It’s the final Between The Cracks of the year and we have another great batch of essential releases you need to hear. As always no lengthy write-ups as who reads those anyway? We keep it short and to the point because you’re here to listen to the music! Check out our weekly mini-guide below and if you like what you hear, click the links and support the artists.
Albums
Sissi Rada – Nanodiamond
Sissi Rada is a Greece-born harpist and electronic musician. Across the 13-track album, Rada produces a futuristic sound, combining melancholy classical harp with subtle electronic soundscapes and her magical tones. It’s a dynamic mix of romantic harp sounds, delicate melodies, and subtle impressionistic vibes – a mix of electronic sounds, noise textures, and often almost robotic beat constructions. Lovely stuff!
Jimi Tenor & UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra – Terra Exotica
Terra Exotica is the new album by Jimi Tenor, this time in collaboration with UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. The Finnish composer and multi-instrumentalist specifically composed Terra Exotica for UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra. Among the influences on the exotic big band recording were the surrounding forests and the seashore. Tenor also found inspiration from bands such as Sun Ra and Salah Ragab. From the moment you hit play, this is music that lifts you.
Meridian Brothers / Conjunto Media Luna – Laz En La Tierra
Meridian Brothers and accordionist Iván MedellÃn unveiled their collaborative LP, Laz En La Tierra, a few months back. The pair create an album of hyperbolic lyrical theatre and existential realism in the style of Colombia’s most versatile and dynamic of music, made famous by its most loved of sons, Diomedes Diaz. A unique, enigmatic album, ‘Laz En La Tierra’ focuses on the dance floor while simultaneously preserving and flourishing the essence of the tradition. Released by Bongo Joe Records.
Jonny Wilday – Nitely
Acquaint yourself with Jonny Wilday’s incredible blend of psychedelic pop, R&B, soul and even psyche rock. A few months back, the producer/singer/songwriter shared his debut Nitely, which features previously heard singles’ Roll’, ‘Your Dreams’ and ‘Violet’. Listen to the entire twelve-track project below – you won’t be disappointed!
Dawuna – Glass Lit Dream
One of last years best under the radar albums makes a welcome return courtesy of O___o?. So, if you missed Dawuna’s Glass Lit Dream album the first time around, then fear not, as it’s back and comes fully mastered for your listening pleasure.
Nomok – Calm On
Tel Aviv-based artist Nomok returns with his debut solo LP ‘Calm On’ via Raw Tapes. With its 19 tracks, this LP comes filled with atmospheric sounds that invoke various emotions, sometimes leaning to more demanding realms. Across the records is a mixture of synthesised and organic sounds that creates a wide-open space for ambience to blend in. The album features a wealth of talented collaborators, including Nitai Hershkovits, Rejoicer, Jenny Penkin, Tal Kohavi, Roi Avivi, Omri Shani, Amir Bresler, Sefi Zisling and Tamuz Dekel. Essential!
Adrain Knight – Damn The Flood
Swedish composer and multi-instrumentalist Adrian Knight floods our ears with the celestial sounds of slow-moving ambient textures and hints of languid jazz on his latest album. Damn The Flood gives me goosebumps – what can I say? It is just amazing. I am in awe!
Forthcoming
Hania Rani – Live from Studio S2
Earlier this year, Hania Rani recorded a concert at the Berlinale Film Festival. The show was recorded in Studio S2 at the Polish Radio building in Warsaw, where she recorded her debut album ‘Esja’. The album contains a new version of ‘Glass’ with a new intro and ending.
Previously Unissued
Don Cherry – The Summer House Sessions
Blank Forms Editions present this previously unissued impromptu, day-long session by Don Cherry recorded in Sweden in 1968. Across the session, Cherry and his diverse ensemble mix Turkish rhythms with Indian scales and more. Highly recommended.
Don Cherry’s New Researches Featuring Naná Vasconcelos – Organic Music Theatre Festival De Jazz De Chateauvallon 1972
Here’s another gem from Don Cherry now available for the first time. This live album features percussionist Naná Vasconcelos, and fans of Alice Coltrane’s devotional vibrations should thoroughly check this set.
