New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-up - 23rd June 2023
This week sees a string of exciting new releases, starting with a rare live recording from Dexter Gordon in 1983 from Storyville Records. Weinerworld present a live recording of the Roscoe Mitchell Orchestra whilst Klaus Koenig appears on the Montreux jazz label, TCB, along with his Seven Things quintet. Orrin Evans' latest record comes out of New York via Smoke Sessions and the Norwegian duo of Økland & Apeland reunite on ECM. Maia Wackernagel's debut is released by the Berlin-based label Xjazz!Music.
It’s good to know there are still unearthed rarities to be discovered from this jazz giant, even into his centenary year. Released for the first time in four decades, this album captures the final Copenhagen performance from the late tenorist who had previously adopted the city as his second home and was just shy of retiring on the eve of his 60th birthday at the time of recording. Four lengthy and emotional renditions of tunes comprise this set, selected from over the course of his career. Dex really puts his appreciation out there for the Danes, and they love him right back for it.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
A pair of jazz performances are on display alongside two orchestral works and a duet for piano and violin. Often demanding, Mitchell’s compositions can expand from challenging figures of minimalist expression matched with probing electronic signals to moments of glossolalic ecstasy, particularly where vocalist Thomas Buckner is concerned. There’s room enough for both intense heat and whimsy here as the experimental iconoclast continues to explore the full depths of his avant-garde terrain.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
Having performed with experimental unit Magog in the seventies, Klaus Koenig was forced to forgo musical activity in 1998 due to illness, only to return over a dozen years later having recovered enough to return to the stage following extensive therapy. Here, Koenig presents a quintet recording that highlights what he dubs the ‘classic’ formation of a two-wind and rhythm trio lineup.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
Traditional hardingfele blends seamlessly with harmonium on this duo record that is Norwegian right down to its core. Having arrived at the crossroads of folk music, church music and improvisation, you’ll find yourself asking how it may be possible for only two musicians to appear at the helm of this deeply evocative recording.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Reflecting 40 years of musical experience, the Swiss pianist brings a refreshing lightness as she gently introduces the listener to the sound of the keyboard in an intriguing blend of Keith Jarrett and Bach. Wackernagel is a master of the art of storytelling in music and this, her debut jazz album, is the result of her long musical journey. Uniquely interweaving well-known standards together with her own compositions, she manages to blur the boundaries between the songs and her interpretations into one endogenous entity.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
A touch of class pervades this intriguing release from a label that encapsulates the sound of New York jazz. Employing a murderers’ row of talent both young and old, ex-The Bad Plus pianist Evans directs proceedings as he leads through old favourites featuring his mentors Larry McKenna and Wallace Roney, as well as breathtaking vocal numbers featuring guests such as Jazzmeia Horn and Alita Moses, respectively. A thoroughly enjoyable recording held together by Evans’ capacity to share the spotlight in a truly welcoming fashion.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
