Review: Jeff Goldblum is a cult movie actor, a famously likeable bloke and also a damn good jazz singer and pianist with many essential works to his name. Now he has released two new singles featuring singer, songwriter and actress Haley Reinhart. Teaming up with his long-time band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, for the occasion, the unlikely but accomplished pair deliver unique covers of Taylor Swift's hit 'Lover' and Loreen's 'Tattoo.' They add completely different musical perspectives to the delightful pop originals and both tunes are sure to appeal to a wide range of music lovers, not just fans of Goldblum.
Review: A really cool concept from Expansion here; one side is a reissued seminal classic, the other is a contemporary version. And what a way to start the start the series; hard bop hero Johnny Hammond influenced pretty much every soul, jazz, rare groove and funk artist who've followed in his path, and the joyously unpredictable "Los Conquistadores Chocolates" is one of his best. Naturally Japanese jazz outfit Quasimode are an ideal remix choice. Known for their wildstyle riffage and signature switches, they've paid the utmost respect to Hammond.
Review: Herbie Hancock has been responsible for many era-defining records over the years - "Rockit" being a particularly good example - but few of his compositions have been quite as game changing as "Chameleon". First featured on 1973 album "Head Hunters", the 15-minute epic was revolutionary in a number of ways, not least in its use of a killer 12-note bassline, "percussive" style guitar parts and loose-limbed funk beat. It remains one of the greatest jazz-funk moments of all time, as this timely reissue proves. This time round, it comes accompanied by another "Head Hunters" classic - Hancock's groovy, synth-laden re-recording of his own 1962 composition "Watermelon Man". Two stone cold classics for the price of one: what's not to like?
Review: A new 7" all the way from Japan's Urban Discos label, from a live band with roots in soul, jazz and funkFirst up is their cover of 'Give Me Your Love,' a Curtis Mayfield jam. It's an instrumental in their hands and one that has some superb guitar solos and nice drum jams under organ vamps that are warm and subdued. 'Koi No Yokan (The Premonition Of Love)' is another vibrant mix of Hammond organs, swaying drums and splashing cymbals that is full of laid back melancholy.
Review: Legendary bandleader Eddie Palmieri took a rare groove excursion from his Latin legacy in the early 70s for two albums as Harlem River Drive. Criminally overlooked, Soul Brother have dusted off two of the many highlights from his self-titled debut; "Idle Hands" is a sleazy, Gaye-style message with an almost spoken word quality to the vocals and a smoky wooziness to the horns while "Seeds Of Life" is a real end-of-set belter that rises and rises with tight orchestration between the guitar, horns and drums. Incredible... This can't be slept on this time round.
Review: American jazz pianist Gene Harris first released 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' and its counterpart 'Summer' in 1974, when both initially appeared on the classic soul jazz album Astral Signal. Thereafter, it enjoyed a second bout of popularity after being picked up by the trailblazing rare groove scene in London. Now for a third: Selector Series now proffer another reissue of this rare groove workout, a Latin funk gem for an age not yet properly recorded or recognised. Snappy, pugilist drums, wowwing synths and filling choral counterpoints make this a real funk treat.
Review: Detroit-born jazz musician Wendell Harrison did a lot of seminal work with the likes of Phil Ranelin and Tribe in the early part of his career, but he's also slipped out some seriously funky wares like this rare joint originally from 1982 on Wenha Records. Athens Of The North are champions of such records, picking them up, showing them some love and getting them out to a fresh audience, and so it goes on this killer 7", which flips the A and the B so Harrison's version of Stevie Wonder's 'Rocket Love' gets up front in all its groovesome glory.
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.
Jackie McLean & Michael Carvin - "De I Comahlee Ah" (extended) (12:22)
Chris McGregor's Brotherhood Of Breath - "MRA" (6:48)
Review: The cult Melodies International label run by Floating Points and Mafalda starts a new series here. Melodies Record Club will find each curated by a different guest DJ or producer with the first one selected by the always on point Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet. He picks some of the tracks he used to spin at the legendary Plastic People and first up is an extended version of 1975 tune 'De I Comahlee Ah' by jazz stars Jackie McLean and Michael Carvin. Chris McGregor's Brotherhood Of Breath takes care of the flip with the big band energy and excellent horn work of 'MRA.'
Review: While best known for their funk and soul reissues, Dynamite Cuts do frequently dig deeper and look further afield for musical inspiration. They're at it again here, offering up a lavishly packaged "45" featuring two killer cuts from Brazilian saxophonist and flautist Hector Costita's jazz-funk/jazz-fusion album 1981 (which, you guessed it, was first released in 1981). A-side 'Avessos' is warming, gentle and groovy, with Costita's jaunty sax motifs rising above a samba-jazz beat, restless triangle percussion and some seriously toasty electric piano lines. 'Divagacao' is a more up-tempo nd rhythmically interesting affair that reminded us of Azymuth while also boasting some genuinely dazzling sax solos.
Review: 'The Catfish' by Peter Herbolzheimer is a thrilling addition to Dynamite Cuts' 7" series, featuring the German big band jazz maestro's powerhouse sound. Originally recorded live at the renowned ONKELPO in Sweden, this release features two monster tracks that pack a punch. On the Side-1, 'The Catfish' delivers a heavy moog and drum groove layered with outstanding horn sections, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is sure to get listeners moving. Meanwhile, the Side-2 offers 'Head Egg,' an uptempo and powerful groove with a banger of a drum loop that will leave audiences craving more. For fans of big band funk and jazz, this 7" release is a must-have addition to any collection, offering irresistible energy and infectious grooves that will captivate music lovers of all stripes.
