16th June 2023

New Release Round-up, Jazz New Release Round-up - 16th June 2023

by Barney Whittaker

What a month we're having! Hot off the press, this week we feature Pat Metheny's compilation of archive solo material entitled Dream Box, released on BMG's Modern Recordings label. The renowned Marquis Hill returns with Rituals + Routines on Edition, and there's a live set from Caesar Frazier recorded at Copenhagen's Jazzcup, out on Stunt. In addition, we are excited to highlight the studio debut from British guitarist Steve Banks, whose album, Emboldened, is out on Midlands-based Stoney Lane Records. Finally, the new album from Norwegian-Brazilian vocalist Gabriel Garrubo, Rodando, is released on Norwegian crossover-label, NXN.

Chicagoan trumpeter Hill returns for the first time since last year’s New Gospel Revisited, diving deeper into the chasm where hip-hop and R&B penetrate the contemporary jazz scene for a refreshingly soulful take centred on the theme of mindfulness. Also coming along for the ride are alto saxophonist Braxton Cook and Joel Ross on vibes, making for a truly spiritual incantation.

Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC

Comprising nine “found tracks” for “quiet electric guitar,” this compilation from Metheny is deeply familiar yet remains all the while hauntingly ancestral. Retaining all the eccentricities of his technical panache with an irresistible softness, Dream Box reaffirms Metheny’s status as the master manipulator of his instrument.

Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC

An ‘old school’ organ-combo set from the American organist who earned his stipes performing under Lou Donaldson and on the road with Marvin Gaye, this album captures a recent live performance in Copenhagen featuring two Danish musicians and the heavy Swedish tenor of Jonas Kullhammar to boot. Featuring Bread’s pop-rock hit, ‘I Wanna Make It With You’, reimagined as driving sixties Hammond jazz, this recording highlights the fact that Frazier is not only experienced, but innovative as well.

Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC

Although no stranger to the live scene, this is guitarist Banks’ debut as leader and he rises to the occasion. With a distinct and authentically fresh-sounding voice, there is a wonderful synergy felt here between the players, particularly in the compelling support from Rebecca Nash on keys. As they gracefully dance through the suite that gives the album its title, the overall highlight is the wonderful communication at play between this sharp British quintet.

Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC

Accurately reflecting the Bergen-based vocalist’s own Norwegian-Brazilian heritage in a loving manner, this album stretches from ECM-tinged moments of stillness to buzzy and fresh bossa nova, ultimately revealing a cool Nordic sound with a wider-reaching global appeal.

Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC

Barney Whittaker

Hailing from Warwickshire, Barney is a twenty-something musician with a burning passion for sounds that entice as well as grooves that swing. He undertook a BA English Language & Linguistics at King's College London, graduating in 2022. Having promoted jazz and folk artists and performers throughout the West Midlands and the Greater Manchester area, he now sings on Sundays in a church choir, plays double bass to anyone that’ll listen, and occasionally might bring out an Irish reel on the mandolin - but not without warning. He can also speak some French, if you ask nicely. Performing has dragged him from his humble beginnings in cosy local pubs to the prodigious stage of the Royal Albert Hall, and all the way back again. This is his first editorial role and he looks forward, with the help of everyone at Presto Music, to discovering the perfect beat.

New Release Round-up, Jazz New Release Round-up - 16th June 2023

Rituals + Routines

Dream Box

Live At Jazzcup

Emboldened

Rodando

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