Thursday, February 10, 2022

Jerome Etcheberry Popstet - SATCHMOCRACY (April 16, 2021 Camille Productions)

« SATCHMOCRACY knocked me out from start to finish and listening to it was one of my most satisfying experiences in a very turbulent year. Instead of pretending it’s the 1920s, Jerome Etcheberry and company perform this music in the 2020s, keeping it fresh-sounding and moving forward. In such a contemporary, swinging setting, Louis Armstrong’s original trumpet lines jump out and hit the listener between the ears in exciting new ways, especially when scored for multiple instruments and when placed over consistently shifting rhythms. It’s further proof that every note Armstrong played will simultaneously remain hip and timeless, especially when presented the way it’s done on SATCHMOCRACY! » Ricky Riccardi – december 2020.

1. TIGHT LIKE THIS 05:43
2. HEAR ME TALKIN TO YA 04:24
3. WEATHER BIRD 04:16
4. HOTTER THAN THAT 03:14
5. I DOUBLE DARE YOU 03:56
6. MEMORIES OF YOU 02:43
7. BIG BUTTER AND EGG MAN 03:02
8. SOMEDAY YOU'LL BE SORRY 03:35
9. CORNET SHOP SUEY 04:16
10. STRUTTIN WITH SOME BARBECUE 04:53
11. WEST END BLUES 04:00
12. POTATO HEAD BLUES 04:03
13. YES I'M IN THE BARREL 03:55
14. NEW ORLEANS STOMP 04:04

Jérome Etcheberry (lead, trumpet, arrangements)
Malo Mazurié (trumpet)
César Poirier (clarinet, tenor sax)
Benjamin Dousteyssier (alto and baritone sax)
Ludovic Allainmat (piano)
Félix Hunot (guitar)
Sébastien Girardot (double bass)
David Grebil (drums)

Producteur : Michel Stochitch
Enregistré, mixé et masterisé au Studio de Meudon par Julien Bassères
Liner notes : Ricky Riccardi et Michaël Steinman
Photos : Zoé Forget
Design digipack : Olivier Boeuf
Design booklet : Dolly Prann

Maddalena Ghezzi / Francesca Naibo - Opal (February 22, 2022)

Opal, inspired by the qualities attributed to the mineral of the same name, is a sonic journey in search for internal clarity.

Abyss is an improvised immersion in the depth of sound, Meadow is an enriching solitary moment surrounded by poppies, Instabile is the struggle for certainty and Confluence is bright crystalline light.

1. Pre-order preview mix
2. Abyss
3. Meadow
4. Instabile
5. Confluence

Maddalena Ghezzi - voice and composition
Francesca Naibo - guitar, voice and composition

Opal was recorded at Nitön Studio (Laboratorio di Sperimentazione Sonora)
Recording, mixing: Enrico Mangione
Master: Luca Martegani
Released on DēngYuè Records
Artwork Maddalena Ghezzi

Produced by Maddalena Ghezzi and Francesca Naibo

Søren Kristiansen & Thomas Fonnesbæk - The Touch (February 2022 Storyville Records)

Only time can tell if a musical composition will be considered a “classical” piece by future audiences, but as Danish music critic Søren Schauser has predicted: “In a couple of years we will see pieces by an Ellington or a Peterson in regular concert programs in entirely classical contexts.”

With “The Touch” Søren Kristiansen and Thomas Fonnesbæk present their take on a classic piece of jazz, playing the music of Oscar Peterson and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen - classical but improvised!

OP and NHØP gave us something unique and unforgettable, just as the classical composers did and still do. Being the world’s greatest virtuosos on piano and double bass respectively, their immense technique and ‘Touch’ made them unique.

Their collaboration was likewise special because they were equals. For instance, Oscar Peterson’s arrangement for “On The Trail” (Great Connection, 1971) was presumably written because he had found a bassist that could keep up both musically and technically.

The music of OP & NHØP is maybe the most challenging repertoire that exists in classical jazz. It requires ‘The Touch’… The nuanced, personal touch – the soft, almost inaudible accompaniment and an effortless technique. Søren Kristiansen describes the process: “Exactly like in soccer, The Touch is something you practice. When you play piano or the double bass you need to be able to control the instrument to express yourself freely in the moment.”

Søren Kristiansen is one of the best and most acknowledged pianists in Denmark. Born and raised on the small Danish island Ærø he became a pianist in Jesper Thilo’s quartet at a very young age and later on he toured in Denmark and all over Europe with a number of great classical American musicians. Søren Kristiansen is famous for his great technique, phenomenal swing, and vast amount of repertoire. An unusual musician – one of the few of his kind in Denmark.

