New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 31st March 2023
This week's new releases include atmospheric explorations from saxophonist Mats Gustafsson and knob-twiddler Joachim Nordwall, an invigorating piano trio set from Londoner Sultan Stevenson, Paul Dunmall brings Julie Tippetts and Charlotte Keeffe to the party for It's a Matter of Fact, whilst Will Bartlett has written a collection of Phiip Larkin songs and settings featuring vocalist Norma Winstone and saxophonist Tony Kofi. And London Brew sees many of the leading lights of British jazz, inlcuding Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Theon Cross, and Dave Okumu, coming together for a reimagining of Miles's legendary 1969 game-changing album.
One of the fastest emerging young artists on the London jazz scene, pianist Sultan Stevenson’s trio is already established as an outfit not to miss live. Faithful One features Sultan's band with Jacob Gryn (double bass), Joel Waters (drums), Josh Short (trumpet) and special guest Denys Baptiste on tenor saxophone. His approach to composition and playing has already been compared to that of McCoy Tyner and Esbjrn Svensson.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
The Discus label enjoyed Paul Dunmall's dynamic Birmingham quintet's release Yes Tomorrow so much that they suggested he add Julie Tippetts and Charlotte Keeffe to the group and record a second session. Paul embraced the idea and came up with this suite for the expanded group. The result is a freewheeling set with a great "live gig" feel, which gives plenty of space for each player to shine, and mixes some tight compositions with open-ended improvisation sections.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
2022 marked Philip Larkin's centenary year. The renowned British poet and novelist was an avid jazz enthusiast and served as the jazz critic for The Daily Telegraph from 1961-71. He once said: "You might say I can live a week without poetry but not a day without jazz." Inspired by the work of this great British wordsmith, composer and pianist Will Bartlett has written a collection of songs and settings featuring vocalist Norma Winstone and saxophonist Tony Kofi. Three tracks also feature narration by writer, poet and broadcaster Robin Ince. This is an incredibly intimate recording, impeccably captured by producer/engineer Curtis Schwartz at his studio in Ardingly, West Sussex.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
London Brew is a reimagining of Miles Davis’ legendary album Bitches Brew. Produced by Martin Terefe and Downtown Music UK Limited, the record reflects an emotional journey of the times, having been recorded during the pandemic after many months of isolation and the inability to collaborate in person. Recorded in December 2020 at Church Studios in London, the recording session brings together UK jazz artists, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, Theon Cross, Dave Okumu, Benji B, Tom Skinner and more. Producer Martin Terefe describes, “Sometimes the music is uncomfortable, other times it's familiar and joyous and other times it's like deep meditation.”
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Matt Groom - Head of Jazz
