Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Haze, an Exeter band that in 1981 endlessly toured the South West of England and released the album "SILVERTOPS REFLECTS HAZE" upon which many contemporary tracks were given the Haze treatment from Barry Manilow's 'I Can't Smile Without You' to Johnny Cash's 'Ghost Riders in the Sky'. In the mix Azymuth's Latin funk anthem 'Jazz Carnival' and Space's legendary electronic 'Magic Fly' surfaced, the latter two of which make up this exceptional 7" release by Panorama records, this relatively new label that celebrates idiosyncratic rarities. Haze seem to like breaking down the original and making space between the beats and yet on this A side an already pumping track pumps faster with an extra electronic edge on the Moog-ish organ, whilst paradoxically Haze's lead guitarist takes on Jose Roberto Bertrami's originally syncopated keys in a more regulated way - not a bad thing if not a jazz dancer but someone who just loves to dance! Intelligently, Panorama have coupled this with Haze's percussion heavy version of 'Magic Fly' on the B side, that even if it remains more so electronic, even poppy, it nicely compliments the Brazilian homage of side A. If you love a rare version, 7" 45s and early 80s jazz funk with a synthesised edge you'll love this.

Review: Tigran Hamasyan's latest album, The Bird of a Thousand Voices, is his most ambitious work yet and one inspired by a traditional Armenian tale. This transmedia project includes a staged play that premiered at the Holland Festival back in June of this year plus two cinematic music videos, a documentary video, and an online game. The ancient firebird tale, passed down through spoken word over the generations, symbolises the modern world's quest for connection amidst ecological, psychological, and spiritual challenges. By blending Armenian traditional music with jazz improvisation, Tigran, who himself is one of today's most innovative jazz pianists, continues his artistic collaboration with filmmaker Ruben Van Leer to create unique musical experiences.

Review: Hailing from Norway, Hedvig Mollestad is renowned for her ability to bridge the worlds of jazz and heavy rock with a fierce, improvisational spirit. The trio, which has been at the heart of her sound since its inception, is back with their latest offering after a four-year hiatus, following the release of Ding Dong. This time, there's a palpable sense of urgency and creative freedom. Tracks like 'Bees In The Bonnet' and 'Under The Velvet Sky' highlight their complex interplay, weaving intricate structures with fiery, riff-heavy moments. The trio's chemistry, cultivated over years of touring and writing together, has only deepened, with an infectious energy that resonates throughout the release. Mollestad's sharp, commanding guitar work remains a focal point, as she effortlessly fuses influences from jazz legends to the weighty riffs of metal pioneers.

Review: Hedvig Mollestad has a considerable weight of recorded music under her belt from her pre-existing trio with Ellen Brekken and Ivar Loe Bjornstad, and now the Norwegian experimental guitarist is heralding a new outfit for further explorations on the outer edges of jazz fusion. Joining Mollestad on her journey this time around is Stale Storlokken on keys, fresh from Supersilent and Elephant9, and promising improv drummer Ole Mofjell. Weejuns is a freewheeling excursion somewhere around the orbit of bands like Henry Cow, Soft Machine and Mahavishnu Orchestra, captured live from various gigs in Oslo and Stavanger and spread across an expansive double album.