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Josh Lawrence 'Still We Dream' CD (Posi-Tone) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Trumpeter Josh Lawrence returns with “Still We Dream”, his seventh release for the ever-consistent Posi-Tone label. This time, Lawrence takes on the formidable task of reimagining the music of Thelonious Monk and Frédéric Chopin – two giants from strikingly different musical worlds. What unfolds is a sincere and steady effort that aims high, fusing classical … Continue reading Josh Lawrence ‘Still We Dream’ CD (Posi-Tone) 3/5 →
Yosef-Gutman Levitt 'Shir Yedidot' (Soul Song) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Yosef-Gutman Levitt is a singular voice in contemporary jazz—a bassist and composer whose journey from rural South Africa to Jerusalem’s heart informs a deeply personal musical vision. A Berklee College of Music graduate who came up alongside Lionel Loueke, Ziv Ravitz, and Dayna Stephens, Gutman was active in New York’s early 2000s jazz scene before … Continue reading Yosef-Gutman Levitt ‘Shir Yedidot’ (Soul Song) 5/5 →
Danny Widdicombe & Trichotomy 'Iridescence' LP/CD (Earshift Music) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Australian trio Trichotomy reunites with singer-songwriter Danny Widdicombe on “Iridescence”, a gently crafted collection that leans into atmosphere and feeling over fireworks. Following the success of their 2020 collaboration “Between the Lines”, this latest effort feels like a natural continuation, maybe somewhat looser in execution, but warm in tone, and unafraid to drift across stylistic … Continue reading Danny Widdicombe & Trichotomy ‘Iridescence’ LP/CD (Earshift Music) 3/5 →
Jaleel Shaw 'Painter of the Invisible' CD (Changu) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There are moments in jazz when an artist steps into the full light of their vision, unfiltered and unafraid. “Painters of the Invisible”, the latest offering from alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, is exactly that moment – a masterstroke of emotional clarity, musical daring, and intuitive ensemble interplay that cements Shaw’s place as one of the … Continue reading Jaleel Shaw ‘Painter of the Invisible’ CD (Changu) 5/5 →
Shez Raja 'Spellbound' LP/CD (Raja) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There are records that groove, and there are records that transcend. “Spellbound”, the latest release from bass visionary Shez Raja, doesn’t just blur boundaries, it dissolves them. What Raja has created here is nothing short of an ecstatic fusion manifesto: a kaleidoscopic voyage across continents, traditions, and timelines, fuelled by a thunderous spiritual fire and … Continue reading Shez Raja ‘Spellbound’ LP/CD (Raja) 4/5 →
Phardah 'Humans and Beings' LP (Dream Wobble / Ultraääni) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Released as a collaborative project through Finland’s Ultraääni Records and Dream Wobble, ‘Humans and Beings’ marks the debut full-length of new Finnish quartet, Phardah. While Phardah may comparatively be a fairly new quartet, various bands and collectives like Tahmela Six and Muumiot have presented a variety of projects that have featured the band members at … Continue reading Phardah ‘Humans and Beings’ LP (Dream Wobble / Ultraääni) 4/5 →
The BBB featuring Bernie Dresel 'Number One Son' 180g Vinyl (SoundScapes Media Group) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel makes a powerful return with Number One Son, their fourth release and a vibrant showcase of contemporary big band jazz. Recorded live at Los Angeles’ legendary EastWest Studios, the album features a 16-piece ensemble of top-tier jazz musicians, captured entirely through an all-analogue signal path — a rarity in today’s … Continue reading The BBB featuring Bernie Dresel ‘Number One Son’ 180g Vinyl (SoundScapes Media Group) 5/5 →
Hakan Başar 'Maiden Voyage' 180g Vinyl/CD (Red) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Hakan Başar, born in Istanbul in 2004, is an astonishing young pianist, and with the release of “Maiden Voyage” must surely be on the brink of international acclaim. This trio album, featuring bassist Michelangelo Scandroglio and drummer Bernardo Guerra, has absolutely everything going for it – with the pianist coming of age in spellbinding fashion. … Continue reading Hakan Başar ‘Maiden Voyage’ 180g Vinyl/CD (Red) 5/5 →
