New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-up - 25th August, 2023
There may well be a bank holiday approaching, but it wouldn't be right to round off August without mentioning a few musical highlights of all different shapes and sizes to see you through to the end of the month. First of all, there's a scintillating spiritual adventure of Puna courtesy of Oiro Pena from Finland, followed by the debut album of tight Israeli-unit Spice'n'Space on The Funk Thing. Next up, we have the new Brasiliana-inspired collaboration between guitarist Luca Boscagin and trumpeter Quentin Collins for the carnivalesque Almanaque. Wynton Marsalis does what he knows best on Plays Louis Armstrong's Hot Fives and Hot Sevens and the organist Chris Hazelton takes us for a little night music with After Dark. Finally, there's an impressively dense new compilation of unheard field recordings from the archive of American musicologist Mitch McCormick, featuring everyone from Lightnin' Hopkins and Mance Lipscomb to unknown individuals and street performers. That's all from us, folks — have a wonderful weekend and, most importantly, keep listening!
With a touch of Pharoah Sanders-esque etherealness, this Finnish slice of lo-fi spiritual jazz is a right treat for the senses. The group’s leader, composer Antti Vauhkonen, steers in an experimental direction from behind the kit while his colleagues interject with their own feisty contributions of ice-cold intensity. With copies of the musician’s previous work in hot demand, this limited release is guaranteed to fly off the shelves.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Exploring the crossroads between soul-jazz and old-school funk, Spice’n’Space is the result of a chance meeting between two impassioned cats one night in Tel Aviv. Having put their shared skills to the test, the Israeli group’s debut album has a lot to show for itself in terms of both sophistication and groove. Elegant, catchy and with an overall sense of fun, The Funk Thing well and truly has arrived, and it looks like it’s here to stay .
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
The pairing of guitarist Luca Boscagin and trumpet player Quentin Collins is responsible for assembling the authentic Afro-Brazilian sensations Almanaque has to offer. Featuring an all-Brazilian rhythm section to boot, the album takes a contemporary look at classic and contemporary street sounds and embraces this beautiful culture with both arms. The ever-delightful Camille Bertault lends her vocal chops to three of the album’s stunning tracks, the dexterity of her voice impeccably suited to the colourful ins-and-outs which the genre demands. Take this record for a spin, and it’s as if carnival season never ended!
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
The man from New Orleans once again proves himself to be the custodian of traditional jazz in the 21st century. This newly released live recording from 2006 arrives just in time for the centenary of the original Armstrong sessions (and the 122nd anniversary of Satchmo’s own birth) and has certainly been worth the wait. Listen as a cast of regular Marsalis collaborators expertly make their way through the charming setlist of timeless standards, effortlessly reinventing them for a sonic trip frozen in time.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
This soulful endeavour from the American organist peeks into the dark of night as it evokes a bygone era of dusky intrigue. The Hazelton combo is as smooth as butter, and there’s a tasty bite to Brett Jackson’s bari sax which we just can’t get enough of. Brisk, playful and deeply tantalising, this record is a wonderful blend of faultless rhythm and blues ingredients.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Playing For the Man At the Door: Field Recordings From the Collection of Mack McCormick, 1958-1971
Various Artists
Finally, this gargantuan compilation comes from the extensive archive of the amateur musicologist Robert “Mack” McCormick. Remaining unpublished during his lifetime, it is from the vast treasure trove of folkloric knowledge amassed over his long career that these historic recordings derive. With around three and a half hours of audio unveiled for the first time, this mammoth collection is an essential listen for any self-considered admirer of American music.
Available Formats: 3 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Available Format: 6 Vinyl Records
Barney Whittaker
