New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-up - 14th July, 2023
July is rolling along nicely and to celebrate we have several exciting releases to mention, starting off with the new album, Connection, the sixth LP from Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog. Italian pianist Lorenzo De Finti teams up with his compatriot, trumpet superstar Fabrizio Bosso, for the enticing Lullabies From An Unknown Time. On In The Spirit of Toots, harmonica player Filip Jers celebrates the legacy of Toots Thielemans, with backing from the Carl Bagge Trio. Hot on the heels of his Grammy-win, the young American Steven Feifke and his big band sizzle on Catalyst. Plus, an unheard performance from Sonny Rollins, Live At Finlandia Hall, Helsinki 1972, finally sees the light of day. Last but not least, we give a shout-out to the promising homegrown talents of Jasmine Myra. Championed by the likes of Gilles Peterson and Matthew Halsall, Horizons (2022) is back in stock for its second run, just one year later!
For their sixth LP, the ambitious experimental guitarist reunites his avant-rock trio Ceramic Dog for a thoroughly foot stomping genre-hop, ranging from dirty guitar-driven post-punk to good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll. His fluid sound is full of vigour as the band cascades through this collection of timely and topical numbers, addressing political and social issues in their stride.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Two stalwarts of the Italian jazz scene combine forces, having already appeared together under the guise of pianist De Finti’s electric post-fusion ‘Colors of Life’ project. With superb control, the duo’s musical pairing is augmented by what is clearly a close-knit friendship, their amicable bond coming across almost instantly as trumpet wonder Fabrizio Bosso confidently proves. Soothing in certain places, cajoling in others, but always convincing in its efforts to inform and unwind, here is a fine example of ‘chamber jazz’ that goes beyond simple brooding soundscapes in pursuit of another enlightening kind of minimalism.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Guaranteed to put a smile on your face, this release features upbeat renditions of some of Toots’ best-loved works whilst presenting several of Jers’ own originals as well. The accomplished Swede, an internationally acclaimed harmonica player and the first student of his instrument to enter Stockholm’s Royal College Music (where he received his diploma) is in fine form as he pays homage to the preeminent figure, all the while evoking the late Belgian master’s humble persona. The clarity of his musical abilities makes for a crisp sound, particularly one that is ripe with candid feeling and pzazz.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
Not only a virtuosic pianist but a charismatic big band leader to boot, Catalyst comes as the accomplished American bandleader’s first release following Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra, the recording that won him the Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album award at this year’s Grammys as its youngest ever recipient. Impressive in what it sets out to achieve, Feifke’s arrangements are refreshingly retro yet stunningly modern as he and his band look to the future of this, the classiest brand of music that jazz has to offer.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Just in time to celebrate the anthology release of his Go West!-era recordings from the late-fifties, experience the tenor titan alongside the Heikki Sarmanto Trio in a rare live performance which followed his six-year hiatus from performing. Half a century since it originally took place, the set comprises two adventurous takes on a pair of standards (‘Night and Day’, followed by ‘My One and Only Love’), rounded off with an equally beguiling rendition of Rollins’ own signature tune, ‘St. Thomas’. A humorous and inviting set proving the saxman was still on top of his game, this newly uncovered radio broadcast is a treat from start to finish.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
Finally, it wouldn’t be right to ignore the remarkable debut from Leeds-based Jasmine Myra, now receiving a CD reissue one year on from its initial release. In case you missed it last time around, here’s the chance to involve yourself with this delightfully compelling listen which features a string of engaging arrangements from Myra herself. Bringing to mind Kenny Wheeler, the grooves are persuasive whilst the instrumental hooks are impressively soulful on this indelible entrance for what proves to be one of the UK scene’s most exciting newcomers.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
