Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: On the latest instalment in their essential Jazz is Dead series, musical polymaths Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad have joined forces with Katalyst, a Los Angeles-based collective of musicians whose work is inspired by their 1960s Californian predecessors Afrikan People's Arkestra and Union of God Musicians Ascension Association. What's an offer is undeniably impressive and, at genuinely life-affirming, with the assembled cast doing a superb job of joining the dots between spiritual jazz, soul-jazz, horizontal jazz-funk and deeper, more sun-kissed flavours. Highlights are plentiful and include, though are no way limited to, the breezy 'Juneteenth', the languid dancefloor shuffle and sustained electric piano motifs of 'The Avenues' and the morning-fresh wonder that is 'Daybreak'.

Review: The Modern Jazz & Folk Ensemble's eponymous album, led by saxophonist Sean Khan, is a captivating tribute to the late 60s and early 70s folk revival, reimagined within a jazz framework. With guest vocalists like Jacqui McShee, Rosie Frater-Taylor, and Kindelan, the album breathes new life into compositions by iconic artists such as Pentangle, Sandy Denny, John Martyn, and Nick Drake. Khan's mastery of the saxophone shines throughout the album, bridging the gap between jazz and folk with finesse. The recent singles, including 'Solid Air' featuring Rosie Frater-Taylor and a mesmerizing rendition of Nick Drake's 'Parasite' with Kindelan, offer a taste of the ensemble's innovative approach to these classic tunes. Driven by Khan's dedication to pushing musical boundaries, The Modern Jazz & Folk Ensemble promises to be a compelling addition to his repertoire, seamlessly blending the timeless allure of folk music with the improvisational spirit of jazz.