Between The Cracks is a gold mine for passionate audiophiles like you. We aim to bring lesser-known independent artists and hidden gems from across the world right to your ears. From Australian chord-less jazz, and UK experimental grooves to Japanese jazz fusion, we wander off the beaten path and into the often-overlooked backstreets of the musical universe. Dive in – your record collection will thank you!
Albums
Aura – Same Sky
Aura is the creative quartet of four friends who come together once more for another slice of sophisticated, flawless improv jazz. In it, you’ll experience the delightful blend of Flora Carbo’s mellifluous alto saxophone intertwined with Audrey Powne’s resonant trumpet, backed by the rich bass of Helen Svoboda and the rhythmic beats of Kyrie Anderson’s drums. Indeed, it even comes with colourful artwork masterfully crafted by drummer extraordinaire Chloe Kim. Press play now, then, and leave a thank you in the comment section below.Â
Anni Kiviniemi Trio – Eir
We Jazz Records is at it again with yet another incredible release. Finnish pianist Anni Kiviniemi, who is currently based in the US, introduces her new trio. This group includes Eero Tikkanen on the bass and Hans Hulbaekmo on the drums. You might recognise Hulbaekmo from Gard Nilssen’s Supersonic Orchestra and Moskus. “Eir”! is a soul-searching, kinda, broody, but upbeat trio album with eight original tunes by Kiviniemi. Even though it’s styled after a classic jazz piano trio, Kiviniemi’s music stretches further. She masterfully fuses elements from classical music, the rich tradition of Norwegian melodies, and the exotic rhythms of North African music. You’re in for quite a musical trip!
Greg Foat & Ayo Salawu – Interstellar Fantasy
Between the stars above is where you’ll find Interstellar Fantasy, a concept album of Sci-fi grooves featuring synth and percussion. Inspired by 70s & 80s music library, it finds Ayo Salawu (Kokoroko) on drums hooking up with Greg Foat and his vast array of vintage synthesisers. Buckle up and discover where this album takes you on its journey.
Isaiah Collier – Parallel Universe
Isaiah Collier’s latest album, “Parallel Universe”, is a captivating voyage into Afrofuturism and cosmic jazz. The Chicago saxophonist unleashes his multifaceted talents in this live Direct-To-Disc session, offering a fresh perspective on jazz’s roots through complex rhythms, textures, and improvisations. With the help of talented guests like Jimetta Rose and Corey Wilkes, Collier creates a tight web of superb melodies and rhythms. Standouts like the opener “Eggun” blend styles into an enchanting whole, while “Village Song” shows Collier’s gift for playful, dynamic interplay. The title track is an imaginative trip through exotic modal scales and funky rhythms. Groovy tracks like “The Lean” showcase Collier’s robust sax over propulsive beats, while ambient pieces like “Open The Door” reveal a more contemplative side. Committed to improvisation and reinventing tradition, Collier offers a unique sonic portrait and looks to jazz’s future. Overall, it is a trailblazing album that reaffirms Collier’s status as a contemporary jazz innovator.
Dave Easley – Ballads
With his latest release, “Ballads”, Dave Easley cements his reputation as one of the preeminent pedal steel guitarists in jazz today. Backed by an all-star band including guitarist Jeff Parker, double bassist David Tranchina and drummer Jay Bellerose, Easley puts his inimitable spin on jazz standards and deep cuts alike. He kicks off the album with a heartrending take on Ornette Coleman’s “Lonely Woman”, his pedal steel guitar amplifying the tune’s melancholy vibe. Other highlights include gorgeous renditions of Ellington’s “Fleurette Africaine” and Strayhorn’s “Lush Life”, where Easley plays front and centre. The band shines on Sonny Sharrock’s “Who Does She Hope To Be?” which transforms into an intricate conversation between guitar and pedal steel. Easley’s virtuosic playing illuminates the emotional depth in these compositions, from timeless standards to obscure gems. For jazz fans, “Ballads” is a must-hear – a showcase for Easley’s musicality and the band’s intuitive interplay. It’s a lush, evocative journey through poignant musical landscapes.
Rainy Miller x Space Afrika – A Grisaille Wedding
In their debut collaborative album, Space Afrika and Rainy Miller brilliantly blend trip-hop, ambient, and industrial drill elements, creating a unique, history-infused representation of the urban landscape. They paint an eclectic canvas for the talents of Voice Actor, Mica Levi, Iceboy Violet, Coby Sey, Richie Culver, RenzNiro, and bobbieorkid to explore. Their tones are woven into the blend, making it an absolute treat for the listeners.
Summer Pearl – Outmysystem
Summer Pearl’s stunning mixtape “Outmysystem” is a soulful triumph that seamlessly fuses elements of soul, dub, reggae, hip-hop, and jazz into a cohesive artistic statement. From the warm, inviting opener, “Feel Right,” Pearl displays her powerhouse vocals and gift for crafting deeply personal narratives. Tracks like the laidback “Green Eyes” and the Liam Bailey collaboration “Waste Your Time” showcase Pearl’s nostalgic, retro-leaning musicality. She also experiments with shifting cadences on songs like “Outmysystem Part 1 (gurl)” and “Outmysystem Notes Part 2 (wake up).” The raw emotion of “not my child” and “feed my soul (soul fly)” immediately grabbed your attention. Remixed and extended versions of “Feel Right” and “Green Eyes” provide welcome new twists. The closing bonus track, “Summertime”, captures Pearl’s infectious live energy. Overall, Pearl has achieved a soulfully philosophical, emotionally resonant debut. Her songwriting insightfully explores life’s highs and lows over a rich sonic landscape. This accomplished effort announces the arrival of a powerful new talent to watch.
Compilations
WaJazz Legends: Jiro Inagaki – Selected by Yusuke Ogawa
WaJazz Legends explores the work of the legendary Japanese saxophone player Jiro Inagaki and his Soul Media band. Spanning their era of unparalleled creativity from 1968 to 1980. Inagaki’s elevated status was down to his exceptional talent, creative exploration, and musical brilliance during his most fruitful years.
