New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-up - 1st December, 2023
This hauntingly meditative collaboration between three internationally-acclaimed artists feels perfectly timed in its arrival. Combining elements of drone with post-rock and jazz, each of the album’s ingredients feel totally organic in the relationship between Ovsepian’s wistful piano, Monder’s receptive guitar and Kim’s raw vocal energy, which instantly falls somewhere between Björk and Beth Gibbons of Portishead.
Available Format: CD
The French-Malagasy pianist has spared no musical expense for his full-length debut as bandleader. A deliciously radiant and optimistic first outing, Picard delves into a good-spirited series of gracious tunes, with each one a prime example of his natural buoyancy and creative flair. Special guests include Braxton Cook and Joel Ross, who contribute splendidly to the alternating cast of like-minded and fun-loving individuals.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
On the occasion of Dunmall’s platinum year, it appears that the Midlands-based promoter-extraordinaire Tony Dudley-Evans has organised something of a homecoming celebration for this behemoth of British free jazz. Joining forces with some of the UK’s brightest contemporary talents as well as American percussive sorcerer Hamid Drake, this entrancing new release sees the sax-wielding excursionist preside from the rear, benevolently making room for the other self-assured contributions from the session in as much as he directs them.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
This esteemed jazz professor was already a staple of the New York jazz scene for two decades prior to making his decision to take up a prestigious teaching post at an Austrian university in 2010. Now, he returns to the label on which he first made his name as leader over a quarter of a century ago for a steady setlist of rousing tunes, both old and new. With the supremely tight connection felt between his ensemble of fellow musical expats, this release makes for an utterly convincing statement surrounding the strength of a performer’s roots when grounded by kinly friendship and affection.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
You may remember this young maestro who hit the heights as a bespectacled pre-adolescent teen, hardly tall enough to reach the piano pedals. Flash forward through the first decade of his already astounding career in the spotlight, and you’ll rediscover a gifted musician with an irresistible urge for authentic musical discoveries plus a sophisticated sense of self. Proving that his childhood stardom was more than just a flash in the pan, Alexander’s original voice continues to broaden into his early adult years as he explores a variety of detailed moods and impressions – all complete with that signature Joey finesse.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
