Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Originally released in 2002, this album remains one of Washington-based duo's most well-known albums, blending trip-hop, downtempo, and an eclectic mix of global influences. While it's often categorised as sophisticated lounge music, its world-fusion approach offers a real depth, from hypnotic opener 'Heaven's Gonna Burn Your Eyes', featuring Emiliana Torrini's airy vocals over a light, looping keyboard melody and deep bassline, onwards. The track's ethereal quality sets a contemplative tone and back s it up with dynamic shifts that make it equally as engaging. 'Facing East' brings in Middle Eastern violin phrases and tribal drums, adding a richer texture. Here, Thievery Corporation excels, weaving together global sounds into a flowing, immersive piece. Tracks like 'The Outernationalist' and 'Un Simple Histoire' fall into the duo's familiar patternipleasant but formulaic dub and bossa nova elements that, while polished, don't push boundaries. However, 'Meu Destino' and 'Exilo' set themselves apart thanks to the authentic performances from Patrick de Santo and Vernie Verla, allowing the music to breathe without overproduction. Helping to validate Thievery Corporation's signature sound, this is a beautifully produced work and somewhat of a landmark in the history of downtempo lounge-hop.

Review: The Swiss saxophonist delivers a mesmerising journey through modal jazz on his latest album. Drawing deep inspiration from John Coltrane, Torrent blends intricate harmonies with raw, unfiltered improvisation, crafting a collection that is both a tribute and an exploration of new sonic terrain. The album opens with 'Danse Tropical, a reflective and richly textured piece where Torrent's saxophone weaves through intricate scales, searching yet controlled. The steady rhythm section acts as an anchor, allowing the melodies to expand and evolve organically. In contrast, 'Quannassa' injects a restless intensity, shifting through complex harmonic movements while the quartet navigates its dynamic ebb and flow with effortless cohesion. The title track, 'Buleria', is perhaps the album's centerpieceian eight-minute odyssey that fuses modal jazz with flamenco's hypnotic rhythms. Torrent's improvisation feels deeply intuitive, soaring over a meditative backdrop that evokes the vast, open landscapes of Iberia. The interplay between the quartetipiano, bass and drumsiis both fluid and instinctive, fostering an environment where the saxophone can push beyond conventional boundaries. While deeply rooted in Coltrane's legacy, Buleria is far from a mere homage. Torrent and his ensemble use the foundations of modal jazz as a springboard for personal expression, creating a sound that is both reverent and adventurous. Each track unfolds like a conversationisometimes gentle, sometimes incendiary, but always searching for something beyond the ordinary.

Review: Stanley Turrentine's debut as a bandleader arrived in June 1960, just a few months after his notable sideman role on Jimmy Smith's Midnight Special and Back at the Chicken Shack. With these albums cementing his status as a standout player, Blue Note boss Alfred Lion wasted no time bringing Turrentine back into the studio to record his first outing as a leader. The result announced the arrival of his deeply soulful tenor saxophone, immediately marking him as a key figure in the hard bop scene. Turrentine's approach was distinctiveieach note infused with emotion and a deep sense of groove. His compositions, like 'Look Out' and 'Minor Chant', alongside tunes by Parlan and Clifford Brown, revealed his mastery of both melody and rhythm. The session was anchored by a strong rhythm section, featuring pianist Horace Parlan, bassist George Tucker, and drummer Al Harewood, each contributing to the album's powerful sound. A highlight is the ballad 'Journey into Melody', where Turrentine's ability to infuse warmth and depth into a song is on full display. This all-analogue remastering offers a true-to-the-original listening experience, preserving the warmth and clarity of this essential jazz release.