Recorded live on December 22, 1982, at the Théâtre La Criée in Marseille, this previously unreleased recording sees the ‘Lion of Cameroon’, Manu Dibango at the height of his considerable powers as he and his brilliant eight-piece band roar through a blistering set that showcases his world-beating blend of Cameroonian makossa, Congolese rumba and jazz-funk-fusion. Beautifully captured (and remastered from the original tapes), this is an amazing find from the always exceptional WEWANTSOUNDS label. Read / Listen.
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Lophae 'Perfect Strangers' (self release) - a review
Released in January, Lophae’s ‘Perfect Strangers’ is a brilliantly realised recording of four exceptionally talented musicians locked into one studio room as they improvise and explore bandleader and guitarist Greg Sanders’ beautifully melodic compositions. With the quartet filled out with Ben Brown (Waaju, Mulatu), Tom Herbert (Polar Bear, Acoustic Ladyland) and the gorgeous tenor sax playing of Sam Rapley, the album’s Brazilian, West African and classic jazz stylings are elevated to something extra special. One of the best records of the year no doubt. Read / Listen.
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Singular Visions - a random rundown of recent single releases (Feb 2025)
Is it Spring yet? As usual, a diverse selection this month but I suppose the one thing they all have in common is their fusion of ideas and cultures, a fluidity of influences that creates something new and fresh. Music from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, ESINAM & Sibusile Xaba, Nadeem Din-Gabisi, Céline Dessberg, Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly, João Leão and Joe Armon-Jones. Enjoy!
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Artwork by www.beckyhatchett.me
Kʒːlu ‘Vol.II Cortis’ (Creeping Curtain Records) - a review
The West Cork based guitarist and composer Pat Hatchett returns under his Kʒːlu (curlew) moniker with a fantastic album of introspection, leftfield soul and cosmic Afro-disco. An amazingly eclectic musician, he was hit with a serious and debilitating ear problem that forced him to think outside of the box to fix himself physically and spiritually. Aiming for connection and optimism in a time of personal and geo-political upheavals, Pat has created a sensational record with stellar musicianship and spiritually positive vibes that is as visually rich as it is sonically electrifying. Read / Listen.
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NaraBara 'Dab Hi' (Nomad City Records) - a review
NaraBara are a razor sharp quartet of Mongolian musicians who have somehow successfully and skillfully stirred ancient melodies and Tuvan throat singing into their globally inspired take on jazz-funk. West African sounding guitars, killer drums and impressive synth work are combined with the haunting sound of the ‘tovshuur’ lute and produced into a taut, imaginative and very contemporary sound. Read / Listen
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Move 78 'Grains' (Village Live Records) - a review
Move 78’s third studio album is another fine example of their unique way of creating music. Take a core of skilled jazz musicians from Berlin, let them jam and improvise around riffs and motifs whilst sampling and processing live back into the mix. Then record the results, remix, add featured instrumentalists, remix again and what do we have? A surprisingly organic sounding record that merges groove-heavy jazz moods, hypnotic atmospherics and psychedelic hues. Read / Listen.
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Nick Walters 'Marine Moods' (D.O.T. Records) - a review
Ace UK trumpeter, composer and bandleader Nick Walters reassembles his brilliant sextet (including longtime collaborator Tenderlonious) for his aquatically themed new album 'Marine Moods' which is released on Friday 6th October on his own D.O.T. Records label. Recorded in a single day, the record is a spellbinding combination of modal, spiritual and fusion flavours that gleams with positivity and is supercharged with exquisite musicianship. Read / Listen.
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Just some of the CDs April Records has sent to us!
April Records - Denmark's jazz powerhouse - label focus
April Records is a ridiculously prolific record label from Copenhagen, their widescreen approach to jazz and their championing of young musicians alongside veteran musicians from across the Scandinavian region has produced a highly impressive catalogue of recordings. We asked co-founder Jan Schmidt about the curatorial approach of the label and delved a little into the history of the Danish jazz scene. Read / Listen.
