1
Tomasz Stañko Quintet - Piece 1
2
Tomasz Stañko Quintet - Piece 2
3
Tomasz Stañko Quintet - Piece 3
4
Tomasz Stañko Quintet - Piece 4
5
Tomasz Stañko Quintet - Piece 5
6
Tomasz Stañko Quintet - Piece 6
It would appear that Polish jazz is a well-known subject through and through. Dozens of outstanding albums, biographies of the masters,
hundreds of journal articles. As it turns out, it is still possible to find music that has been waiting for years to be discovered. On the 80th
birthday of Tomasz Stañko, Astigmatic Records presents the first part of Wooden Music, a conceptual project created by the maestro
and his legendary quintet, which has been stored in the archives of Radio Bremen for 50 years.
Tomasz Stañko was an exceptional Polish jazz trumpeter. He passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of numerous releases,
soundtracks, concert recordings and wild stories involving him. Before rising to the top, he honed his craft alongside Krzysztof Komeda
and Andrzej Trzaskowski. In the mid-1960s, he appeared on Astigmatic and Polish Jazz Vol. 4 – the albums that were a creative
manifesto for Polish jazz of those years. However, all this time he was constantly thinking about starting his own band.
In 1968 he completed the line-up – Janusz Stefañski on drums, Bronis³aw Suchanek on double bass, Janusz Muniak on tenor
saxophone and Zbigniew Seifert on alto saxophone, which he soon replaced with the violin. Stañko classified the quintet's output into
three periods. The first, composed, is associated with Music for K, Stañko's publishing debut as a leader, which became a permanent
entry in the canon of Polish jazz records. The second period is wooden music – it's the free jazz period, the least known in the quintet's
history despite the fact that it spanned more than three years. The third and final period is linked to the release of the band's final album,
the cult Purple Sun. However, the entire period between Music for K and Purple Sun is shrouded in mystery, as the band was mainly in
Western Europe at the time. In the early 1970s, all the musicians take one-year visas. In between tours they live in Germany: first in a
hippie commune in Wurtzburg, then in Darmstadt. They play in clubs on a day by day basis. The quintet is said to be distinguished from
other bands by their ability to completely "burn" in the fire of improvisation. They lead their lives as a single organism, touring without
wives or girlfriends. The compositions are blurred, the fascination with free music prevails. Short pieces and motives are the starting point
for further performance. The ensemble does not plan, they just play. On 28 May 1972 they play at the Iserlohn jazz festival. JG Records
would release this performance as Jazzmessage from Poland. The very music recorded there represents what the quintet called Wooden
Music.
The foundation of wooden music is the sound of the double bass and the violin, but it soon becomes apparent that all instruments except
for Tomasz Stañko's trumpet are wooden. A string orchestra is born, over which the metal trumpet can weave all sorts of hues
accompanied by the saxophone. What fascinates the quintet in wooden music is the melody, rhythm and timbre - where these are usually
just an element, they fill the entire piece in their case. Bronis³aw Suchanek, the last living member of the quintet, recalls:
"Wooden music is all about total improvisation. We used to arrive at a gig, start playing without really knowing where we were heading.
The only thing that guided us was the common and mental compatibility, understanding, friendship and respect along this musical journey.
Music was the first most important element to attribute to – it was free jazz in its purest form. If there are any moments that seem
orchestrated it is because we played together for several years, evening after evening, going from club to club. We knew each other
better than our parents knew us, we had total trust in each other – that's what made this music exist in the way it did."
A1 - Piece 1
A2 - Piece 2
A3 - Piece 3
A4 - Piece 4
B1 - Piece 5
B2 - Piece 6 More
hundreds of journal articles. As it turns out, it is still possible to find music that has been waiting for years to be discovered. On the 80th
birthday of Tomasz Stañko, Astigmatic Records presents the first part of Wooden Music, a conceptual project created by the maestro
and his legendary quintet, which has been stored in the archives of Radio Bremen for 50 years.
Tomasz Stañko was an exceptional Polish jazz trumpeter. He passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of numerous releases,
soundtracks, concert recordings and wild stories involving him. Before rising to the top, he honed his craft alongside Krzysztof Komeda
and Andrzej Trzaskowski. In the mid-1960s, he appeared on Astigmatic and Polish Jazz Vol. 4 – the albums that were a creative
manifesto for Polish jazz of those years. However, all this time he was constantly thinking about starting his own band.
In 1968 he completed the line-up – Janusz Stefañski on drums, Bronis³aw Suchanek on double bass, Janusz Muniak on tenor
saxophone and Zbigniew Seifert on alto saxophone, which he soon replaced with the violin. Stañko classified the quintet's output into
three periods. The first, composed, is associated with Music for K, Stañko's publishing debut as a leader, which became a permanent
entry in the canon of Polish jazz records. The second period is wooden music – it's the free jazz period, the least known in the quintet's
history despite the fact that it spanned more than three years. The third and final period is linked to the release of the band's final album,
the cult Purple Sun. However, the entire period between Music for K and Purple Sun is shrouded in mystery, as the band was mainly in
Western Europe at the time. In the early 1970s, all the musicians take one-year visas. In between tours they live in Germany: first in a
hippie commune in Wurtzburg, then in Darmstadt. They play in clubs on a day by day basis. The quintet is said to be distinguished from
other bands by their ability to completely "burn" in the fire of improvisation. They lead their lives as a single organism, touring without
wives or girlfriends. The compositions are blurred, the fascination with free music prevails. Short pieces and motives are the starting point
for further performance. The ensemble does not plan, they just play. On 28 May 1972 they play at the Iserlohn jazz festival. JG Records
would release this performance as Jazzmessage from Poland. The very music recorded there represents what the quintet called Wooden
Music.
The foundation of wooden music is the sound of the double bass and the violin, but it soon becomes apparent that all instruments except
for Tomasz Stañko's trumpet are wooden. A string orchestra is born, over which the metal trumpet can weave all sorts of hues
accompanied by the saxophone. What fascinates the quintet in wooden music is the melody, rhythm and timbre - where these are usually
just an element, they fill the entire piece in their case. Bronis³aw Suchanek, the last living member of the quintet, recalls:
"Wooden music is all about total improvisation. We used to arrive at a gig, start playing without really knowing where we were heading.
The only thing that guided us was the common and mental compatibility, understanding, friendship and respect along this musical journey.
Music was the first most important element to attribute to – it was free jazz in its purest form. If there are any moments that seem
orchestrated it is because we played together for several years, evening after evening, going from club to club. We knew each other
better than our parents knew us, we had total trust in each other – that's what made this music exist in the way it did."
A1 - Piece 1
A2 - Piece 2
A3 - Piece 3
A4 - Piece 4
B1 - Piece 5
B2 - Piece 6 More
More records from Tomasz Stañko Quintet
1
Tomasz Stanko Quintet - Calme
2
Tomasz Stanko Quintet - 6 & 8 I
3
Tomasz Stanko Quintet - 6 & 8 II
4
Tomasz Stanko Quintet - Flute's Ballad
The discovery of Tomasz Stañko's archive recordings from 50 years ago at Radio Bremen demonstrated the dynamic development of
this shrouded in mystery quintet, which was a blank spot in the history of Polish jazz. Released by Astigmatic Records, the album
turned out to be a surprise and a huge musical treat for many fans who no longer remember such a fiery period in the career of the
outstanding trumpeter. The record received much critical acclaim and sold out in a blink, and Jazz Forum magazine recognised Wooden
Music I as the historic album of the year. Now the time has come for the 2nd and final installment of wooden music.
It takes more than one album to fully illustrate the evolution of the band with which Tomasz Stañko, as its leader, recorded Music for K,
one of the most important albums in Polish jazz. It is the early 1970s, Zbigniew Seifert gives up the saxophone in favour of the violin, so
the band's sound becomes more 'wooden', and around this expression Stañko builds the foundations of a philosophy, which he wrote
down on four small sheets of paper, still kept by Bronis³aw Suchanek, the quintet's bass player:
We seek to create the kind of music that, while operating with all the elements of the most genuine jazz, attempts to look at it from a
different angle, from a different mental plane. We do not experiment with the material, but with the form. For the form does not have to
be a logical and strict construction of the entire piece, it can be free, improvised while playing, resulting from the mood, or atmosphere
existing at a given moment, or random things, creating with their free fluidity that specific "magical mood". This, of course, excludes
compositions in the traditional sense - Tomasz Stañko wrote at the time.
Wooden Music is therefore like a postcard - not so much of a specific gig, but of the entire period of the quintet's activity. It opens with
compositions featured on Jazzmessage from Poland. Wooden Music I recorded in Bremen on 15 June 1972 is its peak - when the band
plays free, vigorous music, but more sensitively planned, as the group is more in-tune after hours of joint stage encounters. Wooden
Music II, recorded in Hamburg on 9 November 1972, is the conclusion of their vision of free-jazz - the final phase where composed
pieces ("Calme" and "6 & 8") begin to emerge from wild improvisation. Some of these would, a few months later, find their way onto an
iconic piece in Tomasz Stañko's discography - the Purple Sun album (e.g. "Flute's Ballad")... but with a slightly different line-up. When
the band decides to wrap up, they are at the peak of their form, each feeling the need to develop on their own. They know when to step
off the stage. They are invincible. Tomasz Stañko Quintet was one of the most outstanding European free jazz ensembles of its time.
The Polish musicians, plus a plethora of individuals such as Brötzmann, Mangelsdorff, Schlippenbach, Vesala or Surman, contributed to
a movement which, while co-operating with the American avant-garde, had its own specificity and its own unique audience. Polish
jazzmen, newcomers from behind the Iron Curtain, were seen as carrying a message of freedom to the countries of the region. It took
many years for this message to come true. Today, European jazz seems to be far more erudite, emotionally restrained, intellectual, seeking
links with contemporary avant-garde and ethno music. It's all very beautiful, but sometimes one would like to discard all of this extra
wrapping and bring out the essence of jazz - the synergic energy and striving for the limits of expression, even if it poses the risk of a
musical explosion - Tomasz Szachowski states in Jazz Forum. Therefore, it is time to see if we are dealing with explosive material in the
case of the second installment of wooden music.
Thus, the Wooden Music series culminates with its second part coming from the archives of NDR radio, which recorded the footage in a
small club in Hamburg called Jazzhouse. This time, the additional stem-mastering was done by Marcin Cichy, who perfected the sound
on the album even more.
A1 - Calme
A2 - 6 & 8 I
B1 - 6 & 8 II
B2 - Flute's Ballad More
this shrouded in mystery quintet, which was a blank spot in the history of Polish jazz. Released by Astigmatic Records, the album
turned out to be a surprise and a huge musical treat for many fans who no longer remember such a fiery period in the career of the
outstanding trumpeter. The record received much critical acclaim and sold out in a blink, and Jazz Forum magazine recognised Wooden
Music I as the historic album of the year. Now the time has come for the 2nd and final installment of wooden music.
