Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #125: Emm Gryner & Michael Holmes

Welcome to Episode #125 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which finds us in the company of Canadian vocalist Emm Gryner and songwriter Michael Holmes.

Gryner's phenomenal credentials over the course of her 20+ year career have led to some incredible high points - an extensive array of solo album releases, a member of variety of super group projects including Trent Severn, Hot One, Trapper and The Cake Sale, a published author and a key collaborator for a variety of iconic artists as diverse as David Bowie, Def Leppard and Rob Zombie.

For new album release 'Business & Pleasure' - released through Légère Recordings - Emm Gryner partners with husband, songwriter and poet Michael Holmes to turn her affections to the beloved musical stylings of the late-70s/early-80s genre of yacht rock paying homage to revered names including The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.  

In this episode, Emm and Michael discuss the making of the new album, some of the project's influences and key collaborators, along with the unwavering search for... Michael McDonald.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#125_Emm Gryner & Michael Holmes

:n-the-m:x | May 2023

Welcome to our monthly mix series with each episode spotlighting 10 tracks that we were particularly excited about across various shows on Blue-in-Green:RADIO. This month showcases ten tracks providing a 40+ minute excursion from contemporary soul to sublime jazz and future soul gems.

Music this month comes courtesy of...

'Good Love' by Aphrose [LRK Records]

'Used To' by Bluestaeb featuring Ciscero

'Another Two4' by Oh No!

'It's Gonna Be Alright' by Carlton Jumel Smith [Golden Rules]

'Sometimes I Think to Myself' by Asher Gamedze [International Anthem]

'Kohan' by The Circling Sun [Soundway]

'My Bad' by Kasper Tranberg [April Records]

'Sun Ra Throws a Brick Through a Jazz Window' by Tony Adamo

'Flight Time' by V.B. Kühl

'Visceral' by Lehto [Bathurst]

:n-the-m:x is exclusive to our Mixcloud channel so be sure to check back at the end of every month for future round-ups.

International Jazz Day 2023 on Blue-in-Green:RADIO

For this year's International Jazz Day - Sunday 30th April 2023 - we were incredibly proud to present an extra special series of shows to celebrate our unwavering affections for the genre with the team showcasing new and innovative global jazz music and artists while paying homage to the genre's icons, architects and labels.

You can now catch-up on every show we aired for the day via the following links and re-live the celebrations at your leisure.  We'd like to extend a massive thank you to the phenomenal Blue-in-Green:RADIO team who went above and beyond, delivering some spectacular shows!

Yve's Joy (& Jazz) ::: UK jazz special

"Yve's Joy (& Jazz)" typically celebrates our love for the endless array of contemporary jazz gems that we're able to source from all across the world.  Boasting a fantastic IJD exclusive selection, we're showcasing some impassioned picks from the realms of contemporary UK spiritual jazz luminaries featuring music from Teotima, Rosie Turton, Maisha, Ishmael Ensemble, Yazz Ahmed, Nick Walters, Levitation Orchestra, The Comet is Coming and Alex Hitchcock.

The Illicit Groove Radio Show w/Bob Hill

For the DJ, presenter and podcaster, Bob Hill's IJD special featured some fantastic music courtesy of Paul Murphy's Jazz Room 2 compilation and the Colin Curtis curated Indigo Jam Unit re-issue coming in the Summer, Arema Arega, Miss C-Line & the Rabidz, Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, Enrico Le Noci, A.MA Records and much more...

Cosmic Radio w/As Valet ::: Ivan Conti special

Created in honor of Ivan Conti alias Mamão of the legendary Brazilian jazz band Azymuth who sadly passed away 17th April, Parisian DJ & producer As Valet celebrated the legendary drummer's solo work as well as classics alongside the mighty Azymuth.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · International Jazz Day 2023 ::: Cosmic Radio w/As Valet ::: Ivan Conti special

Futuristica Radio w/Simon S ::: Futuristica Music special

As head of Futuristica Music, Simon S rummages through the dynamic label's vast catalogue hand-picking 2hrs of his favourite jazz releases with music from #DeborahJordan #MarcRapson #JazzChronicles #Emanative #PeterFranksGroup + more.

