Lophae’s second album of the year is culled from the same sessions that led to their brilliant debut ‘Perfect Strangers’. Going deeper into the extraordinarily rich improvisational skills of the quartet, the Greg Sanders led outfit of Tom Herbert, Sam Rapley and Ben Brown have delivered another impressive collection of instrumental songs with elements of South African township jazz, West African guitar wizardry and a singular rhythmic complexity that is as thoughtful as it is immediate. Wonderful. Read / Listen.
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People's People 'The People's People Present The Spirit Of David' (Frederiksberg Records) - a review
We’re not sure who David is but this previously super-expensive private press record from Jeff Jones’ People’s People band is finally being reissued on Frederiksberg Records and despite it being recorded in California in 1974, it still stands up as exceptional soul jazz inspired by that revolutionary period where jazz, rock, funk and Latino music coalesced musically and culturally. Read / Listen.
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Langendorf United 'Undercover Beast' (Sing a Song Fighter) - a review
The brilliant Swedish quintet Langendorf United return with their second album, ‘Undercover Beast’ and it is equal to their award-winning debut ‘Yeahno Yowouw Land’. Respected by Ethio-jazz legends like Mulatu Astatke and modal fans alike, Lina Langendorf’s deep dive and education in the Addis Ababa club scene and decades of playing with an outrageous list of international artists, have lent her a singular voice, her ferocious saxophone playing drawing fire and ice or singing heavenly lullabies. Based around her complex yet immediate melodies, her synergistic band can take the ingredients of funky Ethio-jazz, Cabo Verdean morna, Cape Town grooves or just plain old cosmic trippery and twist them into a brand new, world class sound. This is very, very good. 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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‘Reflections of Pinters' - a musical journey through memories of Houghton Festival 2024
Looking warmly back to Houghton Festival 2024, this mix is a reflection, a mash of memories of the kind of sounds you might hear at Pinters, a zone of musical discovery away from the tougher electronic sonics that pepper the beautiful festival site, Pinters is where the organic, the esoteric and the hilarious (Reggie Watts being all three) converge. Obviously there were loads more DJs and live acts than just our (Truth & Lies) curated bits but the mix I’ve put together is a blend of tracks that I played, some I wished I’d played, some inspired by other DJ’s sets and a sprinkling of artists who performed live over the long weekend including Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin, Sven Figee, Reggie, Harper Trio and Alabaster DePlume.
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YAHYA a.k.a. Constantine Weir ‘Service Rendered’ (ITEZ) - a review
Aligned with his own path, Constantine Weir has travelled from the hothouse days of co-founding Galliano and their subsequent fame and splintering in the 90s’ to spending a decade studying the mysteries of Sufism in Senegal. Firmly back in London town, his music that he has returned to, carries the tales and wisdom of his experiences, spirituality merging with earthly love on this gorgeous Afro-folk-soul EP that channels the greats of Black music. With a voice and musical aesthetic that suggests heavy listening of Terry Callier, Curtis, Richie Havens and even further afield, ‘Service Rendered’ is a majestic collection of songs that, hopefully, signpost a full album to come. Read / Listen.
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