:n-the-m:x | August 2024

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 a selection providing a near-40 minute excursion from eclectic R&B to some left-field jazz and lush electronica selections.

Music this month comes courtesy of...

'Back to the Drawing Board' by Chloe & The Butlers

'Feels So Good' by Leon Ware & Marcos Valle (Far Out)

'Off the Hook' by Leona Berlin

'Care to Care' by Marysia Osu featuring Plumm (Brownswood Recordings)

'Grief' by Magro featuring Moses Yoofee (Sonar Kollektiv)

'Wanderer' by Tristan de Liege featuring Bryony Jarman-Pinto

'Cold Comfort' [Allie Wilding Remix] by igloo two (Growroom Productions)

'Run to My Mother & Father' by Tall Black Guy x Nate Smith x Marvin Gaye

'We Are the Ones' by Rahaan (BBE Music)

'On My Mind' by Blackadder

: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.

ACT Music: Daniel García Trio / Jan Lundgren & Yamandu Costa

We've been fortunate to showcase a few albums from ACT Music over the last year - 'Tales of Utopia' from the prolific Israel-based trio, Shalosh, and more recently we unpacked the masterpiece that is 'Bloom' by pianist Bill Laurance alongside The Untold Orchestra.  The European label can boast an incredible amount of innovative contemporary jazz releases and is a label that continues to garner widespread recognition for its inspired roster and projects.

ACT continues to be represented this year by a slew of fascinating projects including the latest release from the Daniel García Trio.  Marking his third release for ACT, pianist and composer García unveils a scintillating project in 'Wonderland'.  Teaming with long-time collaborators in double-bassist Reinier "El Negrón" and drummer Michael Olivera, 'Wonderland' explores the joys, imagination and intimacy of our own selves.  Proving something of a study into various aspects of human nature, García, Reinier & Olivera embrace those indefinable qualities and celebrate them across the album's twelve tracks.  

The album is boosted with the addition of guests including guitarist Gilad Hekselman on the album's title track and vocalists Lau Noah and Verónica Ferreiro who appear on 'You and Me' and 'La Tarara', respectively.  The inclusion of such accomplished vocalists help to add sublime new dimensions to the project further elevating the concepts to an even higher plateau.  

With songs both playful and spirited, the Daniel García Trio create a project that teams with personality and charm, and a project that regards human nature with an apt affection.  In the hands of others, such a concept for an album could very well inspire perhaps more harsh and unforgiving perspectives but 'Wonderland' is not just an album reflective of García's specific take on the world but a vehicle to invite others to explore these qualities in themselves as well.  

And from a revered ACT trio to a burgeoning ACT duo featuring the pairing of Jan Lundgren and Yamandu Costa...

Coming together for their debut joint recording, Swedish pianist Lundgren partners with Brazilian guitarist Costa for the release of 'Inner Spirits'.  An exceptional two-hander from these two well-versed artists, their union pools together a wealth of experience and accolades which has seen Lundgren make his name as a member of the Mare Nostrum Trio and Costa as a Latin Grammy-winning artist.

With Lundgren and Costa having only started performing together in 2023, their chemistry has since propelled them on to becoming frequent live collaborators and the subsequent release of 'Inner Spirits' which, again, could be said to have all come together incredibly quickly.  But when something is right, it's right.  And that acknowledgement was not only recognised by its players but also by ACT who have been quick to facilitate the release.  

Across the album's fourteen original compositions, Lundgren and Costa play together exquisitely sharing writing credits and treating the project as a genuine partnership, knowing when to allow the other to have their moment supporting each other through an inspiring dynamic.  

We definitely encourage you to explore these new releases as ACT continue to deliver some outstanding projects this year.

New music round-UP ::: August 2024

'Off the Hook' by Leona Berlin

The fantastic new single from singer-songwriter Leona Berlin continues to pave the way for her in-the-works third full-length.  Always keen to present new facets to her music and never afraid to try new things, Berlin relishes in this enthused and playful number which positions her once again alongside long-time collaborators in Magro for co-production and songwriter partner Kenny Wesley.  Berlin's music has consistently touted the benefits of individuality, self-awareness and self-confidence and the importance of those values as a starting point to move forward with.  Whetehr it be earlier single releases including 'Cage', 'Feminine Energy' or more recent efforts with 'Who You Are', Berlin has practically created statements of anthemic impact that continue to position her as the benchmark for today's R&B and neo-soul artists.

'Why I Came to California' by Nautilus featuring Eki Shola & Denise M'Baye 

Released in support of Nautilus' latest full-length through Oonops Drops, 'Pacific Voyage', the Japanese jazz trio continue their run of reimagined classics with Leon Ware's 'Why I Came to California'.  Unfortunately, just missing out on inclusion for the album, this double A-side finds a lush home alongside the Soul Supreme remix of the classic Bobby Caldwell number 'What You Won't Do for Love'.  Two excellent guest vocals grace 'California' however including German actress Denise M'Baye and (aptly) California-based vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist Eki Shola whose 2023 album release '還 (Kaeru)' served as her own love letter to Japan.  Infectious and up-lifting with an undeniable groove, 'Why I Came to California' is a brilliant and imaginative rendition of Ware's classic.

'The Nice Way' by Stella Santana

Currently relishing in the praise and plaudits from the sensational 'Twelve Feet High' EP released in July, singer, songwriter and producer, Stella Santana, unveils a brand new video for her track 'The Nice Way'.  A fantastic video that brilliantly captures so much of Santana's on-screen charm and serves as an excellent accompaniment for one of the EP's gleaming highlights.  The somewhat elusive LA-based artist has amassed a steady flow of standalone singles and EP releases over the years that prove to be the puzzle pieces of her own musical make-up.  A deeply impassioned and socially conscious innovator who continually seeks to inspire open thought, action and compassion while further encouraging people to "emancipate yourselves from mental slavery".  There's a steady amount of fantastic Stella Santana releases out there but the 'Twelve Feet High' EP would certainly mark a good first port of call for the uninitiated.

'On My Mind' by Blackadder

Continuing his run of excellent releases this year marks the return of producer and musician, Ben Blackadder.  Initially having been introduced to audiences via his lush single for David Hanke's Bathurst label, a brief hiatus brought him back with a vengeance with 'On My Mind' marking the third single release in four months.  With the fantastic singles 'Fragile' and 'Dust' proving to be an outstanding showcase of multi-faceted, dance-floor friendly sublime electronica, Blackadder's latest single finds its home on the Brighton-based recording hub, Dark Heart Recordings.  A label professing to dedicate themselves to the "sound of Future Garage music", the label offers up some superb music courtesy of Shakes x Eónika ('They Don't Know') and the ten-minute epic by Patros15 & Ghost-Youth, 'Night Dialogue / Forlorn Lust'.  Blackadder's warm and intimate textures, bolstered by exquisite use of vocal samples lends itself amongst Dark Heart's best.

'between time remixes' by igloo two

'between time remixes' marks the latest release from the musician duo igloo two whose new project continues their ever-expanding catalogue via Maryland's Growroom Productions.

Comprised of Mylie "Honest Lee" Durham and Dan Bradley, igloo two aptly surmise their own musical vision as indicative of "lo-fi rock riffs, quirky synth sounds, and hard thumping drums".  With releases dating back to 2015's double-header 'lazy daze' and 'hammock', the duo's quirky yet charming productions were soon shining lights within the Growroom discography amassing an excellent collection of standalone singles, EPs, full-lengths and remix compilations.

With each serving as dynamic music-makers, producers and multi-instrumentalists in their own right - Durham through his Honest Lee moniker as well as a variety of Growroom stalwarts including Three Man Soul Machine and The Harry Bells, and Bradley as a contributor to 51 Dusty and The Mighty Heard - both artists bring a wealth of experience to the project but also an expansive and far-reaching scope that makes their musical journey a continually ongoing adventure.

And, as with igloo two's other remix projects, what makes the release of 'between time remixes' so intriguing is their propensity to open the car door and invite others on that very journey.  Even allowing them to take the wheel and navigate entirely new courses.  While other igloo two remix projects - like 'semdr : remixed' - ushered in producers and DJs from a global scale including Germany's Quincy Jointz and Budapest's Savages y Suefo, 'between time remixes' opts to keep things more local this time initially with the intention of showcasing more Washington DC-based talent.

