Image: Artist Website
If you like your jazz crossing genres, or on the more innovative side, then this week will have plenty of releases for you. Danish group The Action 4s debut their first album of the same name, with Mathias Heise’s harmonica leading the way in this acoustic/electric merge. After nearly a four year break, the Hedvig Mollestad trio channel prog-jazz in Bees in the Bonnet and the Horst Hansen trio inject an edgy sound into their blend of jazz, hip-hop and rock in Sophisticated. DJ and producer Rebecca Vasmant pushes boundaries of contemporary jazz with her ambient sounds in Who We Are, Becoming and those who are craving a slightly more traditional sound should certainly give an ear to Tea for Three, the latest album from three of the most experienced jazz musicians: vocalist Brigitte Beraha, saxophonist Alan Barnes, and pianist Barry Green.
Born from a spark of inspiration and a single phone call, THE ACTION 4s is a creative quartet that blends jazz, rock, funk, fusion, and electronica. Formed in 2023 by harmonica virtuoso Mathias Heise and drummer Anton Eger, and then joined by pianist Rasmus Sørensen and bassist Conor Chaplin, the group quickly hit upon an energetic sound they were eager to explore. Their self-titled debut album is the first step of this exploration, brimming with grooves, improvisation and interplay, charting a new acoustic and electrical sound in contemporary Danish jazz.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
The Hedvig Mollestad Trio makes a much-anticipated return, four years after their last release. The guitarist has spent the interim time pursuing other projects, but now returns to the trio that began it all. Drawing on a well of jazz and rock influences that hark back to her youth, such as Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, Mollestad reaffirms her place at the forefront of prog-jazz.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Tea For Three captures a compelling live collaboration between vocalist Brigitte Beraha, saxophonist Alan Barnes, and pianist Barry Green—three acclaimed figures on the contemporary jazz scene. Recorded at The Vortex in November 2023, the album blends jazz standards, Brazilian tunes and original compositions, showcasing the trio’s musical connection. From a playful “Tea for Two” to a poignant “I’ll Be Seeing You,” the album utilises the skills of artists who boast seasoned and impressive careers, putting an emphasis on intimacy and emotional depth.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Available Format: Vinyl Record
With their third studio album, the Horst Hansen Trio returns in peak form. Armed with bold creativity, this genre-blending release fuses jazz, rock, hip-hop, and avant-garde into a distinctive sound that finds a unique balance between grungy edginess and sophistication. Pushing the boundaries of genre, the group delivers a sound that's playful, polished and refined. Captured live and in the studio, Sophisticated showcases the ensemble’s focus on grooves and improvisation, inviting both a deep listening experience and spontaneous dancing within their vibrant musical world.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
Rebecca Vasmant returns in her bold and expansive follow-up album, released in collaboration with Women In Jazz, New Soil, and Marathon Music Group. Building on the critical acclaim of her debut, the Glasgow-based DJ-producer leads a 25-piece ensemble through 11 tracks that push the boundaries of contemporary jazz. Exploring themes of identity, femininity, and self-discovery, the album blends colourful scoring with electronic textures and features a strong lineup of female-identifying artists. Making this the first time her own voice appears on record, Vasmant gets up close and personal in Who We Are, Becoming.
Available Formats: Vinyl Record, MP3, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV
