Jazz charts

Review: Solo Arabian nocturnes for oud return to haunt us on Tunisian-born musician Anouar Brahem's latest full-length project, backed by stellarly moving counterpoints for cello, piano and bass. Beginning with Arab traditional music as a start-point, Brahem has, over the course of his career, slowly verged into the domains of contemporary classical and jazz. Fusing tradition and modernity, his compositions have a chiffon feel, creaseless and impeccably recorded, yet they also stomach a certain chronicity and locale, indulging harmonic modes and inherited composition techniques.

Review: Gateway by John Abercrombie is a captivating journey through the realms of modern jazz fusion, featuring Abercrombie's masterful guitar work alongside Dave Holland's silky-smooth bass and Jack DeJohnette's dynamic drumming. Seamlessly blends traditional and progressive jazz elements, Abercrombie's compositions showcase intricate band interplay, with tracks like 'May Dance' and 'Jamala' highlighting the trio's ability to shape melodies around each other's instrumentation. Holland's bass provides a solid foundation, grounding Abercrombie's exploratory guitar solos, while DeJohnette's drumming adds texture and depth to the ensemble. Abercrombie's experimental approach to guitar sounds, as seen in 'Sorcery 1,' adds a unique dimension to the album, enhancing its dissonant yet accessible nature. Overall, Gateway offers a rewarding listening experience for jazz and music lovers.

Review: Angel Song, originally released in 1997, is a landmark jazz album that has stood the test of time. The quartet session, led by the legendary Kenny Wheeler and featuring Lee Konitz, Dave Holland, and Bill Frisell, is a masterpiece of tranquil, chamber-like jazz. Wheeler's compositions are hauntingly lyrical, providing the perfect framework for the improvisational brilliance of the ensemble. Konitz's alto saxophone weaves effortlessly with Wheeler's flugelhorn and trumpet, creating expressive and melodic dialogues. Dave Holland's bass provides a solid foundation, allowing Bill Frisell's guitar to soar with harmonically rich improvisations. The absence of a drummer adds to the intimate and introspective nature of the music, allowing each musician to shine in their own right. The vinyl release of Angel Song as part of the Luminessence series is a welcome addition to any jazz lover's collection. It's a timeless album that features four master musicians at the height of their powers.