Robert Mitchell interview [radio mix]

While the complete version of this discussion can be found as part of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #123, the radio mix can be found here with some musical treasures sprinkled throughout.

Twistedsoul w/Colin Smith

Amongst many of the gems featured on this Twistedsoul exclusive are a series of Colin's personal classics mixed in with contemporary treasures from the Jazz re:freshed catalogue including music by Marcus Belgrave, Pharoah Sanders, Ahmad Jamal, Rosie Turton, Triforce, Nubya Garcia, Sarah Tandy, Don Cherry and Miles Davis.

UK Vibe w/Steve Williams ::: 2023 In memoriam

Steve Williams from UK Vibe presents a poignant and exquisite celebration of the music of those who have sadly left us this year.

Blue-in-Green Sessions w/Imran Mirza

The Blue-in-Green Sessions aired a special bonus episode with Imran Mirza's picks of simply some of his and the show's favourites. Music on today's show comes courtesy of incredible names including Soulive, Andrew Wasylyk, Robert Glasper Experiment, Melanie De Biasio, Airelle Besson, Christian Scott, BADBADNOTGOOD, Terrace Martin, The Five Corners Quintet, Mark Murphy, Makaya McCraven, Ishmael Ensemble, Southpaw + more.

New music round-up ::: May 2023

'Riff' by Soft Power

From the soon-to-be-released third full-length effort, 'Raw Bites', from Soft Power comes new single 'Riff'.  The Helsinki-based sextet, who now find themselves within the perfect label home of RR Gems Records (home to projects by luminaries including Muriel Grossman and James Brandon Lewis) have cultivated a phenomenal career based upon their uncompromising sound which fuses 60s soulful grooves with a sensational psychedelic jazz aesthetic.  The album continues with the band's impassioned statement of intent which has resulted in some fantastic music being released dating back to their debut in 2015.  With an album packed with some fairly brilliant and eclectic compositions, 'Riff' serves as a perfect introduction to the project - presented as a self-contained adventure in its own right with its own gripping twists and turns.  A real pleasure!

'Flight Time' by V.B.Kühl

In a fantastic follow-up to the single release 'Duck Rogers' unveiled just a few months ago, the brilliant Frankfurt-based DJ and producer V.B.Kühl offers up another slice of his inimitable electro-dance-funk compositions this time with the brilliant 'Flight Time'.  Containing all of the distinctive elements of V.B.Kühl's signature sound, including his unwavering affections for music born of a 'no rules' and boundary-less approach, 'Flight Time' bursts with the kind of energy and personality synonymous with the prolific artist.  Whether the releases are under his own name, another project alongside Rabii Harnoune or one of a vast amount of remixes for artists like Lakuta, Badge & Talkalot or sUb_modU, the self-professed "groove addict" continues to pioneer new ground amassing a treasure trove of music along the way.

'Don't Call Me (On My Birthday)' by Kasia Konstance featuring Dylan Jones

It certainly feels as if we're overdue for new music from the Polish-born, London-based artist, Kasia Konstance.  The versatile singer, songwriter and flautist has understandably been busy as a part of the All Day Breakfast Café super group which has seen a consistent touring schedule recently along with remixes by Jess Camilleri and Risa T released last year in support of the groups' 'Builders Brew' EP from 2021.  The 'Cosmic Dust' EP - also from 2021 - proved an excellent formal introduction to Konstance as a burgeoning solo star and the release of new single 'Don't Call Me (On My Birthday)' continues her presentation of R&B and neo-soul inspired gems.  Known to excel as part of collaborative efforts which, in the past, have included tracks alongside KinKai, Thelonious Coltrane and Lorenz Okello, Konstance can now add work the trumpet of Ezra Collective's Dylan Jones who adds a sublime dimension to this excellent single.

