Rickey Calloway & His Tennessee Band - "Do It On The One (Stay In The Pocket)" (3:10)
The Tennessee Band - "Ain't It A Crime" (instrumental) (3:06)
Review: Funk Night cop a couple of fine funk gems here from Rickey Calloway. He is an r&b singer, as well as a rhythm guitar musician and songwriter from Jacksonville, Florida. His Tennessee Band helps him serve up funk that comes direct from the 70s, James Brown style. Both of the singles here are [rimed to fire up the floor, with 'Do It On The One (Stay In The Pocket)' the more direct of the two and the flip side 'Ain't It A Crime' (instrumental) going deeper.
Review: The Brazil 45 series is pure gold for lovers of Latin sounds across the funk, jazz and soul spectrum. Each one sells out fats but usually emcees back around, as is the case with this 18th edition. It features Ely Camargo's 'Taieiras' from his Ely's 1972 album Cantos Da Minha Gente and is a lively folk-inspired track sampled famously by DJ Yoda in 2012. Despite recording 12 albums, Ely remains an enigmatic figure whose music is all we have to feed off. On the flip side, Rio sibling trio Trio Esperanca shine with their psychedelic gem from their 1971 self-titled album. Known for their stunning harmonies, the group released seven albums between 1963 and 1975 but this is one of their finest moments.
Review: Brazil 45s hit the quarter century in their run and show no sign of stopping. It's an all-girl affair on this one as two hugely popular and prolific singers take a spin under Mr Bongo's spotlight. Elizabeth (often known as Elizete) lays down a steamy samba flavour that gets raunchier as the track develops. Elza, meanwhile, gets busy on a Bossa tip as a carnival of percussion and horns go toe-to-toe with her sharp, sexy staccato vocals. Powerful.
Review: 'I'm Here' is the glorious second single from Cornell CC Carter's album, Next Life. It is a superbly seductive and go-slow stepper with neat bass riffs spaciously drawn out beneath acoustic guitar motifs and lumpy drums. The vocal is butter sweet and as the track rolls on the chords grow ever more lush. After that memorising a-side comes a modern take on Curtis Mayfield style soul complete with the steamy spoken vocals, screen string sweeps and pillowy chords. Finishing it off in style is a bassline to die for.
Review: The Selector Series has pulled out a big one for this year's Record Store Day celebrations. Both of these tunes are imagined classics reimagined that have a fresh West Coast jazz-funk feel and arrive on 45rpm together for the first time. The A-side has a rocky feel and is a version of The Beginning Of The End's 'Funky Nassau', while over on the other side Isaac Hayes' 'Shaft' gets a new psychedelic twist. This pari of covers by The Chuck Boris Trio are as brillaint as they are obscure and will cost you well over three figures if you can find an original. Both are remastered for this 7".
Review: It might be getting cold and dark and wet here in the UK but music will always be able to transport us to warmer, sunnier, happier climes. And so it is with this new 7", which includes a booklet, from Discodelic. It's a two tracker from Cizana and La Nueva Generation that is flame hot and bristling with energy - Cizana's 'She Sold Her Soul' kicks off with its joyous flutes, hand drums and percussive Latin grooves then La Nueva Generacion slow things down and up the brass with their carnivalesque Afro-funk workout 'Uhru Sasa'.
Review: 'Deixa Eu Dizer' is a timeless Brazilian classic that was famously sampled by Marcelo D2 on his iconic hip-hop track 'Desafabo' and maybe just as notary, it was also the debut release on Mr Bongo's now much loved Brazil 45's imprint. It originally featured on Cizinha's stunning album of the same name and until Mr Bongo stepped in it had never been available on a 7". 'Deixa Eu Dizer' has been a long-standing favourite with deep diggers despite its mysterious origins and this welcome reissue not only celebrates Cizinha's unforgettable contribution to Brazilian music but also brings this beloved track to a new generation.
Review: This latest is a reissue of a Congress Productions EP featuring their seminal 'Neptune'. The much-sampled early 80s jazz-funk classic comes in original form next to two unreleased cuts. The first is a rare boogie cut 'Live It Up' that has been extended for more dancefloor heft having first been dropped under the D'aile' alias as a B-side. Then comes 'Kevin's Funk' which is named in reference to Incognito trumpet player Kevin Robinson, who played as part of a Congress-associated line-up for this session.
