New music - w14
Week 14 Music Discoveries: Contemporary, Spiritual & Soul Jazz
In this week's vinyl exploration, we're diving deep into four remarkable releases that showcase the boundless diversity of contemporary jazz and its neighboring territories. From spiritual jazz flourishes to analog-recorded soul-jazz warmth, these records represent some of the finest offerings I've encountered this early spring.
44th Move - Anthem: Where Electronic Precision Meets Jazz Freedom
LABEL: Black Acre Records GENRE: Jazz - Hip Hop
When Alfa Mist and Richard Spaven join forces, magic happens. This collaboration merges their distinctive approaches - Alfa's harmonic sophistication and Spaven's rhythmic mastery - into something entirely fresh. Think Four Tet meets modal jazz, but with an unmistakably London twist.
Available at: Black Acre Records Bandcamp
If you dig this, check out: Yussef Kamaal's "Black Focus", Floating Points' "Promises", or Joe Armon-Jones' "Turn to Clear View".
The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble - Gemini: A Cosmic Journey Through Funk
LABEL: Colemine Records GENRE: Funk
This San Diego outfit has truly found their groove on "Gemini". Recorded at The Kitchen II, this album perfectly balances their signature funk-soul-jazz foundation with exciting ventures into spiritual jazz territory. The tabla solo on "Corporatocracy" alone is worth the price of admission.
Available at: Colemine Records
For similar vibes, explore: The Heliocentrics, Menahan Street Band, or El Michels Affair.
Anouar Brahem - After The Last Sky: Chamber Jazz Poetry
LABEL: EMC Records GENRE: Jazz - Folk
ECM continues its tradition of excellence with this masterpiece. Brahem's oud weaves through Holland's bass lines and Bates' piano work with mesmerizing grace, while Lechner's cello adds new dimensions to the quartet's sound. This is contemplative music that demands - and rewards - deep listening.
Available at: ECM Records
Further listening: Rabih Abou-Khalil, Dhafer Youssef, or Avishai Cohen's chamber works.
The Lewis Express + Chip Wickham - Doo-Ha!: Soul-Jazz Time Machine
LABEL: ATA Records GENRE: Funk - Jazz
ATA Records proves once again why they're the go-to label for authentic soul-jazz. Recorded live to 2-inch tape, this collaboration captures the essence of those classic soul-jazz sessions - think Ramsey Lewis meets Les McCann, with Chip Wickham's flute work adding that perfect modal flavor.
Available at: ATA Records Bandcamp
Essential companions: The Greg Foat Group, Matthew Halsall's early works, or Nat Birchall's spiritual jazz outings.
Final Thoughts
Each of these releases showcases artists operating at the peak of their powers, whether they're reimagining traditional forms or pushing into new territory. They remind us why we fell in love with this music in the first place - its ability to surprise, move, and transport us to new sonic landscapes.
Until next time, keep exploring.
Check out the FAB 50 playlist on Spotify for all of my recent discoveries!
