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Various Artists: The Kings Of Jazz [BBE Records]
‘The Kings Of .’ series continues with this latest instalment delving into the world of jazz. The CD features 25 tracks spread across 2 discs. Disc 1, selected by Gilles Peterson, mainly concentrates on the 60s and 70s with nuggets such as Donald Byrd’s ‘Cristo Redentor’, John Coltrane’s ‘Equinox’ and Mark Murphy’s version of ‘My Favorite Things’. Other highlights include ‘Quiet Fire’ by drummer Roy Haynes, taken from his album ‘Thank You, Thank You’ (Galaxy 1977), Lee Konitz’ modal masterpiece ‘Five, Four And Three’ and the haunting ‘Moves’ from Charles Mingus which features Honey Gordon and Doug Hammond (Tribe Records) on vocals. The second disc is compiled by Jazzanova and shines the light on the new breed of jazz artists. Although I’m not convinced by the inclusion of United Future Organization’s ‘Loud Minority’, on the whole this is a great set. Opening with 4 Hero’s ‘Spirits In Transit’ and ending with the beautiful Jamie Lidell fronted ‘Everything’s Changed’ by The Matthew Herbert Big Band. In between we’re treated to music from The Five Corners Quintet, Two Banks Of Four, Soil & Pimp Sessions and Sleepwalker’s ‘Into The Sun’ featuring Bembe Segue. Bembe turns up again on a live version of ‘Mother Of The Future’ which is absolutely storming as is Jeffrey Smith’s take on ‘Afro Blue’. Also worthy of note are ‘Inner City Life’ by [re:jazz], Nikki O’s ‘Butterflies’ and the Nicola Conte version of Sunaga T Experience’s ‘No Rhyme No Reason’, which was previously only available on Japanese 12". The vinyl edition is split over 2 separate double packs and in total contains only 20 tracks.
Soil & Pimp Sessions: Pimp Of The Year [Victor Records]
Is there no stopping these guys?! It was only last month I reviewed their ‘Crush!’ EP, and here they are again with a full length album, ‘Pimp Of The Year’. If you’ve been paying attention then you know the score, this is jazz with punk attitude. The set features ‘Summer Goddess’ and ‘Crush!’, the title tracks of their last 2 EPs along with goodies such as ‘Worldwide’ (a dedication to Gilles perhaps?!) and ‘Sahara’ with it’s stunning piano work. My particular favourites though are ‘Scoop Out’ which sounds like a 70s cop show theme, the feel good vibe of ‘Last Long’, a solid jazz-funk affair and track 8, a beautiful modal waltz. This track has a Japanese title and although on some web sites it’s translate as ‘Fragment’ from the ‘Summer Goddess’ EP it is not the same track.
Nnenna Freelon: Blueprint Of A Lady: Sketches Of Billie Holiday [Concord]
Nnenna Freelon has long been one of my favourite jazz vocalists and since her award winning self titled debut in 1992 has rarely disappointed. On this her 10th album she delves into the Billie Holiday songbook, whether it be songs written by Lady Day or ones that will eternally be associated with her. ‘God Bless The Child’, Strange Fruit’ and ‘Willow Weep For Me’ are all handled beautifully but I’m currently hooked on ‘I Didn’t Know What Time It Was’. The band really let loose on this funky swinger whilst Nnenna performs vocal acrobatics, soaring high and sweeping low, putting her own distinctive stamp on this evergreen.
Anthony Hamilton: Ain’t Nobody Worryin’ [So So Def]
The gravely voiced modern soul man Anthony Hamilton impressed with tracks such as "Since I Seen’t You" (whatever that means) and "My First Love" from his "official" debut album "Comin’ From Where I’m From" (So So Def 2003). "Ain’t Nobody Worryin" continues in a similar vein and whilst there’s nothing to quite compare to the aforementioned cuts I bring it to your attention for "The Truth", a wonderful low slung sexy groove. Also worthy of note is the socially conscious title track, co-written and produced by Raphael Saadiq. Hamilton’s southern roots really shine through on this one.
Various Artists: Timeless Finest Jazz [Dopeness Galore]
Timeless Records was established in Holland in 1975 initially as a means to expose US jazz artists to a European audience. Compiled by the folks behind the Kindred Spirits label this twelve track disc unearths some absolute gems. The album opens in fine style with Rodney Jones’ dreamy fusion piece ‘Articulation’ from 1978, before slipping into ‘Moonchild’ and ‘Africa’ by Pharoah Sanders. Batida are represented with their versions of ‘Ponteio’ and ‘Vera Cruz’ and there’s also a great version of Horace Silver’s ‘Sayonara Blues’ by The Bronx Horns. Other highlights are Carter Jefferson’s majestic ‘The Rise Of Atlantis’, Benny Golson’s tribute to John Coltrane, ‘Times Past (This Is For You, John)’ and ‘Aquelas Coisas Todas’ by Samba Trio. For the vinyl junkies there’s also a four track sampler available.
