Step Tempest Steps Out: Most Favored Listening 2025, Part Two

There's more, always more!

It’s impossible to do a “Most Favored Recordings” list and keep it short. I read music blogs, listen to the radio, receive numerous recordings from promoters and artists, and remain curious. Some of the recordings listed below I did write about, some I did not, but all are worthy of inclusion.

Jim McNeely with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony & the Frankfurt Radio Big Band – “Primal Colors” (Challenge Records) – Composer, arranger, conductor, and pianist Jim McNeely died on September 26 of this year, leaving behind many unhappy students and sad mentees but a body of work that rivals the modern composer/arrangers such as Bob Brookmeyer, Gil Evans, Gary McFarland, and others. His last major gig was Chief Conductor and, for one year, composer-in-residence for the Frankfurt Radio Big Band. The last work to be released in his lifetime was this wonderful work for Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. Truly lovely!

Marty Ehrlich Trio Exultation – “This Time” (Sunnyside Records) – Seven years after its debut in Clean Feed Records, alto saxophonist and clarinetist Ehrlich’s Trio Exultation, with bassist John Hébert and drummer Nasheet Waits, returned with this endlessly fascinating set of originals and Andrew Hill songs (like the one below). The blend of written material and improvisation stands out!

James Brandon Lewis Quartet – “Abstraction is Deliverance” (INTAKT Records) – Mr. Lewis’s “scientific” quartet, pianist Aruan Ortiz, bassist Brad Jones, and drummer Chad Taylor, issued its fifth album this year; they continue to shine. The group’s energy and focus reminds some of the work of the Branford Marsalis Quartet and proudly wears the influence of the classic John Coltrane Quartet. What stands out the most are the excellent songs Mr. Lewis creates for his voracious bandmates and the splendid musicianship!

Carl Allen – “Tippin” (Cellar Music) – Drummer Allen’s album was issued in early January of 2025 and remained a “go-to” throughout the year. Basically a trio gig with bassist Christian McBride and saxophonist/ bass clarinetist Chris Potter, the program standards from different generations which the three musicians play with a gleeful and powerful sense of swing and storytelling. Pianist John Lee appears on the lovely performance of Kenny Barron’s “Song for Abdullah” (kudos to bassist McBride for his stunning bowed bass work). Oftentimes, when three “pros” get together to make a record, the results are a “blowing” session. “Tippin’” swings for sure but there are stories to be told!

PRISM Quartet w/ Miguel Zenón – “El Eco de Un Tambor” (XAS) – Mr. Zenón puts on his composer’s cloak for this seven-movement piece he composed for PRISM Quartet. The work, which translates to “the echo of the drum”, is based on the composer’s lifelong study of the rhythms of his native Puerto Rico and the inspiration of African rhythms, the music slips, slides, soars, shines, and makes one smile.

Bad Bunny – “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS“ (Rimas Entertainment) – This may seem out of place in the midst of jazz and contemporary classical music but the Reggaeton superstar is as focussed on the rhythms of Puerto Rico as Mr. Zenón. Yes, it has more of a “pop” feels at times but listening the various streams of rhythms percolating inder and around the vocalist is quite a delight!

Chicago Underground Duo – “Hyperglyph” (International Anthem) – Trumpeter Rob Mazurek and drummer/.percussionist Chad Taylor first met in 1988 and formed the Chicago Underground Duo nine years later. Their debut album was issued in 1998 and they recorded another seven over the next 16 years. At the same time, they recorded four albums as a Trio, two as a Quartet, and even one as an Orchestra. “Hyperglyph” is the the Duo’s first album in 11 years, their first for International Anthem Records, with an album that blends improvisation with studio wizardry, fun with funky, noise with melody, exploding with ideas at nearly every turn.

Sō Percussion – “25 x 25” (Canteloupe Music) – In 2000, Sō Percussion formed as a Quartet when all four members were attending the Yale University School of Music. They have done many amazing shows and recordings over that span and decided to celebrate with 25 new or previously unrecorded compositions spread out over eight CDs. I will admit that I have yet to listen to the entire program in its entirety. There is so much variety in rhythms, sounds, tambres, and ideas that one has to really pay attention. I purchased the digital edition, have played it in the house, in my car, and in the classroom, on my walks, and elsewhere, and remain fascinated by what this amazing ensemble can create.

Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel – “Gabriela Ortiz: Yanga” (LA Philharmonic Records/PLATOON) – This past Summer, while recuperating from knee replacement surgery, the days were spent exploring, among other sounds, Contemporary Classical Music. While reading an article about the Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, the author mentioned her new recording, “Yanga”. The blend of voices, percussion, numerous rhythm changes, soaring strings, captured my ears and mind that the recording had to be included in this list. Ms. Ortiz’a other music and recordings are well worth exploring but definitely begin here!

Instead of writing more, I will leave with sounds from the rest of my list. Be adventurous and check out these artists and their music!

Andy Biskin & Reed Basket – “Reed Basket” (Self-released) -

Myra Melford SPLASH w/ Michael Formanek & Ches Smith – “Splash” (Intakt Records) –

Nicole Zuraitis & Friends – “Live at Vic’s Las Vegas” (La Reserve Records) –

Ambrose Akinmusire – “honey from a winter stone” (Nonesuch Records) –

Fergus McCreadie – “The Shieling” (Edition Records) -

Kate Wyatt Trio – “Murmurations” (Self-released) -

Gabriel Alegria Afro-Peruvian Sextet – “El Muki” (Self-Released) -

Vijay Iyer & Wadada Leo Smith – “Defiant Life” (ECM) -

John Yao & His 17-Piece Instrument – “Points In Time” (See Tao Recordings) -

John Patitucci – “Spirit Falls” (Edition Records) –

Kurt Elling & Christian Sands – “Wildflowers Volume 3” (Big Shoulders Records) –

Amaury Faye – “Rust” (Clearway Productions) –

Jonathan Blake – “My Life Matters” (Blue Note Records) -

Alchemy Sound Project – “Under the Surface” (ARC) -

Nneena Freelon – “Beneath The Skin” (Origin Records) -

Archival Recordings & Reissues

Roy Brooks – “The Free Slave” (Time Traveler Recordings) -

McCoy Tyner & Joe Henderson – “Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs” (Blue Note) -

Charles Mingus – “In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts” (Resonance Records) -

Freddie Hubbard – “On Fire: Live from the Blue Morocco” (Resonance Records) –

The Dave Robbins Big Band – “Happy Faces” (Reel to Real/Cellar Music) –