New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 3rd September 2020
This week’s new release round-up features a little something from all corners of our catalogue. First up is the latest record by vocalist Shelly Rudolph with a selection of romantic standards and originals, and the diverse sounds of working class Paris from Rue de Tanger. We also highlight the latest from German pianist, bandleader and educator Joe Haider, a record of drum and jazz guitar duets from Magnar Karlsen and Jacob Young, and the fusion and soul-inspired tunes from flautist Christophe Zoogonès. Finally, there’s the latest album from contemporary jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan, one release I’ve been personally anticipating.
The latest recording from American vocalist Shelly Rudolph is unsurprisingly a set of romantic tunes, perfectly suited for her silky smooth vocal style. Joined by her band consisting of guitarist Chance Hayden, bassist Dave Captein, a trio of pianists David Goldblatt, Darrell Grant & David K Mathews, as well as cellist David Darling and soprano saxophonist Devin Phillips. Rudolph’s soulful selection of tunes includes takes on the classic ‘Stand By Me’, as well as some originals like the opener ‘Close Enough’ and ‘Calling Me Home’, while vocalist Redray Fraizer also joins her for a duet on the Chris Pierce song ‘Slow Life’.
Available Format: CD
Rue de Tanger’s sound represents an intersection of cultures in northern France, taking their name from the working class neighbourhood in the northern end of Paris, one of the most diverse areas of the city. Of course, the accordion will no doubt conjure up images of said country, very much the musical calling card of France, while the pitched percussion on the opening track ‘La Zingara’ are decidedly African in its heritage. The combination of accordion, drums and bass makes for a novel palette of sounds, and the variety in the pieces themselves keeps said novelty fresh.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Long into his career as bandleader, pianist Joe Haider, now in his mid-80s, doesn’t miss a beat. From sultry ballads like the Hupfield tune ‘As Time Goes By’ to the bluesy ‘A Blow for Joe’, the veteran pianist and educator still has plenty of energy to give on this recording. Haider describes the sextet as ‘multi-generational’, with himself and saxophonist Heinz von Hermann in the eighties, while trombonist Johannes Herrlich and trumpeter Bert Joris are in and approaching their sixties, and bassist Raffaele Bossard and drummer Dominic Egli both in their thirties. Besides Haider, Joris, von Hermann also contribute their own tunes to the record, with Joris’ ‘Benoit’ being Haider’s favourite tune on the record.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
A collaboration between drummer Magnar Karlsen and guitarist Jacob Young, ambient soundscapes meet jazz guitar as Karlsen employs his signature combination of soundscapes and synthesisers alongside his sparse drumming. Young, on the other hand, takes a comparatively upfront approach with a dry electric guitar sound, carving the melodic routes through Karlsen’s echoey spaces.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Zoology is the second studio recording by Christophe Zoogonès, jazz flautist hailing from the French territory of Saint-Denis de la Réunion. A self-described fan of Headhunters-era Hancock and Weather Report, while Zoogonès definitely carries some stylistic similarities, it’s not all funky fusion. From the fluttering flute melodies on the opening track ‘Portrait of Marvyn’ and Thierry Maillard’s ‘Monument Valley’, to the hard-hitting bass slaps on ‘Unusual Appearance’, Zoogonès employs a mostly acoustic palette of drums and winds against a punchy electric bass.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
I’ve been anticipating the release of this album ever since I heard the explosive lead single ‘Levitation 21’ back in May this year. On The Call Within Tigran Hamasyan explores influences from his native Armenia through the lens of contemporary American jazz. Leading a power trio with electric bassist Evan Marien and drummer Arthur Hnatek, Hamasyan takes care of the synthesisers, electronic samples and even vocals, though the star of the show is his bright grand piano, which he plays with both a cyclical and aggressive, angula style. Dizzying rhythms and beautiful harmonies make this a real treat for the ears.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Joshua Lee - Jazz Content
