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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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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DJ Amir Presents ‘Strata Records - The Sound of Detroit’ Volume 1 (BBE) - a review
A holy shit compilation of tracks from Detroit’s short-lived but essential Strata label compiled by 180 Proof founder and Strata catalogue curator DJ Amir…….jazz for people who like it soulful, grimy and real..this is the good stuff! Read / Listen here
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Christian Reim Sextet "MONA LISA" Suite Molde 73 (Jazzaggression) - a review
Norwegian jazz behemoth Christian Reim recorded a series of live concerts at Molde Jazz Festival in the 70s and they are quite something. Published for the first time on Finnish label Jazzaggression, our man in Dominican Republic Mauro Ferreiro deeply immersed himself and has come strong with a superb review that makes you want to listen again and again…. Read / Listen here
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George Otsuka Quintet 'Loving You George' (WEWANTSOUNDS) - a review
Coming soon on WEWANTSOUNDS - an outstanding live jazz album from 1975 by one of Japan’s greatest ever drummers George Otsuka alongside his quintet. Worth checking out for their killer version of the Minnie Riperton classic ‘Lovin’ You’ alone … Read / Listen / Pre-order here
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