New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 3rd April 2020
I've been playing catchup a little this week, selecting some of the new and recent releases that are worthy of closer inspection. It's good to see there's currently a strong female presence in jazz, with releases from Italian singer Chiara Pancaldi. pianist Monka Herzig and her all-women group (the 'sheroes' as she calls them), saxophonist Tineke Postma's first album in several years on Edition Records, and vocalist Bijayashree Samal's new project with Bruno Steffen. There is also a satisfying new record from Jerry Bergonzi in a sax, Hammond and drum format that matches exciting interpretations of standards alongside his own memorable compositions, and an often reflective debut album from Lorenzo Vitolo.
Chiara Pancaldi is in possession of a delightfully light and airy voice, and she has chosen the selections for her second album on Challenge Records with real discernment. A tonic for a world in lockdown, I’ve been enjoying this at regular intervals throughout the week. She’s supported by the legendary Kirk Lightsey on piano and acclaimed bassist Darryl Hall. Tracks like Better to Grow are sure to put you in a sunny disposition!
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Another winner from Challenge Records, pianist Lorenzo Vitolo's debut recording project, Changing Shapes is full of under-stated invention, with nuanced playing from Rafael Abdalla (double bass) and George Potamianos (drums). The space between the notes is a key factor here – for a sample try the relaxed mood of Beyond Desire, where all three players get their moment to quietly shine.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Don’t be put off by the rather functional artwork (it looks like it's going to be Schubert recital), Monika Herzig’s Eternal Dance is akin to walking through a tropical landscape, chock full of tiny detail. For this project Herzig has assembled an all-female band of ‘Sheroes’ as she calls them, featuring Jamie Baum (flute), Reut Regev (trombone), Jennifer Vincent (bass), Rosa Avila (drums), Lakecia Benjamin (alto saxophone), Leni Stern, guitar), Akua Dixon (cello), Mayra Casales (percussion). The instrumentation on these Herzig compositions is a joy, instilling each tune with novel sonorities, and lots of room for everyone to shine. Why not feature a group photo of the ‘Sheroes’ on the cover next time?
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
A funky mix of standards and originals by tenor man Jerry Bergonzi, I was in the mood for some slinky Hammond driven soul-jazz, so this has been getting plenty of airplay in my lounge recently. Bergonzi doesn’t just take the easy route in his solos though, and his playing is discretely challenging, without upsetting the apple cart. Tasty grooving from Renato Chicco on Hammond B-3 organ. Bergonzi’s own While You Were Out is a good track to sample Bergonzi’s joyful improvising.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Isn’t it great when an opening track grabs you by the ears! Parrallax does just this, with Matt Brewer’s insistent one-note throb and Dan Weiss’s tricksy closed high-hat creating an off-kilter rhythm for Tineke Postma to pirouette in on her soprano sax. Returning to recording after becoming a mother, this is an involving listen. According to Postma the Freya of the title is a reference to the Norse goddess ‘of creation, love and fertility. She’s the mother of all Frisian children – I was born and raised in Friesland, a beautiful region in the north Netherlands.’
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Now for some world-jazz fusion, where Indian tabla Ragas meld with jazz instrumentation, all capped by the stunning voice of Bijayashree Samal, who wrote these pieces with pianist, composer and arranger Bruno Steffen. Indian Monsoon should give an idea as to how swinging and catchy these tunes can be. Crossing Indian classical music with jazz is nothing new of course, but it’s great to be reminded as to how simpatico they can be.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
Another winner from Challenge Records, pianist Lorenzo Vitolo's debut recording project, Changing Shapes is full of under-stated invention, with equally strong playing from Rafael Abdalla (double bass) and George Potamianos (drums). The space between the notes is refreshing – for a sample try the relaxed mood of Beyond Desire, where all three players get their moment to shine.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Matt Groom - Head of Jazz
