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Louis Stewart with John Taylor / Sam Jones / Billy Higgins 'I Thought About You' LP/CD (Livia) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
It almost seemed that Louis Stewart was a forgotten name of jazz guitar. He was born in 1944 and grew up in Dublin, taking up guitar at thirteen. Early influences were Les Paul and Barney Kessel. In 1968 he won the accolade of most outstanding European soloist at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. This was followed by a period of three … Continue reading Louis Stewart with John Taylor / Sam Jones / Billy Higgins ‘I Thought About You’ LP/CD (Livia) 5/5 →
Black Gold 360 'At the Still Point of the Turning World' LP (Fifty Dollar) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Celebrating the release of their fifth album, the Simon Sixsmith-helmed ensemble, Black Gold 360, unveil ‘At the Still Point of the Turning World’ through Fifty Dollar Records. On the record label’s website, there is a mildly self-deprecating but wonderfully charming summation of Sixsmith’s musical intentions that details the label’s efforts to release music by Black … Continue reading Black Gold 360 ‘At the Still Point of the Turning World’ LP (Fifty Dollar) 4/5 →
Rebecca Vasmant 'Who We Are, Becoming' LP (Women in Jazz x New Soil) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The new label partnership between New Soil alongside Women in Jazz was announced late last year with the further revelation that Glaswegian producer, curator and broadcaster Rebecca Vasmant held the distinction of being the first artist signed to wave their collaborative flag. The news proved exciting for all parties – a definitive step forward for … Continue reading Rebecca Vasmant ‘Who We Are, Becoming’ LP (Women in Jazz x New Soil) 4/5 →
Aarhus Jazz Orchestra & Michael Bladt 'Shapeshifter' LP (Jaeger Community Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Created in collaboration with British pianist and producer Bill Laurance, “Shapeshifter” showcases an expanded version of the leading Danish big band, offering new and varied music tailored to the orchestra. The music spans a wide range within the fusion genre, from intensely orchestrated rhythmic interplay to open atmospheric soundscapes, inspired by artists such as Snarky … Continue reading Aarhus Jazz Orchestra & Michael Bladt ‘Shapeshifter’ LP (Jaeger Community Music) 4/5 →
Peter Evans 'Extra' LP/CD (We Jazz) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
New York based trumpeter Peter Evans’ EXTRA is an immediate, compelling and at times visceral exploration of sound that pushes the trumpet beyond its traditional territory. Known for his virtuosic technique, free jazz exploration and Avant Garde spirit, Evans delivers an album that strikes a balance between its meticulous construction and moments of wild spontaneity. … Continue reading Peter Evans ‘Extra’ LP/CD (We Jazz) 4/5 →
Tom Smith 'A Year In The Life' 2LP/CD (Fey Moose/ECN Music) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
UK Saxophonist and composer Tom Smith has laid down a very bold statement with his stunning big band debut “A year in the life”. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, two-time finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year competition (2014, 2016) and recipient of the Peter Whittingham Development Award (2018), … Continue reading Tom Smith ‘A Year In The Life’ 2LP/CD (Fey Moose/ECN Music) 5/5 →
Adam Ben Ezra 'Heavy Drops' LP/CD (Self-released) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Joyful, spirited and enigmatic, “Heavy Drops” is the latest release from double bassist and multi instrumentalist Adam Ben Ezra. With flawless musicianship (for this album Ben Ezra performs on double bass, keyboards, vocals and flute), and the assistance of Michael Olivera Garcia on drums and percussion, “Heavy Drops” is a heavy slice of rhythmic expression … Continue reading Adam Ben Ezra ‘Heavy Drops’ LP/CD (Self-released) 4/5 →
Hayden Powell 'Undergrowth' LP (Periskop) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
It’s an imaginative perspective to take on the idea that music can resemble the dense, tangled layer of vegetation growing beneath the forest canopy but it’s a connection that Hayden Powell seems to have found the poetry in. Marking the latest release from the UK-born and Oslo-based trumpeter and educator, Powell unveils his latest project … Continue reading Hayden Powell ‘Undergrowth’ LP (Periskop) 4/5 →
