News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
Kelly Green 'Seems' LP/CD (Green Soul Studios) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Kelly Green may not be familiar to many readers in the UK so here’s a little background: The pianist and vocalist was born and raised in Florida, undertaking piano lessons from the age of seven, she became interested in jazz at the age of eleven. She went on to study jazz piano with Lynne Arriale … Continue reading Kelly Green ‘Seems’ LP/CD (Green Soul Studios) 4/5 →
Billy Price 'Person of Interest' CD (Little Village) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
It’s always an immense pleasure to have a blues album land on the doormat. I’m a soul man and have been for some 58 years now but I grew up listening to the likes of Bobby Bland, BB King, Albert King etc. in with a vast quantity of soul music. Recently I saw a black … Continue reading Billy Price ‘Person of Interest’ CD (Little Village) 4/5 →
Uniri 'Infinite Reflections' 180g Vinyl (Astigmatic) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Infinite Reflections is the debut album for London group, Uniri, led by drummer Chiminyo AKA Tim Doyle from jazz-rock noiseniks Cykada. Also featured is Luke Wynter on bass guitar and the twin synths of Amané Suganami and the ubiquitous Al Macsween, all names that will be familiar to anyone with even a passing interest of … Continue reading Uniri ‘Infinite Reflections’ 180g Vinyl (Astigmatic) 3/5 →
Wadada Leo Smith / Amina Claudine Myers 'Central Park’s Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens' 45rpm 180g Vinyl (Red Hook) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Trumpeter and composer Wadada Leo Smith has been, and still is, a towering figure in American music and culture spanning over five decades now. Having recorded for several labels, including TUM, Cuneiform, Tzadik, Kabell, and ECM, to name but a few, this latest collaboration with pianist Amina Claudine Myers is released by Red Hook Records, … Continue reading Wadada Leo Smith / Amina Claudine Myers ‘Central Park’s Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens’ 45rpm 180g Vinyl (Red Hook) 4/5 →
Nils Økland Band 'Gjenskinn' LP (Hubro) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Nils Økland, a Norwegian musician, is from the folk music tradition and is well-known worldwide for his inventive approach to playing the Hardanger fiddle, violin, and viola d’amore. His music defies convention in many ways. He has collaborated with major orchestras, composed music for various mediums, and played on albums with many revered musicians who … Continue reading Nils Økland Band ‘Gjenskinn’ LP (Hubro) 4/5 →
Lorenzo Cominoli / Roberto Olzer 'Timeline' CD (Abeat) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Sometimes the Universe puts two musicians together and the outcome is phenomenal. This is exactly what happened with Timeline, the album produced in 2020 by Italian guitarist Lorenzo Cominoli and pianist Roberto Olzer under the label Abeat Records. The two have been cultivating a close friendship for over twenty years; it thus seemed only natural … Continue reading Lorenzo Cominoli / Roberto Olzer ‘Timeline’ CD (Abeat) 4/5 →
Fergus McCreadie 'Stream' LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Having been shortlisted for the Mercury Prize for his excellent 2022 album “Forest Floor”, it was with much intrigue and anticipation that I looked forward to his next release. Well, here it is, and what a stunning album it truly is. “Stream” reunites the innovative Scottish pianist with his trio, David Bowden on double bass … Continue reading Fergus McCreadie ‘Stream’ LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 →
Laurent Bardainne & Tigre d’Eau Douce 'Eden Beach Club' 2x45rpm 180g Vinyl (Heavenly Sweetness) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Continuing his long-running association with the Heavenly Sweetness label, Parisien saxophonist Laurent Bardainne unveils his latest full-length album alongside his Tigre d’Eau Douce collective. Marking their third album release together, Bardainne looks set to reserve his spot within everyone’s summer playlists with ‘Eden Beach Club’, accompanied by the words on the album’s Bandcamp page “The … Continue reading Laurent Bardainne & Tigre d’Eau Douce ‘Eden Beach Club’ 2x45rpm 180g Vinyl (Heavenly Sweetness) 4/5 →
