New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 19th January 2024
May we introduce you to the fine selection of artists we have in store this week? Canadian saxophonist Anna Webber covers new ground with Shimmer Wince, before Shake Stew hypnotise you with their trance-inducing sound on Lila. We hear some unearthed recordings from pianist David Janeway for the first time on his latest album, Interchange, and are acquainted with the Mads Vinding Trio who we hear on a 2018 date in Quiet Yesterday. Finally, Claire Cross & Harry Cook are making a noise down-under as they calmy present the results of several years' work together in the form of Dialect.
Quickly becoming one of our favourite labels for independently-spirited new releases, here’s the latest from the Swiss-based Intakt Records. Webber composed this album using just intonation, the alternative tuning system based on the naturally resonating overtones of strings, vocal cords and other musical objects. Exploring unfamiliar harmonies before seeing where they fit in with her own idiomatic jazz language, the saxophonist adventurously heads into bold new terrains.
Available Format: CD
Be warned, the sixth album from these Viennese purveyors of global grooves is highly addictive. Welcoming you into their warm sound world of guembri, kalimba and other assorted family members who wouldn’t feel out of place around the table of a world buffet, this bunch of funksters are clearly out for a good time. Spoken-word artist Precious Nnebedum also brings the vibes on this sumptuous recording split down the middle by a mixture of studio and live cuts.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
A dual-career jazz musician and psychiatrist, Janeway has been sitting on these recordings for thirty years. His piano trio function sympathetically as a cohesive unit with a great understanding of one another’s potential. The ensemble’s intrinsic feel means their romantic swing never sounds forced or strained, instead offering an enjoyable feast of convincingly bright interaction and space.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
Once you find a willing partner to engage with, you no longer have to shout in order to be heard over the crowd. This is certainly the case for the trio led by Danish bassist Mads Vinding on this live recording of their first encounter back in 2018. Considered by many to be the undoubted successor to NHØP, he too commands from beneath with a boisterous and lyrical flow. Most impressive is the instant chemistry felt onstage between these previous strangers who effortlessly transform fifty minutes of their shared spotlight together into an act of spontaneous camaraderie.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Prompted by the constraints of the past few years, this Australian pair seek solace in each other’s art through an interesting configuration of piano and bass. Whilst primarily an electric bassist, Cross’ minimalist sound manages to uphold plenty of that mellow fragility only an upright can produce. Meanwhile, Cook’s keys also tread thoughtfully and with care. Through the daring vulnerability of their compositions and the tenderness with which they allow themselves to be exposed, this gentle project’s success is humbly understated.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
