Brainfeeder Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Some 14 years in the making, Les Jardins Mystiques Vol.1 comprises 52 tracks of music composed, arranged and produced by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson; with contributions from 50+ friends including Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Carlos NiNo, Austin Peralta, Bennie Maupin, Gabe Noel, Jamael Dean, and more. If that wasn't monumental enough, just know that this lengthy classical-experimental-jazz album is certainly Miguel's intended magnum opus, having been written and recorded entirely as a result of his own uncompromised, self-funded efforts. Such an extensive time period reflects an album of longstanding personal growth for the artist; an attitude of continual evolution and innocence, of constantly coming of age and reinventing oneself.

Review: Austin Peralta's 2011 album Endless Planets has never before been available on vinyl and now gets pressed up as a special Deluxe Edition by Brainfeeder. Peralta really crafted something special here when the label made its first moves into the world of jazz. He is a prodigious piano-playing talent who uses that as a vehicle for his inquisitive futurism while never forgetting the heritage of original jazz. In this special version, four previously unreleased tracks are unveiled. Among them is a live rendition of 'DMT Song' from FlyLo's 2012 album 'Until the Quiet Comes,' which Austin collaborated on. Wonderful stuff.

Review: Already out in the ether since the summer, Kamasi's sprawling three-part jazz opus finally sees the light of vinyl day. Presented on heavyweight vinyl with his striking signature artwork, its delivery befits the album's rave reviews on its original arrival. Highlights, in case you haven't heard it yet, are the awe-inspiring switch from fusion to swing on "The Next Step" the album's overall sparing inclusion of vocal that make "The Rhythm Changes" really stand out and sparkle and the attention to detail on the narrative structure on reprise notes such as "Re Run Home". A must-have for any jazz/Brainfeeder fan.