There's plenty new music to wake up to now September's ended. Yussef Dayes, dark horse of the London jazz scene presents his long-awaited debut, Black Classical Music. Elsewhere, James Brandon Lewis delivers a touching tribute to Mahalia Jackson along with help from Red Lily Quintet on For Mahalia, With Love. Sean Mason makes his proper introduction with The Southern Suite and Canadian drummer Joel Haynes reappears forThe Return! Lastly, there's experimental folk violin from Ellie Wilson, whose new album, Memory Islands, is out now.
Black Classical Music
Yussef Dayes
Long-awaited, hotly-anticipated and royally welcomed, Dayes’ first release under his own name is an absolute stonker. The adventurous drummer from Lewisham is more than up to the task of melding these contemporary sounds together following a string of successful collabs with Tom Misch, United Vibrations – and, of course, as one half of flash-in-the-pan duo Yussef Kamaal. Featuring a core lineup of Charlie Stacey on keys and bassist Rocco Palladino (son of Pino, for anyone wondering), this expansive double LP is soon destined to become a classic.
Available format: CD
For Mahalia, With Love
James Brandon Lewis & Red Lily Quintet
Gospel music is at the core of this album, and a repertoire of spirituals intrinsic to the career of influential vocalist Mahalia Jackson is lovingly brought to life by the acclaimed saxophonist in a way that truly feels cutting edge. The enticing timbres of horns, string and percussion interact vividly in a riveting display of freeness which, whilst audacious, remains committed to its deeply spiritual foundations.
Available format: 2 CDs
Memory Islands
Ellie Wilson
This transfixing fiddler used to perform with Stick In The Wheel, so it’s no wonder that her work manages to capture all the spectral qualities of a wyrd folksy underworld. Themes of history, memory and artificial intelligence are skilfully interwoven with a cunning mixture of both electronic and classical threads as Wilson applies the many astounding textures of her instrument to a surprising degree. An enlightening sonic assemblage!
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 24 bit)
The Return
Joel Haynes
Haynes’ brand is marked by a fiercely right-on and straight-ahead attitude. Fifteen years since his last release, the dexterous performer finds no qualms in supporting his strong ensemble from the kit and adjusting to the succinct demands of the music they interpret. Take their laid back reimagining of the Beatles’ ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ for example, and you’ll witness the proficiency of these cats as they shake things up from top to bottom.
Available format: Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 24 bit)
