New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 5th January 2024
We hope you all head a pleasant Christmas break! Kicking the year off, we have the astounding Call On the Old Wise, the most recent solo outing from Nitai Hershkovits. Next up, American quartet Invoke present bluegrass with a difference on Evolve & Travel. Following this, we encounter the first of Jasper Høiby’s Three Elements: Earthness, not to mention some more optimistic solo piano adventures courtesy of the sensational Fergus McCreadie. Finally, Steve Davis and Hank Jones call it a day on their newly released collaboration, Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Vol. 1, unheard since its recording in 2008.
The Israeli pianist, a previous colleague of Oded Tzur, revels here in his solo debut for ECM. Full of character, Hershkovits instantly makes his classically-trained background clear, leaving touches of post-romantic and early modernist phrasing behind with every threaded motif. His voice is another fine addition to the label’s roster, and his attitude certainly attests to his being a promising young artist: “You should send every note into space if you want it to linger. It’s like stones with zero weight; when you throw them with enough intention, they’ll have infinite energy.” Take it from us, the results are truly astronomical.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Whilst on paper this ensemble may resemble a countrified string quartet, in reality, their studio and live offerings are anything but! Peeking into the world of bluegrass through a classical lens, the group calls to mind the work of fellow crossover musicians Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer, albeit in the opposite direction. Quick to dispel any preconceived notions, the players introduce tasty licks and morsels of acoustic Americana through their inventive approach to this vibrant genre of chamber folk.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
The prolific bassist and ex-Phronesis leader is back and better than ever as he ventures into the latest phase of his unwinding musical career. Teaming up in a new trio formation with pianist Noah Stoneman and Luca Caruso on drums, the rhythmically astute bandleader once again reminds us of how he has managed to retain his prominence achieved over the past two decades. Stick this album on and experience three players who are keenly aware of each other's presence and have no trouble achieving a sense of play that only real communicators are possible of doing.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Another radiant sunbeam from the Scottish pianist, his new EP delivers a delicately performed recital of sensitive improvisations. McCreadie, who has taken the British jazz scene by storm following the release of his first two ecologically-inspired albums, Cairn and Forest Floor, once again finds himself returning to nature. This moving 23-minute recording wouldn't find itself out of place in amongst the Windham Hill catalogue, which is saying something for a performer so green.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
No, we’re not talking about the snooker player — this Davis is the very same musician who, in his early career, appeared on the final Jazz Messengers album under Art Blakey. By now a Smoke Sessions stalwart, his latest release harks back to a recording made some 15 years ago in collaboration with another jazz luminary, Hank Jones. Uncompromisingly intimate, this relaxed session is as immediate as a front-row seat of a packed jazz club on a Friday night. Davis extends an amicable hand to the late pianist, who was then approaching 90, instantly joining the musical dots from either side of the millenium.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
