A piano legend’s final studio recording; a stellar trio’s grand debut statement; a guitar maestro’s first live album in 30 years. All this and more on our list of ten albums out this November that you need to know.
Dave Brubeck, Lullabies (Verve)
Release date: November 6
Lullabies is Dave Brubeck’s final studio recording and a wonderful showcase of his distinctive solo piano improvisational style on a set of well-known children’s songs, classic standards and originals. The album, originally recorded in 2010 as a gift to his grandchildren, is released by Verve on the year of the 100th anniversary of the piano legend’s birth.
Dino Saluzzi, Albores (ECM)
Release date: November 6
Argentine bandoneon maestro Dino Saluzzi reflects upon the passage of time and reaches back to early memories in his first solo recording in 30 years. Recorded in his studio in Buenos Aires, Albores offers an intimate program testifying to his gifts as a musical storyteller of great subtlety and his unparalleled connection with his instrument of choice.
Fred Hersch, Songs from Home (Palmetto)
Release date: November 6
Inimitable pianist/composer Fred Hersch celebrates his 65th birthday in quarantine with a brilliant new album, recorded in his Pennsylvania home. Songs from Home is a new 10-song collection of heartfelt and intimate solo piano recordings of originals and covers, and the perfect antidote to the current tumult of the world outside.
Sarah Elizabeth Charles and Jarrett Cherner, Tone (BaldHill)
Release date: November 6
Tone is the poetic duo debut album of vocalist Sarah Elizabeth Charles and pianist Jarrett Cherner. Partly recorded in their Brooklyn home, it is intimate and warm and features an all-original program exploring themes of selfless love and living with purpose via eight tracks written over a period of four years.
Yellowjackets + WDR Big Band, Jackets XL (Mack Avenue)
Release date: November 6
Leading crossover jazz ensemble Yellowjackets celebrate their 25th anniversary with Jackets XL, a collaboration with Germany’s WDR Big Band and its principal conductor, saxophonist/band member Bob Mintzer. The tracklist includes eight rearranged versions of songs from the band’s repertoire and two new compositions penned by keyboardist/founder Russell Ferrante.
George Benson, Weekend in London (Mascot/Provogue)
Release date: November 13
Weekend in London marks guitar maestro George Benson’s first new live recording in 30 years. The LP documents his intimate 2019 live performance at London’s famed Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and features new renditions of hits, fan favorites and hidden gems from his legendary six-decades long career.
The Nels Cline Singers, Share the Wealth (Blue Note)
Release date: November 13
Share the Wealth is the new double-album by guitarist Nels Cline, offering ten new tracks that rank among his most swirling sonic explorations. His third outing for Blue Note also features an expanded version of his Nels Cline Singers projects, with saxophonist Skerik, keyboardist Brian Marsella, bassist Trevor Dunn, drummer Scott Amendola and percussionist Cyro Baptista.
Will Vinson, Gilad Hekselman, Antonio Sánchez, Trio Grande (Whirlwind)
Release date: November 13
Trio Grande is a captivating debut statement from a new trio formed by three of the hottest bandleaders on the scene today: saxophonist Will Vinson, guitarist Gilad Hekselman and drummer Antonio Sánchez. An encounter between three strong, distinctive musical personalities, the album offers a blend of wide-ranging styles and influences that is well-grounded in jazz.
Jamie Cullum, The Pianoman at Christmas (Island)
Release date: November 20
The Pianoman at Christmas features ten original festive songs penned by pianist/vocalist Jamie Cullum and performed with a big band of no fewer than 57 musicians. Recorded over the course of five days at London’s Abbey Road Studios, this is Cullum’s first full-length Christmas album.
Eric Reed, For Such a Time as This (Smoke Sessions)
Release date: November 27
Pianist Eric Reed returns with a collection of songs written in response to the contemporary tumult, including the global pandemic and racial injustice. For Such a Time as This, out via Smoke Sessions, finds him alongside saxophonist Chris Lewis, bassist Alex Boneham, drummer Kevin Kanner and guest vocalist Henry Jackson.
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