This most certainly is not basic jazz. The Orchestra of Mirrored Reflections has been performing darkjazz for a long time, and at least to my ears, they encapsulate the genre. The beats, based on Indian rhythm, mesh well with the saxophone and atmospheric electronics underpinning the groove above.
Ukraine
Various Artists – Light in the Attic Records: Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996
Ukraine has always been a rich vein when it comes to music. Our friends at Light In The Attic Records have put together one of the best introductions to Soviet folk, disco, rock and alternative music to come out of Ukraine during their musical 70’s, 80’s and partially, the 90’s. Continue Reading
Rare Soviet Oriental Jazz & Groove Mix Compiled and Mixed by Sasha Svistunov
Once upon a time, I had a decent working knowledge (at least for an American expat) of Soviet Jazz. It keeps popping back into my life, and I still find it a joy to listen to even 30 years down the road. Thanks to Shasha Svistunov for compiling some real Continue Reading
Igor Yalivec – Etudes
Igor Yalevic has produced some of the most gentle and relaxing field recordings and ‘ambient’ music to come out of Ukraine in recent memory in his latest album, Etudes. From his Bandcamp site: “Etudes is Yalivec’s sophomore album. His 2021 album Still Life came out on Polar Seas Recordings and Continue Reading
Svitlana Nianio – Transilvania Smile, 1994
Though the recording quality is not audiophile quality, this collection of theater music by Ukrainian singer and artist Svitlana Nianio documents the soundtrack to a theater project she was involved in at the time called Transilvania Smile. From her label Muscut Records’ Bandcamp site: “Svitlana Okhrimenko (artist name: Svitlana Nianio) Continue Reading
Shapoval Sextet – Kobzareva Duma, 1976
Ukrainian saxophonist Olexandr Shapoval performed a gem of a jazz concert that was lost for 45 years is now available to hear. From our friends at Soundohm’s website: “In winter 1976, a few years before Olexandr Shapoval headed up the well-known band Vodogray, a jazz band called Shapoval Sextet recorded three pieces “Kobzareva Duma” Continue Reading
Vadim Neselovskyi – Odesa: A Musical Walk Through a Legendary City
Odessa is a city that both Ukraine and Russia, as well as its many Jewish and even Tatar inhabitants, claim to be its own. Never mind the political hideousness of today, and let me present you with one of the most fascinating releases I’ve heard in contemporary classical and jazz Continue Reading
Children’s & Youth Choir “Sophia” – Christ Has Risen
No reviews today, as we celebrate the victory of Christ over death itself. May you, fellow Orthodox and those who celebrate on the Julian Calendar, enjoy Easter! Arabic: El Messieh kahm! Chinese: Helisituosi fuhuole! Czech: Vstal z mrtvých Kristus! Georgian: Kriste aghsdga! Greek: Christos anesti! Latin: Christus resurrexit! Romanian: Hristos Continue Reading
Jos Smolders – Four Elegies For України
There is a large outpouring of grief over the war from many artists I know on both sides. My friend Jos Smolders has made his contribution as well. From his Bandcamp site: “A small album of improvisations that I recorded to express my disgust about the war in Ukraine. All of Continue Reading
Valentin Silvestrov – Bagatelles II (2005-2011)
The Ukrainian pianist Valentin Silvestrov released this home recording in 2020, and though it might lack slightly in recording quality, the beauty of his Chopin-esque playing shines through. Beautiful music for dark times.