Mo Kolours 'Original Flow' 2LP (We Release Jazz) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Courtesy of the boundlessly talented Mo Kolours, the complete ‘Original Flow’ suite has now officially made its way to listeners amidst much excitement. With the project’s ‘Chapter One’ unveiled in November 2023 as a digital-only release, the album’s accompanying ‘Chapter Two’ now brilliantly rounds out the story as a double-disc and 2LP package that must … Continue reading Mo Kolours ‘Original Flow’ 2LP (We Release Jazz) 4/5 →
Arild Andersen / Daniel Sommer / Rob Luft 'As Time Passes' LP (April) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Legendary bassist Arild Andersen’s incredible career stretches back to the early 70s as one of ECM’s first recording artists, collaborating with household names of the genre including Jan Garbarek, Don Cherry, Bill Frisell, John Taylor, Sonny Rollins, Chick Corea… and the list goes on and on. The character and the sheer musicality of his playing … Continue reading Arild Andersen / Daniel Sommer / Rob Luft ‘As Time Passes’ LP (April) 5/5 →
Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper 180g Vinyl (Matsuli Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
When two masters of their respective instruments come together it is always likely to be an interesting experience for both the musicians and the listener. Rarely have two such preeminent musicians collaborated in a way that brings two worlds together into one, in such an intimate setting, as this. Senegalese kora player Ballaké Sissoko and … Continue reading Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper 180g Vinyl (Matsuli Music) 4/5 →
Michael Thomas 'The Illusion of Choice' CD (Criss Cross Jazz) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The Illusion of Choice is alto saxophonist Michael Thomas’ debut recording for Dutch label Criss Cross. It was Criss Cross stablemate, pianist Manuel Valera, who suggested to label founder Jerry Teekins that he get Michael Thomas on board with the quartet that appears here. Both had played in Dafnis Prieto’s Big Band in 2017. The … Continue reading Michael Thomas ‘The Illusion of Choice’ CD (Criss Cross Jazz) 4/5 →
Caoilfhionn Rose 'Constellation' LP (Gondwana) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Imagine, if you will, sitting in a Japanese water garden. The gentle flow of the bubbling stream, slowly finding its own path. The tiny, sparkling raindrops dripping from the maple trees, as if in slow motion. The steady movement of the grasses as they sway back and forth, gently in the soft breeze. You feel … Continue reading Caoilfhionn Rose ‘Constellation’ LP (Gondwana) 4/5 →
Harold Land 'Choma (Burn)' LP (Wewantsounds) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
First released on the Mainstream label in 1971, Harold Land’s classic album ‘Choma’ [Burn] seems a timely first time reissue by the popular We Want Sounds record label. Reissued with the original gatefold sleeve and remastered audio, the 1971 album has been a firm cult favorite amongst many avid music enthusiasts, recorded at a point … Continue reading Harold Land ‘Choma (Burn)’ LP (Wewantsounds) 4/5 →
Cort Lunde 'Hydrophilia' LP (Sound For Earthly Survival) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Danish duo Cort Lunde unveil their new album release a year after their warmly-received debut – an album both imaginative and ambitious, ‘Hydrophilia’ continues along the themes and inspirations that were beautifully established through ‘Flora Electronica’. Comprised of musicians, composers and multi-instrumentalists, Erik Lunde Michaelsen and Thomas Cortes have used the ‘Cort Lunde’ moniker to … Continue reading Cort Lunde ‘Hydrophilia’ LP (Sound For Earthly Survival) 4/5 →
Art Tatum 'Jewels in the Treasure Box: The 1953 Chicago Blue Note Jazz Club Recordings' 3x180g Vinyl RSD (Resonance) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
I suppose if you asked most of us jazz fans about Art Tatum we would probably think immediately of his solo work. He had such a command of his instrument he held a whole band in his two hands. Of course, he did play with other musicians but many would say his best work was solo. … Continue reading Art Tatum ‘Jewels in the Treasure Box: The 1953 Chicago Blue Note Jazz Club Recordings’ 3x180g Vinyl RSD (Resonance) 5/5 →
