FANTASTIC • FOUR
Sumi Tonooka
Under the Surface
by the Sumi Tonooka Trio with Alchemy Sound Project
Released on June 27, 2025, on ARC. The album is a suite of music commissioned by Chamber Music America, exploring themes of interconnection and resilience.
Johnathan Blake
My Life Matters
by Johnathan Blake
Released on Blue Note Records on September 19, 2025. The album is a powerful suite of music that serves as a call to speak up in the face of injustice and features a new core band. He also appeared as a sideman on Jakob Dreyer’s album Roots and Things.
Kerry Politzer
Alternate Route
by Kerry Politzer
Released in 2025 on Whirlwind. Another brilliant recording by the prodigious pianist and composer. And features Kerry Politzer on piano, with Jaleel Shaw on saxophones, Alexander Claffy on double bass, George Colligan on drums, and special guest Kurt Rosenwinkel on guitar.
Drew Williams
Demons Hate Fresh Air
by the Drew Williams Trio
Released on December 5, 2025. The album chronicles a period of personal transformation and is available on Bandcamp and streaming platforms (except Spotify). He also released a live album in October 2025, Live at Weights and Measures.
MAGNIFICENT • SEVEN
Figure in Blue
by Charles Lloyd
(Blue Note)
Released on October 10, 2025, this spacious double album features the saxophonist and flutist in a new trio with pianist Jason Moran and guitarist Marvin Sewell.
Honey from a Winter Stone by Ambrose Akinmusire
(Nonesuch)
Released on January 31, 2025, this album is a “self-portrait” that features improvisational vocalist Kokayi, pianist Sam Harris, and the Mivos Quartet, blending elements of hip-hop and chamber music.
Ride into the Sun
by Brad Mehldau
(Nonesuch)
Released on August 29, 2025, this album is a songbook record of music by the late singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, complemented by four of Mehldau’s own compositions and an orchestra.
Erev Shel Shoshanim (Single) by Yotam Ishay
Released a single on October 31, 2025 and was featured on several live tracks in 2025.
Solace of the Mind
by Amina Claudine Myers
(Red Hook)
This acclaimed album, released in 2025, was also highlighted in many other critics’ “Best Of” lists for its deep, soulful performance.
Oh Snap
by Cécile McLorin Salvant
(Nonesuch)
This highly anticipated album was one of the notable jazz releases of 2025.
Gadabout Season
by Brandee Younger
(Impulse!)
The harpist’s 2025 album was another prominent release of the year.