Review: Coolin' Out's back with a fourth volume of seductive edits for those more cultured dance floors. This one kicks off with 'Solstice' which is laidback and oozes cool. Gentle drums and mellifluous synths rise up from the deep cut and slow-motion groove with plenty of cosmic edge. The tight instrumentation creates a sublime atmosphere that is both full of relaxation and subtle euphoria. The flipside, an edit of Soul Vibrations,' flips the script with dusty drum breaks, a hint of Italian Library music instrumentation and some rousing melodies that get you on edge.
Review: This is a first ever reissue for this lovely little jazz 7", which first landed in 1976. It was recorded just after French jazz fusion group Cortex's iconic Troupeau Bleu LP and is awash with gentle drum tumbles, twinkling keys and sustained strong sounds that bring a golden touch. The female vocal harmonies are a perfect counter for the male spoken words and the whole thing really tugs at the heart. Flip it over and there is the much more upbeat 'Back to Life' with its busy harmonica, funky drumming and rippling Rhodes work. Fantastic stuff.
Jackie McLean & Michael Carvin - "De I Comahlee Ah" (extended) (12:22)
Chris McGregor's Brotherhood Of Breath - "MRA" (6:48)
Review: The cult Melodies International label run by Floating Points and Mafalda starts a new series here. Melodies Record Club will find each curated by a different guest DJ or producer with the first one selected by the always on point Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet. He picks some of the tracks he used to spin at the legendary Plastic People and first up is an extended version of 1975 tune 'De I Comahlee Ah' by jazz stars Jackie McLean and Michael Carvin. Chris McGregor's Brotherhood Of Breath takes care of the flip with the big band energy and excellent horn work of 'MRA.'
Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou-Dahomey - "It's A Vanity" (4:21)
Clement Melome Et Le Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - "Nougbo Vehou (La Verite Blesse)" (4:49)
Review: The legendary Afro funk fusionists Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou Dahomey have got unlimited amounts of big tunes in their back catalogue and the fiery 'It's A Vanity' is one of them. It has fat and chunky drums with trademark horns leading the way next to the impassioned vocals. The tune twists and turns on a vibe as it funks you up and then on the flip is the more lo-fi and stripped back, earthen funk sounds of 'Nougbo Vehou' (La Verite Blesse). Anotehr killer 7" reissue from this great collective.
Review: Brazilian jazz trio Caixa Cubo are one of the modern scene's most acclaimed outfits. Their latest album arrives in Europe via Heavenly Recordings and it has a sound to match. Made up of Henrique Gomide on keys, Joao Fideles on drums and Noa Stroeter on bass, the group has been awarded scholarships to study at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Netherlands so spends plenty of time over in Europe as well as back home. Thankfully though, they embrace the rich musical traditions of their home land and fuse elements of Azymuth with darker moods with new school greats like Yussef Kamael to make for a record full of both highs and lows, intense grooves and more laidback tunes.
Review: Since emerging in their home country a decade ago, Caixa Cubo have flitted between labels (most notably Heavenly Recordings and Jazz 'N' Milk) while establishing trademark sound that expands on the jazz-funk-meets-samba-jazz template created by fellow countrymen Azymuth (like that band, they're a trio based around drums, bass and organ/electric piano). Unsurprisingly, they've now found a home on Joe Davis's Brazil-focused Far Out Recordings, a stable that has done much to champion Azymuth in the UK. Modo Avia (air mode) is typically warm, breezy and gently tropical, fusing killer grooves and infectious, off-kilter rhythms with brilliant solos, infectious riffs and far-sighted musical flourishes. It feels like the sort of set that will be talked about in hushed tones in 30 or 40 years, and we can think of no greater praise than that.
Review: It's now a quarter of a century since Terry Callier released his Timepeace album, which was his first after a 15 year break. The record won the United Nations's Time For Peace award for outstanding artistic achievement and for "contributing to world peace." It features standout tunes like 'People Get Ready' and 'Brotherly Love' composed by Curtis Mayfield, as well as a guest spot from Pharoah Sanders on tenor-saxophone on the title song 'Timepeace' and seven other wondrous tunes that showcase soul, jazz, folk influences. This reissue includes an insert with lyrics and liner-notes by Tom Terrell.