'Eeko' by Jules Brennan

We could call Jules Brennan's approach to music-making as "prolific" but it would still feel like we were doing a disservice in truly being able to capture the sheer volume of releases attributed to the "JPB" name along with the vast array of genres and styles adorning his repertoire.  Based in Kyoto, Japan, the multi-instrumentalist and producer has cultivated an inspired career from music that boldly fuses elements of jazz-funk with pop and intricately-woven samples creating high-energy dancefloor-friendly numbers as indicative of current single 'Eeko'.  Further to the release of 'Eeko', Brennan can also proudly boast to have his 'Wamono' full-length - initially released in 2022 - now available for the first time in vinyl format.  Fans of the Tokyo-meets-Brit-funk fusion project will no doubt rejoice at the opportunity to reconnect with the release and its subsequent reissue will make a more-than-worthy introduction to prospective new fans of Brennan's music.

'FACES' by Jesa

'FACES' marks the exciting debut EP from vocalist, writer, producer and guitarist, Jesa.

From Paris, France, and having initially trained as a jazz musician while there, expectations must surely be high for listeners who have become enthralled with Jesa's indelible talents as exemplified by her sublime introductory singles released earlier this year.

Spearheaded by the exquisitely infectious groove of lead single 'Five Little Birds' and the subsequent follow-up single 'L'​É​pine', Jesa is an artist who very much wears her influences on her sleeve.  A compassionate and earnest songwriter, she skillfully interweaves varying elements of R&B, neo-soul, jazz and even traces of acoustic folk fusing them into something distinctly her own.  And while the aforementioned singles are excellent introductions to 'FACES', each of the project's tracks are standouts in their own right: accentuated by lush textures, warm production and an enchanting vocal - hers is a captivating formula which transcends throughout the variety of tracks like the more sparse arrangement of 'Le Fruit De Ta Bouche' or the riveting and spirited conclusion of 'Oh So Blue'.

The music throughout the EP is brought to life by an excellent array of musicians including drummer Milan Tabak, Mehdi Hamidou on bass, Rémi Klein on keys and Antonin Fresson on guitar who help create a blissful sonic soundscape for the immeasurably talented artist to excel over.  Through the personality exuded by her incredible vocal, her natural versatility and creative penmanship, Jesa's releases to date have already earned her music waves of praise and plaudits.

'FACES' introduces listeners to a confident and charismatic young artist in complete creative control of her music.  Credited as the project's writer, composer and producer, 'FACES' actually reaches inspirational levels of creative success and lays the groundwork for an artist who has barely scratched the surface of what she will likely be capable of achieving.

 

Jesa seems poised for boundless success and - with 'FACES' now officially unveiled to the world - clearly an infinitive amount of further praise and plaudits await!

For more info on Jesa and her music, please visit the Bandcamp page or click here for other ways to hear Jesa's music.

'MABGATE' by MABGATE

'MABGATE' serves as the latest, self-titled offering from the versatile Leeds-based outfit.

Formerly known as The Mabgate Organ Trio, what's initially surprising about the band's genesis is that while creativity and the arts suffered from the extraordinary circumstances where face masks, social distancing, excessive amounts of hand sanitizer, home schooling and Zoom-based interactions almost became our new "normal", the dreaded quarantine period (whose dark shadow still looms heavily over us all) actually brought MABGATE's original trio together affording them the time and space to begin their collective journey.

Band members including guitarist Ed Allen, Nico Widdowson on keyboards and Richard Moulton on drums were able to collaborate in the basement of their shared accommodation, honing and perfecting the music that would go on to formulate their debut release.  'From The Mabgate Basement' (Tight Lines, 2020) proved a fantastic showcase for the trio's remarkable versatility and impassioned performances with tracks like the breakbeats bliss of 'Fives' and the appropriately sinister undertones of the era-referential 'Hands:Face' earning the group waves of well-deserved praise and plaudits.

Now, with quarantine restrictions lifted, the new 'MABGATE' EP in turn also allows the collective to rewrite what was already a creatively satisfying formula in a bid to broaden the scope of their music.  While still using their lush, high-energy and soul-infused soundscapes as a launch pad, the collective confidently infuse varying styles and genres like the minor twinges of psychedelic soul and stronger nods towards their affections for jazz. 

