New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 10th May 2024
Kicking things off this week is Fearless Movement, the new release from superstar saxophonist Kamasi Washington. Next up, Sara Aldén tempts fate with her beguiling debut album There is No Future. The well-accustomed pair of David Liebman & Jeff Williams are burning up on In Duo, a long-lost live recording from 1991, and leading UK quartet Empirical mark their own potent return with Wonder is the Beginning and the help of some very special guests. Finally, a deluxe edition of the game-changing Blue Note Re:imagined also makes its way back onto our shelves...
It’s been a short while since we heard from this LA-based saxophonist, who rapidly became the breakout jazz star of the ‘teens following the release of his major label debut The Epic (2015). In the interim between that cultural reset and the present day, he’s released another album (with an accompanying EP) as well as becoming a father for the first time. Judging from Washington’s return to the studio, it’s clear he’s lost none of the burning ambition that caught our attention almost a decade ago. This is sprawling, ethereal music composed by an artist with a heart of gold, and it’s good to have the juggernaut back where he belongs.
Available Format: 2 CDs
This Swedish vocalist creates deeply personal impressions through her touching and intimately crafted songs. As someone with a solid background in jazz performance, she somehow manages to embody an enchanting sense of optimism that's also wrought with despair – a powerful contrast of moods you’ll be unlikely to hear sung this persuasively anywhere else. Escorted by her haunting debut, Aldén arrives on the scene with the clear-cut conspicuousness of a seasoned professional.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
The ex-Lookout Farm colleagues are back at it again! Well, not exactly - this archival release is taken from a 1991 live performance - but, with the 50th anniversary of their first fateful recording together soon approaching, what better way to cement their lifelong friendship than with a reminder of their unique and engaging talents, both as partners and individuals. Laid down at Manhattan’s Bar Room 432, a regular haunt of Williams’ over the years, the mutual comfort and appreciation these two killing players find in each other is telling from the start. Presumed missing for decades, now’s your chance to hear this pair of luminaries going toe-to-toe for the very first time.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
The UK’s premier jazz quartet have been going strong since coming together in 2007, gathering much critical acclaim - not to mention awards - left, right and centre along the way. Aided by the welcome presence of Jason Rebello and Alex Hitchock, Empirical make an esteemed comeback with heads held high on their first full length album since 2016. This record is overflowing with gifted creative energy, as the core lineup re-emerge older, wiser and ultimately stronger than ever. Scholarly but not exclusive, it's their sagely compositions that speak to the band’s hard work after all these years, further enunciated through each insightful performance.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Not since Gosford Park have so many British stars been gathered together under one roof. Except here, it’s strictly business as each of these role models of the UK scene tackle highlights from the Blue Note catalogue. Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings... They’re all there, as well as some lesser-known figures much deserving of their own recognition. Featuring a previously unreleased remix from producer Joy Orbison, this compilation joins the dots between the historic canon and its disparate musical idioms, past and present. The vinyl is back in an eye-catching splatter pattern, albeit in strictly limited fashion - so move fast!
Available Format: 2 Vinyl Records
Barney Whittaker
