New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 27th October, 2023
We're closing October with a bang! Commencing with the latest instalment of Matana Roberts' powerful Coin Coin Chapter Five: In the Garden, we're followed by the beachbound lovesickness of Brazilian vocalist Dora Merelenbaum with Vento de Beraida, out now on vinyl. Miho Hazama brings her M_unit ensemble for a tenth birthday outing on Beyond Orbits whilst Swedish trumpet player Karl Wallmyr leads a sensitively complicit team on Serendippo. Finally, Martina DaSilva takes to the stage at Portland's The 1905 for the next volume in her immaculate sounding 'living room' series.
Throughout the Coin Coin series, multidisciplinary-artist Matana Roberts has explored African-American histories as well as her own narratives within that legacy. Weaving spoken word and varieties of disjointed musical smatterings (which blend together oh-so well), she triumphantly tackles the saddeningly pertinent theme of reproductive rights. Now in its fifth instalment, the sheer vitality of this potent sound quilt leaves no doubt as to the many durable talents of this mixed-media artist – a much respected figure on the free jazz scene, also.
Available Format: CD
A delightful EP chronicling the current wave of sunkissed Brazilian talent, allow yourself to be transported by the dreamily hypnotic vocals of Dora Morelenbaum – one of the most captivating new voices on the Rio scene. Receiving its first UK vinyl pressing since its digital release in 2021, this bewitching young singer has us spellbound over at Presto HQ. With the lush orchestral single, ‘Dó a dó’, included as a hidden bonus track, this record is an exquisitely produced piece of saudade bliss.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Based between Denmark and the States, this Japanese composer has carved a name for herself as one of the most prolific ensemble leaders around. In celebration of her m_unit’s tenth anniversary, this album delightfully reflects the journey undertaken by the jazz idiom and the untold destinations it still has to explore. With two special guest appearances from Christian McBride on ‘Elliptical Orbit’ and Immanuel Wilkins on ‘From Life Comes Beauty’, the atmosphere drawn up by this sophisticated troupe is simply electric.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Currently based in Stockholm, for this Swedish trumpeter the opportunity to take inspiration from his Scandinavian surroundings comes as second nature. With a sensibility that falls somewhere between elements of both classical and folk music, the ensemble are expertly balanced on their second album. At the same time, there is a distinct thread of polar blues which emanates a brooding sense of gentle melancholy throughout, always enticing but never threatening. One to watch!
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
With a vintage sound already beyond her years, this New York native fully understands the assignment set by her jazz elders. As a vocalist, DaSilva is one of the freshest finds today, having cultivated a significant following from a string of intuitive sessions recorded with friends in the comfort of her own apartment. Now, she approaches a venue more befitting her natural prowess (Portland’s pizza-bar-cum-jazz-spot, The 1905) for a marvellous set that showcases the tight skills of her youthful band.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
Barney Whittaker
