Mondo Jazz

Another episode of Mondo Jazz, another constellation of global musical connections — spanning Morocco to India, Basque to Arabic traditions, and the space where classical and world influences meet. The playlist features Saha Gnawa [pictured], Donny McCaslin; Makiko Hirabayashi; Louis Sclavis; Amir ElSaffar; Roberto Ottaviano. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21481826/Mondo-Jazz [u...

Artists stepping outside their usual terrain, and others that go deep in the one they're familiar with, take center stage in this week’s selection of standout release. The playlist features Boz Scaggs; Daniel Santiago; Camille Bertault [pictured]; Andrea Molinari; David Kikoski; Orchestre National de Jazz, Ensemble Intercontemporain. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21447060/Mondo...

Cultural roots—and our shared roots on this planet—tie together the projects featured in this playlist of recent and soon-to-land treasures. The playlist features Igor Lumpert; Tarun Balani; Fergus McCreadie; Laura Jurd; Gianni Coscia [pictured]; Robin Fincker, Janick Martin; Vincent Courtois, Colin Vallon. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21447060/Mondo-Jazz [from "Sures" to "Don...

Welcome back to our weekly dispatch of recent and upcoming releases—where recent and upcoming isn’t a marketing catchphrase but living proof that jazz keeps surpassing expectations, along with our sheer ability to keep up. The playlist features Luca Curcio [pictured]; Alison Shearer; Steiger; David Binney, Tommy Crane; Dave Harrington, Jay Bellerose, Billy Mohler; John Scofield, Dave Holland; and...

Mike Stern-powered debut albums, pastoral projects, and a J.J. Cale-tinged antidote to worry wmake up a playlist well worth your time. The playlist features Wolfgang Muthspiel, Scott Colley, Brian Blade; Juan Chiavassa [pictured], Mike Stern, John Patitucci, Leo Genovese, Pedrito Martinez, Federico Gonzalez Peña; Bob Schlesinger; Shuteen Erdenebaatar, Nils Kugelmann; Wakan; Seth Walker. Detailed p...

Here is another dispatch of fresh new releases at the intersection of high-octane energy, cinematic vibes and much awaited returns. The playlist features New Cool Collective; Vladimir Kostadinovic; La Tanya Hall [pictured]; Gary Bartz NTU Troop, Kamasi Washington, Terrace Martin, Nile Rodgers; Johan Lindström; and Zack Lober. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21377743/Mondo-Jazz [f...

Enjoy another playlist where we trade the same-old standards for future ones, which hopefully you’ll be discovering here first. The playlist features Oddjob; Daniel Zimmermann; Hanna Paulsberg [pictured], Elin Rosseland; Federico Calcagno, The Dolphians; Harper Trio; and Simon Chivallon. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21377743/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Les Passantes"]. Happy listening!...

Here is a playlist highlighting recent releases by some of the most adventurous players of our time, with a special focus on two pillars of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians—as the AACM marks its 60th anniversary—Wadada Leo Smith and Henry Threadgill. The playlist features Gregg Belisle-Chi; Henry Threadgill; Jakob Bro, Wadada Leo Smith [pictured], Marilyn Crispell, Andrew...

Enjoy a playlist that celebrates the "art of the impromptu" — live performance, spur-of-the-moment recording sessions, concerts released at lightning speed, and the joy of creating in the moment. The playlist features Rabbath Electric Orchestra; Kurt Elling, Christian Sands, Marquis Hill; Rico Jones [pictured]; John Taylor, Marc Johnson, Joey Baron; Liv Andrea Hauge; Tommy Smith, Gwilym Simcock. D...

Jazz-inflected renditions of pop songs, Hammond B-3 romps, and magmatic textures make up a playlist which proves that great music rarely happens on major labels—or emerges from algorithms. The playlist features Roxana Amed; David Helbock, Julia Hofer, Mahan Mirarab; Fabrizio Bosso; Wayne Horvitz; Tomas Fujiwara; and Esmeralda Sella [pictured]. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/2134...

This time we’ll dive into adventurous large and mid-size ensembles rewriting the rules of how size can matter, then close with a burst of spiritual fire from New Zealand. The playlist features The 8-Bit Big Band; Tino Tracanna; Rin Seo [pictured]; the Webber/Morris Big Band; Yuhan Su; and The Circling Sun. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21308615/Mondo-Jazz [from "Waluigi Pinball...

Psychedelic boogaloo jams, games of fantasy jazz, progressive funk influences and downtown vibes, are the main ingredients of this fun playlist! The playlist features Ari Joshua, Skerik, Delvon Lamarr, Grant Schroff; Funkwrench Blues, Nduduzo Makhathini, Lenny White, David Boyce, David DR Robbins, Frank Swart; Revolutionary Snake Ensemble [pictured]; The Naked Boys; Dave Douglas; and HackOut! Deta...

