This week GoGo Penguin continue their electronic/acoustic evolution with Necessary Fictions, branching out to collaborate for the first time since their formation over a decade ago, and Joshua Redman introduces his new quartet in his second Blue Note album, Words Fall Short. Pioneer of the acoustic blues scene in Germany, Bad Temper Joe delivers the live recorded album The Acoustic Blues Guitar Revue, and Alon Farber’s Dreams I Dream sees the return of his experienced and established quartet with fresh, original compositions. Finally, Porgy focuses on Gershwin’s iconic tune of ‘I Loves You, Porgy’, with the melody undergoing multiple transformations by jazz duo Tony Overwater and Atzko Kohashi.
Necessary Fictions
GoGo Penguin
Manchester band GoGo Penguin return with their latest album, and their most collaborative project to date,Necessary Fictions. Since 2012, the band has blended jazz and classical sounds alongside electronic influences, but this album sees the trio expand beyond their core lineup for the first time. Collaborating with guest artists from the Manchester Collective and featuring vocals by Daudi Matsiko, Necessary Fictions is a confident statement from a band eager to explore the next phase of their sound.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 48 kHz, 24 bit)
Words Fall Short
Joshua Redman
Introducing his new quartet, formed during the tour for his Blue Note debut where are we, saxophonist Joshua Redman reunites with pianist Paul Cornish, bassist Philip Norris, and drummer Nazir Ebo for his latest album Words Fall Short. Inspired by the chemistry developed on the road, Redman recorded a set of original compositions written during the pandemic that reflect themes of wistfulness, sadness, and resolve.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 96 kHz, 24 bit)
The Acoustic Blues Guitar Revue
Bad Temper Joe
Bad Temper Joe, a standout in Germany’s blues scene, delivers a masterful homage to classic acoustic blues with The Acoustic Blues Guitar Revue, interpreting songs from legends like Charley Patton and Mississippi John Hurt. Recorded live and without overdubs, the album highlights his distinctive style, expressive slide guitar work, and original songwriting, making it the perfect entry point for acoustic blues newcomers and the perfect addition for purists.
Available format: Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 24 bit)
Dreams I Dream
Alon Farber
Dreams I Dream is Alon Farber’s sixth album as leader and his first one recorded in a quartet format, placing him prominently at the forefront. Featuring all original compositions, the album reflects influences from Mingus, Bartók, Monk, and Sasha Argov, all brought to life through the unified sound of a seasoned ensemble with countless of hours of playing together under their belt. With this third release on Origin Records, Farber continues to evolve his voice as both composer and performer within the modern jazz landscape.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 48 kHz, 24 bit)
Porgy
Tony Overwater, Atzko Kohashi, Michael Moore, Sebastiaan Kaptein
Jazz duo Tony Overwater and Atzko Kohashi undertake a creative reimagining of George Gershwin’s “I Loves You, Porgy,” using the familiar melody as a foundation for a series of transformative interpretations (or “variants”) that explore new dimensions of the theme. Rooted in deep study of Gershwin’s original score, the project expands the duo’s sound with the addition of Michael Moore and Sebastiaan Kaptein, bringing fresh textures and colours to the music.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 16 bit)
