Back catalogue: Jazz

Review: Building on the momentum of their debut album, the legendary musicians and 577 mainstays return with Shine Hear, Vol. 2, a stunning continuation of their avant-garde exploration. Saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Carter, pianist Leo Genovese, bassist William Parkeriwho also contributes on Gralla and Shakuhachiiand drummer and vocalist Francisco Mela, reunite to create another cosmic journey through sound. This second volume maintains the same spirit of improvisational brilliance while pushing the boundaries even further. Drawing from classic jazz structures, the ensemble weaves in modern experimentalism and a broad palette of instruments, resulting in an album that feels both timeless and innovative. The tracks and the album title are inspired by a new poem written by Carter, reflecting the transience and ceaseless motion of modern life, much like the city of New York, where all the musicians are based. This collaboration has unique magic can emerge when these legendary artists come together. Their interplay blends elegant, traditional jazz with daring, avant-garde arrangements. Shine Hear, Vol. 2 stands as a powerful and innovative work, affirming the quartet's ability to continually reinvent themselves while honouring the roots of jazz.

Review: The classic 1982 funk anthem 'Don't Fight The Feeling' by American r&b and funk band One Way gets a fine 12" pressing here, which means it can be played nice and loud. Singer Al Hudson leads the way with his buttery vocal, while a stepping and broken rhythm with lovely dry claps and w sloppy synth squeal make for a pretty unique sound given when this was first recorded. On the flip side, Windjammer's 'I Thought It Was You' offers a more mellow, melodic contrast full of the band's signature blend of r&b and jazz with cooing, heart-melting vocals and a nice stepping rhythm that lovers of UK street soul will surely be drawn to.

Review: The music that makes up Harmony of Difference, Kamasi Washington's first EP of note since the release of acclaimed 2015 album The Epic, was premiered live as a "six-track movement" earlier this year. The "suite" - here stretched across both sides of an essential 12" - sees Washington continue to explore the idea of what it means to be black in America in the 21st century. Musically, the EP contains some of his smoothest and most laidback compositions yet, with all his musical collaborators being on fine form. The headline attraction is undoubtedly 14-minute flipside "The Truth", an almost operatic jazz epic full of swelling choral contributions, fizzing drum solos, rising horns and, of course, plenty of Washington's distinctive saxophone.

Review: Released earlier this August, Brighton-born jazz musician and producer Chip Wickham's four-track EP 'Love & Life' is a multi-instrumental easy-listening record that has a subtle depth to its sloozy production. The opening track 'Space Walk' sets the bar right out of the gate with an incredible flute-driven story, backed by some gentle, brassy drums and jazz lounge piano. There's a distinct lo-fi quality to it in its vibe, but the sound of the xylophone is just so crisp against the tenor sax - it's like you're right there in the studio with Wickham.

Review: Chip Wickham's cosmic spiritual jazz album Blue to Red gets some key remixes here on the Spanish label Lovemonk. 'Blue To Red Photay' (remix) is a bustling, club ready tune with a majestic flute lead and pumping drums. The no drums mix is a perfectly swirling ambient piece that is richly layered and joyous. Then comes 'The Cosmos Chip' (dub) which suspends you amongst the stars, lush flutes and deep bass notes while your mind wanders free. Last of all, 'Blue To Red Medlar' (remix) is another warm and succulent house groove with jazz stylings and airy harps all brings lightness and hope.