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Record of the Week
Yet another album of musical excellence compiled by If Music's Jean-Claude for the excellent and massively collectible 'You Need This' series. This release marks the 4th volume in the A Journey Into Deep Jazz portfolio in the If Music cannon released on BBE and will be available on a double vinyl LP and as a digital release.
Deep Jazz volume 4 continues to meet the high quality bar set by the previous releases in the series and the If Music presents... catalogue. Its global diversity of artists is represented in the tracklisting. This nine track offering ranges from the slow, lush Bobby Hutchersonesque, never repressed 'Process of a Cloud' from Japanese Drummer George Hirota to Oakland artist Phavia Kujichagulia's Congolese themed, black consciousness Fancy Footwork and the mighty combination of Ginger Baker and Ransome Kuti on their co-written N'Kon Kini N'Kon N'Kon, a chunky, Lo-Slung Afro-Beat celebration of Fela Kuti's Kalakuta Republic.
Jean-Claude's excellent track record of creating and curating compilation albums and rediscovering rare gems and private presses for re-issue follows a philosophy of cross- genre music appreciation that can be traced even further back than to his time as one half of the innovative, genre bending, DJ and production duo The Amalgamation of Soundz. Jean- Claude has been a mainstay of London's Black Music scene for some four decades with his record shop, his shows on NTS and Soho Radio, his excellent 'In Conversation with...' series of chat shows, his Djing and curation of event stages at Across the Tracks Festival and, of course, his excellent compilations.
Deep Jazz volume 4 will be released on BBE Music as a digital and a double vinyl LP and will add to any serious collector and music head's record racks.
Syncopated bass lines, melancholic melodies, and the emotional energy of the cello invite you on a cinematic journey. Lead single Els is accompanied by a beautiful performance video, filmed at Max Richter’s ‘SRM Sounds’ studio, located in rural Oxfordshire.
Vega Trails is a chamber-jazz project of Milo Fitzpatrick, Portico Quartet, featuring saxophonist Jordan Smart, pianist Taz Modi and an expanded line up that includes cello, orchestral strings, vibraphone and piano.
Inspired by the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains north-west of Madrid, his home since August 2022, each piece on the album unfolds according to its own sweeping narrative, often wonderfully evocative of the mountains.
Milo explains: “I wanted to make sounds that felt equal to where I’ve been roaming in the mountains and forests out here, that reflect the incredible scale of the place. You get these huge views and skylines, which it’s hard to find words for.”
The ‘Sierra Tracks’ really is medicine for the mind, body and soul.
Because it's the passion for music that drives the person behind the decks, a dj's debut is bound to exude authenticity. It's often themselves they're recounting in music, posing on the slip mats their DNA and what makes them who they are.
When you're just starting out, you're faced with a multitude of routes to take and styles to play. When you know just how devastating it can be to step out of line and empty the dance floor even faster than it filled up, it often takes a lot of audacity to break the unity of a funk evening with a punk track. Over time, to evolve is to find oneself facing only two roads.
On the first one, to satisfy the greatest number of people and not lose the credit for his fees, the dj adapts to the trend. Whether he likes what he's playing or not, the road has become a freeway and, indeed, a very comfortable one. The audience already knows everything there is to hear and doesn't come to hear anything else. Thirty seconds, or even a minute of each track, is more than enough. Everything has to flow quickly. Everything is marked out and secured. Those who respect the regulations will (normally) make the journey without accident. Several times a week, several times a month, several times a year. Curiosity disappears altogether.
And then there's the other road. Where nothing is expected nor sometimes even ever heard. The road of an unquenchable passion for diggin' and the desire to always know more and more. A passion billed at the price of hours of research-finding spent in the discomfort and possible disappointment of never coming across anything exciting, as well as nights exploring platforms and multiplying clicks resulting in a good old headache. Until that moment of grace happens when, after thousands of fruitless shakes, the nugget stands alone in the sieve, without the slightest doubt as to its quality.
Coming from places never mentioned for their music, sometimes classics of their genre, they are also rarities miraculously saved from total disappearance, as much as current marvels, but threatened to never leave the immensity of the web. Even if the possibility of a text with substance is never excluded, they can tell long stories or be destined solely to make you dance till you're dehydrated. Scintillating with spirituality, some can also vaporize energy and replace it with a pure emotion capable of touching hearts in the bareness of simple percussions.
