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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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Arbenz vs Arbenz meets Ron Carter 'The Alpine Sessions' LP/CD (Hammer Recordings) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Born into a musical family in 1975, twin brothers Michael and Florian Arbenz have developed a deep musical bond through a long history of creating music together. As leading lights on the Swiss jazz scene, the brothers have recorded alongside many of their greatest inspirations including Greg Osby, Dave Liebman, Marc Johnson, Kirk Lightsey, and … Continue reading Arbenz vs Arbenz meets Ron Carter ‘The Alpine Sessions’ LP/CD (Hammer Recordings) 5/5 →
Mu Quintet 'Enos' LP (Jazzaggression) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There are a lot of cities in and around the UK that continue to garner praise as genuine hot beds of musical creativity and jazz talent – the London roll call of Nubya Garcia, Jake Long, Joe Armon-Jones, etc are much – and deservedly – celebrated as are the luminaries that call Glasgow home, like … Continue reading Mu Quintet ‘Enos’ LP (Jazzaggression) 4/5 →
Gouldian Finch 'Schizo' LP/CD/MC (All Ape) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Schizo’ marks the new album release from drummer and percussionist Martin Horntveth who unveils the sophomore project for his comparatively new alter ego, Gouldian Finch. Horntveth’s credentials within Norway’s music scene has been permeating far and wide for a while now. While the Gouldian Finch moniker may still be establishing itself within its thrilling early … Continue reading Gouldian Finch ‘Schizo’ LP/CD/MC (All Ape) 4/5 →
Roy Haynes 'Hip Ensemble' Gatefold LP (WeWantSounds) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The Paris-based WeWantSounds label has released another classic album to honor the extraordinary musical life of legendary drummer Roy Haynes, who continued to perform well into his 80s and lived to the age of 99. This album, titled “Hip Ensemble”, was originally released in 1971 on Bob Shad’s Mainstream label and represents a shift toward … Continue reading Roy Haynes ‘Hip Ensemble’ Gatefold LP (WeWantSounds) 4/5 →
Tom Sochas Trio 'Facing North' (Khumbu) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Building on the success of his 2022 debut album “The Sorcerer”, Franco-American jazz pianist Tom Sochas is back with his sophomore record, the very engaging “Facing North”. The album introduces the pianist’s new trio with Greek bassist and old-time collaborator Thodoris Ziarkas and Italian drummer Filippo Galli. Ten new tracks provide the listener with a … Continue reading Tom Sochas Trio ‘Facing North’ (Khumbu) 4/5 →
Paul Bley 'Open, To Love' Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
More often than not, context is an important thing. I certainly feel this is the case with Paul Bley’s 1972 solo piano recording (released in 1973) “Open, to love”. To add the context needed here, we need to go back in time. As attested to in the informative liner notes within this wonderful Luminessence Series … Continue reading Paul Bley ‘Open, To Love’ Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 →
Rahel Talts 'New and Familiar' LP/CD (Gateway Music) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Rahel Talts is a young Estonian jazz pianist and composer, who in recent years has been musically very active in Denmark, Lithuania and Estonia as well as many other countries around Europe. Born and raised in a little seaside resort town in Estonia called Pärnu, she was born into a jazz musicians’ family and started … Continue reading Rahel Talts ‘New and Familiar’ LP/CD (Gateway Music) 5/5 →
Billy Hart Quartet 'Just' CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Billy Hart first appeared on ECM half a century ago, on Bennie Maupin’s classic “The Jewel In The Lotus” in 1974, returning in the ’90s as Charles Lloyd’s drummer of choice to play on several wonderful albums; “The Call”, “Canto”, “All My Relations” and “Lift Every Voice”. The Billy Hart Quartet with Mark Turner (sax), … Continue reading Billy Hart Quartet ‘Just’ CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Okonski 'Entrance Music' LP/CD (Colemine) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Uber cool and fancy free, “Entrance Music” is Okonski’s breathtaking follow-up to the trio’s stunning 2023 debut “Magnolia”. Spontaneous, meditative and magnificently mellow, pianist and band-leader Steve Okonski has reconvened long-time musical collaborators Aaron Frazer on drums and Michael Isvara “Ish” Montgomery on bass, for another session that flows with an effortless grace, more than … Continue reading Okonski ‘Entrance Music’ LP/CD (Colemine) 5/5 →
Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory 'Magnum Opus' 2LP/CD (Banger Factory) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Mark Kavuma’s The Banger Factory return to centre stage unveiling their not so modestly titled, ‘Magnum Opus’. And if anyone has earned the right to push modesty to one side then London’s Kavuma absolutely fits the bill. As a trumpeter, producer, band leader and label founder, Mark Kavuma has spearheaded a riveting perspective of jazz … Continue reading Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory ‘Magnum Opus’ 2LP/CD (Banger Factory) 4/5 →
Avishai Cohen 'Brightlight' LP/CD (naïve / Believe) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Avishai Cohen’s BRIGHTLIGHT is the latest addition to the Israeli jazz bassist’s impressive discography. Released in October 2024, the album showcases Cohen’s signature blend of jazz, Middle Eastern sounds, and classical influences. It follows his 2022 trio release Shifting Sands and while sharing many characteristics with that album, the core trio is augmented here with … Continue reading Avishai Cohen ‘Brightlight’ LP/CD (naïve / Believe) 4/5 →
Jon Balke 'Skrifum' CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Continuing a line of inquiry that began with the solo piano albums “Warp” (2016) and “Discourses” (2020), Norwegian pianist Jon Balke takes an interesting step further into the world of immersive musical discourse for his latest release “Skrifum”. Where the piano music of “Discourses” was threaded with subtly collaged ‘field recordings’, like subliminal messages from … Continue reading Jon Balke ‘Skrifum’ CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Nausyqa 'Punq' LP (ZenneZ) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Wasting no time at all in following the release of their debut self-titled album release, which ultimately was unveiled in June 2024 – a mere seven months later, Dutch quintet Nausyqa (pronounced “now-see-kah”) are already back with their sophomore album continuing to establish their breath-taking take on contemporary jazz. And breath-taking is certainly no understatement. … Continue reading Nausyqa ‘Punq’ LP (ZenneZ) 4/5 →
Henriette Eilertsen & OJKOS 'Om tålmodighet' LP/CD (Nice Things) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Om tålmodighet” is the latest wax from Oslo-based jazz orchestra/composer collective OJKOS. For each project, an OJKOS member takes the reins as main writer and for this one, it’s co-founder and flautist Henriette Eilertsen. Here’s ten tracks “aimed at capturing different aspects of patience through music”. The set begins with “Dorging ved midnatt”, a brief … Continue reading Henriette Eilertsen & OJKOS ‘Om tålmodighet’ LP/CD (Nice Things) 4/5 →
John Patitucci 'Spirit Fall' 2LP/CD (Edition) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
John Patitucci’s new partnership with Edition Records represents a fantastic new chapter for each of them. Patitucci’s arrival to the UK-based record label is actually heralded by the release of two albums, ‘Spirit Fall’, along with a live project aptly named ‘Live in Italy’, with the latter a performance dating back to the summer of … Continue reading John Patitucci ‘Spirit Fall’ 2LP/CD (Edition) 4/5 →
Jim Mullen Quartet 'For Heaven's Sake' 180g Vinyl/CD (Stunt) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Guitarist Jim Mullen has led a long, illustrious and varied career in music. The Glasgow-born musician developed an original sound and style early in his career. A left-handed guitarist who plays right-handedly picks with his thumb rather than using a plectrum, somewhat like fellow guitarist Wes Montgomery. Early work, saw Mullen abandoning a promising career … Continue reading Jim Mullen Quartet ‘For Heaven’s Sake’ 180g Vinyl/CD (Stunt) 5/5 →
Yuval Cohen Quartet 'Winter Poems' CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Making his debut for the ECM label, soprano saxophonist Yuval Cohen brings a new and fresh style on “Winer Poems”, offering music that captures innovative musical paths through eight original compositions. Cohen is the brother of long-time ECM traveller Avishai Cohen, and together with pianist Tom Oren, bassist Alon Near and drummer Alon Benjamini, the … Continue reading Yuval Cohen Quartet ‘Winter Poems’ CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Blood Sweat Drum + Bass 'Shiva’s Dance' LP (Jaeger Community Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Although “Blood Sweat Drum + Bass” may perhaps serve as an unusual name for a big band, it does demonstrate the inspired perspectives that the near thirty-person ensemble bring to their music. For more than twenty years, the Danish collective have presented progressive, innovative and inspired takes on jazz and big band arrangements beautifully encapsulated … Continue reading Blood Sweat Drum + Bass ‘Shiva’s Dance’ LP (Jaeger Community Music) 4/5 →
