Various Artists – Cult Cargo: Belize City Boil Up

Cult Cargo describe this incredible compilation of jazz, funk, salsa and other music far better than I could hope to: “The national dish of Belize is a diverse mixture of ingredients: pig’s tail, potatoes, plantains, bananas, boiled eggs, yams, and whole fish, thrown in a pot and stewed to perfection. Continue Reading

Selen Gülün – Years

On this tenth album by Turkish pianist (and frequent visitor to Japan) Selen Gülün, she remains in fine form.  She’s no stranger to our blog, and it’s been far too long since we had the pleasure of hearing modern jazz done right.  From her Bandcamp site: “Selen Gülün’s tenth album, Continue Reading

Luneta Freedom Jazz Collective – Mga matang pumipikit sa langit

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

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