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Esteban Adame – Bittersweet [UTx]
Los Angeles based pianist Esteban Adame’s debut album “Bittersweet” glides from bebbop to techno and fusion. Adame’s career spans more than twenty years, He spent several years in Detroit working with legendary producer MAd Mike Banks of Underground Resistance. Through that relationship he would contribute to the electronic jazz band Galaxy to Galaxy. In 2022 Adames formed a quartet to showcase his love for improvisation. Those members of the quartet are on board for this release. Tenor sax man Frank Fontaine’s glorious flurries are sprinkled htroughout the hard swinging title track. Joey De Leon’s congas light a fire on the afro cuban flavored “Bottom Up”. Adame’s Detroit influence is prominent on “Hi Tech Jazz”, a soulful fusion burner. The “Bottom Up” remix is a mash up of Detroit dub and straight ahead jazz. It displays the beauty of two worlds colliding seamlessly. Adames may not be a household name but make no mistake, he’s a talented pianist and composer. A marvelous record worthy of repeated listens.
Jazzbois – Still Blunted
Budapest resident trio Jazzbois specializes in hip-hop inspired jazz fusion. “Still Blunted”, their latest release is filled with a plethora of funky beats and sun drenched synth arrangements. “Chrome”, a bumpin’ mid-tempo tune is ignited by the thumping bass of Viktor Sagi. Dom Beats adds funky sax flurries on top of the groove. Bencze Molnar’s smoothing keys are the final touch. “Darker Than Disco” is high octane fusion with funky synths and infectious beats. “TooHi” is a funk jazz infused rework to the Stevie Wonder classic. If you enjoy jazz inspired beat makers like Kiefer you’ll no doubt enjoy this one. Their instrumentation combined with hip-hop sensibilities add up to definite satisfaction.
Allysha Joy – The Making of Silk [First Word Records]
With “The Making of Silk” singer/songwriter/keyboardist Allysha Joy is in the mood for love. The eleven track release is a marvelous collection of dreamy emotive compositions as only Allysha can interpet them. The opener “Nothing To Prove” is a sublime recording where Joy confesses her unabashed pure love for someone. Finn Rees chips in with warm synth and rhodes arrangements. “Hold On” is augmented by Oscar Jerome’s hypnotic guitar. Joy states that her love is strong enough to allow someone the freedom to be the best version of themselves. The recordings are lifted by some of her long time friends from Melbourne who also happen to be superb musicians. Drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist appears on several tracks. Jace Xl provides backing vocals throughout the album. The result is engaging live instrumentation and string arrangements that linger in your soul. Add Joy’s blissful vocals and songwriting and you have a recording that will stir your heartstrings.
Paul White – Peace in Chaos [R&S Records]
“Peace in Chaos” is the third lp on R & S records from multi-instrumentalist Paul White. The eleven track release is a collection of ethereal synth heavy compositions. “Glory in Stories” is an electro pop treat filled with lush arrangements and soothing vocal harmonies. The aptly titled “Surreal” is a dreamy mid-tempo tune that is filled with joyful euphoric vibes. White has solidified himself as a premier producer who has worked with an array of musicians from Sudan Archives to Danny Brown. This release finds him front and center, crafting a record in his own personal vision. The result is a blissful journey that will brighten your mood.
VA – Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola [Strut Records]
“A Dancefloor in NDola” is a compilation curated by DJ Kampire. Born in Kenya, Kampire spent her formative years in Ndola Zambia and now resides in East Africa.. The thirteen track release is inspired by the music of her youth, as well as the talent that flows from East to South Africa. “Mive’ Termoin” is filled with punchy Congolese rhythms and the vocals of Meta Beya. Pembey Sheiro is one of a number of many women showcasing their skills in South African music. She’s front and center on the bubbling boogie tune “Sala Mi Toto”. Funky guitar rhythms and percussion punctuate “Mashariki” courtesy of Samba Mapangala. Strut records continues to shine a light on global treasures and this compilation is no exception.