The line-up for the project also expands to cater for more artists like saxophonist Alex Fisher and bass clarinetist Joel Stedman who bring exciting new dimensions to the MABGATE sound with 'Inline' serving as an excellent example of a track enhanced beautifully through these additional contributions.  Vocalist August Charles exudes charm and charisma on 'Tell It How I See It' creating scintillating chemistry with MABGATE which will hopefully lead to more collaborations between the two factions.  [On a side note, Charles can also boast a series of suave alternative/neo-soul releases in his own right which are well on the way to seeing the rise of his own star.]  And while discussing album high points, it would be criminal not to cite the project's infectious and rousing lead single, 'I Asked', which may very well be the gleaming gem amongst the treasure chest that is 'MABGATE'.  

The new EP provides an inspired evolution of the trio's sound and 'MABGATE' owes so much to the imagination and personality that just beams through the music - wonderfully presented with crisp performances all enriched by its passion for a gloriously dusty analog aesthetic. 

For more info on MABGATE, visit the band's Bandcamp page or click here for the other ways to hear MABGATE music.

'Bonjour' by De Phase

'Bonjour' marks the new album release from De Phase whose inaugural project finds its home on the French label, Plaisance Records.

Comprised of musicians Pablo Auguste and Kilian "K2" Rebreyend, the French duo established their credentials as part of a variety of various ensembles over the years before ultimately opting to step out under their own spotlight through the guise of 'De Phase'.  The group's Bandcamp page - perhaps humbly - describes their music as "jazz-but-not-jazz" which is something of a charming statement of intent.  There's little doubt that if De Phase's intentions were to have created a jazz record then we'd certainly have a sensational jazz record but their music is the culmination of so many styles and genres that it's a testament to Auguste & Rebreyend's abilities that 'Bonjour' is a record that is able to balance these influences in such perfect harmony.

Showcasing just as many aspects of electronic music as much as jazz and neo-soul, the aesthetic captured throughout 'Bonjour' proves to be very much in line with that of Plaisance Records.  Although a comparatively young label, the recording home has managed to unveil some excellent projects from a burgeoning pool of talent: hannah abdul's 'higher state' (released early-2023) presents a sublime and inspired ten-track selection of beat tape-styled instrumental hip-hop gems; Plaisance co-founder, Tom Manzarek, boasts a series of EPs conveying his affections for broken beat, house and club culture that have helped to set the label on its path for wider recognition.  Da Phase's all-encompassing and genre fluid take on their own music finds a perfect home with Plaisance as Auguste & Rebreyend confidently navigate 'Bonjour' into bold and innovative new territory.

'Bonjour' showcases an exciting array of long-time friends and collaborators featured across the album's ten tracks; a note of particular significance for Kilian Rebreyend with both his father, Guy Rebreyend, and his brother, Matisse Rebreyend featuring on the tracks 'Mr K' and 'Honey Love' on saxophone and vocals, respectively.  Vocalist Nancy Khadra guests on the excellent R&B-tinged 'Obsessed', singing alongside Ndobo Emma who make an excellent pairing in their own right.  With De Phase having helmed the production for Khadra's fantastic EP of last year - 'Le Téléphone Vert' - their reunion here manages to capture that scintillating chemistry one more time with one of the standout tracks for 'Bonjour'.  (On a side note, absolutely check out Nancy Khadra's 'Le Téléphone Vert' as it's brilliant!)

'Bonjour' boasts further highlights in the form of the noir-inspired 'Nightdrive' which is a great number to cite up against the nu-disco groove of 'Parallel Thoughts'; again, two tracks that masterfully demonstrate the album's versatility at seemingly quite different ends of the sonic spectrum.  A final mention goes to the album's closing number 'When It Comes to Me' featuring a solid guest turn from vocalist STACE et Jeenko.

Perhaps a project that has been long in development but one that was ultimately worth the wait.  De Phase have unveiled an enthralling and accomplished debut record that should go some way to introducing their skills to an appreciative and welcoming audience.

'Epli' by Epli

'Epli' marks the debut self-titled release from Danish duo Tyge Jessen and Oda Dyrnes whose eighteen track offering presents a mind-blowing dissection of sound, concepts and improvisation.

