Mondo Jazz

Countless ways to celebrate the electric era of Miles Davis. The playlist features Paolo Fresu; Flat Earth Society; Miles Davis; Tony Williams; The Big Tusk; Edward Perraud, Pascal Schumacher, Sebastian Studnitzky. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22691398/Mondo-Jazz [from "Orange" onward]. Happy listening!

Two ways to pay tribute to Eddie Harris, and other discoveries from the new releases vault. The playlist features Seamus Blake; Slow Poke; Dorota Piotrowska [pictured]; Christian Dillingham; Elsa Nilsson; The Pentland / Bergonzi Quartet. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22691398/Mondo-Jazz [from "Mean Greens" to "Wanderlust"]. Happy listening!

From spiritual and Ethio-jazz to a fireside jazz conversation among friends, here's a cosmopolitan tasting menu of recent releases featuring bands keen to build bridges and break down walls. The playlist features Al Doum & The Faryds; Fairfield Ethio-Jazz Project; Atlantis Jazz Ensemble; The Vampires [pictured]; People in Orbit; and Steve Swallow. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22691398/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Two"]. Happy listening!

Enjoy a journey through the lush sonic world of recent large-ensemble recordings. The playlist features Fred Pallem [pictured], Le Sacre du Tympan; Reis Demuth Wiltgen, Luxembourg Philarmonic, Vince Mendoza, Joshua Redman; John Taylor, Stan Sulzmann, NDR Big Band; Bignami Veltri Jazz Ensemble; Julia Keefe. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22658120/Mondo-Jazz [from "Avron Evrard" onwards]. Happy listening!

From soul to contemporary classical, with plenty in between, this playlist explores a wide range of brand-new releases. The playlist features Alicia Waller [pictured]; Tal Mashiach; Haroldo Bontempo; Jamie Peet, Joel Ross; Little North; Soojin Suh; Ahn Trio. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22658120/Mondo-Jazz [from "The Climb / Job Blues" to "Almost Never Was"]. Happy listening!

Here's a playlist curated with one ear in New York and the other wandering somewhere between Amsterdam, Seoul, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Milan, London and Stockholm. The playlist features Magnus Carlson & The Moon Ray Quintet; Giovanni Falzone; Alden Hellmuth; Miles Okazaki; Anggie Obin [pictured]; James Brandon Lewis; Elina Duni, Rob Luft. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22658120/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Magnolia"]. Happy listening! Photo: Marta Villardell

These past two weeks have been an opportunity to leaf back through six months of listening and rediscover the tracks that turned out to have the longest shelf life—music that still feels as fresh and compelling now as when we first heard it. Here's the last installment. We'll get back to this in six months! Stay tuned. The playlist features André Fernandes; Jason Moran; María Grand; Youn Sun Nah; Nils Berg, Norrbotten Big Band; Carla Bley [pictured]. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22622439/Mondo-Jazz [from "Dragon'S Blood Red" onward]. Happy listening! Photo: Frans Schellekens

As we continue this mid-year retrospective, we keep focusing on the tunes that somehow refused to stay confined to the week they were released. The playlist features Chris Potter; Jasper Høiby; The Breaks; Dida Pelled; Immanuel Wilkins; Harry Skoler, Bill Frisell; Zeno De Rossi Trio [pictured]. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22622439/Mondo-Jazz [from "Osawatomie Brown" to "Kathelin Gray"]. Happy listening!

We have pressed pause on our usual pursuit of the latest arrivals and instead revisited some of the sounds that made the first half of 2026 such a rewarding stretch for curious ears. The playlist features Seu Jorge; Ryan Blotnick; Michael Formanek; Ilaria Capalbo; Rosa Brunello; The Messthetics, James Brandon Lewis; Ben Wendel [pictured]. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22622439/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Lonely One"]. Happy listening!

Halfway through 2026, Mondo Jazz pauses to celebrate some of the recordings that have brought the most pleasure, surprise and inspiration over the past six month. The playlist features Dominique Fils-Aimé; Craig Taborn; Meg Okura; Roberto Fonseca, Vincent Segal; Gary Versace; Ingrid Jensen [pictured]. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22585987/Mondo-Jazz [from "The River" onwards] Happy listening! Photo credit: Mariana-Meraz

Which songs stayed with us after months of listening, reviewing and sharing new releases? Here's another batch for your sonic delight. The playlist features Lucy Mellenfield; Reverso, Ryan Keberle, Frank Woeste, Vincent Courtois; Luca Falomi, Anais Drago, Fausto Beccalossi; James Brandon Lewis [pictured]; and Dave Douglas. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22585987/Mondo-Jazz [from "Breathing Sideways" to "Sandhog"] Happy listening!