Roy Ayers Ubiquity 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine' 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Roy Ayers was Renowned for producing feel-good music that carried an elusive mystique which seemed to escape the confines of time. Released in 1976, ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’ is one of the all time great Soul jazz funk albums, which fits neatly alongside other mid 1970’s classics such as Lonnie Liston Smith -‘Expansions’, Johnny Hammond … Continue reading Roy Ayers Ubiquity ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’ 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 5/5 →
Jim Watson 'Calling You Home' LP/CD (Jim Watson Recordings/ECN Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Known to many for his extensive work as a sideman – his nimble touch gracing recordings with everyone from Katie Melua, Manu Katché and Kurt Elling, through to performances with Sting, Paloma Faith and Cat Stevens – pianist Jim Watson steps forward here as a mature, assured composer and performer. What results is a lyrical … Continue reading Jim Watson ‘Calling You Home’ LP/CD (Jim Watson Recordings/ECN Music) 4/5 →
Jasper Høiby 'Fellow Creatures: We Must Fight' LP (Edition) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
With Fellow Creatures’ “We Must Fight”, Jasper Høiby returns not only as a bassist of formidable presence, but as a composer and bandleader with a clear, heartfelt message. Revisiting the music of Phronesis, this new collaborative – featuring Alex Hitchcock on alto sax, Ketija Ringa Karahona on flute, Saied Silbak on Oud, Xavi Torres on … Continue reading Jasper Høiby ‘Fellow Creatures: We Must Fight’ LP (Edition) 5/5 →
Błoto 'Grzyby' 180g Vinyl/CD (Astigmatic) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The new project from everyone’s favourite alternative Polish jazz quartet, Błoto, sees the band continuing their long-running association as part of the continually diverse sounds of Astigmatic Records. Astigmatic are one of the few labels that could follow up an album by the soul duo Crack Rock – an album with 80’s yacht rock as … Continue reading Błoto ‘Grzyby’ 180g Vinyl/CD (Astigmatic) 4/5 →
Gerry Mulligan 'Nocturne' 2x180g Vinyl (Red) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Gerry Mulligan’s name may not resonate as loudly today as some of his contemporaries, but his contribution to the history of jazz is both profound and enduring. Best known as a baritone saxophonist, Mulligan was also a skilled clarinettist, pianist, composer, and arranger. His work shaped the sound of some of the most influential bands … Continue reading Gerry Mulligan ‘Nocturne’ 2x180g Vinyl (Red) 5/5 →
Gato Barbieri 'Standards Lost And Found 2' 180g 2LP (Red) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Founded in Milan in 1976 by Sergio Veschi, Red Records swiftly established itself as a cornerstone of European jazz, combining political awareness with an uncompromising artistic vision. The label’s debut release, ‘The Quest’ by Sam Rivers, Dave Holland and Barry Altschul—still its best-selling album—set the tone for a catalogue that would go on to feature jazz greats … Continue reading Gato Barbieri ‘Standards Lost And Found 2’ 180g 2LP (Red) 5/5 →
Ville Lähteenmäki Trio 'Second Sight' LP (RR Gems) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Ville Lähteenmäki Trio is a spirited, young, and explosive group from Oslo, Norway. The bandleader plays bass clarinet throughout the album (switching to flute on the track “Shadow People”). Nicolas Leirtrø plays the upright bass, and Trym Saugstad Karlsen is on drums. The album moves through the full spectrum of sound: from supersonic cosmic jazz, … Continue reading Ville Lähteenmäki Trio ‘Second Sight’ LP (RR Gems) 4/5 →
KAT-TET 'WOMAN' LP/CD (Symbole) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Guadeloupe, the southern Caribbean archipelago better known to crate-diggers for the cosmic funk of Les Vikings or the proto-Zouk stylings of Kassav’, harbours a far deeper well of musical innovation than most realize. Across genres such as Gwoka, Balakadri, Cadence-lypso, Zouk, and jazz, the island has cultivated a unique cultural soundscape that fuses Afro-Caribbean rhythms … Continue reading KAT-TET ‘WOMAN’ LP/CD (Symbole) 4/5 →
