2025 D.C. jazz album roundup
2025 was another staggering year for D.C.’s jazz scene. From January to December, artists released over 30 records, touching every corner of the genre from explorations in electronic sound to solemn reflections on the tradition.
To provide some guidance to discerning listeners wishing to sample the many offerings from our beloved, talented music community, CapitalBop has compiled a roundup of the many works on offer from DMV musicians this year. Though the list is meant to be comprehensive, we can’t be everywhere all at once, so if we missed something, please reach out!
All albums below appear by release date; order does not reflect editorial opinion.
Stay tuned for next week, when CapitalBop’s deep pool of critics reveals which albums below are our picks for best of 2025.
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Fully Furnished, Humbalaya, released Dec. 21, 2024
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The second album by jazz-rock outfit Humbalaya, featuring all original songs. The genre-blending music features a silky layer of vocalist Cybele Mayes-Osterman. It was recorded at The Classroom in Hyattsville, Md., not far from the University of Maryland, where the group first came together.
Recital 1, Keith Butler, Jr., released Dec. 23, 2024
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A short collection by D.C.-based drummer and composer Keith Butler Jr. The album was recorded at Rhizome DC and features three originals by Butler — introspective pieces with light vocals and spacious piano, all performed solo.
NitroZeus!, Bushmeat Sound System, released Jan. 3
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A nine-minute electronic work from Thomas Stanley, known creatively as Bushmeat Sound. The avant-garde album is a weapon of Stanely’s creation meant to free the listener from the grip of systemic cycles in the midst of a revolutionary cyber war.
All That Matters, Benjie Porecki, released January 13
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A soulful mix of classic tunes and originals by D.C. pianist Benjie Porecki, recorded and self-produced by his label Funklove Productions. Porecki hops on both piano and organ, delivering ten tracks of swing, gospel, soul and even some samba, with bass and drums behind him.
Mad Scientist Music, Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra, released Feb. 18
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Former Airmen of Note trombonist and music director Ben Patterson leads a classic big band through energetic mix of swing, ballads and funk. All six tracks, recorded at Bias Studios in Springfield, Va., are original Patterson compositions.
Big Sky, Andrew Musselman, released Feb. 28
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The first album of bassist and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native Andrew Musselman, now based in D.C. Recorded at Crab Shack Music in Alexandria, Va., it features eight original tracks of mostly contemporary jazz with distinct grooves as well as some straight ahead and funk, all played by a classic guitar trio joined by saxophonists Elijah Jamal Balbed and Tedd Baker.
The Mythstory School, Blacks’ Myths meets Pat Thomas, released March 7
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This eccentric album is the product of D.C. duo Blacks’ Myths (bassist Luke Stewart and drummer Trae Crudup) meeting English pianist Pat Thomas. The piano trio improvise freely on each unreplicable journey, recorded at Vortex Jazz Club in London in 2023.
For Malcolm X and Sun Ra, Yahya Abdul-Majid released March 7
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An archival release from bassist Luke Stewart, the record opens and closes with a discussion led by saxophonist and former member of Sun Ra’s Arkestra Yahya Abdul-Majid, who details the connection between Sun Ra, Malcolm X and music. Recorded at Union Arts in 2016, For Malcolm X and Sun Ra features two since-departed elder heroes of the alto saxophone — Abdul-Majid and Muhammad Oyerinde Aaron Martin, Jr. — in free exploration alongside Stewart on bass and Allen Jones on drums.
levitate the heavy part, Abe Mamet Septet, released March 7
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French hornist Abe Mamet’s second album as a bandleader features a novel septet of flute, violin, sousaphone, saxophone/clarinet, bass and drums. The four original tracks blend jazz, classical music and funk with sounds of nature and folklore.
Jazz Journey, Jose Andre, released March 8
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Pianist José André makes his studio debut featuring a tasteful blend of straight ahead, latin and funk. The all-original tracks feature trombonist Herm Hopkins, trumpeter Eric Williams tenor saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed bassist Herman Burney and drummer Julian Berkowitz.
The Perfect Radio Station of the Mind, Michael Bernstein, released March 9
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This LP is made up of just one song: an open, personal 30-minute track meant to realize the lost memory of Home Rule Records co-owner Michael R. Bernstein’s sonic journey switching through an old radio. The fully electronic music is a result of years of computer programming and writing custom software.
Mosaic, Reginald Cyntje, released April 4
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The eighth album of seasoned trombonist and Duke Ellington School of the Arts jazz director Reginald Cyntje contains eight distinctive original compositions that represent shards of a mosaic meant to illustrate life.
Seeking Billie: The Unusual Tribute to Billie Holiday, Changamiré, released April 7
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The third album of vocalist and D.C.-native Kimberly Ross, known professionally as Changamiré, reexamines the life and work of Billie Holiday. Recorded at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder studio in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., the album features several originals and completely reimagined standards with electric and hip-hop sounds as well as traditional swing.
Odyssey Mixtape, José Luiz Martins, released April 18
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Brazilian-born pianist Jose Luiz Martins’ fourth album illustrates personal struggles and eventual triumph over a debilitating neurological disease.Featuring original compositions and arrangements of Brazilian classics contemporary, funky and electric setting.
The Order, Silt Remembrance Ensemble, released April 25
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Bassist Luke Stewart combines two ensembles — Silt Trio and Remembrance Quintet — on this LP, recorded at Tonal Park in Takoma Park, Md. It rediscovers the jazz scenes of the East Coast through its vibrant rhythmic exploration.
