Jazz Recommendations February 2016

Review: Already out in the ether since the summer, Kamasi's sprawling three-part jazz opus finally sees the light of vinyl day. Presented on heavyweight vinyl with his striking signature artwork, its delivery befits the album's rave reviews on its original arrival. Highlights, in case you haven't heard it yet, are the awe-inspiring switch from fusion to swing on "The Next Step" the album's overall sparing inclusion of vocal that make "The Rhythm Changes" really stand out and sparkle and the attention to detail on the narrative structure on reprise notes such as "Re Run Home". A must-have for any jazz/Brainfeeder fan.

Review: Croatian artist resurfaces on his own imprint with a jazz record inspired by South American music and Dalmatian landscapes and traditions.

Review: While some AOTN releases are perplexing exercises in digging and detective gymnastics, others are more of a straight-up selector pleasure for label bossman and soul merchant Fryer. Like these two classics from jazz funk artist Lucien. Both staples in Fryer's sets for 20 years, neither are hard to track down - "Would You Believe In Me" is on his 73 album Rashida while "Sunny Day" is on his 74 album Minds Eye - but neither of them have ever been on 45" before, either. Whether you're familiar with Lucien's unique fusions or this is your first encounter, this release works a treat.

Review: Jazzman describes Jazz/The African Sound as a "lost global jazz classic". Certainly, it's an important record. Recorded in 1963 by Chris McGregor's short-lived Castle Lager Big Band outfit - a 17-piece jazz ensemble that included both black and white musicians, at a time when Apartheid was at its' height - it's long been regarded by collectors and those in the know as one of the best jazz records ever to be made in Africa. Some 53 years after it first slipped out in South Africa, it's finally getting a global release. Built around modernist jazz compositions from South African composers - a rarity at the time - Jazz/The African Sound remains a thrilling, daring and hugely enjoyable set.