Wako & Oslo Strings - Modes for All Eternity (AMP Music & Records 2017)

«Modes for All Eternity» is a daring new conceptual album by the nordic jazz quartet Wako in collaboration with string ensemble Oslo Strings. It will take the listener on a journey through ancient times; featuring chilling suspense and drama, introducing a five-part suite and honor truly remarkable persons such as the great Greek lyrists Sappho and Emily Dickinson.

Wako & Oslo Strings consists of seven young established musicians, whom received much praise doing various projects both on the Norwegian and the International scene in 2016. They are known from bands such as Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Espen Berg Trio, Megalodon Collective, Trondheimsolistene and Trondheim Symphony Orchestra.

The music is written by composer and saxophonist Martin Myhre Olsen, and strives to incorporate everyone’s individual voices into a fulfilling and unique ensemble sound. Approaching the prospect of adding three string instruments to a quartet, and not just let them have accompanying roles but rather be active members of the group. It reflects various composers such as Messiaen and Stravinsky, but also finds inspiration in modern chamber jazz projects like Christian Wallumrøed Ensemble and Alpaca Ensemble. 

Recorded by Marc Casanovas at The Royal Danish Academy of Music in June 2016. Mixed and mastered by Karl Klaseie at Greener Mastering, Trondheim.

01. King of Kings 6:22

02. Sappho's Theme 3:47

03. Carla 4:55

04. I. Eternal 4:42

05. II. I died for beauty 1:58

06. III. Africanus 6:02

07. IV. Intervallic Nightmares 1:15

08. V. Rejoice 4:58

09. Song for All the Annettes 4:21

10. Cold days, Warm Hearts 5:16

Martin Myhre Olsen - saxophone/composer

Kjetil André Mulelid - piano

Bárður Reinert Poulsen - bass

Simon Olderskog Albertsen - drums

Kaja Constance Rogers - violin

Isa Caroline Holmesland - viola

Kaja Fjellberg Pettersen - cello

Vinyl

Gaby Hernandez - Spirit Reflection (MR BONGO June 9, 2017)

“The music itself envelopes its listener in a warmth reminiscent of decades past, presenting both a nostalgic soulful sound and a sensual experience” Culture Collide

“A romantic summer cocktail that should be imbibed half-nude on a beach or while scattering rose petals on a bed. The songs flow between seductive, relaxing and spiritually nurturing, with earthy rhythms and warm production that make the listener feel comforted” Buzz Bands LA

“Jaw-droppingly tasty” LA Weekly

On 9th June Mr Bongo present Spirit Reflection - the third album from Los Angeles singer and musician Gaby Hernandez.

Latin, folk, electronica and jazz blend seamlessly on this sparkling, dreamy, wonder-filled masterpiece. Blissful layers of instrumentation, vocal harmonies and folkloric percussion intertwine with west coast feel to create a unique, beautiful and multi-layered album.


Spirit Reflection features a stellar line-up of LA talent; jazz star Kamasi Washington, Stuart Howard (AKA Lapalux), Kelis and Gaslamp killer collaborator Dexter Story, plus Ninja Tune, Plug Research and Soul Jazz artist Carlos Niño, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Gabriel Reyes-Whittaker all accompany Gaby, with stunning results.

Even before Spirit Reflection had been finished, the demo mixes caught the ear and gained the support of Gilles Peterson, Lefto, Toshio Matsuura (U.F.O.) and J-Rocc (Beat Junkies).

Born, raised and based in Los Angeles and of Chilean descent, Gaby Hernandez has been writing and recording since 2001. She was a founding member of the ‘creative music ensemble’ Build An Ark alongside others including Carlos Niño, Dexter Story and Dwight Trible.

Gaby was the only vocalist on Teebs' debut Brainfeeder release Ardour. She made major contributions to AmmonContact's Ninja Tune releases New Birth and With Voices, plus The Life Force Trio's Plug Research album Living Room.  She was also the vocalist on Dimlite's Outernational Duet - released as part of his highly acclaimed Sonar Kollektiv longplayer This Is Embracing.

Hernandez was invited by Mia Doi Todd to sing on the Jonathan Wilson produced song Canto de Iemanja, which was included on Todd's City Zen record Cosmic Ocean Ship and the Red Hot + Rio 2 compilation, which also featured Beck, Seu Jorge, Aloe Blacc, David Byrne and Madlib.

