Emil de Waal + Elith Nulle Nykjær, Band Ane, Randi Laubek A. O. - Old News (2016)

Old News

Dyb tradition og favnende nyskabelse. Et nyt album fra all-star gruppen med Emil de Waal i førersædet.

Den 22. Januar 2016 udkommer et nyt album fra all-star gruppen Old News, som byder på en musikalsk rejse i et repertoire, der trækker på de helt tidlige numre fra jazzens ungdom, men i nye, skæve fortolkninger og tilsat elektroniske landskaber.

Med trommeslager Emil de Waal i førersædet samler det 8-mand store orkester Old News danske stjerner på tværs af genrer og generationer: Jacob Anderskov, Randi Laubek, Band Ane, Mads Hyhne, Gustaf Ljunggren og Peter Rosendal – og ikke mindst Elith ’Nulle’ Nykjær.

Med dyb rod i tradition, men samtidig stor grad af frihed, åbenhed og nyskabelse, kaster bandet sig over musik af bl.a. Sidney Bechet, Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton og Bessie Smith – den musik, Nulle spillede i sin ungdom. Musikken har både vokal, elektronik, fire blæsere, to tangentspillere og masser af strenge og trommer med i lydbilledet, som skaber et moderne udtryk af gamle klassikere.

Bandet debuterede i 2015 til den officielle åbningskoncert på Copenhagen Jazz Festival, hvor Politikens anmelder kvitterede med 5 hjerter og skrev:

“Et aldeles forrygende orkester med en vidunderlig spændvidde. Now that’s jazz, kære Læser. Festivalen kom smukt i gang. De gamle nyheder var supergode nyheder.” Henrik Palle, Politiken

Old News udkommer i et eksklusivt oplag på 200 eksemplarer på Emil de Waals eget pladeselskab og hvert eksemplar har et unikt ny-dekoreret cover lavet som genbrug af et brugt cd cover.

Randi Laubek (vokal)

Elith Nulle Nykjær (klarinet)

Mads Hyhne (trombone)

Jacob Anderskov (keyboards, accordeon)

Gustaf Ljunggren (guitar, contra alto clarinet, banjo)

Band Ane (electronics)

Emil de Waal (trommer)

01. Ægryptisk Jazzdub (Band Ane)

02. Egyptian Fantasy (Sidney Bechet)

03. Ain't Nobody's Business (P.Grainger/E.Robbins)

04. Dear Old Intro (Band Ane)

05. Dear Old Southland (Turner Layton)

06. The Chant (Jelly Roll Morton)

07. Borrowed (Band Ane)

08. Aint Misbehavin´ (Fats Waller)

09. Jitterbug Waltz (Fats Waller)

10. Harlem Nocturne (Earl Hagen)

11. Falling Trees (Band Ane)

12. Sugar in My Bowl (C. Williams/Dally Small/J. T. Brymn)

13. Dans les Rues d’Antibes

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VÍCTOR

(Son of Domi)

Shauli Einav Quartet - Beam Me Up (2016)