The musical pairing of Tyge Jessen's trumpet alongside Oda Dyrnes' cello presents some fascinating possibilities that are brilliantly explored throughout the release.  We had previously delved into music from Dyrnes as a member of the amazing Crush String Collective and their 'Aeriform' debut from 2022 which we described in our review as an album that "draws from the elegance of neo-classical compositions alongside the innovation of ambient or free jazz".  Epli seem to approach their music in similar ways which makes this release a thrilling companion piece to 'Aeriform'; a release that thrives off of the notion of ultimate musical freedom, Jessen & Dyrnes are unhindered in their expression and bold enough to create with utter sincerity.

Imaginatively, the recording process for 'Epli' finds itself having been split between two locations: the first a studio in Copenhagen while the other half was recorded in St Augustins Church, the latter of which the duo describe as a "sonic oasis".  The dichotomy of the venues lend themselves to just as much intrigue with each location offering their own distinct acoustic intricacies which ultimately Epli's music flourishes from.

Through Epli, Jessen & Dyrnes appear as committed as their music serving as an experience in its own right with the duo ultimately inviting listeners themselves to embrace an active part of the process.  Perhaps with a level of humility, Epli consider their compositions as blank canvases keen to have listeners fill in the gaps inspired by their sonic playgrounds.  I'm reminded of the Plato quote that suggests music gives "wings to the mind [and] flight to the imagination", again, indicative of the sincerity that adorns Epli's music.

'Electric Nuts' by Enrico Le Noci

'Electric Nuts' is the new album release from guitarist Enrico Le Noci released through Italy's A.MA Records.

Released four years after his 'Social Music' debut with A.MA, the guitarist and composer radically re-evaluates his music for his new release plundering new ideas and concepts that pay creative dividends.

While 'Social Music' introduced Le Noci as an artist who paid loving tribute to a golden Blue Note era of jazz music through a refined quintet, 'Electric Nuts' seeks to tear the rule book up a little as Le Noci embraces a more all-encompassing sound drawing from a deeper well of influences like Jimi Hendrix, Herbie Hancock and Grant Green.  Performing as part of a trio for this go round, Le Noci partners with pianist Matthijs Geerts and drummer Egidio Gentile to create a record very much in line with A.MA's own evolving landscape.  

While 'Social Music' was indeed a perfect record for A.MA upon its release, their more recent releases have seen the independent label step outside of the projects typically affiliated with the A.MA brand.  Releases like 'Fauves' by Antonio Trinchera, 'Bits of Impressions' by BitMapCrew and 'Freedom Rhythm' by Giovanni Angelini represent an exciting creative shift embracing more of an electronic aesthetic and left-of-centre jazz that makes the label very much of a similar mindset with Le Noci's vision for 'Electric Nuts'.

The album kicks off brilliantly with 'In The House' which relishes in a wonderfully-paced groove built off some quick-fire drumming and sublime keys.  Several tracks boast a real effervescent energy to the recording - 'Sky Dive' serves as another strong example of a track capable of going in a multitude of varying directions; conversely, the more introspective tracks resonate just as well like the ballad-driven 'Eyes to Feel' or the imaginative 'Fantasia'.

We cited artists earlier who served as influences to Le Noci during the recording of this album and proper homage is paid to their efforts through covers of Herbie Hancock's 'Maiden Voyage' and Jimi Hendrix's 'Voodoo Child', with the latter in particular spawning a refreshing take on the guitar legend's classic 1968 track.

Enrico Le Noci has delivered an excellent follow-up to 'Social Music' by bravely stepping outside of the box and successfully embracing the opportunity to create from a myriad of influences that very much form a strong element of his own make-up.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #124: Jason Charles

Welcome to Episode #124 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which this week sees Imran connect with Jason Charles.

We're incredibly proud to announce the latest inductee into the Blue-in-Green:RADIO Team in the immeasurably talented DJ and broadcaster, Jason Charles.  From New York City, Jason has cultivated an incredible path through extensive live sets and a wealth of radio experience including sets at East Village Radio and guest spots at New York's WBAI-FM and Portland's WMPG.  As founder of the podcast network, JasonCharles.Net, Jason has championed a host of music, arts and lifestyle shows that cultivate thoughts and ideas from across the world.

