Jazz-inflected renditions of pop songs, Hammond B-3 romps, and magmatic textures make up a playlist which proves that great music rarely happens on major labels—or emerges from algorithms.

The playlist features Roxana Amed; David Helbock, Julia Hofer, Mahan Mirarab; Fabrizio Bosso; Wayne Horvitz; Tomas Fujiwara; and Esmeralda Sella [pictured].

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21343440/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Erzulie"].

Happy listening!

This time we’ll dive into adventurous large and mid-size ensembles rewriting the rules of how size can matter, then close with a burst of spiritual fire from New Zealand.

The playlist features The 8-Bit Big Band; Tino Tracanna; Rin Seo [pictured]; the Webber/Morris Big Band; Yuhan Su; and The Circling Sun.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21308615/Mondo-Jazz [from "Waluigi Pinball" onwards].

Happy listening!

Psychedelic boogaloo jams, games of fantasy jazz, progressive funk influences and downtown vibes, are the main ingredients of this fun playlist!

The playlist features Ari Joshua, Skerik, Delvon Lamarr, Grant Schroff; Funkwrench Blues, Nduduzo Makhathini, Lenny White, David Boyce, David DR Robbins, Frank Swart; Revolutionary Snake Ensemble [pictured]; The Naked Boys; Dave Douglas; and HackOut!

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21308615/Mondo-Jazz [from "Scared of Eric" to "El gran cabron"].

Happy listening!

Enjoy another playlist that tries to prove that great music does not usually happen on a major label, or in a Spotify bunker somewhere, especially when it's music as ecletic and creative as this one.

The playlist features Petter Eldh, Richard Spaven; Cécile McLorin Salvant; Agnas Bros.; Mulatu Astatke [pictured]; Tom Skinner; and Ned Rothenberg.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21308615/Mondo-Jazz [up to "BellKeyBell"]

Happy listening!

Enjoy another playlist that shines a light on recent and upcoming releases and tries to bridge the gap between mainstream and progressive audiences.

The playlist features Jon Irabagon; Josh Lawrence; Ben LaMar Gay [pictured]; Witold; Harald Lassen; Ventilateur.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21274558/Mondo-Jazz [from "Buggin' the Mud" onwards].

Happy listening!

Photo credit: Erik Luyten

Here a few more memorable finds from our weekly listening so you can go straight to the heart of today’s vibrant West Coast, East Coast and European jazz scenes.

The playlist features Vincent Peirani; Ballaké Sissoko, Vincent Segal, Emile Parisien; Carmen Staaf [pictured]; SML; Rachel Eckroth; Olivier Van Niekerk.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21274558/Mondo-Jazz [from "Time Reflections: Clessidra" to "Strange Meeting"].

Happy listening!

Here is another week worth of sifting through the flood of new music to bring you the gems you’d never find on shuffle.

The playlist features Zé Ibarra [pictured]; Charlie Rouse; Paolo Fresu, Richard Galliano, Jan Lundgren; Timo Vollbrecht; Robin Holcomb, Peggy Lee.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21274558/Mondo-Jazz [up to "Waltz"].

Happy listening!

Chad Taylor is so busy as leader, co-leader and special guest on countless new albums in 2025, that he--literally--seems to be here, and there, and everywhere (pretty much like Ted Lasso's Roy Kent!). Here is a quick guide to enjoy his ubiquitousness!

The playlist also features Chicago Underground Duo; David Lord; Mats Gustaffson, Ken Vandermark, Tomeka Reid; Sylvain Kassap, Steve Swell, Benjamin Duboc.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21241959/Mondo-Jazz (from "Broken Horse" onwards).

Happy listening!

Enjoy an installment of Mondo Jazz spotlighting fresh releases that balance fire and subtlety, urgency and reflection. A great reminder that jazz is never just one thing—it’s restless, searching and multi-faceted.

The playlist features Donny McCaslin; Trio of Bloom, Nels Cline, Craig Taborn, Marcus Gilmore; Jaleel Shaw; Loke Risberg; Théo Girard, Mobke; Theon Cross [pictured].

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21241959/Mondo-Jazz (from "Solace" to "Candace of Meroe").

Happy listening!

Photo credit: Kristie Kahns

Here's a playlist which shines a light on Lex Korten, one of New York’s most in-demand young pianists. Alongside his much-anticipated debut, you’ll hear collaborations that show just how deeply he’s shaping today’s scene. Also included: a stirring Max Roach tribute from Terri Lyne Carrington and Christie Dashiell, plus an uplifting new release from pianist Michael Wolff.

The playlist features Michael Wolff; Terri Lyne Carrington, Christie Dashiell; Milena Casado; Lex Korten (pictured); Alex Hitchcock; Zoh Amba.

Detailed playlist at https://spinitron.com/RFB/pl/21207965/Mondo-Jazz [from "Sunny Day" onwards].

Happy listening!