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Angel Bat Dawid & Naima Nefertari 'Journey to Nabta Playa' 2x180g Vinyl (Spiritmuse) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Boasting many distinctions as part of its 7000-year legacy, Nabta Playa ultimately stands as this planet’s oldest astronomical observatory and quite possibly a symbol of our first attempt to make contact with life outside of Earth – be that in regards to contact with an extra-terrestrial existence or contact with what would have been perceived … Continue reading Angel Bat Dawid & Naima Nefertari ‘Journey to Nabta Playa’ 2x180g Vinyl (Spiritmuse) 5/5 →
Keith Jarrett 'New Vienna at the Musikverein, 2016' LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“New Vienna” is the fourth concert recording to be released from Keith Jarrett’s final European solo tour. Too much of a good thing? Not when it’s Keith Jarrett. Firstly, ECM appear to have been very careful in deciding which concert recordings to release. One assumes every performance of Jarrett’s 2016 tour was recorded, and so … Continue reading Keith Jarrett ‘New Vienna at the Musikverein, 2016’ LP/CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Kristoffer Bliksted's Takvinge 'Nymphalidae' 180g Vinyl (Nymphalidae) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Danish bassist, composer and concert organiser Kristoffer Bliksted has put together Takvinge, a quartet which sets out to thank the universe for the beauty of everyday moments and cherish a simplicity of existence which most of us are guilty of taking for granted more often than not. Takvinge take their name from butterflies of the … Continue reading Kristoffer Bliksted’s Takvinge ‘Nymphalidae’ 180g Vinyl (Nymphalidae) 4/5 →
Ant Law 'Unified Theories' CD (Self-released) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s a rare kind of alchemy that happens when intellect and intuition meet on the musical frontier, and with “Unified Theories”, guitarist Ant Law steps confidently into that space. Law has long operated on the fringes of jazz orthodoxy, and this latest outing offers a lot more than just superb technique – it sounds deeply … Continue reading Ant Law ‘Unified Theories’ CD (Self-released) 4/5 →
Sinsuke Fujieda Group 'Fukushima' LP (SoFa / Superfly) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Japanese saxophonist Sinsuke Fujieda’s masterful new release, “Fukushima”, is an emotionally charged, sonically rich journey encompassing the very best in modal/spiritual jazz. Led by Fujieda on tenor and soprano sax, this stunning album features stand-out performances from violinist Fumiko Takeshita, pianist Shinichi Tsukamoto, bassist Shigeru Kato, drummer Kensaku Ohsumi, and percussionist Daisuke Alkhaly. Blending the … Continue reading Sinsuke Fujieda Group ‘Fukushima’ LP (SoFa / Superfly) 5/5 →
Marcos Valle 'Marcos Valle 1970' 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Vampisoul reissue one of the great 70’s albums by legendary Brazilian artist Marcos Valle. The self-titled album was recorded in 1970, with all the songs written by Marcos and his brother Paulo Sergio Valle. Their musical partnership endured over many years bringing a particular enigmatic sound that brought albums such as ‘Samba 68’ ‘Vento Sul’ … Continue reading Marcos Valle ‘Marcos Valle 1970’ 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 4/5 →
Naïssam Jalal 'Souffles' LP/CD (Les Couleurs du Son) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Souffles’ marks the tenth album from acclaimed flautist Naïssam Jalal who celebrates in formidable fashion by helming a wind instrument themed duets album. Translating to the English word “breath”, ‘Souffles’ finds Jalal in the company of some incredible names for eight compositions that could be best described as part ambient, part spiritual jazz and – … Continue reading Naïssam Jalal ‘Souffles’ LP/CD (Les Couleurs du Son) 5/5 →
Jultrane 'Jultrane Plays John' CD (jazz family) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
For “Jultrane plays John”, saxophonist Julien Ndiaye – alias Jultrane – presents a heartfelt homage to his musical hero, John Coltrane. Recorded spontaneously in July 2024, the album emerged from an impromptu studio session where the band, having initially gathered to record Ndiaye’s composition “My Sister,” decided to delve into Coltrane’s repertoire. This serendipitous decision … Continue reading Jultrane ‘Jultrane Plays John’ CD (jazz family) 4/5 →
