Mondo Jazz

Enjoy a playlist that showcases a series of tributes connecting today’s European scene with the legacy of American jazz masters—from Don Cherry to Charlie Haden and Steve Lacy—alongside the remarkable work of established and up-and-coming composer-arrangers such as Michael Leonhart and Rebecca Trescher.

The playlist features Shake Stew; Michael Leonhart; Rebecca Trescher; Stéphane Kerecki [pictured]; Matthieu Donarier.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21891572/Mondo-Jazz [from "Cherry Pie" to "Peebles"]

Happy listening!

Photo: Eric Garault

This episode -- bookended by drummers who are also adventurous composers and bandleaders -- explores the evolving landscape of contemporary jazz. The playlist unfolds as a sonic journey, moving seamlessly from introspection to collective energy and reflecting the dynamic, genre-defying nature of today’s scene.

The playlist features Sebastian Rochford; Tortoise; Dishwasher_; Britta Virves; Beiggja; and Thomas Strønen [pictured].

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21891572/Mondo-Jazz [up to "In Awe of Stillness"]

Happy listening!

A set for piano lovers, with a particular focus on recent and newly issued solo recordings which explore spontaneity, lyricism, and the quiet intensity of unaccompanied playing, from Antonio Faraò’s balanced mix of freedom and structure to the poetic restraint and emotional clarity of Frank Kimbrough, Bugge Wesseltoft, and Shai Maestro, before arriving at one of Keith Jarrett’s late solo concert statements. Fred Hersch's Trio wraps up the playlist.

The playlist features Antonio Faraò; Frank Kimbrough; Bugge Wesseltoft; Shai Maestro [pictured]; Keith Jarrett; and Fred Hersch.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21792586/Mondo-Jazz [from "MT" onwards].

Happy listening!

Photo: Gabriel Baharlia

Enjoy a playlist that brings together energy, intimacy, and creative identity, moving across projects that blur boundaries between electric and acoustic, structure and freedom. From the personal, groove-inflected vision of Maurício Fleury’s debut to the explosive collective force of Gard Nilssen’s expanded Acoustic Unity, the music thrives on momentum and risk. This set also focuses on Aaron Parks and Shoko Nagai, each featured in two contrasting settings.

The playlist features Mauricio Fleury; Gard Nilssen [pictured]; Tom Ollendorff; Aaron Parks; Shoko Nagai; and Maryanne de Prophetis.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21792586/Mondo-Jazz [from "Banhado" to "Come O Light"].

Happy listening!

Large ensembles are the guiding thread of this segment, approached not as monuments but as flexible, expressive forces shaped by strong compositional voices. From a landmark Sonny Criss reissue with arrangements by Horace Tapscott to Miho Hazama’s stunning reimagining of Thad Jones’ legacy, Dan Rosenboom’s genre-blurring large-ensemble work, and a freshly restored, richly orchestrated album by Carlos Garnett. Along the way—offering contrast without breaking the flow—intensity is reframed through Deadeye’s latest album and Simon Jermyn’s two recent projects.

The playlist features Sonny Criss; Miho Hazama [pictured], Danish Radio Big Band, Danish National Symphony Orchestra; Dan Rosenboom; Deadeye; Simon Jermyn; Luke Marantz; and Carlos Garnett.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21792586/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Saxy"]

Happy listening!

Photo: Dave Stapleton.