Galt MacDermot 'GUTTERBALL: A Compilation of Unreleased Tracks' LP (Kilmarnock) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Galt MacDermot was a singular force in 20th-century music—a genre-defying composer whose idiosyncratic fusion of classical composition, jazz phrasing, funk rhythms, and global grooves left an indelible mark across musical theatre, pop, and hip-hop. Born in Montreal in 1928 to a prominent Canadian music critic, MacDermot grew up with classical training but quickly gravitated toward … Continue reading Galt MacDermot ‘GUTTERBALL: A Compilation of Unreleased Tracks’ LP (Kilmarnock) 4/5 →
Marcos Valle 'Garra' 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Few artists embody the spirit and versatility of Brazilian music quite like Marcos Valle. A genre-blending polymath whose discography spans bossa nova, psychedelic folk, MPB, soul, and funk, Valle has long been a central figure in Brazil’s musical evolution. Originally released in 1971, ‘Garra’ captures a particularly luminous chapter in his career, and Vampisoul’s meticulous … Continue reading Marcos Valle ‘Garra’ 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 4/5 →
Organic Pulse Ensemble 'Oppression is Nine Tenths of the Law' LP (RR Gems) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s something stirring beneath the surface of Organic Pulse Ensemble’s latest release, “Oppression is Nine Tenths of the Law” – a brooding, deeply textured meditation on the systems that govern us, disguised in polyrhythmic ritual and raw sonic experimentation. Swedish multi-instrumentalist Gustav Horneij, the mind behind the project, once again channels a deeply personal and … Continue reading Organic Pulse Ensemble ‘Oppression is Nine Tenths of the Law’ LP (RR Gems) 4/5 →
Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol featuring Ingrid Jensen '7 Shades of Melancholia' 180g Vinyl/CD (DÜNYA) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘7 Shades of Melancholia’ marks the latest release by Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol who continues to cultivate his affections for Turkish-inspired compositions via this dynamic seven-track release. There are few artists who could perhaps inspire and intimidate as much as Sanlıkol has the ability to – as a pianist, vocalist, composer and band leader, Sanlıkol’s phenomenal … Continue reading Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol featuring Ingrid Jensen ‘7 Shades of Melancholia’ 180g Vinyl/CD (DÜNYA) 4/5 →
Tobias Wiklund 'Inner Flight Music' LP/CD (Stunt) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Tobias Wiklund’s INNER FLIGHT MUSIC invites listeners into an evocative soundscape that straddles the earthly and the divine, it’s an ambitious exploration of what it means to be human, both physically and spiritually. Wiklund takes us on a cyclical musical journey where big questions are posed as he and his cohort create flashes of improvisational … Continue reading Tobias Wiklund ‘Inner Flight Music’ LP/CD (Stunt) 5/5 →
Olga Amelchenko 'Howling Silence' LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Russian and Paris-based saxophonist and composer Olga Amelchenko makes a confidently powerful and creatively articulate statement with “Howling Silence”, an album that speaks volumes even in its quietest moments. Marking a pivotal moment in her artistic journey, the record embodies the emotional depths of personal struggle and the nuanced complexities of living between worlds. Born … Continue reading Olga Amelchenko ‘Howling Silence’ LP/CD (Edition) 5/5 →
Gato Barbieri 'Standards Lost And Found 1' 180g 2LP (Red) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Recorded in Rome in 1968 on Red Records, Gato Barbieri’s album’ Standards Lost and Found 1′ is an exceptional recording of well-known jazz standards, as well as two excellent compositions by bassist-composer Giovanni Tommaso and pianist Franco D’Andrea. The presence of drummer Pepito Pignatelli completes the quartet. The music choice suits the style of Gato … Continue reading Gato Barbieri ‘Standards Lost And Found 1’ 180g 2LP (Red) 5/5 →
