by Robin James
July 2, 2025
“Summertime, and the living is easy,” as the lyrics to that beloved song go. It’s the season for jazz festivals and music in the open air — but if you’re not traveling or attending live shows, there’s still plenty of great music to create your own summertime soundtrack indoors.
Speaking of travel, Savant Records has just the thing for you: “Travelogue,” the latest release from gifted pianist Danny Grissett. Along with bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Bill Stewart, Grissett delivers swing, lyricism, and harmonic sophistication on this new set, released in May.
The album reflects life as a traveling jazz artist, featuring mostly original compositions by Grissett. Listeners who join the journey will be rewarded with a colorful musical landscape built on rhythmic mastery and emotional depth.
Tracklist
- The Long Way Home
- Wonder Wander
- Interlude: Inbound
- The People in the City
- Picture in Picture
- Whisper Not
- Interlude: Outbound
- The After Hours
- Here’s That Rainy Day
- Spin Cycle
Grissett isn’t the only one with new music this summer. Bassist Christian McBride returns with “Without Further Ado, Vol. 1,” out Aug. 29 on Mack Avenue Records. The album features an impressive guest list, including Sting, Andy Summers, Samara Joy, José James, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dianne Reeves, Jeffrey Osborne and Antoinnette Henry.
Another standout pianist and Mack Avenue labelmate, previously mentioned in this column, is Isaiah J. Thompson. His new album, “The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry,” was just released. The project is described as a spiritual and autobiographical statement, exploring faith, musicianship, race and humanity. One of my favorite pianists, Cyrus Chestnut, co-produced the album.
Also from Mack Avenue Records, “Elemental,” a duet album by vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and pianist Bill Charlap, dropped on June 13. After years of sold-out live collaborations, it’s a joy to see them bring that synergy into the studio. Both artists are steeped in tradition and known for their dynamic range.
Closer to home, the classic Twin Cities Jazz Fest wrapped up another successful year this past weekend in St. Paul.
Looking ahead, vocalist Lizz Wright, no stranger to the Twin Cities, will perform at the Dakota on July 9. I still remember discovering her debut album, “Salt,” back in 2003. Her live recording “Holding Space: Lizz Wright Live in Berlin” is another gem worth checking out. For tickets, visit www.dakotacooks.com.
In August, the iconic Newport Jazz Festival kicks off in Rhode Island. While I won’t be traveling there this year, I’m excited for a jazz festival closer to home. The 24th annual Selby Avenue Jazz Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Milton Street and Selby Avenue in St. Paul. It’s a free, family-friendly event featuring kids’ activities, artisan vendors, and great food.
This year’s lineup includes Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, The Yuko Mabuchi Trio, Heyarlo, Brio Brass, the Walker West Jazz Ensemble, and the Selby Avenue Brass Band. I always look forward to the Walker West Jazz Ensemble; they represent the next generation of jazz and sound fantastic.
For more information, visit www.selbyavejazzfest.com.
Finally, closing out the season on a high note, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis presented a celebratory performance, The Best of JLCO with Wynton Marsalis, on June 13 in New York City. I watched via livestream, and it did not disappoint.
Highlights included “2/3’s Adventure” by bassist and composer Carlos Henriquez, Vincent Gardner’s vocal take on “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby,” and Paul Nedzela’s moving baritone saxophone solo on John Coltrane’s “Alabama.”
Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 38th season, Mother Africa, will unite African and American musical traditions. The season runs from July 24, 2025, through June 20, 2026.
Robin James welcomes reader responses at jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.
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