New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 12th April 2024
Our first featured release comes from vocalist Youn Sun Nah, who reimagines a series of classic hits from legendary female singers on Elles. Next up, Les Amazones d’Afrique are back with a modern sound for their fourth album, Musow Danse. Newfound trio Shadowlands present some surprising takes on various songs from history on Ombres, whilst Christian McBride & Edgar Meyer put to bed the question of Who's Gonna Play The Melody? Finally, it's a second outing for the brilliant Trio HLK, retreating to the Scottish locale in which they cut their teeth for the rhythmically sensational Anthropometricks - along with the help of some very special guests!
The South Korean singer and songwriter teams with pianist Jon Cowherd for a new collection of songs made famous by iconic female artists including Björk, Sarah Vaughan, Grace Jones, Roberta Flack, Edith Piaf, Grace Slick, Maria João and more. Reinventing such classics is no small task, but one the vocalist overcomes regardless with all the ease and sophistication of a deeply poetic raconteur. In places experimental, this intimate recording arrives with an assured sense of Youn’s own eclectic and minimal touch.
Available Format: CD
Their first release in nearly half a decade, this new album from the all-female supergroup triumphantly reflects the exciting sounds of the modern African diaspora. Since forming in Bamako, Mali almost a decade ago, this powerful ensemble of activists have dedicated themselves to bringing about social change across the subcontinent. Now, with a freshly minted lineup of multigenerational divas, their proud message of resistance sounds clearer than ever, as they combine elements of trap, hip-hop and traditional vocal styles.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Could this be the collaboration bassists everywhere have dreamed of? Despite performing as partners for several years now, a virtuoso pairing like this occurs on record only once in a blue moon. Both players of equal yet contrasting magnitudes, their collaboration spans the reputable bluegrass and jazz idioms for which they have come to be known as well as some more unfamiliar territories within the realms of progressive music. Not to mention, it’s also downright funky – stank faces at the ready!
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
In one of the most intriguing recordings of recent months, three renowned jazz musicians from as many countries - Robin Fincker, Lauren Kinsella, and Kit Downes - join forces to create the Shadowlands trio. Their haunting and poetic repertoire includes old English and American folk songs, covers of songs by Molly Drake (the mother of Nick) and creative chamber jazz. Hauntingly peculiar, but satisfyingly so.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
‘Littered with metric modulations and tricks’ is how guitarist Ant Law describes the latest album from this quirky ensemble. Having found their voice with their debut Standard Time (2018), the group now raise the bar on their return by opening up to a whole new dimension of sound. With an expanded lineup that features Natalie Clein on cello, the Carnatic vocalisations of Bangalorean singer Varijashree Venugopal and the grande dame of percussion herself, Evelyn Glennie, the hypnotic result lies beyond classification.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
