Gondwana Schallplatten & CDs

Review: As well as coming on vinyl, this new album from Hania Rani also comes as this CD version. 'On Giacometti' is the product of an extended residency in the Swiss mountains that focuses on the life and art of Swiss national treasure and sculptor Alberto Giacometti. Moving piano suites tempered by synth backings and ruinous ambiences are the names of Rani's game, all conveying the sense of peace exuded by the same Swiss mountains that struck Giacometti with divine inspiration. It is another superb piece of modern classical from the faultless Gondwana label.

Review: A unique collaboration between Milo Fitzpatrick of Portico Quartet, and Jordan Smart of Mammal Hands, Vega Trails' 'Tremors In The Static' hears these two mega-accomplished musicians bring nine spaced out forays through melodic, solo double bass. Taking their name from the Carl Sagan novel Contact (the Vega system), Influences from Swedish fiddle to Indian Classical are woven into a minimized tapestry of ambient instrumental sounds. Verbed-out folk jazz for your pleasure.

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.