Jazz Room Vinilo y CD

Review: Jazz saxophonist Tony Lavorgna, sometimes known as Captain Bad, recorded Chameleon with the St Thomas Jazz Quartet in 1982. The title track is a cover of Herbie Hancock's classic from Head Hunters, given a fresh lick on this superlative album of incredible renditions of long time favourites. Ray Charles' 'Georgia On My Mind', War's 'The World Is A Ghetto' and Dave Brubeck's 'Take The 'A' Train' all get a look in, given a soulful treatment which goes down very smooth indeed. On the strength of these, it's a shame the group never recorded more music together, covers or otherwise.

Review: The Norio Maeda Trio's 'Alpha Ray' and Terumasa Hino Quintet's 'Hakuchu No Shugeki - Theme' have been unearthed gems from Japan's musical past, revived for contemporary audiences by Jazz Room Records. 'Alpha Ray' exudes hot Latin vibes from the Swinging Sixties, earning its place in Shibuya Jazz Dance Folklore during the Acid Jazz Boom. Meanwhile, 'Hakuchu No Shugeki - Theme' transports listeners to the stylish world of 1970s Japansploitation cinema with its soulful jazz groove reminiscent of Blue Note's golden era. Both tracks, now available on 45 RPM vinyl, promise to ignite the dance floor with their infectious rhythms and timeless charm. Jazz enthusiasts won't want to miss this double dose of vintage Japanese jazz excellence.

Review: Frank Noviello's debut album is a diverse collection of jazz standards and inventive originals. Randy Weston's 'High Fly' features a grooving arrangement, while the original 'Tribal Dance' features a vocal bebop, but the real standout track is the Gary Bartz/Langston Hughes spiritual jazz piece 'I've Known Rivers.' Gilles Peterson played a part in its reissue, encouraging his listeners to contact the label and demand a reissue - and now this fairly unknown but excellent album is taking off through word of mouth.