Review: Acclaimed South African folk singer Vusi Mahlasela joined forces with singer songwriter Norman Zulu as well as the superb Swedish jazz and soul collective Jive Connection for this album back in 2002. It was thought to be a lost recording until it recently showed up and now gets fully revived by Strut. There are strong political links between these countries which no doubt adds weight to this musical link up. It is a great exchange of cultures from parables to laments on child abuse to tunes that fuse reggae, jazz and post-punk with township styles.
Review: If music's power to transport us somewhere else is what makes it such an addictive drug, albums like this swooning, sun-kissed and Latin-flavour jazz delight are class-A contraband. Henry Mancini is renowned for his iconic film and television scores (and you will certainly recognise its here for that reason) and so he won multiple Grammy Awards and a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. His music became a staple of the easy-listening genre from the 1960s to the 1980s, but also he made significant contributions to jazz, such as this most elegant and soothing work.
Review: Zara McFarlane, the renowned British jazz vocalist, delivers an exquisite tribute to the legendary Sarah Vaughan with her album Sweet Whispers: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan. McFarlane's rich, soulful voice captures the essence of Vaughan's timeless artistry, blending classic jazz elements with contemporary nuances. Each track is a heartfelt homage, showcasing McFarlane's deep respect and understanding of Vaughan's influence on jazz. The album is a masterful exploration of emotion and technical prowess, highlighting McFarlane's versatility and her ability to breathe new life into beloved standards.
Review: Presented here is Brazilian guitarist and composer Roberto Menescal's classic LP A Bossa Nova de Roberto Menescal featuring additional tracks from the same period, all with the legendary Eumir Deodato on piano. Born on October 25, 1937, Menescal is a pioneer of bossa nova and is best known for his iconic song 'O Barquinho' (Little Boat). He has collaborated with Latin music legends like Carlos Lyra, Nara Leao, Wanda Sa, and Ale Vanzella and was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2002 and received the Latin Recording Academy Special Award in 2013 for his contributions to the genre.This one is a great insight into his sound and what makes him so special.
Review: Jorga Mesfin's debut album marks a significant milestone in the realm of Ethio-jazz, showing his exceptional talent as a saxophonist and composer. Under the mentorship of the legendary Mulatu Astatke, Mesfin takes a courageous leap into spiritual experimentation, fusing elements from various traditions within Ethiopian music and jazz. Widely acclaimed as one of Ethiopia's most talented contemporary musicians, Mesfin's journey began at the age of 17, leading to collaborations with esteemed artists such as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Aweke, and Vijay Iyer. His residency at Astatke's African Jazz Village in Addis Ababa further shaped his musical prowess. With this debut album, Mesfin continues to push the boundaries of Ethio-jazz, cementing his position as a visionary in the genre.
Review: This edition presents a rare and electrifying performance by the 1969 Miles Davis Quintet, captured live in Berlin, showcasing the synergy between Davis, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette. Often referred to as "The Lost Quintet", this group, despite never recording a studio album, represents a pivotal moment in jazz history, bridging the classic acoustic sound of Davis' earlier bands with the electrified jazz-rock of the 70s. The Berlin performance, along with bonus tracks from the Montreux Jazz Festival, offers a thrilling listen, capturing the band at the height of their creative powers. The interplay between Davis and Shorter is particularly striking, as their rapport pushes the boundaries of jazz improvisation. This release is a significant contribution to jazz history, offering a glimpse into the transformative sound of Davis' most innovative period. For Miles devotees and jazz enthusiasts, revisiting a high-energy, exploratory moment that was crucial to shaping the future of jazz is a highlight of this release. This live recording proves that even in the absence of a studio album, this quintet's influence is undeniable and profound.
Miles Davis Quintet - "You Don't Know What Love Is" (4:24)
Miles Davis Quintet - "Love Me Or Leave Me" (6:59)
Miles Davis Quintet - "Four" (4:04)
Review: Firstly, just look at that cover art - it is a magnificently candid holiday snap of one of the jazz world's greatest ever. It's totally at odds with the normally much more serious and dark covers the jazz of the time often came with, but we love it. The album itself is a vital work amongst many on the catalogue of Davis as it brings together the work of two different sessions. The first session gave rise to the first two tunes which take up the whole of the a-side and the second included his classic 'Solar' composition. It became something of a jazz standard although this man only ever recorded it this one time.
Review: Thelonious Monk's iconic performance at the Newport festival in 1963 showcased the brilliance of the 'High Priest of Bop' and his esteemed quartet. The lineup included the exceptional Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone, Butch Warren on bass, and Frankie Dunlop on drums, marking a historic moment in jazz history. Monk's innovative compositions and the quartet's masterful execution captivated the audience, leaving an indelible mark on the festival's legacy. With Monk's pioneering spirit leading the way, the Newport performance remains a cherished milestone that highlights the genius of one of jazz's most legendary figures.
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