Review: Candido Y Su Movimiento's cult favourite album Palos De Fuego album is a rhythmic journey through the vibrant landscapes of Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin music that was first released in the 1970s. It superbly showcases the virtuosity of Candido Camero, a percussion maestro often hailed as the "Father of Modern Conga Drumming" as the album pulsates with infectious beats, intricate rhythms, and soulful melodies, all of which embody the essence of Afro-Cuban traditions while embracing contemporary influences. As a testament to Candido's enduring impact on the genre, Palos De Fuego stands tall and is a timeless exploration of percussive brilliance that continues to captivate and inspire Latin jazz lovers worldwide.
Review: Shabaka Hutchings' new label Native Rebel Recordings welcomes understated innovator and educator Chelsea Carmichael for a superb debut album. The River Doesn't Like Strangers is a fresh serving of innovative jazz that finally makes its way to vinyl and features plenty of her hypnotic and warm playing, smart improvisation and subtle sound work. Cultural powerhouse Shabaka Hutchings himself wrote a set of songs for the record which were then perfumed with Chelsea playing alongside Eddie Hick from Sons of Kemet, Dave Okumu from The Invisible and Tom Herbert from The Invisible and Polar Bear.
Review: British trumpeter and bandleader Ian Carr put out his most revered album in 1972. Its iconic fusion of jazz and rock has become a sought after rarity. Featured musicians include members of bands like Nucleus, Brian Auger's band, Soft Machine and Stan Tracy Group, and they all help lend the record a psychedelic, proggy aesthetic, with swirling melodies making for moody but funky tunes. Tracks like 'Mayday' put expressive solos and complex arrangements front and centre, while 'Suspension' is a more laidback joint for sinking into. The gorgeous meandering lilt of 'Summer Rain' is our personal favourite.
Review: Bassist Daniel Casimir is not well known outside of hardcore British jazz circled but he should be. Part fo the reason for the is because he is a bassist, which is not one of the more cerated parts of any band, but he does it better than most, and has played on all of tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia's records up to now. His new album Boxed In is an eleven-track suite that sees him step out of the shadows as part of an acoustic quintet alongside the likes of Garcia and Moses Boyd. It is influenced by film and television soundtrack music and makes for a thrilling listen.
It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
Late In The Evening
Next Time You See Me
Waly Waly
Take Me To The River
Nightbird
People Get Ready
The Letter
Son Of A Preacher Man
Stormy Monday
Tall Trees In Georgia
Something's Got A Hold On Me
Time After Time
Over The Rainbow
You're Welcome To The Club
Caravan
You've Changed
What A Wonderful World
Oh, Had I A Golden Thread
Review: American singer Eva Cassidy released Nighbird posthumously in November 2015. It came 19 years after her death and was recorded at the Washington club Plus Alley in 1996. Some of the tunes had already been released as part of a live album the same year but for this album the recordings have been remixed and remastered from the original tape. It has some big jazz standards such as 'It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)' and 'Fever' as well as eight tunes that were previously unheard at the time. An exceptional record from one of the best female jazz singers of all-time.
Review: Francisco Mora Catlett is a Mexican drummer, composer and educator. He began his musical career in Mexico City where he worked as a session musician for Capitol Records between 1968-1970. He left with Sun Ra in 1973 and worked with him until 1980. While in Detroit in 1987, he released his first album as a leader, the Pan-Afro project "Mora!". Mora II continues the concept of the first album, with wife Teresa Mora on vocals and trumpet legend Marcus Belgrave, This follow up album has finally been given a high quality vinyl reissue by London's Far Out Recordings.
Review: The Paralytics have a timeless sound that is laid bare on this new, heavily limited 7" featuring 'Ghetto Funk.' The original on the a-side is a lo-fi sound with dusty drum breaks and prickly guitar riffs all overlaid with his idiosyncratic vocal mutterings and murmurings. It's expressive and emotive and hugely effective despite being low-key. The flip side instrumental strips back those vocalisations to allow the funky drum breaks extra room to do their thing. A fine pick up for those who like it raw and paired back.
Review: Smoky-voiced jazz chanteuse Chantal Chamberland is back with a third album, Dripping Indigo, which solidifies her status as a top interpreter of classic songbook favourites and once again it finds her seamlessly blending elegance and sensuality. It comes on four sides of limited edition and heavyweight wax in translucent purple and features timeless tracks like 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,' 'Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered,' and maybe the standout of all standouts, 'How Deep Is Your Love.' The allure lies in its intimate jazz club atmosphere with slow, sexy arrangements supported by a small ensemble of piano, sax, bass, and light rhythms. Chamberland's lush, breathy voice adds to the seductive charm of this captivating collection.
