'Reflections' by Ugljesa Novakovic

'Reflections' marks the brand new release from saxophonist Ugljesa Novakovic whose sophomore album finds itself at home on Italy's A.MA Records.

Novakovic has long been a flag waver for his native, Serbian, jazz and is an artist who has long committed his efforts towards seeing its rise in prominence on a global platform.  And it would be fair to say that Serbian jazz artists are certainly due their recognition - theirs is a musical scene which would potentially be remiss to refer to as burgeoning or up and coming seeing as it has actually been bursting with talent and unbridled energy for many years.  

Names like fellow A.MA recording artist - saxophonist, vocalist and producer - Sanja Markovic, spring to mind as do the affectionate and warm compositions from piano-led collective, Majamisty TriO, as shining examples of Serbia's incredibly high standard.  With the release of Novakovic's 'Reflections', however, the boundlessly talented artist strives to raise the bar once again in a bid to help Serbian jazz ascend to an even higher plateau. 

Novakovic already boasts extensive credits to his achievements thus far - a seasoned live performer having graced stages across Europe for years, Novakovic has chalked up collaborations and performances with revered names like Gregory Hutcherson, Tony Lakatosh, Mario Gonzy, Dusko Gojkovic, Big Band RTSerbia, Big Band CroatianTV, Soul Conection Big Band, Belgrade Saxophone Quartet.  'Tales From The Past', the debut album from Ugljesa Novakovic, was also met with rave reviews for his outstanding vision and his ability to build upon the music of jazz pioneers and icons while still steering his music into new territories.

As with 'Tales From The Past', 'Reflections' continues positioning Novakovic amongst a quintet setting with a fantastic line-up of Serbian talent: Aleksandar Cvetkovic on drums, Andreja Stankovic features on guitar - the only musician to transition over from the 'Tales' line-up into the 'Reflections' ensemble; pianist Aleksander Grujic and double-bassist Milan Nikolic round out the quintet who each hold the distinction of featuring heavily on Sanja Markovic's exquisite A.MA debut, 'Ascension'.

And then of course throughout 'Reflections' is the auspicious presence of Laura!  Serving as something of a muse for Novakovic, we encounter Laura at various stages throughout the album from "sleeping" to "playing" to "dreaming" and her presence helps to drive this affectionate narrative over the course of the album's seven tracks.  From the sublime and meditative opening number, 'Intro - Laura's Sleeping', which beautifully transitions into 'Zen Warrior' slowly taking its time to build the track around Grujic's piano keys.  So effective are the album's opening few minutes that Novakovic has earned your trust almost immediately and can readily steer the album into any direction he wishes.  'Laura's Playing' is presented with the bouncy and joyous energy that the title would suggest and 'Ambivalence - Belgrade Tango Suite' delivers as the album's masterful centrepiece.

'Reflections' has the difficult task of having to carry the weight of its creator's expectations on its shoulders - the desire to represent Serbian jazz and its artists, to deliver a worthy successor to 'Tales From The Past' and deliver a project befitting the outstanding lineage of A.MA releases.  Does Ugljesa Novakovic achieve this?  Well, let's just say that Laura would be immeasurably proud.

5 Songs About: Ishmael Ensemble

With excitement and anticipation of the announcement of Ishmael Ensemble's sophomore full-length 'Visions of Light' due later this year, we thought we'd take a look at the Pete Cunningham-helmed collective who have continually delivered some of the most innovative and exciting music ever to grace our airwaves.  Should there be a chance that you find yourself playing catch-up, here's a whirlwind 5 song introduction to the brilliance of Ishmael Ensemble...

'Lapwing' by Ishmael Ensemble

Taken from the Ensemble's debut full-length, 'A State of Flow' (2019), 'Lapwing' is very much the quintessential Ishmael Ensemble song.  From an album that masterfully navigates between elements of jazz, dance and electronica, it's a testament to their awesome vision that a song that exquisitely straddles those various genres can so perfectly be a beacon for a bold perspective of contemporary jazz.

'The Melody' [Ishmael Ensemble Remix] by Carl Craig

There have been a strong selection of excellent remixes bearing the name of the Ishmael Ensemble which include brilliant re-imaginings of tracks by Chip Wickham ('Snake Eyes') and Yama Warashi ('Parallelogram'). The remix of Carl Craig's 'The Melody' - which also saw remixes created by Henrik Schwarz and Tom Trago - however, resulted in a true breakout moment for the collective presenting 'The Melody' in an unimaginable context.

'Search For Peace' by Ishmael Ensemble

Recognising the burgeoning impact the current crop of UK jazz artists are having on contemporary jazz, Blue Note Records opened the doors of their revered catalogue to a swathe of awesome talent allowing exciting reinterpretations of classics by names including Ezra Collective, Alfa Mist and Blue Lab Beats.  McCoy Tyner's 'Search For Peace' found itself the subject of a stunning update from Ishmael Ensemble delivering a true highlight from this two-disc compilation.