This road is marked by sincerity, singularity and surprises, but always in a communion between the dj and the audience, who embark on it together, with mutual confidence in the promise of hours of sharing and discovering.
Pura Vida
Critically-acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, producer Emily Saunders (“a real powerhouse!”) releases Time Ticks, the latest single to be lifted from her hugely anticipated forthcoming third album, Moon Shifts Oceans -out in February 2025.
Celebrated for her soulful voice, innovative production techniques, and deeply profound lyrics, Time Ticks is a gorgeous, hypnotic and meditative piece - Emily’s voice takes centre stage as her spatial ethereal melodies float and soar over pulsating grooves, leading to a powerful epic climatic cascade of guitars and synths.
“Releasing Time Ticks for Christmas seemed the perfect opportunity to celebrate the passing of time; a moment to remember those we miss, those who shaped our lives, and those who left too soon” says Emily.
“This is my chance to share this intimate recording with you and to remind us that heartfelt memories and the passing of time can help centre us as we contemplate the importance of connection. In Time Ticks, I vocalise these reflective and tender moments with reassuring meditative and hypnotic beats knowing that with a song and an open heart we can move forward uplifted.”
Emily’s works are celebrated for their innovation and emotional depth, winning over a global fanbase, and‘Time Ticks’ is no exception, delivering a powerful message through her signature sound with a comforting richness to every note - she once again seamlessly blends virtuosity and adventurous musicianship of the highest order.
“There really is no-one like her and that in itself is where the magic is” Simon Phillips (Jazz FM)
Hailing from London, raised in Brixton, Emily’s music has already made waves in the music industry, achieving Top 10 in international iTunes and Amazon charts in the UK, USA, Germany, France and Indonesia. Her work has garnered multiple 4-star reviews from renowned publications such as: the Evening Standard, The Guardian, The Independent, and The Daily Telegraph.
Catriona Bourne - Triquetra
Triquetra is a selection of original music by the harpist, flautist and vocalist Catriona Bourne. Her debut album unites carefully curated elements from classical, folk and jazz traditions, around themes of nature and mythology. Increasingly known for her passion and ability to create and interpret new and improvised music, her career to date has led to notable performances at a diverse range of venues and events such as Kings Place, Wilderness Festival, London Jazz Festival and The Royal Albert Hall. Now presenting a unique album of her own compositions that represent an impulsive dive into experimental folk-infused jazz, Catriona introduces her distinctive artistry to the world.
Strong jazz, classical and folk influences can be heard throughout Triquetra, as well as subtle nuances of other genres. Inspirations range from Francis Poulenc to Alice Coltrane and the compositions draw from Catriona's Scottish heritage, as well as a nostalgia for lost times and places. The title track has a contemporary feel, taking inspiration from jazz legends including Roy Hargrove. The cyclical nature of the music reflects the never-ending lines found in the Scottish triquetra symbol. ‘Coronach’ pays homage to both traditional Scottish ballads and those from the jazz tradition. Catriona states that “In particular, I was deeply moved by J.J. Johnson’s jazz standard, Lament. A coronach is a traditional improvised lament for the dead in the Gaelic Celtic tradition.”
‘Sligachan Bridge’ was composed following a visit to The Isle Of Skye. Catriona explains that “water is often the gateway in legend between the faerie world and our own. It is said that if you dip your face in to the water at Sligachan Bridge, you will be granted eternal beauty.” ‘Rowan’ is named after the tree prominent in Scottish landscape and folklore, that was once worshipped by the druids and planted near the doorways of homes as protection against witches. This track encapsulates the nostalgia that Catriona has for her grandparents’ house and garden in Scotland. The closing track, Lannigan, reimagines the traditional folk melody ‘Lannigan’s Ball’. “Growing up playing this tune at cèilidh gigs with my family (also musicians), I associate it with my childhood, although the melody is of Irish origin. Musically, it takes the listener through varied soundscapes reflective of mountains, rivers and forests.”
Triquetra brings together an ensemble of up-and-coming musicians at the forefront of the UK jazz scene, consisting of Francis Tulip on guitar, Joe Bainbridge on drums and James Owston on bass. The synergy between each player is palpable on the recording and provides a clear demonstration of the professionalism and vibrancy of each player, both individually and as a unit. A vivid and exhilarating band destined for great things to come.
This project is backed by Youth Music’s NextGen Fund, which has been made possible thanks to the principal partner the Players of People’s Postcode Lottery and support from the Dr. Martens Foundation.