Charlie Rouse 'Two Is One' 180g Gatefold Vinyl (Mack Avenue x Strata-East) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Charles Rouse partnered with Thelonius Monk for over 10 years. The two legendary jazz figures were a complementary match for each other. The clipped lyrical understated warmth from tenor saxophonist Charles Rouse is framed by the angular dynamic phrasing of pianist Thelonius Monk. It was indeed a memorable partnership. Charles Rouse left a significant legacy … Continue reading Charlie Rouse ‘Two Is One’ 180g Gatefold Vinyl (Mack Avenue x Strata-East) 5/5 →
Nausia 'Finding a Circle' LP (Vasen) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
New long-player, Finding a Circle, sees Danish five-piece, Nausia, further refining its sound of a more cohesive blend of rock and jazz. As previously, Nausia is Isak Schiødt and Oskar Faye on saxes, guitarist Christoffer Beese, drummer Laurits Eriksen and Milo Aurvig on bass guitar. “Rolls Roycing” is slow build from quiet arpeggio guitar to … Continue reading Nausia ‘Finding a Circle’ LP (Vasen) 4/5 →
Savina Yannatou, Primavera en Salonico and Lamia Bedioui 'Watersong' CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Primavera en Salonico was formed in 1993 to play Kostas Vomvolos’s arrangements of Sephardic folk songs with vocalist Savina Yannatou, and the core line-up has remained intact since then. As a collective of musicians whose work has touched on idioms from classical and folk music to jazz, experimental music and improvisation, their recordings sound steeped … Continue reading Savina Yannatou, Primavera en Salonico and Lamia Bedioui ‘Watersong’ CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Dan Fortin 'Cannon' LP (Elastic Recordings) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The latest release from Dan Fortin confirms what many of his long-term listeners would already have known for quite some time – as a musician, composer and collaborator, the bassist continues to exude his unadulterated affection for his instrument of choice as he continues his musical explorations in recontextualising his sound. For the latest full-length, … Continue reading Dan Fortin ‘Cannon’ LP (Elastic Recordings) 4/5 →
Joe Lovano 'Homage' LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
In a long and illustrious career Joe Lovano has made many remarkable albums. It’s a pleasure to be able to say that we can now add his latest release “Homage” to that formidable list. Together with Marcin Wasilewski Trio, one of ECM’s longest-standing piano-led trios, saxophonist/composer Lovano thrills and delights with a stunning performance that … Continue reading Joe Lovano ‘Homage’ LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Daniel Herskedal 'Movements of Air' LP/CD (Edition) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Over the past decade, Daniel Herskedal has consistently pushed the boundaries of the tuba, crafting music that is both profoundly introspective and expansively cinematic. “Movements of Air” is Herskedal’s fifth allbum to feature his acclaimed trio, with Eyolf Dale on piano and Helge Andreas Norbakken on drums and percussion. It also marks quite a landmark … Continue reading Daniel Herskedal ‘Movements of Air’ LP/CD (Edition) 4/5 →
Jhoan Sebastian Cardenas Piza 'Hyena’s Song' LP (Borgoña) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Swedish/Colombian guitarist Jhoan Sebastian Cardenas Piza’s second album as a leader, “Hyena’s Song” is a pensive and poetic album that flows gracefully through genteel, ambient atmospheres that take the listener on a dream-like journey. Featuring some of the most established improvisers in Scandinavia, the highly personal compositions on the album leave plenty of space for … Continue reading Jhoan Sebastian Cardenas Piza ‘Hyena’s Song’ LP (Borgoña) 3/5 →
Miloš Čolović 'To The Beat Of My Footsteps' CD (A.MA) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“To the beat of my footsteps” is the debut on A.MA Records for Belgrade based bass player and composer Miloš Čolović. Entertaining and broadly stylish and skilful, its a thrilling album that covers plenty of musical ground. With the band-leader on double bass, Andreja Hristić on piano, Miloš Grbatinić on drums, Ivan Radivojević on trumpet, … Continue reading Miloš Čolović ‘To The Beat Of My Footsteps’ CD (A.MA) 4/5 →
