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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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Omar Thomas Large Ensemble 'Griot Songs' 2LP/CD (Omar Thomas Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Hailed by Herbie Hancock as showing “great promise as a new voice in the further development of jazz in the future”, award-winning composer, educator, and arranger Omar Thomas has created music extensively in the contemporary jazz ensemble idiom. As the the protégé of lauded composers and educators Ken Schaphorst and Frank Carlberg, and having studied … Continue reading Omar Thomas Large Ensemble ‘Griot Songs’ 2LP/CD (Omar Thomas Music) 4/5 →
Various 'Tokyo Bliss: Japanese Funk, Boogie & City Pop from King Records 1974-88' LP/CD (WeWantSounds) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
In one of the mostly aptly titled compilations released in recent years, We Want Sounds have unveiled ‘Tokyo Bliss’ which, as they themselves describe, features a ten-track compilation of “Japanese funk, boogie and city pop”, with all inclusions stemming from King Records between 1974 and 1988. And when it comes to unearthing unsung gems, the … Continue reading Various ‘Tokyo Bliss: Japanese Funk, Boogie & City Pop from King Records 1974-88’ LP/CD (WeWantSounds) 5/5 →
Gustaf Ljunggren / Emil de Waal 'Mikroklima' LP/CD (April) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
With a growing reputation and three collaborative albums already in the bag, two of Denmark’s most celebrated musicians in multi-instrumentalist Gustaf Ljunggren and drummer Emil de Waal now present their fourth release “Mikroklima”. In an interesting twist, as a testament to and celebration of musical growth, community and the joy of musical gathering, the duo … Continue reading Gustaf Ljunggren / Emil de Waal ‘Mikroklima’ LP/CD (April) 3/5 →
Jim Hart Cloudmakers Trio with Leo Genovese 'A Drop of Hope in the Ocean of Uncertainty' 2x180g Vinyl/CD (Whirlwind Recordings) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Jim Hart is a British vibraphonist and composer who works in contemporary jazz and alternative music. In 2009, he formed the Cloudmakers Trio, which includes Michael Janisch on double bass and Dave Smith on drums. Since 2017, the trio has expanded to become Cloudmakers Five with the addition of saxophone and guitar. While attending Chetham’s … Continue reading Jim Hart Cloudmakers Trio with Leo Genovese ‘A Drop of Hope in the Ocean of Uncertainty’ 2x180g Vinyl/CD (Whirlwind Recordings) 5/5 →
Julia Hülsmann Quartet 'Under The Surface' LP/CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Julia Hülsmann quartet recordings just seem to go from strength to strength. Her previous two ECM releases “The Next Door” (2022), and “Not Far From Here” (2020), provided the listener with some beautiful, engaging music that highlighted a unique take on the music of a very original quartet. The pianist returns with her latest album, … Continue reading Julia Hülsmann Quartet ‘Under The Surface’ LP/CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Joel and the Neverending Sextet 'Marbled' LP (Motvind) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Joel and the Neverending Sextet are an ensemble of Norwegian and Swedish players exploring a lively mix of composed and improvised music. The Joel in the band name is cellist/bassist Joel Ring and the rest of the Neverending Sextet is Karl Hjalmar Nyberg on sax and clarinet, pianist Milton Öhrström, tubist Heida Karine Jóhannesdóttir Mobeck … Continue reading Joel and the Neverending Sextet ‘Marbled’ LP (Motvind) 5/5 →
Rainer Brüninghaus 'Freigeweht' Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Originally released in 1981, Rainer Brüninghaus’ debut as band-leader for ECM, and now reissued as part of the label’s ongoing Luminessence audiophile series, “Freigeweht” serves to remind us what a highly original and idiosyncratic sound sculptor the German keys maestro truly was. Accompanied by ECM stalwarts Kenny Wheeler on flugelhorn and drummer Jon Christensen as … Continue reading Rainer Brüninghaus ‘Freigeweht’ Luminessence Audiophile Vinyl Re-reissue (ECM) 5/5 →
The Offline 'Les cigales' (DeepMatter) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Les cigales’ marks the latest release from the imagination of The Offline which capped off an incredibly productive 2024 for the Hamburg-based musician and producer. With a series of standalone singles scattered across the year as well which include ‘Les Cavaliers’, ‘Pour Nael’ and ‘Les Dunes’, Felix “The Offline” Müller’s analog-inspired musical perceptions are on … Continue reading The Offline ‘Les cigales’ (DeepMatter) 4/5 →
Joe Sanders 'PARALLELS' 2x180g Vinyl/CD (Whirlwind Recordings) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