Thomas Fonnesbæk was the obvious choice as bassist to The Touch, and he is one of the younger Danish bass players who continues the virtuosity which NHØP was the first bassist to introduce. There is a wildness and energy in Thomas Fonnesbæk’s musical style that is very unusual. Unorthodox, but technically perfect. 

1. Soft Winds 05:13
2. Nigerian Marketplace 06:59
3. On The Trail 05:43
4. Love Ballade 04:54
5. Night Child 07:23
6. On Danish Shore 06:01
7. Wheatland 06:26
8. There Is No Greater Love 06:44
9. Hymn To Freedom 02:17

Søren Kristiansen – piano
Thomas Fonnesbæk – bass

Evan Christopher - Blues in the Air (February 2022 Camille Productions)

En cette époque d’intenses déforestations nocives au climat, qu’il est réconfortant d’entendre la sonorité magnifiquement ‘boisée’ d’Evan Christopher ; un souffle bénéfique qui s’adapte aux changements climatiques, euh, pardon, aux changements de climats… musicaux salutaires de ce CD.

Et tout ça avec un son et un style différent du maître, thanks to the now famous « Christopher Sound ».

Evan a su s’entourer d’instrumentistes chevronnés et parfaitement soudés puisque trois d’entre eux forment les ‘Three Blind Mice’ (Malo, Félix et Sébastien).

Le dernier (Guillaume) à la batterie s’intègre tellement bien que cet opus aurait pu s’appeler « Evan Christopher et les Four Blind Mice rencontrent Sidney. »

Le résultat est étonnant, swinguant et rempli de surprises musicales particulièrement réjouissantes.

Je m’aperçois que je n’ai pas beaucoup parlé du chef d’orchestre. Je remarque ici un trait qui démarque Evan de Bechet : il ne profite pas de sa position de leader et se met souvent en retrait derrière la trompette, pour fournir des contrechants parfaitement adaptés au contexte de chaque morceau. Il ne prend pas beaucoup plus de solos que ses compagnons. On le sent attentif à la moindre des nuances, ne cédant pas à l’esbroufe potentielle du chef. Ce qui fait qu’on trouve dans ces interprétations un sens de la respiration, du bon tempo relax et de l’équilibre assez rares dans les productions actuelles.

Ça repose les neurones tout en flattant les oreilles !

PHILIPPE BAUDOIN 

1. Blues Dans le Blues 05:46
2. Polka Dot Stomp 04:16
3. Southern Sunset (When the Sun Sets Down South) 06:35
4. Dans les Rues d'Antibes 05:36
5. What a Dream 05:02
6. Si Tu Vois Ma Mère 03:51
7. Lastic 05:23
8. Blues in the Air 05:24
9. Girl's Dance (Themes from the ballet: La Nuit Est une Sorcière) 05:09
10. This Is That Tomorrow That I Dreaded Yesterday 06:52
11. Ghost of the Blues 04:40

Evan Christopher (cl)
Malo Mazurié (tp)
Félix Hunot (g)
Sébastien Girardot (b)
Guillaume Nouaux (dms)

Michel Stochitch - Camille Productions
Enregistré, mixé et masterisé au Studio Meudon par Julien Bassères. Juillet 2021
Design graphic et artwork Ryan Calloway Art

Didier Burgaud & Simon Teboul - Chet in Mind (February 2022 Camille Productions)

Le premier album de ce quintet réuni autour de Didier Burgaud (anches, vocal) et Simon Teboul (contrebasse) nous emmène au coeur du répertoire du trompettiste et chanteur Chet Baker. Un pari artistique qui repose sur de très belles mélodies serties dans des arrangements originaux et qui respectent l’esthétique de Chet. Une musique authentique et rafraîchissante.

The first album of this quintet gathered around Didier Burgaud (reeds, vocals) and Simon Teboul (double bass) takes us to the heart of the repertoire of trumpeter and singer Chet Baker. An artistic adventure based on very beautiful melodies with original arrangements and which complies with Chet’s sense of esthetics. A genuine and refreshing music.

Chet ! … Ces quatre lettres sonnent comme une onomatopée, celle d’une gueule d’amour au destin tragique.

Après avoir sillonné avec bonheur les terres du swing, entouré d’un remarquable trompettiste et porté par une rythmique impeccable, le clarinettiste et saxophoniste Didier Burgaud met en avant ses qualités vocales pour nous livrer un itinéraire amoureux au cœur de l’esthétique de Chet Baker.

L’entreprise nous fait penser à l’album « Chet sings again » mais pas que… les arrangements et le lâcher prise de l’équipe créent une oscillation entre swing et bop, éclairant ainsi les zones de fragilité du Petit Prince de la West Coast.

Un témoignage sincère et rafraîchissant.

