{"title":"DownBeat July 2026 Featured Selections","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"36\" data-end=\"185\"\u003eA trio of compelling jazz releases is featured this month, spanning archival brilliance, Brazilian-inflected swing, and modern clarinet-driven lyricism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"826\"\u003eCaptured at the height of his creative evolution, \u003cstrong data-start=\"237\" data-end=\"252\"\u003eChick Corea\u003c\/strong\u003e’s \u003cem data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"292\"\u003eSome Time Ago: Live in Germany 1972\u003c\/em\u003e (Made in Germany) presents a newly restored recording from the legendary Radio Bremen archives. Documenting an intimate solo performance from October 29, 1972, the set finds Corea navigating post-bop, free improvisation, and Latin influences with remarkable fluidity. Expanding pieces like “Noon Song” while reinterpreting works such as “Children’s Song No. 1” and Wayne Shorter’s “Masqualero,” Corea transforms the piano into a deeply expressive narrative voice—offering a rare, fully realized portrait of an artist in transition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"828\" data-end=\"1422\"\u003eHarmonica virtuoso \u003cstrong data-start=\"847\" data-end=\"867\"\u003eHendrik Meurkens\u003c\/strong\u003e returns to his Brazilian roots on \u003cem data-start=\"902\" data-end=\"915\"\u003eSamba Tonto\u003c\/em\u003e (Cellar Live), a vibrant session inspired by the legendary drummer \u003cstrong data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"995\"\u003ePortinho\u003c\/strong\u003e, who also features on the album. Blending hard-swinging samba jazz with lyrical ballads, the recording showcases Meurkens’ signature melodic clarity alongside a dynamic ensemble including Misha Tsiganov (piano\/Fender Rhodes), Eduardo Belo (bass), and contributions from Justus Heher and Laura Dreyer. The result is a richly textured program that reconnects Meurkens with the rhythmic traditions that helped define his sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1424\" data-end=\"2015\"\u003eClarinetist \u003cstrong data-start=\"1436\" data-end=\"1458\"\u003eVirginia MacDonald\u003c\/strong\u003e makes a striking debut as a leader with \u003cem data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1514\"\u003eIn Search Of…\u003c\/em\u003e (Cellar Live), a deeply personal and lyrical statement recorded in Brooklyn. Backed by an exceptional ensemble featuring Geoffrey Keezer (piano), Ira Coleman (bass), Curtis Nowosad (drums), and vocalist Laura Anglade, MacDonald balances six original compositions with interpretations of “Stardust” and Charles Mingus’ “Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love.” The album highlights her expressive tone and compositional voice, positioning her as a leading figure in the next generation of jazz clarinetists.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"hendrik-meurkens-samba-tonto-cd","title":"Hendrik Meurkens - Samba Tonto (CD)","description":"\u003ch1\u003eHendrik Meurkens returns to Brazil with 'Samba Tonto'. The album features the legendary drummer and percussionist Portinho\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003eHaving taken a break from Brazilian music in recent years to play more bop-oriented jazz dates, Hendrik Meurkens returns to Brazil with 'Samba Tonto'. The album is inspired by the unique style and sound of Portinho, the legendary Brazilian drummer, who came to the United States early with the first wave of Brazilian musicians in the 1960s and features here.  'Samba Tonto'  is a mixture of hard swinging Samba Jazz and sensuous ballads. This new album for Cellar Music also features Justus Heher on trombone, Laura Dreyer on flute on tracks, Misha Tsiganov on piano \u0026amp; Fender Rhodes and Eduardo Belo on bass.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003ch2\u003eTrack Listing\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cul\u003e        \u003cli\u003eKnow It All (Quem Diz Que Sabe)\u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eThe Summer Knows\u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eHerb’s Samba\u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eMy Romance\u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eSamba Tonto \u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eA Lullaby for Benny\u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eChorinho for Nico \u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eSurf Board \u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eChelsea Nocturne\u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eBye Bye Brasil \u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eChoro em Casa\u003c\/li\u003e          \u003c\/ul\u003e  \u003ch2\u003eAdditional Details\u003c\/h2\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLabel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cellar live\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jazz\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e English  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRun Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 53:54 mins\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0       \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e 03\/20\/26\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUPC:\u003c\/strong\u003e 628308831449\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"CELLAR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47201403633913,"sku":"CM032226","price":9.74,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0815\/4889\/files\/CM032226.jpg?v=1767982924"},{"product_id":"virginia-macdonald-in-search-of-cd","title":"Virginia MacDonald - In Search Of... (CD)","description":"\u003ch1\u003eCanadian-born clarinetist Virginia MacDonald's long-awaited debut album \"In Search Of...\" is an apt showcase of the musical abilities.\u003c\/h1\u003e \u003cp\u003eCanadian-born clarinetist Virginia MacDonald's long-awaited debut album 'In Search Of...' is an apt showcase of the musical abilities which have earned her widespread international acclaim for her composing and band-leading prowess. Recorded over two days in July 2024 at Acoustic Recording in Brooklyn, New York, 'In Search Of...' features luminaries Geoffrey Keezer on piano and Ira Coleman on bass, alongside two preeminent voices of the next generation, drummer Curtis Nowosad, and featured vocalist Laura Anglade. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith twenty-plus albums under her belt as a collaborator and sidewoman, the Juno-Award winning clarinetist's debut album serves as a launching pad for the next step of her musical journey. Comprised of six original compositions and two standards from the Jazz canon (Hoagy Carmichael's 'Stardust' and 'Duke Ellington's Sound of Love' by Charles Mingus), the album is a testament to Virginia's deeply personal, lyrical, and singular musical voice. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrammy Award-winning trombonist Michael Dease writes in the album's liner notes, 'Virginia MacDonald is not only an exceptional clarinetist, she is a visionary -- an innovator and trailblazer on her instrument -- redefining the creative possibilities of jazz clarinet for a new generation.