New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 12th July 2024
It's experimental week here, with Louis Moholo-Moholo's Viva La Black celebrating a dynamic fusion of African rhythms and free jazz. On Rememberance, Béla Fleck blends his banjo mastery with Chick Corea's legendary jazz piano, resulting in a genre-defying and intricate musical dialogue. The duo of Jordina Millà and Barry Guy captivates with their experimental and improvisational approach on Live in Munich, highlighting their joint-piano prowess and innovative double bass techniques. Under the name Petrichor, Jonas Knutsson and Anders Persson impress with their seamless interplay, combining saxophone and piano to create a compelling mix of Nordic jazz and folk influences. Lastly, Vinsent Planjer, noted for his unique percussive style, adds depth and texture to contemporary jazz ensembles with his inventive use of unconventional instruments on Warm to the Touch.
We were delighted to see Ogun back on top form with an Elton Dean reissue last month. This recent addition of the South African drummer’s mid-career project is a worthy companion, reminding us of the vibrant creativity that never left the British scene, even after the noteworthy ‘jazz explosion’ of the sixties and seventies. As the last surviving member of the Blue Notes, Moholo was also the only one to return to South Africa in the wake of apartheid. The music made here with a diasporic band attests to a brazen admiration for his homeland, not to mention the diverse culture of its people.
Available Format: CD
Having joined forces on several award-winning albums, Fleck pieces together this posthumous tribute to his former collaborator. Assembled from an assortment of audio files and musical snippets left behind by the late jazz fusion master, this historic duet of piano and banjo reaffirms the great kinship and brotherliness felt between these two pundits of contemporary music. Jaunty, passionate and fun, it’s a thrilling ride, all in all.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Expect the unexpected from this peculiar meeting of minds, who originally converged in 2022 to record this free-associative musical performance that scales astounding new creative heights. Milla, a Catalan-born, Austrian-based classical pianist keeps us in safe hands, whilst Barry Guy, a keen associate of Evan Parker, transforms his double bass into a new form entirely. There are enigmatic moments where the duo coalesces into an unrecognisable whole, yet thin whispers of familiarity remain. Truly a daring statement, and a bold one at that.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
At the turn of the century, Swedish saxophonist Jonas Knutsson formed a quartet with piano lyricist Anders Persson. Since then, they've grown into Petrichor, a five-piece band whose compositions are a hybrid between jazz and Nordic romanticism. The group also has the nickname ‘Knut au Pair’, on account of Jonas creating the melodies and Anders, the harmonies. In describing their unorthodox method of composing, the pair claim to have invented a new element – one which, at first, they didn't think could be labelled! What remains apparent, however, is their gentle flow and a warmly convincing sound.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV
We finish up with something of a passion project from the Dutch percussionist, whose latest work is an extended piece of staggering brilliance. Recruiting the skills of his nation’s finest jazz and classical players, the results are an uncompromising exploration of different sounds and textures. This ambitious recording unfolds from the mind of someone for whom music is clearly more than just a pastime but a lifelong endeavour of in-depth discovery as well.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Barney Whittaker