Oaagaada - Music of Oaagaada
Mysterious quartet Oaagaada has for some years been one of the best-kept secrets in the vibrant Finnish scene. Now, the band is ready to share their eagerly-awaited debut album on We Jazz Records, 15 November, just ahead of their performance at Helsinki's We Jazz Festival. Oaagaada's music is "togetherness music" in the lineage and spirit of the great acoustic free jazz innovators, but always moving forward and developing on its own path. This music is far-removed from the sterile "contemporary hi-fi sounds" but it doesn't mean that it would be decidedly "lo-fi" either. Recorded at the band's home base, Hämeenlinna's Odd Funk studios, this is simply how Oaagaada sounds, and their album rendition is true to the band's much loved live energy.
Music Of Oaagaada flows naturally, with the opener "Oag-Ada Sweet" clocking in at mere 52 seconds, and the longform four-part Suite Tuli ("tuli" is "fire" in Finnish) heating up the entire side B of the LP. "Seagull Shapes", driven by the meditative sounds of the shruti box, makes for thrilling listening and echoes the spirit of the likes of Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders without sounding that much like either of them. Live, Oaagaada is at home in acoustic settings which offer proximity and intimacy with their listeners. The band celebrates the album by appearing at Helsinki's We Jazz Festival on 29 November at the compact Kahvila Sävy, a key venue at the festival echoing the band's organic music ethos perfectly.
Tangential Music are thrilled to offer some heavenly Balearic vibes from the versatile house producer and DJ Ed Mahon.
Hailing from the North of England and with house music in his veins since the early Nineties, Ed’s recordings and remixes have seen releases on labels such as Tici Taci, Paper, Sprechen, Nein and Hot Digits amongst many, he can hit it harder on the house and acid vibe or create moments of pure relaxation such as this dreamy slice of hopeful beach mat chillout. ‘Give It All’ features the Danielle Moore inspired vocals of fellow Northerner Louise Spiteri, her lyrics offering persuasive encouragement and empowerment as Ed’s rich instrumentation of pianos, orchestral strings and gentle beats warm the heart.
We can certainly hear why Ed’s ‘Lazy Sundays’ radio shows on Cowbell Radio and Music For Dreams regularly feature in the global top ten charts for Balearic and Chill Out.
Gently stretching out the strings and piano, the Extended Mix harks back to the golden era of chilled beats when labels like Naked and Hed Kandi ruled the roost. Ed’s piano in particular, carries the flame of classic soulful house but performed with the sun’s rays as inspiration rather than a strobe light.
Alan Fitzpatrick - Replicant (EP)
Up next on Eli Brown’s Arcane Records and needing very little introduction is techno maestro Alan Fitzpatrick with his Replicant EP. The two tracker showcases Fitzpatrick's impeccable production, encapsulating the essence of techno, blending dark, driving beats with emotive, melodic elements, resulting in a standout release that will command attention on the dancefloor.
“I’ve had a long friendship with Eli Brown, and he’s released multiple times on my We Are The Brave imprint. It’s been a pleasure to be a small part in his journey to where he is flying now. I felt it would be great to release on his label to complete the circle and when I made ‘Replicant’ I knew this was the right track for Arcane. Alan Fitzpatrick
Title track Replicant is a quintessential techno masterpiece, brimming with the signature elements that have made Fitzpatrick a stalwart in the electronic sphere. On the flip is Limitless, a collaborative affair featuring Just Frank and Kat Chu on vocals. When talking about how the track came to light Fitzpatrick recalls how, “Frank and I have known each other for twenty years and recently reconnected after losing touch. We immediately started working in the studio again together on a bunch of collaborations. ‘Limitless' was the result and I knew straight away it would partner ‘Replicant' perfectly for an EP. We wanted to add a spoken word vocal to it and Kat Chu’s delivery was perfect for this", The powerful fusion of driving techno beats and emotive, human elements elevate the track so that it resonates on a deeper, emotional level, leaving a lasting impression on its listeners.