It takes more than one album to fully illustrate the evolution of the band with which Tomasz Stañko, as its leader, recorded Music for K,
one of the most important albums in Polish jazz. It is the early 1970s, Zbigniew Seifert gives up the saxophone in favour of the violin, so
the band's sound becomes more 'wooden', and around this expression Stañko builds the foundations of a philosophy, which he wrote
down on four small sheets of paper, still kept by Bronis³aw Suchanek, the quintet's bass player:
We seek to create the kind of music that, while operating with all the elements of the most genuine jazz, attempts to look at it from a
different angle, from a different mental plane. We do not experiment with the material, but with the form. For the form does not have to
be a logical and strict construction of the entire piece, it can be free, improvised while playing, resulting from the mood, or atmosphere
existing at a given moment, or random things, creating with their free fluidity that specific "magical mood". This, of course, excludes
compositions in the traditional sense - Tomasz Stañko wrote at the time.
Wooden Music is therefore like a postcard - not so much of a specific gig, but of the entire period of the quintet's activity. It opens with
compositions featured on Jazzmessage from Poland. Wooden Music I recorded in Bremen on 15 June 1972 is its peak - when the band
plays free, vigorous music, but more sensitively planned, as the group is more in-tune after hours of joint stage encounters. Wooden
Music II, recorded in Hamburg on 9 November 1972, is the conclusion of their vision of free-jazz - the final phase where composed
pieces ("Calme" and "6 & 8") begin to emerge from wild improvisation. Some of these would, a few months later, find their way onto an
iconic piece in Tomasz Stañko's discography - the Purple Sun album (e.g. "Flute's Ballad")... but with a slightly different line-up. When
the band decides to wrap up, they are at the peak of their form, each feeling the need to develop on their own. They know when to step
off the stage. They are invincible. Tomasz Stañko Quintet was one of the most outstanding European free jazz ensembles of its time.
The Polish musicians, plus a plethora of individuals such as Brötzmann, Mangelsdorff, Schlippenbach, Vesala or Surman, contributed to
a movement which, while co-operating with the American avant-garde, had its own specificity and its own unique audience. Polish
jazzmen, newcomers from behind the Iron Curtain, were seen as carrying a message of freedom to the countries of the region. It took
many years for this message to come true. Today, European jazz seems to be far more erudite, emotionally restrained, intellectual, seeking
links with contemporary avant-garde and ethno music. It's all very beautiful, but sometimes one would like to discard all of this extra
wrapping and bring out the essence of jazz - the synergic energy and striving for the limits of expression, even if it poses the risk of a
musical explosion - Tomasz Szachowski states in Jazz Forum. Therefore, it is time to see if we are dealing with explosive material in the
case of the second installment of wooden music.
Thus, the Wooden Music series culminates with its second part coming from the archives of NDR radio, which recorded the footage in a
small club in Hamburg called Jazzhouse. This time, the additional stem-mastering was done by Marcin Cichy, who perfected the sound
on the album even more.
A1 - Calme
A2 - 6 & 8 I
B1 - 6 & 8 II
B2 - Flute's Ballad More
More records from Astigmatic Records
1
Bloto - Lysiczka
2
Bloto - Kozak
3
Bloto - Shiitake
4
Bloto - Boczniak
5
Bloto - Prawdziwek
6
Bloto - Podostroma
7
Bloto - Muchomor
8
Bloto - Szatan
9
Bloto - Zaslonak
Bloto’s bold 2020 debut brought forth three albums in just twelve months. This prolific creative burst, followed by an ongoing tour and involvement in other projects, meant fans had to wait over three years for the next release. During this time, new ideas took shape, and the vision for their fourth LP crystallized. The wait for Bloto's new album is nearly over. As always, autumn signals the arrival of Grzybnia (Mycelium).
The idea for the album had been simmering within the band since the release of Kwasy i zasady and finally took shape in early 2023 at Warsaw's Studio Pasterka, under Piotr Zabrodzki's guidance. It was the group's most fruitful session, resulting in two singles, Szlam / Scieki and Bakteria, as well as material for an EP to be released next year.
The seemingly chemical title of Kwasy i zasady (Acids and Bases) referred to interpersonal relationships, describing traits that prevent harmony and reflecting the polarization of modern societies. The metaphor of Grzybnia (Mycelium) goes further, emphasizing cooperation as a skill that yields diverse results, both good and bad. Above all, it underscores the power of collective action.
In a fragmented, unstable world, mycelium offers a powerful model. It thrives in degraded, lifeless environments created by humans. Cooperation benefits all parties involved, where each contributes something and receives something in return. Mycelium forms a symbiotic relationship with certain tree species through mycorrhiza, where roots and mycelium exchange life-sustaining substances, benefiting both. This cooperation is key to survival and growth.
Like a mushroom that dies, yet whose mycelium endures, Bloto’s music is an organic and evolving force. The band operates much like mycelium itself, drawing on cultural products and transforming them into new forms. The collaboration of Latarnik, Cancer G, Wuja HZG, and OlafSaxx produces surprising combinations, resulting in music that blurs the lines between genres like jazz, house, techno, and improvisation.
A1 - Lysiczka
A2 - Kozak
A3 - Shiitake
A4 - Boczniak
A5 - Prawdziwek
B1 - Podostroma
B2 - Muchomor
B3 - Szatan
B4 - Zaslonak More
The idea for the album had been simmering within the band since the release of Kwasy i zasady and finally took shape in early 2023 at Warsaw's Studio Pasterka, under Piotr Zabrodzki's guidance. It was the group's most fruitful session, resulting in two singles, Szlam / Scieki and Bakteria, as well as material for an EP to be released next year.
The seemingly chemical title of Kwasy i zasady (Acids and Bases) referred to interpersonal relationships, describing traits that prevent harmony and reflecting the polarization of modern societies. The metaphor of Grzybnia (Mycelium) goes further, emphasizing cooperation as a skill that yields diverse results, both good and bad. Above all, it underscores the power of collective action.
In a fragmented, unstable world, mycelium offers a powerful model. It thrives in degraded, lifeless environments created by humans. Cooperation benefits all parties involved, where each contributes something and receives something in return. Mycelium forms a symbiotic relationship with certain tree species through mycorrhiza, where roots and mycelium exchange life-sustaining substances, benefiting both. This cooperation is key to survival and growth.
Like a mushroom that dies, yet whose mycelium endures, Bloto’s music is an organic and evolving force. The band operates much like mycelium itself, drawing on cultural products and transforming them into new forms. The collaboration of Latarnik, Cancer G, Wuja HZG, and OlafSaxx produces surprising combinations, resulting in music that blurs the lines between genres like jazz, house, techno, and improvisation.
A1 - Lysiczka
A2 - Kozak
A3 - Shiitake
A4 - Boczniak
A5 - Prawdziwek
B1 - Podostroma
B2 - Muchomor
B3 - Szatan
B4 - Zaslonak More
1
Bloto - Bakteria
2
Bloto - Bloto - Bakteria (DaM-FunK Re-Freak)
The Bloto quartet had made a comeback six months ago with their first singles in over two years dropping “Szlam” and “Scieki”. These tracks were pressed on a 7-inch vinyl by Astigmatic Records, but this only whetted the appetites of the band’s mud-loving fans, as the singles sold out instantly. And so, the band's musical onslaught continues. Ahead of their upcoming LP “Grzybnia” set to release in autumn 2024, Bloto is putting out another bacteria-laden 7-inch to conclude this brief series of singles. This time, the release features a remix by none other than the modern funk maestro DaM-FunK, hailing from sunny Pasadena, California.
Wading through the sludge of sewage, one can encounter colonies of bacteria. They are well-known for their dark side – causing serious diseases. Nevertheless, they are with us all the time. They exist in humans and all other living organisms – fungi, plants, and animals. They can be found in soil and water. They are even present in radioactive areas, proving that they are truly hard to eliminate. Such is the music of Bloto. Like a post-apocalyptic bacterium, it’s capable of surviving in the harshest conditions.
Sinister, biting, and primitive – just like colonies of microorganisms. This is Bloto's latest single. Drawing heavily from classic acid house, it can truly infect the mind, inviting you to join a rave in Bloto on the eastern flank of Europe. Quartet’s “Bakteria” is a direct continuation of their first 7-inch release. However, this time, during their collective improvisation at Studio Pasterka, the band has entirely forsaken acoustic instruments in favor of a full array of synthesizers accompanied by drums.
Certainly, the dichotomous nature of these organisms presents a paradox. While capable of causing harm, without bacteria, life as we know it would cease to exist, and human civilization would not have reached its current state. Bacteria fulfill numerous essential roles. They serve as decomposers, crucial in maintaining biogeochemical cycles, and contribute to processes such as fermentation and decay. As symbiotic organisms living within other organisms, they are vital for functions like digestion. Their versatility extends to diverse applications, from biological wastewater treatment to the production of various food products.
Such are the properties of the beneficial probiotic titled “Bakteria Re-Freak” by DaM-FunK (renowned for his classic albums released on Stones Throw, like “Toeachizown” and “7 Days of Funk” with Snoop Dogg). It offers a 180-degree transformation of the dark atmosphere of the original version. The track evolves towards G-Funk, brimming with sunny synths and a drum machine. It portrays a vision of a biopharmaceutical bacterium lazily roaming the streets of warm yet perilous Los Angeles.
The 7-inch will be released on July 19, 2024, by Astigmatic Records. The vinyl single is limited to 700 copies.
A - Bloto - Bakteria
B - Bloto - Bakteria (DaM-FunK Re-Freak) More
Wading through the sludge of sewage, one can encounter colonies of bacteria. They are well-known for their dark side – causing serious diseases. Nevertheless, they are with us all the time. They exist in humans and all other living organisms – fungi, plants, and animals. They can be found in soil and water. They are even present in radioactive areas, proving that they are truly hard to eliminate. Such is the music of Bloto. Like a post-apocalyptic bacterium, it’s capable of surviving in the harshest conditions.
Sinister, biting, and primitive – just like colonies of microorganisms. This is Bloto's latest single. Drawing heavily from classic acid house, it can truly infect the mind, inviting you to join a rave in Bloto on the eastern flank of Europe. Quartet’s “Bakteria” is a direct continuation of their first 7-inch release. However, this time, during their collective improvisation at Studio Pasterka, the band has entirely forsaken acoustic instruments in favor of a full array of synthesizers accompanied by drums.
Certainly, the dichotomous nature of these organisms presents a paradox. While capable of causing harm, without bacteria, life as we know it would cease to exist, and human civilization would not have reached its current state. Bacteria fulfill numerous essential roles. They serve as decomposers, crucial in maintaining biogeochemical cycles, and contribute to processes such as fermentation and decay. As symbiotic organisms living within other organisms, they are vital for functions like digestion. Their versatility extends to diverse applications, from biological wastewater treatment to the production of various food products.
Such are the properties of the beneficial probiotic titled “Bakteria Re-Freak” by DaM-FunK (renowned for his classic albums released on Stones Throw, like “Toeachizown” and “7 Days of Funk” with Snoop Dogg). It offers a 180-degree transformation of the dark atmosphere of the original version. The track evolves towards G-Funk, brimming with sunny synths and a drum machine. It portrays a vision of a biopharmaceutical bacterium lazily roaming the streets of warm yet perilous Los Angeles.
The 7-inch will be released on July 19, 2024, by Astigmatic Records. The vinyl single is limited to 700 copies.
