“Now in Stores” – 4/25/2010 to 5/1/2010

Each Friday, I will post five new jazz albums that were released over the past week that are worth giving a listen to.

Here are this weeks five, released between April 25th and May 1st, 2010.

1. It’s About That Time by Hot Club of Detroit (Mack Avenue, 4/27/2010)

The family tree that traces its roots to the Quintette du Hot Club de France has sprouted countless branches across the globe in the seventy years since Django Reinhardt first jammed with Stéphane Grappelli. It seems like a new city lays claim to its own Hot Club on a virtually daily basis, but the Hot Club of Detroit is undoubtedly the apple that has fallen farthest from that tree.

2. Push by Jacky Terrasson (Concord Jazz, 4/27/2010)

On his Concord debut, Push, pianist Jacky Terrasson unveils his new trio with bassist Ben Williams and drummer Jamire Williams. There are also guest appearances from Gregoire Maret on harmonica, saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart, guitarist Matt Stevens, and percussionist Cyro Baptista. Push contains seven new compositions, a medley of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” with “Body and Soul,” and a fresh take on Thelonious Monk’s “‘Round Midnight.”

3. Ramsey Lewis In Chicago/Stretching Out (Import) by Ramsey Lewis (Phantom, 4/27/2010)

Digitally remastered two-fer from the Jazz great. This release Includes the complete album The Ramsey Lewis Trio In Chicago featuring the pianist’s classic trio. This was the last LP ever recorded at Chicago’s historic Blue Note club. Also contains bonus LP, Stretching Out, featuring the same personnel. 19 tracks.Jazz Beat. 2010.

4. Staying on the Watch by Sonny Simmons (Tntrees Records, 4/27/2010)

The noted West Coast composer makes his ESP debut accompanied by his then wife Barbara Donald on trumpet, Teddy Smith on bass, John Hicks on piano, and Marvin Pattillo on percussion. Recorded in August 1966, Staying on the Watch is an important fusion of straight-ahead and avant jazz. Barbara Donald is a superb trumpeter who has made a stern contribution to the legacy of women performers, and has been widely written about. Pianist John Hicks, who makes his New York debut on the record, went on to become one of the most prolific pianists in jazz.

5. Voyage by Federico Britos (Sunny Side Records, 4/27/2010)

With the ebullient string arrangements by Sunnyside labelmate Carlos Franzetti, Britos is backed by an international, stellar cast including Cuban drummers Francisco Mela and Ignacio Berroa; Spanish and American guitarists Tomatito and Bucky Pizzarelli, Brazilian, Dominican and American pianists Antonio Adolfo, Michel Camilo and Kenny Barron, and Puerto Rican bassist Eddie Gomez and conguero Giovanni Hidalgo.

“Now in Stores” – 4/18/2010 t0 4/24/2010

“Now In Stores” – 5 Noteworthy Jazz Albums Released this Week (4/11/2010-4/17/10)