Label: Berthold Records

Source: Shauli Einav

Installé à Paris après un long séjour new-yorkais de sept ans, le saxophoniste a travaillé avec le compositeur Asaf Matityahu pour mieux faire ressortir les correspondances des thèmes de Prokofiev avec les siens, qui prennent ainsi une ampleur presque insolite, avant de glisser dans l'improvisation impétueuse, comme dans les deux premiers morceaux (1415 et Tao Main), directement inspirés de motifs extraits des Visions fugitives. Du jazz épanoui donc, avec deux solistes éblouissants, Shauli Einav au sax, ténor ou soprano, Paul Lay au piano, et une section rythmique impeccable, Florent Nisse à la contrebasse et Gauthier Garrigue à la batterie, très présents tous deux pour ajouter du volume et de la rondeur. Par exemple dans Assai, en écho à l'Assai moderato no 12 de Prokofiev, où le son lyrique du soprano est comme enluminé. Dans Dolce Gustav, le principe de variation, mélodique et rythmique, est assumé en profondeur et complexité par le saxophoniste, avant de céder la place à un piano songeur. Ten Weeks amplifie la gravité du ténor par des accords pesants. Le temps s'écoule de façon irréversible, en même temps qu'il nous fait évoluer dans nos vies comme une succession de solos qui jamais ne seront rejoués. Le morceau titre, Beam Me Up, change l'ambiance de l'album quand Paul Lay reprend l'amorce de la contrebasse au Rhodes Fender, de façon répétitive et hypnotique, pour d'abord entraîner le sax à s'emballer, avant de finir par s'y soumettre. Pour le final, la guitare de Pierre Durand tisse des arpèges scintillants à la méditation mélancolique du soprano, hommage à un ami disparu. Par contre, la résurgence d'un thème en quartet, non répertorié sur la pochette, quelques minutes après la fin du disque, me laisse comme toujours dubitatif. Pourquoi ne pas l'avoir inscrit comme tel sur le cédé, d'autant que le son en est très beau ? Un beau cédé très inspiré à découvrir en priorité. On peut écouter des extraits sur le site du saxophoniste. Alain Lambert

1 1415
2 Tao Main
3 Assai
4 Dolce Gustav
5 Ten Weeks
6 Beam Me Up
7 76 San Gabriel

Shauli Einav (ts, ss)
Paul Lay (p)
Florent Nisse (b)
Gautier Garrigue (dm)
Pierre Durand (g)

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Scott Hamilton & Harry Allen - Live! (2016)

Label: Gac Records

Source: Cdbaby

Scott Hamilton and Harry Allen have been performing together for many years and this is the first live recording they've released together. It features a collection of classic tenor saxophone songs and battles. The stellar rhythm section of pianist Rossano Sportiello, bassist Paul Keller and drummer Leon Joyce Jr. are swinging like crazy from the first note. Recorded live at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz, CA.

Scott Hamilton is an important figure in jazz.  He was largely responsible for the surge in straight-ahead swinging jazz in the late 1980's and 90's, bringing the music back from a period lost to more electronic jazz.  On a personal note, he was almost solely responsible for the early direction of my musical development and has been a source of inspiration throughout the years.  Not to mention, of course, that he is one of the most incredible musicians and saxophonists on the planet.  

Rossano Sportiello, a protegé of legendary pianist Barry Harris, was born and raised near Milan, Italy. After receiving a degree in classical piano and astounding European audiences with his unique style combining modern influences with a dose of the great stride piano tradition, he moved to New York City eight years ago and has been taking the jazz world by storm… recently completing a successful run headlining at The Café Carlyle. Upon hearing his first notes it is abundantly clear why he is a favorite amongst musicians and listeners alike.

Paul Keller is one of the great bass players of our time and a prolific composer, arranger and educator.  He has performed with just about everyone, from Diana Krall to Jay McShann, making every band he plays with swing like there’s no tomorrow.

Leon Joyce Jr. rounds out the band in grand style on drums. His artistry and infectious beat has graced the bandstands of such luminaries as Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson and Smokey Robinson.

The set begins with Apple Honey, a Woody Herman tune written over Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm. The first tenor solo is played by Harry with Scott taking the second. Scott leads off the trading between the two tenors.  Read More...