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003ch2\u003eTrack Listing\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cul\u003e        \u003cli\u003eLast Call at Dimitri’s \u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eIn Search Of… \u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eStardust \u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eRetrogression\u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eUp High, Down Low\u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eHope\u003c\/li\u003e                  \u003cli\u003eDuke Ellington’s Sound of Love\u003c\/li\u003e          \u003c\/ul\u003e  \u003ch2\u003eAdditional Details\u003c\/h2\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLabel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cellar live\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jazz\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e English  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRun Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 49:26 mins\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0       \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e 05\/29\/26\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUPC:\u003c\/strong\u003e 628308831548\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"CELLAR","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47483148009721,"sku":"CMF020124","price":10.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0815\/4889\/files\/CMF020124.jpg?v=1772838987"},{"product_id":"chick-corea-some-time-ago-live-in-germany-1972-cd","title":"Chick Corea - Some Time Ago: Live In Germany 1972 (CD) PREORDER","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA long-lost treasure from one of the most creative periods of Chick Corea's life, finally available in its entirety.\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStep into Radio Bremen's legendary Sendesaal and experience an intimate, breathtaking solo performance by Chick Corea at the height of his artistic development. This newly restored double CD, recorded on October 29, 1972, captures an evening that was both musically daring and deeply personal. An evening when Corea's warmth, imagination, and virtuosity filled one of Europe's best acoustic halls.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis concert from the archives of Radio Bremen documents a defining moment: Corea was 31 years old and moved fluidly between different musical worlds. Fresh from Piano Improvisations, shortly before Return to Forever, and in search of new creative partnerships with artists such as Gary Burton and Stan Getz. This performance condenses all that energy into two captivating sets.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThroughout the program, Corea transforms the grand piano into a storyteller. He expands pieces like 'Noon Song' far beyond their studio versions, combining rhythmic fire with lyrical beauty and shifting effortlessly from romantic introspection to Latin-infused exuberance. He revisits early gems like 'Children's Song No. 1,' explores Wayne Shorter's 'Masqualero,' and even allows himself to be inspired by a free improvisation influenced by Jonathan Livingston Seagull.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat makes this recording so extraordinary is not just the repertoire. Corea speaks to the audience, tells stories, and invites listeners into his creative world. As music journalist Arne Schumacher recalls in the liner notes: 'The beauty and warmth that unfolded from the piano and filled the room was overwhelming. I was spellbound.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMedia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: px;\"\u003e\n\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?url=https%3A\/\/api.soundcloud.com\/playlists\/soundcloud%3Aplaylists%3A2209136276%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-oQc1nVfBTUs\u0026amp;color=%23ff5500\u0026amp;auto_play=false\u0026amp;hide_related=false\u0026amp;show_comments=true\u0026amp;show_user=true\u0026amp;show_reposts=false\u0026amp;show_teaser=true\" height=\"450\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc; line-break: anywhere; word-break: normal; overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap; text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif; font-weight: 100;\"\u003e\n\u003ca style=\"color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;\" title=\"M. i. G. - music Germany\" href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/m-i-g-music-germany\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eM. i. G. - music Germany\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca style=\"color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;\" title=\"Chick Corea - Some Time Ago (live in Germany 1972)\" href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/m-i-g-music-germany\/sets\/chick-corea-some-time-ago-live\/s-oQc1nVfBTUs\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eChick Corea - Some Time Ago (live in Germany 1972)\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTrack Listing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisc 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterlude: Noon Song\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNoon Song\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterlude: Song for Sally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSong for Sally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterlude: Jonathan Livingston Seagull\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJonathan Livingston Seagull\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterlude: Masqualero\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMasqualero\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterlude: Children's Song No. 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren's Song No. 1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisc 2:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterlude: What game shall we play today\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat game shall we play today\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterlude: Crystal silence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrystal silence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterlude: Sometime ago\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometime ago\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterlude: La fiesta\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLa fiesta\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAdditional Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLabel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made in Germany Music\/Moosicus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGenre:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jazz\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/strong\u003e English\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRun Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e 86:35 mins\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelease Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e 07\/17\/26\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUPC:\u003c\/strong\u003e 885513123121\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MADE IN GE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47751461535993,"sku":"M1231-2","price":12.74,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0815\/4889\/files\/M1231-2.jpg?v=1775143438"}],"url":"https:\/\/mvdshop.com\/collections\/downbeat-july-2026-featured-selections.oembed","provider":"MVD Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}