'Hafiz' (Live Version) by Ishmael Ensemble featuring Holly Wellington

The initial incarnation of the 'Songs For Knotty' EP introduced the band through four fantastic tracks for Banoffee Pies Records in 2017.  A CD reissue of the project released a couple of years later saw the inclusion of three bonus live tracks which provide a wonderful insight to the band's ability to transform their studio productions to the live stage.  Vocalist Holly Wellington provides a lush vocal on their rendition of 'Hafiz' which serves as an absolute treat.

'Wax Werk' by Ishmael Ensemble

The lead single taken from the highly anticipated 'Visions of Light' album sets the pieces in place for Ishmael Ensemble to steal the show all over again for their sophomore album release.  'Wax Werk' is a joy to experience for the first time - its journey from the understated introduction all the way to its explosive, drum-crashing, sax-wailing climax is everything listeners could have wanted the band's official return to be.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#25_Pete Cunningham of Ishmael Ensemble

'The Crossing' by Enzo Favata

'The Crossing' marks the debut release from Enzo Favata's quartet of renowned musicians following extensive performances and studio sessions dating back to the summer of 2020.

A project released through the Italian label, Niafunken - who we celebrated not too long ago namely through their excellent 'Mis sueños son irrenunciables, obstinados, testarudos y resistentes' album by Marco Colonna & Noise Of Trouble - 'The Crossing' marks another in an incredibly lengthy list of Favata projects that seek to explore beyond boundaries and subvert any and all expectations of what modern and contemporary jazz is supposed to sound like.

As a producer, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, Enzo Favata's music is a joy to behold.  A catalogue so varied and diverse with releases seemingly inspired by the otherwordly space explorations synonymous with Sun Ra ('Tangerine'), live album releases that showcase Favata gracing stages in Hong Kong and Saigon, soundtracks to Italian horror movies ('The Seer'), albums celebrating the works of John Coltrane ('Out Of Coltrane') and albums in between boasting a variety of different collaborations and ensembles. 

For 'The Crossing', Favata has aligned himself with a brilliant selection of core contributors including Pasquale Mirra (vibraphone and midi marimba), Marco Frattini (drums) and Rosa Brunello (electric bass and double bass) with featured guests throughout the album including Ilaria Pilar Patassini on vocals, cellist Salvatore Maiore and Maria Vicentini on violin amongst other contributors.  

Musically, there are some fantastic elements presented here as exemplified by the album opener, 'Roots' - backed by an understated vocal from Patassini, the whole song basks in this ethereal quality with twinges of electronica that deliver these almost magical compositions.  While all of the musicians shine throughout 'The Crossing', it's absolutely worth noting that vibraphonist Pasquale Mirra's efforts on songs provide such a warm and exciting texture to the overall dynamic of the core quartet which really makes his inclusion an invaluable one.  

A further special mention has to go to the album closer, 'Oasis' - a spiritual jazz workout which over the course of the track's twelve minutes masterfully builds to a thrilling - almost raucous - second half bursting with energy.  A glorious end to a fantastic album.

'The Crossing' delivers as another inspired project from the boundless talents of Favata.  Credited on songs as saxophonist and turning in a wide variety of additional duties including keyboards, samples, theremin, Indian flute, live electronics amongst so much more, Enzo Favata seems to be as excited about making music today as he potentially was with his first ever release and it's exhilarating to witness.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #83: Sun Circle (Deborah Jordan & Simon S)

Welcome to Episode #83 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran connect with Deborah Jordan and Simon S of Sun Circle.

With the release of Sun Circle's new 'Life Stories' EP, it is with great pleasure that we've been able to secure time with both Deborah and Simon to discuss the fantastic new release.  Futuristica Music has long been a beacon for contemporary, future- and nu-soul music - the label's inspired vision has been established by a range of projects that embody that ethos over the course of the label's 15 incredible years.

Sun Circle's debut full-length 'Reborn' helped to cement that vision and it's a thrill that 12 years later, the duo can inspire all over again with Simon's atmospheric and ethereal production paired with the typically extraordinary vocal of Futuristica's First Lady.