Among her main musical comrades is the prolific multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer Dexter Story, for whom Hernandez sang on the track Water Bearer from his LP Seasons, on Kindred Spirits

David and Graham from Mr Bongo met Gaby and Carlos Nino at the end of their hugely successful Arthur Verocai album launch and rare record sale at the Rappcats venue in LA. “Gaby and Carlos passed us a copy of Spirit Reflection. It immediately grabbed us and we couldn’t stop listening to it. When we got back to the UK we got in contact straight away and signed the album. We’re very proud to be releasing it”, says Graham Luckhurst.

HACKNEY COLLIERY BAND ‘LIVE’

NEW ALBUM RELEASED 12TH MAY VIA VEKI

“Whirling carnival maelstrom” UNCUT

“Clever, and enormous fun” THE GUARDIAN 

“An ingenious blend of showmanship and intelligence” THE SUNDAY TIMES

“An infectious tumult of horns and drums” i

 “More good brass form the east London funksters” EVENING STANDARD

“Swings irresistibly” FINANCIAL TIMES

“Upbeat, witty and rather beautiful” SUNDAY EXPRESS

After the stunning success of their critically-acclaimed third album Sharpener, London’s brass juggernauts Hackney Colliery Band blaze back onto the scene with their first live album, released 12th May via Veki. 

With BBC Radio 2 describing them as “one of the best live bands we have in this country”, their live shows have become legendary, selling out venues across the UK and Europe, and playing main stage festival shows (Womad, Wilderness, Love Supreme, Field Day) to huge popular and critical acclaim.

Recorded over three shows in 2016 and early 2017, the recording captures the band on peak form. Playing largely original material from Sharpener and their second album Common Decency, they also dust off some crowd favourites including their unique mash up of Prodigy covers, rousing versions of Blackstreet’s No Diggity and Nirvana’s Heart-Shaped Box, and concluding with an acoustic version of Toto’s Africa as they parade through the crowd at the end of the set.

To celebrate the release of this unique live record, Hackney Colliery Band are playing their biggest headline show to date when they hit the legendary KOKO in London on 26th May. With all of their recent London shows selling out months in advance, including the 800-capacity Village Underground, and a few surprises and tricks up their sleeve, their KOKO show will undoubtedly be a real highlight of 2017, and a chance for fans to hear the real thing in person in one of London’s most iconic venues.

Hearing the band playing live is a very different experience from listening to their three studio albums; it becomes immediately obvious that, far from locked-down studio heads, these are some serious jazz improvisers, here stretching out on extended solos, and with a restless energy for pushing the groove and form in new directions. But this consummate musicianship and skill is always worn very lightly: the band have always managed to present complex music in an extremely playful, fun way, and to a very broad demographic, which on these recordings takes in young east London hipsters and Oxfordshire retirees with equal ease. Front man Steve Pretty’s interactions with the crowd, particularly towards the end of the set, raise the energy levels still further, and those with a good ear can listen out for some heart-warming moments from the audience, like the somewhat slurry man a little bit too close to the sound desk microphone singing along to Heart-Shaped Box, or the room gradually falling silent during the mesmerising introduction to the album’s only ballad Reawake.

And it’s these quirks, these little imperfections, that make this album special. Rather than going through the recordings with a fine-tooth comb removing the trumpet cracks, sax squeaks or drum mishits which are inevitable in a 90-minute power set with seven brass musicians and two drummers, the production is minimal. This gives a rare ‘warts and all’ insight into how the band sound live. 

Steve Pretty, the band’s frontman said: “We’ve always prided ourselves on putting on a really great live show, and the exciting thing about live gigs is that anything can happen. Unfortunately, that means that if I missed a note somewhere, that will now live with me and annoy me forever, but we wanted a really honest portrayal, with no overdubs or excessive production, just capturing the energy of the room”.

With the brass band revival in full swing, Hackney Colliery Band manage to occupy their own very distinctive space. Washes of Scandinavian-influenced electronica collide with extended contemporary jazz improvisation, dancefloor-friendly beats contrast with pounding rock rhythms, and Balkanesque melodies nestle up against soul and hip hop grooves. This set owes as much to modern European jazz and American alternative rock as it does to New Orleans second lines or the traditional British brass bands to which their name pays tribute.

