MoonJune Records is one of those labels that consistently excels, especially in progressive rock and maybe even more so in jazz fusion. The latest release by Luca Calabrese is from 2024 and has six tracks of the sort of high-quality fusion you would expect from the label, and its focus Continue Reading
Italy
Hyldýpi – D V A L I
Hyldýpi is the project name for Icelandic composer Herbert Már Sigmundsson. The music is a gentle sort of ambient touched with New Age influences. Respect to Neotantra Records out of Italy for releasing this, as it’s a pleasant listen.
Abul Mogard & Rafael Anton Irisarri – Live at Le Guess Who?
Abul Mogard and Rafael Anton Irisarri, from Italy and Spain respectively, are two of the most outstanding ambient music composers going today. They collaborate here on a live work that sounds so atmospheric as to be nearly holy, especially since it was performed at a church in Utrecht.
Passepartout Duo – Argot
My, this is a lovely release. Passepartout Duo manage to balance modern classical music with a minimal post-rock sound without the “rock” part. It’s exquisite listening, especially for those who like minimalist music. Think of Arvo Pärt collaborating with Sigur Rós, and this might give you an idea of what Continue Reading
Attilio Zanchi – Mingus Portrait
In July, we featured a remix release by Attilio Zanchi which the stunningly good Right Tempo Records released, but now, we have the absolute pleasure to point you to the original from the man himself. From the release’s Bandcamp page: “”If I have to make one last record, now that Continue Reading
Capricorni Pneumatici – Witchcraft
I don’t ever recall using the word haunting to describe the sound of a record on this blog, but Witchcraft by Capricorni Pneumatici deserves that adjective. There is a horrific, claustrophobic vibe to the album, as though it were made for a movie so frightening that it would give viewers Continue Reading
The Resian Folk Group – Resia Valley: String-Band Music from Eastern Alpine Italian Villages ca. 1978
The Resian Folk Group were from the Resia Valley in the Italian Alps. What sets them apart from their countrymen are their folk traditions and language, which seem to have a strong Slovene influence. Canary Records does their usual outstanding job remastering this collection. It sounds absolutely gorgeous considering the Continue Reading
Mario Rusca (quintet, nonet) – 4th Dimension
Ever since Right Tempo Records has relaunched, their catalog choices have proven to be outstanding. Can you imagine an 86-year-old musician who has a résumé working with artists like Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan and Stan Getz, among others, release a soul-stirring, funky album of such high quality in 2024? Absolutely! Continue Reading
Attilio Zanchi – Mingus Portrait (DJ Farrapo Remixes)
Attilio Zanchi is an Italian bassist who is producing fire with this EP! For Harry Carney (DJ Farrapo Remix) is perfect moody downtempo dance fare with a film noir element about it. Boogie Stop Shuffle (DJ Farrapo Remix) provides truth in advertising, as the beat is funky and danceable. The Continue Reading
The Black Flamingo – An-Nûr
This is perhaps the most remarkable psychedelic rock release of the past year. Up until a few days ago, I had no idea who The Black Flamingo were, and now, 5 or 6 plays later, they have me curious about their heavy back catalog.