Edition レコード& CD

Review: Norwegian pianist and composer Eyolf Dale's The Space Between Two Notes is his seventh album on Edition Records. This album reimagines selections from his trio albums Being and The Wayfarers with some rich orchestral arrangements by the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, all conducted by Miho Hazama. Blending jazz and classical music in unique ways, Dale focuses on the nuanced spaces between notes and so creates a horizontal, interval-based musical exploration. His trio, including Audun Kleive on drums and Per Zanussi on bass, achieves a delicate balance while integrating with the orchestra to deliver a seamless, expressive sound that makes for a genre-blurring musical vision.

Review: SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree is a much-anticipated follow-up to Kurt Elling and Charlie Hunter's last album which was no less than 2021's eponymous and Grammy-nominated album. Once again this pair are blazing new trails and blending new genres across kaleidoscopic collection of new songs. They have reunited for it with Corey Fonville and DJ Harrison and along the way, there are some cheeky and pleasantly surprising covers as well as some smart and dynamic reinventions. A timeless jazz record if ever there was one.

Review: Composer and conductor Miho Hazama celebrates ten years of her respected M Unit project with an all new album performed by it. Beyond Orbits is a vibrant work that is also a fine testament to her endless creativity within the world of jazz. In the last decade she has played all over the world but the album was written in the confines of her flat during the pandemic in New York. But you wouldn't know it because like Afro-Futurists before her she looked outwards to the stars for inspiration. Effectually the album pays homage to the captivating wonders of the exoplanetary realm in majestic fashion.

Review: United brings together two musical giants in the form of guitarist Lionel Loueke and bassist Dave Holland and they combine in to great effect in what is an inspiring collaboration. Loueke's masterful fusion of West African traditions and modern jazz pairs seamlessly with Holland's deep, resonant bass to make for a greatly harmonious and creative sound. Both musicians have had profound impacts on jazz: Loueke's collaborations with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Sting and others, and Holland's influential work with icons like Miles Davis and Chick Corea, have defined the genre over the years. While they've worked together in various ensembles, this album marks their first duo collaboration and results in an extraordinary fusion that celebrates unity, creativity and cultural roots in music.

Review: Slowly Rolling Camera's evolution over the past decade is striking, with Silver Shadow showcasing a band that has transformed significantly since their 2014 self-titled debut. While their early work was marked by a quietly intense r&b influence, their transition to all-instrumental music has brought their cinematic, electro-jazz fusion to the forefront. This trio, comprising Dave Stapleton (keys), Deri Roberts (sound design & production), and Elliot Bennett (drums), has continually refined their sound, weaving together jazz finesse, electronic textures, and rich, emotional depth. Silver Shadow feels like a late-night noir soundtrack, a departure from the long-form compositions of their past, offering concise tracks with immediate impact. The album is inspired by the visual and musical interplay in film, centering around a fictional protagonist. The core trio is joined by a talented ensemble, including Jasper Hoiby on bass, Josh Arcoleo on sax, Stuart McCallum on guitar, and Verneri Pohjola on trumpet, adding layers to their already complex soundscapes. Celebrating a decade of innovation, Slowly Rolling Camera has solidified their place in the European jazz scene. With influences from The Cinematic Orchestra and comparisons to GoGo Penguin, Silver Shadow is both a reaffirmation of their signature blend of acoustic and electronic elements and a celebration of their impressive streaming success, surpassing 20 million streams. An exciting new chapter for the band for sure.

Review: Drawing deep inspiration from jazz legends like McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock and Geri Allen, Stevenson blends faith, identity and human experience into a exciting musical journey. His unique approach to composition, grounded in quartal harmony, modality and dramatic interplay within his trio, offers a sound that is both accessible and intellectually engaging. The album's title, El Roiimeaning "God of Sight"icaptures the themes explored within faith and identity. Through his storytelling, Stevenson delves into how one perceives the world around them, while reflecting on his relationship with faith. The compositions are marked by a strong sense of contrast, often starting with a central motif and expanding through varied melodic ideas. This creates a sound that resonates with listeners across genres. Following his debut album Faithful One, Stevenson continues to showcase his evolving style, combining spiritual narratives with modern jazz elements. His carefully chosen bandmates, including double bassist Jacob Gryn and drummer Joel Waters, contribute to a sound that is both rooted in tradition and forward-thinking.

Review: Still Life is the new album by Sachal Vasandani, the acclaimed vocalist, and Romain Collin, a noted pianist. They first linked up back in 2021 for the fine Midnight Shelter album which was emotive and intimate. That one reworked both classic and modern songs with some new moments in between and this one again reworks some classics by the likes of Billie Eilish, Paul Simon, Sam Smith, Peter Gabriel and others. It makes for something again lyrically powerful with beautifully emotive tunes and real honesty at their core. These personal reworks are things of real joy.