Laurent Mignard 

1. But NotFor Me 05:14
2. Dear Old Stockholm 03:59
3. Let's Get Lost 03:32
4. Just Friends* 03:44
5. Time After Time 04:08
6. I Fall In Love To Easily 05:22
7. For Minors Only 03:10
8. No Moon At All 03:57
9. My Funny Valentine 03:21
10. It Could Happen To You** 04:08
11. You Don't Know What Love Is 05:40
12. Look For The Silver Lining 03:59
13. Comes Love 05:35
14. You And The Night And The Music 04:23

Didier Burgaud, clarinet, tenor sax, vocals
Brice Moscardini, trumpet
Vinh Lê, piano
Simon Teboul, double bass
Yves Nahon, drums

Arrangements: Simon Teboul, Didier Burgaud, *J. "Cannonball" Adderley, **Mikael Skoglund

Christopher Culpo - Culpo Solo at the Pavillon (February 2022)

As I have continued along several musical paths over the years – composing chamber and orchestral music, composing for and performing in various jazz and modern jazz groups, and performing in free improvisation contexts, I have maintained a solo piano “project”. My preferred format for a solo concert over the past 20 years has been a suite; an uninterrupted set of compositions, a mix of standards and my own compositions. I was first drawn to the format after listening to a solo concert by Randy Weston in Paris where he performed the compositions in sets of 3. I was impressed by how captivating the weaving in and out of the songs was, and by how free one could be with the transitions. I was swept along through each set of 3 pieces but at the end of the set I repeatedly felt a letdown; I wanted the musical spell to continue. So I began to perform concerts where I try to not let the spell end until the end.

As the tradition of the piano, jazz or otherwise, is vast, for any musician who takes on a solo concert many stylistic choices can be made. From single line passages, to stride, to two full hands of notes, from a solo voice to an orchestra, from harmonic simplicity to clusters, it is all in front of the musician.

I hope you will enjoy my choices.

This recording is from one of the few concerts I have been able to give since the arrival of Covid19, performed October 24 at the Pavillon d’Artois in Vaux-sur-Seine.

I have uploaded the concert as a single track. Below is the program with approximate timings.

0:00-3:24 Up Jumped Spring (Freddie Hubbard)
3:24-7:00 Stella by Starlight (Victor Young)
7:00- 9:44 It Could Happen to You (Jimmy Van Heusen)
9:44-13:00 I Didn’t Know What Time It Was (Richard Rodgers)
13:00-18:20 Prelude to a Kiss (Duke Ellington)
18:20 22:30 Rose Moon (Christopher Culpo)
22:30-25:30 I’ll Remember April (Gene de Paul)
25:30-29:30 In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning (David Mann)
29:30-32:35 Willow Weep for Me (Ann Ronell)
32:35-37:03 In Love In Vain (Jerome Kern)
37:03-38:00 Coda -Up Jumped Spring

Julien Wilson - Outtake Takeouts (February 2022 Lionsharecords)

During 2021 I've been preparing 3 solo albums for release in 2022. They all feature spontaneous solo improvisations manipulated live without any overdubs utilising effects pedals and loopers. I feel they fall more in to the "Experimental / electronic / ambient" arena than "solo jazz saxophone" territory, although, obviously, there's plenty of saxophone (and even some clarinet, although at times it's hard to tell which it is). I think it's music. You can call it whatever you want.

The first two albums will be released on Bandcamp as high definition 24bit/96kHz downloads called MEDITATIONS and MUTATIONS, followed by a more primitive LoFi prequel called "...and friends". I considered releasing these on streaming platforms, but recent events have convinced me to stick to my rusty guns. I plan to print a limited run of CDs, and possibly an LP if there's enough interest.

OUTTAKE TAKEOUTS is a collection of LoFi offcuts that didn't make it on to any of the albums. You're welcome to download it for free. Just enter ZERO at checkout - unless you really want to leave a tip. Bandcamp will always let you do that, and I won't object, (gigs have been thin on the ground), but there's no obligation. I just want to share these samples with you as a taste of what's to come.

This is an unmastered recording. All sounds were created and captured by me at Liberty Sounds in August 2019 and June 2020

Soprano Saxophone on all tracks except track 2 (Bb Clarinet)

The one exception to the "recorded live with no overdubs" process is track 3 which was put together in five parts: two parts percussion, two parts sax + one part drone

The photo is one I took in Großer Tiergarten, late 2006

1. Good For You 00:48
2. I'm Sure You'll Work It Out 02:58
3. Winter Sun During Lockdown 03:44
4. You're a Real Sweetheart 02:28
5. Oh You Do Do You? 00:53

Christina Guala - What It Is (February 2022)

Led by Christina Guala, CG Octet features many of Adelaide’s finest musicians playing jazz inspired original compositions. After releasing her debut saxophone quartet album and winning Creative Original Music Adelaide’s (COMA) inaugural Emerging Jazz Writer’s Award, Christina created this new band incorporating her writing style with a vocal focus.

