Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #52: Alan Evans

Welcome to Episode #52 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran connect the tirelessly prolific Alan Evans.

As one-third of Soulive, the trio solidified themselves as the jazz band for the hip-hop generation and from there Evans has gone on to found his own label, Vintage League Music, as well as appear across a range of other musical ventures, many of which we discuss in this episode, including the upcoming releases from The 7 Day Weekend, The BT ALC Big Band and Crushed Velvet & The Velveteers.

There's actually very little Evans can't turn his hand to - drummer, producer, songwriter, vocalist... his is an unparalleled talent and it's easy to see why he can have a hand in the wide range of projects that he's been involved in.

It's by no means lost on us how prestigious it is to be able to host Alan Evans on this podcast series to discuss all of the above as well as a detailed discussion about Soulive's music so we really hope that you enjoy this episode...

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#52_Alan Evans

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #51: Tom Csatari of Uncivilized

Welcome to Episode #51 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran connect with guitarist and producer, Tom Csatari.

As founder of the New York-based jazz collective, Uncivilized, Tom and the band have released two excellent singles this year in 'Reign STOMP' and 'Yams'. Their ability to transcend musical styles to deliver music that sees them carving their own path is thrilling to watch and we're incredibly excited to have made the connection with this fantastic ensemble.

For more info on Tom and Uncivilized, please visit the band's Bandcamp page or check out Blue-in-Green:RADIO's feature on the band, 'Jazz in an Uncivilized time'.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#51_Tom Csatari of Uncivilized

'Erozje' by Błoto

Under the guise of Błoto, the spin-off project of EABS release their debut album 'Erozje' on eclectic jazz label Astigmatic Records.

New projects from Polish jazz sextet, EABS, are genuinely fascinating - namely because you never know what they'll bring to the table each time.  Their Astigmatic Records debut in 2017 saw the collective pay tribute to Polish film music composer and pianist Krzysztof Komeda, known for his film scores for select Roman Polanski releases.  Their 2019 sophomore release, 'Slavic Spirits', saw them reinvent their sound this time seeking inspiration from the 1970s jazz-rock-electronic fusion period of Czeslaw Niemen's music and then merging that with themes of Slavic Melancholia, mythology and Polish demonology.  We actually concluded a review of 'Slavic Spirits' with the words "we look forward to what EABS set their sights on next".

And in 2020 we have Błoto - a quartet comprised of EABS members themselves under new guises including Latarnik (piano/synthesizers), Wuja HZG (bass), Cancer G (drums) and Książę Saxonii (sax).  Born of an improvisation session in August 2018, its players must have felt like they had struck gold while creating the music that would go on to become 'Erozje'.  With 90's hip-hop serving as the chief inspiration for this project, 'Erozje' seems to continue in that vein of dynamic and genre-pushing contemporary jazz projects from Astigmatic who last year alone had wonderful releases from EABS, the spiritual jazz offering from the Levitation Orchestra 'Inexpressible Infinity' and the spaced out sonic soundscapes of Cykada's debut self-titled album.

Hip-hop has always served as a great inspiration towards shaping EAB's music.  Looking as far back as the group's live compilation, 'Puzzle Mixtape', which featured a collection of live performances recorded between 2012-2014 and showcased, not only EABS's level of improvisation and creativity amidst a live setting, but also their passion for hip-hop through collaborations with M.E.D. and Jeru the Damaja, as well as an awesome interpretation of a classic Jay Dee production, 'Reminisce', featuring vocals by Paulina Przybysz.

The compositions on 'Erozje' serve as a wonderful tribute to those years that saw names like Pete Rock, DJ Premier and Jay Dee at their creative peaks.  Even the way many of the songs merge into each other plays out like a vintage hip-hop mixtape - the piano loops on 'Czarne ziemie' sound like a classic RZA-infused production sample from early Wu-Tang Clan offerings while other songs veer from the sublime ('Kałuże') to an almost hypnotic and otherworldly level of complexity ('Glina').

'Erozje' is another fantastic album that carries the flag for Astigmatic's vision of contemporary jazz and in time honoured tradition, when considering the work of EABS and Błoto, we eagerly look forward to what they set their sights on next.

'Siberia Extreme' by Chyskyyrai with Tim Hodgkinson & Ken Hyder

Under the guise of Chyskyyrai, Valentina Romanova unveils her debut recording 'Siberia Extreme' striving to take shamanic-inspired jazz in thrilling new directions.

As the first project under the newly-formed Indigenous Lifeforms record label, the label itself seeks to act as a hub for a "cross-cultural collaboration" between Siberian artists and artists from across the world and 'Siberia Extreme' is exemplary of the label's intentions as the otherworldly talents of Romanova are paired with the UK's experimental and revered wizardry of Tim Hodgkinson and Ken Hyder.

