Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Detroit native Ideeyah is a singer, songwriter and performer whose soulful vocals and lyrical storytelling touch the heart. Born LaKeisha Johnson, who you may remember from featuring on Theo Parrish's superb DJ-kicks mix. Here she steps up to his Sound Signature label with a new solo EP produced by Meftah. It begins with praise-giving spoken words and cosmic synths on 'Invocation (feat Maimunah Baqui)' then takes in deep and jazzy broken beats on 'Align', heavenly keys and vocal coos on 'Light' and slow motion grooves on '2020' where Ideeyah's effortless smooth and seductive tones melt the heart. 'Eat The Plants' and 'Sweet Chariot' are two more magnificent vocal pieces with gentle live drums and meaningful pads.

Review: Eiko Ishibashi, best known for her acclaimed soundtrack work, returns to original composition with this album named in honour of the feminist-facing, heroine from ancient Greek tragedelian Sophocles' Oedipus Trilogy. It's a world of shimmering jazz harmonies, pulsating electronica and ghostly musique concrete, 'October' opening with a haunting, alluring melody and the disjointed rhythms of 'Coma' creating a sense of disorientation. 'Antigone', the centerpiece, builds to a powerful and unsettling climax, but there's more than chilling soundscapes as Ishibashi injects moments of surprising warmth and beauty, like the delicate interplay between acoustic and electronic elements in 'Nothing As'. Comparisons with her soundtrack work will be made, but - not unlike Antigone herself - this stands alone as a work of bravery and strength.

Review: Bristol's Ishmael Ensemble returns with Visions of Light, an album that nicely shows the evolution of this experimental jazz collective led by producer and saxophonist Pete Cunningham. Following their acclaimed 2019 debut, A State of Flow, this record pushes boundaries further, blending lush, cinematic jazz with Bristol's signature dub and electronic influences. The album begins with the delicate harp glissandos of 'Feather,' drawing the listener into a serene yet deceptive calm. This tranquility is shattered by the high-energy, chaotic 'Wax Werk,' where the music takes on a darker, more intense character. Throughout Visions of Light, Cunningham's saxophone performances are bold and assured, layered over the dynamic contributions of collaborators like guitarist Stephen Mullins, drummer Rory O'Gorman, and synth maestro Jake Spurgeon. Side-2 offers a shift in tone, beginning with the vibrant 'Looking Glass,' featuring enchanting vocals and strings. The nostalgic 'Morning Chorus' and the ethereal 'The Gift' build towards the hopeful resolution of 'January.' This album is deliver's an emotionally resonant journey that transcends traditional jazz boundaries. Visions of Light is both a bold statement and a beacon of hope in challenging times.

Review: Ishmael Ensemble's third album, Rituals, marks a major evolution for the Bristol-based group. While often associated with the 'new UK jazz' scene, their fusion of live instrumentation and electronic elements extends far beyond that label in truth and now this release pushes their sound further than ever. It blends spiritual jazz, dub, experimental, and electronic styles into powerful, swirling soundscapes that work as well on the head as they do heel. The tracks are more notably song-focused and accessible but still deal in a psychedelic mix of textures, colours, and moods. Rituals is a truly boundary-pushing work of great ambition and is this vital group's best work to date.