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Elin Forkelid 'Songs To Keep You Company On A Dark Night' LP/CD (Sail Cabin) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘I wrote these songs as an attempt to bring a little comfort, to whomever may need it’, says Elin Forkelid of her new release. And frankly, I was comforted by the title alone, it was enough to draw me into Forkelid’s world, especially on these long December nights. The Swedish saxophonist and composer has put … Continue reading Elin Forkelid ‘Songs To Keep You Company On A Dark Night’ LP/CD (Sail Cabin) 4/5 →
Colin Vallon 'Samares' CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Pianist Colin Vallon is once again joined by bassist Patrice Moret and drummer Julian Sartorius for his latest trio album “Samares”. The deep subtleties within the trio’s melancholic lyricism play a large part in making this album what it is. Vallon’s compositions as well as his trio’s understated three-way interaction remain a trademark on this … Continue reading Colin Vallon ‘Samares’ CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Muriel Grossmann 'The Light Of The Mind' LP (RR GEMS) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Muriel Grossmann’s latest release, ‘The Light of the Mind’, holds the staggering distinction of serving as the saxophonist’s sixteenth album as a band leader. It’s an incredible statistic but Grossmann’s career to date has been predominately based on amassing phenomenal achievements and successes that see her star continue to rise. Born in Paris, raised in … Continue reading Muriel Grossmann ‘The Light Of The Mind’ LP (RR GEMS) 4/5 →
Arild Andersen 'Landloper' CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
One of my favourite bass players of all time, Arild Andersen has been an ECM recording artist for well over five decades now, contributing to so many classic albums, as leader and sideman, it’s impossible to over estimate the importance of everything he has achieved. “Landloper” is, perhaps surprisingly, his first ever solo album for … Continue reading Arild Andersen ‘Landloper’ CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Marilyn Crispell 'Amaryllis' Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
One of the many plus points to ECM’s Luminessence Series of audiophile reissues is that occasionally an album comes along that I wasn’t already familiar with. “Amaryllis “, with Marilyn Crispell on piano, Gary Peacock on double bass, and Paul Motian on drums, is the perfect example. Although familiar with the individual players, this stunning … Continue reading Marilyn Crispell ‘Amaryllis’ Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 →
Various 'I’m Glad About It: The Legacy of Gospel Music in Louisville, 1958-1981' 2LP (Louisville Story Program) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Let There Be Light: In the mid-20th century, a dynamic creative movement flourished in Louisville, with small recording studios and labels like Sensational Sounds, Grace Gospel, and Blessed capturing the essence of the city’s gospel choirs and quartets. Over time, these powerful recordings and the stories behind them faced the risk of being lost forever. … Continue reading Various ‘I’m Glad About It: The Legacy of Gospel Music in Louisville, 1958-1981’ 2LP (Louisville Story Program) 5/5 →
Jonas Meersmans 'Glassman' LP (W.E.R.F.) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Over the last few years guitarist Jonas Meersmans has been developing his own personal instrumental language, hovering between neoclassical layered compositions and psychedelic narrative fingerpicking. Having released two albums for acoustic guitar, strings and horns that were warmly received by Belgian and Dutch press, he has also worked on soundtracks for several short films and … Continue reading Jonas Meersmans ‘Glassman’ LP (W.E.R.F.) 5/5 →
Soulganic 'Phosphene' LP (Self-released) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Soulganic have long proved to be a band that uncompromisingly did things their way. As flag wavers for “Funky Indie Soul” – a tag line adapted by the trio all the way back to their 2007 debut release ‘All Directions Forward’ – the words would go on to represent an … Continue reading Soulganic ‘Phosphene’ LP (Self-released) 4/5 →