https://kampire.bandcamp.com/album/kampire-presents-a-dancefloor-in-ndola
LCSM “Likwid Continual Space Motion” – The Remedy [Super Sonic Jazz]
Dj/Producer IG Culture, one of the pioneers of Bruk continues to push the boundries of the genre. “The Remedy” is his second full length release under the moniker Likwid Continual Space Motion. While there’s elements of Bruk boogie throughout, it’s also layered with hip-hop and Jazz aesthetics. “Salty” gives a nod to the Dizzy Gilespie classic “Salt Peanuts”. The tune encompasses a touch of hip-hop sampling as well as funky horn flurries from Trombonist Nathaniel Cross and Trumpeter Jnr Biles. “The Journey” pops with pulsating rhythms from drummer Benjamin Applah. The hammond B3 melodies from Don Myth add a touch of spice to the tune. The title track is a heart pounding burst of energy. Bassist Luke Wynter lays down a thumping groove while Tenor saxophonist Deji Ijishakan’s spirited soloing adds the finishing touch. IG bridges the gap between Bruk, Jazz and beyond. The results are some of his best work in a long and storied career.
VA – Primasuara [La Munai Records]
“Primasuara” is a snapshot of the vibrant Jazz scene bubbling in Indonesia. compiled by the team at Jakarta based La Munai records, The eleven track compilation shines a light on a number stunning musicians across the homeland. The compilation takes on a fusion vibe that provides instant satisfaction. Pianist Kevin Suwandhi & Kanhaiya opens the disc with “Kimberly” a futuristic blend of classical sensibilities end infectious groove. “Nothingness” is high energy fusion from Moon Pedestrian. “Mango Tree Replant” is a mellow slow burn from vocalist Komang. Eleven different performers contributing sizzling compositions. They all deserve a deep dive into their catalogue. A compilation that’s impressive as any you’ll hear this year. Recommended.
Daniel Casimir – Balance [Jazz re:freshed]
Bassist Daniel Casimir describes his third lp “Balance” as the balance between claasical, orchestration and UK jazz. Casimir, who also produces the album blends all of these components seamlessly. The album features the London Comtemporary Orchestra as well as a few of his friends. Nubya Garcia, Binker Goldings and Cassie Kinoshi are three quarters of the saxophone section. Jay Phelps and Sheila Maurice-Grey are part of the trumpet sections. The thumping bass on the title track sets the tone for the swirling strings and trumpet phrasings. “I’ll Take My Chances” is a warm and mellow tune that features the vibrant vocals of Ria Moran. This isn’t your father’s Big Band recording. Not only does it swing but Casimir drives the groove throughout and his compositions keep you engaged. Simply just another marvelous recording courtesy of Jazz Re:freshed.
VA – John Gómez and Nick the Record Present Tangent [Mr Bongo]
Happy ten year Anniversary to Tangent, one of London’s beloved underground parties. John Gomez and Nick the Record are residents who share some of their favorite tunes frequently played during their events. Released on Mr Bongo, the eighteen track compilation covers a myriad of styles. “Amek Amek” is an infectious blend of West African and Congolese rhythms. “Tet Chaje'” is a funky boogie tune courtesy of Kajou. “Let’s Get High” receives a re-work from Nick the Record. The result is a sixteen minute banger that bridges the gap between deep Disco to eighties synth laden boogie. Most of these tracks are obscure so good luck trying to find them. Luckily you don’t have to search, just sink into this compilation and transport yourself to one of London’s premier hotspots.
https://mrbongo.bandcamp.com/album/john-g-mez-and-nick-the-record-present-tangent
Black and Diamond – Furniture Of the Mind Rearranging [We Jazz Records]
Finnish label We Jazz continues to be at the forefront of avant garde and left of center jazz. The latest band added to their roster is the Chicago based band Black Diamond. Their We Jazz debut is titled “Furniture Of the Mind Rearranging”. Artie Black, who shines on Tenor and bass clarinet is joined by Hunter Diamond who also plays tenor as well as flute. The quartet is rounded out with mainstays Matt Ulery on double bass and drummer Neil Hemphill. The band’s compositions are understated however the melodies are hypnotic and meditative. The opening track “Carrying The Stick” finds Black and Diamond in unison on tenor and flute. Ulery punciates the melody with deep grooves while drummer Hemphill splashes the tune with engaging cymbals. “Zoetic” kicks off with Black and Diamond both on tenor playing off each other. Ulery and Hemphill ease their way into focus. The remaining two tracks, “MyCelium” and “Motor Neurons” features Black and Diamond in duo format. The duo effortlessly interweave phrases and ideas. Overall an impressive release filled with minimalistic yet intimate recordings. While well known in Chicago this should expose the quartet to a wider audience.
https://wejazzrecords.bandcamp.com/album/furniture-of-the-mind-rearranging