A - Bloto - Bakteria
B - Bloto - Bakteria (DaM-FunK Re-Freak) More
1
EABS - Boratka
2
EABS - Flute's Ballad
3
EABS - My Night, My Day
4
EABS - Flair
5
EABS - Introduction (for Janusz Stefanski)
6
EABS - Purple Sun
2023 was a breakthrough year for EABS in many ways. It was all thanks to the well received, fully self-produced album entitled In Search of a Better Tomorrow, recorded in collaboration with the Pakistani band Jaubi. EABS' forthcoming sixth album is a return to their roots – literally and figuratively. It is an in-depth study on rhythm, which materialised in the form of the album titled Reflections of Purple Sun.
The back to the roots part not only manifests itself in the lack of guest instrumentalists, but also in a renewed focus on the history of Polish jazz. The band's debut album Repetitions... was dedicated to Krzysztof Komeda. This time, the band picked up the entire Purple Sun album, which Tomasz Stanko recorded half a century ago. From the POV of Purple Sun fans, a hard-to-find and somewhat forgotten album, it may seem like a doomed undertaking. However, in order to pay tribute to one of the most iconic figures of Polish jazz, it was worth embarking on this mission and attempting to engage in a non-verbal conversation with the Slavic spirit that Master Tomasz Stanko undoubtedly was.
You can learn more about Reflections of Purple Sun through the comprehensive booklet accompanying the record. The cover art was created by the label's regular collaborator, Animisiewasz, whose design pays tribute to Pia Burri's original Purple Sun concept. Release date is 10 May 2024.
A1 - Boratka
A2 - Flute's Ballad
A3 - My Night, My Day
B1 - Flair
B2 - Introduction (for Janusz Stefanski)
B3 - Purple Sun More
The back to the roots part not only manifests itself in the lack of guest instrumentalists, but also in a renewed focus on the history of Polish jazz. The band's debut album Repetitions... was dedicated to Krzysztof Komeda. This time, the band picked up the entire Purple Sun album, which Tomasz Stanko recorded half a century ago. From the POV of Purple Sun fans, a hard-to-find and somewhat forgotten album, it may seem like a doomed undertaking. However, in order to pay tribute to one of the most iconic figures of Polish jazz, it was worth embarking on this mission and attempting to engage in a non-verbal conversation with the Slavic spirit that Master Tomasz Stanko undoubtedly was.
You can learn more about Reflections of Purple Sun through the comprehensive booklet accompanying the record. The cover art was created by the label's regular collaborator, Animisiewasz, whose design pays tribute to Pia Burri's original Purple Sun concept. Release date is 10 May 2024.
A1 - Boratka
A2 - Flute's Ballad
A3 - My Night, My Day
B1 - Flair
B2 - Introduction (for Janusz Stefanski)
B3 - Purple Sun More
1
Uniri - Soar
2
Uniri - Oneiric Voyage
3
Uniri - Oumuamua
4
Uniri - Outer Sea
5
Uniri - Solaris Ocean
6
Uniri - Neptune's Arck
7
Uniri - Cetus
8
Uniri - Celestial Waves
9
Uniri - Astra's Charge
10
Uniri - Earth-Diver
11
Uniri - Asteroidea
Revision of new beats on the horizon
Every 20 years or so, certain musical movements come full circle. Young musicians are inspired by genres dating back two decades, channelling them through their modern sensibility. The legendary J Dilla’s Donuts album was released in 2006 and instantly marked a starting point for the work of musicians worldwide, laying the foundations especially for the beat scene in Los Angeles. A whole young generation of musicians brought up on the new, instrumental and abstract hip-hop has carried jazz into a new era. The four London-based musicians who make up Uniri have gone one step further by abandoning the idea of a jazz band and "bedroom production" in favour of collective composing, creating a new look at the new-beat aesthetics, framing it as a road novel set in an unspecified time and space.
Uniri translates as ‘one unified dream’ and is the key driving motto of the project conceived by Chiminyo (Cykada, Maisha), the band's founder and head honcho. The project materialised in his private studio, where he invited fellow jazz musicians Amane Tsuganami (Jorja Smith, Maisha), Al Macsween (Nubya Garcia, Gary Bartz, Kefaya) and Luke Wynter (Nubyan Twist, Golden Mean) to spontaneously compose together. Hence, despite this being the band's first album, it wouldn't be right to call them rookies. The result of Uniri's collaborative work is the psychedelic, rhythmic album Infinite Reflections, packed with cosmic and warm synths, which neatly balances hip-hop beat and jazz composition. It's safe to say this music is even more appealing when played live, although it's equally suited to the club dancefloor.
UK Jazz has become a permanent fixture in the London landscape, but also across Europe and the US. Today, the musicians who shape the new wave of jazz are drawing on more and more genres, reducing solo improvisation for the benefit of composition and increasingly drawing on influences from the beat scene. Among such formations are the British NOK Cultural Ensemble, the Polish Bloto, the Belgian ECHT!, and the Dutch Comité Hypnotisé. Uniri is part of this emerging yet already international trend, creating an entirely fresh aesthetic that echoes artists such as Flying Lotus, Samiyam, Dorian Concept, Ras G and Nosaj Things oriented around the Californian 'new beats generation' scene.
The title Infinite Reflections alludes to a phenomenon observable on the open sea or during intercontinental flights. Gazing at the horizon blurs the boundary between the ocean and the sky, forming an infinite palette of blue shades. This inspiration sparked an elusive musical narrative, navigating between a sea voyage and an astral journey, destination unknown.
The album will be released by Astigmatic Records, with the album scheduled for release on March 29, 2024.
A1 - Soar
A2 - Oneiric Voyage
A3 - Oumuamua
A4 - Outer Sea
A5 - Solaris Ocean
A6 - Neptune's Arck
B1 - Cetus
B2 - Celestial Waves
B3 - Astra's Charge
B4 - Earth-Diver
B5 - Asteroidea
More
Every 20 years or so, certain musical movements come full circle. Young musicians are inspired by genres dating back two decades, channelling them through their modern sensibility. The legendary J Dilla’s Donuts album was released in 2006 and instantly marked a starting point for the work of musicians worldwide, laying the foundations especially for the beat scene in Los Angeles. A whole young generation of musicians brought up on the new, instrumental and abstract hip-hop has carried jazz into a new era. The four London-based musicians who make up Uniri have gone one step further by abandoning the idea of a jazz band and "bedroom production" in favour of collective composing, creating a new look at the new-beat aesthetics, framing it as a road novel set in an unspecified time and space.
Uniri translates as ‘one unified dream’ and is the key driving motto of the project conceived by Chiminyo (Cykada, Maisha), the band's founder and head honcho. The project materialised in his private studio, where he invited fellow jazz musicians Amane Tsuganami (Jorja Smith, Maisha), Al Macsween (Nubya Garcia, Gary Bartz, Kefaya) and Luke Wynter (Nubyan Twist, Golden Mean) to spontaneously compose together. Hence, despite this being the band's first album, it wouldn't be right to call them rookies. The result of Uniri's collaborative work is the psychedelic, rhythmic album Infinite Reflections, packed with cosmic and warm synths, which neatly balances hip-hop beat and jazz composition. It's safe to say this music is even more appealing when played live, although it's equally suited to the club dancefloor.
UK Jazz has become a permanent fixture in the London landscape, but also across Europe and the US. Today, the musicians who shape the new wave of jazz are drawing on more and more genres, reducing solo improvisation for the benefit of composition and increasingly drawing on influences from the beat scene. Among such formations are the British NOK Cultural Ensemble, the Polish Bloto, the Belgian ECHT!, and the Dutch Comité Hypnotisé. Uniri is part of this emerging yet already international trend, creating an entirely fresh aesthetic that echoes artists such as Flying Lotus, Samiyam, Dorian Concept, Ras G and Nosaj Things oriented around the Californian 'new beats generation' scene.
The title Infinite Reflections alludes to a phenomenon observable on the open sea or during intercontinental flights. Gazing at the horizon blurs the boundary between the ocean and the sky, forming an infinite palette of blue shades. This inspiration sparked an elusive musical narrative, navigating between a sea voyage and an astral journey, destination unknown.
The album will be released by Astigmatic Records, with the album scheduled for release on March 29, 2024.
A1 - Soar
A2 - Oneiric Voyage
A3 - Oumuamua
A4 - Outer Sea
A5 - Solaris Ocean
A6 - Neptune's Arck
B1 - Cetus
B2 - Celestial Waves
B3 - Astra's Charge
B4 - Earth-Diver
B5 - Asteroidea
More
1
Bloto - Kaluze
2
Bloto - Mady
3
Bloto - Czarnoziemy
4
Bloto - Bagna
5
Bloto - Czarne ziemie
6
Bloto - Redziny
7
Bloto - Bielice
8
Bloto - Ziemie zdegradowane przez czlowieka
9
Bloto - Glina
10
Bloto - Gleby brunatne
4th Press - 600 copies only
It didn't take long for Bloto to become a thing, shrouded by underground secrecy. First, there was the gig during Spring Break 2019 in Poznan where the Blue Note club was packed to the brim. That event gave momentum to 4 more performances in Warsaw and Wroclaw, with no music released at that time. Then, the first pressing of the vinyl was sold out within 24 hours without any single nor cover revealed.
The word about Bloto has spread, increasingly gaining ground, reaching Japan, where the album will also be available on CD. No one expected such a turn of events. In fact, neither did the band itself; after all, Bloto came to being accidentally, yet naturally, like a puddle after a rainy day.
It all started in the summer of 2018 when EABS was touring and the band had a day off. As they were approaching Tricity, people were getting off and eventually there were only four musicians. An evening off, a well-tuned rhythm section on the road, harmonious as can be, and a great deal of creative potential within the members of Bloto band forming at that very moment stirred up common enthusiasm. The album was created without much deliberation, stemming from the need of the heart and the joy of making music together. As a result, 90 minutes of music was recorded of which about 40 made it to “Erozje”.
The music is deeply rooted in brutal hip-hop grooves, referring to the sound of 90’s New York. Dirty and uncompromising, this music’s strength lies in the drums and bass as its sound refers to classics such as Wu-Tang Clan and Company Flow. Radical in a sense, it also captures the atmosphere of the times in which it is created. The times of the planet on the verge of disaster, distinct social divisions, hate speech, growing nationalism, police brutality, nepotism, and various political deals. All this is happening before our eyes. The soil of the world as we know it is eroding right now.
Tracklist:
A1 - Kaluze
A2 - Mady
A3 - Czarnoziemy
A4 - Bagna
A5 - Czarne ziemie
A6 - Redziny
B1 - Bielice
B2 - Ziemie zdegradowane przez czlowieka
B3 - Glina
B4 - Gleby brunatne More
It didn't take long for Bloto to become a thing, shrouded by underground secrecy. First, there was the gig during Spring Break 2019 in Poznan where the Blue Note club was packed to the brim. That event gave momentum to 4 more performances in Warsaw and Wroclaw, with no music released at that time. Then, the first pressing of the vinyl was sold out within 24 hours without any single nor cover revealed.
The word about Bloto has spread, increasingly gaining ground, reaching Japan, where the album will also be available on CD. No one expected such a turn of events. In fact, neither did the band itself; after all, Bloto came to being accidentally, yet naturally, like a puddle after a rainy day.
It all started in the summer of 2018 when EABS was touring and the band had a day off. As they were approaching Tricity, people were getting off and eventually there were only four musicians. An evening off, a well-tuned rhythm section on the road, harmonious as can be, and a great deal of creative potential within the members of Bloto band forming at that very moment stirred up common enthusiasm. The album was created without much deliberation, stemming from the need of the heart and the joy of making music together. As a result, 90 minutes of music was recorded of which about 40 made it to “Erozje”.
