Welcome to 2025! Our first release is from the brilliant Bulgarian experimental music label Mahorka, and their latest offering is phenomenal. The Luneta Freedom Jazz Collective are from Manila, Philippines, and this is a strangely elegant release. My favorite track of the album, Ang itak ng kamalayan – Isang Ritual, Continue Reading
Free Jazz
Barre Phillips – Ahoy!
The world of improvisational music lost one of its biggest icons a couple of days ago. Barre Phillips, a bassist known for his being adaptable to any style, passed away on December 28. He worked with legends like Jimmy Giuffre, Paul Bley, Archie Shepp, Peter Brötzmann (whom we also lost Continue Reading
Joseph Benzola – Stained Glass Meditation
I’m more than pleased to announce a new recording by my online friend, Joe Benzola. It’s quite sparse and minimalist, perhaps even Cageian, mixing piano and percussion, and it requires you to pay attention. What can I say other than, “Well done!”?
Heinz Becker Group – Pan-Vielleicht Tau
The legendary Free Music Production (FMP) Record Label is reissuing some classic free jazz these days. This particular release features trumpet player Heinz Becker on a record from 1983.
Moor Mother – The Great Bailout (Deluxe)
Not the happiest record I have ever heard, but Philadelphia’s Moor Mother uses a sumptuous soundscape to air her grievances of past horrors. This is a deep listen, and I’m sure I’ll come back to this a few more times before all is said and done.
RKS Trio – Live at Bab-Ilo
Thanks to the ever-consistent Muteant Records for bringing this album to my attention! I’m familiar with both Michel Kristof and Makoto Sato’s work, as both as masters in the improv world, but Quentin Rollet is a new name for me. His sax playing and sound manipulation are expertly underpinned by Continue Reading
Sarah Belle Reid – MASS (Extended + Remastered)
Thanks to the magnificent blog a closer listen, I was introduced to the work of a fellow Los Angelino Sarah Belle Reid. I was intrigued by postrockcafe’s description of the album, and after hearing it this morning in between teaching duties, I have to say that the description is apt. Continue Reading
Ganelin Trio – Eight Reflections Of The Past Century
Once a legend in old Soviet free jazz and improv circles, it’s wonderful to hear that Slava Ganelin is still making solid music with a new trio based in Israel.
Brion Gysin – Junk
Never, ever did I expect this artifact of Beat weirdness, cut-ups and free improv to get reissued, but then again, how many record labels are as brave in their choices as Wewantsounds is? From the label’s Bandcamp site: “Wewantsounds is delighted to reissue Brion Gysin’s cult avant funk album produced Continue Reading
SOUNDFOG – How High Hang The Bells?
Our friends at Muteant Sounds have released a very mellow, relaxed free jazz session by SOUNDFOG. The band features Bernd Grohs-Ophoff on drums, percussion and carillon, Frank Wilke on a very relaxed trumpet, trombone and voice, and Sven Emmerich who playes synthesizer and adds samples and field recording. Not a Continue Reading