Bill Stewart 'Live At The Village Vanguard' CD (Criss Cross Jazz) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Live at The Village Vanguard” by Bill Stewart Trio is one of those albums that does exactly what it says on the tin. If you’re a fan of straight-ahead, post-bop, contemporary jazz, with great tunes and fabulous musicianship, without unnecessary frills and spills, then this one’s for you. Recorded September 22nd and 23rd, 2023, drummer … Continue reading Bill Stewart ‘Live At The Village Vanguard’ CD (Criss Cross Jazz) 4/5 →
Chick Corea 'Piano Improvisations Vol.1' Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Originally released in 1971, “Piano Improvisations Vol.1” by Chick Corea was the first in what was to become a trilogy of solo piano recordings during that period of time. Keith Jarrett’s “Facing You” and Paul Bley’s “Open, To Love” soon followed, all masterminded by the producer Manfred Eicher, head of what was back then a … Continue reading Chick Corea ‘Piano Improvisations Vol.1’ Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 →
Gilles Torrent 'Buleria' 180g Vinyl/CD (Jazzman) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Gilles Torrent’s album ‘Buleria’ reaches out through Jazzman Records; a UK-based specialist label recognized for sourcing quality new material and past obscurities from far-reaching corners of the world. The Spiritual jazz series compilations on Jazzman Records have been a great inroad for those looking to explore the deeper side of jazz, with a pathway to … Continue reading Gilles Torrent ‘Buleria’ 180g Vinyl/CD (Jazzman) 4/5 →
Helena Casella 'Pit Of Impressions' LP (W.E.R.F.) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Helena Casella unveils her debut full-length album release ‘Pit of Impressions’ through the hallowed walls of Belgium’s W.E.R.F. Records. Having served as an active artist and musician for some years now, to finally be able to embrace the spotlight of centre stage with ‘Pit of Impressions’ must prove immeasurably satisfying for the Belgian-Brazilian Casella. As … Continue reading Helena Casella ‘Pit Of Impressions’ LP (W.E.R.F.) 5/5 →
Anouar Brahem 'After The Last Sky' LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
It is inevitable in life that some things are more important than others. It is of course how we perceive such things that can vary greatly, with human nature finding different ways to see things through the eyes of mankind’s often blurred vision. Anouar Brahem’s latest album, eight years on from the wonderful “Blue Maqams”, … Continue reading Anouar Brahem ‘After The Last Sky’ LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Joona Toivanen Trio 'Gravity' LP/CD (We Jazz) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Finnish band Joona Toivanen Trio have developed their own musical identity over many years of performing together. “Gravity”, their latest release, is the work of a group that truly enjoy making music together. The ambient, exploratory nature of their music never baffles, despite its intelligent use of sound manipulation. Its textural musings and subtle interconnections … Continue reading Joona Toivanen Trio ‘Gravity’ LP/CD (We Jazz) 3/5 →
Stanley Cowell 'Musa - Ancestral Streams' 180g Vinyl/CD (Mack Avenue x Strata-East) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
MUSA-ANCESTRAL STREAMS, recorded in 1973 was a highly personal album for Stanley Cowell, he dedicated it to his father Stanley R Cowell who died that year. It was released in 1974 on the Strata-East label, which Cowell founded in 1970 with his musical contemporary, trumpeter Charles Tolliver. The label distinguished itself by operating as an … Continue reading Stanley Cowell ‘Musa – Ancestral Streams’ 180g Vinyl/CD (Mack Avenue x Strata-East) 5/5 →
Louise van den Heuvel 'Sonic Hug' LP (W.E.R.F.) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Louise van den Heuvel is a dynamic Dutch bass player, vocalist and composer. Known for blending modern music technologies with effect pedals, her compositions embrace contemporary electronic/jazz/post-folk influences, whilst retaining a highly original feel. There’s a deeply sincere, melancholic vibe to her music that will resonate with a whole host of audiences – with echos … Continue reading Louise van den Heuvel ‘Sonic Hug’ LP (W.E.R.F.) 4/5 →
