New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-up - 20th October, 2023
Our first instalment this week comes by way of Norway and the upcoming ensemble, Laupsa Lokomotiv, with Waysigns. This is swiftly followed by the Danish trio ZAV and their spine-tingling exploration of the dark on Nocturnal. Helen Svodoba presents her quirky new album, The Odd River, and there's a self-assured new record featuring the enchanting pipes of Veronica Swift. Finally, we introduce Verve's Great Women of Song series by highlighting a new compilation of classic cuts from Sarah Vaughan's golden era.
Vetle Aakre Laupsa has been tinkering away behind the scenes in light of preparing the debut album from his latest project, Laupsa Lokomotiv. Describing itself as ‘Modern Locomotive Jazz’, the kinetic energy of the band is felt at full-force. The Norwegian bassist has done well to recruit a vibrant medley of musicians at such an early stage in their respective careers and it’s great to hear a scintillating vocal turn from trombonist Reidun Ottersen, too.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Over to Denmark now, where we pursue a darker impression of nightfall. This multi-generational trio return for a third occasion, building their sound world from the ground up so that it remains abstract but not entirely without shape. In fact, their gently chilling music delves throughout time and space as the group immerse themselves within a free-flowing conversation between ominous shades.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Australia’s answer to Alice Zawadzki, Helen Svoboda is already making waves in the world of organic experimental music – quite literally, if you take her previous suite dedicated to her favourite vegetables into account. An oddly cinematic experience, Svoboda’s latest album is a rich conceptual piece chronicling a tale of ecological breakdown, expressed through the sound of toy pianos, eccentric vocal mutterings and an ensemble of toothy apple chomps. The results are endlessly fascinating.
Available Format: CD
Acclaimed for her stylistically varied approach, the renowned vocalist Veronica Swift is back with her sixth album, a self-titled work of crisp showmanship and talent. As a performer, Swift knows exactly what she wants and pulls no punches in going out and getting it. Singing in English, French and Portuguese on this record, the diverse track listing is as broad in character as Swift’s own remarkable charisma.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Following additional releases honouring the likes of Billie Holiday, Astrud Gilberto and Nina Simone, we figure this new compilation would be the perfect starting point for anyone wishing to indulge in Verve’s Great Women of Song Series. With her impeccable phrasing and unmatchable emotional depth, Sassy shows ‘em how it’s done on this album of classic hits.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
Barney Whittaker
