HighNote/Savant New Releases

[GA Russell]

On 8/26/2025 at 11:28 PM, mjzee said:

Release date September 26:

Jazz guitarist Thom Rotella is back and this new release finds him spinning some soulful, sophisticated jazz that fans of his previous Savant Record, Side Hustle, won't want to miss. Over the years, Rotella has worked with some serious heavyweights like Norah Jones, Seth MacFarlane, Diane Schuur, and Stanley Turrentine, carving out a name for himself as a go-to guitarist in the world of jazz, pop, and studio work. On this project, though, the vibe is all about connection, chemistry, and that illusive spot where taste meets feelings. The always-funky Wil Blades on organ and the dynamic Charles Ruggiero on drums are on hand, laying down a rich, organic foundation for Rotella's blues-tinged guitar work to build upon. And that's just the beginning. Saxophone great Ernie Watts lends his unmistakable tone and lyrical phrasing to a few standout tracks, while trumpeter/composer Jeremy Pelt adds some brassy brilliance of his own. And on a couple of cuts, the always-stunning Tierney Sutton steps in with some haunting, wordless vocals that add a shimmering layer of depth, elegance, and quiet intensity to the music. Whether you've been following Rotella for years or are just joining the party, this record welcomes you from the first track. It's warm, it's savvy, and above all, it's honest. Just great players making outstanding music together.

Thom Rotella Right Time Left Impacting September 30th, 2025 Format: Jazz

# Artist and Track Title Time       1. Thom Rotella - This Is for Lou 04:52       2. Thom Rotella - How Sweet It Is 05:23       3. Thom Rotella - In the Garden 05:24       4. Thom Rotella - Willow Weep for Me 05:07       5. Thom Rotella - What Hump? 02:57       6. Thom Rotella - Lazy Afternoon 04:34       7. Thom Rotella - Light It Up 04:42       8. Thom Rotella - Benny Thanks 05:59       9. Thom Rotella - Mr. Malone 05:02       10. Thom Rotella - Ray Brown's Shoes 03:38       11. Thom Rotella - The Girl from Ipanema 04:30       12. Thom Rotella - It Ain't What It Ain't ('Till It Is) 04:41       13. Thom Rotella - Shimmer 04:38

THOM ROTELLA'S LATEST ON HIGHNOTE RECORDS THOM ROTELLA - Right Time Left HighNote Records HCD 7361 Thom Rotella – guitars Wil Blades – organ • Charles Ruggiero – drums Lenny Castro – percussion (except tracks 5, 8, 12 & 13) Featuring: Jeremy Pelt – trumpet (8, 12 & 13) • Ernie Watts – tenor sax (1, 8 & 12) Tierney Sutton – vocal (6 & 13) • Antonio Adolfo – piano (9) With assisting artists: Tom Luer – bari sax • Bill Cantos – keyboards • Nick Mancini – vibes Trey Henry – bass • Tom Ranier – bass clarinet Airplay Starts Now • Suggested Tracks 1.    This Is for Lou 4:52  •  6.    Lazy Afternoon 4:34 7.    Light It Up 4:42  •  9.    Mr. Malone 5:02     Like our stuff? Let’s hear from you. Record Company Contact Barney Fields • HighNote Records, Inc. jazzdepo@ix.netcom.com • (212) 873-2020 • www.jazzdepot.com

Thom Rotel... HCD 7361 T...

[GA Russell]

 

On 8/26/2025 at 11:28 PM, mjzee said:

Tenor saxophonist JD Allen, well known for pushing the envelope with albums that mix electronics and advanced compositional techniques, takes a striking turn on his latest release. This time, he sets aside the modernist experiments and heads straight for the heart with an album made up entirely of ballads from the Great American Songbook. It's an unexpected move from Allen, and it reveals a different side of his playing-warm, introspective, and deeply lyrical. For this outing, he expands his usual chordless trio by bringing pianist Brandon McCune into the mix, joining longtime collaborators Ian Kenselaar on bass and Nic Cacioppo on drums. The addition of a piano brings a new layer of harmonic color, expanding the expressive range of the entire group while exploring the emotional possibilities within these classic standards. A soulful, stripped-down take on timeless tunes, this album showcases the depth and honesty JD Allen is known for, as he invites his colleagues to slow down and express something personal-with clarity, restraint, and quiet power.

JD Allen Love Letters (The Ballad Sessions) Impacting September 29th, 2025 Format: Jazz

# Artist and Track Title Time       1. JD Allen - You Are Too Beautiful 07:01       2. JD Allen - I Get Along Without You Very Well 05:17       3. JD Allen - Don't Go to Strangers 06:20       4. JD Allen - Where Are You? 05:22       5. JD Allen - My Buddy 05:04       6. JD Allen - I Love You 05:34       7. JD Allen - Stardust 05:10       8. JD Allen - Tell the Story 05:15

New from JD Allen on Savant Records JD ALLEN Love Letters (The Ballad Sessions) Savant Records SCD 2226 JD Allen – tenor saxophone Brandon McCune – piano Ian Kenselaar – bass Nic Cacioppo – drums Radio Starts Now • Suggested Tracks 1.    You Are Too Beautiful 7:00  •  3.    Don’t Go to Strangers 6:20 5.    My Buddy 5:04  •  7.    Stardust 5:10

2226 JD AL... SCD 2226 J...