Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Chilean pianist Matias Pizarro quickly gained recognition in Buenos Aires after fleeing Pinochet's dictatorship, with his take on jazz often compared to Herbie Hancock. During his two years in Argentina, he joined the Viejas Raices project with local jazz legends Jorge Lopez Ruiz and Pocho Lapouble, collaborated with Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava and also released his solo album, Pelo de Rata (which means "Rat's Hair"). Pizarro had a rich musical background in Chile and studied at Berklee but also folds in US jazz fusion with Latin American influences while expertly exploring harmony and intimacy. An eight-page booklet includes extra context on this mini Latin jazz classic.

Review: In a first-time collaboration, psychedelic trance godhead Simon Posford (best known as Hallucinogen and a founding member of Shpongle) teams up with fellow hippie and flutist Raja Ram (Ronald Rothfield) on a welling improvisatory record, Improvisations For Piano And Flute. Though both are highly esteemed artists in their respective micro-corners of the electronic music scene, Posford and Rothfield both depart significantly from their usually danceable ends for a living-room recorded set of ambiences. With a synth placed atop an antique Bluthner piano, Raj and Simon would join in after the other first begun playing, delivering a 44-minute effluence for the spontaneous soul.

Review: Roy Powell's piano trio is set to enchant listeners once again with their new album, The Italian Songbook, a sequel to their acclaimed 2009 release, Napoli, which has graced Terashima Records compilations multiple times. This latest collection features seven beloved Italian compositions alongside two original pieces, showcasing Powell's masterful lyrical expression. The album transports listeners through Italy's picturesque landscapes with its rich melodies and heartfelt performances. Powell has emotional depth, particularly evident in the slower pieces where his artistry shines. Known for his background in avant-garde composition and jazz, Powell's journey began with his debut album, A Big Sky, recognised as a significant contribution to British contemporary jazz. In The Italian Songbook, Powell and his trio create a vibrant soundscape that captures the essence of Italian city life, inviting audiences to experience the beauty and charm of Italy through music. This release is poised to be a delightful addition to any jazz lover's collection.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


From The Fire is a superb new album from Audrey Powne that is about as accomplished as any debut could be. The young auteur herself has composed all nine cuts, wrote all the lyrics, plays all the piano, organ and Rhodes, does all the singing, arranged all the strings and produced everything herself as she set out to have complete creative control. It is a rich and rewarding listen with some soaring solos and meticulously crafted grooves that have already won her high praise from those in the know such as Gilles Peterson.

Review: Munich-based trio Prepared craft a hypnotic and high-energy journey that blurs the lines between chamber music, jazz and minimal dance. The trio i Chris Gall on prepared piano, Flo Riedl on bass clarinet and Christoph Holzhauser on drums i merges cyclical motifs and layered patterns into a trance-inducing soundscape. Drawing comparisons to Steve Reich, Jonny Greenwood and Dawn of Midi, their music pulses with rhythm and repetition, creating a hypnotic Gesamtkunstwerk that feels both innovative and timeless. Recorded live in a single room without overdubs, Module is a state-of-the-art production. Utilizing advanced 3D miking techniques for Dolby Atmos, the recording captures the raw interplay between instruments with breathtaking clarity. Across four expansive tracks divided into ten parts, the album flows through moods and textures. 'Modul Eins' opens with a downtempo introduction before evolving into an upbeat, swinging groove. 'Modul Zwei' offers a cinematic, film noir feel, while 'Modul Drei' dips into hip-hop beats with introspective breaks. The 15-minute opus 'Modul Vier' swells through four sections like changing seasons, showcasing the trio's virtuosity and cohesion. With Module, Prepared prove that repetition can be a riveting genre-defying experience that's impossible to forget.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Original pioneers of rare groove PUSH made a welcome return with this exciting album back in 2004 when it first dropped. It remains a vibrant workout 20 years later and blends classic underground rare grooves with contemporary feel-good funk and soul, featuring heartfelt songs and incredible instrumental pieces along the way. Emerging from the London club scene in 1987, PUSH thrived on JB-inspired funk, blaxploitation soundtracks, and raw soul-jazz. They toured Europe and Japan, performing at Gilles Peterson's legendary Dingwalls sessions. Key members Crispin Taylor, Ernie McKone, and Mark Vandergucht also played with Galliano and supported US divas like Candi Staton and Marlena Shaw.

Review: In 1971, this revered figure of Italian jazz, facilitated a remarkable session that brought together a talented ensemble of musicians, including trumpetist Francesco "Cicci" Santucci, saxophonist Enzo Scoppa and renowned keyboardist Franco d'Andrea. This collaboration, recorded at Umiliani's Sound Workshop studio in Rome, resulted in a brilliant jazz-funk album that blends intricate rhythms with melodic improvisation. Santucci and Scoppa, both seasoned in the late 50s Italian jazz scene, are joined by Belgian organist Joel Vendrokenbrak, adding a unique flavor to the mix. The album features d'Andrea on electric piano, a precursor to his future work with the progressive jazz group Perigeo. Originally released under a different name, this album is now reissued for the first time with its striking original cover art. The reissue includes a poster and a printed insert featuring images of the Sound Workshop studio, offering a deeper connection to the historical significance of the recording. With its masterful blend of jazz, funk and Italian creativity, this reissue is a significant addition to any collection of rare and influential jazz recordings.

Review: Featuring a tenor saxophone and digital keyboard with subtle additions of other instruments, it offers up an effortless and expansive exchange between Shiroishi and Kurek whose collaboration first began during a BBC Radio 3 remote session aired on Jennifer Lucy Allan's Late Junction show in February 2024. The easy chemistry between them continued after the show and soon resulted in tracks that celebrate intuitive expression and the tenderness of first takes. Across these immersive sounds jazz sounds their sense of trust and discovery is there for all to hear as their sonics elegantly complement each other's voices and gestures.

.