Webster Lewis & PPSRBBGTC & O 'Live At Club 7' Expanded 4LP Boxset (Jazzaggression) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Recorded in Norway in 1971 at Oslo’s renowned counterculture venue Club 7, this is the first release of the nearly complete recordings of the Webster Lewis ensemble, also known as the Post Pop Space Rock Be Bop Gospel Tabernacle Chorus and Orchestra. LPs 1 and 2 of the 4-LP package feature the music that was … Continue reading Webster Lewis & PPSRBBGTC & O ‘Live At Club 7’ Expanded 4LP Boxset (Jazzaggression) 5/5 →
Sigmar Matthíasson 'Uneven Equator' 140g Vinyl (Self-released) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Uneven Equator’ marks the third solo album from bassist and composer, Sigmar Þór Matthíasson. Matthíasson’s global perspective on music has been shaped from everything from his early forays into jazz via the dynamic sounds of Herbie Hancock, Weather Report and Jaco Pastorious all the way through to his extensive travels and even study with the … Continue reading Sigmar Matthíasson ‘Uneven Equator’ 140g Vinyl (Self-released) 4/5 →
Thomas Strønen 'Relations' LP/CD (ECM) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Conceived over a four year period, Norwegian drummer/percussionist Thomas Strønen’s “Relations” is an unusual and rather unorthodox album. Bringing together kindred spirits from scattered compass points and traditions, the album is both a thoughtful collection of duos and solos and an improviser’s response to circumstances. At the core of things is Strønen’s percussion playing, heard … Continue reading Thomas Strønen ‘Relations’ LP/CD (ECM) 3/5 →
Alexi Tuomarila Trio 'Departing the Wasteland' LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Departing the Wasteland”, the new album from Finnish pianist and composer Alexi Tuomarila, is a stunning tour-de-force of musical alchemy. Marking a transformative chapter in his career, the album builds on the pianist’s already considerable reputation – having made an impressive mark over the last two decades performing with the trio that is also at … Continue reading Alexi Tuomarila Trio ‘Departing the Wasteland’ LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 →
Micah Thomas 'Mountains' 2LP (Artwork) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Mountains is New York based pianist Micah Thomas’ second release for Artwork records and his fourth overall as leader; it represents a considerable shift in direction from Reveal, his 2023 trio album for the label. Mountains is an ambitious and sprawling work, on the surface, a less cohesive statement than the 2023 trio record but … Continue reading Micah Thomas ‘Mountains’ 2LP (Artwork) 4/5 →
Jakob Bro 'Taking Turns' LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Between 2008 and 2013 Danish guitarist Jakob Bro self-released three incredible albums: “Balladeering”, “Time” and “December Song”. Each album had the same atmospheric feel to it, featuring musicians that included Bill Frisell, Thomas Morgan and Paul Motian. Yet it was the omnipresent saxophonist Lee Konitz that was perhaps the most noteworthy inclusion, his stunning performances … Continue reading Jakob Bro ‘Taking Turns’ LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Sun Ra Arkestra ‘Lights On A Satellite’ 2x180g RSD Vinyl (IN+OUT) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Where human eyes have never seen, where human beings have never been, I build a world of abstract dreams, and I wait for you.” There’s a litany of classic Sun Ra quotes that give wonderful context to his over-arching musical message and any time I have the chance to discuss the prolific pianist, composer and … Continue reading Sun Ra Arkestra ‘Lights On A Satellite’ 2x180g RSD Vinyl (IN+OUT) 5/5 →
Casey Golden 'Present Day' (Self-released) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Present Day” is the new album from Sydney-based pianist Casey Golden. Centred around the duo of Golden’s piano and Evan Mannell’s drums, the recording is augmented with a string section and synthesizers. Reminiscent perhaps of certain periods throughout the illustrious careers of Esbjörn Svensson, Brad Mehldau and Keith Jarrett, the pianist’s idiosyncratic compositions and strong … Continue reading Casey Golden ‘Present Day’ (Self-released) 3/5 →
Louis Sclavis / Benjamin Moussay 'Unfolding' LP/CD (ECM) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