aki 'het tij' LP (W.E.R.F.) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Led by drummer Anke Verslype, Aki is an impressive jazz collective that performs atmospheric jazz imbued with melody and expression. The core of the group consists of guitarist Willem Heylen, bassist Ruben De Maesschalck and harpist Marjolein Vernimmen. Following on from their delightfully original album “Nader”, released in 2022, also on the excellent W.E.R.F. label, … Continue reading aki ‘het tij’ LP (W.E.R.F.) 4/5 →
Jacopo Ferrazza 'Prometheus' CD (Teal Dreamers Factory) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Bassist and composer Jacopo Ferrazza’s latest release “Prometheus” is a concept album for the 21st century. Combining a heady mix of contemporary jazz, prog-rock and classical chamber music, it’s one of those unique albums that teeters somewhere on the brink between obscure oddity and flawed genius. The scope of this project is impressive, with some … Continue reading Jacopo Ferrazza ‘Prometheus’ CD (Teal Dreamers Factory) 3/5 →
David Ferris Septet 'Sketches' CD (Stoney Lane) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Pianist and composer David Ferris’ latest for Birmingham’s Stoney Lane Records is an innovative and compelling album with his dynamic septet, featuring a special guest appearance from acclaimed US guitarist Peter Bernstein. Originally due to be recorded in early 2020 before plans were abruptly halted by the onset of the pandemic, Ferris’ determination persevered, with … Continue reading David Ferris Septet ‘Sketches’ CD (Stoney Lane) 4/5 →
Misha Mullov-Abbado 'Effra' LP/CD (Ubuntu Music) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Effra is a deeply personal record for bassist, composer and bandleader Misha Mullov-Abbado; here he celebrates an aspect of the South London landscape that has shaped his adopted home and the lives of those who have historically inhabited the area. The title, EFFRA, refers to the ‘Brixton Creek’ or river, now mostly culverted that flows … Continue reading Misha Mullov-Abbado ‘Effra’ LP/CD (Ubuntu Music) 5/5 →
The 107th Street Stickball Team 'Savoring a Pot Full Of Soul 1969' 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Vernon Boggs, in his seminal book Salsiology, documented the New York Latino music scene, from its early period in the 1940s through to the second generation during the 1960s when boogaloo pulled the soul and the roots of salsa together, with classic vocalists/musicians like Joe Bataan, Pete Rodriguez, Ray Barretto, Joe Cuba and more, fusing … Continue reading The 107th Street Stickball Team ‘Savoring a Pot Full Of Soul 1969’ 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 5/5 →
Matt Carmichael 'Dancing With Embers' LP/CD (Self-released) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
A collection of emotionally driven instrumental songs where melody takes centre stage, saxophonist and composer Matt Carmichael’s new album features four of his closest friends and long-term collaborators. The quintet, playing together since they were teenagers, have developed a special chemistry grounded in collective improvisation. “Dancing With Embers” sees the saxophonist expand his soundworld with … Continue reading Matt Carmichael ‘Dancing With Embers’ LP/CD (Self-released) 4/5 →
Mathias Eick 'Lullaby' LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Norwegian trumpeter Mathias Eick’s catalogue belongs among the broadest in ECM’s 21st-century roster, with many exemplary leader recordings sitting nicely alongside an equal amount of collaborations – among them the album Evening Falls (2004) and Sideways (2007) as part of Jacob Young’s groups, several dates with Iro Haarla, 2007’s Playground by Manu Katché, Sinikka Langeland’s … Continue reading Mathias Eick ‘Lullaby’ LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Nik Bärtsch's Ronin 'SPIN' 2LP/CD (Ronin Rhythm) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s something particularly intimidating when assessing the scope of Nik Bärtsch’s musical output. The Zürich-based pianist, percussionist and composer not only boasts a seismic collection of full-length releases, but it’s the level of meticulous assessment and analysis that is poured into each project that makes the process almost clinical. That approach ultimately serves as a … Continue reading Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin ‘SPIN’ 2LP/CD (Ronin Rhythm) 4/5 →