New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-up - 15th December, 2023
Who said salsa was only for the summertime? These fiery rhythms remain just as scorching all year round! The prolific Omar Puente heads his Latin soul/classical fusion outfit Classico Latino, who in turn join forces with the legendary Colombian bassist, Fruko. Paying homage to this iconic figure whose music defined a generation for salsa lovers, the results are an instant vibe of danceable enjoyment and class. The lesser-known styles on display are a perfect summary of the rich tapestry of Latin culture, which the ensemble skilfully draws from with a sophisticated expertise.
Available Format: CD
The new warm and soul-quenching album from the Johannesburg-based pianist, composer and singer Thandi Ntuli was created in collaboration with producer & percussionist Carlos Niño, and features cover art by renowned musician Shabaka Hutchings. Exploring the fullness of who she is – who we are – in her personal and collaborative projects, Ntuli negotiates a wide palette of sound and genre.Through her work over a hitherto 13-year career, Thandi has carved space for herself, and others seeking home, to fully exist – thereby firmly situating herself and the contemporary South African generation in the musical canon.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
A collection of songs that serve as a musical summary of his formative years, Introspection encapsulates an era of Renberg’s life. Throughout this period, he has delved into the depths of music, human experience and, most significantly, self-discovery. This journey prompted a shift in consciousness, challenging the paradigms instilled in his upbringing and inspiring the creation of his own worldview. This transformative process underscores the realisation that it’s never too late to change, learn, and evolve into the person we aspire to be. This album is an ode to opening one’s mind, remaining receptive to life’s myriad experiences and embracing an unyielding quest for truth.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
The backstory for Lund’s sixth Criss Cross recording dates to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. A native of Skien, Norway, the guitarist had just returned to his homeland with his wife and two daughters to improvise an at-home curriculum. In conjunction with these lessons, Lund established a daily ritual of musical composition and self-publishing online, creating a playlist of 36 videos over the course of several weeks. When this album session transpired in June 2022, the offer was an opportunity to reunite with a band launched in 2014, which contained some of the most gifted practitioners ever to improvise on their respective instruments with each contributing their unique mojo.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Comprised of eight original compositions, with each piece the listener visits a different time or place that had a profound impact on Toftemark’s musical development: a jazz club in Paris, a former lodgings in Washington Heights – whilst ‘Dagmar’ is an ode to Toftemark’s supple horn of the same name. With the saxophonist's delicate writing in the foreground, the quintet interprets the repertoire with subtlety, maturity and playfulness. Bearing European complexity and American attitude in equal measure, La Gare is an intricate and personal reflection of Toftemark’s rich musical identity.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