Ferry Ultra - "Why Did You Do It" (feat Ashley Slater - The Reflex Revision - edit) (4:26)
The Traffic - "Beat It" (4:41)
Lettuce - "Checker Wrecker" (feat Big Tony & Jungle Boogie) (5:52)
Joel Culpepper - "WAR" (4:16)
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio - "Hole In One" (4:37)
PM Warson - "(Don't) Hold Me Down" (3:11)
Review: Who knew an entertainment career spanning the likes of comic sci-fi series like Red Dwarf and kitsch game shows vis-a-vis Robot Wars could result in a side stint curating soul compilations? Well, it's exactly what happened to Craig Charles, who also happens to have been manning BBC6 Music's soul and funk corner for almost 20 years now, not to mention regularly touring the world as a DJ. This isn't his first 'Trunk of Funk'. The first was overwhelmingly well-received by a "funk hungry public", and now, our national treasure Craigy-boy has ensured said public doesn't starve a second time round. Backboned by Charles' introductory yells to imaginary screaming crowds - "are you ready!?" - we cycle through funk bits both old and new, exclusive and widely-available, from Cha Wa to Luther Ingram to Joel Culpepper. Craig says: "Give your ears and feet enough mellifluous musical fodder to last you until Volume 3 - Awooga!"
Review: Etienne Charles's debut album is a colourful and classy showcase of Caribbean rhythms featuring his big band arrangements. A personal triumph for Charles, the album also tells a larger story that draws on material from various commissions and projects. It brings together key members from his Creole Soul band and mixes up rich musical traditions with innovative arrangements. The album is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and Charles's musical journey which extols his skill as both a composer and bandleader. This is a record that is full of dynamism and cultural depth so is well worthy of your ear.
Review: Much like Basquiat with his distinctive tools, Christophe Chassol blends, samples, and integrates elements from both ancestral and popular cultures to create a unique musical art form. His innovative approach has earned him praise from Terry Riley and recognition from contemporary artists like Xavier Veilhan and Sophie Calle and made him highly sought after by pop producers such as Frank Ocean and Solange Knowles. Chassol has pioneered truly original music in a world often dominated by repetition and his latest project, inspired by Basquiat's lesser-known painting Action Comics" debuted at the Philharmonie de Paris. Collaborating with his family and featuring his drummer Mathieu Edward, Chassol presents an "ultrascore" here that blends family and artistic influences alongside performances of his previous works.
Review: Lounge singer Richard Cheese presents his 28th studio album and it is a heartfelt collection of melancholy saloon ballads styled after classic Frank Sinatra Capitol Records concept albums. Featuring 12 newly recorded tracks for 2024, the album pairs Cheese's sincere vocals with rich orchestrations and wistful piano and super covers along the way including Radiohead's 'Lucky,' The Offspring's 'Self Esteem,' R.E.M.'s 'South Central Rain,' Harry Styles' 'As It Was' and Lana Del Rey's 'The Greatest.' It makes for a record full of soulful, nostalgic interpretations.
Review: This classic from Don Cherry (one of many, in truth) was recorded in 1966 and released by Blue Note in August 1967 and it features a stellar lineup including Gato Barbieri, Henry Grimes, Ed Blackwell, Karl Berger, Jean-Francois Jenny-Clark and Pharoah Sanders. This album was a follow-up to Complete Communion and blends the same famously passionate improvisation with subtlety and shows Cherry's exceptional ability to balance intensity and restraint. It is rather frenzied but also well-controlled and is maybe Cherry's most gratifying work for Blue Note.
Review: Legendary jazz man and truly free spirited musical maestro Don Cherry joined up with Swiss pianist and composer George Gruntz and his group in Tunisia and Germany in May and September 1969 to record this. It brings together two powerhouses with North-African flavoured deep jazz results featuring piano, cornet, flute and celeste mixed up with various different reeds players as well as a selection of traditional instruments such as the bendir, ney, bagpipes, tabla and darbouka. It all adds up to a mesmerising and trance inducing ritual of jazz magic.