Fred Hersch 'Silent, Listening' LP/CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Silent, Listening” is a solo session from US pianist Fred Hersch. Adding to a long line of ECM solo recordings, the pianist puts a thoughtful and minimal poetic emphasis on open improvisation, embracing original compositions and a scattering of standard tunes in his album’s graceful creative arc. With its interspersed songs and spontaneously composed pieces, … Continue reading Fred Hersch ‘Silent, Listening’ LP/CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Hill Collective 'Tonal Prophecy' 140g Vinyl (Fin Du Monde) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Led by saxophonist and composer Pete Piskov, Hill Collective is a jazz ensemble based in Brighton, UK. The spiritual jazz they perform is ambitious and expressive, summoning the traditions of large ensemble British jazz from the 60’s and 70’s, whilst bringing a new and fresh musical attitude to proceedings. Employing modern improvisation techniques and nuanced … Continue reading Hill Collective ‘Tonal Prophecy’ 140g Vinyl (Fin Du Monde) 4/5 →
Ghetto Brothers 'Power-Fuerza' LP (Vampisoul) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
How does a street gang from the Bronx come to record one of the best Latin funk albums ever? One listen to The Ghetto Brothers’ 1972 Power-Fuerza, re-released by Vampisoul, will give you all the answers you need. By channeling their resilience, cultural richness and musical innovation The Ghetto Brothers gave a raw look into … Continue reading Ghetto Brothers ‘Power-Fuerza’ LP (Vampisoul) 5/5 →
Kjetil Mulelid 'Agoja' LP (ODIN) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Boasting an impressive array of releases across a comparatively short period of time, Norwegian pianist Kjetil Mulelid continues his run of rapturously received projects with the release of ‘Agoja’. Recorded in December 2022 across a three-day session in Oslo, despite Mulelid’s numerous albums as a bandleader and contributor amongst various ensembles, ‘Agoja’ surprisingly ranks as … Continue reading Kjetil Mulelid ‘Agoja’ LP (ODIN) 4/5 →
Thierry Eliez 'Emerson Enigma' 2x180g Vinyl (DOOD MUSIC) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Emerson Enigma”, the new album from French pianist Thierry Eliez, is a reimagining of the works of Keith Emerson, one of the most celebrated prog-rockers from the 1970s. Emerson, Lake & Palmer achieved worldwide success throughout that particular decade, selling over 49 million albums, with Keith Emerson at the forefront of shattering musical boundaries by … Continue reading Thierry Eliez ‘Emerson Enigma’ 2x180g Vinyl (DOOD MUSIC) 3/5 →
Early Life Forms 'Early Life Forms' LP (W.E.R.F.) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Belgian guitarist Vitja Pauwels has been making waves throughout his homeland for a few years now. His fascinating combinations of acoustic and electric, plus pedal steel guitars, often enhanced by creatively imagined, experimental sound manipulations, have thankfully now led his star to rise much further afield than his native country. With two previous solo albums … Continue reading Early Life Forms ‘Early Life Forms’ LP (W.E.R.F.) 4/5 →
Lage Nordling Electric Ensemble 'LNEE' LP (ZenneZ) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
It feels as if Swedish guitarist and composer Lage Nordling has been working towards this album for some time, searching perhaps for the right balance between composition, improvisation, and performance. He has found it. Within the music on LNEE lives a breathing, expanding musical universe all of his own making. Having delivered a couple of … Continue reading Lage Nordling Electric Ensemble ‘LNEE’ LP (ZenneZ) 5/5 →
Sun Ra 'At The Showcase: Live in Chicago 1976-1977' 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Jazz Detective) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Released on Record Store Day via the Jazz Detective label, Sun Ra and The Arkestra ‘Live At The Showcase’ is a collection of tracks from performances at the legendary Chicago venue between 1976 and 1977. The double album package is constructed from previously unreleased material, carefully chosen by Jazz Detective’s Zev Feldman and Michael D. … Continue reading Sun Ra ‘At The Showcase: Live in Chicago 1976-1977’ 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Jazz Detective) 5/5 →
Christian McBride / Edgar Meyer 'But Who’s Gonna Play the Melody?' 2LP RSD (Mack Avenue) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
It was just over a year ago that we at UK Vibe – or me, specifically – had gushed over the overall brilliance of Christian McBride. The release of the iconic Philadelphia bassist’s album at the time, ‘Prime’, was unveiled under the McBride project, Christian McBride’s New Jawn, and further proved his passion for music … Continue reading Christian McBride / Edgar Meyer ‘But Who’s Gonna Play the Melody?’ 2LP RSD (Mack Avenue) 4/5 →