“The inspiration behind 'Limitless' stems from the sense of freedom I experience on the dancefloor. In those moments, the music transcends all thoughts and negativity, creating a pure connection. When we're in the club, the music empowers us, making us feel like we can be everything and do anything. It's a powerful reminder of our true selves, free from the thoughts that often weigh us down.” Kat Chu
Southampton-born techno legend Alan Fitzpatrick has carved out a unique niche in the underground electronic music scene. Known for his raw, hard-edged sound, he has headlined prestigious venues like Berghain and had hits on daytime BBC Radio 1. As one of the most popular and influential techno DJs globally, Fitzpatrick has collaborated with top artists such as Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, CamelPhat, and Skream. He also runs the innovative label ‘We Are The Brave,’ known for forward-thinking techno. In 2024, Fitzpatrick continues to thrive with new collaborations and releases on major labels like Drumcode and Cocoon, with upcoming performances confirmed at Awakenings Festival, the Pyramid Amnesia Opening Party, Hideout Festival and more.
Leon Raum is a prolific German producer, drummer, DJ, multi-instrumentalist and creative who has worked with several live bands and music projects across a number of different genres. These include instrumental electronic outfit Bokoya, whose style ranges from ambient to drum & bass and dub, as well as hip hop duo Wyl, a downtempo collaboration with DJ and producer Felix Fleer, and soul jazz project Wukan.
Indeed, it’s jazz that’s very much at the heart of Leon Raum’s music. The way the genre encompasses all of the technical intricacies of the instruments themselves is central to his production remit. Leon’s father was a huge influence in this world, mentoring him in the basics of
playing and also helping him with the skills of multi-track recordings.
Having worked as a multiinstrumentalist in several bands and projects for over a decade, Leon now finally feels that the time is right to step out of the shadows and into the light to showcase his own solo productions.
“There are so many influences and impulses that don’t find actualization when in a collaborative setting, that I feel it's so enriching to establish oneself as a solo artist, not being bound to expectation or compromise even in the creation of music. I aim to spread my musical love and creative vulnerability with this project. Of course, I hope to reach people with it, but my priority is really to be transparent and creative in making music. ”
Leon’s debut EP offers up snapshots of different periods of the producer’s process. Its title, Basement Meditation, comes from the fact that these tracks were made alone in the studio, where the emerging loops often created a trance-like meditative state. The loops are a mixture of analog instruments and synthetic sounds, and whilst the music is very much an independent, individual project, the artwork that accompanies it is drawn by Leon’s own sister, Penelope.
Finding a label to release this deep, introspective and very personal collection of beats was an important task, but happily Leon feels that joining forces with Sonar Kollektiv was the right choice for him:
“Collaborating with Sonar Kollektiv has enabled me to unveil this raw, unfiltered sound that resonates with the core of my natural being.”
The opening track on the EP is the laid back and low slung Cascade. Leon describes the track as “classic basement meditation with keyboard sounds and rhythmic arpeggios” and indeed, the track does have the feel of an instant classic, complete with multiple ambient layers and, of course, those boom-bap drums.
“For years, this was my favourite beat on my hard drive, especially because of the transition from the ‘calm arpeggio’ to the higher more ‘aggressive arpeggio’ ”.
As a drummer, Leon comes very much from the hip hop side of things - hugely influenced by the beats of J Dilla and Questlove. This sound is particularly strong in For QnD, the second track on the EP . The piece is very much a tribute to the pioneering pair, who have such an impact on Leon’s work, as he explains further:
“Questlove and J Dilla are my two biggest long-term sources of inspiration and role models. I learned the basics of drumming from these two. The beat is how I imagine baseball college vibes in the U.S.!”
Champloo is another classic Basement Meditation and one that found its source of inspiration from Japanese anime series Samurai Champloo, as well as its theme tune performed by Japanese producer Nujabes. Insistent piano stabs and swinging drums build tension throughout the track as Leon explains:
“I was watching a lot of Samurai Champloo, and I visualised a hectic yet collected sword fight scene while making this.”
Finally on the EP , All Night raises the tempo and is the only Basement Meditation that developed into an all-night dance with a pure, four to-the-floor early 2000s house sound.
“The recording process took about 10 minutes, during which the entire studio was wired up, and the spirit made no compromises for a moment.”
This four track EP is a very special collection of sonic reveries, crafted from moments of solitary creation. Within these tracks lies the essence of meditative studio sessions, where loops emerged to captivate and enthral. Fusing predominantly analog instrumentation with delicate synthetic nuances, Basement Meditation invites listeners on a journey of introspection and exploration, where every note tells a story of solitude and serenity. Who knows where the journey will take us next….
Multi-instrumentalist and synth wizard Paul White readies his third album for R&S Records, offering up a cinematic journey on ‘Peace In Chaos’ that captures the current mood with its shadowy electronic prowess.
