New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-up - 6th October, 2023
October rolls along nicely as we kick things off with Maciej Obara on Frozen Silence, a textbook example of ECM's feel for the wintery climate. Darcy James Argue's Secret Society follows with Dynamic Maximum Tension, a raucous album of modern and refreshing big-band charts. Aaron Diehl & The Knights Orchestra reprise Mary Lou Williams' Zodiac Suite in a reappraising recording of what we're calling 'chamber-jazz'. And finally, veteran trumpeter Eddie Henderson returns to the bandstand on the occasion of his fiftieth year at the helm of the jazz scene as a Witness To History, paying tribute to those who have inspired him along the way.
Another new release from the enigmatic Red Hook Records, who have consistently been delivering some of the most intriguing contemporary sounds around. Carey, a well-versed producer in the indie-alternative music world, creates a mysterious sound world fit for the duvet weather we now find ourselves in. Trumpeter and jazz educator Raymond is in fine form throughout, providing smooth and effective tones to this comfortingly reassuring work.
Available Format: CD
We truly enjoyed reviewing the resplendent new work from Wolfgang Muthspiel on ECM for our latest Recording of the Week – similarly enthralling is the recent release of this Polish saxophonist from the same label. The music itself is a raucous affair whilst the elegance of the group’s chilling interplay is second to none. Once again, it’s great to hear a modern quartet continually lifting each other up with equal determination and strength.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
This accoladed ensemble blends Maria Schneider, Duke Ellington and Radiohead into something altogether different and fresh. An intelligent-sounding big band for the post-modern age, this album’s conceptual approach is certainly a winner. As a whole, its dynamic range and flavours are wonderfully interspersed, whilst Cécile McLorin Salvant’s appearance on closer ‘Mae West: Advice’ is a cheeky moment of pure bliss.
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
From big band to chamber orchestra now, with this premiere recording of Mary Lou Williams’ 1945 suite in a new arrangement for jazz ensemble. An ambitious piece that originally charted its composer’s journey from her Boogie Woogie-roots to her refined stature as a ‘musician’s musician’, Diehl and the New York-based orchestra look to the stars as they breathe new life into this misunderstood work.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Look who we have here! Our final pick this week marks the 50th anniversary of this titan trumpet player’s debut album and proudly asserts the ever-changing musician’s position within jazz history, both as an instigator and custodian. An evolutionary figure, Henderson has seen it all over the course of his career, and this distinctive album reflects just that by way of tributes to Miles Davis, Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard, amongst others.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