As summer gets underway, Mondo Jazz looks back at some of the music that made the first half of 2026 so memorable. The playlist features Adam O'Farrill; Ben Rosenblum; Marco Mezquida; Joel Lyssarides; Airelle Besson, Lionel Suarez; Brandon Seabrook; Elan Mehler; Billy Mohler [pictured]; Virginia MacDonald. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22585987/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Last Call at Dimitri's"] Happy listening! Photo credit: Roberto Cifarelli

A playlist about musical kinship: artists supporting, inspiring, and challenging one another as they bring their distinct voices to a web of interconnected projects. The playlist features New Jazz Underground [pictured]; Open Thread, Peggy Lee, Julien Wilson, Theo Carbo, Dylan van der Schyff; Kalia Vandever; Micah Thomas; Immanuel Wilkins. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22557269/Mondo-Jazz [from "Oney Ones One" onward]. Happy listening!

Engaging, socially engaged, and globally minded: a playlist of new releases from four - or more - corners of the world. The playlist features Zela Margossian [pictured]; David Ambrosio, Donny McCaslin, Ingrid Jensen, Bruce Barth, Victor Lewis; Rosa Brunello; Goran Kajfes, Avin Omar; Michel Petrucciani. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22557269/Mondo-Jazz [from "In Flight" to "Morning Blues"]. Happy listening!

Seven projects, even lessons in creative transformation—from reimagined genres, traditions and freshly taped recording sessions to the spontaneous reinvention that unfolds whenever musicians meet in the moment. The playlist features The Breaks, Robert Walter, Eddie Roberts, Stanton Moore; Levi Harvey Trio; Ilaria Capalbo [pictured]; Steven Bernstein, Scotty Hard; Johanna Summer, Claire Huangci; Mick Goodrick, Fred Hersch. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22557269/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Falling Grance"]. Happy listening!

A cross-generational and cross-genre journey from raw soul and classic jazz storytelling to contemporary experimentation, tracing unexpected connections across today’s global jazz landscape. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22523732/Mondo-Jazz [from "Up For Soul" to "Ahiahi"]. Happy listening! Photo: Jimmy Katz.

Enjoy the fragrant aromas, vivid textures and evocative soundscapes of a handful of remarkable new albums that illustrate the richness of today's transnational jazz scene. The playlist features Shai Maestro; Nils Berg [pictured], Norrbotten Big Band; Michael Blake Chroma Nova; Mahan Mirarab; Luca Falomi, Anais Drago, Fausto Beccalossi; Julián Muro. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22523732/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Libra"]. Happy listening! Photo: Valter Nilsson

From intimate reflection to expansive improvisation, here is a string of new albums connecting Jobim to Bartz, Olatunjii to Roach, Paris to London, through artists who balance compositional craft, exploratory spirit, and a commitment to jazz as a living art form. The playlist features Tyshawn Sorey, Ola Tunji, Fred Pasqua, Pierre de Bethmann, Your Brother's Keeper, Gary Bartz. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22523732/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Libra"]. Happy listening! Photo: Sharif Hamza.

From less-is-more to more-is-more—and all the shades of creativity in between—this playlist unfolds under the approving eye of Geri Allen, whose enduring legacy continues to resonate on both sides of the Atlantic. The playlist features Youn Sun Nah; Robinson Khoury; Hannah Marks; Evi Filippou [pictured], Robert Lucaciu; Fuchsthone Orchestra; Adam Schatz; Charles Kieny CrozPhonics.. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22489897/Mondo-Jazz [from "WTH Is Love!" onwards]. Happy listening! Photo: Markus Lachinger

Striking debuts, new chapters in established careers, and yet more surprises from relentlessly curious artists—this is a playlist designed to keep your ears on high alert. The playlist features David Sánchez; Virginia MacDonald (pictured); Biréli Lagrène; Alexander Hawkins; Marta Sánchez; Rachele Amore. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22489897/Mondo-Jazz [from "Lumbalú" to "Climbing Chains"]. Happy listening!

