Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: On A New Day, Italian pianist Giovanni Guidi rekindles his enduring musical rapport with Thomas Morgan and Joao Lobo, while expanding the trio's sonic palette by adding American saxophonist James Brandon Lewis, making his ECM debut. Recorded at Studios La Buissonne in Southern France and produced by Manfred Eicher, the album captures an elevated sense of communication and innovation. Lewis's confident, unmistakable tone introduces new dialects and perspectives, enhancing the group's interplay. The quartet navigates fresh instrumental paths with fluidity, inspired by their deep-rooted partnership and heightened collaboration. The result is a dynamic blend of jazz that explores new textures and ideas, showcasing the quartet's cohesive and adventurous spirit. Guidi's piano, Lewis's saxophone, Morgan's double bass, and Lobo's drums come together to create an album that is both reflective and forward-thinking, making A New Day a compelling new listen for Jazz fans.

Review: Pianist-composer Vijay Iyer follows his 2021 ECM disc Uneasy - the first to showcase his trio featuring bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Tyshawn Sorey - with Compassion, another album in league with these two gifted partners. Compassion, Iyer's eighth release as a leader for ECM, continues his drive to explore fresh territory while also referencing his forebears along the way, two of them long associated with the label. The album includes a powerful interpretation of Stevie Wonder's 'Overjoyed', which Iyer selected as an indirect homage to the late Chick Corea. Another tip of the hat comes with 'Nonaah', a whirlwind of a piece by avant-garde sage Roscoe Mitchell, a key mentor for the pianist. Then there are Iyer's own melodically alluring, rhythmically invigorating compositions, ranging from the pensive title track to the hook-laced highlights 'Tempest' and 'Ghostrumental'.

Review: Azimuth, a collaboration between John Taylor, Norma Winstone, and Kenny Wheeler, presented an enchanting blend of jazz mastery when it was released in 1977 and it still resonates to this day. The album showcases the trio's seamless interplay and innovative approach to improvisation with Taylor's delicate piano, Winstone's ethereal vocals and Wheeler's evocative trumpet creating a mesmerizing tapestry of sound. From the introspective ballads to the spirited compositions, Azimuth captivates with its emotive depth and musical sophistication. This timeless LP remains a testament to the brilliance of three exceptional musicians pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz.

Review: Tomasz Stanko's 'September Night' is a poignant tribute to the legendary trumpeter's artistry and influence. Recorded live in Munich in 2004 and released posthumously in 2024, this album showcases Stanko's unique ability to blend melodicism with free improvisation, a hallmark of his illustrious career. Leading his Quartet with pianist Marcin Wasilewski, double bassist Slawomir Kurkiewicz, and drummer Michal Miskiewicz, Stanko delivers a mesmerizing performance. The compositions, mostly his own, demonstrate his compositional strength and the Quartet's seamless interplay. Standout tracks include the dynamic 'Celina,' the heartfelt 'Song For Sarah,' and the contemplative 'Theatrical.' Clocking in at just under 60 minutes, September Night is a enjoyable album in full. ECM can always be counted on for quality.

Review: On My Prophet, Oded Tzur and his quartet embark on a compelling musical journey, blending jazz with an introspective improvisational style. Tzur's saxophone prowess shines as he explores new depths of expression, supported by the quartet's seamless synergy. Nitai Hershkovits's versatile piano and Petros Klampanis's melodic bass provide a rich backdrop, while newcomer Cyrano Almeida on drums adds dynamic rhythm. Recorded in Southern France under the guidance of ECM producer Manfred Eicher, My Prophet is Tzur's fifth album as a leader, delving into themes of self-discovery and spiritual discipline. Inspired by Tzur's wife, the album's goddess of music persona is a thematic prequel to his previous work, Isabela, examining the journey to authenticity. Despite facing potential cancellation during the Israel-Hamas conflict, the album's eventual fruition becomes a testament to faith and resilience. Through five mythic movements, Tzur crafts a narrative of profound emotion, from introspective murmurs to ecstatic crescendos. My Prophet stands as Tzur's most accomplished work, a daring yet focused exploration that promises to elevate listeners to transcendent heights, continuing his legacy of introspective meditations on ECM Records.