Cannonball Adderley 'Poppin’ in Paris: Live at L’Olympia 1972' 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Elemental Music) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Record Store Day (Spring 2024) brings us a couple of wonderful Cannonball Adderley releases from Elemental Music. “Poppin’ in Paris” – recorded live in 1972, is released at the same time as the 1969 recording “Burnin’ in Bordeaux”. Both sets are previously unreleased and are issued exclusively for RSD, as special edition, deluxe albums on … Continue reading Cannonball Adderley ‘Poppin’ in Paris: Live at L’Olympia 1972’ 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Elemental Music) 5/5 →
Kenny Garrett & Svoy 'Who Killed AI?' LP RSD (Mack Avenue) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
At a time when we are bombarded from all directions by the possibilities and pitfalls of AI, Kenny Garrett and Svoy’s new release asks the question: Who Killed AI? It’s Garrett’s first excursion into electronic music, he’s chosen to work with his friend and long time collaborator Mikhail Tarasov, AKA Svoy, composer, programmer, vocalist and … Continue reading Kenny Garrett & Svoy ‘Who Killed AI?’ LP RSD (Mack Avenue) 5/5 →
Cannonball Adderley 'Burnin’ in Bordeaux: Live in France 1969' 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Elemental Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Although predominantly working as an exponent of the hard bop style of jazz of the 1950s and 1960s, the American alto saxophonist Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley may best be remembered for his excursions into soul jazz, notably with “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”, a theme written for him by keyboard player Joe Zawinul and which became a crossover … Continue reading Cannonball Adderley ‘Burnin’ in Bordeaux: Live in France 1969’ 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Elemental Music) 4/5 →
Yusef Lateef 'Atlantis Lullaby: The Concert from Avignon' 2x180g Vinyl (Elemental Music) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Atlantis Lullaby” is a Record Store Day special release that captures the performance of Yusef Lateef’s quartet on July 19th 1972 at Cloître des Célestins in Avignon. Alongside Yusef Lateef’s saxes and flute, there’s Kenny Barron on piano, Bob Cunningham on bass and the late Albert “Tootie” Heath on drums (mostly). It’s a double album … Continue reading Yusef Lateef ‘Atlantis Lullaby: The Concert from Avignon’ 2x180g Vinyl (Elemental Music) 5/5 →
Mal Waldron / Steve Lacy 'The Mighty Warriors Live in Antwerp' 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Elemental Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
25 years after their early ’70s album ‘Journey Without End’, Mal Waldron celebrates his 70th Birthday alongside long-time collaborator Steve Lacy for a memorable 1995 performance in Antwerp, Belgium that also features two other great names in jazz; bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Andrew Cyrille. Thanks to Patrick Wilen, the original master tapes have been … Continue reading Mal Waldron / Steve Lacy ‘The Mighty Warriors Live in Antwerp’ 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Elemental Music) 4/5 →
Brother Jack McDuff 'Ain’t No Sunshine: Live in Seattle' 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Reel to Real) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Having the chance to sit down with Brother Jack McDuff’s ‘Ain’t No Sunshine: Live in Seattle 1972’ has genuinely been a real treat. As familiar as I have been of McDuff’s iconic status, I’ve never actually taken the opportunity to immerse myself within his music which is a surprising fact when considering the enormity of … Continue reading Brother Jack McDuff ‘Ain’t No Sunshine: Live in Seattle’ 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Reel to Real) 5/5 →
Aengus Hackett Trio 'Aengus Hackett Trio' CD (Self-released) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
As a graduate of the prestigious Conservatory of Amsterdam, Galway guitarist and composer Aengus Hackett studied under world-renowned guitarist Jesse Van Ruller. Having also studied jazz in the US, with the likes of guitarist Wayne Krantz, Curtis Fuller, Pat LaBarbera and Grammy-winner Bobby Shew, Hackett’s influences spread far and wide. A versatile musician, Hackett’s music … Continue reading Aengus Hackett Trio ‘Aengus Hackett Trio’ CD (Self-released) 3/5 →
Ghost-Note 'Mustard n’Onions' 2LP RSD (Artistry Music/Mack Avenue) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
