New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 24th May 2019
A fairly quiet week for jazz new releases, but plenty that is worth at least a cursory checking out, especially my Recording of the Week from the Alexi Tuomarila Trio. See my full review here. If you have a taste for noir-ish americana then try Chris Brokaw's End of the Night and if you wish you were on holiday go for Paolo Russo Trio's Overland.
Also, don't forget to try my classic album, Thelonious Monk Trio, for the master's radical rethinking of his classics, here.
Chris Brokaw soundtracked my student days with his post-rock/grunge bands Codeine and Come, so it's pleasant to stumble over him almost 25 years later in this slightly more jazzy (albeit still post-rock) guise. Codeine were masters of slow-motion moody rock and some of that vibe is present on End of the Night, as in the title track which could easily have been included on the Barely Real EP. Fans of Bill Frisell and Marc Johnson-style Americana should have a listen.
Available Format: CD
This record opens like it's 1974, echoes of Lonnie Liston Smith's Expansions coming though in the cosmic tinklings, yet this latest album from Shakatak’s Roger Odell’s band Beatifik is also completely contemporary. Great vocals from Jacqui Hicks and Larraine Odell on a soulful, acid jazz-tinged album (and featuring an appearance from Snowboy, and you don't get much more acid jazz than him!).
Available Format: CD
Regulation Italian globetrotting cross-over jazz, more than fit for purpose though. Does it feature bandoneon? Oh yes, in spades. Actually it's very colourful and just the ticket this sunny Friday afternoon.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
This is well and truly middle of the road jazz, crafted for tired execs to chillax to, but there's no denying these players are accomplished. "From infectious funky melodies to elegant and silky smooth, this album is filled with world class instrumental emotion." Not my cup of tea, but legions of Kenny G fans might beg to differ.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
My Recording of the Week, this is deserving of some quality time. See my full review here.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Matt Groom - Head of Jazz