Make Me Smile (Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon) (1:57)
So Much To Say, So Much To Give (2:06)
Anxiety's Moment (2:43)
West Virginia Fantasies (1:34)
Colour My World (1:48)
To Be Free (1:34)
Now More Than Ever (2:00)
Fancy Colours (4:50)
Saturday In The Park (6:02)
Mother (5:26)
It Better End Soon (17:41)
I'm A Man (6:44)
Free (7:18)
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (Free Form intro) (5:22)
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (4:47)
25 Or 6 To 4 (6:09)
Review: This comprehensive special edition of this classic album comes across eight sides of vinyl and captures the iconic band at the peak of their early career. Performing in the nation's capital, Chicago delivered a wonderfully dynamic set that showcases their unique fusion of rock, jazz, and brass. It features plenty of great work from the band's well known and distinctive horn section and intricate arrangements. A magnificently captured live recording, it features hits from their early albums such as Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago II, and also takes in fan favourites like 'A Song For Richard & His Friends' and 'Beginnings.' The performance is a testament to Chicago's musical versatility and powerful live presence and this version of it takes you right back to the heart of it all.
Marcia Stilo Italiano (From The Godfather II) (1:54)
End Title (From The Godfather II) (4:13)
Marcia Religiosa (From The Godfather III) (4:22)
Marcia Festa (From The Godfather III) (1:41)
The Immigrant/Love Theme (From The Godfather III) (2:29)
Intermezzo (From The Godfather III) (3:25)
Preludio From Cavalleria Rusticana (From The Godfather III) (6:11)
Coda (From The Godfather III) (2:08)
Review: Film buffs will be smitten by this blood-splattered vinyl copy of The Godfather Trilogy's soundtrack, performed by The City Of Prague's Philharmonic Orchestra, interpreting Nino Rota's original works. Across two discs spanning 19 original pieces - from 'The Godfather Waltz', to the infamous establishing scene dreamlike of the Sicilian landsacpe, for which 'Sicilian Pastorale' sets the mood - this rendition is almost certainly an offer you can't refuse.
Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te (feat Gilberto Gil) (3:26)
Con Una Rosa (4:23)
Que Me Importa El Mundo (4:23)
Va Bene, Va Bene Cosi (5:23)
Io Che Amo Solo Te (feat Chico Buarque) (4:15)
Never Never Never (3:55)
Metti Una Sera A Cena (4:06)
Una Sigaretta (3:21)
Fortissimo (3:44)
Incantevole (4:16)
E Penso A Te (feat Ana Carolina) (4:00)
Il Mondo (4:06)
Senza Fine (3:26)
I Mulini Dei Ricordi (The Windmills Of Your Mind) (feat Esperanza Spalding) (4:25)
Arrivederci (with Strings) (3:04)
Estate (4:43)
Senza Fine (English version) (3:41)
Roma Nun Fa La Stupida Stasera (3:08)
Hurry To Me (Metti Una Sera A Cena) (4:20)
Review: A decade after its original release, Chiara Civello's Canzoni album is finally available on vinyl in a deluxe double LP edition with a gatefold sleeve. This record is known for having showcased Civello's talent as an interpreter and it solidified her place on international stages. Fusing Italian musical tradition with genres like Northern soul, bossa nova, blue-eyed soul, jazz and pop, the record was produced by Nicola Conte and recorded in analogue across Bari, New York and Rio de Janeiro. Featuring extraordinary guests like Gilberto Gil, Chico Buarque, Ana Carolina, Esperanza Spalding and orchestrations by Eumir Deodato, Canzoni remains as rich a listen as ever.
Review: Sonny Clark's Cool Struttin' album is a jazz classic. The artist himself shone bright for a brief but intense period of creativity, much like greats before him such as Charlie Parker and Fats Navarro. His intricate playing and hard swing mentality makes for music filled with nuance and detail but sadly he never got the recognition he deserved during his short life (he died aged 31). He put out seven records in all on Blue Note and played with the likes of John Coltrane and Donald Byrd. This memorable session was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder and features a quintet made up of altoist Jackie McLean, trumpeter Art Farmer, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones.
Review: Sonny Clark was a truly elegant pianist who played with his own style of soul. On his My Conception full length he really reached the peak of his powers and for that reason it is the next in the on going Tone Poet reissue series by Blue Note. A big casts of sidemen feature on the record next to Clark including Hank Mobley on tenor saxophone, Donald Byrd on trumpet, Paul Chambers on bass and Art Blakey on drums. The record is packed with highlights such as the sombre trumpet of the title track and the fiery brilliance of 'Minor Meeting.'
