Basic Soul

In a short time, Ill Considered has built a reputation as a unit delivering inspired meditative as well as spiritual jazz compositions. Although “Ill Considered 3” contains material written specifically for this recording, the group still manages to stretch out and improvise on the fly. By doing so they’ve captured the spirit of the live performances they’ve become known for. Each recording here starts out with warm, if somewhat loose melodies before they begin to push the boundaries. None more so than saxophonist Idris Rahman. “Djinn” begins with Leon Brichard’s simmering bass groove along side Vincent De Boer’s mystical brushes that create a mood of an ethereal passage. Rahman’s sax is warm yet powerful and full of raw emotion. “Delusions” pushes the tempo into high gear with the help of percussionist Satin Singh. Rahman’s melodic flourishes coat every composition and they are a thing of beauty. There’s a lot going on with these recordings and each member brings their own unique set of skills to the table. This is essential listening that you shouldn’t miss.

Fans of Byron The Aquarius might be a bit surprised when they set their ears to his latest release. While “Ambrosia” has elements of house it’s also bursting with jazz fusion as well. The disc kicks off with “New Beginnings”. Brazilian native Chocolat’s percolating bass gives the track a little Latin flavor while Rasheeda Ali’s tasty flute adds a heavenly melody. Trumpeter Dashill Smith’s graces the aptly titled “Space & Time”. In addition to the five original compositions there are some notable remixes on tap. Produced by Detroit techno pioneer Jeff Mills who matches Byron’s mastery of infectious grooves with an array of talented musicians. “Ambrosia” is evidence that Byron is more than just an esteemed DJ/house producer.

You may be familiar with Marc Brown and Chris Franck from their work with the group Smoke City and Da Lata. Each focused on their own solo material before getting back to form The Quiet Ones. Their shared love for African and Brazilian music is spread all over this project. “Ninguem” featuring Carlo Alexandre and Amarina Sena is sublime and filled with sun drenched Brazilian melodies. You’re forgiven if you thought for a minute you were listening to Seu Jorge on this track. “I Need Your Love” is filled with psychedelic guitar rhythms. “Malamba” featuring vocalist Sergio Perere is filled with the rich Afro Brazilian traditions of sparkling guitar and percussion. Jordanese vocalist Lama Zakharia is a delight on the exotic “Mawjood”. Brown and Franck have assembled musicians from London to Brazil to Senegal. They pay proper respect to the traditions by creating a modern Brazilian gem that’s deeply satisfying.

2020 has taken a toll on all of us but few have expressed that emotional angst quite as beautifully as Jarrod Lawson. “Be The Change” is his latest release and first for Dome records is nothing short of brilliant. Lawson’s tenor vocals are equally matched by his lustrous keyboard arrangements and songwriting. The title track sets the stage with a gorgeous piano melody and a romping groove. Lawson’s plea to start with ourselves in order to make real change is punctuated by his soaring vocals. Lawson’s pairing with Moonchild’s Amber Navran feels like a match made in heaven on the melancholy “I’ll Be Your Radio”. The Latin tinged “How Long” begins with percolating percussion and flute. The piano eases in before Lawson’s silky vocals take over, calling out for accountability from our elected leadership. The gap between albums was wide but this one was certainly worth the wait. It’s easily one of the best of the year.

Mekbuda is the latest group to emerge from the burgeoning Russian Jazz scene. Their release “Convincing Delusional” is an experimental ride filled with a touch of cosmic jazz. The opening track “KSpacey” is layered with exotic melodies. Keyboardist Alex Petrov and trumpeter Igor Shilov play with a rhythmic urgency that trickles down to the rest of the band. “Distant Shining” is a serene and tranquil space odyssey. “The Space Of Variations” is a ambient composition highlighted by gorgeous flute melodies layered on a hypnotic groove. Despite only six tracks each one is dynamic and showcases their compositional chops. An impressive release that fits in nicely alongside the new generation of jazz musicians.

Amongst the new wave of UK jazz phenoms, tenor saxophonist Nubya Garcia is one of the hardest working musicians. Whether it’s the two EPs she has released or the numerous appearances she’s made with her talented contemporaries. Whatever the occasion she has made her presence felt. While on tour she managed to find the time to write the material that would ultimately lead to “Source”. Not only is it her official full length debut but it’s also released on the infamous Concord records. With a legendary company behind her she lives up to the challenge with ease. The lp opens up with “Pace”. Garcia’s haunting melodies overlapping a hybrid of rhythms punctuated by bassist Daniel Casimir and drummer Sam Jones. The title track is a dynamic manifestation of afro Caribbean rhythms and sound system culture. Garcia’s hearty tenor floats over the atmospherics created by drummer Jones. Joe Armon-Jones spirited forays on keys takes the track to greater heights. It’s simply twelve minutes of pure orchestrated bliss prone to repeated listens. “Together Is A Beautiful Place To Be” demonstrates Garcia and her bandmates are equally at home with a ballad, each adding a gentle touch. “Source” is far from a traditional jazz record and for that we’re thankful. Garcia’s rich improvisational skills combined with her deep musical heritage makes for a satisfying listen, not to mention a force to be reckoned with.

Singer songwriter Nathan Thomas first captured our attention when he layed his honey vocals down on Rapson’s 2018 house banger “Heat”. Soon afterwards we got a taste of his forthcoming lp when the warm and mellow “SunBlind”, the first single also premiered in 2018. At that point our appetite yearned for more and our patience eventually rewarded with “Still Water”. The superb ten track lp delivers with an array of delicious down tempo soulful compositions. Evidence can be found with the title track, a sublime recording with sketches of jazz and hip hop with production from Simon S. “Peacemakers” blossoms with Marc Raspson’s signature sound of wicked beats and hypnotic keys. “Namaste” is filled with tasty guitar rhythms, sweet vocals and lovely songwriting. Quite simply it’s another winner from the Futuristica family. Thomas’s warm vocal harmonies and heartfelt lyrics has the makings of a promising career. A brilliant debut from an emerging talent.