Smandem / Self​-​Titled (2021 Super-Sonic Jazz Records)

Amsterdam based SMANDEM. proves that an incredible skill set and open minded approach causes genre distinctions to blur into pure energy. Inspired by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Christian Scott and Wayne Shorter as well as Travis Scott and Drake, the four-headed collective produces a sound that is deeply rooted into jazz tradition, while never restrained to any style boundaries or formal etiquette. They strive forward and explore ways to marry their delicate ability with present-day popular music. With a strong friendship at core, their dynamic live-show feels like it effortlessly accelerates from lush harmonies into colourful mixtures of dense rhythms and fierce improvisation. Including features by Herbie Hancock flutist Elena Pinderhughes (USA) and NL based talent Pink Oculus, their debut EP called ‘Self-Titled’ - set to release on Super-Sonic Records early 2021 - exemplifies best what this free-spirited mandem is up to.

SMANDEM. - consisting of Aäron Bouwman (Bass), David Nino van der Grinten (Keys), Rafael Devante Sinay (Guitar) and Kick Woudstra (Drums) - first met during their studies at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. They were quick to find out that they shared similar perspectives and were meant to play with each other. Their stunning synergy even got picked up by Kelly Coker, dean of New York’s famous New School of Jazz and Contemporary, quoting; “There’s never a feeling of trying too hard and that made it an absolute joy to listen to you. You guys don’t sound like Weather Report, but feel like Weather Report ''. Getting support from several local Amsterdam platforms such Super-Sonic Jazz, SMANDEM. sets out on a journey of becoming a vanguard in modern day music.

A philosophy that describes one the fundamentals of the band's music and personalities is; “There’s often confusion about the meaning of the words tradition and history. The tradition has a history, which we study to keep the tradition alive. The jazz tradition to us means communicating a mixture of styles and cultures. We share a love for present-day popular music and strive to create a sound that combines all of our influences into something relevant.” 

1. Gotu Lust 03:51

2. DM 01:41

3. Caption This 04:38

4. 12 AM in Bali (Ft. Elena Pinderhughes) 05:36

5. Illumi 04:44

6. Parasite (Ft. Pink Oculus) 05:11

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Hal Singer & Jef Gilson - Soul Of Africa (SUPER-SONIC JAZZ RECORDS 2018)

Mega rare great jazz recording of the legendary US saxophonist Hal Singer and French pianist Jef Gilson from 1974, originaly released on the French Le Chant Du Monde Label. The birth act of the Afro-/Jazz-Parisian scene that fascinated so many musicians and music fans throughout the 70s and 80s.Fantasic modal soul jazz masterpiece, a pure beauty from start to end...

1. Chant Inca 08:42

2. Mother Africa 06:55

3. The High Life 03:59

4. Libertarian 05:29

5. Garvey's Strut 06:08

Hal Singer (tenor sax)

Jef Gilson (piano)

Bernard Lubat (vibes, piano)

Jacky Samson (bass)

and the "Malagasy Rhythm" (consisting of Frank Raholison (drums)

Del Rabenja & Gerard Rakotoarivony (percusssion)

Palm Unit - Hommage à Jef Gilson (SUPER-SONIC JAZZ RECORDS 2018)

Over a career spanning half a century, Jef Gilson managed to occupy more or less every post in music, both possible and unimaginable. His name was up there on the French posters of the 60s and 70s, alongside the likes of John Coltrane, Oscar Peterson, Sun Ra or Ray Charles. He recorded the new wave (Byard Lancaster, Archie Shepp, David S. Ware...) in his studio and played jazz in all its guises, from the most traditional to the most abstract. 

And yet everybody, or almost everybody, seems to have forgotten: Jef Gilson is the great absentee from the history books. 

Palm Unit plays Gilson’s repertoire without any a priori, in a totally complex-free way, reinventing it whilst preserving its original essence. The keyboards sound almost psychedelic (and often not that far from the style of Eddy Louiss on Jef Gilson’s 60’s albums), the sax scratches, mews and wails, whilst the drums make the whole thing swing. Even Palm Unit’s special guest Del Rabenja, who plays the valiha (a small harp from Madagascar) and who was in Jef Gilson’s band in the 70s, featuring on several essential albums bearing the Palm imprint, was surprised to rediscover the songs still sounding so modern, decades after they were created.

1. Ouverture Suite Pour San 05:50

2. Mode De Fa 04:24

3. Newport Bounce 04:31

4. Mother Africa 04:44

5. Chakan 06:02

6. Chant Inca (Trio) 03:22

7. Chant Inca (Quartet) 02:27

8. Hommae A Rakatozafy 05:47

9. Valiha Del 07:40

10. The Creator Has A Masterplan 12:13

11. Chant Inca (Duo) 05:44

Tenor and Barytone Saxophone : Lionel Martin

Keyboards : Fred Escoffier

Drums : Philippe ‘Pipon’ Garcia

Special guest on Valiha : Del Rabenja

Hommage à Jef Gilson - CD - Palm Unit

Compact Disc (CD)

Hommage à Jef Gilson - 2xLP (Heavy Gatefold Sleeve in Sealbag) - Palm Unit

Record / Vinyl