01. Apple Honey (Live) (14:35)
02. The Lonesome Road (Live) (10:04)
03. Tickle Toe (Live) ( 9:07)
04. A Sound Investment (Live) (11:06)
05. Body And Soul (Live) ( 8:48)
06. Blues Up And Down (14:46)

Scott Hamilton and Harry Allen - tenor sax

Rossano Sportiello - piano

Paul Keller - bass
Leon Joyce Jr. - drums

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Joachim Govin - Elements (2015)

Source & Label: Fresh Sound New Talent

"A lot of careful preparation must have gone into this album. It's evident in in the neatness of each arrangement, the meticulous if sometimes understated playing, and the rigid emphasis on collectivity. Little is left to chance but there are surprises, not least the manner in which some of the tunes by band members hit the improvisatory ground running and in the respect accorded to the traditions of ballad playing, especially in the way Van Gelder and Govin tackle Era Só Começo Nosso Fim, by the Brazilian bassist and composer Iuri Popoff. Two takes of Coltrane's Expression, much truncated, is probably one too many, but it could be a reflection of Govin's structured approach."             Nigel Jarrett - Jazz Journal (September, 2015)

01. Hunt (Govin) 3:26
02. Cycles (Van Gelder) 6:51
03. Blind Jealousy of Paranoid (Tixier) 4:34
04. You Know I Care (Pearson) 6:55
05. Ynot (Govin) 6:20
06. Expression [Take 1] (Coltrane) 2:47
07. Denial of Love (Tixier) 6:12
08. Elements (Govin) 5:34
09. Our Life Together (Richardson) 5:20
10. Era Só Começo Nosso Fim (Popoff) 5:36
11. Expression [Take 2] (Coltrane) 2:52

Joachim Govin (bass)

Ben Van Gelder (alto sax)

Tony Tixier (piano)

Gautier Garrigue (drums)

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James Hughes & Jimmy Smith Quintet - Ever Up & Onward (2015)

Label: Self Released

Source: Cdbaby

Audio Culture (J. Smith)
This is tune that I wrote a few years back. It was inspired by one of my biggest personal influences, the late, great Woody Shaw.

Dots (J. Hughes)
This song is like a sugar rush, bursts of color and playful energy.  I think we all need that from time to time.  When I wrote this, it reminded me of the sound and feeling of laughter when musicians get together.

Luca's Interlude (J. Hughes)
For Luca Iio, who caused us to reschedule our second recording session.  Welcome to the world baby Luca!

East Detroit (J. Smith)
East Detroit is a recent composition, inspired by the astonishing musical spirit of our drummer, Nate Winn. Detroit is incredibly fortunate to have so many world class musicians on the scene and Nate is among the very best. His unique vibe can only come from a true Detroiter.

There Is A Balm in Gilead (African-American Traditional/Arr. J. Hughes)
I grew up in the church, always sang in the choirs and played piano for them, even did a ten year stint as choir director.  This has long been one of my favorite spirituals.  It deals with our experiences, pains and hardships, to which we often shake our head and ask, “is there no remedy?”

Drum Intro
We though it would be appropriate to have Nate Winn set the energy for Viridian.

Viridian (J. Hughes)
It is not just the color green, but a philosophical movement.  I wrote this tune using monochromatic harmony and shifting harmonic meters.  Instead of a melody driving the piece, I emphasized harmony and harmonic rhythm which resulted in a tune that is reminiscent of an impressionistic painting.  Read More...

1. Audio Culture
2. Dots
3. Luca's Interlude
4. East Detroit
5. There Is a Balm in Gilead
6. Drum Intro
7. Viridian
8. Zebras, Penguins and Bunny Rabbits
9. Keepin' It Real
10. Transgender Fender Bender
11. I'll Remember April
12. I'll Close My Eyes

Jimmy Smith - trumpet
James Hughes - saxophones
Phil Kelly - piano
Takashi Iio - bass
Nate Winn - drums

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James Beckwith Trio - Vortex Sessions EP (2016)

Label: Self Released

Source: Cdbaby

JBT (James Beckwith Trio) is a new project formed by Dankworth Prize winning composer & jazz pianist James Beckwith. From England, having spent many years in Canada, and currently studying Composition at Trinity Laban, James draws from a wide range of geographical influences in his writing. The group’s style: strong lyrical tunes with warm, full harmony, is described as sounding akin to and influenced by Gerald Clayton, Tigran Hamasyan, and Robert Glasper. With inspiration ranging from New York contemporary jazz harmonies, Middle Eastern & Asian folk melodies, and hip hop inflected groove, this dynamic trio’s performances are not to be missed.

