Review: Swedish multi-instrumentalist Gustav Horneij, best known as OPE, finally lands on Jazzaggression with a new 10" release that showcases his singular approach to spiritual jazz and overdubbed improvisation. It's a new release composed entirely around bamboo flutes, but the instrumentation stretches far beyond i drums, bass, reeds, harp and subtle string textures are all played by Horneij himself, each part layered with a feel for groove and tone that's entirely unforced. Tracks like 'Instant' and 'Picante Beef' hit with warm, rolling basslines and smoky modal phrasing, while 'The Deepest Bowl' moves slower, drawing you in with flickers of flute and ambient space. 'Udon' is a clear standout, combining a floating top line with an earthy, locked-in rhythm section that could loop forever without tiring. Despite the solo setup, nothing feels precious or overcooked i the mood stays loose and tactile, like a small ensemble jamming in real time.
Review: Steven Umoh aka London-based Nigerian singer Obongjayar is back with Paradise Now, a sophomore album that is a bold blurring of pop, punk, Afrobeat, funk, dance and folk into a colourful and coherent new sound. Crafted with producers Kwes Darko and Beach Noise, the album was recorded between London and LA so has a global spirit with universal emotional depth. It was designed to play from start to finish on a night out so is both a party record and a Trojan Horse with infectious grooves concealing layers of complexity and introspection. It's Obongjayar at his most adventurous yet and explores what modern, global pop can sound like in 2025.
Lovey Dovey (feat Eric Roberson & Raheem DeVaughn)
Research (feat Honey Larochelle)
On My Own (feat Paul Weller)
Out Of Sight (feat Done-E interlude)
Can We Go Out?
It's Gonna Be Alright (feat Scratch Professer)
We Can Go Anywhere (feat Giggs)
Latin Salsa
Holding On To Life (feat Ledisi)
Much 2 Much
1234 (feat Jeru The Damaja)
Love Is Like (feat India Arie)
Review: UK soul hero Omar steps up with his ninth studio album, bringing the depth, clarity and control that have typified his uncompromising and deeply rooted musical journey. The songwriting is tight, the grooves are locked, and the arrangements leave space for the music to breathe. His voice is as expressive as ever i warm, precise, unmistakably his. There's a strong sense of shape to the album, from the clipped funk of 'Research' to the more open, reflective tone of 'There's Much Love in the World'. Strings, samples and live instrumentation all sit together naturally, with nothing overplayed or overstated. The ensemble guest appearances i India Arie, Giggs, Paul Weller, Raheem DeVaughn among them i add some masterful flourishes to an already engaging set. Always good to hear new music from the one like Omar, a man who will never be underrated by those in the know.
Review: We Carry Eden is an album so deep you can plunge right into it and forget the real world entirely. It comes from Son Of Chi, the latest project by Dutch ambient pioneer Hanyo van Oosterom, and it melds drones, field recordings, dub, jazz and fourth world influences across a two-part composition that features storytelling by West African vocalist Omar Ka. A founding member of CHI and Chi Factory, van Oosterom crafts textured soundscapes rooted in meditative grooves and spiritual depth and is inspired by Patmos and Hopi wisdom. He also weaves nature, myth and memory into a unified sonic journey with fine artwork by Michael Willis underlining the message of harmony.
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