Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Originally formed for a one-time performance at the 2017 Bath Festival, vocalist and violinist Alice Zawadzki, pianist Fred Thomas and bassist Misha Mullov-Abbado have crafted a beautifully nuanced collection of songs drawing from diverse traditions such as European folk, Sephardic Jewish, and Latin American music. The album's title, meaning Behind the Mountains in Polish, reflects its rich, cross-cultural roots. Zawadzki's haunting voice brings the listener into each piece, while Thomas and Mullov-Abbado's instrumental interplay creates an evocative, fluid backdrop. Standout tracks include 'Sueltate as Cintas', where delicate piano and bass intertwine under Zawadzki's spellbinding vocals, and 'Tonada de Luna Llena', which rises and falls with an emotional intensity that builds on Venezuelan composer Simon Diaz's melody. Throughout the album, the trio's seamless fusion of folk, jazz and classical elements creates a unique sonic palette. Thomas' arrangement of James Joyce's Gentle Lady is another highlight, blending poetic lyrics with soft instrumental flourishes. Recorded in Switzerland under the direction of ECM's Manfred Eicher, Za Gorami is a stunning result to their collective chemistry.

Review: In many ways its weird that Hans Zimmer has only won two Oscars - Best Original Score for The Lion King and 2021's Dune remake, alongside four Grammys. Before we reel off a fraction of the movies he's soundtracked, allow us to clear our throat. OK, let's do it - Gladiator, Inception, Blade Runner 2049, Interstellar, The Dark Knight, The Last Samurai, The Rock, we could go on and on. But while Zimmer is often associated with big budget, big screen spectaculars, he's also scored a slew of more intimate films. Like the Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman and Dan Aykroyd comedy drama classic, Driving Miss Daisy. Showcasing a more human side to his oeuvre, the five original tracks here are beautiful, sweet, tender, and truly moving. Meanwhile, the addition of Eartha Kitt's seminal Christmas anthem, 'Santa Baby', and Louis Armstrong's timeless 'Kiss of Fire', elevate the package.

Review: Zy The Way's debut album, Then and Now, skilfully merges ancient Chinese poetry with jazz, improvisation and global musical inspirations. Drawing cues from the Shijing, China's first poetry anthology, this adventures record connects historical themes with contemporary sound nd features collaboration with scholar Dr. Annie Luman Ren. Aong the way, the artist explores timeless concepts having already earned two Global Music Awards and gaining international acclaim. Notable tracks like 'Blue Collar' and 'Agile' shine brightly and, additionally, remixes by Mark de Clive-Lowe and DJ Spinna offer new interpretations to add even more richness.