Review: With summer gone, this album is the perfect soundtrack to remind you of the warmer season. It's a lush blend of tropical disco grooves, deep house, Balearic vibes, smooth jazz and Mediterranean cool for sipping cocktails and dreaming of a blissful escape. Each track features dreamy textures, fresh rhythms, shimmering chords and rich melodies enhanced by delightful percussive details. It's a majestic work by A Vision Of Panorama with a carefree atmosphere.
Review: Finding My Way Home marks the debut of British-Bahraini trumpet player Yazz Ahmed, a project deeply rooted in her cultural and musical journey. The album blends Yazz's Arabic heritage with the classic British jazz sounds that marked her youth. This mix of influences is reflected in original compositions and improvisations that draw on her childhood in Bahrain, as well as the British jazz scene of the 1950s and 60s that her grandfather, Terry Brown, was part of. Terry, a notable jazz trumpeter and producer, inspired Yazz's early passion for music. A highlight of the album is Yazz's collaboration with renowned bassist Janek Gwizdala, a friendship, rekindled years after their teenage brass ensemble days, that led to intimate recordings at the Cowshed in London. These duetsifeaturing pieces like Yazz's Affirmation and the spontaneous Arabic-influenced compositions Embarkation and Al Muharraqiform the emotional core of the album, while it also showcases Ahmed's quintet, performing two original tracks: the tender ballad Conciliation and the Joe Henderson-inspired 'Flip Flop'. Another standout, 'Wah-Wah Sowahwah', features Shabaka Hutchings on bass clarinet, exploring Ahmed's Arabic influences. 'Finding My Way Home' concludes with a self-titled track, merging elements from previous recordings into an evocative journey. This debut not only launched Yazz's career, earning acclaim and praise, but also inspired her to form new ensembles.
Review: In 2002, pianist and composer Andrew Hill's A Beautiful Day captured a landmark Birdland performance that also revealed a new facet of his own artistry. Now, A Beautiful Day, Revisited from Palmetto Records enhances this experience with a remixed and remastered edition that expands the recording's depth and detail. Producer Matt Balitsaris adds previously unreleased material, including a second, unique rendition of the title track and a lengthened version of '11/8' featuring Hill's introductions of each ensemble member. Hill's band, with improvisers like Greg Tardy, Marty Ehrlich and Ron Horton, creates a rich, expressive soundscape that balances Hill's compositional elegance with spontaneous, free-jazz momentum.
Review: Mulatu Astatke's collaboration with Tel Aviv's Hoodna Orchestra marks a vibrant reimagining of Ethio-jazz. The album, produced by Dap-King Neal Sugarman, showcases a blend of Astatke's iconic vibraphone with the Hoodna Orchestra's Afro-funk prowess. Opening with 'Tension', the track propels Astatke's signature sound into intense new rhythmic realms, featuring dynamic contributions from drummer Matan Assayag and a powerful brass section. 'Major' follows with a joyful swing, while 'Hatula' and 'Yashan' present diverse moods, from sultry to brooding, with impressive solos by organist Eitan Drabkin and baritone saxophonist Elad Gellert. 'Delilah' echoes Mulatu's Latin-jazz roots, with standout flute and guitar solos, leading into the album's closing track, 'Dung Gate'. This piece features a majestic brass and percussion finale, evoking the spirit of Sun Ra. Tension is both a tribute to Astatke's legacy and a bold new chapter in his Ethio-jazz journey, highlighting the Hoodna Orchestra's most compelling work to date.
Review: Tension sees Ethio-jazz innovator Mulatu Astatke join forces with Tel Aviv's Hoodna Orchestra, creating a vibrant fusion of Astatke's signature sound with the orchestra's Afro funk dynamism. This collaboration is a masterclass in blending classic Ethio-jazz with contemporary influences. The album kicks off with 'Tension,' a track that infuses Astatke's enchanting vibraphone with a powerful rhythm section, driven by Matan Assayag's energetic drumming and a compelling brass motif. 'Major' later introduces a joyous, swinging groove, showcasing the orchestra's chemistry and Drabkin's stellar organ solo. Tracks like 'Hatula' and 'Yashan' capture a blend of intricate melodies and traditional Ethio-jazz flavours, while 'Delilah' reverently nods to Mulatu's early Latin-jazz roots. The album concludes with 'Dung Gate', a slow, mesmerising piece featuring Birenbaum's layered percussion and the brass section's evocative presence. Tension stands out as both a tribute to Astatke's legacy and a groundbreaking exploration in Ethio-jazz, marking a high point in the Hoodna Orchestra's evolving sound.
