Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Jazz has always been as much about great collaborations as anything else and that is very much the case with the modern scene. Proving that is Flock, a new coming together of five talented musicians Bex Burch from Vula Viel, Maisha's Al MacSween, Sarathy Korwar, Dan "Danalogue" Leavers and Collocutor's Tamar Osborn. They got together for the first time in March 2020 for a Boiler Room show and some memorable streams during lockdown. Strut Records were listening in and managed to get them in the studio together to try something fresh. The resulting improvised sounds focus on "breathing and listening to each other", explains Bex Burch. It makes for a wild, innovative ride.

Review: UK supergroup Flock returns with their highly anticipated second album, Flock II. Featuring Bex Burch, Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn, Danalogue and Al MacSween, this new record pushes creative boundaries with fresh tracks born from their magnificent collective spirit. Unlike their debut, Flock II was recorded over a week in 2022 in the serene Welsh countryside using inventive "jump-off" devices like shape-based diagrams and strobe effects to inspire each composition. Set in a converted country church, the resulting soundscapes are both intense and hypnotic as they weave together a personal journey through their most atmospheric sounds.

Review: UK's Flock returns with their highly anticipated sophomore album, Flock II, shows an extraordinary ensemble featuring Bex Burch, Sarathy Korwar, Tamar Osborn, Danalogue, and Al MacSween. Recorded in the tranquil Welsh countryside, this album represents a significant evolution from their debut, which was captured in a single day at London's Fish Factory. Over an impactful week at the mystical Druidstone retreat, the group developed innovative "jump-off" devices tailored to each track, inspired by unconventional structures and atmospheric elements. These included visual aids like diagrams with repeated patterns and a revolving lamp casting dappled light, all designed to cultivate a specific creative mindset. The recordings, made in the unique environment of Studio Owzia converted country churchiresult in compositions that range from intense to hypnotic, inviting listeners on a deeply personal journey through ethereal soundscapes. The collaborative spirit and strong bond among these talented musicians are palpable throughout, making Flock II a genre-defying recording. The brilliant cover art by Muhammad "Rofi" Fatchurofi perfectly complements the album's nebulous aesthetic, encapsulating Flock's artistic vision.

Review: Acclaimed pianist Greg Foat is a mainstay of the current UK jazz revival thanks to works on Jazzman and Athens of the North. He draws on soul and library music for his inspiration and serves up lush symphonies that are rich in detail, layer and emotion. This new album, which makes use of pedal steel for the first time, goes even more widescreen in its approach and includes powerfully uplifting tracks like "Anticipation" as well as more sensual and slower groovers and languid movers like "Island Life." It is the sound of an artist and composer at the very peak of his powers.

Review: Dolphin is a new collaboration from UK jazz keyboardist Greg Foat and treasured Venetian ambient maestro Gigi Masin. The album was recorded in those strange years of 2021-2022, as both artists pooled their talents into mutual compositions which they then developed and embellished through the thoroughly modern practice of online file exchanges. There was time for some final recording sessions in person at a studio on the Isle Of Wight, where Moses Boyd, Tom Herbert and Siobhan Cosgrove lent their various instrumental talents to some of the pieces and the end result is a gorgeous, expansive trip through elevated musicianship and patient songwriting - a truly exquisite feast for the ears and mind.