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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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Tord Gustavsen Trio 'Seeing' LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
I’m going to let you into a little secret. Now, I know honesty isn’t always necessarily the best policy, so for all you Tord Gustavsen fans out there, don’t shoot me down in flames… just yet. You see, in all the years and all the albums I’ve listened to from Tord Gustafsen Trio, I’ve never … Continue reading Tord Gustavsen Trio ‘Seeing’ LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra & Espen Berg 'MAETRIX' 2LP (ODIN) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Norwegian pianist and composer Espen Berg has been impressively consistent over recent years with both his trio releases and his solo piano recordings. Never one to shy away from something new and challenging, in 2016, he was commissioned to write for the Trondheim Jazz Orchestra. With the opportunity to hand-pick a line-up consisting of 14 … Continue reading Trondheim Jazz Orchestra & Espen Berg ‘MAETRIX’ 2LP (ODIN) 5/5 →
L’Orage 'Water Tower' LP (Orage) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The Swiss collective L’Orage present their latest full-length offering, ‘Water Tower’, serving as an incredibly welcome return to their style of improvised and dynamic contemporary jazz. With a style aptly described on Bandcamp as “Atmospheric melodies and magnetic beats”, L’Orage music has consistently made waves due to its sheer unpredictability and willingness to embrace a … Continue reading L’Orage ‘Water Tower’ LP (Orage) 5/5 →
Błoto 'Grzybnia' 180g Vinyl/CD (Astigmatic) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Well, it’s been a while since we’ve heard some new material from Polish quartet, Błoto following a flurry of wax three or four years ago. Of course, Wuja HZG, Latarnik, OlafSaxx and Cancer G have been busy, mainly with Błoto’s more respectable sister, EABS, and numerous solo projects. Błoto’s previous releases have been concept albums … Continue reading Błoto ‘Grzybnia’ 180g Vinyl/CD (Astigmatic) 4/5 →
Bolbec 'Victime De L'aube' LP (Batov) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Bolbec is the brand new project of childhood friends and multi-instrumentalists Axel Concato and Barth Corbelet. Their debut recording ‘Victime De L’aube’, draws on a very wide range of musical tastes, from spiritual jazz and folk to classical and electronic sounds, creating something of an imaginary soundtrack that could easily sit beside the likes of … Continue reading Bolbec ‘Victime De L’aube’ LP (Batov) 4/5 →
Zacc Harris 'Chasing Shadows' LP/CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Minnesota based guitarist and composer Zacc Harris recorded “Chasing Shadows”, his latest release, over an idyllic five day retreat in western Wisconsin. A great way to make music I would imagine, the recording captures a joyous mood, showcasing well the light and dark textures and imagery of his music. The album features a characterful quintet … Continue reading Zacc Harris ‘Chasing Shadows’ LP/CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 →
Righteous Rooster 'Fowl Play' LP/CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Whenever I have the chance to connect with a new release from Shifting Paradigm Records, I tend to fall under the spell of releases that have inexcusably passed me by in the interim. While a fan of past projects including Andrea Scala’s ‘Coming Back, Leaving Again’, Jamie Breiwick’s ‘Awake / The Music of Don Cherry’ … Continue reading Righteous Rooster ‘Fowl Play’ LP/CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 →
Twin Talk 'Twin Talk Live' LP/CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s a pleasing ambiguity to the title of Chicago based trio Twin Talk’s latest release. The title refers to the mini live sets which were captured in the studio for this album but it could equally refer to the verb to live, the colour saturated sleeve depicting an architectural interior certainly suggests this. Even the … Continue reading Twin Talk ‘Twin Talk Live’ LP/CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 →
Surya Botofasina 'Ashram Sun' 2x180g Vinyl/CD (Spiritmuse) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Ashram Sun’ marks the new album release from pianist Surya Botofasina whose incredible new project finds its home on Spiritmuse Records. Reaching us a mere two years after his captivating debut in 2022, the quick turnaround is noted – and massively appreciated – as reportedly Botofasina’s debut ‘Everyone’s Children’ took a staggering ten years before … Continue reading Surya Botofasina ‘Ashram Sun’ 2x180g Vinyl/CD (Spiritmuse) 4/5 →
