Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Spiritual flute jazz by the mastermind Antti Vauhkonen aka. Oiro Pena. Coming only to a limited edition lathe-cut 10'', of which only 20 copies exist, there's something in the ultra-exclusivist approach to release and distribution here that seems to mimic and or bottle the sentiment of the record. Oiro Pena, first released via Ultraaani in 2019, was made after the Finnish musician found solace and inspiration in the question: who was the first person to create instrumental music? Arriving at the conclusion that this person was probably alone, the ensuing LP is an engaging testament to the idea that wellsprings of spiritual, flauting sonics might gush forth from such thought experiments. Through four pieces of rippling flute-jazz, backed by free-strained piano and double bass accompaniments and sprinkled thereover by keyboards, drums, strings and reams of percs, all of which were at some point played by Vauhkonen himself.

Review: Renowned reeds player, composer, and producer Finn Peters unveils his latest offering Red, Green and Blue and it is a vibrant fusion of global influences condensed into three potent tracks of what Peters dubs 'ancient techno'. This solo endeavour continues Peters' sonic exploration and expands upon the palette he began with his Purple and Yellow EP nearly a decade ago. MPC3000 and SP12 percussion intertwines with cosmic flute choirs and transcendent saxophone, guided by analogue synths that bridge eras past and future. Inspired by dreams of the Miraculous Mandarin, an immortal mystic from the future, Peters crafts musical resonance here, awash with alchemy and timelessness.

Review: Ruby Rushton's latest offering presents a vibrant exploration of rhythm and texture, breathing new life into contemporary jazz fusion. On the title track, 'Stapodia,' an infectious groove shifts effortlessly between time signatures, creating a dynamic backdrop for striking solos on saxophone and trumpet. 'Kalo Livadi' bursts forth with a whirlwind of flute, trumpet, and synth bass, only to wind down into a hypnotic hip-hop groove, its keys solo lingering like an unexpected afterthought. The interplay of improvisation and structure feels both daring and deliberate, capturing the energy of a band constantly in conversation with itself.