During the episode, we discuss the origins of the Sun Circle project, the 'Reborn' album from 2009, the collaborative process between the two, how the timing was right for the new EP, some general Futuristica musings and discussion and we have another look back at the year since Deborah's 'See in the Dark' was released and everything that album has gone on to achieve.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#83_Sun Circle (Deborah Jordan & Simon S)

New music round-up: April

'Gobez' by Anbessa Orchestra

The fantastic 7-piece Anbessa Orchestra have presented their celebration of 60s/70s Ethiopian music and culture for years now.  And through their current single, as well as past projects, the Anbessa collective strive to find the positivity - those rare glimmers of hope - from the difficulties continually engulfing the world.  'Tch'elema' (2019) was a track released in response to the seemingly endless series of injustices that continue to unfold across the US, seeking to uplift and inspire in spite of the series of tragedies that resulted in the song's creation; follow-up single 'Werik'i' succeeded in attempting to bring joy to listeners ushering in these cherished moments for each of us; Even all proceeds from their live at New City Brewery set, released in 2020, were donated to Black Lives Matter causes.

Latest single, 'Gobez', which was recorded during quarantine, strives to continue within that positive Anbessa ethos this time celebrating the very nature of resilience.  'Gobez' as an Amharic word in itself translates to "brave" and is absolutely a fitting title in light of the charged, horn-heavy composition now synonymous with Anbessa's message.  Anbessa's music is very much becoming a product of the times it finds itself created within - although offering a sometimes harsh social commentary, it will always be the Anbessa Orchestra's goal to inspire listeners towards positive and uplifting experiences despite of such difficult and extraordinary times.

'It Should Have Been You' [The Sunrise Mix] by Lasperanza featuring Izzy Chase 

Dome Records

One of the most unexpected treats that has been unveiled so far this year would have to be this gem which revisits Lasperanza's 'Seeds' album.  Initially released in 2019, 'Seeds' serves as a genuine treasure from the hallowed catalogue of Dome Records.  The musical alter ego of the saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Rico Garofalo, released the ten-track debut project that saw Rico & company tackle some revered classics by George Benson, Keni Stevens and Michael Jackson - lovingly reimagining them with a refined, soul-drenched, string-heavy perspective and providing inspired new contexts to each track.

It's Gwen Guthrie's 'It Should Have Been You' however which has the great fortune of finding itself the subject of a second life.  Featuring a great vocal from Izzy Chase, Garofalo updates the rousing soul number from 'Seeds' presenting the track through an entirely different aesthetic - boasting a tinge of Roy Ayers and a tinge of 70s-style jazz-funk, the aptly-entitled Sunrise Mix provides a worthy extension for the incredible ground work established by 'Seeds'.

'Sentiment' by Nezelhorns 

Barefoot Records

Barefoot Records have long been a label that celebrates the boundless wonders of jazz.  Continually championing artists and encouraging them to step outside of the box in a bid to provide fascinating new perspectives on what constitutes jazz in the 21st century.  Nezelhorns are a collective that are indicative of those very values and their mesmerising new release 'Sentiment' sits high amongst Barefoot's finest.  Led by saxophonist Nana Pi, also credited for handling the bulk of the project's compositions, 'Sentiment' is a joyous record that marvels in its ability to explore itself through the notion of free improvisation.

Even the song titles point towards the type of personality and charm that Nezelhorns bring to their recordings - 'Ultra Magnus' for example seems to tip its hat towards the one-time leader of the Autobots and while 'Moobs' may well mean something different in Scandinavian countries than it does in the UK it certainly made me smile.  'Frontless' kicks the album off in fine fashion, 'Red Ballet Shoes' has some fantastic energy but the more ballad-like numbers like 'The Worst Case Scenario' and 'Långsamt' are just exquisitely performed.

'Life Stories EP' by Sun Circle

After a lengthy hiatus, it's with great excitement that the musical pairing of Deborah Jordan and Simon S reunite under the Sun Circle umbrella for their new EP 'Life Stories' - their first joint release in twelve years.

Futuristica Music has long been a beacon for contemporary, future- and nu-soul music.  Projects by Low Budget Soul, Stark and Electric Conversation helped to establish the UK label's vision for inspired, forward-thinking and imaginative music - an ethos the label still embody within their releases fifteen years later.  

Sun Circle's debut full-length 'Reborn' - originally released in 2009 - masterfully helped to cement that vision.  Serving as a quintessential nu-soul masterpiece, the project paired Simon S's atmospheric and ethereal production with the typically extraordinary vocal of Futuristica's First Lady, Deborah Jordan.  'Reborn' was bolstered by a slew of incredible tracks including 'Stars Fall Down', 'I Can See The Sun', 'Peaceful' and the album's awesome centrepiece 'My Story' - all sounding as glistening today as they did the day they were etched into Futuristica's legacy.

There's no mistaking that twelve years in between projects is an incredibly long time but the duo would be forgiven when considering the awesome body of work that has been amassed during Sun Circle's absence: Simon S has seen the extension of his music through the guises of his jazz-inspired hip-hop Jazz Chronicles and Peter Franks alter egos and numerous releases for each, as well as the introduction of his own 'Music 4 Alternative Souls' album released under his name.