The new Blue-in-Green:RADIO outing - Sounds of Deepness - commences Monday 8th May 2023 at 10pm (UK) / 5pm (EST), and broadcasts the second Monday of every month.  Jason's indelible affections and perspectives for vintage and modern rare soul, funk, disco, jazz-fusion, afrobeat and boogie grooves has found a very appreciative home with us and we can't wait for you to hear the treats that the show has in store.

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss Jason's early years as a music fan, the transition to playing live behind the decks, vinyl collecting and of course our unwavering affections for inimitable, Sade.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#124_Jason Charles

'Can You See Me Now?' by Seravince

There's something about the boundlessly talented Vincent Helbers adopting his "Seravince" moniker that lends itself to a particular type of magic.  Many will be used to seeing the prolific producer, musician and studio wizard's name gracing a variety of projects under a variety of roles and responsibilities including playing keys for Richard Spaven, production for Ntjam Rosie and helming mixing and recording for projects as with Kotokid's recent 'Fledge' release. 

And then of course there's Helbers' work under the sensational broken beat meets nu jazz guise of Flowriders, punctuated by the phenomenal R.U.E.D.Y. album.

But when he wears the Seravince hat... the molecules in the studio tend to change a little.

For the uninitiated, Seravince's inaugural release came with the cult classic that was 'Hear to See' (2013) - an incredible album that served as a masterful presentation of nu jazz and neo soul enhanced by some brilliant contributions from Richard Spaven, Renee Neufville and Sharlene Hector.  Earning its Wicked Wax vinyl release in 2020, the album is a masterpiece forever open to discovery as it now enters its tenth year sounding as innovative as it did in its first.

Despite the glory that continues to surround the 'Seravince' name, it's proved to be one that has been used sparingly since its inception.  The collaborative EP, 'Junk Love', paired Seravince's production with vocalist Tjerk "Lyma" Lammers for an excellent and thought provoking project that sought to dissect the digital era of modern love.

Now in 2023, we have a new Seravince project to celebrate in 'Can You See Me Now?' which serves as a fantastic five track EP that that veers slightly more towards nu-soul territory with its lush production and smooth vocals.  Vocalist Truvi provides excellent accompaniment appearing on three of the EP's tracks including very potentially the scene-stealer in 'Words for Love' which kicks the EP off with understated but elegant production.  'Born From a Flame' harks back to Seravince's 'Hear to See' aesthetic with the return of Helbers' signature broken beat bounce and aided by vocal contributions from singer Sophie Brown and rapper Omar Rey; conversely, the EP's title track demonstrates Helbers in the less familiar setting of ballad territory but providing a sublime backdrop for Sophie Brown's excellent vocal.

The excellent 'Can You See Me Now' EP serves as another compulsory entry into the Seravince catalogue and continues to showcase Helbers' revered talents as a multi-faceted music-maker.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #123: Robert Mitchell

Welcome to Episode #123 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which this week sees Imran connect with Robert Mitchell.

Initially recorded as part of our International Jazz Day celebrations, we're thrilled to now present the full unedited version of our conversation with pianist, composer, poet, author and educator Robert Mitchell.

Mitchell has forged a formidable reputation as a gifted pianist and composer. Currently a piano professor (Jazz) at the Guildhall, piano lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire and a teacher at YMM.  Whether he is releasing music amongst a collective or as a solo improvised performer, Robert Mitchell continues to present inspired and forward-thinking music that cements his talent and his name as of the UK's most revered jazz artists.  Robert's second book, 'City Of Sanctuary', will be out later this year on Common Tone Press.

With two incredible projects to delve into, it's an immeasurable pleasure to present our in-depth conversation with Robert Mitchell discussing his TRUE THINK project, his upcoming The Flame improvising trio as well as delving into conversations about technology and our wider societal issues relating to race within the UK and overseas.

TRUE THINK have upcoming performances at the following UK venues:

4/5 - Soundcellar (Poole)

6/5 - Vortex (London)

12/5 - Crookes Social Club (Sheffield)

18/5 - Jazz Refreshed (London)

25/5 - Zedel’s Brasserie (Crazy Coqs, London)

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#123_Robert Mitchell