Review: Dutch-born American jazz pianist and composer Gerald Clayton is back with a sixth album, his second on Blue Note. Ones & Twos is another exploration of jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul and raw improvisation that is all rooted in a deep conceptual framework. Featuring standout collaborators like Joel Ross, Elena Pinderhughes, Kendrick Scott and Kassa Overall, the album moves effortlessly from groove to abstraction and is inspired by turntablism, which is why Clayton created two sets of tracks that can play individually or simultaneously, blurring the line between harmony and dissonance. As rich as the sonics are, there is also real philosophical intent here, making it both a visceral and cerebral listen with layered commentary on collaboration, coexistence and creativity.
Review: Percussionist Cory Champion led the Clear Path Ensemble and the band' self titled debut album came in 2020. They followed it up with some stunning live performances and now sit at the forefront of the bubbling new jazz scene in Wellington, New Zealand. Their approach is to jam and to cook up DIY sounds with inspiration from 70s ECM catalogue as much as London's fertile broken beat scene, by the sounds of it. This ambitious record is lush and colourful, with glorious synths and catchy melodies over jazzed up beats that elements of electric sounds with introspective moods.
Little Boy For So Long, Little Boy But Not For Long (10:00)
Arapaho (4:21)
Don't Get Around Much Anymore (12:10)
Review: American saxophone player and composer Clifford Jordan's 1990s Maple Shade Records albums are well thought of for their high-quality ideas. This release features a 1987 live quartet performance from a Baltimore jazz club in which Jordan delivers a mature, lyrical and swinging set encompassing standards like 'Round Midnight' and 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore' alongside his original compositions. The recording was meticulously captured with minimal microphones and high-quality cables so it achieves remarkable realism while blurring the line between live performance and studio recording. This is a definitive glimpse into Jordan's artistry at the height of his career.
Review: In his debut as a leader and composer, Tiziano Codoro's inaugural project, Impermanenze,"breaks new ground. This electronic-jazz endeavour transcends typical boundaries to offer a wide-eyed trip into plenty of new musical realms. Seamlessly blending hypnotic melodies, sophisticated improvisations, and pulsating rhythms, it pushes the limits of musical innovation as the talented musicians involved effortlessly merge acoustic jazz with captivating electronic textures to create a harmonious fusion of tradition and experimentation. Impermanenze, then, encapsulates the essence of Northern European jazz and ably embodies its introspection, artistic freedom, and sonic beauty.
Review: Avishai Cohen's last album, 2016's Into The Silence, was an emotional affair, with the Israeli jazz trumpeter delivering a poignant set seemingly inspired by personal tragedy. Cross My Palm With Silver wrestles with different inspirations, namely the ongoing violence in the Middle East. Cohen is joined by regular collaborators Yonathan Avishai (piano), Barak Mori (double bass) and Nasheet Waits (drums) for a set that puts his heartbreaking trumpet solos at the heart of the action. Highlights come thick and fast throughout. They include mournful opener "Will I Die, Miss? Will I Die", the abstract and involving "Shoot Me in the Leg" and the thrillingly upbeat closer "50 Years and Counting".
Review: Two prominent jazz musicians named Avishai Cohen are both releasing new albums this month: while trumpeter Avishai Cohen unveils Ashes to Gold on ECM, bassist Avishai Cohen drops this wonderful record, Brightligh, on Naive. The first single, 'Roni's Swing' immediately won over fans with its energetic, forward-driving sound led by drummer Roni Kaspi. Now, the full-length showcases Cohen's eclecticism as he blends original compositions, jazz standards and a vocal rendition of the classic 'Summertime.' The album is full of catchy tunes with a hopeful, uplifting vibe, all highlighted by Guy Moskovich's shimmering piano and Cohen's rich bass solos.
Review: Recorded in 1962, Coleman Hawkins' quartet featuring Tommy Flanagan on piano, Major Holley on bass and Eddie Locke on drums delivers a captivating blend of upbeat tunes and smooth ballads. Tracks like 'Go Li'l Liza' and 'Swingin' Scotch' provide lively moments while a trio of ballads, including the recently and sadly passed legend that is Quincy Jones' 'Quintessence,' showcase the group's versatility. This Verve By Request edition is pressed on high-quality 180-gram vinyl at Third Man Records in Detroit so as usual offers a premium listening experience that captures the timeless essence of Hawkins' legendary sound.
