MATTHEW HALSALL 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Inspirations sees Los Angeles jazz singer Dwight Trible cover some of the songs and artists that shaped his formative musical years. With Manchester bandleader, arranger and trumpeter Matthew Halsall providing direction and production, Trible delivers a string of memorable interpretations. Highlights include a rousing, near riotous cover of Nina Simone favourite "Feeling Good", a spiritual, harp-laden rendition of Hal David and Burt Bacharach's "What The World Needs Now is Love" - a radical departure from the original, featuring one of Trible's greatest vocal performances to date - and a poignant, heartfelt version of Leroy Hutson and Donny Hathaway's still relevant "Tryin' Times".

Review: Matthew Halsall continues to serve as a true devotee of spiritual jazz in the UK with his stellar new album An Ever Changing View. Restlessly prolific and drawing from a seemingly bottomless well of ideas, Halsall approached this record as a reset of sorts, affording himself freedom to explore sound in all aspects. The end result remains true to his velvet-smooth approach, delivering understated instrumental flourishes around delicate grooves to make for the gentlest of access points for the labyrinthe halls of jazz, but as ever there's much nuance and complexity bedded into these delicate compositions to yield new discoveries over repeated listens.

Review: On his second limited-edition CD single/mini-album of 2022, Matthew Halsall has delivered a delightful four-tracker inspired by his concerns for humankind's changing relationship with nature and the spectre of climate change. As you'd expect with such inspirations, it's a highly emotive, bittersweet and melancholic affair, with fine contributions from not only the trumpeter himself, but also flautist Matt Cliffe and harpist Maddie Herbert. For proof, check the clips of the deep, slow-burn wonder that is 'Positive Activity', the meditative 'Yogic Flying' (where subtle Indian instrumentation catches the ear), and the dream-like spirituality of 'Upper Space'. Arguably best of all though is 'Changing Earth', a delicate but seemingly hopeful chunk of spiritual jazz brilliance that's one of Halsall's most endearing compositions to date.

Review: 
Manchester trumpet playing virtuoso and new school jazz leader Matthew Halsall is back on his own Godwana with more of his spiritual incantations. The special, limited edition, no repress 12" has two never heard before tracks in 'Joyful Spirits of the Universe' and 'Floating Island' as well as a special bonus edit, exclusive to vinyl, with beautiful artwork by Ian Anderson of The Designers Republic. As always with this artist, there sounds are soul soothing but also deeply awakening, with soaring leads and airy grooves all lifting you off your feet and taking you up into the clouds.

Review: These days, trumpeter, composer, arranger and band-leader Matthew Halsall is among the most storied names in British jazz, but that wasn't the case when he released his debut album "Sending My Love" in 2008. It seems fitting, then, that he's decided to re-introduce us to the album via a first ever vinyl edition that also includes a previously unreleased piece from the period, the bittersweet, slowly unfurling melancholy that is "This Time" (a cut that sounds like it should be soundtracking messy big screen break-ups and montages of unhappy lovers walking slowly in the rain). The original set remains a fine collection of modal-influenced jazz, with Halsall's various emotion-rich solos playing a far more prominent role than they have on his more recent albums.

Review: As part of his Gondwana label's 10th anniversary, masterful Manchester trumpeter and contemporary jazz trendsetter Matthew Halsall has put together a special deluxe edition of his beautiful "Colour Yes" album with thick reverse board sleeves, silver block letter foiling and two printed inner sleeves. First released in 2009, the album showcases Halsall's deeply emotive style across the 8 achingly good, supremely spiritual tracks that glow with gorgeous piano playing, gently lilting drums and his own fantastic leads.

Review: Since he released his first album 11 years ago, bandleader, trumpeter and composer Matthew Halsall has proved to be one of British jazz's standout talents. In recent years he's delved into soul-jazz and big band jazz territory, so it's intriguing to find that "Oneness" is a much more spiritual, pared-down and minimalistic affair. Using a mixture of droning Indian instrumentation, languid and leisurely harp motifs, selective horn solos, melancholic trumpet lines and occasional traditional jazz instrumentation, Halsall has conjured up a series of meditative pieces that count among his most beguiling works to date. It may surprise a few listeners, but many more will find it enchanting, otherworldly and emotion-rich.

Review: Matthew Halsall's Gondwana label serves up a real summer treat here with a new limited edition 45rpm. It is the first in what will become a series of special 7" releases with bespoke artwork from brother Daniel Halsall. First up are two personal favourites from the boss himself. 'A Badder Weather' is a deep cut groove that never lets up, with gorgeous wraps rinsing down the face of the bold pianos and soaring trumpet sounds, all finished off with some heavy double bass. 'As I Walk' (feat Josephine Oniyama) is awash with Eastern melodies and wandering grooves and finished with a pure and angelic vocal.

Review: Manchester's Gondwana Records, run by Matthew Halsall, has been a constant source of good vibes and inspiration. Leaning on a jazz note, most of the material is centred away from the dance floor and yet there is always plenty of movement and joyous rhythm, particularly from Halsall's appearances. Here, we have a reissue of 2015's "Journey In Satchidananda", a majestic wave of jazz flutes, seductive piano keys, in what is an altogether dreamy sort of setting, which is further evolved on the supremely euphoric waves of the unbeatable "Blue Nile". At last, some contemporary jazz on 12" that has left us blown away..!