With so much good music coming through thick and fast, it’s easy for albums to drop online and go overlooked. Each week we select new records across the musical soundscape that require your attention. So happy listening – and don’t forget to hit the links and support the artists.
Albums
corto.alto – Not For Now
Glasgow trombonist, producer, and composer Liam Shortall leads the talented ensemble corto alto on this, their debut mini-album. Shortall’s ensemble offers virtuoso musicianship combined with hip-hop-inflected jazz of the highest order. It’s also superbly produced by renowned knob-twiddler Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, Onipa and Chief Roackas).
Sean La’Brooy – Out Moving Windows
Sean La’Brooy returns with a solo album titled ‘Out Moving Windows’. His familiar expressive piano and synth lines wash over this seven-track album and will delight fans of his collaborative Albrecht La’Brooy project. The new project reflects a penchant for deep, hypnotic, and emotive soundscapes, leaning on acoustic instrumentation while drawing inspiration from collaborations with New York and Melbourne jazz musicians. Quite lovely, we think.
Turn On The Sunlight – Drives To The Beach
Take a stroll along sunkissed, tranquil and meditative soundscapes with Jesse Peterson, Carlos Niño, Pablo Calogero and Mia Doi Todd on Drives To The Beach. The sounds just float by so wistfully and gracefully, patiently drifting by as they do. A musical massage for all senses!
Jan Jelinek – The Raw and the Cooked
An album-length version of Jan Jelinek’s ‘Vom Rohen Und Gekochten’ (“The Raw And The Cooked”) originally recorded for broadcast on the German radio station SWR2 in 2020. Across five sound collages, the album deals with the consistency of material and its mutability. Although the album works as a whole, The Raw and The Cooked (V) and (VI) stand out for me.
Andy Aquarius – The Chapel
Andy Aquarius’ new album is both peaceful and elevating. The Berlin-based harpist, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist new LP is full of beauty and fragility with minimalist and spacious soundscapes that worm their way into your mind with peaceful simplicity. Headphones recommended.
Santiago Córdoba & The Bauls of Bengal – Doroja
Santiago Córdoba teams up with The Bauls of Bengal for a collaborative album, called Doroja, via Earthly Measures. A residency in Calcutta during 2017 gave rise to the album, which was recorded in Hansadhwani Studio in Kolkata. The 8-track album mixes traditional Baul songs with improvisations incorporating the Jhumar rhythm and the legüero bass drum from Argentina with other compositions created together in the studio. Here’s hoping this is the start of an exciting collaboration, as this is incredible.
EP’s
Joe Harvey-Whyte – Flatland / Spaceland
Take a gentle break from daily stress for 20 minutes with Joe Harvey-Whyte’s stupendous pedal steel driven soundscapes. Released via None More Records, one of London’s most exciting new labels.
Singles
Oiro Pena / Jooklo Sextet – Jazzpelle / LSD Mingus Post Blackout
From Oiro Pena comes deep, experimental jazz vibes. His latest release is a limited edition (200 hand-numbered copies) split artists 7″ with the Jooklo Sextet. Out with Ultraääni Records, and very highly recommended! Don’t sleep – second pressing.
Alogte Oho and his Sounds of Joy – Doose Mam
With ‘Doose Mam’, Alogte Oho & His Sounds Of Joy follow up their critically acclaimed album, ‘Mam Yinne‘. Please give us another album as soon as possible – this is lovely music!
Cassette
Untitled tape / Untitled work – Untitled tape / Untitled work
Limited edition self-released cassette tape from Leon Birchard. If you’re aware of Birchard’s previous work, you’ll know this is essential listening if you’re not familar get to know. The 4-track release finds Birchard sculpting ambient electronic jazz soundscapes crammed with various moods and tones and a rich atmosphere.