The music is deeply rooted in brutal hip-hop grooves, referring to the sound of 90’s New York. Dirty and uncompromising, this music’s strength lies in the drums and bass as its sound refers to classics such as Wu-Tang Clan and Company Flow. Radical in a sense, it also captures the atmosphere of the times in which it is created. The times of the planet on the verge of disaster, distinct social divisions, hate speech, growing nationalism, police brutality, nepotism, and various political deals. All this is happening before our eyes. The soil of the world as we know it is eroding right now.
Tracklist:
A1 - Kaluze
A2 - Mady
A3 - Czarnoziemy
A4 - Bagna
A5 - Czarne ziemie
A6 - Redziny
B1 - Bielice
B2 - Ziemie zdegradowane przez czlowieka
B3 - Glina
B4 - Gleby brunatne More
1
Bloto - Œcieki
2
Bloto - Szlam
A lot of water has flown under the bridge since B³oto released their last album. Sadly, in Polish rivers it wasn't just water
flowing, but also all sorts of sewage of unknown origin, which destroyed the condition of these once vibrant bodies of water;
it eventually led to a real catastrophe on the Odra River, which, after all, surrounds the entire city of Wroclaw, the band's
birthplace. It is time for a decisive response. B³oto is making a comeback with a seven-inch vinyl and their first singles in
over two years - "Szlam" and "Œcieki".
Climate change had already led to a permanent hydrological drought, which was echoed on Erozje LP. Today, as many as
91.5 percent of Poland's rivers are in very poor condition. It is not only drought that threatens rivers, but also excessive
salinity. This is precisely the kind of disaster that happened on the Odra river. It resulted in 360 tonnes of dead fish and
death of the river along a stretch of almost 500 km, and the reason for that was short-sighted human activity that could
have been avoided. Still, the decision was made to turn the river into a cesspool.
Two years of hiatus is far too long. During this time, reality has not let up for a moment, providing new inspiration. Szlam
(eng. sludge) is the sediment that forms on the river bed and sometimes the river banks. The Polish word derives from
German (Schlamm), which means swamp - or mud. Szlam is therefore a sticky and unsettling remorse that rests somewhere
at the bottom of the human consciousness.
In "Szlam" and "Œcieki" tracks, you will not only hear references to Erozje, but also to Kwasy i Zasady LP. For it is also a
metaphor for everything that pours out of the media, smartphones, and then flows into one's head. The constant bickering,
conflicts and dirty play in political campaigns, scandals to which we are already numb. On top of this, hate speech, lowquality
stupefying influencer content, resulting in an ever-decreasing cultural capital of a society that breeds conformists,
individualistically-minded egoists and mindless consumers. This state of affairs spawns a society of egoists, incapable of
critical reflection, questioning and rebelling against reality.
The sound and genres explored by the band are, as usual, difficult to pigeonhole. These two musical miniatures contain a
lot of anxious and neurotic sounds, as well as synth glitches evoking emotions such as fear, anger, sadness and guilt. The
quartet consisting of Wuja HZG, OlafSaxx, Cancer G and Latarnik managed to distill this mental state by encapsulating it in
shades of breakbeat ("Szlam"), and broadly defined house music ("Œcieki").
A. Szlam
B. Œcieki More
flowing, but also all sorts of sewage of unknown origin, which destroyed the condition of these once vibrant bodies of water;
it eventually led to a real catastrophe on the Odra River, which, after all, surrounds the entire city of Wroclaw, the band's
birthplace. It is time for a decisive response. B³oto is making a comeback with a seven-inch vinyl and their first singles in
over two years - "Szlam" and "Œcieki".
Climate change had already led to a permanent hydrological drought, which was echoed on Erozje LP. Today, as many as
91.5 percent of Poland's rivers are in very poor condition. It is not only drought that threatens rivers, but also excessive
salinity. This is precisely the kind of disaster that happened on the Odra river. It resulted in 360 tonnes of dead fish and
death of the river along a stretch of almost 500 km, and the reason for that was short-sighted human activity that could
have been avoided. Still, the decision was made to turn the river into a cesspool.
Two years of hiatus is far too long. During this time, reality has not let up for a moment, providing new inspiration. Szlam
(eng. sludge) is the sediment that forms on the river bed and sometimes the river banks. The Polish word derives from
German (Schlamm), which means swamp - or mud. Szlam is therefore a sticky and unsettling remorse that rests somewhere
at the bottom of the human consciousness.
In "Szlam" and "Œcieki" tracks, you will not only hear references to Erozje, but also to Kwasy i Zasady LP. For it is also a
metaphor for everything that pours out of the media, smartphones, and then flows into one's head. The constant bickering,
conflicts and dirty play in political campaigns, scandals to which we are already numb. On top of this, hate speech, lowquality
stupefying influencer content, resulting in an ever-decreasing cultural capital of a society that breeds conformists,
individualistically-minded egoists and mindless consumers. This state of affairs spawns a society of egoists, incapable of
critical reflection, questioning and rebelling against reality.
The sound and genres explored by the band are, as usual, difficult to pigeonhole. These two musical miniatures contain a
lot of anxious and neurotic sounds, as well as synth glitches evoking emotions such as fear, anger, sadness and guilt. The
quartet consisting of Wuja HZG, OlafSaxx, Cancer G and Latarnik managed to distill this mental state by encapsulating it in
shades of breakbeat ("Szlam"), and broadly defined house music ("Œcieki").
A. Szlam
B. Œcieki More
1
Cykada - Crystalline Peaks
2
Cykada - Fallacy
3
Cykada - So Divided
4
Cykada - 3301
5
Cykada - The Cracks in the Bricks (Prologue)
6
Cykada - The Cracks in the Bricks
7
Cykada - Ashen Faun
8
Cykada - Last Throes of the Temporal Monolith
When Cicadas appear in the area they cause a huge uproar. It’s hard to escape the distinctive noise these critters make, reaching up to 120 decibels. The hypnotic, trance-inducing sound disappears with the insects. A few months after Cykada's explosive debut, the world was hit by turbulence and from Cykada there was silence - fortunately only seemingly, because the next cycle began underground, in the privacy of the studio. It was there that the cicadas matured, waiting for a metamorphosis.
The year 2019 was very successful for Cykada, with a brilliantly received debut album, concerts at numerous festivals in the UK and Europe such as Glastonbury, Wilderness, London Jazz Festival, BAM Festival, La Defense Jazz Festival or Love Supreme Festival, along with constantly composing and preparing material for the second album. As the musicians entered the studio, the coronavirus pandemic was already in full swing across the globe. It was clear then that the world would never be the same. With increasing restrictions Cykada went underground, waiting for changes to surface again. Unfortunately the expected change that was happening seemed only for the worse - Brexit and its socio-economic consequences, worldwide disinformation, accelerating climate catastrophe and Russian invasion of Ukraine. The collapse of the old world order is the perfect moment for metamorphosis and with this message Cykada steps out again into broad daylight, matured and carrying a message with their long-awaited second album “Metamorphosis”.
The meaning behind the title is multifaceted. It refers both to changes taking place in our society and changes to our world as nature defends itself from human stupidity and greed. It is also a reference to the personal and musical development of the band members in that difficult period. It all became a foundation to bravely attempt to make new beginnings.
The metamorphosis is also clear in the musical aspect of Cykada. Their debut album was already difficult to shoehorn into specific genres with their sound that balanced jazz, electronics and elements of global music styles. With the second album their eclectic style has evolved into something distinct and innovative, combining folk/jazz song form and improvisation with heavier sounds inspired by sound system culture and rock. The band grew into a septet thanks to multi-instrumentalist Rob Milne, expanding the horn section to 3 instruments and galvanising its sound. But the biggest change that happened compared to the first album is the singing of Cykada leader Jamie Benzies in singles “So Divided” and “The Crack in the Bricks”. Both songs carry an important message, showing us that the changes in the world are already happening and that only we can make it head in the right direction. This unique sonic mix along with the message unleashes a powerful energy that the musicians want to send to and infect every listener.
A1 - Crystalline Peaks
A2 - Fallacy
A3 - So Divided
A4 - 3301
B1 - The Cracks in the Bricks (Prologue)
B2 - The Cracks in the Bricks
B3 - Ashen Faun
B4 - Last Throes of the Temporal Monolith More
The year 2019 was very successful for Cykada, with a brilliantly received debut album, concerts at numerous festivals in the UK and Europe such as Glastonbury, Wilderness, London Jazz Festival, BAM Festival, La Defense Jazz Festival or Love Supreme Festival, along with constantly composing and preparing material for the second album. As the musicians entered the studio, the coronavirus pandemic was already in full swing across the globe. It was clear then that the world would never be the same. With increasing restrictions Cykada went underground, waiting for changes to surface again. Unfortunately the expected change that was happening seemed only for the worse - Brexit and its socio-economic consequences, worldwide disinformation, accelerating climate catastrophe and Russian invasion of Ukraine. The collapse of the old world order is the perfect moment for metamorphosis and with this message Cykada steps out again into broad daylight, matured and carrying a message with their long-awaited second album “Metamorphosis”.
The meaning behind the title is multifaceted. It refers both to changes taking place in our society and changes to our world as nature defends itself from human stupidity and greed. It is also a reference to the personal and musical development of the band members in that difficult period. It all became a foundation to bravely attempt to make new beginnings.
The metamorphosis is also clear in the musical aspect of Cykada. Their debut album was already difficult to shoehorn into specific genres with their sound that balanced jazz, electronics and elements of global music styles. With the second album their eclectic style has evolved into something distinct and innovative, combining folk/jazz song form and improvisation with heavier sounds inspired by sound system culture and rock. The band grew into a septet thanks to multi-instrumentalist Rob Milne, expanding the horn section to 3 instruments and galvanising its sound. But the biggest change that happened compared to the first album is the singing of Cykada leader Jamie Benzies in singles “So Divided” and “The Crack in the Bricks”. Both songs carry an important message, showing us that the changes in the world are already happening and that only we can make it head in the right direction. This unique sonic mix along with the message unleashes a powerful energy that the musicians want to send to and infect every listener.
A1 - Crystalline Peaks
A2 - Fallacy
A3 - So Divided
A4 - 3301
B1 - The Cracks in the Bricks (Prologue)
B2 - The Cracks in the Bricks
B3 - Ashen Faun
B4 - Last Throes of the Temporal Monolith More
1
Tomasz Stanko Quintet - Calme
2
Tomasz Stanko Quintet - 6 & 8 I
3
Tomasz Stanko Quintet - 6 & 8 II
4
Tomasz Stanko Quintet - Flute's Ballad
The discovery of Tomasz Stañko's archive recordings from 50 years ago at Radio Bremen demonstrated the dynamic development of
this shrouded in mystery quintet, which was a blank spot in the history of Polish jazz. Released by Astigmatic Records, the album
turned out to be a surprise and a huge musical treat for many fans who no longer remember such a fiery period in the career of the
outstanding trumpeter. The record received much critical acclaim and sold out in a blink, and Jazz Forum magazine recognised Wooden
Music I as the historic album of the year. Now the time has come for the 2nd and final installment of wooden music.