Review: The celebration of this series continues with a reissue of the second installment of the legendary Christmas salsa album. Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe returned here to bring the unique sounds that made Volume I a Latin music classic. For this one, Colon and Lavoe were joined by renowned cuatro player Yomo Toro and legendary percussionists Milton Cardona and Jose Mangual Jr. Together, they crafted salsa versions of beloved Puerto Rican Christmas songs while mixing traditional musica jibara with Cuban guaguanco, son montuno and African-American jazz. It delivers on all fronts with vibrant, festive blends that bring real Puerto Rican authenticity to salsa fans worldwide.
Review: The great Alice Coltrane was already widely revered by the time she released her third solo album Ptah, the El Daoud. It was written and recorded in 1970 in the basement of her house in Dix Hills on Long Island, New York and is noted for being the first record she made with horns. They are split between the two channels with Pharoah Sanders on the right bringing his abstract and transcendental sounds and Joe Henderson on the left bringing the intellectual vibe throughout. The post-bop sounds find Coltrane playing piano and harp receptions at the time were warm critically and with fans. The otherworldly sound is drenched in blues and perfect for some mindful meditations.
Review: Of all his many albums and live shows, A Love Supreme: Live In Seattle is often said by fans to be one Coltrane's greatest works. Until recently, this was a long lost performance from the iconic saxophonist. Recorded in 1964, it is only the second full live performance recording known after one from the Festival Mondial du Jazz Antibes in France from 1965. The quartet for the original recording of one was made up of McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison and Elvin Jones next to Coltrane himself, but this recording was boosted by Pharoah Sanders on tenor sax and Donald Garrett on second bass. It's a suite packed with spirit, power and soul.
Review: Blue World is an album that was never intended for release. It features music commissioned for a soundtrack for a Canadian film in 1964 and showcases a quartet that was at its very best. It's made up of short tracks and alternate takes of early Coltrane material and is utterly vibrant. Catchy little ditties like "Village Blues", stripped down numbers like the title track and the mostly-improvised "Traneing In" are all testament to the enduring brilliance of Coltrane, no matter the setting in which he was playing. The clarity of the recording and richness of the bass playing also add to the overall beauty of this record.
Review: As part of Verve's Acoustic Sounds Series - which champions historic, fan and critical jazz favourites - we're delighted to get a look-in at one of John Coltrane's lesser known live albums. 'Live At The Village Vanguard' was recorded live at New York's iconic jazz club all the way back in November 1961, and was the visionary Trane's first official live album, him being in his early 30s at the time. Joined by Eric Dolphy on clarinet, McCoy Tuner on piano, Elvin Jones on drums and Jimmy Garrison & Reggie Workman alternating on bass, this album makes us truly feel transported back to an earlier, steamier version of 60s NY - jumpy bass and drums of 'Spiritual' and 'Chasin' The Trane' convey a mood of jazz frisk and respite from the city's trilbied bustle. This is a new 180-gram LP version, mastered from the original tapes.
Review: All aboard the blue 'Trane! one of the many albums that cemented Blue Note and John Coltrane's longstanding working relationship, 'Blue Train' is the saxophonist's second studio album and the only recording with Coltrane taking the role of bandleader. This version comes with several alternate, false starts and incomplete takes, owing to the single-take tradition of jazz recording back in the late 1950s.
Review: Lush Life is a seminal recording amongst many from the late great and legendary John Coltrane. It came at a time when his sound was transitioning between styles and after he had overcome his addiction to narcotics. He had first played with the Miles Davis Quintet in 1955 before starting his own quartet with McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones in 1960 and this one was made from three different recording sessions. Side A is by a trio setup with no piano while the flip is a quintet with Donald Byrd and Red Garland showing their skills. Devoid of the speedy, flashy solo skills he'd been known for in his early career, this is almost ambient, much more about the lush textures and meditational pace than be bop ever was.
Review: Famously, John Coltrane recorded the music on Coltrane Plays The Blues during the sessions for the more celebrated and ground-breaking My Favourite Things, with his former label Atlantic - who had paid for the sessions - initially releasing the album against his wishes. In many ways it's great they did, because it remains one of jazz's truly great sets - albeit one that at the time was overshadowed by the saxophonist's other work of the 1960s. It's breezy, emotive, occasionally smoky and - as you'd expect from the title - effortlessly bluesy, with Coltrane improvising superb sax solos atop a bed of bass (played by Steve Davis), drums (Elvin Jones) and piano (McCoy Tyner). This reissue is a "hybrid CD", containing both regular and 'super audio' versions. For those with access to the latter technology, the album has never sounded better.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.