Review: Heavy Jazz returns with Ellis Island, their latest instrumental offering following the success of 'Indian Rope Man'. This new release highlights Brian Auger's signature jazz prowess, delivering another intricate and powerful workout. The flip side honours the late Zoot Money with the first-ever 7" release of 'George Bruno Money'. This limited edition comes in a carefully designed sleeve featuring foldout flaps and a cutaway rear. It's an essential piece for jazz lovers and collectors alike, brimming with soulful rhythms and nostalgic nods to jazz legends.
Circus II (feat Yusuke Sase & Weedie Braimah) (4:41)
88 (feat Bigyuki) (1:23)
Reprise (feat JK Kim) (1:09)
Review: Electric Rider marks a major release from saxophonist Tomoaki Baba, celebrated for his role in the Blue Giant soundtrack. A Berklee alum who's performed with Takuya Kuroda and 'J-Squad,' Baba teams up with co-producer BIGYUKI, blending saxophone, keyboards and drums in a tight trio format. The album's original compositions showcase Baba's skill and chemistry with BIGYUKI, featuring a vibrant fusion of jazz and contemporary influences. Involving guests like JK Kim on drums and ermhoi, Electric Rider is a powerful statement from one of Japan's most notable jazz talents.
Review: Complex Emotions, the 16th album from The Bad Plus, confirms the band's endless creative energy and evolution. Featuring the talents of guitarist Ben Monder and saxophonist Chris Speed, the album is a bold leap forward, beginning with Reid Anderson's 'Grid/Ocean'ia shape-shifting opener that morphs between turbulence and calm. The track clears the way for the exhilarating 'French Horns', where Monder's structured yet frenzied solo captures the band's fearless spirit. With standout contributions like Speed's vibrant 'Cupcakes One' and Anderson's blistering 'Deep Water Sharks', the album straddles the boundaries of jazz and rock, tapping into an electrifying synergy reminiscent of guitar icons like Jeff Beck. Quiet moments like 'Carrier', 'Casa Ben' and 'Tyrone's Flamingos' offer dreamy, introspective counterpoints, showing King's percussion and Speed's airy lyricism. The Bad Plus, with Monder and Speed joining founding members Anderson and King, continue to defy genre labels, blending rock, jazz and ambient textures. From blistering intensity to melodic subtlety, Complex Emotions encapsulates the band's drive to innovate and redefine.
Review: Bruno Berle's No Reino Dos Afetos is a stunning example of modern Brazilian pop, blending heartfelt emotion with a wide range of musical influences. Hailing from Maceio, Berle brings the warmth and beauty of his coastal home into every corner of this album. Released in a vibrant blue vinyl repress in 2024, the album is a journey through soft, intimate compositions that explore love, tenderness, and beauty. Berle's smooth, golden voice is the heart of the record, effortlessly gliding over songs like 'Quero Dizer', where the mix of lo-fi production, kalimba, and guitar creates an irresistible, laid-back groove. His raw emotional power shines in tracks like 'O Nome Do Meu Amor', an acoustic tearjerker brimming with sincerity. Berle's versatility is clear, moving from indie rock on 'E Preciso Ter Amor' to the sun-soaked soul of Joao Menezes's 'Ate Meu Violao', which opens the album with a nostalgic touch of 70s MPB. His take on West African highlife in 'Som Nyame' adds even more richness to the mix. Every note feels personal, capturing both simplicity and depth. This album solidifies Berle as one of Brazil's most exciting young talents.
