New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 16th August 2019
A quick overview of notable releases coming up in the next couple of weeks. There are some very fine female vocalist releases at the moment, and I've been particularly impressed by Jazzmeia Horn's second album Love and Liberation, on which this relatively young artist makes real progress from her 2017 debut. Horn is blessed with a bright and agile voice, and has the ability to jump into scat singing effortlessly. On a slightly more world and soul tip is Briony Jarman-Pinto's Cage & Aviary: great music to relax to, with a Brazilian tropicalia vibe. If you're feeling low then you might be Hammond B3 deficient, and luckily there's a booster jab available in the form of an exhaustive 10-CD budget box set that will get you dancing in your living room once again (although at this price don't expect much in the way of documentation). I also indulge in a couple of noisier releases that aren't technically 'Jazz' but utilise improvisation to create one heck of a ruckus. To quote Kenny Everett, 'It's all done in the best possible taste'.
Jazzmeia Horn's second album Love and Liberation invites listeners to embrace passion and freedom through her strong vocal prowess, scat-singing ability and eight original songs that surpasses the promise of her GRAMMY award-nominated debut A Social Call. The album includes the all-star rhythm section Victor Gould (piano), Ben Williams (bass), Jamison Ross (drums) accompanied by Stacy Dillard (tenor saxophone), Josh Evans (trumpet) and special guest Sullivan Fortner (piano).
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Out on July 26th, Cage & Aviary is the much-anticipated debut album from songwriter and vocalist Bryony Jarman-Pinto. Written over the course of three years, the album ties personal reflection to wider social issues, giving an intimate insight in to what it means to come of age in today’s world. Sophisticated songwriting is brought to life with Bryony’s harmonious vocals, layered with jazz, soul and elements of folk, creating a melodic sound that has charmed many major tastemakers, including Gilles Peterson (BBC 6Music), Jamz Supernova (BBC 1Xtra), Robert Elms (BBC Radio London), John Kennedy (Radio X) and Tina Edwards (Worldwide FM); receiving praise from publications ranging from Clash to Music Is My Sanctuary and DUMMY.
Available Format: CD
As with any improvisation and in particular with larger groups the possibility exists for it to be a total mess - un-organized combinations of ideas or musicians competing with each other to be heard. This recording is a testament to the possibility of the opposite: 13 musicians of diverse backgrounds and styles working together in total harmony to create a real-time composition with incredible focus and restraint. Elements of African/American/European folk with experimental/electronic/avant-garde, jazz, classical and rock - this is a true kind of world music naturally derived, unsanitised, and without pretence.
Available Format: CD
Hammond Organ
Jimmy Smith, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Freddie Roach, Jack McDuff, Johnny "Hammond" Smith, Mel Rhyne, Baby Face Willette, Don Patterson, Shirley Scott, Larry Young
A 10 disc collection of the greatest names ever to play a Hammond B3! The term Soul Jazz best describes this style in jazz, spearheaded by, alongside Smith, organists like Richard "Groove" Holmes, Freddie Roach, “Brother” Jack McDuff, Johnny "Hammond" Smith, John Patton, Mel Rhyne, Baby Face Willette, Don Patterson and Shirley Scott.
Available Format: 10 CDs
If you're a fan of electric guitar acts like Scorch Trio, Sonny Sharrock style skronk or Hendrix at his most far out then give this an airing. It walks the line between instrumental rock and jazz, the playing is loose and freeform.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Matt Groom - Head of Jazz
