This week’s guide is by CF Smith and contributors Arifur Rahman, and Irfan Ayaan.
Friday has arrived, bringing with it a brand-new edition of our “Between The Cracks” feature. This week, chamber jazz blends with ambient sounds, hip hop mingles with acid folk, plus afrofuturism, new age, experimental pop, and beyond. Dive into our latest picks and if something strikes a chord with you, show your love by clicking the buy or share link. Enjoy the music, and have a great weekend!
Albums
Joona Toivanen Trio – Gravity
We Jazz Records starts the year with another gem from their seemingly infinite ocean of stunning releases. The Helsinki label keeps churning out jazz jewel after jazz jewel as if their creative well is bottomless (we hope it is!). Joona Toivanen Trio’s latest release, ‘Gravity’, marks a significant milestone in their 25-year journey, showcasing a bold evolution of their sound that extends well beyond the traditional confines of a piano trio. From the outset, the telepathic communication among the trio and seamless interplay pull you in. Toivanen’s piano work is nothing short of brilliant, weaving complex melodies that dance gracefully over the rhythm provided by his brother, bassist Tapani Toivanen, and drummer Olavi Louhivuori. The trio’s chemistry is palpable, each musician contributing to a dynamic tapestry that feels spontaneous and meticulously crafted. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, creating an intentional yet spontaneous narrative. The interplay between the musicians is electric; they anticipate each other’s moves, creating a conversation that feels intimate and expansive. The trio explores a variety of moods, from the introspective and contemplative to the exuberant and playful. This dynamic range keeps the listener engaged, always offering something new to discover with each listen. – CFS
Patrick Shiroishi & Piotr Kurek – Greyhound Days
BBC’s Late Junction collaboration sessions aim to mix and match musicians from diverse backgrounds who have never teamed up before. The mission? Toss them together and watch them create new musical magic. The latest album to emerge from this intriguing project is Greyhound Days. Polish musician Piotr Kurek has carved a niche for himself in the realm of experimental music, and teaming up with the illustrious saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi, the pair delivers a mesmerising yet minimal soundscape that intertwines delicate melodies with rich, textured harmonies. From the first notes, Kurek’s digital piano sets a serene atmosphere, its gentle chords creating an intimate and expansive backdrop. The glassy lullabies he crafts are reminiscent of a tranquil afternoon, where time seems to slow down, and the outside world fades away. Kurek’s mastery of the keyboards and bass guitar adds depth to the composition, allowing for a fluid interplay that is both intricate and accessible. The production is crisp and polished, with each instrument occupying its own sonic space, ensuring that the listener can appreciate the nuances of the arrangement. Patrick Shiroishi’s saxophone work is nothing short of enchanting. His smooth, breathy tones weave seamlessly through Kurek’s lush soundscapes, bringing a sense of warmth and emotion to each track. Shiroishi’s improvisational skills shine brightly here, as he navigates through the melodic lines with a natural ease that feels spontaneous and intentional. How he interacts with Kurek’s piano creates a dialogue that elevates the album, making it feel like a conversation between two old friends. Kurek and Shiroishi encourage you to pause and breathe, making it perfect for late-night listening or as a serene backdrop to your daily life. In a chaotic world, “Greyhound Days” offers a much-needed respite, reminding us of the beauty of simplicity and collaboration. – CFS
44th Move – Anthem
Anyone familiar with the site will recognise these two in a heartbeat. Anthem marks an exhilarating cross-pollination of musical worlds from the brilliant minds of Alfa Mist and Richard Spaven. This debut album as, 44th Move showcases two jazz heavyweights venturing boldly beyond category. Both artists bring impressive pedigrees. Mist is known for his landmark Antiphon, and Spaven is known for drumming with Flying Lotus Jose James and Goldie. The origins of Anthem can be traced back to their debut EP in 2020, which blended cutting-edge sounds with the rich heritage of jazz. The pair traverses multiple electronic landscapes while maintaining a distinctly jazz-informed sensibility. Hip-hop, techno, and drum-and-bass elements intertwine organically throughout the nine-track journey. The album radiates creativity from Spaven’s crisp drumming and pianist Mist’s smooth playing. The Move featuring Quelle Chris highlights their collaborative spirit, while 2nd September demonstrates their ability to build hypnotic, evolving soundscapes. With turntablist Awkward adding textural depth, Anthem represents jazz’s continuing evolution in the digital age. This exploratory music respects tradition while fearlessly embracing the future, essential listening for anyone interested in jazz’s expanding boundaries. – IA
Don Leisure – Tyrchu Sain
Don Leisure’s Tyrchu Sain is a mesmerizing archaeological dig through Welsh musical history that transforms forgotten treasures into contemporary gold. The Cardiff-based producer, known for his work with Darkhouse Family and collaborations with luminaries like Amanda Whiting and Angel Bat Dawid, brings his encyclopedic musical knowledge to this ambitious project. Drawing from the archives of Wales’ oldest independent label, Sain Records, Leisure crafts a sprawling 20-track sonic tapestry that bridges psychedelic Welsh folk with forward-thinking beat construction. Tyrchu (featuring Gruff Rhys) stands as the album’s centrepiece, expertly blending traditional elements with Leisure’s distinctive production approach. Meanwhile, Brân Swît showcases his ability to transform dusty samples into hypnotic, head-nodding journeys. This limited 180g vinyl release represents more than mere beat-making; it’s a cultural preservation project that breathes new life into Wales’ musical heritage. For listeners seeking thoughtful production that honours the past while pushing boldly forward, Tyrchu Sain is essential listening. – IA
Anthony Joseph – Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back
“Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back” is the latest release from Anthony Joseph, known as the leader of the black avant-garde in Britain. Apart from being a musician and author, Joseph lectures in Creative Writing and English. There has always been a correlation between music and poetry; this album reflects precisely that sentiment. Afrofuturism is everywhere on this album, as in Anthony’s lyrics and Dave Okumu’s production. The penultimate song itself is called “An Afrofuturist Poem.” Each track feels like a step in a journey of self-discovery and reclamation. – AR
EP’s
Stravsky & Pelè – Change in You
Love takes on endless forms, and Stravsky & Pelè, the enchanting love song duo from Scotland, harness it as both muse and canvas, painting melodies that tug at heartstrings and lyrics that waltz through your thoughts. Their 3-track EP effortlessly marries softness and sensuality with the eclectic touch of collage, poetry, and devotional songwriting, borrowing richly from their artistic and experimental filmmaking roots. With a fondness for coming-of-age folk and pop, their work is a sublime exploration of the metaphysical journey of lovers intertwined with the enchanting landscape around their cosy Carbeth hideaway near Glasgow. Gracefully unhurried, tracks like ‘in this country’ settle in with dreamy vocal tones, gentle bass plucks, rich trumpet notes, and unexpected small pipes—an arrangement that’s a delightful surprise. Change in You is an incredible first offering. – CFS
