New Release Round-up,
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 22nd March 2024
Welcome to the latest jazz roundup, offering a smörgåsbord of jazz delicacies for you, our discerning customers, to enjoy. Let’s start with my personal pick of the week, Christian McBride and Edgar Meyer’s double bass duo odyssey But Who's Gonna Play the Melody? Don’t worry, they do figure out who plays it, and there’s never any sense that something is missing beyond the sound of two basses. Then we have Kjetil Mulelid’s Agoja, featuring Arve Henriksen, in a warm and mellow set of originals, and on Ombres vocalist Lauren Kinsella is accompanied by Robin Fincker and Kit Downes in some often ethereal song interpretations, including a charming take on Molly Drake’s "Woods in May" (as in Nick Drake’s very talented mum). If you fancy something a little more kosmische then try the second volume of Shiver’s collaboration with Matthew Bourne - anyone who fondly remembers the short-lived jazz-metal supergroup Bilboa Syndrome (which featured Sharkey and Bourne) really ought to check this out. And there’s a terrific Alice Coltrane discovery, an unreleased recording from Carnegie Hall with her regular cohort of the period.
Christian McBride and Edgar Meyer join forces for this enjoyable collaboration - a whole album of double bass duos. From this minimal foundation the bassists explore a wide range of moods, from the opening track “Green Slime,” where Meyer’s mellow earthiness meets McBride’s more robust contributions, to their rendition of “My Funny Valentine,” the album showcases their natural virtuosity. Whether diving into classical, jazz, or bluegrass influences, they deliver an invigorating collection, superbly recorded by the Mack Avenue team.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Critics have likened Kjetil Mulelid to pianists like Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, and Bill Evans, and this latest work, “Agoja”, showcases his melodic compositions, generous leadership, and distinct musical identity, allowing his ensemble of top-tier musicians, including trumpeter Arve Henriksen, to all share the spotlight.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
“Ombres” features a trio of exceptional musicians: Robin Fincker on tenor saxophone, Lauren Kinsella lending her ethereal voice, and Kit Downes on piano. The compositions traverse a rich landscape, including traditional folk tunes, original pieces, and even a nod to Molly Drake. Recorded by Bence Dóczi at Opus Jazz Club in Budapest on January 29, 2023, “Ombres” invites listeners into a contemplative realm where ambient jazz, folk, and experimental elements converge.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
“Shiver Meets Matthew Bourne - Volume Two” comprises the pieces played on the second day of their recording session, when the group Shiver (Chris Sharkey, Andy Champion, & Joost Hendrickx) met keyboard wizard Matthew Bourne. Bourne shifts from piano to the MemoryMoog throughout here. The sonic landscape oscillates between improvised freedom and progressive electronic rock music. “Pasadena Gravy” not only wins the award for best track title of the week, but I did feel myself levitating slightly when listening to it - around 7:50 to be precise.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Kicking off what will be an Alice Coltrane year with more releases to come in the next 12 months, is a previously unreleased, killer live recording from 1971. Recorded live, by Impulse! at a charity gala given at Carnegie Hall for the benefit of the Integral Yoga Institute in 1971, this incredible set never saw commercial release until now. The gala concert was one of two halves with the first two transcendental tunes by Alice taken from the album she had just released on Impulse! and then two explosive tunes by her late husband John Coltrane. Naturally, à la Coltrane/Dolphy at the Gate, which picked up the recent Grammy nomination for Best Liner Notes, the package includes some knockout editorial, with essays by Lauren Du Graf and Alice’s producer Ed Michel.
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Matt Groom - Head of Jazz
