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Now Playing : A Blog Supreme From time to time, we hear a recording or concert which merits comment and deserves to be passed along. Here are our recommendations and reviews of new releases and goings-on in jazz today, with as many opportunities for preview listening as we can provide.

A Blog Supreme

From NPR Jazz

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5 New Jazz Albums From 2014 So Far

James Brandon Lewis' second album, Divine Travels, came out in early February. Ingrid Hertfelder/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Ingrid Hertfelder/Courtesy of the artist

Review

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5 New Jazz Albums From 2014 So Far

It may seem as if jazz recordings have slowed to a flurry, but it's more like a blizzard, with dozens already coming down in the new year. Hear highlights from a few albums worth shoveling out, by Archie Shepp, Edward Simon, James Brandon Lewis and more.

Educated Guesses At The 2013 Monk Competition

The 2013 finalists pose with Thelonious Monk Institute officials. Left to right: Godwin Louis, Melissa Aldana, institute honorary co-chair Billy Dee Williams, Tivon Pennicott, chairman T.S. Monk. Steve Mundinger/Courtesy of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz hide caption

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Steve Mundinger/Courtesy of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz

Review

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Educated Guesses At The 2013 Monk Competition

The annual jazz competition for young musicians, which featured saxophonists in 2013, was a bit predictable — at least in the semifinal round. But given the particular displays of talent on stage, is that necessarily a bad thing?

Derrick Hodge: Finding Music In Unexpected Moments

Many musicians discover their love for music through church, but Derrick Hodge found church through music. His debut solo album, Live Today, comes out August 6. Chris Baldwin/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Chris Baldwin/Courtesy of the artist

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Derrick Hodge: Finding Music In Unexpected Moments

From church services to arguments at the table, the jazz musician finds himself drawn to the music of the everyday. His debut album, Live Today, is anchored in jazz grooves and layered with influences from hip-hop to gospel.

Derrick Hodge: Finding Music In Unexpected Moments

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Piano Mastery, Trinidadian Trumpet, Singing Apes: New Jazz

Trumpeter Etienne Charles' new album is called Creole Soul. Laura Ferreira/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Laura Ferreira/Courtesy of the artist

Review

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Piano Mastery, Trinidadian Trumpet, Singing Apes: New Jazz

This summer has seen plenty of worthwhile jazz, including a pianist who's been around since the '50s, a Caribbean jazzman, a band of deliberate melody, and a cover from The Jungle Book. Sample recordings from Harold Mabern, Etienne Charles, the band Black Host and Lauren Desberg.

Piano Mastery, Trinidadian Trumpet, Singing Apes: New Jazz

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Time Is On Their Side: Ageless Jazz Drumming

"Killer" Ray Appleton, a veteran drummer with the wisdom of experience and ageless swing. Jimmy Katz/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Jimmy Katz/Courtesy of the artist

Review

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Time Is On Their Side: Ageless Jazz Drumming

Veteran jazz masters "Killer" Ray Appleton and Barry Altschul have issued fine new albums this year. Both in their early 70s, it's clear they draw from extensive experience. So how might that translate to making music that's fun to listen to?

Philip Dizack: What You Learn When You're Older

Philip Dizack at WBGO, with saxophonist Jake Saslow in the background. Josh Jackson/WBGO hide caption

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Josh Jackson/WBGO

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Philip Dizack: What You Learn When You're Older

WBGO

A lot can happen in six years. For one young New York-based jazz trumpeter, losses in the family and gains in musical maturity were enough to inspire a new album, End of an Era. He and his band visited WBGO's studios for this in-studio recording.

Philip Dizack in Studio at WBGO

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Heavy Rotation: Chano Dominguez, 'Freddie Freeloader'

Chano Dominguez. Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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Courtesy of the artist

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Heavy Rotation: Chano Dominguez, 'Freddie Freeloader'

WBGO

Gary Walker, music director of WBGO in Newark, highlights the pianist's take on a Miles Davis classic.

Chano Dominguez - 'Freddie Freeloader'

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