1. Just Work 06:02
2. What It Is 04:39
3. Man Coloured Glasses 06:31
4. Last Effort 06:45
5. Let Them Come 04:45

Christina Guala - Vocals/Compositions
Josh Chenoweth - Trumpet
Jack Degenhart - Alto Sax
Jordan Noble - Tenor Sax
Thomas Voss - Trombone
David Goodwin - Piano
Bonnie Aué - Bass
Josh Baldwin - Drums

Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Jarrad Payne @ Wizard Tone Studios

Rahel Talts - Power of Thought (February 2022)

Rahel Talts is a younger generation rising jazz pianist and composer from Estonia, based in Denmark.

In her music, she likes to mix jazz with elements from folk, pop and fusion, using sweet melodies, interesting rhythmic layers and switching between acoustic piano and electric keyboard sound.

Rahel plays in many different bands and projects over Europe, either as a leader or a sidewoman.

"Power of Thought" talks about the opportunities and possibilities that our thoughts give us in life, and how much do different kinds of mindsets and thinking affect us.

Rahel Talts Ensemble consists of 14 musicians from 5 different countries. The music is well thought-through and thoroughly composed and arranged, but there is also a lot of room for improvisation. This is my first album and I have put every piece of energy, love and appreciation into making the music, I hope You will enjoy it!

1. Gratitude 08:10
2. Sunset in the Meadow 05:26
3. Power of Thought 06:42
4. Flow of Life 06:19
5. Spring in Quarantine 09:30
6. Innermess 06:06
7. Forward Motion 05:38

Rahel Talts (ES) - piano
Isabella Østenby (DK) - piccolo
Monica Vejgaard (DK)- flute
Wojtek Morelowski (PL) - trumpet
Donatas Petreikis (LT) - saxophone, vocals
Ida Frederike Vermehren (DK) - vocals
Kristýna Duchoňová (CZ) - violin
Emilia Blaszczyk (PL) - violin
Daniel Mortensen (DK) - viola
Asger Agerskov Buur (DK) - cello
Jacob Djursaa (DK) - guitar
Rahel Talts (EE)- piano, synthesizer
Mariusz Praśniewski (PL) - double bass
Kasper Grøn (DK) - percussion
Jesper Lørup Christensen (DK) - drums

Marek Talts (EE)- acoustic guitar (track 2)
Jakob Bänsch (DE)- flugelhorn solo (track 6)

Mario Barreiros - Dois Quartetos Sobre o Mar (2022)

Um documentário, que é um retrato real sobre a vida dos oceanos, tornou-se no ponto de partida para esta criação em colectivo.Assim foi nascendo este trabalho de dois 'moods' distintos, ora com o Quarteto Pacífico, com uma toada mais contemplativa, ora com o Quarteto Abissal, mais exploratório de águas densas e profundas. Este é um mergulho no misterioso grande azul, e na melhor das companhias.

1. Só Ten o Corpo Memoria 06:34
2. Aquática 06:28
3. Narciso 04:36
4. Pacífico 05:34
5. El Árbol Negro 07:46
6. Clarabóia 05:17
7. Abissal 05:50
8. Rede 04:29

Quarteto Pacífico:
Mário Barreiros, bateria
Carlos Barretto, contrabaixo
Abe Rábade, piano
Ricardo Toscano, sax alto

Gravado no dia 14 de Julho de 2021 no Atlântico Blue Studios por André Tavares.
Produção, mistura, masterização, fotografias e capa de Mário Barreiros

Quarteto Abissal:
Mário Barreiros, bateria
Demian Cabaud, contrabaixo
Miguel Meirinhos, piano
José Pedro Coelho, sax Tenor

Gravado no dia 11 de Agosto de 2021 no estúdio CARA por João Maia
Produção, mistura, masterização, fotografias e capa de Mário Barreiros

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Andy Lumpp · Adelhard Roidinger - Parusia II (February 8, 2022 Nabel Records)

For many years, Adelhard Roidinger has been involved in developing new sounds based on micro-tonality. With his 7-string tenor bass and state-of-the-art electronics, he has created an exciting and wide-ranging musical dialogue in partnership with pianist Andy Lumpp, who, with his classic touch and extended harmonies, turns in a performance truely typical of his work.

The five spontaneously composed pieces included on this album showcase a new kind of audio experience, neither free jazz nor within the mainstream tradition.

This CD presents the second part of the May 2019 recording session. Jazz music with unmistakably European roots!