Review: Originating from Hameenlinna, Finland, the DJ and producer duo Tuure Tammi and Juha Sarkkola are The Blassics. What started as a small instrumental funk project has since grown into a nine-piece instrumental band and that aims to distil the energy of their live shows into equally captivating records. Their style harks back to rough original funk 7" and draws on Afrobeat and jazz. Breaks & Juicy Takes is their new LP and one with 11 brilliantly infectious blends of broken beat, dub and nu-jazz and it's a lively, vibrant blend of hooks, basslines and melodies that will never grow old.
Review: Grains is Boozoo Bajou's 2009 third album; marked out as the duo's most "organic" record, we hear the inimitable blends of Louisiana Cajun, Caribbean music and electronica, once again laid bare by the pioneering pairing of Peter Heider and Florian Seyberth. Still taking after their local Laurel Canyon as their muse, Heider and Seyberth crafted a lush yet ruddy record 15 years ago, relying on the bare ability to tenderise vocals and guitar, over and above any production trickery (though the record is relatively polished too). Grains heralds a predominantly trip hop direction when the beats aren't softened, with 'Signs' serving as the prime example.
(The Circle) Of Compassion (feat MidnightRoba) (8:10)
Our Cottage To Across The Stream (3:44)
Your Soul Is Perfect (Supreme Uniter) (feat Radha Botofasina) (7:49)
Review: Surya Botofasina's new album, Ashram Sun, follows his acclaimed debut Everyone's Children and marks his first major release since touring with Andre 3000 and contributing to New Blue Sun. This album is a tribute to Surya's spiritual and musical upbringing under Swamini Turiyasangitananda, also known as Alice Coltrane, at California's Sai Anantam Ashram. Ashram Sun is a profound work of spiritual jazz and it features close collaborators Carlos NiNo and Nate Mercereau with production by the prolific NiNo, whose vision is central to today's progressive jazz scene. This album is an immersive world of classy, spiritual and meditative jazz sound.
Review: Serious deep house heads take note, this is a superb new EP that instantly fits in with your favourite classics by the likes of Moodymann and Theo Parrish. It comes from Dean Bryce, one of London's best-kept secrets, and he delivers his signature touch on this latest release for Extra Soul Perception. Known as the founder of Technicolour Records-home to early releases from Peggy Gou, Actress, and the breakout Barry Can't Swim-Dean has a reputation that speaks for itself. This record sees him tapping into his re-edit collection to bring us three timeless tracks. The much-loved 'H.E.R.' makes a triumphant return next to two gems 'TEAZE' and 'Winner' on the flip side. Crucial.
Keni Burke - "Risin' To The Top" (A Mike Maurro mix) (8:50)
Evelyn Champagne King - "I'm In Love" (A Mike Maurro mix) (9:30)
Review: Two legendary boogie anthems of the 80s are getting a fresh spin, with Mike Maurro offering new takes on Keni Burke's 'Risin' to the Top' and Evelyn 'Champagne' King's 'I'm In Love'. Set to drop via RCA on 12" vinyl, these remixes breathe new life into two classics that defined an era. Burke's 'Risin' to the Top', first released in 1982 on his album Changes, remains one of his most enduring tracks. It's a song that has been sampled across genres, from hip-hop to r&b, by the likes of Mary J. Blige and LL Cool J. Maurro's remix stays true to the original, adding subtle guitar riffs and an extended rhythm section, while preserving the song's chilled-out vibe. The result is a refined version that respects the sensual groove that made it such a standout. On the flip side, Maurro turns his attention to Evelyn 'Champagne' King's 1981 hit 'I'm In Love'. Originally a high-energy singalong anthem, this remix stays close to the spirit of the track but pushes the production forward. King's uplifting vocals remain the focal point, but with Maurro's touch, the track feels revitalised, with a polished mix that's ready to captivate the dancefloor once again. Both tracks offer a reminder of just how timeless this era of boogie and disco remains, with Maurro's remixes ensuring they sound as fresh today as they did decades ago. Perfect for DJs looking to inject some classic charm into their sets, these re-releases will no doubt reignite the love for these iconic tunes, proving once more that great music never goes out of style.