French clarinetist Louis Sclavis and fellow countryman pianist Benjamin Moussay have previously joined forces on several Louis Sclavis recordings for ECM, including the clarinettist’s last acclaimed album “Characters On A Wall”. More recently however, these two wonderful musicians have shifted their focus towards two-way communication, playing expansive and well-received sets throughout Europe. The pair now … Continue reading Louis Sclavis / Benjamin Moussay ‘Unfolding’ LP/CD (ECM) 3/5 →
Mike Chillingworth 'Friday The Thirteenth' CD (Ubuntu Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Mike Chillingworth is a London based saxophonist and composer, performing throughout the UK and internationally with his own groups and other musicians at the forefront of British and European jazz. He combines his busy performing schedule with a passion for music education. This recording features his quartet with Ivo Neame (piano), Tom Farmer (bass) and … Continue reading Mike Chillingworth ‘Friday The Thirteenth’ CD (Ubuntu Music) 4/5 →
Florian Weber 'Imaginary Cycle' 2LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
German pianist Florian Weber’s “Imaginary Cycle” is one of the most interesting, beguiling, beautiful, deeply engaging, wonderfully imagined and performed original recordings that ECM has released this year. Conceived for the unique instrumentation of brass ensemble and piano, it is a hybrid of multiple musical languages that seamlessly blend the harmonious with the oblique. Weber … Continue reading Florian Weber ‘Imaginary Cycle’ 2LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Casey Golden 'Present Day' (Self Released) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Present Day” is the new album from Sydney-based pianist Casey Golden. Centred around the duo of Golden’s piano and Evan Mannell’s drums, the recording is augmented with a string section and synthesizers. Reminiscent perhaps of certain periods throughout the illustrious careers of Esbjörn Svensson, Brad Mehldau and Keith Jarrett, the pianist’s idiosyncratic compositions and strong … Continue reading Casey Golden ‘Present Day’ (Self Released) 3/5 →
Lo'Jo 'Feuilles Fauves' LP/CD (Yotanka) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Feuilles Fauves’ marks the latest full-length release from the French collective, Lo’Jo, who now proudly unveil their eighteenth album. It’s a staggering achievement for the ensemble that still seem to create music with the same level of passion and enthusiasm on album #18 than they did with album #1. Initially founded in 1982 by singer … Continue reading Lo’Jo ‘Feuilles Fauves’ LP/CD (Yotanka) 4/5 →
Freysteinn 'Að einhverju / To Somewhere' LP (Self-released) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Icelandic bassist and composer Freysteinn returns with his third album, Aô Einhverju / To Somewhere, showcasing once more his compelling musical vision and artistry. This recording marks the second release with his quartet, now featuring the exceptional Hilmar Jensson on guitar, widely regarded as one of Iceland’s most influential non-jazz musicians. Joining him once again … Continue reading Freysteinn ‘Að einhverju / To Somewhere’ LP (Self-released) 4/5 →
The Bad Plus 'Complex Emotions' Cobalt Blue Vinyl/CD (Mack Avenue) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The latest reincarnation of The Bad Plus continues to impress with their engrossing release “Complex Emotions”. Following 2022’s welcome shock to the system “The Bad Plus” on Edition Records, the enigmatic four-piece of Reid Anderson – Acoustic Bass + Synthesizer, Dave King – Drums + Synthesizer, Ben Monder – Guitar, and Chris Speed – Tenor … Continue reading The Bad Plus ‘Complex Emotions’ Cobalt Blue Vinyl/CD (Mack Avenue) 4/5 →
Kyle Shepherd Trio 'A Dance More Sweetly Played' 180g Vinyl (Matsuli Music) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The world of recorded music has become complex so just to be clear this album is basically a top notch 180g vinyl production which will be available from Matsuli’s Bandcamp page and more widely in other outlets. Digital versions and bonus tracks are available if you buy via Bandcamp. Some music, the best music, can … Continue reading Kyle Shepherd Trio ‘A Dance More Sweetly Played’ 180g Vinyl (Matsuli Music) 5/5 →
