Booker Little - Booker Little 4 & Max Roach (Blue Note Tone Poet) - Blue Note Records

Memphis-born trumpeter Booker Little was a bright light of the jazz world who died tragically young at age 23. A prodigiously talented hornman as well as a composer, Little first came to prominence as a member of Max Roach’s band which he joined in 1956 after the death of Clifford Brown, another trumpet great gone far too soon. Little only made a handful of albums as a leader during his brief career including his astounding debut Booker Little 4 & Max Roach recorded in 1958 for United Artists when he was just 20 years old. The full breadth of Little’s artistry leaps out of the grooves with his brilliant tone, astonishing technique, and inventive lines matched by Roach’s fiery drums throughout this engaging set that also featured George Coleman on tenor saxophone, Tommy Flanagan on piano, and Art Davis on bass. The album opens with Miles Davis’ “Milestones” and includes the standards “Sweet and Lovely” and a stunning version of “Moonlight Becomes You,” but the album’s centerpiece is the trio of Little originals: “Rounder’s Mood,” “Dungeon Waltz,” and “Jewel’s Tempo.”

Donald Byrd - Kofi (Blue Note Tone Poet Series) - Blue Note Records

Drawn from two sessions recorded in December 1969 and December 1970, and not first released until 1995, Kofi found Donald Byrd in the early stages of his transformation from top-notch hard bop trumpeter to fusion pioneer. Byrd had already begun to move away from a pure hard bop sound with his album Fancy Free in the Spring of 1969, and the two Kofi sessions straddled the recording of his adventurous fusion album Electric Byrd. The first Kofi session subtly explored a new realm of sounds on Byrd’s originals “Kofi” and “Fufu” with producer Duke Pearson’s electric piano shimmering underneath textured arrangements featuring Lew Tabackin on flute and tenor saxophone, Frank Foster on tenor saxophone, William Campbell on trombone, Ron Carter on acoustic bass, Bob Cranshaw on electric bass, and Airto Moreira on drums. The following 1970 session produced two more vibey Byrd originals—“Perpetual Love” and “Elmina”—adding Wally Richardson on guitar and Mickey Roker on drums with Moreira playing percussion along with Dom Um Romão.

Billy Strings - Highway Prayers - Reprise

BILLY STRINGS Highway Prayers Modern bluegrass superstar Billy Strings has announced Highway Prayers, his first studio release since his 2022 father-son team-up LP Me/And/Dad and his first solo studio collection since 2021's Renewal. The 20-track LP, co-produced by Billy Strings and Jon Brion, is due out on September 2024.

Various Artists - Bridgerton Season Three (Soundtrack from the Netflix Series) - Capitol Records

Double wedding ring gold colored vinyl LP pressing. As the Bridgerton franchise returns for it's highly anticipated third season, prepare to be swept away once again by it's unique musical touch. Season 3 will captivate viewers worldwide with a fresh blend of orchestral pop covers and original compositions infusing a modern twist into the Regency-era romance. In Season 3, acclaimed composer Kris Bowers orchestrates a stunning original score, with covers ranging from Billie Eilish's "Happier Than Ever" and BTS's "Dynamite" to the #1 Global Viral Spotify Hit, "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull covered by Archer March.

Common & Pete Rock - The Auditorium Vol. 1 - Loma Vista Recordings

Legendary hip-hop figures Common and Pete Rock showcase their evolved prowess in their debut collaboration, "The Auditorium, Vol. 1." Despite years apart, their synergy is palpable. Pete's groundbreaking production, blending intricate harmonies, and Common's multifaceted artistry shine through. Their meticulous process births 15 tracks that blend nostalgia with innovation. With cameos from Jennifer Hudson and De La Soul's Posdnuos, each element is carefully curated, resulting in a timeless masterpiece. This album not only celebrates their individual growth but also sets the stage for future volumes.

Luke Bryan - Mind Of A Country Boy - Capitol Nashville

Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan is releasing a brand-new album, Mind of a Country Boy, featuring 14 tracks including his latest single, “Love you, Miss you, Mean It.” “This song was special from the first time I heard it,” said Luke. “I knew it would resonate. It’s about young love and that whole process of trying to make relationships work through the on-again and off-again cycles. My wife and I went through that journey during college, and I know a lot of people out there have too.” During his career Luke has performed for more than 14 million fans inclusive of his numerous headline tours, “Crash My Playa,” “Luke Bryan: VEGAS” and “Farm Tour.”