Jazz Recommends Jazz September 2020

Review: We're rather excited by the prospect of Blue Note's forthcoming "Reimagined" compilation, which sees a variety of rising stars from the UK's jazz, soul and R&B scenes delivering new interpretations of classic cuts from the legendary jazz label's vast back catalogue. This teaser single features two of the more striking and talked-about covers. Jorja Smith takes on St Germain's early noughties jazz-house masterpiece "Rose Rouge", brilliantly re-imagining it as a deep, fluid and dreamy nu-jazz number rich in authentic instrumentation, shimmering electronics and effortlessly soulful vocals. It's genuinely brilliant. Over on the flip, the Ezra Project takes on Wayne Shorter's "Footprints", somehow mixing up hip-hop, post-bop jazz, funk and Afrobeat to create a stunning new interpretation. There aren't many of these around, so act fast to avoid disappointment.

Review: Blue Note Re:imagined finds Decca and Blue Note jin their immeasurably forces for a new series of releases that rework classics from both back catalogues. They are often collisions of old and new talents and form a bridge between jazz generations. This latest offering kicks off with Steam Down's version of Wayne Shorter's "Etcetera" (Ft. Afronaut Zu) and Yazmin Lacey's version of Dodo Greene's - "I'll Never Stop Loving You." Both make for lush, involving listening and mark another fine entry in this series.

Review: Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids' Shaman! is a bold and adventurous new record. It is a study in jazz that takes cues from myriad different sounds and scenes. Sub-Saharan jazz, Afrobeat, free-jazz, Afro-Cuban music, spoken word, and more all colour in the tracks which have been written by a large cast of musicians. The album was recorded din London and features Pyramids co-founder Simmons on flute, longtime band member Sandra Poindexter on violin, plus guitar from Bobby Cobb, and three new members from Europe in Jack Yglesias, Ruben Ramon Ramos, and Gioele Pagliaccia. It makes for an expressive but introspective world that draws you deep into its midst, where you will be oh so happy to get lost.

Review: South London's Oscar Jerome is a real keystone of the capitals's ongoing jazz renaissance. His highly-anticipated debut album Breathe Deep comes on Caroline International and shows just why he has become such a revered voice in the last jazz movement having already worked with the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Moses Boyd and Yussef Dayes. He calls on a wealth of collaborators here, too, including Joe Armon-Jones and Sons of Kemet, and they all add extra chops to a record that, says the artist, "is a pretty broad presentation of who I am musically and my journey to get to this point."

Review: Gregory Porter's beautifully buttery baritone has won him plenty of acclaim, fans, and Grammy nominations. How up to his sixth album, the jazz and soul singer is back to uplift you with his heart-felt, joyful celebrations. Of course, the whole affair is perfectly smooth and seductive, but also mighty powerful. Tracks like "Faith in Love" are string laced and upbeat songs to get a wedding crowd in a spin, "Long List Of Troubles" is a dramatic, dynamic jazz anthem and "Modern Day Apprentice" is a trend, stripped back song from, and to, the heart. This is another record that spans the ages in some style.

Review: Jackie Mclean recorded the 'It's Time' long player back in one session in 1964. It finds post-bop and free jazz fused together with young trumpet sensation Charles Tolliver, pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Roy Haynes, who all played original compositions by Mclean. The spirited sound was utterly new and fresh at the time and still makes a big impact all these years later, with real detail observed in the jacket graphics, printing quality and superior LP mastering quality. At times tender and reserved, at others exultant, this is a prized piece of jazz history.

Review: It's been a long time since the UK jazz scene was as thriving and fertile as it is right now, and one of the most fascinating artists currently doing it is Emma-Jean Thackray. UM Yang is her long-envisaged project "dedicated to the Taoist philosophy of duality and harmony" and it has been record straight to vinyl, lending the sounds a real, visceral feel. The DJ, beat maker, trumpeter, singer and composer draws on all her skills to collide worlds here as she leads a septet into the unknown. Free jazz, wailing trumpets, deconstructed marching bands and so much more make for a dense tapestry of sound that leaves you spellbound.

Review: There's sadly no Summer Dance Forever festival in Amsterdam this year, so instead Super Sonic Jazz has teamed up with James Rudie and EVM128's Dance Regular label to offer up a tenth anniversary set showcasing some of that label's impeccable artists. The 10-track selection is, somewhat predictably, superb, offering a whirlwind tour through contemporary jazz-fuelled UK tackle that brilliantly mixes and matches elements of broken beat, UK funky, bassline, nu-jazz, instrumental hip-hop, soul-fired house and 21st century jazz-funk. While none of the artists involved are yet household names, all are undeniably rising stars, while the quality of the music is never less than superb. Do yourself a favour and check out the clips ASAP!

Review: South London's Oscar Jerome is a real keystone of the capital's ongoing jazz renaissance. His highly-anticipated debut album Breathe Deep comes on Caroline International and shows just why he has become such a revered voice in the last jazz movement having already worked with the likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Moses Boyd and Yussef Dayes. He calls on a wealth of collaborators here, too, including Joe Armon-Jones and Sons of Kemet, and they all add extra chops to a record that, says the artist, "is a pretty broad presentation of who I am musically and my journey to get to this point."