Cort Lunde 'Postkort fra Skagen' LP (Sounds of Earthly Survival) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Norwegian composer and multi-instrumentalist Cort Lunde returns with “Postkort fra Skagen”, a record that reads like a sonic travel diary, delicately unspooling memory, mood, and place across an ambient-jazz terrain. There’s a cinematic intimacy here – something tactile, almost tangible – as if each track were a weathered photograph unearthed from a forgotten drawer. The … Continue reading Cort Lunde ‘Postkort fra Skagen’ LP (Sounds of Earthly Survival) 4/5 →
Andreas Tilliander / Goran Kajfeš 'In Cmin' LP (Kontra-Musik) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
The collaboration between Swedish-Serbian trumpeter Goran Kajfeš and electronic composer Andreas Tilliander on “In Cmin”, is at first glance an intriguing proposition. Kajfeš, known for his genre-leaping sonic curiosity, and Tilliander, a veteran of textured minimal techno and dub, seem well-suited to explore the liminal space between jazz and modular electronics. And while “In Cmin” … Continue reading Andreas Tilliander / Goran Kajfeš ‘In Cmin’ LP (Kontra-Musik) 3/5 →
Ambre Ciel 'still, there is the sea' LP/CD (Gondwana) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
I’m convinced Gondwana Records couldn’t get it wrong if they tried. The Manchester-based Matthew Halsall-helmed label consistently seem to find music that works beautifully as part of the label’s vast tapestry of music but each release remarkably finds a way to stand out in its own distinctly individual way. Conversely, it’s incredibly difficult to celebrate … Continue reading Ambre Ciel ‘still, there is the sea’ LP/CD (Gondwana) 5/5 →
I Think You’re Awesome 'Oatmeal Everywhere' LP (Jaeger Community Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s a warm unpredictability that flows through “Oatmeal Everywhere”, the latest offering from Danish collective I Think You’re Awesome. The title alone invites curiosity – comforting and bizarre in equal measure – and it’s a fitting prelude to an album that defies genre with poetic ease. Across the album’s eight tracks, bassist and composer Jens … Continue reading I Think You’re Awesome ‘Oatmeal Everywhere’ LP (Jaeger Community Music) 4/5 →
Janne Mark & Aarhus Jazz Orchestra feat. Arve Henriksen 'Delta' 2LP (Jaeger Community Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Inquiring contemplation meets a pulsating vibrancy on “Delta”, the latest offering from Danish composer and vocalist Janne Mark in collaboration with the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra and featuring the ethereal trumpet of Arve Henriksen. It’s a record that flows like its namesake – winding, contemplative, shaped by subtle undercurrents – and it’s as much a spiritual … Continue reading Janne Mark & Aarhus Jazz Orchestra feat. Arve Henriksen ‘Delta’ 2LP (Jaeger Community Music) 4/5 →
Fabia Mantwill Orchestra 'IN.SIGHT' CD (GroundUP Music) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s a special kind of alchemy at work on “IN.SIGHT”, the latest offering from Berlin-based composer, arranger, and saxophonist Fabia Mantwill. Much like her previous work, this album defies easy classification – weaving jazz, classical, and global influences into a rich sonic tapestry that is as thoughtful as it is thrilling. Recorded with her hand-picked … Continue reading Fabia Mantwill Orchestra ‘IN.SIGHT’ CD (GroundUP Music) 4/5 →
Rob Clearfield 'Voice in the Wilderness' LP/CD (jazz&people) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Chicago-born, Marseille-based pianist Rob Clearfield, who has been a regular sideman for drummer Makaya McCraven, both live and in the studio, emerges from the shadows with an album that reveals the strength and originality of his talent. In trio with double bassist and long-time collaborator Joe Sanders and drummer Fred Pasqua, or in quartet adding … Continue reading Rob Clearfield ‘Voice in the Wilderness’ LP/CD (jazz&people) 4/5 →
Alex Sipiagin 'Reverberations' CD (Criss Cross Jazz) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