Itai Kriss 'Daybreak' LP/CD (Jojo) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Itai Kriss’s latest album, “Daybreak”, is a luminous testament to the flautist’s vision of the instrument as a commanding voice in contemporary jazz. Known for his eclectic fusion of jazz, Latin, and Middle Eastern influences, Kriss embarks on a sonic journey that mirrors the natural progression of a day, from dawn to dusk, in a … Continue reading Itai Kriss ‘Daybreak’ LP/CD (Jojo) 4/5 →
Gonzalo Rubalcaba / Chris Potter / Larry Grenadier / Eric Harland 'First Meeting: Live at Dizzy’s Club' CD (5Passion) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Gonzalo Rubalcaba’s “First Meeting – Live at Dizzy’s Club” highlights the essence of spontaneous musical dialogue among four modern jazz luminaries. Recorded over a series of performances during August 2022, at New York’s esteemed Dizzy’s Club, this recording features Rubalcaba on piano, with Chris Potter on saxophone, Larry Grenadier on bass, and Eric Harland on … Continue reading Gonzalo Rubalcaba / Chris Potter / Larry Grenadier / Eric Harland ‘First Meeting: Live at Dizzy’s Club’ CD (5Passion) 4/5 →
Nadav Schneerson 'Sheva' Heavyweight Vinyl (Kavana) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“I feel an intense purpose of bringing people together through music, and that’s all I can hope for.” There aren’t many quotes that could make for a better introduction to an emerging new artist than the above. The words are available via Nadav Schneerson’s Bandcamp page in support of his debut album ‘Sheva’ and conveys … Continue reading Nadav Schneerson ‘Sheva’ Heavyweight Vinyl (Kavana) 4/5 →
Art Pepper 'An Afternoon In Norway: The Kongsberg Concert 1980' 180g 2LP/2CD (Elemental Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Every year since 1964 Kongsberg has held a prestigious jazz festival attracting international acclaim with the performances of many greats having enamoured the stage over the years. As well as hosting the likes of such names as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Charles Mingus, Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny, McCoy Tyner and Anthony Braxton, the festival also … Continue reading Art Pepper ‘An Afternoon In Norway: The Kongsberg Concert 1980’ 180g 2LP/2CD (Elemental Music) 4/5 →
Cosmic Ear 'TRACES' LP/CD (We Jazz) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Cosmic Ear’s debut album, “Traces”, released on We Jazz Records, is a profound homage to Don Cherry’s expansive musical vision, while simultaneously carving out its own distinctive path in contemporary jazz. This ensemble – comprising Christer Bothén, Mats Gustafsson, Goran Kajfeš, Kansan Zetterberg, and Juan Romero – delivers six immersive compositions that intertwine spiritual jazz, … Continue reading Cosmic Ear ‘TRACES’ LP/CD (We Jazz) 5/5 →
Amina Claudine Myers 'Solace of the Mind' LP/CD (Red Hook) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Amina Claudine Myers’ “Solace of the Mind”, released via Red Hook Records, is a transcendent solo offering that reaffirms her stature as a luminary in the jazz world. Following her acclaimed collaboration with Wadada Leo Smith, this album sees Myers delving deep into her musical roots, weaving together strands of classical, gospel, blues, and avant-garde … Continue reading Amina Claudine Myers ‘Solace of the Mind’ LP/CD (Red Hook) 4/5 →
Zoo Too Trio 'Poetry Legroom' CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Zoo Too Trio, a dynamic new jazz ensemble featuring pianist Michael Cain, guitarist Keith Price, and drummer Pheeroan akLaff, imaginatively revitalises the traditional art of the jazz trio, blending contemporary jazz with elements of pop, electronic, and cinematic soundscapes. The resulting sound gives their debut as a trio, “Poetry Legroom”, a sound that is both … Continue reading Zoo Too Trio ‘Poetry Legroom’ CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 →
Scandinavian Art Ensemble with Tomasz Stańko 'The Copenhagen Sessions Vol. 1' LP/CD (April) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
