Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Jeff Goldblum is a cult movie actor, a famously likeable bloke and also a damn good jazz singer and pianist with many essential works to his name. Now he has released two new singles featuring singer, songwriter and actress Haley Reinhart. Teaming up with his long-time band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, for the occasion, the unlikely but accomplished pair deliver unique covers of Taylor Swift's hit 'Lover' and Loreen's 'Tattoo.' They add completely different musical perspectives to the delightful pop originals and both tunes are sure to appeal to a wide range of music lovers, not just fans of Goldblum.

Review: American jazz pianist Gene Harris first released 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' and its counterpart 'Summer' in 1974, when both initially appeared on the classic soul jazz album Astral Signal. Thereafter, it enjoyed a second bout of popularity after being picked up by the trailblazing rare groove scene in London. Now for a third: Selector Series now proffer another reissue of this rare groove workout, a Latin funk gem for an age not yet properly recorded or recognised. Snappy, pugilist drums, wowwing synths and filling choral counterpoints make this a real funk treat.

Review: Tension sees Ethio-jazz innovator Mulatu Astatke join forces with Tel Aviv's Hoodna Orchestra, creating a vibrant fusion of Astatke's signature sound with the orchestra's Afro funk dynamism. This collaboration is a masterclass in blending classic Ethio-jazz with contemporary influences. The album kicks off with 'Tension,' a track that infuses Astatke's enchanting vibraphone with a powerful rhythm section, driven by Matan Assayag's energetic drumming and a compelling brass motif. 'Major' later introduces a joyous, swinging groove, showcasing the orchestra's chemistry and Drabkin's stellar organ solo. Tracks like 'Hatula' and 'Yashan' capture a blend of intricate melodies and traditional Ethio-jazz flavours, while 'Delilah' reverently nods to Mulatu's early Latin-jazz roots. The album concludes with 'Dung Gate', a slow, mesmerising piece featuring Birenbaum's layered percussion and the brass section's evocative presence. Tension stands out as both a tribute to Astatke's legacy and a groundbreaking exploration in Ethio-jazz, marking a high point in the Hoodna Orchestra's evolving sound.

Review: Together Again!!!! reunites trumpeter Howard McGhee and saxophonist Teddy Edwards in a jazz collaboration originally released in 1961 that is as energised and electric as the title with all its many exclamation marks. This reissue is part of the Acoustic Sounds Series and showcases the exceptional talents of McGhee and Edwards alongside Phineas Newborn Jr. on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Ed Thigpen on drums. It has been cut from the original master tapes by Bernie Grundman so the AAA lacquers enhance the album's rich sound. It's a mini-classic of the jazz world and it never sounded better.

Review: Sam Gendel is renowned for his innovative use of saxophones and wind controllers and with that he brings a fresh perspective to contemporary music. Benny Bock meanwhile is a versatile keyboardist, composer, producer and sound designer from Oakland, California who crafts evocative soundscapes across diverse styles. Hans Kjorstad is the third and final part of this three-way collaboration and is a musician and composer who specialises in contemporary microtonal music while drawing inspiration from Norwegian traditional music and experimental improvisation. Together, their unique approaches push the boundaries of modern music as they weave traditional and avant-garde elements into a rich tapestry of sound that bridges genres and challenges conventions.

Review: Vibrant Essential by Taro Hakase & THE LADS, features nine selected tracks, offering a rich listening experience that transcends genre boundaries with its violin-centered compositions. Known for blending classical and contemporary elements, Hakase's work takes on a new warmth and texture in this analog format, perfect for fans and audiophiles alike. A must-have for those seeking something uniquely vibrant and timeless in sound.

Review: Fat Albert Rotunda represents one of Herbie Hancock's earliest forays into jazz-funk and is centred around the music he composed for the Fat Albert cartoon show. Released between his landmark album Maiden Voyage in 1965 and the classic Head Hunters from 1973, it stands out in Hancock's catalogue - despite said catalogue being so packed with gems. The album features funky tracks like 'Fat Mama' and jazz-oriented tunes such as 'Tell Me A Bedtime Story', wih Hancock supported by a stellar sextet including Joe Henderson on tenor sax, Johnny Coles on trumpet and Buster Williams on bass. Although Hancock's work spans various developments in jazz, funk, and r&b, he always maintained a unique voice, and this is a great example of it at its most distinctive.

