chamber-like compositions. Pieces such as “Morgentau,” “Birds,” and “Wiegenlied” reflect a musical diary of farewells and new beginnings, blending modern jazz color with structural invention.
Archival discovery defines James Newton Quartet: Live in Willisau 1983 (RHYTHMNFLOW Records). This historic release features flutist Newton with pianist Geri Allen—then at the dawn of her storied career—bassist Anthony Cox, and drummer Andrew Cyrille. The set includes Newton’s “Forever Charles” (a tribute to Charles Mingus), Allen’s “The Printmakers,” and Charles Mingus’ “Reincarnation of a Lovebird,” offering a vivid snapshot of a boundary-pushing ensemble that never previously released a recording.
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