Slow Tiger

Slow Tiger

Endectomorph, 2026

9/10

Listen to Slow Tiger

An assembly that began after Covid, Slow Tiger consists of Kenny Warren, Adam Schneit, JP Schlegelmilch, Andrew Dow and Nathan Ellman-Bell, who make for a pretty and expressive version of jazz here.

“Powerpuff Backpack” opens with plenty of sonic intrigue, where Ellman-Bell’s frisky drumming aligns with plenty of harmonics, and “Maritime Studies” follows with Adam Schneit’s well timed clarinet amid a rich and curious delivery.

Getting into the middle, “Mending The Nets” move slow via the skilled texturing that makes great use of Warren’s trumpet, while “Eleven In Six” allows for Dow’s animated bass to shine alongside the playful percussive sounds.

Arriving late, “Light Picture Fixture” leads with a cryptic droning before a busy presence enters and Schlegelmilch’s animated keys won’t go unnoticed, and the title track exits with a cozy demeanor that’s charming and heartfelt.

A set of tunes with no lack of earthy and emotive melodies, the live recording gives the record a spontaneous feel, as Slow Tiger carve out a very unique spot in the area of modern jazz.

Travels well with: James Wengrow- Emissary; Kevin Sun- lofi at lowlands

Andrew Kim

Lineage

Origin, 2026

9/10

Listen to Lineage

The trombone extraordinaire Andrew Kim is in some fine company here, where 10 timeless jazz songs unfold with precision and adventurousness.

“Kimposter” starts the listen with plenty of energy, where Steve Bowman’s lively bass suits Kim’s rich trombone, and “The World Falls Away” follows with Xavier Davis’ lively keys amid Sharel Cassity’s rich sax prowess.

“Nostos” arrives at the halfway point and enlists Randy Napoleon’s meticulous guitar via the melodic undertones and gentleness, while “Welcome Home” radiates much intimacy thanks to Rodney Whitaker’s soft bass and Ulysses S. Owen’s calm drums.

“Awaken” and “Stella By Starlight” exit the listen. The former blends the frisky keys and stylish rhythm section into the album’s best, and the latter is a bare but impactful finish of beauty and grace.

An excellent debut record, Kim and his pals make for a great time with both swinging and calm moments of collaborative and exciting jazz sounds.

Travels well with: Jon Hamar- Música Callada; Barry Greene- Giants

Gregory Harrington

Without You

Estile, 2019

8/10

Listen to Without You

A violin enthusiast from Dublin, Gregory Harrington now resides in New York City and has kept himself busy playing well received pop, rock and jazz covers all over the world. Without You, dedicated to his late father, brings us 11 renditions of tunes from some legendary songwriters- both past and present- and Harrington reinvents them all with his keen attention to ambiance.

“Hallelujah” starts the album sweet and tender with a gorgeous rendition of the Cohen classic, and “Autumn Leaves” follows with a waltz spirit as light keys and brushed percussion dance around Harrington’s violin.

Further along, “Emmanuel” moves with an emotive spirit, while “Summertime” finds itself in a playful mood of dynamic interaction between the instruments. “It Never Entered My Mind”, the highlight from the first half, brings a cinematic spirit to the affair with meticulous musicianship.

The back half of the listen has some great selections including a fantastic version of “With Or Without You”, the sublime grace of “Oblivion” and the multifaceted “Caruso”, that unfolds with tense beauty. The album ends on “When I Fall In Love”, which punctuates the highly accomplished instrumentation that exists on the album.

This 4th record from Harrington recruits Simon Mulligan on keys, Matt Scarano behind the drum kit, Leon Boykins handling bass, Eleanor Norton on cello and Ric Molina on guitar, and together the ensemble pay much attention to every detail on this instantly enjoyable listen of classic songs

Travels well with: Lindsey Stirling- Shatter Me; Andrea Bocelli- Amore