New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-up - 13th October, 2023
We're really getting into the swing of it now as we encounter some of the year's most unexpected but highly rewarding releases. First off, we have the beautifully elegiac Funeral Dance from Helge Lien Trio & Tore Brunborg. Next, Canadian singer Allison Russell presents her joyously funky ode to self with The Returner. Moving swiftly on, the traditional Norwegian songstress Sinikka Langeland impresses with rich scope on Wind and Sun, before we hear from Noah Franche-Nolan and his mature debut recording, Within The Stream. Finally, Tuareg icon Bombino brings it home on his latest album, Sahel.
Through a gentle series of ever-changing moods, the Norwegian pianist aims to capture the spirit of his former mentor, Misha Alperin. Succinctly evoking his teacher’s memory, this ensemble manages to avoid all the trappings of glib melancholia; instead, offering a thoughtful and reflective fifty-five minutes of raw emotional beauty. It is certainly a goal worth having pursued.
Available Format: CD
Pulling up at her own destination somewhere between the intersection of funk, soul, bluesy roots and countrified folk, Russell invites into a confessional world of her own making. This is a record that spreads the love, bountifully sharing its urgent joy with every step of the way. And, I have to say, it’s completely spellbinding; an absolute pleasure from top to bottom.
Available Format: CD
The traditional folk singer and kantele player, whom we recently covered in our spotlight on Nordic Jazz, returns with her latest wide-ranging musical endeavour. Known for such highlights as her recent work with Trio Mediæval, here Langeland adapts contemporary texts by the recently-appointed Nobel Laureate, Jon Fosse – ultimately reaffirming her status as chief interpreter of this enchanting and mystical style.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
The Canadian three-piece Franche-Nolan outfit have arrived on the scene with this, their debut album for Cellar Live, which features an inviting set of carefully crafted originals tossed together with a handful of electrifying standards. Owing to a cunning mixture of graceful vamps, lenient phrasing and an altogether sharp attitude throughout, this hip recording already puts this trio up there with the current best of them. A promising start!
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
The ‘Sultan of Shred’ is back for his first full-release in five years, and this time, he’s pulling no punches. Born Goumar Almoctar to a nomadic enclave in 1980s Niger, Bombino defines what’s so special about Tuareg music and culture in general through his immersive sound. His captivating feel for the Saharan desert blues brand made famous by acts such as Tinariwen and Imarhan is further enhanced by his charming Tamasheq vocals, matched with resilient lyrics and uplifting jams.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