1. The Noo Sphere 13:54
2. Man’s Task 06:41
3. Those Who Carry the Burden 19:02
4. Parusia (für Jan) 11:43
5. Make It a Better Place 18:20

Andy Lumpp piano
Adelhard Roidinger 7-string tenor bass

All tunes composed by Andy Lumpp and Adelhard Roidinger, published by Nabel Music
Produced by Andy Lumpp, Adelhard Roidinger and Rainer Wiedensohler for Nabel
Recorded at Studio Großauer, Dormagen by Holger Siedler (THS-Studio), May 7, 2019
Mastered June 2019 · Highresolution Audio (24 bit, 96 khz)
Front cover artwork by Adelhard Roidinger · Photos by Michaela Krings (p. 7), Ulrike Stein (p. 8) and Rainer Wiedensohler · Cover design by Nabel

Maloo - Fuzzland (February 8, 2022 Dodicilune / Ird)


Una miscela di jazz, crossover, rock, prog, groove, minimalismo ed elettronica: "Fuzzland” è il nuovo progetto discografico della band Maloo, prodotto nella collana Controvento dall’etichetta Dodicilune, e distribuito da martedì 8 febbraio in Italia e all’estero da IRD e nei migliori store on line da Believe. Nel disco , il quartetto marchigiano, nato nel 2014 dall’incontro tra il chitarrista e compositore Valeriano Ulissi, il bassista Carlo Bolognini, il batterista Giovanni Zannini e il percussionista Federico Zannini, propone nove composizioni originali firmate da Ulissi e una sorprendente cover di “In Bloom” dei Nirvana. 

«Quello che offriamo è il nostro punto di vista attuale e contemporaneo su tutta la musica che abbiamo ascoltato ed interiorizzato fino ad oggi», sottolinea Valeriano Ulissi. «I brani sono una fusione di vari generi con particolare attenzione alla ricerca timbrica che, a nostro parere, è uno degli aspetti e dei parametri musicali dove c’è più margine per la creatività. Quello che vogliamo trasmettere è la nostra “ idea” di musica, intesa come personalità musicale, che si forma, nel corso degli anni, attraverso lo studio e l’ascolto “interiore” delle sonorità che ci appartengono e ci caratterizzano. Un’idea di bellezza e di emozione che non può essere catalogata in uno specifico genere ma è ricca di contaminazioni».

Nato a Jesi, in provincia di Ancona, nel 1972, Valeriano Ulissi inizia a studiare chitarra a 15 anni, circondato da una famiglia di musicisti. Dal 1988 al 1991 è allievo di Andrea Conti (borsa di studio alla Berkley school di Boston). Negli anni si perfeziona, studiando con dedizione tecnica, armonia ed ear training. Iscritto alla SIAE come compositore melodista dal 1998, dal 2002 al 2006 studia Jazz ed improvvisazione con Fabio Zeppetella. Partecipa a vari seminari di armonia jazz, musica d’insieme, t ecniche di improvvisazione, chitarra brasiliana, strumenti preparati, con numerosi artisti di livello internazionale (Augusto Mancinelli, Tommaso Lama, Garrison Fewell, Lello Molinari, Gregory Burk, Rick di Muzio, John Azilla, Lisa Thorson, Ramberto Ciammarughi, Umberto Fiorentino, Guinga, Roberto Taufic, Fabio Zeppetella, Massimo Moriconi, John Arnold, Michele Rabbia e altri). Fonda e suona in diverse formazioni acustiche ed elettriche, avvicinandosi così a molti generi musicali (rock, blues, funky, pop, jazz, brasil, fusion, elettronica). Dal 2007 è docente di chitarra e musica d’insieme in diverse scuole di musica. Dal 2016 al 2020 approfondisce gli studi di composizione e arrangiamento con il maestro Fabrizio Teodosi. Nel dicembre 2014, dal suo incontro con Carlo Bolognini, Giovanni Zannini e Federico Zannini prende il via l’avventura dei Maloo. Nel 2016 esce il primo cd autoprodotto “Everything needs time” (Rara Records). Nel corso di questi anni si sono esibiti in nu merosi festival, club e locali in giro per l’Italia.

L’etichetta Dodicilune è attiva dal 1996 e dispone di un catalogo di quasi 300 produzioni di artisti italiani e stranieri. Distribuiti nei negozi in Italia e all'estero da IRD, i dischi Dodicilune possono essere acquistati anche online, ascoltati e scaricati sulle maggiori piattaforme del mondo grazie a Believe.

Tracklist
1 - Slat • 2 - Nubeart • 3 - Slow Walk • 4 - Fuzzland • 5 - Five • 6 - Analog ic • 
7 - Departures • 8 - Around My Mind • 9 - Taurus Green • 10 - In Bloom

Tutte le composizioni sono di Valeriano Ulissi tranne “In bloom” di Kurt Cobain.
Arrangiamenti di Valeriano Ulissi, Carlo Bolognini, Giovanni Zannini.