UK tour dates:

26/5  LONDON  KOKO

27/5  BURY  Met

06/6  TRURO  Hall for Cornwall

16/6  MANCHESTER  Band on the Wall

17/6  WAKEFIELD  Unity Works

22-25/6  GLASTONBURY  Pilton

28/6  FOLKESTONE  Cornerhouse

29/6  PARIS  New Morning

08/7  NORWICH  Forum

14/7  NEWTON LONGVILLE  Into the Wild Festival

15/7  BROMSGROVE Artrix

03/8  NEWQUAY  Lusty Glaze

04/8  MORECAMBE  Platform

28/8  LONDON House of Common Festival

10/9  ISLE OF WIGHT  Bestival

Julian Argüelles’ Tetra signs to Edition

EDITION RECORDS

EDITION RECORDS LTD | PRESS RELEASE

12th December 2016

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Julian Argüelles’ Tetra signs to Edition. Late 2018 release.

Edition are pleased to announce that British saxophonist Julian Argüelles will strengthen his relationship with Edition to include a release from his vibrant, adventurous quartet featuring Kit Downes, James Maddren and Sam Lasserson scheduled for Autumn 2018. Described as ‘supremely lyrical, with beautiful melodies’ by the Irish Times, Tetra is a dynamic outfit defined by its deftly executed tempo changes and improvisatory touches.

Julian marked his first appearance on Edition earlier this year as arranger and conductor for Phronesis and Frankfurt Radio Big Band’s acclaimed album, The Behemoth. Julian’s contribution to the record was highly praised by Downbeat Magazine: “the star of the session is arranger (and conductor) Argüelles, whose task was a daunting one...the arrangements allow Phronesis to truly be themselves while the big band artfully complements their rhythmic momentum and contributes glorious, harmonic colors”.

In Oct 2017, Julian will team up with Portuguese pianist Mário Laginha and Norwegian percussionist Helge Andreas Norbakken to release Setembro, an album bursting with melody, intertwined with subtle grooves and a collective maturity that places this world-class trio up as one of the most creative in Europe.

More About Julian Argüelles
From his beginnings in the 1980s with the legendary UK big band Loose Tubes, through his worldwide collaborations, his current quartet (Tetra), to his searching solo projects, Argüelles has always spoken with a unique voice. His recordings, compositions and award winning arrangements have earned him the highest accolades internationally and wide critical acclaim. He has become a hugely influential figure to a new generation of European jazz musicians and continues to be amongst the most in demand musicians, composers, arrangers and educators.

Mário Laginha, Julian Argüelles and Helge Andreas Norbakken will release their debut album in Autumn 2017.

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Walt Weiskopf - Fountain of Youth (POSI-TONE RECORDS 2017)

Saxophonist Walt Weiskopf unleashes a wellspring of creativity for his fourth release for Posi-Tone on the aptly entitled "Fountain of Youth." Also along with Weiskopf for the journey are a familiar crew of accomplished collaborators including vibraphonist Behn Gillece, pianist Peter Zak, bassist Mike Karn, and drummer Steve Fidyk. With a program of exciting original compositions and a few tasty covers, the whole session swings into action and shines with bright moments.

Weiskopf has clearly advanced to another level of compositional mastery and effortless virtuosity with this tour-de-force performance. This new album clearly encourages us to enjoy the wondrous discovery of sounds and secrets from this "Fountain of Youth.” 

Sean Jones - Live from Jazz at the Bistro (MACK AVENUE RECORDS 2017)

The young jazz veteran trumpeter Sean Jones believes passionately in championing the creative arc of artists who are committed to their life journey. “I think the progression of the art form [jazz] comes with people being allowed to be themselves in their rawest form with no compromise,” he has noted and added, “My body of work is going to show a progression of who Sean Jones is in the most honest form.”

While he spoke these words a few years ago, they serve as a vivid manifesto for his new Mack Avenue Records album, Live from Jazz at the Bistro, his eighth for the label and arguably the most dynamic, playful and loose-limbed excursion of his career. Indeed, the 38-year-old Jones brings to the sessions a stalwart poise, the fire of ecstasy and a whimsy in motion. “In a nutshell, I’ve been wanting to do a live album for a while,” he says. “I wanted to capture the band’s energy live and record what it’s like to go to one of my gigs. Granted, recording in a studio creates a polished sound where the music is all tied up. But this album, it’s real raw.”