It takes more than one album to fully illustrate the evolution of the band with which Tomasz Stañko, as its leader, recorded Music for K,
one of the most important albums in Polish jazz. It is the early 1970s, Zbigniew Seifert gives up the saxophone in favour of the violin, so
the band's sound becomes more 'wooden', and around this expression Stañko builds the foundations of a philosophy, which he wrote
down on four small sheets of paper, still kept by Bronis³aw Suchanek, the quintet's bass player:
We seek to create the kind of music that, while operating with all the elements of the most genuine jazz, attempts to look at it from a
different angle, from a different mental plane. We do not experiment with the material, but with the form. For the form does not have to
be a logical and strict construction of the entire piece, it can be free, improvised while playing, resulting from the mood, or atmosphere
existing at a given moment, or random things, creating with their free fluidity that specific "magical mood". This, of course, excludes
compositions in the traditional sense - Tomasz Stañko wrote at the time.
Wooden Music is therefore like a postcard - not so much of a specific gig, but of the entire period of the quintet's activity. It opens with
compositions featured on Jazzmessage from Poland. Wooden Music I recorded in Bremen on 15 June 1972 is its peak - when the band
plays free, vigorous music, but more sensitively planned, as the group is more in-tune after hours of joint stage encounters. Wooden
Music II, recorded in Hamburg on 9 November 1972, is the conclusion of their vision of free-jazz - the final phase where composed
pieces ("Calme" and "6 & 8") begin to emerge from wild improvisation. Some of these would, a few months later, find their way onto an
iconic piece in Tomasz Stañko's discography - the Purple Sun album (e.g. "Flute's Ballad")... but with a slightly different line-up. When
the band decides to wrap up, they are at the peak of their form, each feeling the need to develop on their own. They know when to step
off the stage. They are invincible. Tomasz Stañko Quintet was one of the most outstanding European free jazz ensembles of its time.
The Polish musicians, plus a plethora of individuals such as Brötzmann, Mangelsdorff, Schlippenbach, Vesala or Surman, contributed to
a movement which, while co-operating with the American avant-garde, had its own specificity and its own unique audience. Polish
jazzmen, newcomers from behind the Iron Curtain, were seen as carrying a message of freedom to the countries of the region. It took
many years for this message to come true. Today, European jazz seems to be far more erudite, emotionally restrained, intellectual, seeking
links with contemporary avant-garde and ethno music. It's all very beautiful, but sometimes one would like to discard all of this extra
wrapping and bring out the essence of jazz - the synergic energy and striving for the limits of expression, even if it poses the risk of a
musical explosion - Tomasz Szachowski states in Jazz Forum. Therefore, it is time to see if we are dealing with explosive material in the
case of the second installment of wooden music.
Thus, the Wooden Music series culminates with its second part coming from the archives of NDR radio, which recorded the footage in a
small club in Hamburg called Jazzhouse. This time, the additional stem-mastering was done by Marcin Cichy, who perfected the sound
on the album even more.
A1 - Calme
A2 - 6 & 8 I
B1 - 6 & 8 II
B2 - Flute's Ballad More
this shrouded in mystery quintet, which was a blank spot in the history of Polish jazz. Released by Astigmatic Records, the album
turned out to be a surprise and a huge musical treat for many fans who no longer remember such a fiery period in the career of the
outstanding trumpeter. The record received much critical acclaim and sold out in a blink, and Jazz Forum magazine recognised Wooden
Music I as the historic album of the year. Now the time has come for the 2nd and final installment of wooden music.
It takes more than one album to fully illustrate the evolution of the band with which Tomasz Stañko, as its leader, recorded Music for K,
one of the most important albums in Polish jazz. It is the early 1970s, Zbigniew Seifert gives up the saxophone in favour of the violin, so
the band's sound becomes more 'wooden', and around this expression Stañko builds the foundations of a philosophy, which he wrote
down on four small sheets of paper, still kept by Bronis³aw Suchanek, the quintet's bass player:
We seek to create the kind of music that, while operating with all the elements of the most genuine jazz, attempts to look at it from a
different angle, from a different mental plane. We do not experiment with the material, but with the form. For the form does not have to
be a logical and strict construction of the entire piece, it can be free, improvised while playing, resulting from the mood, or atmosphere
existing at a given moment, or random things, creating with their free fluidity that specific "magical mood". This, of course, excludes
compositions in the traditional sense - Tomasz Stañko wrote at the time.
Wooden Music is therefore like a postcard - not so much of a specific gig, but of the entire period of the quintet's activity. It opens with
compositions featured on Jazzmessage from Poland. Wooden Music I recorded in Bremen on 15 June 1972 is its peak - when the band
plays free, vigorous music, but more sensitively planned, as the group is more in-tune after hours of joint stage encounters. Wooden
Music II, recorded in Hamburg on 9 November 1972, is the conclusion of their vision of free-jazz - the final phase where composed
pieces ("Calme" and "6 & 8") begin to emerge from wild improvisation. Some of these would, a few months later, find their way onto an
iconic piece in Tomasz Stañko's discography - the Purple Sun album (e.g. "Flute's Ballad")... but with a slightly different line-up. When
the band decides to wrap up, they are at the peak of their form, each feeling the need to develop on their own. They know when to step
off the stage. They are invincible. Tomasz Stañko Quintet was one of the most outstanding European free jazz ensembles of its time.
The Polish musicians, plus a plethora of individuals such as Brötzmann, Mangelsdorff, Schlippenbach, Vesala or Surman, contributed to
a movement which, while co-operating with the American avant-garde, had its own specificity and its own unique audience. Polish
jazzmen, newcomers from behind the Iron Curtain, were seen as carrying a message of freedom to the countries of the region. It took
many years for this message to come true. Today, European jazz seems to be far more erudite, emotionally restrained, intellectual, seeking
links with contemporary avant-garde and ethno music. It's all very beautiful, but sometimes one would like to discard all of this extra
wrapping and bring out the essence of jazz - the synergic energy and striving for the limits of expression, even if it poses the risk of a
musical explosion - Tomasz Szachowski states in Jazz Forum. Therefore, it is time to see if we are dealing with explosive material in the
case of the second installment of wooden music.
Thus, the Wooden Music series culminates with its second part coming from the archives of NDR radio, which recorded the footage in a
small club in Hamburg called Jazzhouse. This time, the additional stem-mastering was done by Marcin Cichy, who perfected the sound
on the album even more.
A1 - Calme
A2 - 6 & 8 I
B1 - 6 & 8 II
B2 - Flute's Ballad More
1
EABS - The Darkness
2
EABS - Woodland Spirits
3
EABS - The Noon Witch
4
EABS - Sleza (The Fog)
5
EABS - Sleza
6
EABS - Sun Worship (The Rite)
7
EABS - Sun Worship
After the very well received, both by the audience and critics, debut album Repetitions (Letters to Krzysztof Komeda), focusing on the lesser-known works of the legendary Polish composer, the Wroclaw-based EABS decided to further expand this lead and released two more vinyl records, "live" and "on tape", which crowned the "Komeda triptych". The astounding reception of the band's debut whet listeners' appetite for completely new recordings. It took 2 years for the new album to materialise, this time, however, it is filled with 100% original material.
This time the EABS band did not directly address the legacy of the Polish school of broadly understood popular music masters. At the same time, the musicians kept in mind that such legacy is, in a sense, the capital of the past which adds up to identity and builds the future. Therefore, in their further musical quest, the band stayed observant of the signs and inspirations from their predecessors from the jazz and big beat era, who paved the way through their willingness to experiment and pursue a unique sound. Thanks to these concepts, the ensemble decided to listen even more intently to their inner voices. This has enabled EABS to avoid the obsession of imitating the Western sound, which conquers the increasingly generic domestic music industry.
The conceptual direction and the first sketches of compositions were already prepared shortly after the summer of 2017. However, the fast-paced life on tour and the desire to expand the line-up with a soprano saxophone and flute eventually played by Tenderlonious did not allow for quick studio manoeuvres. Especially that the London guest artist needed to arrive for the sessions in Wroclaw. Thankfully, time has only worked in favour of this material. The band was already incredibly harmonious while implementing all the assumptions during the recordings. The compositions have matured and evolved even more.
The idea for “The Darkness”, the composition opening the Slavic Spirits LP, was born out of collective improvisation performed before a Komeda-inspired medley of “Free Witch and No Bra Queen / Sult” played in concert. It came as a surprise to us that this new album, devoted to broadly understood Slavism, turned out to have its roots in the combination of compositions about a witch and hunger. Both were present in Central Europe, not only in the Early Middle Ages. During the tour, while travelling together, we talked a lot about Poland’s difficult history. We noticed a number of dreadful episodes and unresolved traumas that have been haunting us until this very day – Marek Pedziwiatr recollects.
Inspired by deliberations of many musicians, but also historians, journalists, writers, and even psychotherapists, new compositions began to appear rapidly, pouring out of the band’s spirit and imagination. The material is also an attempt to radically break out of the status quo of national mythology which currently steers the collective imagination of the Polish society. The musicians turned to Slavic mythology and Polish demonology, while pondering upon the contemporary spiritual condition of Poles. The enigmatic “Slavic melancholy” remains the main inspiration for the following album, as the band tried to extract it from their own DNA. Slavic Spirits is an an endeavour to get in touch with the world of a long- and brutally lost culture which, due to lack of sources, will never be thoroughly explored. A piece called “The Darkness” is a metaphor of this obscurity and the blank page in the history of our ancestors. What follows is a trip to the woods and fields where we face two demons ruling those realms, namely “Woodland Spirit” and “The Noon Witch”. In the end, we climb a marshy and foggy holy mountain (“Sleza”) to eventually practice ritual “Sun Worship”.
A1 - Ciemnosc = The Darkness
A2 - Leszy = Woodland Spirits
A3 - Poludnica = The Noon Witch
B1 - Sleza (Mgla) = Sleza (The Fog)
B2 - Sleza = Sleza
B3 - Przywitanie Slonca (Rytual) = Sun Worship (The Rite)
B4 - Przywitanie Slonca = Sun Worship More
This time the EABS band did not directly address the legacy of the Polish school of broadly understood popular music masters. At the same time, the musicians kept in mind that such legacy is, in a sense, the capital of the past which adds up to identity and builds the future. Therefore, in their further musical quest, the band stayed observant of the signs and inspirations from their predecessors from the jazz and big beat era, who paved the way through their willingness to experiment and pursue a unique sound. Thanks to these concepts, the ensemble decided to listen even more intently to their inner voices. This has enabled EABS to avoid the obsession of imitating the Western sound, which conquers the increasingly generic domestic music industry.
The conceptual direction and the first sketches of compositions were already prepared shortly after the summer of 2017. However, the fast-paced life on tour and the desire to expand the line-up with a soprano saxophone and flute eventually played by Tenderlonious did not allow for quick studio manoeuvres. Especially that the London guest artist needed to arrive for the sessions in Wroclaw. Thankfully, time has only worked in favour of this material. The band was already incredibly harmonious while implementing all the assumptions during the recordings. The compositions have matured and evolved even more.
The idea for “The Darkness”, the composition opening the Slavic Spirits LP, was born out of collective improvisation performed before a Komeda-inspired medley of “Free Witch and No Bra Queen / Sult” played in concert. It came as a surprise to us that this new album, devoted to broadly understood Slavism, turned out to have its roots in the combination of compositions about a witch and hunger. Both were present in Central Europe, not only in the Early Middle Ages. During the tour, while travelling together, we talked a lot about Poland’s difficult history. We noticed a number of dreadful episodes and unresolved traumas that have been haunting us until this very day – Marek Pedziwiatr recollects.
