We are constantly searching for musical treasures that we adore and want to share with you. Our team has selected a few new favourites so that you can discover fresh releases to add to your collection. It’s the last Bandcamp Friday of the year so you have one more chance to help support the artists and labels directly.
Albums
Mo Kolours – Original Flow: Chapter One
Joseph Deenmamode, commonly known as Mo Kolours, is an artist I always check out whenever he drops a new musical manoeuvre. The tape structure of his previous work has transformed into a shift towards more extended compositions and playing live with other musicians while retaining the spirit of exploration and improvisation. Deenmamode navigates through various genres and styles throughout the album, including UK street-soul nouveau, future indigenous jazz fusion, Rasta Segga, Nyahbinghi jazz, and Malagasy Hebrew hip hop. A lovely, laid-back listening delight awaits.
Robohands – Palms
With his latest release, “Palms,” London-based instrumentalist and producer Andy Baxter, aka Robohands, transports listeners on a nostalgic journey through vintage soundscapes. This fifth album from Baxter marks a stylistic departure from his previous work, blending jazz, downtempo, acoustic, and ambient influences. Across the album’s 17 meticulously crafted tracks, Baxter channels the celestial jazz of Dorothy Ashby and Alice Coltrane while pushing the boundaries of melody. The opening title track sets the meditative tempo, which Baxter redefines with each subsequent track like “Tinted” and “Moments.” Staying true to the saturated analog recordings of the ’60s and ’70s, “Palms” takes a modern twist with subtle glitch effects and pitch experimentation. Recorded with talented session musicians, the album resonates with a palpable collaborative spirit. As a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and journey guide, Baxter shapes a unique sonic experience that walks the line between tropical and stripped-back. “Palms” reflects Baxter’s relentless innovation and cements his reputation for technically and emotionally rich compositions. This is a transportive offering for old fans and new listeners alike.
Elephantine – Moonshine
If I’ve ever stumbled upon a standout piece in cosmic free jazz, this is it. Letting loose over five tracks, Elephantine, led by Maurice Louca, explores everything from Middle Eastern music to psychedelic folk, electronic music, and free improvisation. The resulting sound is captivating, and the ensemble’s energy is so palpable you can practically feel it in the air! Take a deep dive into Elephantine’s live, raw, collective sound.
Gifted & Blessed – Heard and Unheard
Gifted & Blessed’s latest album, Heard and Unheard, results from years of musical exploration and experimentation. The album combines diverse styles and artistic identities into one cohesive statement. Heard and Unheard find G&B working with minimal gear using only a semi-modular synth, some cool effects processors and a sweet pair of analogue drum machines. We get ten tracks of immersive textures and atmospheric vibes, made for the quieter moments when you want to relax and soak it all in.
Roy Werner – Imagine My Surprise
If you’re looking to relax and unwind this weekend, “Imagine My Surprise” is the ideal musical companion. For fans of his work as G. S Sultan, brace yourself for a feast with Werner’s latest creation. His sonic palette remains as diverse and unique as ever, blending vibraphone, bells, flute, alto & tenor saxophone with his innovative electronic tones constantly evolving and unfurling into fresh avenues. Catch the vibes, and let Werner whisk you away to a serene and playful realm where “freaky little ditties” are the order of the day!
Compilations
Viva el sábado: Hits de disco pop peruano (1978-1989) – V.A.
Buh Records presents an outstanding compilation that shines a light on diverse Peruvian musical groups that immersed themselves in dance music following the codes of the disco revolution. Spanning from 1978 through 1989, the compilation traverses boogie to tropical disco, exotica, synthesised pop, and beyond. It features the likes of Rollets, Santodomingo Kid, Grupo San Francisco, Los Roller’s de Tarapoto, Pepo Rok, and more.
EP’s
Moses Yoofee Trio – Ocean
Oh boy, this one is killer! There’s an infinite number of nu jazzers out there, and it takes something special in that realm to grab my attention. One such case is The Moses Yoofee Trio from Berlin, who stitch together their influences from the fields of jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and soul. On a project full of surprises, exceptional keyboard skills, fluid bass lines, and eloquent drum patterns collide. It’s impressive, no doubt about it. You’re in for a treat with their debut mini-album!
John Roseboro – Four Cantos
Hot off the heels of his album “Johnny”, John Roseboro presents the captivating Four Cantos EP. This record showcases a more nuanced aspect of his artistry, revealing a depth and vulnerability that delicately explores existential themes. With an impeccable balance between weighty subjects and airy melodies, Roseboro effortlessly captivates listeners with his unique musical voice. Each track of Four Cantos offers an opportunity for deep reflection and meditation. The songs embody their intended purpose. For instance, “How To Pray” beautifully captures the vulnerability of not knowing how to pray, becoming a heartfelt prayer in its own right. Similarly, “How To Go To Heaven” envelops us in exquisite layers of strings and woodwinds that gracefully transport us beyond earthly limitations. With Four Cantos, the experience is nothing short of transcendence itself.
