Get ready for an exciting New Music Monday on January 5, 2026! This week is packed with exceptional new music releases, spotlighting several acclaimed artists and their significant achievements in jazz and contemporary music. The music industry is abuzz with anticipation for these new offerings, making this New Music Monday a date for discerning listeners to mark. This New Music Monday truly highlights some incredible new music releases.
Grammy-Nominated Vocalist Shines on New Music Monday
Nicole Zuraitis Album: A Grammy Nominee for New Music Monday
Grammy-nominated vocalist Nicole Zuraitis is a major focus this New Music Monday. Her first concert album, ‘Live at Vic’s Las Vegas,’ is receiving significant attention. Recorded live at the iconic Las Vegas club, this album captures Zuraitis’s full artistic range and incredible stage presence in a masterful two-hour performance. This exciting release, a potential Grammy winner, is already a major talking point for this New Music Monday and is a must-listen among new music releases.
Zuraitis’s ‘Live at Vic’s Las Vegas’ is a contender for a 2026 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Furthermore, a track from the album, ‘All Stars Lead to You,’ is nominated for Best Jazz Performance, marking her sixth Grammy nomination. Her husband, drummer Dan Pugach, features on the album, alongside special guests trumpet player Keyon Harrold and saxophonist Tom Scott. Zuraitis is celebrated for her original compositions, having coined the term ‘modern songbook’ for her unique work. Her multifaceted talent spans singing, piano, and arranging, making her a standout artist for this New Music Monday and a key part of the new music releases this week.
Emi Makabe Echo: A New Music Monday Jazz Artist Spotlight
Japanese-born artist Emi Makabe unveils her evocative album ‘Echo’ this New Music Monday. A composer, vocalist, and shamisen player, Makabe brings a unique cultural perspective to her music. The album features a stellar band including bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Kenny Wollesen, with pianist Vitor Gonçalves. Esteemed guests like guitarist Bill Frisell, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Jason Moran add further depth to the sound. Makabe drew inspiration for ‘Echo’ from the Japanese word ‘ekō’, meaning praying for the deceased, a theme influenced by her father’s passing in 2021. The album explores profound themes of loss, memory, and longing, offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. ‘Echo’ was initially released in May 2025, but its inclusion on this New Music Monday highlights its enduring quality and its place among significant new music releases.
The Blackhawk Quintet Englewood: A Highlight for New Music Monday
The contemporary jazz group The Blackhawk Quintet is highlighted on this New Music Monday with their album titled ‘Englewood.’ Led by saxophonist Elijah Freeman and trumpeter Ariel Mejia, this music celebrates the legendary Rudy Van Gelder studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The group aims to bring authentic Hard Bop music to audiences, featuring arrangements of original compositions and lesser-known standards that draw heavily from the Hard Bop style. While specific release date information for ‘Englewood’ for this New Music Monday isn’t widely available, it’s a noteworthy addition to the week’s new music releases and an excellent example of contemporary jazz music.
Jon Bentley Go Ahead!: A Debut on New Music Monday
Saxophonist Jon Bentley makes his recording debut on New Music Monday with his album titled ‘Go Ahead!’. Bentley’s music is described as soulful, bluesy, and funky, swinging with a straight-ahead jazz aesthetic. The album includes five original compositions and classic works by renowned artists. Bentley’s quartet features Chris Gestrin on organ, Joe Poole on drums, and Tristan Paxton on guitar. Released in March 2025, ‘Go Ahead!’ carries a powerful message of acceptance and positivity, making it a significant new music release for this New Music Monday and a fresh sound in contemporary jazz music.
Michika Fukumori’s ‘Eternity and a Day’ on New Music Monday
Pianist and composer Michika Fukumori presents her album ‘Eternity and a Day’ as part of this week’s New Music Monday offerings. Having begun playing piano at age three in Japan, Fukumori’s music is known for conveying hope and confidence. This album is her fourth release and features bassist Steve Whipple and drummer Adam Nussbaum. Notably, seven of the album’s eleven tracks are original compositions, marking the first time her own writing forms the majority of her work. Fukumori also produced this album, which conveys a message of embracing each moment and was released in June 2025. This inclusion on New Music Monday underscores its artistic merit among the week’s new music releases.
A Diverse Week in Music for New Music Monday
These top artists bring a wealth of diverse sounds to New Music Monday on January 5, 2026, highlighting their significant contributions. The music industry continues to evolve, and this week’s features showcase exceptional jazz talent and exciting new music releases. Listeners are encouraged to explore these acclaimed works, as each artist offers a unique musical journey. The news for this New Music Monday is indeed rich with talent, including the Emi Makabe Echo album and the Nicole Zuraitis album, making it a standout for new music releases.