Inspired by deliberations of many musicians, but also historians, journalists, writers, and even psychotherapists, new compositions began to appear rapidly, pouring out of the band’s spirit and imagination. The material is also an attempt to radically break out of the status quo of national mythology which currently steers the collective imagination of the Polish society. The musicians turned to Slavic mythology and Polish demonology, while pondering upon the contemporary spiritual condition of Poles. The enigmatic “Slavic melancholy” remains the main inspiration for the following album, as the band tried to extract it from their own DNA. Slavic Spirits is an an endeavour to get in touch with the world of a long- and brutally lost culture which, due to lack of sources, will never be thoroughly explored. A piece called “The Darkness” is a metaphor of this obscurity and the blank page in the history of our ancestors. What follows is a trip to the woods and fields where we face two demons ruling those realms, namely “Woodland Spirit” and “The Noon Witch”. In the end, we climb a marshy and foggy holy mountain (“Sleza”) to eventually practice ritual “Sun Worship”.
A1 - Ciemnosc = The Darkness
A2 - Leszy = Woodland Spirits
A3 - Poludnica = The Noon Witch
B1 - Sleza (Mgla) = Sleza (The Fog)
B2 - Sleza = Sleza
B3 - Przywitanie Slonca (Rytual) = Sun Worship (The Rite)
B4 - Przywitanie Slonca = Sun Worship More
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DLP: Limited Edition of 300, Obi
Tracklisting LP
A1. Introduction by Claude Nobs
A2. Cenovis (Live)
A3. 1224 (Live)
A4. Le Colin (Live)
B1. Rahsaan Rahsaan (Live)
B2. Straight Life (Live)
C1. Spain (Live)
C2. Backlash (Live)
D1. Dolphin Dance
D2. Adam's Apple
D3. 5th of July, Dulong Street
Info
We Release Jazz is sooooo happy to announce the release of a very limited edition double LP for Boillat Thérace Quintet’s 1974 Montreux Jazz Festival performance, with 3 bonus studio tracks! This gem from the Geneva, Switzerland band follows the acclaimed WRJ reissue of their self-titled album (1974) and My Greatest Love (1975), their full-length with Benny Bailey. The 300-copies-only white sleeved DLP comes with the classic obi and features fully remastered audiophile-ready recordings.
Captured live at Montreux Jazz Festival, July 3rd 1974, this rare audio treat features Boillat Thérace Quintet fan-favorites including their infamous homages to Swiss Marmite ("Cenovis"), and Geneva's public transport line Tram 12 ("1224"), as well as remarkable renditions of timeless jazz numbers by Freddie Hubbard ("Straight Life" and "Backlash") and Chick Corea ("Spain").
Additionally, the double LP offers 3 bonus songs taken from the ensemble’s sessions for their self-titled debut: superb takes on Herbie Hancock’s "Dolphin Dance", Wayne Shorter’s "Adam’s Apple", and Claude Engel’s "5th of July, Dulong Street".
All in all it’s a beautiful soul-jazz/modal fest full of flair and heart, one that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant and inventive Swiss jazz scene of the 1970s. A must have for fans and collectors.
This new album from We Release Jazz follows the label’s celebrated releases of the Ryo Fukui catalogue (Scenery, Mellow Dream, A Letter from Slowboat, Ryo Fukui in New York, My Favorite Tune), Hiroshi Suzuki’s seminal Cat album, and Le Cercle Rouge soundtrack by Eric Demarsan among other jazz wonders.
Points of interests
- For fans of soul jazz, modal, good jazz, good Swiss jazz, good Geneva jazz, Cenovis, taking the tram in Geneva, Montreux Jazz Festival, rare recordings, limited double LPs in white sleeves, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Claude Engel, Claude Nobs, and groooooove.
- First ever vinyl release of Boillat Thérace Quintet’s Montreux Jazz Festival concert in 1974 with additional studio tracks, courtesy of We Release Jazz (Ryo Fukui, Hiroshi Suzuki, Stuff Combe).
More
Tracklisting LP
A1. Introduction by Claude Nobs
A2. Cenovis (Live)
A3. 1224 (Live)
A4. Le Colin (Live)
B1. Rahsaan Rahsaan (Live)
B2. Straight Life (Live)
C1. Spain (Live)
C2. Backlash (Live)
D1. Dolphin Dance
D2. Adam's Apple
D3. 5th of July, Dulong Street
Info
We Release Jazz is sooooo happy to announce the release of a very limited edition double LP for Boillat Thérace Quintet’s 1974 Montreux Jazz Festival performance, with 3 bonus studio tracks! This gem from the Geneva, Switzerland band follows the acclaimed WRJ reissue of their self-titled album (1974) and My Greatest Love (1975), their full-length with Benny Bailey. The 300-copies-only white sleeved DLP comes with the classic obi and features fully remastered audiophile-ready recordings.
Captured live at Montreux Jazz Festival, July 3rd 1974, this rare audio treat features Boillat Thérace Quintet fan-favorites including their infamous homages to Swiss Marmite ("Cenovis"), and Geneva's public transport line Tram 12 ("1224"), as well as remarkable renditions of timeless jazz numbers by Freddie Hubbard ("Straight Life" and "Backlash") and Chick Corea ("Spain").
Additionally, the double LP offers 3 bonus songs taken from the ensemble’s sessions for their self-titled debut: superb takes on Herbie Hancock’s "Dolphin Dance", Wayne Shorter’s "Adam’s Apple", and Claude Engel’s "5th of July, Dulong Street".
All in all it’s a beautiful soul-jazz/modal fest full of flair and heart, one that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant and inventive Swiss jazz scene of the 1970s. A must have for fans and collectors.
This new album from We Release Jazz follows the label’s celebrated releases of the Ryo Fukui catalogue (Scenery, Mellow Dream, A Letter from Slowboat, Ryo Fukui in New York, My Favorite Tune), Hiroshi Suzuki’s seminal Cat album, and Le Cercle Rouge soundtrack by Eric Demarsan among other jazz wonders.
Points of interests
- For fans of soul jazz, modal, good jazz, good Swiss jazz, good Geneva jazz, Cenovis, taking the tram in Geneva, Montreux Jazz Festival, rare recordings, limited double LPs in white sleeves, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Claude Engel, Claude Nobs, and groooooove.
- First ever vinyl release of Boillat Thérace Quintet’s Montreux Jazz Festival concert in 1974 with additional studio tracks, courtesy of We Release Jazz (Ryo Fukui, Hiroshi Suzuki, Stuff Combe).
More
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Guilherme Coutinho E O Grupo Stalo - As Feras
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(Gatefold LP with obi-strip) Recorded in 1969, the soundtrack is considered one of the best free jazz albums in Japan. Features icons of the Japanese Free Jazz scene: Masahiko Togashi and Motoki Takagi
TRACKLIST
A1. Isolation I
B1. Isolation II
INFO
Music from the movie “Abbreviated Serial Killer”. In this soundtrack Masahiko Togashi and Motoki Takagi challenged “the limit of improvisational performance”.
The film was directed by Masao Adachi. This is a so-called “landscape film” about Norio Nagayama, a serial killer. Masahiko Togashi, who was asked to compose the music, recorded three songs as a duo with Motoki Takagi. Togashi said, “I thought it was strange to compose the human heart,” and the recording was done with “total improvisation.”
Recorded in December 1969. This year is the beginning of the Japanese free jazz trend.This album is an important work that Togashi, who was the central figure of the scene, and Takagi, who also had a strong presence at the core, said, “I challenged the limits of improvisation.” The soundtrack is one of the best free jazz albums in Japan. More
TRACKLIST
A1. Isolation I
B1. Isolation II
INFO
Music from the movie “Abbreviated Serial Killer”. In this soundtrack Masahiko Togashi and Motoki Takagi challenged “the limit of improvisational performance”.
The film was directed by Masao Adachi. This is a so-called “landscape film” about Norio Nagayama, a serial killer. Masahiko Togashi, who was asked to compose the music, recorded three songs as a duo with Motoki Takagi. Togashi said, “I thought it was strange to compose the human heart,” and the recording was done with “total improvisation.”
Recorded in December 1969. This year is the beginning of the Japanese free jazz trend.This album is an important work that Togashi, who was the central figure of the scene, and Takagi, who also had a strong presence at the core, said, “I challenged the limits of improvisation.” The soundtrack is one of the best free jazz albums in Japan. More
In order to record the compositions in his critically acclaimed 2022 release GOLD, Alabaster DePlume instilled a culture of creativity by leading his ensembles In spontaneous composition and development. This resulted in an abundance of material that he has since produced and arranged, resulting in this collection.
Tracklisting
1. Sibomandi (feat. Falle Nioke)
2. What Can It Take
3. To That Voice And Say
4. Greek Honey Slick (feat. Tom Skinner)
5. Give Me Away
6. Fall On Flowers
7. Did You Know (feat. Momoko Gill)
8. Levels Of Human
9. Not Even Sobbing
10. The Best Thing In The World
11. Naked Like Water (feat. Donna Thompson)
12. Broken Again
More
Tracklisting
1. Sibomandi (feat. Falle Nioke)
2. What Can It Take
3. To That Voice And Say
4. Greek Honey Slick (feat. Tom Skinner)
5. Give Me Away
6. Fall On Flowers
7. Did You Know (feat. Momoko Gill)
8. Levels Of Human
9. Not Even Sobbing
10. The Best Thing In The World
11. Naked Like Water (feat. Donna Thompson)
12. Broken Again
More
On October 15th & 16th 2020, drummer Daniel Villarreal was joined by guitarist Jeff Parker and bassist Anna Butterss for two afternoons of recording in the backyard of Chicali Outpost in Los Angeles.
For all three musicians, it was the first ensemble recording session they’d done in-person since the pandemic locked the world down just seven months prior. Some choice moments from the sessions made it onto Villarreal’s critically-acclaimed 2022 album Panamá 77, bust most of the music remained unreleased.
Lados B is a deep dive into the high-level spontaneous music made by Villarreal, Parker and Butterss across those two days in 2020. Villarreal is heard leading the group through various rhythmic modes and structures for improvisation - flow as informed by the Latin soul of Fania Records as it is by the otherworldly trance of Brain Records - while Parker and Butterss draw on their extensive experience playing free together (as heard on Parker’s recently-released Mondays at the Enfield Tennis Academy, and the LA side of Makaya McCraven’s 2018 LP Universal Beings) to build harmonic buoys for their spontaneous melodicism. The result is a beautifully vivid illustration of context, creativity, and collective composition from a particularly rich moment in history.
Tracklist:
1. Traveling With
2. Sunset Cliffs
3. Republic
4. Chicali Outpost
5. Bring It
6. Salute
7. Daytime Nighttime
8. Things Can Be Calm
9. Rug Moti More
For all three musicians, it was the first ensemble recording session they’d done in-person since the pandemic locked the world down just seven months prior. Some choice moments from the sessions made it onto Villarreal’s critically-acclaimed 2022 album Panamá 77, bust most of the music remained unreleased.