Dawda Jobarteh / Stefan Pasborg 'Live in Turku' LP/CD (April) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Frequent collaborators, Danish sticks man, Stefan Pasborg and kora wiz, Dawda Jobarteh, who’s originally from Gambia, capture the gig experience for ‘Live In Turku”, only their second release as a duet. “Folkman” starts off nice and easy; the simple, even primitive riff given the space to breathe and establish itself while the drumming intensifies and … Continue reading Dawda Jobarteh / Stefan Pasborg ‘Live in Turku’ LP/CD (April) 4/5 →
Lars Danielsson / Verneri Pohjola / John Parricelli 'Palmer Edition II: Trio' 180g Vinyl/CD (ACT Music x Chateau Palmer) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The Swedish bassist, cellist, composer, and record producer Danielson has fostered a long musical association with British guitarist Parricelli. This relationship has been documented on several recordings in various formats, including the series of ‘Liberetto’ albums. However, this is the duo’s first collaboration with Finnish trumpeter Pohjola, who works somewhat in the style of Paolo Fresu or Arve Henriksen, with a sometimes flute-like tone. Having said this, his … Continue reading Lars Danielsson / Verneri Pohjola / John Parricelli ‘Palmer Edition II: Trio’ 180g Vinyl/CD (ACT Music x Chateau Palmer) 5/5 →
Avishai Cohen 'Ashes to Gold' LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Trumpeter and composer Avishai Cohen has produced some wonderful albums for the ECM label in recent years, but there’s a sense of real poignancy to “Ashes to Gold”, his latest release. Last autumn, Cohen had intended to take a month off in Israel to write the music for his new album, and to play the … Continue reading Avishai Cohen ‘Ashes to Gold’ LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Yonathan Avishai Trio 'Shapes and Sounds' CD (jazz&family) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Yonathan Avishai needs no introduction. Not only is he a very talented pianist but more than that, he is a true alchemist of sounds. Celebrating ten years of collaboration with his trio, namely Yoni Zelnik on double bass and Donald Kontomanou on drums, Yonathan Avishai delivers “Shapes and Sounds”, his latest album, which offers a … Continue reading Yonathan Avishai Trio ‘Shapes and Sounds’ CD (jazz&family) 4/5 →
McCoy Tyner / Joe Henderson 'Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs’ 2LP/2CD (Blue Note) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
1965-66 was an exciting period for jazz, opening up opportunities for the searching explorative musicians of the time. Blue Note had some superb releases, including Eric Dolphy’s classic ‘Out To Lunch’, Don Cherry’s ‘Symphony For Improvisers’, Andrew Hill’s ‘Compulsion’, Horace Silver’s ‘The Jody Grind’, and Joe Henderson’s ‘In ‘N Out’. It was a stimulating time … Continue reading McCoy Tyner / Joe Henderson ‘Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs’ 2LP/2CD (Blue Note) 4/5 →
Al Jarreau 'Wow! Live at The Childe Harold' 2x180g Vinyl (Resonance) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Released in time for Record Store Day’s Black Friday Event on 29th November, Resonance Records unveil a real treasure in this recently unearthed performance from iconic pop, soul and jazz vocalist and icon, Al Jarreau. Recorded at Washington, DC’s Childe Harrold Club in August 1976, the recording – of exceptional quality – comes comparatively early … Continue reading Al Jarreau ‘Wow! Live at The Childe Harold’ 2x180g Vinyl (Resonance) 4/5 →
Charles Tolliver Music Inc. 'Live at the Captain's Cabin 1973' 2x180g RSD Vinyl (Reel to Real) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Cellar Music Group out of Vancouver stepped out onto the music world in 2001 with its archival right arm, Reel To Real co-founded by Cory Weeds and Zev Feldman in 2018 focussing on unreleased recordings, first tapping into Seattle’s Penthouse just across the border and continuing to surprise us at every turn with the likes … Continue reading Charles Tolliver Music Inc. ‘Live at the Captain’s Cabin 1973’ 2x180g RSD Vinyl (Reel to Real) 5/5 →
Bill Evans 'In Norway: The Kongsberg Concert' 2x180g RSD Vinyl (Elemental Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Bill Evans, the pianist from New Jersey who died in 1980 at the age of just 51 has left an almost indelible mark on many of the jazz pianists who have followed him. Quite apart from the piano stylings of the likes of Horace Silver, whose hard bop playing stressed melody rather than more complex … Continue reading Bill Evans ‘In Norway: The Kongsberg Concert’ 2x180g RSD Vinyl (Elemental Music) 4/5 →