One of the things bassist, composer, and bandleader Joe Sanders says of PARALLELS, his new record is: ‘I wanted to include a composition that swings as Greg and I have a super tight groove kinship’. The Greg in question is drummer Gregory Hutchinson; reading the wonderfully descriptive phrase ‘super tight groove kinship’ made me want … Continue reading Joe Sanders ‘PARALLELS’ 2x180g Vinyl/CD (Whirlwind Recordings) 4/5 →
Carl Allen feat. Chris Potter and Christian McBride 'Tippin’ CD (Cellar Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s something wonderful about a good old fashioned, no nonsense sax-bass-drums trio album, and this formidable threesome really hit the sweet spot with a powerhouse performance on the very enjoyable “Tippin”. For drummer Carl Allen, this recording is the realisation of a dream he’d been nurturing for quite some time. Over twenty years have passed … Continue reading Carl Allen feat. Chris Potter and Christian McBride ‘Tippin’ CD (Cellar Music) 4/5 →
Xhosa Cole 'On A Modern Genius Vol.1' CD (Stoney Lane) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
I’ve watched and listened to Xhosa Cole’s development over the last decade or so with increasing admiration. As a photographer, he is always interesting to shoot, and he was part of the photography-led research project I carried out with Dr Pedro Cravinho at Birmingham City University. As a listener—and I always follow the music intently … Continue reading Xhosa Cole ‘On A Modern Genius Vol.1’ CD (Stoney Lane) 5/5 →
Jakob Dinesen 'Slow Flow' LP/CD (April) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Jakob Dinesen’s lengthy career has seen the saxophonist thrive as a solo artist as well as amidst an extensive array of ensembles and projects that demonstrate his adeptness to flit from swing to bebop and beyond. An impassioned artist and educator, Dinesen’s work within the Sara Indrio & The Latin Collective is as varied as … Continue reading Jakob Dinesen ‘Slow Flow’ LP/CD (April) 4/5 →
Benjamin Lackner 'Spindrift' LP/CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Following his excellent 2022 release on the ECM label “Last Decade”, pianist Benjamin Lackner returns with a newly formed quintet, gathered together for a particularly fruitful 2024 session in Southern France. Presenting a different approach on this recording, the German-American pianist continues to impress with a wonderful new set of original compositions. Trumpeter Mathias Eick … Continue reading Benjamin Lackner ‘Spindrift’ LP/CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Kjetil Mulelid Trio 'And Now' CD (Grappa) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“And Now” is the fourth album from Norwegian three-piece Kjetil Mulelid Trio. Since their formation in 2016, this exciting piano-led trio has become one of Norway’s most sought-after groups, known for their distinctive sound and impressive concert activity across Europe and Japan, with three critically acclaimed albums for Rune Grammofon having earned international recognition. Focussing … Continue reading Kjetil Mulelid Trio ‘And Now’ CD (Grappa) 4/5 →
Yosef Gutman feat. Gilad Hekselman 'Why Ten?' (Soul Song) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
It might seem like an incredibly surprising statement but music hasn’t always served as a preeminent drive and focus in Yosef-Gutman Levitt’s life. We’ll explain why that fact is so surprising momentarily but following his graduation from the prestigious Berklee College in the early-2000s – and some time gigging and cultivating a reputation amidst New … Continue reading Yosef Gutman feat. Gilad Hekselman ‘Why Ten?’ (Soul Song) 4/5 →
Yosef Gutman / Peter Broderick 'River Of Eden' LP/CD (Soul Song) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s a common thread that runs through all of bassist/composer Yosef-Gutman Levitt’s music; an ability to produce music with a sincerity and clarity that feeds the soul with spirituality and light. His latest release, “River of Eden”, with multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Peter Broderick more than lives up to this reputation. With the duo being assisted by Yonathan … Continue reading Yosef Gutman / Peter Broderick ‘River Of Eden’ LP/CD (Soul Song) 5/5 →
TEAM VIBE: Best of 2024 - Imran Mirza - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Imran’s favourite jazz albums of 2024 (In no particular order) Caoilfhionn Rose ‘Constellation’ (Gondwana) Jake Long ‘City Swamp’ (New Soil) Alvin Cobb Jr ‘You’ll Need This Later’ (Self-released) L’Orage ‘Water Tower’ (Self-released) Benjamin Samuels ‘Dissensation’ (Self-released) Akinroots ‘Multiverse’ (Self-released) OTOOTO ‘2nd Quake’ (April) Daniel Sommer / Arve Henriksen / Johannes Lundberg ‘Sounds & Sequences’ (April) … Continue reading TEAM VIBE: Best of 2024 – Imran Mirza →
Yosef Gutman / Itay Sher 'UNITY' (Soul Song) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
