Sam Coombes: Time Of Life (33Jazz Records)

Saxophonist Sam Coombes presents his fifth album, recorded in Paris in July 2024. This release marks his return to tenor and soprano saxophones after focusing on the alto sax in his previous two albums. The collection features all original compositions except for one standard. Time Of Life is characterized by a sense of urgency, with Coombes’s saxophone delivering compelling melodic and harmonic explorations, particularly evident in the Coltrane-inspired track North Of The North. Pianist Nico Morelli contributes inventive and lyrical playing, especially on Maylis, while bassist Yoni Zelnik and drummer Julien Charlet form a dynamic rhythm section. Forbearance highlights the band’s softer side, allowing Coombes’s soprano to weave effortlessly above the instrumentation, while Light Of Day showcases his knack for crafting engaging melodic narratives over a laid-back funky beat. The poignant title track serves as a fitting conclusion to this strong and dedicated collection, making it a worthwhile listen.

Anouar Brahem: After The Last Sky (ECM 2838)

The latest release from Tunisian oud player Anouar Brahem is a significant event, with his last album, Blue Maqams, released eight years ago in 2017. This new album, named after a poignant line by the late poet Mahmoud Darwish, reflects on pressing questions of belonging and displacement in challenging times. The chamber pieces for oud, cello, piano, and bass explore these themes deeply.

While rooted in traditional Arab music, Brahem also draws inspiration from jazz and beyond. Notably, bassist Dave Holland, who collaborated with Brahem on Thimar in 1998, contributes significantly, as Brahem states, “Dave’s playing gives me wings.” He is joined by pianist Django Bates and the newcomer cellist Anja Lechner, marking Brahem’s first collaboration with a cellist.

Lechner sets the tone at both the beginning and end of the album, while Bates plays a crucial supportive role, providing space for his own expressive solos, particularly notable in Awake and on the title track. The synergy between Brahem and Holland is remarkable, with Holland’s soulful bass lines grounding Brahem’s more intense performances. His solo on The Shades Of Your Eyes is particularly moving, while his dynamic playing on Dancing Under The Meteorites provides an engaging rhythmic foundation.

Throughout the album, there is a powerful emotional intensity that resonates deeply. Brahem encourages listeners to engage with their own feelings and memories, stating, “What may evoke sadness for one person may arise nostalgia for another… I invite listeners to project their own emotions.” This invitation adds an enriching layer to the listening experience.

Mark Turner: We Raise Them To Lift Their Heads (Loveland Music LLM023)

Mark Turner’s solo saxophone album showcases his bravery and originality. The six pieces, four by guitarist Jakob Bro and one by Turner, include a rendition of Monk’s Misterioso, recorded in Copenhagen in 2019. Each track reveals a rawness and vulnerability. The opening piece Slow moves gently through the registers, with Turner’s haunting tone offering comfort, while Red Hook presents a more impassioned, angular approach. Misterioso lives up to its name as Turner explores its chromatic nuances, with Bella Vista featuring long-held notes and flowing phrases. His precise playing ensures every note is impactful. Although often overlooked, this album is poised to earn Turner the recognition he deserves.

AuB: Folk Devils (Whirlwind Recordings WR4831 LP)

Transitioning from a solo saxophone set to a classic twin-tenor ensemble, AuB features Alex Hitchcock and Tom Barford leading an international quartet. They engage in a lively dialogue with Danish bassist Jasper Hølby and French drummer Marc Michel, while New York multi-instrumentalist Morgan Guerin and London-based Italian keyboardist Maria Chiara Argiró contribute distinctive electronic textures. The two saxophonists reinvent the tenor-titan format, crafting fresh narratives within a constantly evolving conversation alongside their rhythm section. The compositions strike a balance between complexity and melody, drama and intimacy, offering a vibrant representation of contemporary jazz.

Butcher Brown: Letters From The Atlantic (Concord Jazz)

Virginia-based collective Butcher Brown is known for its innovative blend of jazz, R&B, funk, soul, and hip-hop. Their latest album features a notable single, a rendition of the Brazilian classic Dinorah Dinorah, originally popularized by Georges Benson. This version combines layers of piano, saxophone, and guitar over subtle house beats, providing a modern twist. The album flows seamlessly, exuding style, although it sometimes lacks a distinct personality. The energetic rhythms in Infant Eyes and various vocal elements aim to invigorate the experience, while maritime themes in Seagulls underscore the album’s narrative. Ultimately, this continuous sonic journey invites listeners to float along and enjoy the experience.