It’s an incredibly warm and welcome return for the Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth-helmed supergroup of Ghost-Note. With six years now having passed since their 2018 sophomore album ‘Swagism’, Ghost-Note unveil their third full-length release in the form of ‘Mustard n’Onions’. Comprised of long-standing members of the Texan jazz-fusion group, Snarky Puppy, drummer Robert … Continue reading Ghost-Note ‘Mustard n’Onions’ 2LP RSD (Artistry Music/Mack Avenue) 4/5 →
Lucien Johnson 'Ancient Relics' LP (Deluge) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Saxophonist and composer Lucien Johnson left his native country of New Zealand at the age of 22 to make his way as a musician on the Parisian free jazz scene. With just a smattering of French, he mixed with many of the scene’s pioneers forming a trio with maverick bassist Alan Silva, one of jazz’s … Continue reading Lucien Johnson ‘Ancient Relics’ LP (Deluge) 5/5 →
Chet Baker and Jack Sheldon 'In Perfect Harmony: The Lost Album' 180g Vinyl RSD (Jazz Detective) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Zev Feldman unearths, through his “Jazz Detective” imprint, a never-before-heard 1972 studio collaboration between Chet Baker (trumpet, vocals), Jack Sheldon (trumpet, vocals), Nick Ceroli (drums), Joe Mondragon (bass), Dave Frishberg (piano) and Jack Marshall (guitar). The “archival” release of ‘In Perfect Harmony: The Lost Album’ is presented here on limited edition vinyl, mastered by Matthew … Continue reading Chet Baker and Jack Sheldon ‘In Perfect Harmony: The Lost Album’ 180g Vinyl RSD (Jazz Detective) 4/5 →
Shelly Manne & His Men 'Jazz from the Pacific Northwest' 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Reel to Real) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Drummer Shelly Manne was perhaps most associated with the ‘West Coast’ school of jazz which emerged in the 1950s initially around the Los Angeles region and then on the wider scene around California. Here he worked regularly with trumpeters Shorty Rogers and Chet Baker, saxophonist Art Pepper and trombonist Frank Rosolino amongst many others. During … Continue reading Shelly Manne & His Men ‘Jazz from the Pacific Northwest’ 2x180g Vinyl RSD (Reel to Real) 5/5 →
Keith Jarrett & Jan Garbarek 'Luminessence' Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Luminessence”, the classic album from which the ongoing series of ECM audiophile reissues takes its name, comes from a peak period in the creative association between Keith Jarrett and Jan Garbarek. Recorded in 1974, immediately after their stunning ‘European Quartet’ album “Belonging”, Jarrett’s writing for string orchestra and saxophone allows Garbarek to improvise freely over … Continue reading Keith Jarrett & Jan Garbarek ‘Luminessence’ Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 →
Jan Garbarek Quartet 'Afric Pepperbird' Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
One of the earliest, and greatest releases in ECM’s long and illustrious history, Jan Garbarek’s 1970 recording “Afric Pepperbird” carries with it an air of importance that is impossible to ignore. Recorded in Arne Bendiksen’s studio in Oslo, ECM label head and producer Manfred Eicher, along with recording engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug, must have known … Continue reading Jan Garbarek Quartet ‘Afric Pepperbird’ Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 →
Azimuth 'Azimuth' Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Azimuth’s first album is as engrossing today as it was when first released in 1977; a timeless classic one might say. The compelling nature of the music still casts its spell on me, its inspired and wholly original sound always feels fresh and interesting. Reissued now as part of ECM’s ongoing Luminessence series, this audiophile … Continue reading Azimuth ‘Azimuth’ Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 →
Florian Arbenz X Neame / Ito / Hart / Pursglove / Mika 'Conversation #11/#12 ON!' 2LP (Hammer Recordings) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Swiss drummer/percussionist Florian Arbenz is not a musician who is content to sit still, as his ambitious plan to record twelve albums with twelve drastically different ensembles clearly testifies. The final two instalments of his ‘Conversation’ series, ‘ON!’, is perhaps his most ambitious, with this new recording largely featuring collaborations with musicians he hadn’t before … Continue reading Florian Arbenz X Neame / Ito / Hart / Pursglove / Mika ‘Conversation #11/#12 ON!’ 2LP (Hammer Recordings) 3/5 →