TC.KYLIE x The Hourglass: RE:birth
They say : TC.KYLIE x The Hourglass brings dynamic jazz fusion music on debut EP RE:birth, integrating Hong Kong, Japanese and British cultures. Kylie leads her band dynamically on stage playing keyboard and synth keytar, iconic in Japanese jazz rock & highly memorable to watch. Inspired by the likes of Shaun Martin and Robert Glasper, TC.KYLIE also continues to write songs in the areas of Japanese acid jazz, following Fox Capture Plan, Jabberloop, Toconoma, Jizue and Bohemianvoodoo. (Légère Recordings LEGO370) https://legererecordings.bandcamp.com/album/re-birth
The Action 4s: The Action 4s
They say : Denmark’s premiere outlet for forward-thinking modern jazz, April Records proudly presents the debut of a brand new quartet featuring some of Scandinavia and the UK’s most celebrated instrumentalists: Mathias Heise, Anton Eger, Rasmus Sørensen and Conor Chaplin. Thriving at the intersection between jazz, rock, funk, fusion, and electronica, their high-energy, genre-bending sound presents an exciting new direction for Danish jazz. https://jazzfuel.com/project/the-action-4s/ (April Records) https://youtu.be/NjsbCEzWfOY?si=3Mk9CgZbUi_34wQF
The Furgos: Retrospective
They say : A talented husband-and-wife duo, performing jazz together for over 25 years, proudly presents their second self-produced studio album. Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth region of Texas, their new album, Retrospective, draws inspiration from iconic pop and rock melodies spanning 35 years. (Furgo Music LLC) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcOohctUD0M
The Pete McGuinness Jazz Orchestra: Mixed Bag
They say : It’s been 20 years since composer and vocalist Pete McGuinness formed his big band. He’s celebrating with his most imaginative recording to date. One of the finest of today’s modern large ensembles, the group is an ideal vehicle for McGuinness’ ambitious palette, which ranges from unbridled swing to simmering bossa nova, elegant balladry to bracing modernism. Piano great Bill Charlap makes a guest appearance. (Summit Records)
Thorhan (Orhan Özgür Turan & Thor Arnarsson): Llja
They say : Orhan Özgür Turan and Thor Arnarsson grew up in Denmark with immigrant parents. Their new project Thorhan is a unique fusion of Icelandic and Turkish musical traditions. Their debut album Lilja is a journey through time and traditions – an homage to their roots and a vision for the future of musical diversity. Through original compositions and reinterpretations of old folk songs, Thorhan builds new and personal bridges between cultures. Music for the world right now. (Thorhan Records)
Tixier, Tony: Poems Never End
They say : Tony Tixier’s “Poems Never End” is a complete, honest expression of the pianist’s current status as an artist, captured in a single afternoon during a whirlwind visit to New York City. Whether in trio interaction with long-term associate Joe Martin on bass and dazzling young drummer Jongkuk Kim or reviving musical partnerships with special guests Logan Richardson (alto saxophone), Seamus Blake (tenor saxophone) and Mino Cinelu (percussion), the passion and integrity shines through every note. (Whirlwind Recordings WR4833)
Travis, Theo: Secret Island LP
They say : Twenty-nine years after its original release as a CD, Theo Travis’ “Secret Island” (Ethersounds) is now available as a Limited-edition, digitally remastered LP for the first time. Recorded in 1996, “Secret Island” features the saxophonist with his band of the time – pianist David Gordon, bassist Rob Statham, drummer Marc Parnell and, on five tracks, guitarist John Etheridge. The music combines jazz with progressive music and incorporates rock, Latin rhythms, cinematic atmospheres and impeccable playing. (Ethersounds ESLP011)
Triobrok: Triobrok
They say : The Serbian-Turkish outfit TRIOBROK channels the raw, untamed energy of the ’70s loft scene with their electrifying blend of anarchic punk-jazz and skronk improvisation. Ali Onur Olgun (tenor sax), Daniel Izmaylov (double bass, electric bass), and Atilla Ozan Keskin (drums) inspired by the sonic radicalism of Ornette Coleman, The Dead C, Albert Ayler, Borbetomagus, FMP/ESP catalogue, spinning subtle musical textures with freeform firework blasts in their debut release. (Self release) https://triobrok.bandcamp.com/album/triobrok
Truesdell, Ryan: Shades of Sound: Gil Evans Project Live at Jazz Standard Vol. 2
They say : Scholar, producer and bandleader Ryan Truesdell is unlocking the vaults of his Gil Evans Project for this release recorded live at the Jazz Standard in 2014. The full rainbow of colors heard in Evans’ music comes to life through four never-before-recorded Evans compositions as well as four of his classic arrangements. The recordings display how the essence of Evans’ music is transformed by the alchemy of live performance. (Outside In Music)
Trygve Fiske Sextet: The Flowers. The Dance. The Rumble and the Stumble.