Review: Sharps and Flats, under the direction of Nobuo Hara, has significantly influenced Japan's big band jazz landscape. Their album Little Giant, originally released in 1970 as part of Victor's Japanese Jazz series, remains a key highlight in their extensive catalog. This release features the talents of notable composers and arrangers, including Masao Yagi, Kiyoshi Yamaya, Norio Maeda, and Masahiko Sato, alongside innovative arrangements of works by Oliver Nelson, a close collaborator. The albums intricate and bold arrangements reveal the band's exceptional performance caliber. The track 'Little Giant' radiates coolness, while 'Dark Horse' exudes strength. 'Orbit 8:11' introduces an edgy sound, and 'Flexibility' displays refined sophistication. The musicians deliver a compelling interplay of energy and calm, reflecting the band's versatility. Now reissued on vinyl, this work captures the distinctive charm and skill of Sharps and Flats, presenting an exciting experience for listeners. It's a vibrant representation of adventurous big band jazz that continues to resonate.

Review: This Now Playing album on Atlanta celebrates Donny Hathaway with a tracklist that embodies his signature themes of love, hope, and introspection. Featuring iconic hits such as 'The Ghetto - Part 1,' 'A Song For You,' and the soulful duet 'Where Is The Love' with Roberta Flack, Hathaway's emotive vocals and profound lyrics take centre stage. Addressing social issues, tracks like 'Little Ghetto Boy' add depth to the collection. Concluding with the uplifting 'Someday We'll All Be Free,' this compilation resonates with soul-stirring melodies and resilient messages and allows Hathaway's legacy to shine brightly and leave an indelible mark on listeners with his timeless and enduring spirit.

Review: Roland Haynes Jr. and his band Phenix may have only released one 45 in 1983, but their legacy extends far beyond that solitary record. This new collection of live recordings from the Quarter Moon club in Orangeburg, South Carolina, reveals the brilliance of Haynes and his ensemble. The album features a vibrant mix of originals and covers, including renditions of tracks by Marvin Gaye, Santana, Hubert Laws and The Jeff Lorber Fusion. These recordings, drawn from Haynes' personal archive, showcase the band's exceptional talent and ability to reinterpret classics while adding their own unique flair. The collection allows Haynes to assert his place among the most innovative jazz and soul artists of his time, capturing the energy and creativity of Phenix in their prime.

Review: In many ways, this album by the Heavy Hitters delivers everything jazz enthusiasts crave: an all-star ensemble, blues-rooted improvisations and original compositions that enrich the modern jazz repertoire. This live recording captures the deep emotions and authentic feelings that make such performances truly special. It is full of electric solos and dense melodies, shuffling rhythms and "lightning in a bottle" moments where fresh nuances emerge with every listen. Recorded after a two-week tour, the album culminated in a memorable performance at Frankie's, one of the world's finest jazz clubs, and is well deserving of your ears.

Review: Bill Henderson may not have been a widely known jazz singer, but his 1963 album proves he deserved more recognition. Backed by the exceptional Oscar Peterson Trioifeaturing Ed Thigpen on drums and Ray Brown on bassiHenderson more than holds his own. His rich, expressive voice brings new depth to classics like 'All or Nothing at All' and 'You Are My Sunshine' which font his unique style and vast emotional range. Rather than being overshadowed by his legendary accompanists, Henderson rises to the occasion which helps make this a standout gem in vocal jazz.

Review: London-born Ashley Henry returns with his latest project, Who We Are via Naive Records. This new release highlights Henry's distinctive approach to music, blending introspective self-expression with vibrant jazz influences. Who We Are is a rich blend of sound where Henry's ethereal falsetto meets lush piano melodies and rhythmic percussion. His self-produced compositions create an inviting sonic space that highlights his introspective lyrics and deep-rooted self-assurance. The album reflects Henry's journey through self-discovery and collective empowerment, urging listeners to value each other's dreams and find inspiration within their communities. Henry's music draws from his London upbringing and Jamaican heritage, combining classical training with the profound influences of Black radical traditions. Inspired by icons such as James Baldwin, Angela Davis, Ahmed Jamal and George Benson, Henry's work resonates with both historical depth and contemporary relevance.