On bass is Joe Downard. Currently bassist for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and performed at Ronnie Scott's Late Show, and the main show with the Engines Orchestra. A highly sought after young player in multiple genres and music scenes; Joe effortlessly grooves over the multiple genres that JBT play. On drums is Harry Pope, MMus Jazz from Trinity Laban and also drummer with the internationally touring World Service Project. This percussive sideman has recently completed a number of sessions for television adverts and has performed notably with the RSNO, Tom Cawley, and Chaos Orchestra.

1. Tachymeter
2. Figurative
3. Californication
4. Permanent Resident
5. Goose (Take 1)
6. Goose (Take 2)
7. Took My Shield & Sword

James Beckwith // Piano & Keyboards,
Joe Downard // Bass,
Harry Pope // Drums

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GoGo Penguin - Man Made Object (Deluxe) 2016

It’s been an astonishing couple of years for Manchester based trio GoGo Penguin (drummer Rob Turner, double bassist Nick Blacka and pianist Chris Illingworth). Their trademark mash-up of minimalist piano themes, deeply propulsive bass lines and electronica-inspired drums has seen them shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and fuelled their exhilarating live shows from Manchester to Montreal and Paris to London. They’ve written and performed a new score for Godfrey Reggio’s cult film Koyaanisqatsi and collaborated with noted choreographer Lynn Page for a Gilles Peterson-curated night at the Barbican. And in the midst of all this they’ve signed a multi-album deal with Blue Note Records, the most famous jazz label on earth. Their new album is called Man Made Object and it’s the sound of a band confidently pursuing their own path. “The title is partly inspired by my fascination with ideas of robotics, transhumanism and human augmentation,” says pianist Illingworth. “We’re recreating electronic music on acoustic instruments. It’s like a man-made object that has become humanised and it seemed like a good album title, one that also means something different to each of us, and hopefully to each listener.” 

Indeed, although they're predominately an acoustic piano trio, GoGo Penguin’s music draws from many areas of contemporary electronic music, one where you can hear arcade game bleeps, glitchy breakbeats, hypnotic Aphex-style melodies, grinding bass lines and a rumbling low-end. It has been described as “acoustic electronica”, a term which perfectly sums up their modus operandi. “Many of the songs on this album started out as electronic compositions that I made on sequencing software like Logic or Ableton,” says drummer Turner. “I’ll then play it to the band and we’ll find ways of replicating it acoustically.” And it is that ability to synthesis the seemingly disparate influences of electronica, jazz and classical music into their own unique musical DNA that gives GoGo Penguin such an instantly recognisable and compelling sound. One that is set to reach an even wider audience with the release of Man Made Object on February 5 2016.

01. All Res

02. Unspeakable World

03. Branches Break

04. Weird Cat

05. Quiet Mind

06. Smarra

07. Initiate

08. Gbfisysih

09. Surrender To Mountain

10. Protest

11. Unspeakable World (Matthew Herbert's Onc Workout)

12. Initiate (Stray Remix)

13. All Res (Dabrye Remix)

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VÍCTOR

(Son of Domi)

Antoine Pierre - Urbex (2016)

The young drummer Antoine Pierre already has impressive credits that include Philip Catherine, Tom Barman and several awards. His first solo album showcases his own writing and arrangements.

Urbex stands for Urban Exploration and the fascinating aesthetics of abandoned old buildings that time tries to embellish with mushrooms, mould and stains, while the damp and cold strips the wallpaper and eats into window frames. Antione Pierre’s music echoes with this atmosphere; alive yet deserted, chaotic but with structure.

