Image: Frank Schindelbeck
Something for everyone’s taste this week in our round-up of new releases, with plenty of genres for every jazz fan. Pianist Yaron Herman delivers his lyrical new album Radio Paradise, putting emphasis on improvisation and melody. The familiar melodies of Burt Bacharach are given a modern and contemporary take by jazz ensemble Alfie! in The Songs of Burt Bacharach and Uli Kempendorff’s Field explore an edgy avant-garde sound in Who Are You Sending This Time?. The folk-jazz collective Goleine debut their album of the same name, a collection of originals written and developed by four individual songwriters, and Hiromi’s Sonicwonder makes a dynamic return in Out There, featuring a four piece suite and plenty of the pianist’s signature energetic sound.
After having finished a period of extensive touring, pianist Yaron Herman releases his new album Radio Paradise with Naïve Records. With an ensemble that features double tenor saxophonists María Grand and Alexandra Grimal, Herman holds melody at the forefront of his lyrical compositions, as well as focusing on feelings of connection and sincerity. With each listener encouraged to find their own meaning, Herman delivers an album full of lyricism and improvisation.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 88.2 kHz, 24 bit)
As the title of the album suggests, the jazz group Alfie! undertakes the iconic melodies of Burt Bacharach in a tribute to the composer for their debut album. Tunes such as 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head', 'Walk on By' and 'Close to You' are given the jazz treatment, based on the arrangements the ensemble have performed to captivated audiences in Stockholm. Keeping the legacy of the composer alive, Alfie! looks to refresh the melodies you know in a modern and contemporary setting.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 24 bit)
For fans of free jazz, saxophonist Uli Kempendorff puts the vibraphone at the forefront of his exploratory new album with Unit Records. Having featured on Julia Hülsmann’s latest ECM release earlier this year, Kempendorff now steps into the role of bandleader in this new project and is joined by vibraphone player Christopher Dell, Peter Bruun on drums and Jonas Westergaard on bass.
Available format: Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 16 bit)
The new folk jazz collective Goleine presents their self-titled album of the same name, a collection of original compositions by four individual songwriters and performers. With harmony and ambience at the heart of the sound, the Dutch ensemble consists of pianist Mike Roelofs, double bassist Peter Willems, Dutch-Burundese vocalist Charlotte Haesen and guitarist/producer Philip Breidenbach.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 24 bit)
Genres collide in Hiromi’s follow-up release to her successful 2023 project (Sonicwonderland) with her ensemble, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder. Known for her energetic and electric stage presence as well as her virtuosic piano playing, classical, funk and fusion influences come together in a jazz in a sound that has been uniquely defined as ‘Hiromi’. From vocal collaborations to a four piece suite, Hiromi’s Sonicwonder delivers dynamism and playfulness in spades.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 16 bit)
