Nine albums in and Adam Scrimshire has made a record that surely deserves to be in all the ‘Best Of’ lists of 2026. The multi-instrumentalist, producer and label head has drawn on the spiritual-soul-jazz-folk of 60s and 70s artists such as Terry Callier, Pentangle and Charles Stepney, merging it with a widescreen cinematic vision worthy of David Axelrod, invited a swathe of wonderful guests and just opened his heart. Joyful, reflective and with a much needed sense of communion, this is a glorious record for these fractured times. Read / Listen.
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Trees Speak 'TimeFold' (Soul Jazz Records) - a review
With nineteen tracks segueing into each each over two sides of vinyl, Tucson duo Trees Speak continue their earthy yet intergalactic run of albums (6 in 4 years!) for Soul Jazz Records. ‘TimeFold’ is a krautrock Blade Runner set in a doomy 1970s horror film castle (filmed on Mars) but with powerful arpeggiated Tangerine Dream synth weapons and disembodied spoken word amongst their heavyweight blend of influences. Intoxicating stuff. Read / Listen.
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Meiko Kaji 'Hajiki Uta' (WEWANTSOUNDS) - a review
The cult Japanese exploitation actress Meiko Kaji never planned to be a singer but with a push from her film studio she discovered a natural talent. 'Hajiki Uta' is the first of five albums that she made for Teichiku in the early 70s and is being comprehensively reissued by the always excellent WEWANTSOUNDS label. The record is a stunning collection of torch ballads and funky-orchestral-psyche grooves propelled by the slasher queen’s achingly melancholic voice; Tarantino created ‘Kill Bill’ around Meiko’s character in ‘Lady Snowblood’ and this album also contains ‘Urami Bush’ from Tarantino’s soundtrack. 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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