New Release Round-up,
New Release Round-up - 2nd June 2023
An exciting first week of June that sees the release of two piano trio recordings - one old (Kenny Barron), one new (David Hazeltine) - whilst Peter Somuah's debut for ACT has its sights set on the stars. Equally cosmic is the deluxe release of Sun Ra's soundtrack, Space Is The Place, accompanied for the first time by a restoration of the film itself! You can hear a gorgeous piece of 70's funk-fusion that'd give Herbie Hancock a run for his money from Azar Lawrence as well as an unearthed recording of a raw Evan Parker performance from the last night of his North American tour of 1978.
A reissue from an excellent 1991 Rudy Van Gelder-session, known for highlighting the lyricism of Barron’s playing in a warm, undiluted fashion. This record is bookended by two originals from the leader which provide ample opportunity for modal voyaging as the ensemble hop from Latin-tinged calypso to blues-soaked gospel. With serene performances from Ray Drummond on bass and Ben Riley on drums, listeners are reminded that we can always count on Barron, one of the most aristocratic of pianists, to share with us his most beautiful and unforgettable stories.
Available Format: CD
Another trio recording here, this time from Milwaukee-born pianist Hazeltine, who returns to Criss Cross for his first appearance in over a decade to present an irresistible setlist of standards in memory of label-founder Gerry Teekens. The aforementioned Dutchman’s tireless work ethic seeps through as the ensemble dedicates itself to over an hour of considered and meaningful music that unfolds with diligent execution. The sumptuous chord-voicings, the inventive approaches to harmony and the vibrant echoes of balanced interplay make for a delightful record that looks forward insofar as it looks back.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Young trumpeter Somuah emerges from his adopted home of Rotterdam by tracing the lineage of his Ghanaian highlife ancestors. Mixing neo-soul with frenetic spiritual grooves, the template of Letter To The Universe’s blaring horn-lines and thoughtful textures makes for inspired communication and dedicated storytelling. This is a highly cosmopolitan affair which draws richly on celestial inspiration, all the while never forgetting the African heritage of its creator.
Available Format: CD
Cosmic custodians, Modern Harmonic, return with another cracking archive reissue from the esoteric bandleader, as they present the original soundtrack, ‘Space is the Place’ – and, accompanying the release for the first time on Blu-ray, the film itself! Possibly the most peculiar blaxploitation sci-fi-odyssey that this era had to offer, this release serves as an audiovisual document of a thrillingly creative chapter in the Arkestra’s existence that will not only make a perfect introduction for newcomers, but an essential recording for more seasoned fans as well.
Available Format: 2 CDs + DVD Video + Blu-ray
If conventional jazz isn’t your thing, or you’re simply after a groovy musical experience, then look no further than this reissue of Lawrence’s jazz-funk classic from 1976. A vital offering of the McCoy Tyner-sideman’s talents, this hot slice of fusion still manages to retain aspects of the spiritual vibe that preceded it while combining it with a catchiness that simply oozes funk. The band are cooking, too, as we encounter the sublime touches of Patrice Rushen and the Headhunters rhythm-duo of Paul Jackson and Harvey Mason, whose infectious energy instantly makes itself known.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC, Hi-Res+ FLAC
And finally, a recently unearthed solo performance from a master of free improvisation from his first visit to America. Recorded at the end of a string of dates in the US and Canada, this hypnotic recording breaks boundaries and shatters expectations, appearing in the saxophonist’s timeline shortly after the release of his classic Monoceros. An anxious statement that eventually gives way to a beautiful rendering of Parker’s full sonic capabilities, this live recording is a densely woven thread of cyclical order and chaos.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
