Verve Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Composer and multi-instrumentalist Shabaka Hutchings releases his sophomore LP Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace', building on his increasingly impressive career working with Andre 3000, Sun Ra Arkestra and heading multiple bands - not least the, now dissolved, The Comet is Coming. The album marks the king's return to music, following his abandonment of the saxophone in 2023. Here he returns to his original instrumental calling, the clarinet, but a wide array of wind is on offer. The first single, the opening track 'End of Innocence', is a succinct clarinet and piano marriage. The reverberation of the keys softly emanates behind the masterfully controlled clarinet lead, with perfectly placed percussion sprinkled throughout. It's introspective, serene and understated - a supremely narrative feel that only instrumental jazz can give off.

Review: British jazz musician Shabaka Hutchings releases his sophomore album 'Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace', set to be another distinctive ribbon on top of his well-decorated jazz career including collaborations with Andre 3000 and being a member of Sons of Kemet. The LP marks Hutchings' return to music after giving up the saxophone a year ago. Here he returns to his original instrumental calling, the clarinet, but a wide array of wind and percussion punctuates his musings. Opening track 'End of Innocence', is a brief and understated clarinet and piano marriage. The reverberation of the keys softly drones behind the masterfully precise clarinet lead, with perfectly placed percussion sprinkled throughout. It's introspective, serene and understated - a supremely narrative feel that only instrumental jazz can give off. This pressing is the indie-exclusive red-coloured disc.