Line Up
Valeriano Ulissi • chitarra, fx, electronics, synth (1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8)
Carlo Bolognini • basso elettrico, , fretless bass (5, 7), synth (8)
Giovanni Zannini • batteria, fx, drumprog, samples
Federico Zannini • pads, percussioni (1, 5), hand pan (3, 7, 8)

Fraser / McCowen / Weinberg - Thip (April 23, 2021 Tripticks Tapes)

Thip is the first record of the trio of Henry Fraser, John McCowen, and Sam Weinberg. By the time McCowen moved to Brooklyn in 2017, Fraser and Weinberg had already played together in a number of contexts – duo, a trio with Weasel Walter, Maestro Day, et al. When they met McCowen, both were instantly struck not only by his virtuosity on both contrabass and B flat clarinets, but also his depth and seriousness. 

All three became close personal friends and the trio emerged from that friendship and the shared understanding that had already been forged. Thip was recorded in April of 2019 at Issue Project Room and that space’s eminent and notorious natural reverb is heavily reflected in the document – and dictated some of the aesthetic decisions that were made throughout the album. While there’s a density to the music on Thip, there’s also a kind of elasticity and patient suspension; a confident sense of form and a deliberate unfolding.

1. Ayeda 10:00
2. Arunae 12:38
3. Nur 07:44
4. Thaanps 12:35
5. Sklyse (digi Bonus w/ Joe Moffett) 11:30

Henry Fraser - double bass
John McCowen - Bb and contrabass clarinets
Sam Weinberg - tenor and soprano saxophones
Joe Moffett - trumpet (track 5)

Tracks 1-4 recorded April 2019 at Issue Project Room, Brooklyn, NY
Engineered by Jeremiah Cymerman
Track 5 self-recorded October 2020 in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
Mastered by Ryan Power at Perfect Pets, Brooklyn, NY

Roots - Deeper Roots (May 13, 2022 We Are Busy Bodies)

1. Don't Cry 05:03
2. Deeper Roots 05:56
3. To All My Friends 04:46
4. Steel Man 03:54
5. Song For My Baby 03:44
6. Ubabam Zakes 04:13

Produced By: Almon Memela
Remastered By: Noah Mintz
Art Restoration: Steve Lewin

Almon Memela - Funky Africa (May 6, 2022 We Are Busy Bodies)

We Are Busy Bodies is proud to present a reissue of composer, guitarist, and later producer, Almon Memela’s ultra rare 1975 album, Funky Africa.

From the original liner notes:

Africa has always been many things to many people.

To some, Africa is the Dark Continent, a mysterious, romantic and vast expanse of unexplored territory. To others, again, Africa is the ultimate symbol of man's triumph over his environment: a wakening giant destined to play a significant role in world affairs.

But to Almon Memela, Africa is Home . . . and his music tells it like it really is. "Funky Africa" is the sound of Africa today. And as you listen, you will find that Africa is indeed many things. For in the music of Almon Memela lies everything that is Africa: the call of the wild and the scream of the Jumbo; the throb of the bush and the roar of Commissioner Street.

So here it is . . . "Funky Africa". The sound of Africa, by an African, for the world.

1. Funky Africa (The Ghetto) 03:37
2. That Sweet Feeling 03:18
3. Telephone 03:40
4. Hi-Jack (Your Love) 04:30
5. Bumping The Wall 03:14
6. Hambe Kahle 03:13
7. Some Funky Things 03:31
8. Big Mama 04:27
9. Ntshonalanga 04:02
10. The Things We Do In Soweto 04:47

Produced By: Almon Memela
Recorded At: Superdisc Studios Johannesburg
Sleeve Design: Audio Visual Communications
Photo: Ronnie Kweyi
Remastered By: Noah Mintz
Art Restoration: Steve Lewin

Chris Williams Quintet - 'Live' (February 2022 cow: Music)

Chris Ryan Williams is an interdisciplinary artist based between NYC and LA and most at home collaborating with contemporary improvisers and experimentalists. He has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, most recently with Pink Siifu and Negro'6.

Williams has collaborated with creators Greg Tate's Burnt Sugar Arkestra, gabby fluke-mogul, Jessica Ackerly, Jason Nazary, Eyvind Kang, Joanna Mattrey, Miriam Parker, Bennie Maupin, Nicole Mitchell, Fay Victor, Wendy Eisenberg, Luke Stewart, Marjani Forte-Saunders, Eric Revis, and recently Patrick Shiroishi in their duo on Astral Spirits' 'Sans Soleil' (2021).

'Live' is the first release under his name as a leader. It is also the first release of cow: Music, the audio branch of the cow arts program. cow: Music is currently a subsidiary of Astral Spirits Records.

