Hundred-word Reviews for December 2025: Blues, Soul and Jazz

Here’s another round of capsule reviews of new (well, newish) releases, covered in a tidy 100 words.

Charlie Rouse Band – Cinnamon Flower (Expanded Edition)
This Zev Feldman project is an expanded reissue of tenor saxophonist Rouse’s 1977 album. Cinnamon Flower (also released as Brazil) was his eighth album (counting collaborative projects). A Latin-tinged project, the album as originally released featured overdubs; this release features the entire set in an undubbed version as well. The album is evenly split between kinetic, uptempo numbers and more serene tunes. “Backwoods Echo” and “Clove and Cinnamon” are among the highlights. While in places the set sounds very much of its time, the music has aged well overall. Packaging and notes are up to Feldman’s customary extremely high standard.

Blood Brothers – Help Yourself
Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia are both leading lights in modern-day blues. Between the two of them they’ve turned out nearly three dozen albums. Beginning in 2023, the two famed guitarists teamed up as Blood Brothers; Help Yourself is their third release (and second studio outing) together. The ten songs here are nearly evenly split between Zito compositions and tunes written by Castiglia. The vibe is very much blues-rock, and the writing and arrangement make a strong case for their collaboration. Blood Brothers are at their best when they combine their considerable strengths, as on the twin-lead-guitarfest “Prove My Love.”

Socrates Garcia – Shadows of Tomorrow
Latin jazz meets modern-day big band in Shadows of Tomorrow, an effort led by band leader Garcia. Garcia wrote, arranged and conducted all six pieces here. There’s a strong uptempo feel, and the 25-plus piece orchestra is as energetic as it is tight and together. The album’s second half is a three-part suite, “Illusions, Delusions… a Glimmer of Hope.” As is often the case with instrumental works in which the composer seeks to put across ideas without words, the listener may or may not pick up on the subtle cues within. But there’s no denying the appeal of the music.

Rodina ft. Joe Tatton Trio – Good Company
With the recent news that The New Mastersounds were retiring from touring, there was an expectation among fans that the band’s supremely talented members would each strike out on excursions of their own. That’s the case here, with organist Joe Tatton teaming up with partner Aoife Harty as Rodina. Tatton’s trio – with guitarist Lucas De Mulder and drummer Luke Flowers – has a deep groove vibe that’s sure to delight NMS fans. The character is subtly different, with perhaps a greater emphasis on signature licks. Many talented guest players expand the sonic palette with bass, sax, trumpet, flugelhorn, congas and more.

Roomful of Blues – Steppin’ Out!
Roomful of Blues has been together for nearly a half century, with more than 50 musicians passing through its ranks. Tenor and alto sax man Rich Lataille is the longest-serving member, and sole member of the earliest lineup. The band has churned out many albums since its 1977 self-titled debut. On their latest, the band is fronted by powerhouse vocalist D. D. Bastos. She delivers the goods as the band continues its practice of rescuing forgotten gems from obscurity. The album includes tracks first waxed by Jimmy McCracklin, Smiley Lewis and others, and the band digs into them with verve.