With an unabashed love of 80s synth music and film scores, the South London based producer presents an album of perhaps his most pop leaning tracks yet, following on from 2018’s ‘Rejuvenate’ and 2014’s ‘Shaker Notes’. Across eleven tracks, White delves into a world of esoteric electronic pop, as waves of melodic synths wash over towering drum patterns and majestic bass, with White adding his own enigmatic vocals to many of the productions.
Paul explains the themes he was looking to capture when producing ‘Peace In Chaos’ I"ve always heard music in a very visual way. I'd like to put this album out here as film, or game scenes, and it’s a movie or game about trying to find peace in a chaotic world.“
Having previously written & produced for many artists, including Danny Brown, Sudan Archives and Jessy Lanza, White puts himself centre stage on ‘Peace In Chaos’, writing, performing, producing and recording entirely on his own, flexing his prodigious studio skills and keen ear for a powerful and engaging tune. None more exemplified than on this new album.
Thee Sacred Souls have announced that their sophomore album - Got A Story To Tell - will be released October 4 on Daptone Records. The focus track and main single to be showcased is the soulful uptempo track 'Live For You'.
The new album follows their highly anticipated follow-up to their breakout 2022 self-titled debut and features 12 all original new songs, a soaring statement of exquisite craftsmanship from this young band from San Diego whose story grows bigger by the day. Thee Sacred Souls have also announced their biggest headline tour yet, to take place this fall. The tour, produced by Live Nation, includes New York’s new 2700-capacity Brooklyn Paramount (Nov 8) and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (Oct 16). They will also perform at the Fool In Love festival in Los Angeles on August 31, Bumbershoot, Montreal Jazz Festival, and will headline Celebrate Brooklyn June 22.
Like their debut, Got A Story To Tell was recorded and produced by Gabriel Roth at Penrose Recorders, Daptone’s studio in Riverside, CA. Written in the throes of supporting their 2022 album - which was met with tremendous excitement and major touring that brought them across the world - it represents a crucible for the band. It led to a demanding and intense period, but they came out stronger and more together on the other side. They tapped into the explosion of creativity that came with it to make their best songs yet.
Got A Story To Tell was written by founding members Alejandro Garcia, Salvador Samano and Josh Lane. Garcia (drums, guitar), Samano (bass, drums) and Lane (vocals) recorded the album, with additional horn, string, percussion, organ players and background vocalists. Special guests include Larry Rendon on saxophone, an original member of Thee Midniters, the East LA band from the ‘60s that made history as one of the first Chicano bands to have a major hit in the U.S. (and in part what inspired Thee Sacred Souls’ band name). The live band features Garcia, Samano and Lane, as well as Riley Dunn on keys, Shay Stulz on guitar, and Astyn Turrentine and Viane Escobar on background vocals.
What swirls together on Got A Story To Tell is an appreciation of decades of soul music, and beyond - a sound and feel that is timeless, lived in, and very much in the now. Songs that take their time and relish in the moment. Album opener “Lucid Girl” champions independent women, set to some of the toughest sounding drums and bass the band has yet to put to tape. The song started with an idea from Garcia; it came to him on a Christmas morning of quiet solitude and heartache. “She chose herself and then she grew,” Lane sings in his pure tenor before the drums and Samano’s bass hit a stutter-step and the chorus kicks in. The album is full of characters and stories, and “Lucid Girl” sets the stage.
Thee Sacred Souls began when Garcia and Samano, just 23 at the time, started the framework of the band by writing songs together. Lane joined as the vocalist and songwriter, moving to SoCal from Sacramento, and they were offered a record deal by Daptone after their soon-to-be producer Gabriel Roth saw one of their early gigs. Their debut - described by Uncut as “music of terrifyingly high quality” - earned them performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk, which debuted in February of this year, as well as several TV show appearances: Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Saturday, Kelly Clarkson, Jools Holland, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. They have 6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, over 250 million streams on the platform so far, and “Can I Call You Rose” has been the soundtrack to nearly a million posts between TikTok and Instagram, a virality that took off in January of this year. An ever-growing list of fans includes SZA, Alicia Keys, Leon Bridges and Kylie Jenner. For a band that just began significant touring in 2022, they’ve already made their festival debuts at Bonnaroo, Newport Folk, Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza, and sold out Brooklyn Steel in January of 2023 - just their third proper NYC headlining show ever.