New Release Round-up,
New and Upcoming Jazz Vinyl - 30th April 2021
It’s been a few months since we last had a flick through all the new vinyl that’s been coming through to Presto Jazz. A few of our favourite recordings from this year - folks like Joe Lovano and Veronica Swift - have since had their latest albums made available on vinyl, so if you’ve been keen on our Recording of the Week picks and you’re ‘vinyl-inclined’, be sure to check those out. A hidden gem of the 70s Japanese jazz scene from Kosuke Mine also sees its first reissue in over 50 years, as well as an early recording from the Avishai Cohen Trio, featuring a young Shai Maestro. Some other great recordings from this year, R+R=NOW’s LIVE and Vijay Iyer’s Uneasy, also have vinyl editions on the way.
Fans of saxophonist Joe Lovano’s latest Trio Tapestry record, released earlier this year, will be pleased to hear that ECM have since issued a vinyl edition. The second record of Lovano’s under the ‘Tapestry project is some of the saxophonist’s most meditative yet; featuring beautiful modal pieces and rhythmically free atmospheres.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Another great release from ECM this year, guitarist Jakob Bro’s Uma Elmo is a more abstracted version of his signature sound, collaborating this time with trumpeter Arve Henriksen and drummer Jorge Rossy over his usual trio. Uma Elmo is available on vinyl as of last week.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Despite the dour album cover and implied subject matter, Veronica Swift’s This Bitter Earth swings as much as the rest of her catalogue, albeit through a much more serious lens as she delves into the ills of the world. Using a selection of show tunes to explore sexism, fake news and racial tensions, this new Mack Avenue recording is highly recommended, both by ourselves at Presto Jazz and Jazzwise magazine.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
The latest from Barely Breaking Even records’ ‘J-Jazz Masterclass Series’ is a hidden gem from 1970s Japan’s jazz scene, courtesy of saxophonist Kosuke Mine. Mine’s career would eventually span spiritual, post-bop and funk sounds, and on First he’s joined by fellow scene player Masabumi Kikuchi as well as two American players. The vinyl version itself is a double-LP cut at 45rpm, with original artwork and a Japanese-style obi strip.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
While we're on the subject, First is also available on CD and digital download.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
Fans of modern fusion will no doubt be familiar with the name Mark Lettieri, now on his second collection of songs exploring the dark, beefy sounds of the baritone guitar. You’ll find tight, aggressive grooves and funky fusion from the Snarky Puppy guitarist, and of course some absolutely masterful playing.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Another favourite of ours from earlier in the year, the project spearheaded by Robert Glasper is also being pressed to wax next month, so be sure to check that out in a couple of weeks if you’re a fan of modern New York ‘nu jazz’.
Available Format: 2 Vinyl Records
One more upcoming vinyl release is another much-hyped ECM release, this time from pianist Vijay Iyer. The sociopolitically-charged Uneasy features a new trio from Iyer, as he’s accompanied by bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Tyshawn Sorey, and makes for a fierce debut recording from the three.
Available Format: 2 Vinyl Records
Joshua Lee - Jazz Content