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The Jazz Room Vol. 2 compiled by Paul Murphy (BBE) - a review
Legendary DJ and record man (and our guest at this year’s Houghton Festival!) Paul Murphy has curated a second volume of global jazz hybrids that share a keen focus for the dancefloor! With tracks from Japan to Mali, France to Venezuela, The Jazz Room Volume 2 is an exceptional ride! Read / Listen
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Moreira Chonguiça 'Sounds of Peace' (Morestar Entertainment) - a review
The wonderful Mozambican musician and bandleader Moreira Chonguiça (and collaborator with the late Manu Dibango) released an incredible album of thirteen inspirational songs of sublime funky jazz last November, so we asked global music expert, veteran DJ and compiler extraordinaire John Armstrong to share his perspective with us all. Beautifully produced, packed full of joy and drawing on many strands of Mozambique’s rich musical culture, this is African jazz of the highest order! Read / Listen
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Lorenzo Morresi & Le Isole 'Pop Flop' (Space Echo Records / Dialogo Records) - video single
Italian musician, producer and DJ Lorenzo Morresi follows up his revered and sought after ‘Cosmica Italiana’ LP with a fresh collection of infectious, funk heavy, jazz-fusion jams that pay homage to the 70s Library Music sound. Vintage synths, slick drums and atmospheric moods for those who want to live a groovy life. Check the video as well for ‘Pop Flop’ featuring 22a’s Tenderlonious! Read / Listen
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Jay Phelps 'Finding Centaurii' (Platoon) - Single Premiere!
We are delighted to premiere the first single from Jay Phelps’ forthcoming album ‘The Now’ on Platoon. ‘Finding Centaurii' is a rollercoaster of a tune; the UK based trumpeter, DJ and producer has created a majestic collision of the progressive UK, Detroit and L.A. jazz-house-beats scenes and it works beautifully. Imagine the energetic dread of Moses Boyd’s ‘Rye Lane Shuffle’ x Thundercat x FlyLo x Brainfeeder and you’d be close. This is a big tune. Read / Listen
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Nick Walters 'Udaipur' (D.O.T. Records) - single premiere!
We are mightily pleased to premiere ‘Udaipur’ from Nick Walters’ forthcoming album ‘Padmāsana’! Built up from field recordings of a trip to India and transformed into a funky modal composition with stellar contributions from collaborators 22a’s Tenderlonious and Kieron McLeod. Read // Listen
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Silvan Strauss 'Facing' (Kabul Fire) - a review
Hamburg-based drummer and composer Silvan Strauss has created a debut album of ten short but dazzling micro-instrumentals. With fifteen collaborators in total, his creations veer between Madlib style jazz cut-ups to filmic beatscapes that showcase his brilliant drumming chops, never taking the focus away from the audience. “I wanted to make it so that people love to listen to it. It’s a little wonky, sure a few imperfections but fuck it, it’s fun and alive!”. Read / Listen
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Hamish Balfour 'Running Colours' (Shapes Of Rhythm) - title track premiere!
We are super pleased to showcase the title track from Hamish Balfour’s forthcoming album for Shapes of Rhythm! Exquisitely played brukish jazz fusion and a stunning vocal from Hospital Records’ Elsa Esmeralda makes this something special. Read / Listen
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Agile Experiments 'These Are Times For Mind And Spirit' (DDR Records) - a review
Probably my fave Agile Experiments record to date. Spacious, abstract experimental jazz with krautrock, funk and electronica in the mix played by a trio of exceptional improvisational musicians that include bandleader Dave De Rose, Jon Scott (Go Go Penguin) and George Crowley (Melt Yourself Down. Read / Listen
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Jackson Mathod 'Come On Now EP' (Bridge The Gap x New Soil) - a review
Check this brand new EP from the UK trumpeter and composer Jackson Mathod. Five tracks that explore tight as a rubber band jazz-funk, bossa, abstracted hip hop and more with a host of standout guests from the UK’s relentless conveyor belt of contemporary beats and jazz talent! Read / Listen
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Edrix Puzzle 'Coming Of The Moon Dogs' (On The Corner Records) - album announcement
A heavyweight collision of ‘Mwandishi-era Herbie Hancock meets space-weight electronics, classical violin & instrumental analogue noir’ is contained in this forthcoming album from the Planet Battagon spin-off Edrix Puzzle. Nathan “Tugg” Curran and his London-based outfit have dropped an interference in the order propelled by cosmic dread and serious improvisational chops. This is heavy post-punk-jazz-dub Juju. Read / Listen / Pre-order
Guinu 'Palagô' (Razor-N-Tape) - a review
Known mainly for their underground housey/disco dancefloor projects, this could be a surprising album release from New York’s Razor-N-Tape label. Though maybe it’s not. Brazilian musician, songwriter and producer Pedro Guinu has delivered his own respectful exploration of Rio de Janeiro’s musical heritage with great original songwriting that takes inspiration from 50 years of Rio’s musical treasures. Touching on MPB, AOR, Brazilian Boogie, Samba, Bossa and more contemporary genres, it’s complimented with a rock solid dancefloor-ready bottom end that makes this much more than a tribute. Read /Listen / Buy
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Jackson Mathod 'Come On Now' (Bridge the Gap x New Soil) - single review
A sunshine laden jazz-funk banger from virtuosic trumpeter Jackson Mathod and his ridiculously tight band here from his upcoming ‘Come On Now EP’ on new label Bridge the Gap x New Soil - Read / Listen
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