JAZZ JUNCTION of Freedom, Justice and Hope

Norman Warwick finds

JAZZ JUNCTION of Freedom, Justice and Hope

where the world revolves and music evolves

and folk know where Jazziz

On the occasion of Juneteenth, Blue Engine will release Freedom, Justice, and Hope, a live recording of the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s multidisciplinary concert contextualizing jazz within Black Americans’ pursuit of equality. Featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (left), in creative collaboration with social justice activist and founder of The Equal Justice Initiative Bryan Stevenson, the recording features new arrangements of some of the most important protest songs in jazz history and new works by featured guest artists Endea Owens and Josh Evans. Freedom, Justice, and Hope will be available as a CD and on digital streaming platforms on June 14.

Bing Crosby (right) Sings the Cole Porter Songbook in New Release: The Bing Crosby Estate has released Bing Crosby Sings the Cole Porter Songbook on all digital platforms via Primary Wave Music/Virgin Music. The full-length project brings together a collection of 14 of Crosby’s renditions of favorites from the renowned composer and songwriter, including “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out of You”.

The jazz label Outside In Music has launched its new sister imprint, Outside in Music EU. The new venture, curated by saxophonist and composer Shauli Einav, is dedicated to promoting and providing quality distribution for artists from across the European Union. The inaugural release for Outside in Music EU will be Israeli-German pianist Stav Goldberg’s Symphony of Water, due out on June 14.

The Jazz Journalists Association recently announced the winners of its 29th annual JJA Awards for excellence in music and music journalism. Among top tier honors in the more than 40 categories of Awards presented are Jack DeJohnette, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Joshua Redman, who won as Tenor Saxophonist of the Year and whose album, Where Are We, was named Best Album of the Year.and “Night and Day,” among others.

Composer Christopher Zuar expands the ambition and scope of his impressive vision on his sophomore big band album, Exuberance, the much-anticipated follow-up to his 2016 debut, Musings. Developed five years in parallel with Zuar’s relationship with his now wife, animation filmmaker Anne Beal, its varied and multi-hued music is brought to life by his 22-piece Christopher Zuar Orchestra, conducted by Mike Holober.

Drawing on the influences of iconic predecessors such as Nat King Cole and Joe Williams, John Dokes revitalizes the rich realm of baritone jazz vocals in his sophisticated new album. Our Day showcases his unique interpretations of cherished standards and classics, alongside The George Gee Orchestra and with musical arrangements skillfully crafted by David Gibson.

Suite for Africa is a new album by Azerbaijani-born, New York-based pianist and composer Amina Figarova (left) in collaboration with the 24-piece choir, the Matsiko World Orphan Choir. The title three-movement suite, inspired by her experiences of meeting students during her travels to South Africa, is bracketed by five complementary Figarova originals inspired by African rhythms and the folk music traditions of the composer’s native Azerbaijan.

Guinga, the newest collaborative album from trombonist Natalie Cressman and guitarist Ian Faquini, presents 14 tracks honoring the renowned Brazilian guitarist and composer, Guinga. Delving into his distinctive style, the duo invites the esteemed songwriter to contribute to fresh compositions inspired by his work, while also offering reinterpretations of pieces from his extensive repertoire.

DC JazzFest has announced the addition of Stanley Clarke, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ron Carter, Nicholas Payton and Lakecia Benjamin to its 2024 DC JazzFest lineup. The festival is set to take place on multiple stages across Washington, D.C., on August 28-September 1, over Labor Day Weekend.

The BMI Jazz Composers Workshop will present its 35th Annual Summer Showcase on June 5 at New York’s Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater. The evening will feature the BMI/New York Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece modern repertory ensemble of leading New York musicians, performing eight new compositions developed in the workshop this season. The annual Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize and Manny Album Commission will be awarded to one of the new works. The evening will also feature a new commission from last year’s prize winner Joseph Herbst.

The World Music Institute will co-present the 25th anniversary New York Guitar Festival at Manhattan’s Kaufman Music Center on June 14-15. Its program spotlights a wealth of international talent and diverse guitar styles, including Marc Ribot with cellist Leyla McCalla, Lee Ranaldo, Yonatan Gat, Laraaji and Mamady Kouyate, and more.