Alex Koo 'Blame it On My Chromosomes' LP/CD (W.E.R.F.) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s a fierce originality to pianist/composer Alex Koo’s music that I can’t help but love. The son of a Belgian missionary sent to Japan in the seventies and a Japanese peace activist, Koo refuses to be boxed into any traditional category. And like many great artists, his music effortlessly defies categorisation. His latest release, “Blame … Continue reading Alex Koo ‘Blame it On My Chromosomes’ LP/CD (W.E.R.F.) 5/5 →
Annie and the Caldwells 'Can’t Lose My (Soul)' LP/CD (Luaka Bop) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Can’t Lose My (Soul)’ marks the official debut full-length from the familial Annie & The Caldwells whose release finds its home on the revered Luaka Bop Records. And the term ‘familial’ is something of an understatement when exploring the connections between the Caldwells involved within the music. Based in West Point, Mississippi, lead vocalist Annie … Continue reading Annie and the Caldwells ‘Can’t Lose My (Soul)’ LP/CD (Luaka Bop) 5/5 →
Muriel Grossmann 'MGQ live im King Georg, Köln' LP/CD (Powerhouse) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Live Im King Georg, Köln” is the first live album release from spiritual jazz icon Muriel Grossmann. Together with Radomir Milojkovic on guitar, Abel Boquera on Hammond organ, and Uros Stamenkovic on drums, saxophonist/composer Grossmann creates a cosmos of sound that is as meditative as it is powerful. In contrast to her studio albums which … Continue reading Muriel Grossmann ‘MGQ live im King Georg, Köln’ LP/CD (Powerhouse) 5/5 →
Charles Mingus 'In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts' 3x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The Record Store Day treats keep piling on, this time with the release Charles Mingus’ ‘In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts’ through Resonance Records. Receiving the full vinyl, CD and digital treatment, ‘In Argentina’ presents two nights of live shows, recorded consecutively in June 1977 that is as rich in its bonus material as it … Continue reading Charles Mingus ‘In Argentina: The Buenos Aires Concerts’ 3x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 5/5 →
Kenny Dorham 'Blue Bossa In the Bronx: Live from the Blue Morocco' 2x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Trumpeter Dorham was an active player in the bebop style working with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. He was an early member of the Jazz Messengers under the leadership of drummer Art Blakey and recorded with Thelonious Monk and Sonny Rollins amongst others. In addition to playing trumpet, Dorham also occasionally sang … Continue reading Kenny Dorham ‘Blue Bossa In the Bronx: Live from the Blue Morocco’ 2x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 4/5 →
Freddie Hubbard 'On Fire: Live from the Blue Morocco' 3x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Another never-before-released live performance arrives on Record Store Day, and this time it’s a 1967 recording of a live performance by Freddie Hubbard and an all-star lineup at the Blue Morocco Club in the Bronx NYC. The triple album is mastered from the original tape reels and features Bennie Maupin, Kenny Barron, Herbie Lewis, Freddie … Continue reading Freddie Hubbard ‘On Fire: Live from the Blue Morocco’ 3x180g RSD Vinyl (Resonance) 4/5 →
Pharoah Sanders 'Izipho Zam (My Gifts)' 180g RSD Vinyl (Mack Avenue x Strata-East) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There are so many songs from the genius that was Pharoah Sanders that resonate with jazz and music fans as they’re personal classics; so many songs that instantly spring to mind as tracks that best represent his spiritual and unhindered approach to jazz. ‘The Creator Has a Master Plan’, ‘Love is Everywhere’, ‘Thembi’… all timeless … Continue reading Pharoah Sanders ‘Izipho Zam (My Gifts)’ 180g RSD Vinyl (Mack Avenue x Strata-East) 5/5 →
Sultan Stevenson 'El Roi' LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
London based pianist Sultan Stevenson released his superb debut album “Faithful One” (Whirlwind Recordings) in March 2023. With his regular trio, band-members Jacob Gryn and Joel Waters, the recording also featured Josh Short on trumpet alongside Stevenson’s mentor Denys Baptiste on tenor saxophone. Deserved praise followed, with the young pianist wowing audiences across the UK … Continue reading Sultan Stevenson ‘El Roi’ LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 →