Lados B is a deep dive into the high-level spontaneous music made by Villarreal, Parker and Butterss across those two days in 2020. Villarreal is heard leading the group through various rhythmic modes and structures for improvisation - flow as informed by the Latin soul of Fania Records as it is by the otherworldly trance of Brain Records - while Parker and Butterss draw on their extensive experience playing free together (as heard on Parker’s recently-released Mondays at the Enfield Tennis Academy, and the LA side of Makaya McCraven’s 2018 LP Universal Beings) to build harmonic buoys for their spontaneous melodicism. The result is a beautifully vivid illustration of context, creativity, and collective composition from a particularly rich moment in history.
Tracklist:
1. Traveling With
2. Sunset Cliffs
3. Republic
4. Chicali Outpost
5. Bring It
6. Salute
7. Daytime Nighttime
8. Things Can Be Calm
9. Rug Moti More
1
Fernando Oly - Chuva Da Montanha
2
Fernando Oly - Cheiro De Romã
3
Fernando Oly - No Reino Da Bicharada
4
Fernando Oly - Birimbóca
5
Fernando Oly - Pra Onde O Vento A Vela Levar
6
Fernando Oly - Sonhos Claros
7
Fernando Oly - Alto Mar
8
Fernando Oly - Bárbara Bela
9
Fernando Oly - Dona Baratinha
10
Fernando Oly - Quand Os Beatles Voltarem...
LP DELUXE EDITION 180g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI + REPLICA OF THE ORIGINAL INSERT + DOWNLOAD CARD
Fernando Oly is a musician who was part of Lô Borges' band and took part in the recording of the album "Via Láctea" in 1979. He placed one of his compositions among the album's tracks: "Chuva na Montanha", whose original version was also included on “Tempo Prá Tudo”
Licensed by Fernando Oly More
Fernando Oly is a musician who was part of Lô Borges' band and took part in the recording of the album "Via Láctea" in 1979. He placed one of his compositions among the album's tracks: "Chuva na Montanha", whose original version was also included on “Tempo Prá Tudo”
Licensed by Fernando Oly More
(LP with obi strip) A magnificent concept album that will remain in the history of Japanese jazz
TRACKLIST
A1. By The Red Stream
A2. Warm, Honest And Love
B1. There Is Not Any War To End The War
B2. Something Over The War
INFO
The sound that swallows jazz rock, mode jazz, and free jazz is serious and profound.
A magnificent concept album that will remain in the history of Japanese jazz with the theme of global anti-war and peace
Hiromasa Suzuki, a rare pianist/composer/arranger who showed his skills in the groups of Terumasa Hino and Akira Ishikawa. Collaborating with Big Soul Media, led by Jiro Inagaki, one of the best jazz rock groups of our time, this work is unusual for a Japanese jazz work, and the concept is based on the theme of “global anti-war and peace.”
The sound that swallows jazz rock, mode jazz, and free jazz is serious and solid, but at the same time, it is full of overwhelming dynamism.
Suzuki’s ability to manage a big band and create a masterpiece sound is also splendid, and Big Soul Media, which listened to Suzuki’s intentions and responded to his request, is also splendid.
Both Suzuki and Inagaki’s activities in the jazz-rock era are at their peak, and this work is also important in that it captures the overlap.
text by Yusuke Ogawa (universounds/Deep Jazz Reality)
Composition/Arrangement/Conductor: Hiromasa Suzuki
Performed by Jiro Inagaki and Big Soul Media
Jiro Inagaki (S.Sax, T.Sax)
Shigeo Suzuki (A.Sax)
Tadayuki Harada (B.Sax)
Takehisa Suzuki (Trumpet)
Tetsuo Fushimi (Trumpet)
Takeshi Nomura (Trumpet)
Shigemichi Domoto (Trombone)
Tadataka Nakazawa (Trombone)
Kazuo Usui (Trombone)
Tsunehide Matsuki (Guitar)
Masaru Imada (Piano, Organ)
Hiromasa Suzuki (Piano, Organ)
Yasuo Arakawa (Bass) / Gen Ishimatsu (Drums) More
TRACKLIST
A1. By The Red Stream
A2. Warm, Honest And Love
B1. There Is Not Any War To End The War
B2. Something Over The War
INFO
The sound that swallows jazz rock, mode jazz, and free jazz is serious and profound.
A magnificent concept album that will remain in the history of Japanese jazz with the theme of global anti-war and peace
Hiromasa Suzuki, a rare pianist/composer/arranger who showed his skills in the groups of Terumasa Hino and Akira Ishikawa. Collaborating with Big Soul Media, led by Jiro Inagaki, one of the best jazz rock groups of our time, this work is unusual for a Japanese jazz work, and the concept is based on the theme of “global anti-war and peace.”
The sound that swallows jazz rock, mode jazz, and free jazz is serious and solid, but at the same time, it is full of overwhelming dynamism.
Suzuki’s ability to manage a big band and create a masterpiece sound is also splendid, and Big Soul Media, which listened to Suzuki’s intentions and responded to his request, is also splendid.
Both Suzuki and Inagaki’s activities in the jazz-rock era are at their peak, and this work is also important in that it captures the overlap.
text by Yusuke Ogawa (universounds/Deep Jazz Reality)
Composition/Arrangement/Conductor: Hiromasa Suzuki
Performed by Jiro Inagaki and Big Soul Media
Jiro Inagaki (S.Sax, T.Sax)
Shigeo Suzuki (A.Sax)
Tadayuki Harada (B.Sax)
Takehisa Suzuki (Trumpet)
Tetsuo Fushimi (Trumpet)
Takeshi Nomura (Trumpet)
Shigemichi Domoto (Trombone)
Tadataka Nakazawa (Trombone)
Kazuo Usui (Trombone)
Tsunehide Matsuki (Guitar)
Masaru Imada (Piano, Organ)
Hiromasa Suzuki (Piano, Organ)
Yasuo Arakawa (Bass) / Gen Ishimatsu (Drums) More
Limited edition Greek Honey color vinyl in a heavyweight matte jacket with insert sheet and dome patterned IARC inner sleeve
In order to record the compositions in his critically acclaimed 2022 release GOLD, Alabaster DePlume instilled a culture of creativity by leading his ensembles In spontaneous composition and development. This resulted in an abundance of material that he has since produced and arranged, resulting in this collection.
Tracklisting
1. Sibomandi (feat. Falle Nioke)
2. What Can It Take
3. To That Voice And Say
4. Greek Honey Slick (feat. Tom Skinner)
5. Give Me Away
6. Fall On Flowers
7. Did You Know (feat. Momoko Gill)
8. Levels Of Human
9. Not Even Sobbing
10. The Best Thing In The World
11. Naked Like Water (feat. Donna Thompson)
12. Broken Again
More
In order to record the compositions in his critically acclaimed 2022 release GOLD, Alabaster DePlume instilled a culture of creativity by leading his ensembles In spontaneous composition and development. This resulted in an abundance of material that he has since produced and arranged, resulting in this collection.
Tracklisting
1. Sibomandi (feat. Falle Nioke)
2. What Can It Take
3. To That Voice And Say
4. Greek Honey Slick (feat. Tom Skinner)
5. Give Me Away
6. Fall On Flowers
7. Did You Know (feat. Momoko Gill)
8. Levels Of Human
9. Not Even Sobbing
10. The Best Thing In The World
11. Naked Like Water (feat. Donna Thompson)
12. Broken Again
More
On October 15th & 16th 2020, drummer Daniel Villarreal was joined by guitarist Jeff Parker and bassist Anna Butterss for two afternoons of recording in the backyard of Chicali Outpost in Los Angeles.
For all three musicians, it was the first ensemble recording session they’d done in-person since the pandemic locked the world down just seven months prior. Some choice moments from the sessions made it onto Villarreal’s critically-acclaimed 2022 album Panamá 77, bust most of the music remained unreleased.
Lados B is a deep dive into the high-level spontaneous music made by Villarreal, Parker and Butterss across those two days in 2020. Villarreal is heard leading the group through various rhythmic modes and structures for improvisation - flow as informed by the Latin soul of Fania Records as it is by the otherworldly trance of Brain Records - while Parker and Butterss draw on their extensive experience playing free together (as heard on Parker’s recently-released Mondays at the Enfield Tennis Academy, and the LA side of Makaya McCraven’s 2018 LP Universal Beings) to build harmonic buoys for their spontaneous melodicism. The result is a beautifully vivid illustration of context, creativity, and collective composition from a particularly rich moment in history.
Tracklist:
1. Traveling With
2. Sunset Cliffs
3. Republic
4. Chicali Outpost
5. Bring It
6. Salute
7. Daytime Nighttime
8. Things Can Be Calm
9. Rug Moti More
For all three musicians, it was the first ensemble recording session they’d done in-person since the pandemic locked the world down just seven months prior. Some choice moments from the sessions made it onto Villarreal’s critically-acclaimed 2022 album Panamá 77, bust most of the music remained unreleased.
Lados B is a deep dive into the high-level spontaneous music made by Villarreal, Parker and Butterss across those two days in 2020. Villarreal is heard leading the group through various rhythmic modes and structures for improvisation - flow as informed by the Latin soul of Fania Records as it is by the otherworldly trance of Brain Records - while Parker and Butterss draw on their extensive experience playing free together (as heard on Parker’s recently-released Mondays at the Enfield Tennis Academy, and the LA side of Makaya McCraven’s 2018 LP Universal Beings) to build harmonic buoys for their spontaneous melodicism. The result is a beautifully vivid illustration of context, creativity, and collective composition from a particularly rich moment in history.
Tracklist:
1. Traveling With
2. Sunset Cliffs
3. Republic
4. Chicali Outpost
5. Bring It
6. Salute
7. Daytime Nighttime
8. Things Can Be Calm
9. Rug Moti More
(LP + insert with obi-strip) Regarding this work, Inagaki said, “We made this work while anticipating the fate of fusion music.”This album contains the mellow and emotional track “Memory Lane”, the stormy and refreshing “I Will Give You Samba”, and the groovy and edgy “Take My Hand”
TRACKLIST
A1. Memory Lane
A2. Somethin' Good Is Comin'
A3. I Will Give You Samba
A4. Dried Flowers
B1. Culmination
B2. Rain
B3. Take My Hand
B4. Double Images
B5. Bye Bye So Long
INFO
Soul Media is led by Jiro Inagaki, who played a part in the development of jazz rock in Japan. This album “Memory Lane” was recorded in 1980.
Regarding this work, Inagaki said, “We made this work while anticipating the fate of fusion music.”
This album contains the mellow and emotional track “Memory Lane”, the stormy and refreshing “I Will Give You Samba”, and the groovy and edgy “Take My Hand”
The sound that Jiro created with his sworn friend Norio Maeda while looking ahead to the future of Jazz has an extraordinary degree of perfection in terms of song, arrangement, and performance. Listening to this album years later, it’s still vivid and fresh. More
TRACKLIST
A1. Memory Lane
A2. Somethin' Good Is Comin'
A3. I Will Give You Samba
A4. Dried Flowers
B1. Culmination
B2. Rain
B3. Take My Hand
B4. Double Images
B5. Bye Bye So Long
INFO
Soul Media is led by Jiro Inagaki, who played a part in the development of jazz rock in Japan. This album “Memory Lane” was recorded in 1980.
Regarding this work, Inagaki said, “We made this work while anticipating the fate of fusion music.”