South African writer/ scholar Nombuso Mathibila says of 'Live':

"LIVE is a product of trusted musicianship and spontaneity where the central desire is to see what people do with space collectively under conditions where there is no prescribed direction. This is a white label release under a subsidiary label called cow: Music and it comes off two hours of recording and roughly twenty-eight minutes make it into the album. Throughout this record, Williams plays a frugal acoustic role and much of his contributions take shape in the post-recording phase mainly through editing and the inclusion of electronic sound arrangements that connect the recording into a cohesive improvisational album.

He is quite clear that “there is a certain amount of composition in between the improvisation and this can be heard in the layered rhythmic arrangements in the first half of ‘side A’ before the session moves into a picking improvisational style where sound bounces across instruments in an aesthetic fashion that centers the cinematic character of each instrument." 

1. 'Live' Side Aye 12:47
2. 'Live' Side Bee 15:25

Chris Williams - Trumpet / electronics / collage edit
Patrick Shiroishi - Saxophones / objects
Joshua White - Piano
Eric Revis - Acoustic bass / electronics
Guillermo Brown - Drums / electronics

Produced for release by Gabriel Jermaine Vanlandingham-Dunn
Recorded at the Blue Whale in 2018
Engineered by Bradley Butterworth
Mixed by Jason Nazary
Mastered by: Mikey Young (2021)
Produced for release by Gabriel Jermaine Vanlandingham-Dunn
Recorded at the Blue Whale in 2018
Engineered by Bradley Butterworth
Mixed by Jason Nazary
Mastered by: Mikey Young (2021)

Mary-Catherine Pazzano - You're Gonna Hear From Me (February 2022)

Jazz singer, freelance vocalist and recording artist, music educator, vocal coach, and music director. Performance highlights include Off-Broadway at Symphony Space (NYC), iconic Birdland Jazz Club (NYC), and headliner at: Uptown Waterloo Jazz Festival, Jazz Bistro (Toronto), The Rex (Toronto), The Jazz Room (Waterloo), and The Registry Theatre (Kitchener).

1. You're Gonna Hear From Me 04:01
2. Friendly Star 03:33
3. A Simple Conversation 05:34
4. All The Things You Are 04:31
5. It's De-Lovely 03:50
6. How Insensitive 05:44
7. River 04:25
8. Charade 04:37
9. Alone In the World 04:41
10. Manhattan/New York State Of Mind 05:15
11. I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me 03:02
12. A Cottage For Sale 02:49

Henryk Debich - Dyskusja / Busz (February 2022 Astigmatic Records)

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the past year was very successful for the celebration of Henryk Debich's 100th birthday anniversary. The master's albums: Zbliżenie [Astigmatic Records] and Horyzonty [GAD Records] turned out to be a huge success, bringing great reviews and attracting huge interest. The continuation of the publishing series devoted to archival recordings was a bull's eye. Jazz Funk from the communist time is still in demand.

Astigmatic Records presented the works of Henryk Debich and the Lodz PRiTV Orchestra in the form of a seven-inch single "Monika / Zabawa w ciemności", and then a full-fledged "Zblizenie" [eng. closeup] album. Both records are practically unavailable on the market. It is time to close the trilogy with the second 7" with two compositions by Jacek Malinowski entitled "Dyskusja / Busz." [eng.Discussion / Bush]

The aforementioned publications showed the unquestionable artistry of Henryk Debich and his orchestra. In the seventies, the Polish Radio and Television Orchestra in Łódź, despite over twenty years of experience, was rediscovering itself and sounded more modern and interesting with each subsequent year. The orchestra efficiently moved between funk and disco genres, touching on illustrative music or jazz. The hallmarks were the groove, pulsating percussion, powerful brass and string sections. The added synthesiser plays a special role in these compositions by Jacek Malinowski recorded in 1977.
The entire trilogy was to appear in the conductor's jubilee year 2021. Unfortunately, the difficult situation in the publishing market related to delays in presses around the world has caused a shift, so the last part of the trilogy will be released at the beginning of February 2022, a few days after Henryk Debich's 101st birthday anniversary. So, once again, we have a reason to celebrate the master's achievements.

The Single "Dyskusja / Busz." [eng. Discussion / Bush] will be available on a limited, hand-numbered seven-inch vinyl limited to 500 copies. The single will premiere on February 4th and will be available for purchase on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms. 

1. Dyskusja 02:45
2. Busz 03:13

A. Dyskusja
written & arranged by Jacek Malinowski
Performed by Orkiestra Polskiego Radia i Telewizji w Łodzi
Conducted by Henryk Debich
Recorded by Michał Targowski at Radio Łódź in 1977

B. Busz
Written & Arranged by Jacek Malinowski
Performed by Orkiestra Polskiego Radia i Telewizji w Łodzi
Conducted by Henryk Debich
Recorded by Michał Targowski at Radio Łódź in 1977

Mastered by Marcin Cichy - Plug Audio Mastering
A&R: Łukasz Wojciechowski
Graphic Design: Animisiewasz
© 2021 Radio Łódź
Ⓟ 2021 Radio Łódź & Astigmatic Records

BRETTINA and INCOGNITO present new single 'Simple Pleasures'

BRETTINA VS INCOGNITO

PRESENT 'SIMPLE PLEASURES'

Bahamanian Jazz mixed by the legendary UK group


Brettina’s debut single release features remixes from YAKUL and SKI OAKENFULL

Bahamanian singer-songwriter Brettina has released her first single worldwide, a version of her track ‘Simple Pleasures’ with UK Jazz and Funk legend Incognito.