1) Art's Variable 

2) Lost, Then Found 

3) Piscean Dichotomy 

4) Doc's Holiday 

5) The Ungentrified Blues 

6) Prof 7) BJ'S Tune

Sean Jones - trumpet

Orrin Evans - piano

Brian Hogans - saxophone

Luques Curtis - double bass

Obed Calvaire - drums

Mark Whitfield Jr. - drums

Modern Art Orchestra: The Mind's Ear (MAO plays the music of Gábor Subicz) 2017

A lemez kikacsintás a kortárs zene keretei közül a 60-as évek ritmikus zenéi felé - funk, r'n'b, funk, bossa nova is felcsendül a közel egyórányi anyagban. Mindez Európa egyik legjobb, hazai jazz big bandjének előadásában páratlan élmény és valóságos kalandozás korok és zenei stílusok dimenziói között.

Subicz Gábor szerzeményei a jazz big band előadásában letölthetőek lesznek minden nagyobb online zeneáruház virtuális polcáról.

"A zeneszerzés vagy hangszerelés folyamata nálam nagyon hasonlít egyfajta rajzoláshoz, festéshez; formák, színek, textúrák világa mindkettő. Azt hiszem, leginkább az közös ebben a két művészi kifejezésmódban, hogy előre el kell képzelni az egészet, mielőtt az ember nekilát meghúzni az első vonalakat. Ez néha nem több mint firkálás, de ha becsukom a szemem, látnom vagy hallanom kell előre, hogy mit akarok. Kell, hogy legyen egy előkép. Ez a kép persze néha homályos, de pont ez benne a kihívás: ahogy mondják, zenét szerezni nem más, mint rosszul emlékezni valamire, amit már hallottunk. Gyakran képek, furcsa terek vagy felületek jelennek meg a fejemben, mielőtt a zene nyelvére lefordítom a látottakat. És bár az érzékelés módja nagyon sokban különbözik, az érzés, ami egy vizuális élmény vagy egy építészeti tér nyomán keletkezik az emberben, gyakran nagyon hasonló, mint amit zenehallgatás közben élünk át. Pontosan ezért írtam ezt a lemezt, ez érdekelt, hogy hogyan lehet emberként megélni ezt a kapcsolódási pontot aközött, amit látunk, és amit hallunk. "

1. The Call

2. Early Music

3. Fountain

4. One Bigband Piece

5. Shelter

6. The Mind's Eye

7. Dudi

8. Cavatina (bonus track)

A dalokat Subicz Gábor szerezte, ez alól kivétel az utolsó, Cavatina c. szerzemény, mely Rossini: A sevilla-i borbély c. operájának egy részletének átirata. A One Bigband Piece című dal Carl Nielsen: Three Piano Pieces c. szerzeményét vette alapul.

Chicuelo & Marco Mezquida - Conexion (TALLER DE MÚSICS 2017)

Se dice que en este proyecto Marco Mezquida y Juan Gómez, Chicuelo se encuentran, no se preguntan de dónde vienen. Conexión es el nombre del nuevo álbum de estos dos músicos, disponible en tiendas a partir de abril y cuya presentación oficial será en L’Auditori de Barcelona el 4 de mayo, a las 21:00 h.

Ganador del Goya, brillante como solista o como socio de Poveda y de Duquende, Juan Gómez ‘Chicuelo’ es uno de los guitarristas más relevantes del panorama actual del flamenco y, al mismo tiempo, uno de los compositores más prolíficos e interesantes de las últimas generaciones.

Marco Mezquida, músico total, rotundo, creador de un pianismo único, a sus 30 años Mezquida se ha convertido en uno de los músicos más valorados y solicitados del panorama jazzístico y las músicas improvisadas en España como demuestra su intensa y versátil actividad concertística y creativa junto con muchos de los mejores músicos del país.

Juntos, “el pulso del mediterráneo que resuena”, un cruce de caminos de dos personalidades artísticas tan nítidas como dúctiles. Una intersección marcada por la autenticidad, la admiración mutua y la entrega absoluta a la música que define a sus protagonistas.

Tony Allen - A Tribute to Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers EP (BLUE NOTE 2017)

Blue Note Records has announced the May 19 digital release of Tony Allen’s new EP, A Tribute to Art Blakey. On the 4-track EP the legendary Nigerian drummer and Afrobeat pioneer best known for his work with Fela Kuti pays tribute to his longstanding idol, the American jazz drummer and Blue Note legend Art Blakey. The pre-order for the EP launched today with the release of the track “Moanin” which is available now to stream or download.

