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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.
Divorce From New York – Brick Lane [Tokonoma Records]
Alvaro Granda, aka Divorce From New York follows up his 2023 release “Sausalito” with another banger. “Brick Lane” was inspired by his recent visit to West London and it’s bubbling ecosystem of club culture. Indeed the title track sets the tone with funky synths courtesy of Parisian group Quiet Dawn. The tempo downshifts from upbeat to laidback broken beat bliss. “What is Jazz” is another head nod tune filled with warped synths and electro funk grooves. “Copeland Park” navigates between broken beat and house. Drummer Fernando Damon creates an atmosphere of infectious rhythms that will inspire you to dance. Divorce from New York is a producer on the rise. This record further cements that.
VA – The Congregation – Jazz Alliance International [Right Tempo]
Whereas most compilations focus on the past, Massimiliano “Jazzcat” Conti shines a light on the quality recordings of the present. The Italian resident DJ has delighted listeners with his eclectic mixes and mix shows. The Congregation is a superb collection that intertwine soul and modern jazz tracks with present day culb culture. Evidence can be found with “Seasons In My Mind”. The previously unreleased Yellowtail track that features jazz crooner Mark Murphy. Mama Terra’s “Ruptura” is a spiritual jazz burner that’s equally enjoyed on the dance floor or in your living room. The hard driving piano rhythms aligned with orchestral vocal harmonies will bring immediate satifaction. The finale “Who Will Save The World” features the spoken word genius of Anthony Joseph. The seven minute gem is fueled by a simmering groove, warm piano melodies and a sterling horn section. There isn’t a weak track in sight here. The Milan based Right Tempo records consistently delivers with quality recordings and this is no exception.
https://righttempo.bandcamp.com/album/the-congregation-jazz-alliance-international
Feiertag – Roots [Sonar Kollektiv]
Joris Feiertag, aka Feiertag is a dutch based drummer/producer from the Netherlands. “Roots”, his third release on Sonar Kollektiv is a fresh concoction of tasty uptempo electronic grooves laced with live instrumentation. There’s a number of talented vocalists on board lifting the compositions to greater heights. “Keep Your Head Up” percolates with warm percussive rhythms aligned with the falsetto vocals of Noah Slee. UK Poet Nego True appears on two tracks, the laid back “Love Hills” and the infectious banger “Feel Me”. “Law Of Attraction” has a slow burning lovers rock kind of vibe that features Oshun. Fellow labelmate Pete Josef adds his golden voice to the joyful “Give A Little”. Although the lineup is impressive it’s Feiertag’s array of creative compositions that ignite this disc. This is a joyful listen throughout that’s worthy of your attention.
Tommaso Cappellato – Dancing Around Fire [Pavimento Fertile]
LA based drummer/composer Tommaso Cappellato teams up with the Italian Collective Pavimento Fertile to deliver the infectious dance EP “Dancing Around Fire”. Cappellato’s latest features dynamic dance flavored compositions certain to inject instant body movement. The opener “Made of Golden Light” gets its hooks in you with a wicked bass line aligned with spacey synths. Latin St Juste’s feathery vocals adds a warm touch. The title track is filled with cosmic funk. Cappellaro demonstrates his dexterity not just on the drums but on the keys as well. While the dance tracks instantly pop out the gate, the mid-tempo tunes provide an equal amount of energy. Although there’s only seven tracks here, Cappellato’s latest is a high octane spacey funk deluxe that definitely hits the mark and is worthy of repeated listens.
https://tommasocappellato.bandcamp.com/album/dancing-around-fire
Cosmic Renaissance – Universal Language [Schema Records]
https://gianlucapetrella.bandcamp.com/album/cosmic-renaissance-universal-language
VA – Neujazz 2 [Sonar Kollektiv]
The second installment from the Sonar Kollektiv series. “Neujazz 2” features an array of up and coming homegrown artists from Berlin and beyond. The lp drifts between melancholy mid tempo soundscapes to infectious jazz inspired grooves. The disc kicks off with “Open”, a previously unreleased tune from the duo known as Waan. Saxophonist Bart Wirtz and Keyboardist Emiel Van Rijthoven compose a atmospheric gem filled with engaging harmonies. Tutu Amuse have been one of the highlights of 2022 for the label. “Ohm” provides a sample of their sublime psychadelic sensabilities. Marian Tone aka Key Elements gives the a jolt with “Space”. Only a shade under three minutes, it’s a potent mix of jazz fusion and jungle. Vinicius Mendes dips into the songbook of the Brazilian songstress Joyce and emerges with a beautiful cover of Aldeia de Ogum”. There’s also impressive contributions from Pete Josef, Micatone and others. Simply put “Neujazz 2” is another winner from the label that always delivers.
https://sonarkollektiv.bandcamp.com/album/sonar-kollektiv-presents-neujazz-2
JSOUL x B.Jamelle – Mellowdisiac [BSM Records]
https://jsoulmusic.bandcamp.com/album/mellowdisiac
Divorce From New York – Sausalito [High Praise Edits]
https://divorcefromnewyork.bandcamp.com/album/sausalito