The Five Corners Quintet: Chasin’ The Jazz Gone By [Ricky-Tick]
Although the CD was released a few months ago the beautifully packaged vinyl version has only just surfaced. If you’ve already got the 3 10” releases then you’ll have most of the tracks here. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the rest of the album is made up of fillers though. Far from it, in fact we’re treated to another 2 tracks featuring the vocal talents of Mark Murphy, ‘This Could Be The Start Of Something’ and ‘Jamming (With Mr Hoagland)’ a great spoken word outing. Also take a listen to ‘Case Study’ with Okou and ‘Unsquare Bossa’, a Hammond organ led dancer. This is an outstanding album by a truly outstanding band. Be quick though as the vinyl edition is in seriously limited supply.
Idea 6: Metropoli [Déjà vu Recordings]
Idea 6 are a sextet consisting of old timers (no disrespect intended) Gianni Basso and Dino Piana on sax and trombone respectively along with younger cats Guido Pistocchi on trumpet, Luciano Milanese on double bass, Stefano Bagnoli on drums and Andrea Pozza on piano. ‘Metropoli’ is a modern Italian jazz album rooted in the 50s and 60s modal and bop style and across 6 tracks they display their talents to great effect. ‘Windly Coast’ just edges it for me at the moment but this is excellent throughout. An album for life, not just for Christmas!
Madrid De Los Austrias: Mas Amor [Sunshine Enterprises]
Austrian duo Heinz Tronigger and Michael ‘Pogo’ Kreiner, aka Madrid De Los Austrias recorded this their second album in Spain. Traditional flamenco is seamlessly blended with soul, jazz and contemporary dance rhythms to create a sun soaked fusion. ‘Un Mensaje’ and ‘Para Don Alonso’, which featured on the 12” are both present in their original form and whilst the former doesn’t quite have the same impact as the Yam Who? Rework it’s still a solid cut. In a similar 2 step vein is the title track ‘Mas Amor’ and for the dancers check ‘No A La Guerra’ and ‘Rua Do Trombeta’, two great modern jazz-funk excursions.
Paul Anka: Rock Swings [Verve]
Old time crooner Paul Anka is back with a unique take on a selection of well known rock and pop songs set to big band swing arrangements. He visits the likes of Van Halen’s ‘Jump’, ‘True’ by Spandau Ballet, The Cure’s ‘Love Cats’, Michael Jackson’s ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ and the infamous ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ from Survivor. I know it sounds like an absolute disaster but it works in a cheeky kind of way. Trust me, touch down on his version of Oasis’s ‘Wonderwall’ or Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ and you’ll be convinced, I kid you not!
Jukka Eskola: Jukka Eskola [Free Agent]
Not only is flugelhornist / trumpeter Jukka Eskola an integral part of The Five Corners Quintet but he’s also worked with other top Finnish artists such as NuSpirit Helsinki, Teddy Rok Seven, Quintessence and Jimi Tenor. On this his self titled debut solo outing he’s accompanied by Jukkis Uotila on electric piano, along with fellow TFCQ contributors Antti Lotjonen, Teppo Makynen (Teddy Rok) and Timo Lassey on bass, drums and saxophone / flute respectively. He impressed earlier this year with the 12″ for Ricky-Tick, which featured the jazz dancers ‘1974’ and ‘Buttercup’. Both tracks are included here and on first listen are the standouts. However spend a little time with this disc and you’ll discover the delights of the Freddie Hubbard influenced ‘Kulo’, as well as ‘Duudamdej’ and ‘Timber Up’, two funky fusion pieces. The later features some awesome drum breaks and keys reminiscent of those on Roy Ayers’s ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’.
Steve Reid Ensemble: Spirit Walk [Soul Jazz]
Drummer Steve Reid’s musical career stretches back to the 60s. Not only has he played with such greats as Sun Ra, Archie Shepp, Miles Davis and Gary Bartz to name but a few, but recorded a handful of much sought after deep jazz albums under his own name for his Mustevic label. ‘Spirit Walk’ is a welcome return for Steve and sees him team up with Kieran Hebden (Four Tet), who respectfully brings electronic elements to the mix. The renowned ‘Lions Of Judah’ is revisited but my advise is to touch down on ‘Lugano’ and ‘For Coltrane’ for some truly exceptional timeless music.
