Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: The second album from Vijay Iyer and Wadada Leo Smith on ECM is a meditation on resilience, sorrow and the human condition. Across four expansive tracks on Defiant Life, Iyer's piano and Fender Rhodes intertwine with Smith's haunting trumpet to create a soundscape that's both urgent and serene. From the solemn depth of 'Sumud' to the shimmering melancholy of 'Floating River Requiem' and the radiant close of 'Procession: Defiant Life' notions of suffering, resistance and hope are explored. The record was recorded in Lugano and produced by Manfred Eicher. It's a deeply reflective work of emotional and spiritual resonance.

Review: Angel Song, originally released in 1997, is a landmark jazz album that has stood the test of time. The quartet session, led by the legendary Kenny Wheeler and featuring Lee Konitz, Dave Holland, and Bill Frisell, is a masterpiece of tranquil, chamber-like jazz. Wheeler's compositions are hauntingly lyrical, providing the perfect framework for the improvisational brilliance of the ensemble. Konitz's alto saxophone weaves effortlessly with Wheeler's flugelhorn and trumpet, creating expressive and melodic dialogues. Dave Holland's bass provides a solid foundation, allowing Bill Frisell's guitar to soar with harmonically rich improvisations. The absence of a drummer adds to the intimate and introspective nature of the music, allowing each musician to shine in their own right. The vinyl release of Angel Song as part of the Luminessence series is a welcome addition to any jazz lover's collection. It's a timeless album that features four master musicians at the height of their powers.