Antoine invents arrangements that are rich, dense and that alternate between gentler atmospheres that tend towards the void and then spiral into stunning climaxes. He plays with expectations.

URBEX came together between stays in two cities. On the one hand, Brussels where he studied music and met his sparring partners. On the other, New York offered him the opportunity to get close to the sources of Jazz. These twin urban roots act as a catalyst for compositions and arrangements that are by turns energetic and apocalyptic and that really come alive when played by the octet.

"The tracks are intelligent, sophisticated, carefully worked (...) There is something of a painter’s work, sketching out huge landscapes, creating atmosphere, a particular climate. There is something of Claude Monet in the fluidity, delicate touch, the impression. But also some Spilliaert in the atmosphere and mystery. And also some Pollock in the energy, the dynamics, the splash of colours." (Le SOIR, JCV)

Release date: Jan 2016

Antoine Pierre Drums, Compositor

Bert Cools Guitar

Bram De Looze Piano

Steven Delannoye Clarinet, soprano sax, tenor sax

Jean-Paul Estiévenart Flugelhorn, Trumpet

Fréderic Malempré Percussion

Toine Thys Clarinet, Compositor, soprano sax, tenor sax

Félix Zurstrassen electric bass, Double Bass

01. Coffin for a Sequoia (to Basquiat)

02. Litany For An Orange Tree

03. Who Planted This Tree?

04. Les Douze Marionnettes 

05. Urbex

06. Metropolitan Adventure

07. Walking On A Vibrant Soil

08. Wandering #1

09. Metropolitan Adventure (reprise)

10. Moon's Melancholia

11. Ode To My Moon

Total duration 1:08:07

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Domi

Samo Salamon Bassless Trio (feat. Julián Argüelles, John Hollenbeck) - Unity (2016)

By EDWARD BLANCO / allaboutjazz

Veteran Slovenian jazz guitarist Samo Salamon has little use for the standards or contemporary traditional jazz music preferring instead, the more creative challenging landscape of today's modern jazz. With his nineteenth album as leader, the young guitarist explores the edges of the genre venturing into uncommon territory once again on Unity, where he continues employing his bass less trio format for the fourth time in his recording career. 

On tap here is Salamon joining forces with two world-class players, renowned drummer John Hollenbeck and tenor saxophonist Julian Arguelles, one of the finest musicians in Europe. Together, this version of his bass less trio performs an unconventional set of music recorded live while on tour throughout Europe in 2014. Featured here are ten dynamic new compositions of the modern jazz type that actually borders slightly on the Avant-garde sound. 

The date begins with the dicey sounds of Hollenbeck's splashy brushes laying down the beats to the dueling sounds of Salmon's guitar and Arguelles's howling tenor on the opening "Asking for a Break." The most ambitious piece of the album is "Kei's Venice" at twelve and a half minutes in length, it is perhaps the most melodic tune of the set. As is the case with a free style type of sound, there is a great deal of improvisation here lending that unanticipated or unexpected quality to the music. 

As is often the case when a trio format is used, each of the players are provided with plenty of solo space with Salamon demonstrating his appreciable chops on the guitar throughout but especially on "Soundgarden," while Hollenbeck delivers a pounding performance and Arguelles is solid on both the tenor and soprano. Samo Salamon's Unity continues the guitarists journey into the sophisticated side of modern jazz with innovative music and excellent musicianship that make this outing worth exploring.

Samo Salamon - guitar

Julian Arguelles - tenor and soprano saxophone

John Hollenbeck - drums

01. Asking for a Break (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 6:52

02. Dawn (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 5:44

03. Kei's Venice (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 12:25

04. Holla Back (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 5:23

05. Soundgarden (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 7:24

06. Moonless (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 6:31

07. Seagulls in Maine (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 6:22

08. Drop the D (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 9:25

09. Pif (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 2:25

10. Kei's Secret (feat. Julian Arguelles, John Hollenbeck) 5:52

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JAVI