“Reverberations” is trumpeter Alex Sipiagin’s 14th Criss Cross album as band-leader, and certainly one of the most captivating to date. With Will Vinson on saxophone, John Escreet on piano, Makar Novikov on bass and Donald Edwards on drums, this stylish quintet provide moments of true splendour throughout the eight recorded pieces. The album’s back story … Continue reading Alex Sipiagin ‘Reverberations’ CD (Criss Cross Jazz) 4/5 →
Antti Lähdesmäki 'We tend to help each other out here' CD (Howling Jazz!!!) 3/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Finland’s Antti Lähdesmäki steps forward with “We Tend to Help Each Other Out Here”, his first solo piano outing: a bold, intimate exploration of improvisation, extended techniques, and musical narrative. Featuring 13 short, almost vignette-like pieces, the first thing that strikes me is the wonderful track titles. “Rain is the most violent scream of them … Continue reading Antti Lähdesmäki ‘We tend to help each other out here’ CD (Howling Jazz!!!) 3/5 →
East of Underground 'East of Underground' 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Recorded as a recruitment aid for the US forces during the latter stages of the Vietnam War, East of Underground’s album came about through a competition to find the best group of US Army musicians while based in Germany. During the late 1960s, the American Forces Network radio station featured presenters such as Herman Griffiths, … Continue reading East of Underground ‘East of Underground’ 180g Vinyl (Vampisoul) 4/5 →
Fred Hersch 'The Surrounding Green' LP/CD (ECM) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Pianist Fred Hersch delivers a quietly commanding statement with his latest trio release “The Surrounding Green”. Lyrical, refined and steeped in mutual understanding, this is a charming album and a rather nicely focussed journey for Hersch. Drew Gress (bass) and Joey Baron (drums) are longstanding companions of the pianist, each having played with him on … Continue reading Fred Hersch ‘The Surrounding Green’ LP/CD (ECM) 4/5 →
Ted Olsen 'Violette' LP/CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
‘Violette’ marks a very welcome return for bassist Ted Olsen who presents his exquisite new release through the hallowed walls of Shifting Paradigm Records. Olsen’s previous release for the Minneapolis-based label came courtesy of the full-length ‘Joyfire’ which featured an all-star cast including Javier Santiago and Jake Baldwin and came to listeners some eight years … Continue reading Ted Olsen ‘Violette’ LP/CD (Shifting Paradigm) 4/5 →
Theo Travis 'Secret Island' 180g Vinyl (Ethersounds) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
British saxophonist Theo Travis occupies an almost unique position on the UK music scene. Adept also on flutes and keyboards, and having recently added the Armenian Duduk – a double-reed woodwind instrument constructed from apricot wood – to his arsenal, he seems equipped to work in any musical situation. Travis joined the influential British rock … Continue reading Theo Travis ‘Secret Island’ 180g Vinyl (Ethersounds) 5/5 →
Mark Guiliana 'questions (volume one)' (Edition) 4/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
There’s something deeply immersive about Mark Guiliana’s “Questions.” From the outset, it feels deeply personal – like a meditation, an exploration, a deliberate step into the space between rhythm, emotion and reflection. Known for his cerebral drumming and genre-straddling projects, Guiliana here presents a work of great poise and introspection, showing us that sometimes the … Continue reading Mark Guiliana ‘questions (volume one)’ (Edition) 4/5 →
Vladimir Kostadinovic 'Iris' CD (Criss Cross Jazz) 5/5 - ukvibe - astral travelling since 1993
Vienna- based drummer, composer and arranger Vladimir Kostadinovic is one of the European jazz scene’s most sought after drummers, garnering international acclaim for his dynamic style and exceptional musicality. Known for his versatile approach and profound sense of rhythm, Kostadinovic has captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a standout figure in the contemporary jazz … Continue reading Vladimir Kostadinovic ‘Iris’ CD (Criss Cross Jazz) 5/5 →
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 →