2024 is here and we’re still searching for the perfect beat, Are you eager to discover new sounds from every corner of the globe? Seeking to add a diverse mix of music to your record collection? Look no further! Our Between The Cracks feature might be precisely what your music-loving heart craves! Don’t hesitate to hit the BUY or SHARE button if the music moves you.
Albums
goat (JP) – Joy Of Fear
The always fascinating goat (JP) marks their 10th anniversary with the release of their spectacular third album. In case you’re not yet acquainted with goat (JP), what they do is fascinating. They skillfully recreate the utter precision of computer-generated music using their instruments. Coming through like Miles on the revolutionary ‘On The Corner’ this is jazz music turned on its head and put through a rhythmic blender. The interlocking, pointillist drums, smooth guitar riffs, throbbing bass rhythms, meandering saxophone notes, and hints of woodwind and brass instruments continuously grow, capturing your attention and sticking in your mind. From the alluring rhythms of ‘Cold Heat’ to the hypnotic grooves of ‘Modal Flower’ to the finale with ‘GMF,’ this album showcases them soaring to unparalleled peaks.
Habitat Ensemble – Habitat Ensemble
From a remote rural location in the southern Czech Republic comes Habitat Ensemble, a musical collective led by Marius Houschyar. This group of like-minded creatives, artists, and free thinkers have gathered since the ’90s to share ideas and immerse themselves in culture. The collective’s debut album sees them creating stunning, somewhat free-flowing ambient music on their quest for inner peace and harmony. Thanks, Music From Memory, for introducing me to this fantastic music. Here’s to another ten years!
Hilary Woods – Acts of Light
‘Acts of Light’ by Hilary Woods is an intricately intertwining work composed of nine individual yet interconnected pieces. Double bass, cello, field recordings, and choral chants are beautifully balanced within these slow, hypnotic dirges that gently yet persistently pull the listener in. Each track takes its time, unfolding deliberately, inviting you to immerse yourself fully in Woods’ eerie soundscapes. It’s a work that demands patience and attentiveness, rewarding those who give it their full attention with its rich and complex musical tapestry.
Thandi Ntuli with Carlos Niño – Rainbow Revisited
In this captivating collaboration between South African jazz pianist Thandi Ntuli and producer Carlos Niño, “Rainbow Revisited” fuses jazz, experimental, and world music influences into a transcendent work of originality and beauty. The core piece, “Rainbow Revisited,” reimagines Ntuli’s original track as a breathtaking, genre-bending journey conjured by her piano and Niño’s percussion. Standouts like the meditative “Breath and Synth Experiment” and the heartfelt “Nomayoyo (Ingoma ka Mkhulu)” showcase their creative chemistry. The closing tracks continue the uplifting exploration of their musical and emotional synergy. With stunning artwork and poems adding further depth, “Rainbow Revisited” is a boundary-pushing yet emotive masterpiece. This remarkable pairing takes jazz into uncharted territory, crafting an experience that stimulates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. A must-listen for fans seeking innovative yet core jazz.
Kenneth Jimenez – Sonnet to Silence
Jimenez transports listeners to the heart of New York’s free jazz scene with “Sonnet to Silence,” a captivating sonic exploration. The Brooklyn-based bassist/composer leads a quartet of versatile improvisers, including Angelica Sanchez’s transcendent piano and Gerald Cleaver’s propulsive drums. They effortlessly fuse melodic, rhythmic and textural elements, drawing on Jimenez’s Costa Rican roots. Hypnotic sax and basslines define “Barrio Sur”, while angular dissonance colours “El Patio” and “Día Laboral.” Jimenez’s bass prowess anchors the ensemble, notably on the vivid “Ojo de Buey.” As they continue to push boundaries, this adventurous group proves the limitless potential of free jazz. Crafted with coherence and fearless experimentation, this exhilarating homage is a must-listen.
Don Leisure with Amanda Whiting – Beyond The Midnight Sun
Don Leisure and Amanda Whiting’s collaboration, Beyond The Midnight Sun, is an imaginative blend of spiritual jazz, hip-hop beats, psychedelic electronics and soul that transports listeners on a stirring sonic journey. Welsh producer Leisure, known for his eclectic DJ sets, partners with harpist Amanda Whiting to create a hypnotic dreamscape rich in intricate beats, ambient textures, and soulful melodies. The album opens strong with “Walk With Me,” establishing the duo’s adventurous style. Vocalist Deborah Jordan shines on “Just Be (Free),” her smooth vocals gliding effortlessly over Leisure’s rhythmic soundscapes. The album’s heart arrives with the title track, “Beyond The Midnight Sun,” where celestial strings and a trance-inducing beat conjure an emotional core. “Peace Of Mind” resonates with tranquillity carried by Jordan’s soothing harmonies. Hauntingly beautiful tracks like “Crying Tiger” showcase the duo’s knack for weaving spatial effects. Beyond The Midnight Sun is a transportive fusion of sounds and styles from two gifted collaborators. Their seamless blend of soulful vocals, serene harp atmospherics and intricate beats creates a unique sonic texture that soothes and invigorates.
Reissues
Pedrinho Sampaio – Um Grito De Guerra
Early last year, Mad About Records resurrected a curious Brazilian creation by the producer/musician Pedrinho Sampaio, initially released in 1979. Sampaio’s music is a quirky blend of various genres, ranging from vibrant electronics and swinging funk to infectious boogie, soulful melodies and deep jazz vibes. It’s an extraordinary record that genuinely deserves to be heard and appreciated.
Compilations
Cortex – Rare And Lost Tapes
‘Rare And Lost Tapes’ is a collection of singles by the legendary group Cortex that were never released on an album. These tracks were recently rediscovered and remastered by Trad Vibe for the album. The album features tracks such as “Les Oiseaux Morts”, “Mary & Jeff”, and “Stevie”. ‘Rare And Lost Tapes’ is a must-have for Cortex fans and provides a unique insight into the group’s musical history.