I discovered the music of Jerusalem bassist Yosef-Gutman Levitt in early 2023 through his duo album “Tsuf Harim” with guitarist Tal Yahalom. This introduction sparked a deep enthusiasm that continued with his follow-on album, “Soul Song” featuring Lionel Loueke, both beautifully blending the bass and guitar. Before these releases, Levitt had already produced six albums … Continue reading Yosef Gutman / Itay Sher ‘UNITY’ (Soul Song) 4/5 →
TEAM VIBE: Best of 2024 - Mike Gates - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
My word what a year it’s been. No less challenging than last year but thankfully the music has been extremely strong throughout this year, keeping me going and revealing so many high points that it really is difficult to compile a succinct ‘Best Of’ list. So I’ve split this year’s favourites into two categories: ‘New … Continue reading TEAM VIBE: Best of 2024 – Mike Gates →
TEAM VIBE: Best of 2024 - Molly Gallegos - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Molly’s favourites of 2024 (In no particular order) Sinego – Alterego (Self-released) Panko ca7riel & paco amoroso – baño maría (Self-released) Reyna Tropical – Malegría (Psychic Hotline) Angélica Garcia – Gemelo (Partisan) Cruzloma – Mitos i Ritos (ZZK) Susobrino – No (Noannaos) Gato ‘e Monte & Felipe Orjuela – La Dosis Máxima (In-Correcto) Orquesta Akokán … Continue reading TEAM VIBE: Best of 2024 – Molly Gallegos →
Ben Wolfe 'The Understated' 180g Vinyl (Resident Arts) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
This album features delicate, introspective music by bassist Ben Wolfe, accompanied by Nicole Glover on tenor saxophone, Orrin Evans on piano, and Aaron Kimmel on drums. Two tracks feature the late Russell Malone on guitar, while Sullivan Fortner replaces Evans on two other tracks. A fellow reviewer described the music as evoking “that will-o-the-wisp feeling … Continue reading Ben Wolfe ‘The Understated’ 180g Vinyl (Resident Arts) 5/5 →
Josephine Davies/Satori 'Weatherwards' 180g Vinyl/CD (Whirlwind Recordings) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
From its formation seven years ago up until now, British saxophonist Josephine Davies’ main artistic project, Satori, was strictly a classic sax trio, featuring Dave Whitford on bass and James Maddren on drums, exploring both the space and limits it imposes. The fourth album, “Weatherwards”, continues this but also expands the format, with several tracks … Continue reading Josephine Davies/Satori ‘Weatherwards’ 180g Vinyl/CD (Whirlwind Recordings) 4/5 →
Notable Deaths 2024 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Those that touched our curiosity and left us this year with their music: Zakir Hussain (Indian tabla player), 73 Heikki Silvennoinen (Tabula Rasa), 70 Alfa Anderson (Chic), 78 Rodessa Barrett Porter (The Barrett Sisters), 94 Martial Solal (French jazz pianist and composer), 97 Herb Robertson (American jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist), 73 Marlos Nobre (Brazilian composer), … Continue reading Notable Deaths 2024 →
Colin Vallon 'Samares' CD (ECM) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Pianist Colin Vallon is once again joined by bassist Patrice Moret and drummer Julian Sartorius for his latest trio album “Samares”. The deep subtleties within the trio’s melancholic lyricism play a large part in making this album what it is. Vallon’s compositions as well as his trio’s understated three-way interaction remain a trademark on this … Continue reading Colin Vallon ‘Samares’ CD (ECM) 5/5 →
Elin Forkelid 'Songs To Keep You Company On A Dark Night' LP/CD (Sail Cabin) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘I wrote these songs as an attempt to bring a little comfort, to whomever may need it’, says Elin Forkelid of her new release. And frankly, I was comforted by the title alone, it was enough to draw me into Forkelid’s world, especially on these long December nights. The Swedish saxophonist and composer has put … Continue reading Elin Forkelid ‘Songs To Keep You Company On A Dark Night’ LP/CD (Sail Cabin) 4/5 →
Muriel Grossmann 'The Light Of The Mind' LP (RR GEMS) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Muriel Grossmann’s latest release, ‘The Light of the Mind’, holds the staggering distinction of serving as the saxophonist’s sixteenth album as a band leader. It’s an incredible statistic but Grossmann’s career to date has been predominately based on amassing phenomenal achievements and successes that see her star continue to rise. Born in Paris, raised in … Continue reading Muriel Grossmann ‘The Light Of The Mind’ LP (RR GEMS) 4/5 →
Arild Andersen 'Landloper' CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
One of my favourite bass players of all time, Arild Andersen has been an ECM recording artist for well over five decades now, contributing to so many classic albums, as leader and sideman, it’s impossible to over estimate the importance of everything he has achieved. “Landloper” is, perhaps surprisingly, his first ever solo album for … Continue reading Arild Andersen ‘Landloper’ CD (ECM) 4/5 →