Jazz Room Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Jazz Room reissue the infamous first mini-album by Abacothozi. Formed in 1973 by bassist Berthwel Maphumulo, Mac Mathunjwa on organ, Innocent Mathunjwa on drums, Joe Zikhali on guitar, Thema Maboneng was released in 1975, before being almost immediately forgotten. However, a recent rediscovery by diggers and curators Kon & Amir, for their lauded Off The Track Volume Two: Queens compilation, sparked a renewed interest; the South African four-piece shared equal responsibility in writing and arranging these six instrumentals, which are tight and full, and come replete with Hammonds, well-surrounded guitar, and cross-sticking snare hits.

Review: First released in 1980 via the little-known Pick Up Records, Danish jazz-rockers Ariel's self-titled debut record sees an unlikely reissue via Jazz Room here. A worthy reintroduction of the quintet to the world at large - where before it wasn't well-known at all - it comes after the album was recently hepped to by none other than Brownswood aficionado Gilles Peterson, whose encyclopaedic internal memory bank and capacity to chin-wag served the cascading recollection of the album by Jazz Room label boss Paul Murphy. Now the eight-tracker dazzles us once more, fusing jazz with subtle elements of kraut and kosmische to make for bustling, brimming urban fugs, all hemmed together by a consistent baritone sax, and the vocal pyrotechnics of Hawaiian singer Lei Aloha Moe.

Review: Vibraphonist Khan Jamal has made many fine albums over the years, though few are quite as revered within the jazz scene as Infinity, a self-released set from 1984 that has been near impossible to find for years. While Jamal's fluid and attractive vibraphone playing is given an airing throughout the album, it never dominates the sound space, with the storied members of his backing sextet - including scene legends Byard Lancaster (alto sax, flute) and drummer Sunny Murray - all being given a chance to shine. Musically, it sits somewhere between spiritual jazz, jazz-funk and Latin jazz, with hectic dancefloor numbers (see the superb 'The Angry Young Man') being joined by a wealth of deeper, more laidback compositions.

Review: Ronnie April's Positive Energy's 'Snowflake' is a legendary release that has achieved mythical status within the jazzdance scene. Originally pressed on Ronnie's own Jude imprint and distributed locally with limited success, this impossibly rare gem has become a coveted holy grail for collectors. The track's infectious groove and captivating melody have solidified its place as a timeless classic, even spawning bootleg copies due to its scarcity. Beyond its rarity, the music itself is truly exceptional, showcasing Ronnie April's immense talent as a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. With a career that boasts collaborations with jazz luminaries such as Tito Puente, Louis Armstrong, and Lionel Hampton, 'Snowflake' stands as a testament to April's enduring musical legacy. The album continues from there, highlights including the excellent upbeat gem 'Dancer's Theme' and the beautiful haunting 'A Ballad For Sir James' that really exemplify that variety of great Soul music here.

Review: Jazz Room Records is back with another high class reissue of an album that is considered to be a grail by those who know. The story goes that back in the late 70s in the Seattle area of the Pacific North West, Danny Ward & Reality were an oft called upon funky jazz collective for anyone throwing college or hardcore funk parties. Rather than just serving up covers of the day's big hits they offered proper musical trips though more considered fair from artists like George Benson. This album catches them at their best on one such mid-week gig in the summer of 1977.