Since 2009, Deborah Jordan has continued to solidify her name as a leading voice within the genre.  Following the release of 'The Light', two further solo releases followed in 'What You See' and 'See in the Dark', the latter of which we previously described as very possibly serving as the project that would be remembered as her "magnum opus" - such was the rapturous reception the project has gone on to receive. 

And, of course, as we addressed at the outset, the years in between have also seen the continual rise of Futuristica Music.  With releases celebrating nu-soul, jazz, hip-hop and R&B, the independent label, now celebrating the milestone of its fifteenth year, finds its brand being represented by a front-line team of boundless talent including Georgie Sweet, LaNote, Nathan Thomas and As Valet.

'Life Stories' boasts subtle variations within the compositions providing a nice update to the Sun Circle aesthetic as established through this EP's predecessor.  Perhaps Simon's work within the aforementioned Jazz Chronicles and Peter Franks have ushered in these new perspectives but the hip-hop influences on the EP opener, 'Cry', for example, is unmistakable.  The project's title track is the clear scene-stealer here however - with sublime and stirring production built around lush strings and accompaniment by Rachel Crennell on flute, Jordan so aptly makes herself at home breathing spine-tingling life into this absolute gem.  The project's final treat comes in the form of Marc Rapson's complete reinvention of 'Life Stories' as the EP's closing number.  Transforming the track into a glorious six minute wonder presented over two vastly different halves, Rapson once again earns his stripes as one of Futuristica's chief musical architects.

With talks already underway for Sun Circle to return to the studio, hopefully for a new full-length, 'Life Stories' provides that worthy successor to 'Reborn' but even if the next release does take another twelve years, there's little doubt that it'll still be worth the wait.

https://suncircle.bandcamp.com/album/life-stories-ep

'Thinkin' About You' by Carmy Love

'Thinkin' About You' is the new solo single from vocalist Carmy Love whose debut finds its home on London's Big AC Records.

The news of Carmy Love's 'Thinkin' About You' should undoubtedly be met with great excitement and when considering her invaluable contributions to funk and soul music over the years, it's probably fair to say the progression to the spotlight of centre stage solo artist albeit a massively welcome step is perhaps slightly overdue.

As a vocalist for New Street Adventure - whose debut release with Acid Jazz came in the form of 'No Hard Feelings' in 2014 - Love is accustomed to sharing the studio and stage with premier London-based talent within the realms of funk and soul.  Other vocal work for acts including Ruby Blu, Cool Million and House Gospel Choir soon followed so, yes, the news of Love's debut solo single is absolutely a welcome a move. 

But if time is what was needed to deliver this, frankly, perfect and infectious slice of London soul then it was absolutely worth it.  Backed by an excellent array of musicians including members of New Street Adventure: Ollie Futcher on drums, Ashley Hayden on bass and Billy Farr on guitar.  The collective is rounded out up by Paul Jordanous and Tom White on horns along with Sahil Batra on piano.  The Milk's Mitch Ayling graces the track with his production wizardry and Big AC Records co-founder and solo artist in his own right, Nick Corbin, boasts his penmanship for this anthemic number.

While it's certainly a track beaming with an incredible array of talented artists it's absolutely Carmy Love's star that shines the brightest here.  With a fantastic vocal that sits right at home over the blissful 60's-style, horn-heavy soul soundscape, we're witnessing a world class artist totally come into her own and it's sure to be a thrill to see her career flourish going forward.

A quick mention should go to the fantastic efforts of Team Big AC.  Founded by Corbin and DJ/radio presenter Sophie Heath, Big AC Records present their commitment to delivering inspired contemporary funk and soul music through its burgeoning roster which includes vocalist Abi Farrell and the aforementioned Nick Corbin.  With great excitement we wait to see what Big AC deliver next but in the meantime, we have this perfect formal introduction to the boundless talents of Carmy Love.

https://www.bigacrecords.com/products

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #82: LaNote

Welcome to Episode #82 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran connect with Paris-based singer, songwriter and producer, LaNote.

'Rebirth' marks the brand new album release from vocalist and producer LaNote marking her return to the Futuristica fold.  Courtesy of her efforts as part of the Parisian quartet, Electric Conversation, LaNote's name will forever be etched into the annals of Futuristica Music's history but with the label now celebrating their fifteenth year of releasing music, her official return makes the year all that more special.

With production on the album courtesy of Electric Conversation partner, As Valet, and a bonus disc including remixes by revered names including aCatCalledFritz, Simon S, DJ Spinna and others, the project's beat-tape style, use of lush samples, hip-hop inspired production and soulful aesthetic makes this an incredible return for LaNote.

LaNote discusses the circumstances around the album's creation, the theme of 'rebirth' that runs throughout the project and those early days as part of Electric Conversation.

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.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#82_LaNote