Review: Dark Horse Records has put together this limited edition pressing of Nina Simone's seminal debut studio album, Little Girl Blue, in honour of its 65th anniversary. Originally released in February 1959, this special pink vinyl reissue features a 12x12 insert with an introduction by Dhani Harrison and of course the record itself includes many an iconic track. Take your pick from the likes of 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' and 'I Loves You, Porgy' which showcase Simone's early brilliance and hint at her profound influence on music in the decades to come. This collector's item is a tribute to Simone's timeless sound.
Review: Karen Souza's Essentials II shows her as one of the premier voices in contemporary jazz, offering a collection of timeless pop and rock classics reimagined with a sophisticated jazz twist. Produced by the legendary Richard Gottehrer, known for his work with icons like Blondie and The Go-Gos, the album exudes warmth and intimacy, allowing Souza's sultry vocals to shine through with unprecedented clarity. Recorded at The Orchard Studios in New York City, each track is carefully crafted to highlight the organic beauty of the jazz arrangements. The album includes stunning renditions of songs like Chris Isaak's 'Wicked Game', Fleetwood Mac's 'Dreams' and R.E.M.'s 'Everybody Hurts', all infused with Souza's unique style. Essentials II has been a fan favourite since its 2014 release and now, with its vinyl reissue, the collection is offered in a beautifully mastered format that enhances the deep, rich tones of Souza's voice.
Review: Kunihiko Sugano's 1974 album, reissued by the revered TBM label, is a captivating showcase of his pianistic finesse. Known as a "piano magician," Sugano channels Erroll Garner's vibrant touch in compositions that brim with elegance and rhythmic ingenuity. TBM's remastering adds a fresh clarity to Sugano's work, meticulously handled by Bernie Grundman to retain the rich, analogue warmth of the original. This reissue, part of the revered Wa-Jazz series, appeals to both long-time jazz aficionados and newer vinyl enthusiasts, complete with insightful liner notes that connect Sugano's legacy with the label's enduring influence.
Review: Stray Voltage is not for the faint of ear. This is triple-A rated Sun Ra at their best, namely audacious, aggressive and adventurous. Forget melodies or sing-along hooks-this collection dives deep into Sun Ra's unissued electronic explorations from the 70s and 80s when, using synths and keyboards as his tools, the one and only 'Ra didn't just play, he assaulted, provoked, and moulded raw sound into wild and unimaginable sonic landscapes. These are not songs in the traditional sense, but abstract journeys full of texture and tension that make for a thrilling glimpse into Ra's boundary-pushing experiments where structure gives way to sensation and the sheer power of cosmic expression.
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