Alan Barnes / David Newton 'Tis Autumn' LP/CD (Woodville) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The duo partnership of Barnes and Newton was established when the two met whilst both studying at Leeds College of Music. That was in the late 1970s. After leaving Leeds, Alan Barnes started to pursue a professional career in music which can only be described as eclectic. His saxophones and woodwinds have graced the ranks … Continue reading Alan Barnes / David Newton ‘Tis Autumn’ LP/CD (Woodville) 5/5 →
Michael Mayo 'Fly' LP/CD (Artistry Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Fly’ marks the new album release from singer and songwriter Michael Mayo who unveils his latest project through the esteemed Mack Avenue. With three years now having passed since Mayo’s debut full-length ‘Bones’ was rapturously embraced by audiences, the Los Angeles-based artist seeks to build upon that album’s success with an exceptional follow-up that leans … Continue reading Michael Mayo ‘Fly’ LP/CD (Artistry Music) 4/5 →
Andrew Hill Sectet Plus 10 'A Beautiful Day, Revisited' 2LP/CD (Palmetto) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Originally released in 2002 – the year of recording, “A Beautiful Day, Revisited” is a live set featuring pianist Andrew Hill with a big band during the final years of his career. This new deluxe “Revisited” edition includes extended versions and unreleased material not available when originally released 22 years ago, further highlighting Andrew Hill’s … Continue reading Andrew Hill Sectet Plus 10 ‘A Beautiful Day, Revisited’ 2LP/CD (Palmetto) 4/5 →
Rasmus Sørensen 'Balancing Act' LP/CD (April) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The iconic but precariously balanced water towers of New York are prominent on the sleeve art of Rasmus Sorensen’s new release for Copenhagen based April Records, the imagery gives a sense of where Danish pianist Sørensen is coming from these days. Since locating to New York in 2018 for a full time scholarship at the … Continue reading Rasmus Sørensen ‘Balancing Act’ LP/CD (April) 4/5 →
Nigun Quartet 'The Circles' (Artlist Original) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Jewish liturgical hymns (nigunim) and jazz — two genres that are worlds apart, and the idea of combining them into a musical project would seem preposterous at first. And yet, it works. At least the way Nigun Quartet does it, and has been doing it for the past years. With “The Circles”, the quartet’s new … Continue reading Nigun Quartet ‘The Circles’ (Artlist Original) 4/5 →
Trgve Seim / Frode Haltli 'Our Time' CD (ECM) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Saxophonist Trygve Seim and accordionist Frode Haltli first started playing together in 2000, when the accordionist joined Seim’s large ensemble just prior to the release of the award-winning album “Different Rivers”. Since then they have collaborated on a number of recordings for the ECM label, including “The Source And Different Cikadas” (2002), “Sangam” (2004), Seim’s … Continue reading Trgve Seim / Frode Haltli ‘Our Time’ CD (ECM) 3/5 →
Keith Jarrett / Gary Peacock / Paul Motian 'The Old Country: More from the Deer Head Inn' CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The original Live at the Deer Head Inn album – released 30 years ago – has stood the test of time as one of Jarrett’s finest trio recordings. Capturing perfectly the spirit of a jazz trio in full flight, I’ve always regarded it as one of my ‘go-to’ Jarrett albums (of which there are many). … Continue reading Keith Jarrett / Gary Peacock / Paul Motian ‘The Old Country: More from the Deer Head Inn’ CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Cyrille Aimée 'À Fleur de Peau' LP/CD (Whirlwind Recordings) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘À Fleur de Peau’ marks the latest album release from singer, songwriter and musician Cyrille Aimée, who heralds her arrival with the UK’s Whirlwind Recordings in fairly sublime fashion. With releases dating back to 2006, Aimée has cultivated not only an incredible catalogue of releases in that time but also a devoted following who have … Continue reading Cyrille Aimée ‘À Fleur de Peau’ LP/CD (Whirlwind Recordings) 5/5 →
Apifera 'Keep The Outside Open' LP (Stones Throw) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Described as a ‘psychedelic jazz supergroup’, Apifera is back for their second album on California’s vibrant multi-genre Stones Throw records. “Keep The Outside Open” is a 14-track album covering numerous musical styles and influences by this four piece US group. The major change from this album to their debut release “Overstand” in 2020, is the … Continue reading Apifera ‘Keep The Outside Open’ LP (Stones Throw) 3/5 →
Forq 'Big Party' LP/CD (GroundUP Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The aptly-titled ‘Big Party’ marks the release of Forq’s brand new album release, the first by the instrumental outfit in five years. The New York-based collective consistently have a lot to live up to when it comes to new music releases under the Forq umbrella. As a band originally founded by keyboardist Henry Hey and … Continue reading Forq ‘Big Party’ LP/CD (GroundUP Music) 4/5 →