Dangerous Currents, Black Folks Don’t Swim?, released May 2
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Longtime D.C. Black music collective Black Folks Don’t Swim? presents a live recording of a sold-out 2023 show at The Pocket, showcasing dynamic, electric rhythms that weave between structured composition and freeform improvisation.
Between Church and State, Ben Williams, released May 2
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Bassist Ben Williams’ newest release combines layered textures in ensemble and vocal arrangements. The record — Williams’ fourth as a bandleader — features a mix of guests, including saxophonist Kamasi Washington, singers Georgia Anne Muldrow and Kendra Foster, and trumpeter Chief Adjuah among many others.
For the Love of it All, Brandon Woody, released May 9
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Blue Note released this debut album from Baltimore native and trumpeter Brandon Woody, who presents six original tunes alongside his longtime band Upendo and vocalist of Imani-Grace Cooper.
Walking Right Out Live, Dominique Bianco, released May 10
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Vocalist Dominique Bianco presents three original songs on this EP recorded in a live session at Blue House Productions. The soulful, contemporary music features pianist Jack Gruber, bassist Mike Pope, guitarist Tommy Holladay, and drummer Angel Bethea.
Alice Blue, Phil Ravita, released May 19
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Recorded at the legendary Omega Recording Studios in Rockville, Md., this effort from prolific area bassist Phil Ravita showcases a suave, melancholic rhythm. The record features a number of Ravita originals, performed by frequent collaborators Mark Leppo on percussions, saxophonist Paul Carr, pianist Greg Small, drummer Nuc Vega, and vocalist Dierdre Jennings.
Island to Island, Victor Provost and Alex Brown released May 30
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A collaboration between two DMV music professors — steel pan stalwart Victor Provost (George Mason University) and keyboardist Alex Brown (Peabody Conservatory) — Island to Island celebrates the connections between Provost’s hometown of St. John, V.I., and Brown’s current home, Manhattan. The lush record also features bassist Reuben Rogers and a rotating cast of East Coast heavyweights.
Snakes of Albuquerque, Skullcap, released May 30
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Skullcap — a collaboration between guitarist Anthony Pirog, cellist Janel Leppin and percussionist Mike Kuhl — presents this enigmatic and ethereal debut LP via D.C.’s Cuneiform Records.
We Insist 2025!, Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell, released June 13
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A nod to Max Roach’s iconic We Insist! Freedom Now Suite, this updated version stays true to the original and retains the same passion, alternating between contemplative and sparse intricacies while retaining its high-energy throughout. Helmed by four-time GRAMMY-winning/NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington and D.C.’s own GRAMMY-nominated vocalist Christie Dashiell, the Candid Records-backed project also features a band of national talents including Weedie Braimah, Milena Casado, Morgan Guerin, Simon Moullier and Matthew Stevens.
Voice and Phenomenon, Alfred Yun, released June 20
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Korean-American pianist Alfred Yun presents a diverse mix of swinging jazz with splashes of EDM and pop, drawing on themes of love and violence amid the fog of politics, race and propaganda. The album includes the spoken and sung vocals of several artists as well as that of Yun’s family, with tracks recorded at several venues across the DMV.
Full Bloom, ChillQuiet Band, released August 17
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This fresh quintet — co-led by saxophonist Anneke Scace and trumpeter Josh Morris and featuring drummer Kevin Kearney, pianist Caleb Johnson, and bassist Tyson Femister — offers a rhythmic melodic cadence rising in intensity. Full Bloom is the band’s debut album.
Live at FEMA, Gray/Pirog/Ballou, released September 5
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Recorded in live performance at Md.’s Frederick Experimental Music Association (FEMA) by veteran area taper Pierre Toureille, Live at FEMA captures a first-time meeting between three institutional DMV improvisers, and culminates into an energetic and kinetic spontaneity.
Nemeses, ZAM, released September 5
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Recorded in West Orange, N.J., ZĀM — helmed by D.C. guitar staple Anthony Pirog — presents a fervor of percussion with swirls of psychedelic interplay. In addition to Pirog, who plays both guitar and electronics, the record features bassist Andrew Colwell and drummer/tape manipulator Dan Sharnoff.
Horizon Ahead: The Crab Shack Sessions, Vol. 1, Elijah Jamal Balbed, released September 12
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D.C. mainstay Elijah Jamal Balbed presents a collection of original music, rooted in the saxophonist’s driving, hard-bop sound. Recorded at Jack Kilby’s Crab Shack in Alexandria, Balbed is here joined by frequent collaborators Nate Jakes (bass), Stefan Schatz (drums) and Tommy Holladay (guitar) as well as bassist Ameen Saleem for one track.
Free Music: The Illusion of Liberation, a compilation from Distrik Kollective (Michael Bowie), released September 27
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Collaborative efforts by bassist Michael Bowie and mixed-media artist Khadija Jahmila — with support from Eaton House — result in this compilation presenting a diverse range of new work from 18 musicians and 13 visual artists.
Keeping the Faith Alive, The JoGo Project, released November 21
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With vocals and lyrics by Elijah Jamal Balbed and Desiree Jordan, the EP by D.C.’s singular JoGo Project embraces community and champions JoGo’s eccentric sound. The EP includes a vocal, instrumental and live version of the same song.
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All summary text by Louisa Hannoucene and Will Hamman. Disclosure: Abe Mamet, Luke Stewart, Keith Butler, Jr., and Alex Hamburger are all CapitalBop staff and appear as recording artists on the above list.