Review: Two titans of African music come together for a collaboration that will sadly never be repeated after the passing of the late Hugh Masekela. Allen's instantly recognisable drumming and Masekela's iconic trumpet are a match made in heaven - after all their paths first crossed back in the 70s thanks to Fela Kuti's galvanizing energy. Forget the throwback stuff trying to capture the spirit of the originators, this IS the originators sounding cool and deadly in every way. Funk lovers, Afrobeat heads, curious ears and dancing souls take heed - this right here is an unmissable transmission from two grandmasters in their field.
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: The celebration of this series continues with a reissue of the second installment of the legendary Christmas salsa album. Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe returned here to bring the unique sounds that made Volume I a Latin music classic. For this one, Colon and Lavoe were joined by renowned cuatro player Yomo Toro and legendary percussionists Milton Cardona and Jose Mangual Jr. Together, they crafted salsa versions of beloved Puerto Rican Christmas songs while mixing traditional musica jibara with Cuban guaguanco, son montuno and African-American jazz. It delivers on all fronts with vibrant, festive blends that bring real Puerto Rican authenticity to salsa fans worldwide.
Review: Together Again!!!! reunites trumpeter Howard McGhee and saxophonist Teddy Edwards in a jazz collaboration originally released in 1961 that is as energised and electric as the title with all its many exclamation marks. This reissue is part of the Acoustic Sounds Series and showcases the exceptional talents of McGhee and Edwards alongside Phineas Newborn Jr. on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Ed Thigpen on drums. It has been cut from the original master tapes by Bernie Grundman so the AAA lacquers enhance the album's rich sound. It's a mini-classic of the jazz world and it never sounded better.
Review: Sam Gendel is renowned for his innovative use of saxophones and wind controllers and with that he brings a fresh perspective to contemporary music. Benny Bock meanwhile is a versatile keyboardist, composer, producer and sound designer from Oakland, California who crafts evocative soundscapes across diverse styles. Hans Kjorstad is the third and final part of this three-way collaboration and is a musician and composer who specialises in contemporary microtonal music while drawing inspiration from Norwegian traditional music and experimental improvisation. Together, their unique approaches push the boundaries of modern music as they weave traditional and avant-garde elements into a rich tapestry of sound that bridges genres and challenges conventions.
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: Louisiana Blues Strut: A Cakwalk (2:26)
Charles Ives: Violin Sonata No 4 Children's Day At The Camp Meeting I Allegro (1:55)
Charles Ives: Violin Sonata No 4 Children's Day At The Camp Meeting II Largo - Allegro (Con Slugarocko) (5:21)
Charles Ives: Violin Sonata No 4 Children's Day At The Camp Meeting III Allegro (1:41)
Aaron Copland: Hoe-down (2:55)
William Kroll: Banjo & Fiddle (2:56)
Eddie South: Black & Gypsy (2:48)
John Adams: Road Movies: I Relaxed Groove (4:56)
John Adams: Road Movies: II Meditative (5:23)
John Adams: Road Movies III 40% Swing (5:08)
Manuel Ponce: Estrellita (Arranged By Jascha Hifetz) (2:41)
Howdy Forrester: Wild Fiddler's Rag (2:07)
Leonard Bernsein: Somewhere From West Side Story Suite (Arranged By Raimundo Penaforte) (1:31)
Review: Violinist Augustin Hadelich's American Road Trip is an attempt to explore the musical landscape of his adoptive homeland with pianist Orion Weiss. The duo performs works by American composers spanning the 19th to 21st centuries and in doing so blends diverse influences such as European Romanticism, revivalist hymns, blues, jazz, and bluegrass. The album features pieces by Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, Charles Ives, John Adams, Amy Beach, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson and others, all of whom highlight the rich tapestry of American music. Hadelich, who moved to the U.S. at 19 and became a citizen in 2014, combines American passion with European nuance in his acclaimed performances.
Review: In this newly reissued collection of bass-led duets, the great Charlie Haden collaborates with Don Cherry who plays trumpet and flute, Archie Shepp on tenor, pianist Hampton Hawes, and trumpeter Ornette Coleman across four tracks. Hawes' performance on the Ornette-penned 'Turnaround' stands out as a straight-ahead highlight on this exploratory album, although the other three are also standout works that offer plenty to get stuck into. Released as part of the generally excellent Verve By Request series, this one is pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Third Man in Detroit so sounds magnificent.
Review: Vibrant Essential by Taro Hakase & THE LADS, features nine selected tracks, offering a rich listening experience that transcends genre boundaries with its violin-centered compositions. Known for blending classical and contemporary elements, Hakase's work takes on a new warmth and texture in this analog format, perfect for fans and audiophiles alike. A must-have for those seeking something uniquely vibrant and timeless in sound.
Review: Soweto to Harlem highlights a unique moment in musical history, where the paths of American jazz legend Hal Singer and South African saxophonist Kippie Moeketsi intersected. Produced by Rashid Vally in 1976, this album stands as a testament to the power of collaboration across borders. The title track, inspired by Singer's journey from Soweto to Harlem, sets the tone for the entire recording, blending elements of rhythm and blues with a laid-back yet cheeky vibe. Singer's quartet delivers a nostalgic and soulful performance, with each track exuding a sense of camaraderie and musical excellence. While initially only available in South Africa, Soweto to Harlem now serves as a cherished artifact of cultural exchange and musical innovation, showcasing the enduring legacy of two jazz pioneers.
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