This album contains the mellow and emotional track “Memory Lane”, the stormy and refreshing “I Will Give You Samba”, and the groovy and edgy “Take My Hand”
The sound that Jiro created with his sworn friend Norio Maeda while looking ahead to the future of Jazz has an extraordinary degree of perfection in terms of song, arrangement, and performance. Listening to this album years later, it’s still vivid and fresh. More
1
Maroon Commandos - - Bi Sophia N°1 (El Sofia)
2
Issa Juma & Waanyka - - Ateka (El Corín Tellado)
3
Orchestre Shika-Shika - - Diabanza (La Gallina Java)
4
Viva Makale - - Safari (La Mecedora)
5
Les Mangelepa - - Trouble Pt.1 (El Trouble)
6
Nairobi Matata Jazz - - Dada Mwajuma (La Pistola)
7
Les Volcano - - Hakuna Dawa Ya Mapenzi (La Guitarra Sónica)
8
Lawi Somona - - Safi (El Mapache)
9
Les Kilimambogo - - Wakumbuke Wazazi (El Coyote)
This compilation takes us on a journey to the Colombian coast where the passion for African music burns bright.It's impossible to understand this love affair without first looking to San Basilio de Palenque - the first free town in colonial Latin America, established in 1691 as a place of refuge and autonomy for black slaves. It's a place where pride in African heritage and culture could be kept alive, just 50 km away from Cartagena de Indias. The Afro Caribbeans' connection to their roots gave rise to the "picós" - artisanal, high-powered sound systems akin to those found in Jamaica. These music aficionados have a keen ear for African melodies, leading to a vibrant collector's scene that brought Afro sounds to the streets of Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta. This compilation showcases the best of Kenyan Benga music - a unique style with a distinct guitar-picking method that draws from traditional instruments like the nyatiti and orutu. Learn everything about the history and stories behind these African tracks, from the carefully guarded "exclusives" to the piconema - the practice of renaming songs in Spanish based on their lyrics or the reaction of the dancefloor. The project has been led by Spanish vinyl collector Joan Pujol aka Golfo De Guinea surrounded by a team of passionate music lovers including Don Alirio, a musicologist from Barranquilla who offered a coastal perspective, and George Ouma, a Kenyan DJ, collector, and Benga advocate who helped with track selection and securing rights. The result is a compilation that captures the joy and energy of sub-Saharan polyrhythm, bringing together a vibrant mix of genres that are sure to move your feet. So sit back, turn up the volume, and let yourself be transported to the vibrant streets of the Colombian coast and the shores of Lake Victoria.
More
1
The Roger Webb Sound - Sunshine (1:13)
2
The Roger Webb Sound - Gentle Eyes (2:08)
3
The Roger Webb Sound - Heavy Lace (1:32)
4
The Roger Webb Sound - Yesterday (2:33)
5
The Roger Webb Sound - Petal Soft (2:54)
6
The Roger Webb Sound - Coaster (2:20)
7
The Roger Webb Sound - Grey Sigh (2:38)
8
The Roger Webb Sound - Sweet Thing (2:17)
9
The Roger Webb Sound - Cough Drop (1:59)
10
The Roger Webb Sound - Moon Shade (2:43)
11
The Roger Webb Sound - Sapphire (2:44)
12
The Roger Webb Sound - Interweave (2:39)
13
The Roger Webb Sound - Musette (2:49)
14
The Roger Webb Sound - Reminiscence (2:29)
15
The Roger Webb Sound - 7.30 For 8.00 (2:05)
16
The Roger Webb Sound - Sparky (0:39)
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes: Part of Music De Wolfe Reissue Campaign, 2023 first time reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Sunshine 1:13
A2 Gentle Eyes 2:08
A3 Heavy Lace 1:32
A4 Yesterday 2:33
A5 Petal Soft 2:54
A6 Coaster 2:20
A7 Grey Sigh 2:38
A8 Sweet Thing 2:17
B1 Cough Drop 1:59
B2 Moon Shade 2:43
B3 Sapphire 2:44
B4 Interweave 2:39
B5 Musette 2:49
B6 Reminiscence 2:29
B7 7.30 For 8.00 2:05
B8 Sparky 0:39
Release Notes:
The Roger Webb Sound's Moonshade is one of the coolest records ever. Originally appearing via the legendary De Wolfe library in 1971, it's a sumptuous jazz-soul-funk instrumental set. Full of melodic, melancholic yet sun-drenched songs, rich with colour and contrast, it was composed by self-taught jazz pianist Roger Webb and features vocal performances by Barbara Moore. That's right; *the* powerhouse library music duo! It makes Moonshade the perfect precursor and accompaniment to Barbara Moore's eternal classic Vocal Shades And Tones. It will come as no surprise that original copies, if you can ever find them, will set you back north of 200 notes.
Moonshade is a phenomenal showcase of Brit maestro Webb's own roots in jazz. Those roots are served up here with a plethora of fast-stepping rhythms that truly give flight to the vocals of Barbara Moore, as they soar in wonderful ways. Moore sings wordlessly throughout, allowing her voice to act like another instrument in concert with the horns and keyboards elevating the fine arrangements. This is a deeply beautiful record.
The album opens with the ornate Baroque pop splendour of the sun-dappled melancholia of "Sunshine". Strings, piano and wordless female vocals combine to create this brief beauty of unimaginable grace. The cool "Gentle Eyes" features haunting and beautiful vocals, smooth jazz piano and horns and a general easy vibe without being easy listening, if you know what we mean. You do. Just listen. The pounding "Heavy Lace" is one for the beat-heads, funky open drums (!) with muted organ, bassy piano chords and ace horns. Sampled by Quakers for their great debut album on Stones Throw. The nostalgic "Yesterday" is wistful and beautifully melodic instrumental soul music with gorgeous acoustic guitar and flutes. It's followed by the light, lilting "Petal Soft" which features more Baroque styles, overflowing with flutes and harps. The bright, bouncing "Coaster" is an easy-going piano-led, guitar-driven swinger whilst "Grey Sigh" is another classic. A real highlight, with more fantastic propulsive drums and percussion and plaintive wordless vocals courtesy of Barbara. Speaking of which, the soft, sweet Rhodes jazz of the lilting "Sweet Thing" is another staggering showcase of the brilliance of Barbara. Just astounding.
Head straight past the honky-tonk-by-numbers piano jaunt "Cough Drop" and luxuriate in the soft, delicate beauty of the album's melodic, cyclical title track, "Moon Shade". Fragile flutes and acoustic guitar float across judicious bass notes before giving way to slightly ominous piano and, again, those beguiling wordless vocals. And then round again to the flute refrain of the intro. This time with the vocals to see us out. Majestic drama jazz at its finest. The cello-and-flute adorned "Sapphire" is a fluid orchestral beauty whilst "Interweave" rides with more urgency in its string and bass stabs. When the warm keys enter, it's a bonafide mellifluous wonder. The softer "Musette" begins in beautifully gentle fashion before pivoting for a driving yet elegant piano middle section. It reverts back to the mellow intro, for its outro. Understood? The melodic organ and prominent rhythm section running through "Reminiscence" makes for a delightfully understated folk-funk instrumental whilst the cool, rolling piano feels of "7.30 For 8.00" seem to perfectly suit the phrase "dinner jazz". It's no bad thing, c'mon. This classy, memorable set is rounded out by the half-minute mince of the Barbara-blessed "Sparky". It's just over too soon!
The audio for Moonshade has been brilliantly remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring this release sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. More
Format Notes: Part of Music De Wolfe Reissue Campaign, 2023 first time reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Sunshine 1:13
A2 Gentle Eyes 2:08
A3 Heavy Lace 1:32
A4 Yesterday 2:33
A5 Petal Soft 2:54
A6 Coaster 2:20
A7 Grey Sigh 2:38
A8 Sweet Thing 2:17
B1 Cough Drop 1:59
B2 Moon Shade 2:43
B3 Sapphire 2:44
B4 Interweave 2:39
B5 Musette 2:49
B6 Reminiscence 2:29
B7 7.30 For 8.00 2:05
B8 Sparky 0:39
Release Notes:
The Roger Webb Sound's Moonshade is one of the coolest records ever. Originally appearing via the legendary De Wolfe library in 1971, it's a sumptuous jazz-soul-funk instrumental set. Full of melodic, melancholic yet sun-drenched songs, rich with colour and contrast, it was composed by self-taught jazz pianist Roger Webb and features vocal performances by Barbara Moore. That's right; *the* powerhouse library music duo! It makes Moonshade the perfect precursor and accompaniment to Barbara Moore's eternal classic Vocal Shades And Tones. It will come as no surprise that original copies, if you can ever find them, will set you back north of 200 notes.
Moonshade is a phenomenal showcase of Brit maestro Webb's own roots in jazz. Those roots are served up here with a plethora of fast-stepping rhythms that truly give flight to the vocals of Barbara Moore, as they soar in wonderful ways. Moore sings wordlessly throughout, allowing her voice to act like another instrument in concert with the horns and keyboards elevating the fine arrangements. This is a deeply beautiful record.
The album opens with the ornate Baroque pop splendour of the sun-dappled melancholia of "Sunshine". Strings, piano and wordless female vocals combine to create this brief beauty of unimaginable grace. The cool "Gentle Eyes" features haunting and beautiful vocals, smooth jazz piano and horns and a general easy vibe without being easy listening, if you know what we mean. You do. Just listen. The pounding "Heavy Lace" is one for the beat-heads, funky open drums (!) with muted organ, bassy piano chords and ace horns. Sampled by Quakers for their great debut album on Stones Throw. The nostalgic "Yesterday" is wistful and beautifully melodic instrumental soul music with gorgeous acoustic guitar and flutes. It's followed by the light, lilting "Petal Soft" which features more Baroque styles, overflowing with flutes and harps. The bright, bouncing "Coaster" is an easy-going piano-led, guitar-driven swinger whilst "Grey Sigh" is another classic. A real highlight, with more fantastic propulsive drums and percussion and plaintive wordless vocals courtesy of Barbara. Speaking of which, the soft, sweet Rhodes jazz of the lilting "Sweet Thing" is another staggering showcase of the brilliance of Barbara. Just astounding.
Head straight past the honky-tonk-by-numbers piano jaunt "Cough Drop" and luxuriate in the soft, delicate beauty of the album's melodic, cyclical title track, "Moon Shade". Fragile flutes and acoustic guitar float across judicious bass notes before giving way to slightly ominous piano and, again, those beguiling wordless vocals. And then round again to the flute refrain of the intro. This time with the vocals to see us out. Majestic drama jazz at its finest. The cello-and-flute adorned "Sapphire" is a fluid orchestral beauty whilst "Interweave" rides with more urgency in its string and bass stabs. When the warm keys enter, it's a bonafide mellifluous wonder. The softer "Musette" begins in beautifully gentle fashion before pivoting for a driving yet elegant piano middle section. It reverts back to the mellow intro, for its outro. Understood? The melodic organ and prominent rhythm section running through "Reminiscence" makes for a delightfully understated folk-funk instrumental whilst the cool, rolling piano feels of "7.30 For 8.00" seem to perfectly suit the phrase "dinner jazz". It's no bad thing, c'mon. This classy, memorable set is rounded out by the half-minute mince of the Barbara-blessed "Sparky". It's just over too soon!
The audio for Moonshade has been brilliantly remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring this release sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. More