There are so many incredible aspects of this project to that contribute to its intrigue - from the collaborators involved to the shamanic concepts explored within the music.  Focusing on Romanova, firstly... her Chyskyyrai moniker is the result of a life that has been very much immersed within performance.  From writing poetry and performing plays for her friends and family from a young age in Myndagay, Churapchinsky District of Siberia, she later studied performance in the Platonov Folkloric Workshop and work with the Sakha National Theatre soon followed.  While 'Chyskyyrai' is, as stated, the result of a passion for art and performance, the moniker is just as much a celebration of Romanova's culture and heritage - a way to bridge the gap between the Sakha mythology and folk tales that have provided a strong sense of inspiration throughout her life as well as being demonstrative of who Romanova is now.

And helping to bring Romanova's 'Siberia Extreme' to life is the work of project collaborators Tim Hodgkinson and Ken Hyder.  With the album having been recorded in Hyder's basement early 2005, his work with Hodginson has spanned decades resulting in an extensive catalogue of music recorded together and separately.  Hyder, regarded as a Scottish jazz fusion drummer and percussionist, is well-known for his compositions that celebrate folk, Celtic music and jazz.  Spirituality became synonymous within his music eventually seeking inspiration from eastern influences as well as Siberian shamans.  And the work of multi-instrumentalist Hodgkinson has taken a similar evolution - from work with the avant-rock group Henry Cow, his varied styles and inspiration saw him adapt improvisational styles before, again, leaning towards the study of shamanic culture.

The allure of shamanistic or spiritual elements within jazz has long been prominent - music as a vehicle to interact within a spirit or cosmic world was adopted by luminaries like Alice Coltrane who employed themes of Indian classical music in her quest for a universal form of music while Sun-Ra delved into Egyptology for their investigations.  Through 'Siberia Extreme', Chyskyyrai along with Hodgkinson and Hyder seek their own conclusions and hopefully, through the Indigenous Lifeforms label, it's a question others will continue to seek as well.

'Ascension' by Sanja Markovic

From the opening few seconds of Sanja Markovic's 'Ascension', it's made very clear, very quickly, that you're listening to something immeasurably special...

The debut album from the incredibly talented Markovic sees her adopt the role of vocalist, producer, writer and saxophonist for the album offering up a full display of her talents.  Born in Serbia, Markovic's quest has taken her to the US where she taught in schools and composed music, she later formed and was a part of bands including Brazilian Jazz Collective and Secondhanders; a skilled vocalist, saxophonist and guitarist, a frequent performer... these are only accolades that skim the surface of this indelibly talented artist with all roads now leading to the wonderful A.MA Records.

For the team at Italy's A.MA Records, their collection of world class talent increases as the years pass - a point proved by recent projects from guitarist Andrea Gomellini ('The Gift') and saxophonist Gianluca Vigliar ('Plastic Estrogenus') who have rightly had their stunning pieces of work warmly received by critics and fans alike.  With A.MA now playing host to 'Ascension', they may very well have released an album that sits proudly amongst some of their own greatest releases.

Musically, this album is an absolute joy.  Through varied and dynamic compositions, Markovic and the extensive array of musicians enlisted throughout seem to take great pleasure in taking listeners on a journey, but skilfully changing route with little forewarning.  The album's title track acts as a perfect example - with its almost trip-hop-esque inspired production, spoken word quotes from Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' employed throughout, some excellent saxophone work from Max Kocetov and an exquisite introduction to Markovic's vocal - it all just adds up to musical bliss.  And then to compare that with the album's closing number, 'Sun', again, showcasing a fantastic vocal but this time decorated with the beautiful surroundings of a more orchestral backdrop which delivers as the perfect and sublime finale.  Of the album's seven tracks, there isn't a wasted moment - the music is brimming with excitement and a tantalizing energy that begs repeated listens.

The album title itself - 'Ascension' - fits like a glove for Markovic and all of her efforts leading up to this.  Through her years of travel, tireless musical contributions as an educator and collaborator amidst the various groups already mentioned, this album is Markovic's literal ascension to her rightful place as a respected and revered musical luminary in her own right.  And it's a position that is perhaps overdue, if not perfectly timed - if all those years were building up to the magic of this release then it was absolutely worth it.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #49: Dr Rubberfunk

Welcome to Episode #49 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran connect with Simon "Dr Rubberfunk" Ward.

Riding high off the release of his new album 'My Life at 45', Dr Rubberfunk has been a staple within the UK's funk & soul scene for years - professing to be "Not a real Doctor since 1992" and a Jalapeno Records recording artist since 2008 - his name has become synonymous as being a leading name for inventive and innovative music within a thriving scene.  In this episode, we have the opportunity to discuss the new album, his time with Jalapeno Records, having produced Izo Fitroy's debut album release, his countless remixes for other artists and how the music industry has evolved for vinyl purists who are now having to adapt to modern-day streaming culture.

Such a pleasure to have secured time with Simon for a snapshot of his invaluable experiences and insight into his music-making processes.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#49_Dr Rubberfunk

Pick up your copy of 'My Life at 45' here.

Photo credit to Michael Mees.

The Blue-in-Green:PODCAST unveils new episodes on the first, second and third Mondays of the month. This podcast series runs in conjunction with the online radio station, Blue-in-Green:RADIO which celebrates 21st century soul, jazz, funk, Latin & hip-hop music. These shows are designed to give you some insight into the incredible range of talented presenters we're so lucky to host from all over the world and to geek out musically with us.