The EP was recorded live in Allen’s current hometown of Paris and features a fiery 7-piece band interpreting the Jazz Messengers classics “Moanin’,” “A Night In Tunisia,” “Politely” and “Drum Thunder Suite” through an Afrobeat prism. The EP was produced by Vincent Taurelle, whose production credits also include Allen's previous album Film of Life.

While American jazz -in particular the recordings of Blakey and Max Roach- had a big impact on Allen during his early musical development in Nigeria, the music of Africa was also hugely influential for Blakey (aka Abdullah Ibn Buhaina) throughout his career. In the late-1940s Blakey spent time traveling abroad in West Africa exploring the culture, religion, and of course, the drumming. Blakey later recorded several albums that were heavily influenced by African music including Orgy in Rhythm (1957), Holiday for Skins (1958), and The African Beat (1962), which featured the Nigerian drummer and percussionist Solomon Ilori.

Michael Wolff - Zenith (Solo Piano) 2017

On Zenith, Michael Wolff approaches the solo piano encounter with masterly mischief, attitude and gratitude for those who came before, including John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Jerome Kern. He also looks to present-day artists like Sufjan Stevens, makes a homegrown nod to New Orleans, and toasts his wife, noted actress and director Polly Draper.

Wolff has worked with Cannonball Adderley,Cal Tjader and Nancy Wilson; led the TV band on Arsenio Hall's late night show, and led his own trios and expanded groups. But this one (by only one) just might feature some of his best playing yet.

SIDE 1

The Doc (Michael Wolff)

Giant Steps (John Coltrane)

Makin’ Whoopee (Walter Donaldson / Gus Kahn)

Flint (Sufjan Stevens)

Euphoria (Michael Wolff)

All the Things You Are (Jerome Kern)

Blue Couch (Michael Wolff)

SIDE 2

Billie’s Bounce (Charlie Parker)

Cry Me a River (Arthur Hamilton)

Little M (Michael Wolff)

Madimba / St. Thomas (Michael Wolff / Sonny Rollins)

Polly (Michael Wolff)

Too Long at the Fair (Billy Barnes)

Hush (Michael Wolff)

Michael Wolff Website

Jimmy Weinstein - Sobrinos (2017)

Jimmy Weinstein / drums, composer. Leader of a consortium of New York based ensembles, Jimmy has been on the move for over 25 years, touring the US, Europe and Japan. Recordings and tours with virtuoso improvisers, Ahmed Abdullah, Chris Cheek, Ben Monder, Satoko Fujii, Alex Harding, Jeff Parker, Oscar Noriega, Masa Kamaguchi and Matt Renzi. Jimmy’s 2015 quintet features Chris Cheek, Ben Monder.

1. Marianna 05:41

2. Children/G Vamp 10:09

3. Sobrinos 04:13

4. El Segundo 06:59

5. Arthur Young 05:31

6. Cycles 07:07

7. Playtime 05:12

8. My Lilli Song 04:47

9. Calypso Dario 04:49

10. Margherita 02:28

Mads Vinding 4tet - Standards (STORYVILLE RECORDS 2017)

A live jazz concert with some of Denmark’s brightest jazz musicians

Last year the record ”Walk With Me” was released to great critical acclaim. It featured a collaborative project spanning beautiful ballads and swinging jazz, completed by a handful of the most hard-working and skilled Danish jazz musicians. A little while later, three of the original players gathered for a memorable evening in the concert hall of Amager Bio.

The bassist Mads Vinding ties the quartet together with his confident style. Vinding has played with all of the legends of jazz, and is often mentioned as the musical heir of late NHØP.

The pianist and composer Carsten Dahl takes the keys. His play is, as always, playful and technically skilled. Carsten Dahl is a highly productive musicians, but his work never lacks quality – instead, his piano is rich with experience.

Above all soars the unique voice of Margrete Grarup. She manages to balance force and delicacy and always retains a certain humility even when her powerful voice is at its most expressive. 

Niclas Campagnol plays the drums, a recent addition to the original group. A regular on the Danish jazz stage, he easily complements the others with cool and understated rhythm.

The mood is audibly lively, and the musicians clearly long to entertain as they invite the audience along on the journey.

01 Love for sale

03 Autumn Leaves

04 You dont know what love is

05 Everyday I have the Blues

06 Blame it on my youth

07 Over the rainbow

Mads Vinding (bass)

Margrete Grarup (vocal)

Carsten Dahl (piano)

Niclas Campagnol (drums)