Sasha Berliner 'Fantôme' LP/CD (Outside In Music) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
American vibraphonist and composer Sasha Berliner follows up on her little gem of an album, “Onyx” (JMI 2022), with “Fantôme”, a startling new release that solidifies her reputation as one of the most captivating musicians on the jazz scene today. One of the things I love about Berliner’s music is its transformative nature. Her music … Continue reading Sasha Berliner ‘Fantôme’ LP/CD (Outside In Music) 5/5 →
Skordatura / Dumoulin / Mâäk 'Beefkat' LP (W.E.R.F.) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
OK, I admit I don’t know what a beefkat is but I can shed some light on the quasi-law-firm moniker of the Belgian creators of Beefkat. Like its name, the eight piece ensemble is a union of established groups. Experimental noiseniks, Skordatura have been around a while, purveying a hard, avant-garde rock/jazz, featuring guitarist, Jakob … Continue reading Skordatura / Dumoulin / Mâäk ‘Beefkat’ LP (W.E.R.F.) 5/5 →
Macie Stewart 'When The Distance Is Blue' LP/CD (International Anthem) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘When the Distance is Blue’ marks the latest album release from the boundlessly prolific multi-instrumentalist and composer Macie Stewart who continues her long-running association with Chicago’s International Anthem. As an ardent flag waver for Chicago’s bustling music scene in her own right, Stewart’s indelible touch has graced the presence of a multitude of projects with … Continue reading Macie Stewart ‘When The Distance Is Blue’ LP/CD (International Anthem) 5/5 →
Yellowjackets 'Fasten Up' CD (Mack Avenue) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The American jazz fusion band Yellowjackets were established in 1977 in Los Angeles, California. It was a project of guitarist Robben Ford who was looking to recruit musicians to perform on his first solo album. He enlisted the talents of Russell Ferrante on keyboards, Jimmy Haslip on bass guitar and Ricky Lawson on drums. Following … Continue reading Yellowjackets ‘Fasten Up’ CD (Mack Avenue) 4/5 →
Emma Rawicz / Gwilym Simcock 'Big Visit' LP/CD (ACT Music) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The music Emma Rawicz and Gwilym Simcock produce together is immediately captivating, and the intensity of their interaction is compelling. Saxophonist Rawicz describes the sessions that led to this album with pianist Simcock as ‘freewheeling wild abandon’, and there’s certainly a playful precision and deep joy apparent. Rawicz is young, just 21 at the time … Continue reading Emma Rawicz / Gwilym Simcock ‘Big Visit’ LP/CD (ACT Music) 5/5 →
Sun-Mi Hong 'Fourth Page: Meaning of a Nest' LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Marking her second collaboration with Edition Records, South Korean drummer and composer, Sun-Mi Hong, continues her ascent as one of the most compelling drummers of her generation with the groundbreaking new album “Fourth Page: Meaning of a Nest”. Now a formidable presence in the Netherlands and beyond, Sun-Mi’s influence on the European scene continues to … Continue reading Sun-Mi Hong ‘Fourth Page: Meaning of a Nest’ LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 →
Artturi Rönkä / Daniel Sommer / Thommy Andersson 'Lost Threads' LP/CD (April) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Danish drummer Daniel Sommer’s first two albums in his Nordic Trilogy – “As Time Passes” (with Arild Andersen and Rob Luft) and “Sounds and Sequences” (with Arve Henriksen and Johannes Lundberg) were firm favourites last year among the ukvibe team. “Lost Threads” is the highly anticipated third chapter, featuring Finnish pianist Artturi Rönkä and Swedish … Continue reading Artturi Rönkä / Daniel Sommer / Thommy Andersson ‘Lost Threads’ LP/CD (April) 5/5 →
Nicolas Masson Quartet 'Renaissance' CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Swiss saxophonist Nicolas Masson’s acquaintance with his fellow quartet travellers Colin Vallon (piano), Patrice Moret (double bass), and Lionel Friedli (drums), goes back roughly two decades. In this time the players have developed an intimate musical bond, one which is expressed purely and beautifully on “Renaissance”, the group’s second recording for ECM, following 2018’s excellent … Continue reading Nicolas Masson Quartet ‘Renaissance’ CD (ECM) 4/5 →