The Necks, perhaps my favorite improvisational music trio, have a new release. From the Northern Spy Records Bandcamp site: “Meticulously recorded and sculpted, the four extended pieces on Disquiet see Tony Buck, Chris Abrahams, and Lloyd Swanton pushing at the outer edges of their collective intuition, building and unraveling hypnotic Continue Reading
Jazz
Saagara – 3 The Shackleton Versions
From Waclaw Zimpel’s Bandcamp site: “Saagara’s album 3 made itself right at home in the tak:til universe as soon as it was released to considerable acclaim last October, quickly becoming as much of a touchstone for the label’s Fourth World aesthetic as Jon Hassell, 75 Dollar Bill and Širom. A Continue Reading
Mulatu Astatke – Mulatu Plays Mulatu
Today is a joyful day because I finally get to listen to an album I’ve been eagerly anticipating for months. The Ethiopian musical genius Mulatu Astatke has released a new album featuring 11 tracks, showcasing the distinctive instrumentation that defines his unique sound. From his Bandcamp site: “Mulatu Plays Mulatu realises Continue Reading
Slava Lobanov & Peter Shalamov – Garden of Flowing Streams
From the Slawic Group’s Bandcamp site: “The debut jazz recording by the duo of Slava Lobanov (of Fuzziliers, Juice Oh Yeah, Pereuchyot, the Flash Fever) and young pianist Peter Shalamov, who met in Istanbul where they relocated to after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is inspired predominantly by iconic recordings Continue Reading
Brazilian composer Hermeto Pascoal, known as ‘The Sorcerer’, dies aged 89
In what has turned out to be a difficult week, we have received the news that we have lost another legend. Hermeto Pascoal, who collaborated with many of the greatest Brazilian musicians and even had a stint with Miles Davis’ bands, has passed away at the age of 89, according Continue Reading
The Jazz Sinners – Soul Stirrin’
Right Tempo is typically known for expertly selecting jazz tracks. Their reissues and original releases are elegantly packaged, but this compilation stands out. The music has a swanky, easy-going, and slightly cheesy vibe, making it perfect for a nighttime cocktail—preferably a dry martini or a vodka with lime for me.
Yusuf Mumin – Journey To The Ancient
I might have missed it, but I never came across the term “spiritual jazz” in my youth. I was already struggling to understand the different styles of jazz, such as bop, cool jazz, big band, and Dixieland. If there is an album that truly embodies the genre, it is Yusuf Mumin’s Journey Continue Reading
Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin – SPIN
Swiss pianist and bandleader Nik Bärtsch has one of the best bodies of work in the modern jazz field going today. From his Bandcamp site: “SPIN shows the phase in which the band is now: looking back and forward at the same time. The RONIN rhythm culture based on pattern, cycle Continue Reading
The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Time OutTakes
From the Brubeck Editions Bandcamp site: “Brubeck Editions is a new label run by Dave Brubeck’s family. The goal of Brubeck Editions is to create new, officially authorized releases of great music featuring Dave Brubeck and his many musical collaborators.” “Previously Unreleased Takes from the Original 1959 Sessions – Time OutTakes, the Continue Reading
Love Unfold The Sun – Explode Yourself
Sometimes, a powerful dose of sound can be invigorating for the ears. Love Unfold The Sun is a band from New Mexico, led by my old friend Mustafa Stefan Dill. His guitar playing reminds me of John McLaughlin playing the oud, infused with the raw energy of Peter Brötzmann at Continue Reading