For a good number of years whispers have circulated through the jazz scenes of Denmark and Poland – rumours of a lost recording session featuring the legendary Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stańko and a group of Scandinavian and Polish musicians. Now, nearly a decade after the session and seven years after Stańko’s passing, these long-awaited recordings … Continue reading Scandinavian Art Ensemble with Tomasz Stańko ‘The Copenhagen Sessions Vol. 1’ LP/CD (April) 4/5 →
The Anchors 'Black Soul' 180g Vinyl (Matsuli Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
It’s always an event for the diary; a new Matsuli Music release. Their back catalogue is an outstanding collection of classics and rare groove from South Africa’s rich jazzy heritage. This time it’s “Black Soul”, the third (and final) record from the funky oeuvre of The Anchors, originally released in 1972. Reissued for the first … Continue reading The Anchors ‘Black Soul’ 180g Vinyl (Matsuli Music) 4/5 →
Donovan Haffner 'Alleviate' 180g Vinyl (Self-released) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The notion of music being able to serve as a type of therapy has famously been pontificated upon for years by everyone from actor Robin Williams to rapper will.i.am. Author Jodi Picoult provided fascinating insight once likening the art as being about empathy: “If you can use music to slip past the pain and gather … Continue reading Donovan Haffner ‘Alleviate’ 180g Vinyl (Self-released) 4/5 →
Vilhelm Bromander Unfolding Orchestra 'Jorden vi ärvde' LP/CD (Thanatosis) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
In 2023 the Swedish bassist and composer Vilhelm Bromander turned heads with an incredibly bold and unfathomably stunning debut album of a new large ensemble, which has now adopted its name — Vilhelm Bromander Unfolding Orchestra. “In This Forever Unfolding Moment”, which earned him the prestigious Gyllene Skivan and Manifest Awards, was an auspicious premiere … Continue reading Vilhelm Bromander Unfolding Orchestra ‘Jorden vi ärvde’ LP/CD (Thanatosis) 5/5 →
Bennie Maupin 'The Jewel in the Lotus' Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There are certain albums that, from the very first note, seem to defy time and genre – records that invite you into a sacred, contemplative space. Bennie Maupin’s “The Jewel in the Lotus” is undoubtedly one such recording. Released on ECM in 1974, this album is a quiet storm of spiritual resonance, impressionistic texture, and … Continue reading Bennie Maupin ‘The Jewel in the Lotus’ Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 →
Arve Henriksen / Trgve Seim / Anders Jormin / Marku Ounaskari 'Arcanum' CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The Scandinavian project Arcanum brings together four artists all well-known to followers of music on the ECM label – Arve Henriksen, Trygve Seim, Anders Jormin and Markku Ounaskari. They’ve played together in many permutations over the years, but this is their first album as a quartet. Already hailed as a “Nordic supergroup” in some quarters, … Continue reading Arve Henriksen / Trgve Seim / Anders Jormin / Marku Ounaskari ‘Arcanum’ CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Snowpoet 'Heartstrings' LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Snowpoet’s “Heartstrings” is an emotional voyage, woven with quiet power, poetic precision, and sonic elegance. The London-based duo of Lauren Kinsella and Chris Hyson have long occupied a unique space in the UK’s forward-looking jazz and alt-folk scenes, and with this latest release they ascend to a place of unmistakable maturity and grace. There’s a … Continue reading Snowpoet ‘Heartstrings’ LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 →
Andorra 'III' LP/CD (April) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s something inherently captivating about music that bridges the gap between the nostalgic warmth of analogue soundscapes and the crisp precision of modern digital production. Andorra’s latest album, “III”, offers just that – an intelligently crafted sonic adventure that touches on the timeless traditions of jazz, while providing a highly contemporary feel. Andorra are Peter … Continue reading Andorra ‘III’ LP/CD (April) 4/5 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →