New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 8th July 2021
This week’s pick of recent jazz releases includes rising vocal talent Samara Joy, jazz-funk from trombonist Nils Landgren, and a collection of tunes in tribute to Charlie Parker.
‘Variations on a Melancholy Theme’ was originally composed by Brad Mehldau for the composer Kirill Gerstein, with this incarnation of it commissioned by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in an orchestral arrangement. Described by Mehldau as ‘Brahms with the blues’, Variations on a Melancholy Theme combines the warmness of chamber music with his own jazz sensibilities.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Jazz Competition in 2019, American vocalist Samara Joy’s self-titled debut features her takes on standards from the Great American Songbook in classic vocal jazz fashion. Joined by guitarist Pasquale Grasso and his trio, Joy’s songs of choice enjoy clean, uncluttered interpretations.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Funk Is My Religion very much does what it says on the tin; the eleventh album by the Swedish trombonist’s band is a culmination of 25 years playing jazz-funk. Featuring a driving electric rhythm section and blazing brass playing, Landgren’s latest funk outing makes for good times all-around.
Available Format: CD
Composer and keyboardist Stale Storlokken’s sophomore solo release on Hubro was written and recorded entirely for pipe organ, played at Steinkjer Church in Steinkjer, Norway. The pieces on Ghost Caravan form an informal suite, each improvised work making use of the unique acoustic qualities of the pipe organ. Known for his collaborations with Norwegian acts like Motorpsycho, BigBang and guitarist Terje Rypdal, Ghost Caravan is an insight into Storløkken’s own musical realm.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Not only celebrating Charlie Parker’s centennial but also the 70th anniversary of the tour that Swedish bassist Hans Backenroth’s tutor, Arne Domnérus, embarked on as one of Parker’s only outside of the US - one that Parker would describe as “the best week of his whole life”. Parker’s Mood, as the title suggests, features twelve tunes composed either by Parker himself or associated with the eminent saxophonist.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Right Here, Right Now is trumpeter Charlotte Keeffe’s first release, comprising mostly live recordings taken from the last few years in different ensembles. While the recordings featuring Charlotte in her quartet feature more melodic takes with the trumpeter playing alongside guitar, bass and drums, recordings made with the London Improvisers feature her in a much larger ensemble with a markedly more spontaneous playing style. And then there’s the recordings that feature live electronic manipulation of her playing; a varied debut from the young trumpeter.
Available Format: CD
Joshua Lee - Jazz Content