Enjoy another playlist that tries to prove that great music does not usually happen on a major label, or in a Spotify bunker somewhere, especially when it's music as ecletic and creative as this one. The playlist features Petter Eldh, Richard Spaven; Cécile McLorin Salvant; Agnas Bros.; Mulatu Astatke [pictured]; Tom Skinner; and Ned Rothenberg. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21...

Enjoy another playlist that shines a light on recent and upcoming releases and tries to bridge the gap between mainstream and progressive audiences. The playlist features Jon Irabagon; Josh Lawrence; Ben LaMar Gay [pictured]; Witold; Harald Lassen; Ventilateur. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21274558/Mondo-Jazz [from "Buggin' the Mud" onwards]. Happy listening! Photo credit: Eri...

Here a few more memorable finds from our weekly listening so you can go straight to the heart of today’s vibrant West Coast, East Coast and European jazz scenes. The playlist features Vincent Peirani; Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Segal, Emile Parisien; Carmen Staaf [pictured]; SML; Rachel Eckroth; Olivier Van Niekerk. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21274558/Mondo-Jazz [from "Time Re...

Here is another week worth of sifting through the flood of new music to bring you the gems you’d never find on shuffle. The playlist features Zé Ibarra [pictured]; Charlie Rouse; Paolo Fresu, Richard Galliano, Jan Lundgren; Timo Vollbrecht; Robin Holcomb, Peggy Lee. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21274558/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Waltz"]. Happy listening!

Chad Taylor is so busy as leader, co-leader and special guest on countless new albums in 2025, that he--literally--seems to be here, and there, and everywhere (pretty much like Ted Lasso's Roy Kent!). Here is a quick guide to enjoy his ubiquitousness! The playlist also features Chicago Underground Duo; David Lord; Mats Gustaffson, Ken Vandermark, Tomeka Reid; Sylvain Kassap, Steve Swell, Benjamin...

Enjoy an installment of Mondo Jazz spotlighting fresh releases that balance fire and subtlety, urgency and reflection. A great reminder that jazz is never just one thing—it’s restless, searching and multi-faceted. The playlist features Donny McCaslin; Trio of Bloom, Nels Cline, Craig Taborn, Marcus Gilmore; Jaleel Shaw; Loke Risberg; Théo Girard, Mobke; Theon Cross [pictured]. Detailed playlist at...

Here's a playlist which shines a light on Lex Korten, one of New York’s most in-demand young pianists. Alongside his much-anticipated debut, you’ll hear collaborations that show just how deeply he’s shaping today’s scene. Also included: a stirring Max Roach tribute from Terri Lyne Carrington and Christie Dashiell, plus an uplifting new release from pianist Michael Wolff. The playlist features Mich...

Stamp your jazz passport without packing a bag: this week’s playlist gathers Scandinavian trailblazers, both fresh and seasoned, alongside British, Mexican, and Italian adventurers pushing jazz into new territory. The playlist features Teis Semey; Bugge Wesseltoft; Alexander Hawkins; Gustavo Cortiñas [pictured]; Euan Edmonds; and Marco Centasso. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21...

From his early accordion days and forró roots to his global influence, Hermeto Pascoal lived in total communion with sound, inspiring generations worldwide. More than a multi-instrumentalist, he was a true “multi-thing-ist,” turning pianos, flutes, and drums into magic—but also rubber ducks, teapots, rivers, and stalactites. Perhaps shaped by his vision impairment, he treated every style and every...

There are countless ways to frame a jazz project—through cinema, sci-fi, the push and pull between roots and exploration, unconventional line-ups, or the African diaspora. You will find them all in this eclectic playlist. The playlist features Julien Daïan, Daniel Auteuil; Aldorande; Luigi Grasso [pictured], NDR Big Band; Michael Blake; Eric McPherson; and Aruan Ortiz. Detailed playlist at https:/...

Enjoy a playlist packed with unbridled joy and energy! The playlist features Till Brönner [pictured]; Aki Rissanen; Pino Palladino, Blake Mills; LaMP feat. Russ Lawton, Scott Metzger, Ray Paczkowski; Jake Breaks feat. Gregory Howe, Erik Jekabson, Mads Tolling, Ben Davis; Shawn Lee, Kelly Finnigan; and Frida Touray. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21173273/Mondo-Jazz (from "Il tru...

A playlist of handpicked gems from both sides of the Atlantic. The playlist features Max Nagl; Vincent Ségal, Stéphane Kerecki; Naïssam Jalal, Sylvain Rifflet; Luke Stewart; Jeff Walton; Miguel Zenón [pictured]. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21173273/Mondo-Jazz (up to "There Will Never Be Another You"). Happy listening!

Enjoy another playlist of brilliant new releases the algorithms haven’t caught up with yet. The playlist features Gary Brunton; Emma Rawicz; Kai Craig; Jane Ira Bloom; Gilad Atzmon; Daniel Bulatkin; Taras Volos; Dušan Černák; Nicole Glover [pictured]; and Billy Lester. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21173273/Mondo-Jazz (up to "There Will Never Be Another You"). Happy listening!