Here’s a little more music for curious ears, restless spirits, and anyone who finds algorithms far too predictable. The playlist features Simon Moullier [pictured]; Felice Clemente; Alexis Cuadrado; André Fernandes; Flea; Eleonora Strino; and Ocean Fanfare. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22489897/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Kritisk Stadie"]. Happy listening!

Here’s another weekly dispatch of compelling recent releases from across the ever-expanding jazz spectrum. The playlist features Chris Potter; Luke Norris; Tyrone Allen II; Alexis Marcelo [pictured]; Adam Rudolph, Kaoru Watanabe; and Nite Bjuti. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22456129/Mondo-Jazz [from "Sister Annie" onwards]. Happy listening!

A playlist full of delightful surprises, offering music lovers a welcome counterweight to the darker surprises the news keeps delivering. The playlist features Oan Kim; Guillaume Hazebrouck, James Noël; Felsenmeer; Gegè Telesforo; Matthew Stevens; Gabrielle Cavassa; and Jeff Parker [pictured]. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22456129/Mondo-Jazz [from "Habanera" to "Like Swimwear"]. Happy listening!

Enjoy a playlist dedicated to musicians who keep redrawing the musical map one surprising album at a time. The playlist features Seu Jorge [pictured], Maria Rita; Jamile, Vinicius Gomes, Joe Martin; Joe Lovano; Hilary Geddes; Matt Gold, Dustin Laurenzi; and Bobby Previte. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22456129/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Glide"]. Happy listening!

Paris–Bogotá; New York–Rome; São Paulo–Basel; Bern–New York; New York–São Paulo… this playlist feels like a masterclass in transatlantic cross-pollination, where ideas, rhythms, and musical identities travel as freely as the artists themselves. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22421891/Mondo-Jazz [from "La Llave Maestra" onwards]. Happy listening! Photo: Yaroslav Monchak

Jump into a time-traveling playlist that brings a spectacular 1984 recording by Carla Bley back to the future, at the end of a generations-bridging ride where emerging artists modernize tradition and elder statesmen pay homage to their heroes, or join forces with younger voices. The playlist features Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22421891/Mondo-Jazz [from "Everything's Cool, Everything's Cool!" to "Nu Derection"]. Happy listening!

Two remarkable emerging singers, Selma Savolainen and Sonia Spinello, bookend a playlist of recent and upcoming releases which range from the adventurous to the spiritual. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22421891/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Eterea"]. Happy listening!

Here is a playlist featuring artists working outside the spotlight, often ahead of the curve, across continents, across scenes. The playlist features Peter Erskine; Christoph Irniger, Marc Perrenoud; Dave Douglas; Angelika Niescier [pictured]; Vuyo Sotashe, Chris Pattishall; čnaq̓ǐy̓m̓i (lone eagle) & The Forest. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22280800/Mondo-Jazz [from "Gumbo time" onwards]. Happy listening!

The European and US jazz scenes in a dialogue full of elegance and surprises. The playlist features Louis Matute; Jens Düppe; Jon Irabagon; Hélène Duret [pictured]; Joel Lyssarides. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22280800/Mondo-Jazz [up to "In the Rice Fields at Dawn"]. Happy listening!

Recent and new releases in a playlist that crosses borders—whether cultural or musical—with a special focus on jazz renditions of popular music (from Dylan to Radiohead to Pavement). The playlist features Florian Pellissier; Javon Jackson [pictured]; Luciano Biondini, Michel Godard, Lucas Niggli; James Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Reginald Veal, Ali Jackson; Shawn Lovato; and Naïssam Jalal. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22280800/Mondo-Jazz [up to "In the Rice Fields at Dawn"]. Happy listening!

Here is music born in a remote cottage in the Outer Hebrides, or rethinking how the Hammond organ fits within a large, adventurous ensemble; music that celebrates Corsica, or brings long-standing collaborations to new heights. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22245088/Mondo-Jazz [from "Ford the River" onwards]. Happy listening! Photo: Tore Sætre.

And here we go again—another edition of Mondo Jazz, dedicated to recent and upcoming releases from across the jazz globe, where you can travel from Tokyo to New York in less than half an hour. The playlist features Benjamin Herman; Hedvig Mollestad Weejuns; María Grand [pictured]; Daniel Sky; Emmeluth's Amoeba; Marilyn Crispell, Anders Jormin. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22245088/Mondo-Jazz [from "Tokyo Moon" to "Contemplation in D"]. Happy listening!