Review: The fourth and perhaps best known album by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass marked a shift from their earlier, Mexican-inspired sound to pop-friendly Latin jazz-lounge instrumental covers. Its upbeat sound appealed to a wide audience, from young adults embracing 1960s pop culture to older listeners drawn to easy listening. Heavy radio play and mainstream exposure helped it define the Ameriachi style; hits 'A Taste Of Honey' and the sultry 'Love Potion No. 9' inaugurated it as an erotic touchstone, also partly thanks to its provocative album cover. Its chart performance was so enduring that its total stats would only end up matched by The Beatles, Prince, and Taylor Swift much later down the line.

Review: Andrew Hill's 1968 release merges intricate rhythms with dense, harmonically rich compositions that push the boundaries of jazz. The ensemble, featuring Lee Morgan and Booker Ervin, dives into challenging material that unfolds with every listen. The intricate brass work on tracks like 'Grass Roots' contrasts with the fluidity of Hill's piano, while the rhythm section locks into an effortlessly tight groove. Hill's compositions are complex yet absorbing, blending intellectual depth with emotional resonance, creating a unique sonic landscape that rewards careful listening.

Review: Eye of the Universe, recorded by Finnish saxophonist Markus Holkko at Studio Pelto, is a sophisticated blend of jazz traditions and experimental sounds. This album sees Holkko revisiting his roots while innovating with a mix of straight, Latin, and spiritual jazz, infused with elements of west coast cool and psychedelic touches. The core ensemble, featuring Juuso Rinta on double bass, Samuli Rautiainen on electric piano, and Teemu Mustonen on drums and percussion, lays down a foundation of organic, acoustic jazz. Additional layers by Teemu Akerblom on electric guitar and sitar, alongside Holkko's analog synthesisers, enrich the album's texture. Primarily instrumental, the album also includes Holkko's wordless vocals, adding an ethereal quality to tracks like 'Funky Ranking'. Eye of the Universe encapsulates a true jazz feel with its deep, layered sounds and a nod to musical authenticity, promising to be a compelling listen for those intrigued by the evolution of jazz and its fusion with other musical forms.

Review: Originally recorded live at the New York Jazz Museum in 1977, this newly mastered version of a classic form William Hooker captures a vital, previously unheard performance from three titans of free jazz. They are eponymous drummer William Hooker, tenor saxophonist David S. Ware and alto saxophonist Alan Braufman and this session brims with raw, unfiltered energy that taps into a pivotal moment in each artist's career. Hooker's percussive invention, Ware's searing intensity and Braufman's loft-era vision combine in a spellbinding document of New York's avant-garde scene and form what is a crucial artefact from jazz's fearless frontier of the time.

Review: The classic album Mr. Wonderful by Japanese jazz vocalist Ayako Hosokawa has been reissued here on nice heavyweight vinyl and it includes a booklet with further context from Sony. Hosokawa has long delighted fans with her soulful renditions of jazz standards and this album was originally recorded in 1982 with her rich, emotive voice paired with impeccable instrumentation bringing timeless tracks like 'Mr. Wonderful' to life. Hosokawa has expressive phrasing and a delicate balance of warmth and precision that creates a sublime jazz sound that's both intimate and sophisticated.

Review: Bobby Hutcherson's innovative 1969 session Medina features a stellar lineup with Harold Land on tenor saxophone and flute, Stanley Cowell on piano, Reggie Johnson on bass, and Joe Chambers on drums all joining the legendary vibraphonist. The album showcases original compositions by Hutcherson, Cowell and Chambers and was recorded on August 11, 1969 at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. This special reissue comes as part of the Tone Poet series produced by Joe Harley and mastered by Kevin Gray from the original analog master tapes.