They say : Norwegian bassist and composer Trygve Waldemar Fiske – previously praised in Jazz Journal for his band Waldemar 4 (5/5 stars) and celebrated for his commissioned work with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra – returns with his sextet. This bold sextet features Per “Texas” Johansson (sax/clarinet), Erik Kimestad Pedersen (trumpet), Oscar Grönberg (piano), Morten Qvenild (synth/electronics), and Hans Hulbækmo (drums), delivers a rich, unpredictable soundscape where structure and spontanity meets. (Slaraffensongs CAT. NO. SLFS40) https://rb.gy/wlkkvv
VanHemert, Jordan: Survival Of The Fittest
They say : Tenor saxophonist/composer/educator Jordan VanHemert convenes an all-star cast for his fifth album as a leader (Terell Stafford, tpt; Michael Dease, tb; Helen Sung, p; Rodney Whitaker, b; & Lewis Nash, d.). VanHemert, born in South Korea (in 1988) & raised by adoptive parents in Michigan, continues to explore his musical & cultural heritage as a Korean American. (Origin Records) https://youtu.be/BoIAislBFZo
Vuust Quartet, Peter: Homage
They say : Peter Vuust Quartet’s brand new album Homage marks the quartet’s first instrumental album in over two decades. The quartet features award-winning bassist and neuroscientist Peter Vuust, Swedish piano icon Lars Jansson, top streaming saxophonist Claus Waidtløw and prolific drummer Morten Lund. (Storyville Records, 1014366)
Watkins, Reggie: Rivers
They say : Pittsburgh trombonist Reggie Watkins’s 4th album, an ode to his adopted hometown, is the first to feature all originals. Watkins, who’s recorded/toured for the last eight years with Orrin Evans and his Captain Black Big Band, is heard here with Michael Bernabe, p; Eli Naragon, b; Jason Washington Jr., d. (BYNK Records) https://youtu.be/ZVggDzeb4ww?si=oGbJdarjQqgCIP3e
Web Web: Plexus Plexus
They say : Munich’s jazz supergroup Web Web are back with their sixth album in seven years, and with a new touch. More psychedelic, sometimes more krauty than before. This time, Web Web in their original line-up have (again) chosen a special guest: JJ Whitefield, who contributes the fantastic guitar sound. His riffs are sometimes funky as with the Poets Of Rhythm or Syrup, or more psychedelic as with Karl Hector & The Malcouns or his many live and studio recordings with Embryo. (Compost Records CPT653) https://CompostRecords.lnk.to/WebWeb-PlexusPlexus
Wells, Junior: Cut That Out – 1953-1963 Sides
They say : An exponent of the post-war Chicago blues, Junior Wells’ piercing harmonica sound and soul-drenched vocals helped define a new way of expressing the blues. Presented here are 19 remastered studio tracks, consisting of sensational early sides that Wells made between 1953 and 1963 for independent labels, States, Profile, Chief, and USA Records. This LP is an indispensable set for any fan of Chicago Blues. (Blues Joint – 8035 LP)
Wesseltoft, Bugge: Am Are
They say : A double LP comprising of solo pieces and various ensembles. Includes a decades old recording with Sveinung Hovensjø (electric bass) and Jon Christensen (drums) another classic piano trio with Arid Andersen and Gard Nillsen, yet another with Jens Mikkel Madsen and Øyunn. The new stars of the Norwegian scene also appear: Rohey Taalah, Martin Myhre Olsen, Sanskriti Shresta and Oddrun Lilja collaborate. (Jazzland Recordings 2979206)
Whitmore, Judy: Let’s Fall In Love
They say : ‘Let’s Fall In Love’ is the fourth studio album from modern-day Renaissance woman Judy Whitmore, out April 24. The album features 12 love-themed standards, recorded with a full orchestra at Hollywood’s EastWest Studios and produced/arranged by seven-time GRAMMY-nominated composer/arranger Chris Walden. Let’s Fall In Love showcases timeless songs and the sophisticated, yet ineffably warm vocal work Whitmore has become known for, providing an elegant soundtrack of bliss. (Self release)
Wilkins, Becca: Rêverie
They say : London-based vocalist, improviser, and educator Becca Wilkins reimagining the timeless beauty of French Chanson through the lens of contemporary jazz. Blending classic songs by Jacques Brel, Yves Montand, and Édith Piaf with lesser-known gems, Wilkins breathes new life into this rich musical tradition, offering a fresh and evocative contemporary quartet take on the beloved repertoire. (Self release)
Yannatou, Savina: Watersong
They say : Savina Yannatou’s fifth ECM album revolves around the theme of water in its many manifestations. Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” with the spirit Ariel’s song, “Full Fathom Five”, was the inspiration for Greek vocalist Yannatou and the Primavera en Salonico band in a project where they are joined by Tunisian singer Lamia Bedioui. A special magic occurs when Savina and Lamia sing together – as was already evident on Yannatou’s “Terra Nostra” more than twenty years ago. (ECM 7534295)
yonglee & the DOLTANG: Invisibl
They say : Boundary-pushing, Seoul-based progressive rock/jazz outfit yonglee & the DOLTANG have rapidly established themselves as a defining creative force on the Korean and European jazz scenes. Led by pianist and composer yonglee, the group delivers a thought-provoking satirical exploration of modern society’s complexities, absurdities and contradictions through their heavy, high-energy sound. (Unit Records)
Zimmerli, Patrick: Songs Of Innocence
They say : Patrick Zimmerli has announced the May 16 release of his 14th leader album of his original music, Songs of Innocence, the debut recording on his new label EMP (Emergence Music Productions), founded alongside producer and polymath Harold Bott, Jr. The acclaimed composer-saxophonist reconvenes his dynamic trio featuring pianist Kevin Hays and percussionist Satoshi Takeishi. A sophisticated yet approachable collection, Songs of Innocence explores the terrain between the rhythmic vitality and spontaneity of jazz, the melodic freedom of pop music, and the craft of classical music composition. (Emergence Music Productions). https://www.emergencemusic.org/songs-of-innocence-1
