Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: If you're looking for some exotic, spiritually minded jazz to kick-start 2021, look no further than this inspired collection as "direct-to-disc" improvisation from drummer Sarathy Korwar and his regular studio partners, the UPAJ Collective. In keeping with the feel of their previous work, the five showcased improvised recordings brilliant fuse familiar spiritual jazz tropes (snaking saxophone solos, loose-limbed drums and quality keys-work) with the traditions and sounds of Indian classical music (think tablas, violins, Hindi musical motifs played on acoustic guitar etc). Throw in some real-time recording trickery, and you've got an unusual but extremely entertaining set that we firmly believe is the first great jazz album of 2021.

Review: A stunning album of big band music from Finnish composer, Kerkko Koskinen, featuring Linda Fredriksson on saxophone and the UMO Helskinki Jazz Orchestra, Agatha 2 is a sequel of sorts to their original Agatha album released in 2007. Tracing Koskinen's signature immensely emotive and dramatic approach to composition, this album sits beautifully between moody atmospheres and fully immersive rushes of cinematic sound. It is clear that Fredrikkson and Koskinen share a clear vision with her solo performances shining against the undulating orchestral backdrop. Taking on a distinctly melancholic and nostalgic mood, especially with the pieces 'Promenade' and 'Piana', the drums are positioned at a purposeful distance to the driving dynamics of the composition, adding a hint of melodic colour to the overall piece rather than being a central force. An inventive project that journeys forwards and backwards in time.

Review: In classic jazz style, this collaborative three-way debut album brings together three musicians at the top of their game: SML members Gregory Uhlman (guitar and effects) and Josh Johnson (saxophone and effects), and sometime Louis Cole, Sam Gendel and Chaka Khan collaborator Sam Wilkes (bass and effects). Musically, what the trio offers is undeniably unique, with International Anthem describing the album as "a jazz-informed take on progressive electro-acoustic chamber music". Certainly, there's much to enjoy, from the tracked bass, guitar and sax loops and subtle changes of 'Mavis' and the dreamlike ambient jazz of 'Arpy', to the bubbling cosmic jazz of 'Frica' and a stunning, off-kilter instrumental cover of Magical Mystery Tour-era Beatles number 'The Fool On The Hill'.

Review: Unionen is a new quartet of top-tier Norwegian and Swedish jazz musicians, namely Stale Storlokken, Per "Texas" Johansson, Petter Eldh and Gard Nilssen. Their name references the 1814-1905 union between Sweden and Norway and their sound is truly unique in the way it combines misty introspection and energetic rock-infused jazz. This album then is a deeply original musical experience with tracks like 'Stahlbad' and '6983' dull of emotional nuance. Eight originals overall blend classic and rare instruments, creating a unified, emotive sound. Early live shows have been praised, confirming their status as a standout jazz ensemble.