Excursion: Empirical at NAC Wolverhampton - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“I came away from Empirical’s performance feeling incredibly inspired. Renewed somehow. Ready to take on the world once more. On the way home even the roadworks on the M6 couldn’t dampen our enthusiasm. This was a sensational gig and I feel privileged to have been there.” Read our full review HERE Empirical embark on a … Continue reading Excursion: Empirical at NAC Wolverhampton →
Sun Ra 'Lights on a Satellite: Live at the Left Bank' 2x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Sun Ra and his Myth Science Cosmo Swing Arkestra share their ‘vibrations of beauty’ on this live date from 1978. It’s not from the Left Bank of Paris but much closer to Sun Ra’s Germantown Philadelphia base, the Left Bank Jazz Society at Baltimore’s Famous Ballroom. Most of the concert has never been released before … Continue reading Sun Ra ‘Lights on a Satellite: Live at the Left Bank’ 2x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 5/5 →
Emily Remler 'Cookin’ at the Queens' 3x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The name of Emily Remler has sadly fallen into obscurity over recent years. Born in 1957 this American guitarist died in 1990. She was active from the 1970s up until the time of her death. Taking up guitar at ten, Remler was initially influenced by Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Winter. Whilst attending Berklee College of … Continue reading Emily Remler ‘Cookin’ at the Queens’ 3x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 5/5 →
Excursion: Empirical at NAC Wolverhampton - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“I came away from Empirical’s performance feeling incredibly inspired. Renewed somehow. Ready to take on the world once more. On the way home even the roadworks on the M6 couldn’t dampen our enthusiasm. This was a sensational gig and I feel privileged to have been there.” Read our full review HERE Empirical embark on a … Continue reading Excursion: Empirical at NAC Wolverhampton →
Julian Lage 'Live in Los Angeles' Cherry Red RSD Vinyl (Mack Avenue) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Live in Los Angeles” is virtuoso guitarist Julian Lage’s companion album to his acclaimed 2016 release “Arclight”. This superb live set featuring bassist Scott Colley and drummer Kenny Wollesen is now made available by Mack Avenue for the first time on vinyl for Record Store Day November 24. Recorded at LA’s The Blue Whale, the … Continue reading Julian Lage ‘Live in Los Angeles’ Cherry Red RSD Vinyl (Mack Avenue) 5/5 →
Daniel Sommer / Arve Henriksen / Johannes Lundberg 'Sounds & Sequences' LP/CD (April) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s something curiously compelling about trilogies. Whether it’s the concept of an epic narrative detailed over a three-act structure including a beginning, a middle and an end, or whether it comes down to three separate (but invariably intertwined) stories each with a shared purpose and direction that is carried throughout each integral part. Whichever of … Continue reading Daniel Sommer / Arve Henriksen / Johannes Lundberg ‘Sounds & Sequences’ LP/CD (April) 5/5 →
Lampen 'Halogen' LP/CD (We Jazz) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Finnish duo Lampen presents their second album ‘Halogen’; an atmospheric, alluring and decidedly eclectic affair, on Helsinki based We Jazz Records. Making their home between Helsinki and Berlin, Lampen, the innovative duo of Kalle Kalima – electric guitar and electric bass, and Tatu Rönkkö – drums, percussion and electronics, create new musical territories reminiscent of … Continue reading Lampen ‘Halogen’ LP/CD (We Jazz) 4/5 →
Christian Sands ‘Embracing Dawn’ LP/CD (Mack Avenue) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Embracing Dawn’ is pianist and composer Christian Sands’ 11th album and 6th full album release for the Detroit, Michigan based Mack Avenue Records label. Previously Grammy nominated, Sands has had a long and varied musical history for someone still relatively young. Having played with Christian McBride, taught various music programmes including at the Lincoln Center, … Continue reading Christian Sands ‘Embracing Dawn’ LP/CD (Mack Avenue) 3/5 →