Enjoy a playlist that ranges from the jazz infused power-folk of Annahstasia to the neo-cool of Walter Smith III passing through, chamber, cinematic and classical influences. The playlist features Annahstasia [pictured]; Ryan Blotnick; Lars Danielsson; Reverso; Vincent Courtois; Walter Smith III, Branford Marsalis, Ron Carter. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22245088/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Casual–Lee"]. Happy listening!

Enjoy a playlist bringing together three compelling genre-defying bands, and two previously unreleased recordings that offer a posthumous opportunity to remember the enduring artistry of Jack DeJohnette. The playlist features Shake Stew; Shalosh [pictured]; Triple Blind; Miroslav Vitous, Jack DeJohnette; and Steve Khan. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22209545/Mondo-Jazz [from "Intro / Wood" onwards]. Happy listening!

Here is new music that doesn’t shout for attention but leaves a lasting mark once you hear it. The playlist features Elan Mehler; Corcoran Holt; Ji Dru; Dave Adewumi [pictured]; Siphonoforo; Edward Simon.. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22209545/Mondo-Jazz [from "Shmoon" to "Anhelante"]. Happy listening! Photo: Jimmy Katz.

From Cape Town to L.A., New York to Brussels, Rome to the Bay Area—with a stopover in Wyoming—hop on an around-the-world tour in eight songs. The playlist features Asher Gamedze; Daggerboard, The Skipper and Mike Clark; Stefano Bollani; Ben Allison, Steve Cardenas, Ted Nash; Daniel Rotem [pictured]; Holly Palmer; Caroline Davis; Joseph Branciforte, Jozef Dumoulin. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22209545/Mondo-Jazz [up to "07"]. Happy listening!

No matter its origins—European or American, live or recorded in the studio, from the ’30s or today—this playlist brings together music that is not only recent or upcoming, but destined to stay with you. The playlist features Ingrid Jensen; Gary Versace; Lea Maria Fries [pictured]; Dave Stapleton; Amalie Dahl; Filippo Sala; David Chevallier; and Dave Gisler. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22140685/Mondo-Jazz [from "Many Homes, Many Places" onwards]. Happy listening!

Enjoy a playlist featuring music inspired by Abbey Lincoln, New Orleans, Kurt Vonnegut, loss and hope. Enjoy another Mondo Jazz dispatch, and an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and discover music that doesn’t chase trends, because it doesn’t need to... The playlist features John Ellis; Marion Rampal; Willy Rodriguez; Daan Kluwer; Jasper Høiby [pictured], Xavi Torres, Naíma Acuña; and John Taylor. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22140685/Mondo-Jazz [from "Fireball" to "Fifteen"]. Happy listening!

Enjoy another Mondo Jazz dispatch, and an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and discover music that doesn’t chase trends, because it doesn’t need to... The playlist features China Moses [pictured]; Peter Somuah; Ben Rosenblum; Lilly Hertzman; Sylvie Courvoisier; and Jacopo Fagioli. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22140685/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Greenwashing"]. Happy listening!

Here is another edition of Mondo Jazz, celebrating today’s creative music and musicians, and musicians celebrating the musicians that inspired them, from Joe Henderson to Lyle Mays. The playlist features Bévort 3; Joe Henderson; Noé Huchard; Aubrey Johnson [pictured]; and Björn Meyer. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22103632/Mondo-Jazz [from "Speak Up" onward]. Happy listening!

An episode showcasing musicians who meet the listener in a place of honesty, where they can explore creativity in complete freedom. The playlist features Dominique Fils-Aimé; Meg Okura [pictured]; Brian Marsella, Sae Hashimoto; Ben Wendel; PDuRN, Ralph Alessi, Manuel Caliumi. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22103632/Mondo-Jazz [from "Life Remains" to "Zermula"]. Happy listening! Photo: Tara Harkness

The acoustic and electronic sides of Niia and Jason Moran, the untamed curiosity and gleefully disruptive spirit of Brigitte Fontaine, the promise of emerging artists, and the inspiration of past masters all come together in this intriguing playlist. The playlist features Delvon Lamarr; Emmanuel Bex; Niia [pictured]; Brigitte Fontaine; Jason Moran, BlankFor.ms, Marcus Gilmore; and Tom Oren. Detailed playlist at [up to "Fantasy in C--Sharp Minor"]. Happy listening!