Review: Recorded in 1962, Coleman Hawkins' quartet featuring Tommy Flanagan on piano, Major Holley on bass and Eddie Locke on drums delivers a captivating blend of upbeat tunes and smooth ballads. Tracks like 'Go Li'l Liza' and 'Swingin' Scotch' provide lively moments while a trio of ballads, including the recently and sadly passed legend that is Quincy Jones' 'Quintessence,' showcase the group's versatility. This Verve By Request edition is pressed on high-quality 180-gram vinyl at Third Man Records in Detroit so as usual offers a premium listening experience that captures the timeless essence of Hawkins' legendary sound.
Review: Common Saints' debut album Cinema 3000 arrives on stunning blue meteorite splatter vinyl. Conceived in 2020 by Charlie J Perry, the project embraces an old-school recording style, with Perry laying down real instruments in his London home studio. Using just one mic for the drums and cranking the amps high, Perry has crafted an album that blends classic musicianship with a modern edge. Drawing comparisons to Tame Impala and Khruangbin, Cinema 3000 offers a rich, expansive sound that's both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The album opens with 'Sweet Release,' a track drenched in 70s psych-folk vibes and intricate harmonies, setting the tone for a journey that's as much about the experience as the music itself. 'C'est La Vie' brings a laid-back groove inspired by classic rock influences, while 'Dream On' features Taloula's entrancing guest vocals, adding a Morcheeba-like touch to the mix. Perry's passion for his craft shines through, particularly on tracks like 'Pieces of War,' where his raw, strained vocalsicaptured during a bout of laryngitisideliver an authentic emotional punch. Cinema 3000 is a sonic adventure, crafted for those who appreciate both the art of recording and the pleasure of listening.
Review: Charleston artist Contour, aka Khari Lucas, showcases his ever-evolving creativity on Take Off from Mercy, his debut album for Mexican Summer. Originally a beatmaker, Lucas has expanded his sound across projects like Onwards in 2022, Love Suite in 2021 and Weight in the same year, all of which blend noirish, sample-driven r&b with plenty of other diverse influences. Take Off from Mercy moves away from sampling, instead embracing guitar-led compositions that weave blues, Tropicalia, hip hop, post-punk and indie rock. This album solidifies Lucas's status as a dynamic lyricist and collaborator and has great contributions from Saul Williams, Mndsgn and co-producer Omari Jazz.
Review: This superb new Jazz Room Records compilation showcases a vibrant mix of world genres that innovatively blend funk, J-jazz, Afro-Cuban, and boogaloo influences. The tracks range from the heavy Latin jazz energy of 'Bolivia 67' to the 1970s kung fu-inspired groove of 'Tong King Rock.' They all add up to a colourful collection that plays out with nice cohesion overall but also offers up some high class DJ weaponry. Along the way, the record takes in further highlights like 'Eastern Folktale' and the lively rhythms of standouts like 'Jump Up Life' which help to make this such a gem for the collection.
Review: This compilation has been curated by members of Nomark's online community, The Nomark Club, and it brings together rare and previously unavailable tracks from Amon Tobin's various musical personas, including Two Fingers and the return of his early alias, Cujo. With selections from Tobin's multifaceted discography, the album offers a deep dive into his distinct genre-blending worlds. Tracks like Two Fingers' 'Golden' pulse with gritty bass and frenetic energy, while Cujo's 'Early for Clink Street' and 'Nine Bars Back' provide a moody, jazz-infused atmosphere. Tobin's darker tracks 'In Long Dark Grass' and 'Deep in Time' close the album on a hauntingly hopeful note.
Review: With Introducing Emilia Sisco, Sisco steps into the spotlight backed by Cold Diamond & Mink, spanning ten tracks that hit that rare sweet spot between classic soul vibes and a refined, modern polish. Each song feels meticulously crafted, from the smoky, gospel-inflected swing of 'Say Yes' that opens the album, to the heartfelt sway of 'Don't Let Nobody,' where Sisco's vocals radiate warmth and vulnerability. Cold Diamond & Mink's arrangements anchor Sisco's expressive range, laying down rich, textured backdrops that ebb and flow with her every note. As the album progresses, Sisco's voice weaves through uplifting choruses and more introspective moments with an authenticity that's all her own, cementing her as a powerful new voice in the soul scene and offering listeners a journey that's timeless yet undeniably fresh.
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