Black Truffle is an intriguing new label that offers a fine album by composer Eiko Ishibashi, one that sounds like it would have found a place on ECM Records had circumstances been different. From the release’s Bandcamp site: “Black Truffle is pleased to announce For McCoy, a new work by Continue Reading
Jazz
Charlie Haden, Jan Garbarek, Egberto Gismonti – Folk Songs
Folk Songs was my introduction to ECM Records during my youth. It must have been around 1985, while I was in high school and just beginning to explore jazz, alongside my strong interest in post-punk and industrial music. The album was unlike anything I expected; it sounded more like a small chamber Continue Reading
Urbanator feat. Urszula Dudziak – Papaya Dance (Remix Party)
Michał Urbaniak has passed away today at the age of 82. His work covered everything from jazz and fusion to disco-style numbers like this ditty he recorded with scat singer Urszula Dudziak, which became a worldwide hit. Not exactly happy Christmas news, I’m afraid. Farewell, Michał.
Ezra Collective – Joy To The World
As Christmas happily approaches, the Ezra Collective has released a rather cool EP of instrumental Christmas tunes in their own inimitable style. Happy Advent to you all.
Various Artists – Easy Tempo Experience Vol.1 – Cinematic Jazz
If this available track by Piero Umiliani is any indication, then Easy Tempo will soon release a scorching new compilation!
Various Artists – Moochin’ About: Minnie The Moocher At The Morgue
What a shame that I didn’t find this release three weeks ago, as it would have been perfect party music for the Halloween party I attended! Artists on this creepy album include Bobby “Boris” Pickett, Bo Diddley, Spike Jones, Billie Holiday, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, and, of course, Cab Calloway Continue Reading
Sarathy Korwar – There Is Beauty, There Already
What a sublime work this is! I’m new to the work of Sarathy Korwar, a US-born, India-raised bandleader and master percussionist. This percussive gem is his latest work. From Sarathy’s Bandcamp site: “Playing as a 40-minute suite of hypnotic and transcendent drum improvisations, the album beats through a repetitive, circular Continue Reading
Baeshi Bang 배씨방 – Baeshi Bang
From their Bandcamp site: “Baeshi Bang is a French quintet presenting an original and modern instrumental interpretation of songs by Bae Ho, famous Korean singer from the sixties.” Bae Ho was a stylish South Korean crooner who sang with so much power that he would nearly rip out his vocal Continue Reading
Mukta – Indian Sitar & World Jazz
A new band for me, Muktar is from France, and their Bandcamp site introduces them this way: “French bassist Simon Mary and his band have performed on stages around the world. Generous and modern shamans, talented alchemists, Mukta occupy more than ever a special place on the chessboard of new world Continue Reading
Dan Krimm – Second Wind
Many years ago, I had the pleasure of reviewing fretless bassist and fellow Californian Dan Krimm’s album on my old blog, A Miscellany of Tasteful Music. Recently, Dan informed me that he has a new album coming out, and it’s one of the most elegant and relaxing listens I’ve had in a long Continue Reading