Brettina's worldwide debut single is already gaining great appreciation and it went straight into Jazz FM playlist in the UK.

A fan of Incognito for many years, Brettina was delighted to work with their leader Bluey who brings his trademark production to the track, using the whole band to create a classic horn-driven sound. 

"When I was a student at the University of Washington in Seattle I discovered Incognito and their album ‘Vibes, Tribes and Scribes’ and it blew me away. To think further down the line I’d be working with them on one of my songs, and fusing my experience with these icons of UK Jazz right now is incredible." Says Brettina on having Bluey and Incognito produce the track.

This release also contains two remixes, one by upcoming Brighton based electronic jazz act Yakul, and long-term Incognito collaborator Ski Oakenfull who's delivered a soulful house dub version of the song.
The remixes of the luscious single show her versatility as an artist, and one who is soon to be in demand across the broad spectrum that is the current UK Jazz scene.

Born in the Bahamas, Brettina’s musicality was in some senses laid out for her – her mother introduced her to singing, and her uncle was in the hugely successful Bahamian group ‘ T-Connection’, who had hits on the Billboard Top 100 chart in the US in the 70s.

Brettina herself now resides between the US and the Bahamas, originally in Seattle and now in LA where she’s making waves on the current LA Jazz scene.

Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo - Antique (February 12, 2022 Neue Numeral)

Antique is an album that falls within the sound universe of jazz, both because of its performers and because of the way it was recorded. The songs are compositions that emerged from group improvisation. Each song was worked with a conceptual direction, using the language and resources of each musician as a means to compose. Each one has its own singularity and was conceived as a total tour throughout the album. Antique seeks to bring together free improvisation, composition and structure and flexibility of roles. It was recorded with the musicians in the same room and without using headphones, with vintage microphone settings, thus recreating the rawest sound of the oldest jazz recordings. They are all first shots, without editing, later. 

About Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo:
Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo, Argentine, born in Havana, Cuba, on September 25, 1989.

Musician and improviser. Drummer and electronic musician. Audiovisual producer and screenwriter.

He studied Jazz at Manuel de Falla, Composition with Ricardo Capellano in the same establishment, and the Expanded Music residency at the National University of San Martín.

He actively participates in the improvised, experimental and interdisciplinary music scene in Buenos Aires. She has recorded on twenty albums and participated in various festivals and residencies.

He is part of the experimental music label TVL, as a musician and manager, with a wide international reach.

He is currently developing as a teacher: he teaches music, drums and improvisation classes in a private way. And as a session player in albums and shows of various artists and events.

About Gabriel Stern:
He studied musical composition with Ronaldo Miranda and Aylton Escobar at the University of San Pablo.

In 2012 he won a scholarship to study in Buenos Aires, where he settled down and studied Jazz Saxophone and Composition at the Manuel de Falla Conservatory. She has also participated in residencies with important international musicians such as Barry Harris, Tim Berne, Ben Goldberg and Marilyn Crispell.

He participates in various groups of the local instrumental scene playing saxophones, flute and clarinet and develops as a session musician for recordings and musical events.

About Nicolás Boccanera:
He studied with teachers Ernesto Jodos, Ricardo Capellano, Mono Fontana, Malena Levin and Jose Luis Juri. He is part of a generation of musicians who have resonated on the local scene for years like treasures to be discovered.

1. Terbio (Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo – Nicolás Boccanera – Gabriél Stern)
2. Kriptón (Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo – Nicolás Boccanera – Gabriél Stern)
3. Cerio (Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo – Nicolás Boccanera – Gabriél Stern)
4. Zebra Blue (Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo – Nicolás Boccanera – Gabriél Stern)
5. Antimonio (Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo – Nicolás Boccanera – Gabriél Stern)
6. Nobelio (Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo – Nicolás Boccanera – Gabriél Stern)
7. Europio (Ariel Invernizzi Oviedo – Nicolás Boccanera – Gabriél Stern)

ARIEL INVERNIZZI OVIEDO // Drum
GABRIEL STERN // Alto Sax
NICOLÁS BOCCANERA // Piano
All the songs were composed and interpreted by the members of the group

Recording engineer Ariel Feder
Mix and master by Ariel Feder
Recorded at Parral Studios