Another week of sifting through the flood of recent and upcoming jazz releases, another playlist full of gems you won’t find on shuffle. The playlist features Simona Severini, Jacopo Ferrazza; Alexa Tarantino; Monfort, Nina Tonji; Adam O'Farrill; Yvonne Rogers [pictured]; Marius Neset, Anton Eger, Bergen Big Band Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22068742/Mondo-Jazz [from "Caravan" onwards] Happy listening! Photo: Alice Plati

Art-songs, protest music, solo musings and instrumental storytelling make up this episode that should give you plenty to enjoy and reflect upon. The playlist features Harriet Tubman, Georgia Anne Muldrow; Alicia Hall Moran [pictured]; Gabriel Zucker; Oded Tzur; Airelle Besson, Lionel Suarez; Wojtek Mazolewski; and Christopher Hoffman. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22068742/Mondo-Jazz [from "When You Rise" to "Heavy"] Happy listening! Photo: Thais Aquino

This week we celebrate 80 years of music by the Metropole Orkest, the restless spirit of Michael League, and flying carpets made of percussions, pianos and Hammond organs that take the listener to a hypnotic new dimension. The playlist features Parlor Greens; Snarky Puppy; Metropole Orkest [pictured], Miho Hazama; Pedrito Martinez, Antonio Sanchez, Michael League; Booker Stardrum; Luca Dell'Anna. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22068742/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Yin--Yang"] Happy listening!

Here is a playlist of adventurous projects that also serves as a snapshot of the breadth, depth, and versatility of Austrian pianist Elias Stemeseder—heard across a range of recent recordings as sideman, co-leader, and bandleader. The playlist also features Brandon Seabrook; Eivind Opsvik, Will Graefe; Alain Metrailler; Wrens; Christian Lillinger, Craig Taborn. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22033617/Mondo-Jazz [from "Name Dropping is the Lowest form of Conversation (Waltz)" onwards] Happy listening!

This time we celebrate 75 years of Bill Frisell through his own music and the wide creative wake it has left across today’s scene. This episode also spotlights newly unearthed choral works by Kenny Wheeler and several recent projects involving Italian saxophonist and clarinetist Francesco Bigoni, tracing a thread between enduring influence, rediscovery, and contemporary exploration. The playlist features Bill Frisell; The Westerlies; Zeno De Rossi; Billy Mohler, Hermon Mehari, Francesco Bigoni, Nate Wood; Pierpaolo Zenni; Dave Holland, Norma Winstone, London Vocal Project, Kenny Wheeler. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22033617/Mondo-Jazz [from "In My Dreams" to "Infant Joy"] Happy listening!

Enjoy a playlist of music that slips through the cracks, rewards the open ear; and often crosses cultural and stylistic borders. The playlist features Olivier Hutman, Lamine Cissokho; The Messthetics, James Brandon Lewis; Tigran Hamasyan; Mammal Hands; Trish Clowes & Louise McMonagle [pictured]; Julia Hülsmann; Noah Garabedian; and Kerry Politzer. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/22033617/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Alternate Route"] Happy listening!

Moving from intimate, folk-tinged lyricism to expansive ensemble statements and thoughtful tributes, here is a set that reflects a contemporary jazz landscape defined by optimism, cross-border interplay, and a spirit of exploration that favors curiosity and forward momentum over nostalgia. The playlist also features Lucy Mellenfield [pictured]; Etienne Guéreau; Nils Wülker; Gregory Hutchinson; Niklas Lukassen; and Wayne Horvitz. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21998024/Mondo-Jazz [from "John Neely" to "The Number of the Beast Is 666"]. Happy listening!

Moving fluidly from New York’s new generation to Europe’s creative hubs and onward to Havana and beyond, this playlist underscores the music’s global dialogue, its openness to diverse traditions, and a shared spirit of curiosity that connects bold experimentation, reflective balladry, and socially aware themes within today’s evolving jazz landscape. The playlist features Caelan Cardello; Dave Douglas; Gonzalo Rubalcaba [pictured], Daniele Sepe; Melissa Aldana; Robert Lucaciu; Julie Campiche; Roberto Fonseca, Vincent Segal; Max Nagl; and Simon Hanes. Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21998024/Mondo-Jazz [from "John Neely" to "The Number of the Beast Is 666"]. Happy listening!