Pharoah Sanders: Anthology [You’ve Got To Have Freedom] [Soul Brother]
With a career spanning more than 40 years and no less than 30 albums, Pharoah Sanders has long been revered in jazz circles. Combining African and Eastern influences with the distinctive ‘shrieking’ manner in which he plays the tenor sax, he has created some of the most spiritual music to have ever been recorded. For this Anthology, Soul Brother in collaboration with Universal, draw together 18 tracks (13 on vinyl) of Pharoah’s major compositions, covering the period 1967-1996 and incorporating material from the Impulse, Theresa, Arista and Verve labels. To highlight particular tracks would be pointless since they are all worthy inclusions. My advice is to grab a copy and sample for yourself the music of a true jazz great. If I were to make one small criticism it would be that a number of the longer cuts have been edited in order to allow the maximum number of tracks to be included. Personally I would have preferred an extended 3-disc package so the full-length versions could be featured. I guess cost restrictions prevented this.
Various Artists: Searching For Soul [Luv N’ Haight]
Subtitled ‘Rare & Classic Soul, Funk And Jazz From Michigan 1968-1980’, this compilation showcases just a small selection of the countless records which originated from the North American state. On small independent labels with low budgets and often limited distribution, many of these records were largely overshadowed by the hit making machine of Detroit’s Motown. However, there’s no denying the talent of these artists particularly on tracks such as Dee Edwards’ outstanding soul stepper ‘(I Can) Deal With That’. In fact it’s the album’s soul cuts which really shine through for me. Try Burning Desire’s ‘Why She Had To Go’, a funky mid-pacer, the slow motion grinding groove of ‘Trust Me’ from Aged In Harmony or Wendell Harrison’s wonderful bright and breezy soul/jazz offering ‘Take Time Out’ for solid examples of what it is.
Various Artists: Gilles Peterson Digs America: Brownswood U.S.A. [Ubiquity Records]
Gilles’ Brownswood Basement sessions for his Worldwide shows are essential listening for any discerning music fan. With rarity guaranteed, the quality is always impeccable, as is the case with this selection of gems from the U.S. The set opens in fine style with the Al Green influenced ‘Didn’t I’ by Darondo, before passing through Jon Lucien’s ‘Search For The Inner Self’ (released as a 7” prior to his legendary RCA albums) and on to the immaculate vocal jazz dancer ‘A Perfect Day’ from Bobby Cole. As if that wasn’t enough to wet your appetite there’s Baaska & Scavelli’s mythical ‘Get Off The Ground’, ‘The Kingdom Within You’ by Ira Sullivan and J.R. Bailey’s soul sensation, ‘Just Me ‘N’ You’. Experimental folk comes in the form of Ellen McIlwaine’s version of ‘Higher Ground’ and Caroline Peyton’s ‘Just As We’. Also pay special attention to the funky jazz of ‘Circles’ by The Ensemble Al Salaam from the Strata East stable and The World Experience Orchestra’s ‘The Prayer’, an intensely beautiful piece. This is an absolute must!
Various Artists: A Slice Of Paradise Vol.1 [Fusionova021 Records]
Inspired by the parties held at beach bar Xiringuito in Playa Del Postiguet, Alicante, Spain, this 5 CD package features mixes from a selection of DJs who have graced it’s decks. With offerings from Biggabush, Nick Matthews, Gav Smith, Ben Mono and resident (and the man behind Fusionova021 Records) Enrique Domenech, you know this is going to be tasty. Nick Matthews’ selection features the Yam Who? remixes of Alison Crockett’s ‘UR’ and Amp Fiddler’s ‘Dreamin’ along with the brilliant ‘Nocturne’ from David Borsu and Sidewinder’s ‘The Adventure [Version #2]’. Intuit’s ‘Crianca Das Ondas’, Mojo Project’s ‘Where Is The Butterfly [Break Reform Mix]’ and Break Reform’s own ‘Medusa [Dynamic Syncopation Mix]’ turn up on Enrique’s mix. It’s the Gav Smith disc which is my favourite though, with tracks from his own Pantone label like Jazztronik’s ‘Froro’ and ‘In The Morning’ by Jafrosax feat Vikter Duplaix. There’s also the Spiritual South mixes of Paul Murphy’s ‘Jazz Room’ and ‘Veja O Sol’ from A Bossa Electrica, plus Antonio Ocasio’s ‘Blessed’. I’ve never been to Xiringuito but if this is the sort of stuff they’re playing then I think I need to pay a visit and taste a slice of paradise for myself.