With the project remit being to focus on four tracks from the third igloo two full-length, 'between time', released back in 2022 - 'purple dawn', 'cold comfort', 'lucky in lava' and 'gravel cadillac' - the twelve enlisted remixers offer up sensational new perspectives on tracks from the analog-meets-electronic duo.  Over the course of the project, we're treated to igloo two iterations that celebrate the duo's multi-faceted approach to music including James Hayford's hip-hop inspired take on 'gravel cadillac', Glenn Echo's dub-infused take on 'cold comfort' as well as CONDITION7's take on the same track which accentuates a trip hop-esque, drum-heavy gem.

Boss of Private Joy Records, Trev-ski, offers up a club-friendly slice of electronica for his contribution and Sam Koff's Tanook33 alter ego presents a fantastic and uplifting production of 'purple dawn' to kick the project off.  The inclusion of saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and producer Allie Wilding also makes for a thrilling inclusion as her unmistakable noir-like musical textures gift 'cold comfort' with sublime new perspectives that are a real highlight for the project.

The album's Bandcamp page thoughtfully provides more details about the project and its A-class list of contributors so you're certainly encouraged to explore further.  And exploring igloo two's catalogue is also massively encouraged as their innovative and eclectic projects beg repeated listens.  Their musical adventure continues.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #138: Allysha Joy

Welcome to Episode #138 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which this week sees Imran connect with the singer, songwriter, musician and producer, Allysha Joy.

The phenomenally-talented Allysha Joy has long served as a prominent name within Melbourne's ever-creative nu-jazz-meets-future-soul landscape that continues to introduce new names to wider audiences.  As a member of the now supergroup 30/70, Allysha and company helped to usher in diverse and eclectic new soundscapes that have gone on to leave an indelible mark on the genre and impact each of their individual solo successes outside of the group.  

Allysha's mind-blowing versatility has seen her garner praise and plaudits as an in-demand collaborator having chalked up work alongside New Sector Movements, Sarah Williams White, Skygaze, David Versace and Finn Rees.  Able to flit between a variety of musical realms from spiritual jazz to neo-soul to broken beat, Joy's limitless perceptions on music make her one of the most captivating artists working today.

We were beyond thrilled to spend time with Allysha Joy who generously shares so much of her own journey, discusses her creative processes and delves into the release of her third sensational full-length project, 'The Making of Silk'.

To grab your copy of Allysha's 'The Making of Silk' and to catch up with past releases, please visit Allysha Joy's Bandcamp page.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#138_Allysha Joy

'OR' by Tracy Yang Jazz Orchestra

The path to Tracy Yang's 'OR' has genuinely proved to be a compelling and fascinating journey.  

Having initially committed to a career in Medical Imaging of Technology and Radiology in her native Taiwan, Yang would eventually make the decision to fully embrace her passion for jazz by moving to New York some ten years ago in a bid to immerse herself amidst the city's revered and thriving scene.

For many, the act would serve as a courageous gamble but when regarding Yang's successes since 2013, there was perhaps only ever going to be one outcome...

Tracy Yang's accomplishments have consistently been rooted within excellence.  From her achievements within the medical profession to the accolades and distinctions that followed with her move to New York - including having been awarded the Benny Golson Award from her time at Berklee and obtaining a Master's in Jazz Composition from Queen's College.  But even beyond that, the pianist and composer can further boast winning SWOJO’s 2018 women's composition contest, having been featured in the JEN Young Composers Showcase in 2019, securing a commendation by the Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize in 2021 and earning an honourable mention at the 2023 Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble Prize.

...Who in their right mind could bet against such boundless levels of beguiling talent and determination?!

Tracy's inspired imagination sees her enthralled with every individual and intricate puzzle piece fully understanding its unique and distinctive place amongst the make-up of her musical collage.  From her proficiency as a pianist to her finesse as a photographer - or whether we're regarding her ability to lead smaller ensembles like her Tracy Yang quartet or her ability to conduct a 17-person orchestra - Yang's multi-faceted and analytical perspective considers the whole process somewhat effortlessly slotting everything in its right place like a seamlessly-solved Rubik's Cube.

The eight compositions that comprise the Tracy Yang Jazz Orchestra's debut release, 'OR', place Yang's talents front and centre as a writer, arranger and composer.  With pieces that thrive off their cinematic scope, the music is exquisitely brought to life - at times intimate in their nature and at others bursting with scintillating life and personality.   

Tracy Yang has unveiled a full-length that does justice to the years of study and dedication that have ultimately brought her to the hallowed walls of her own re-imagined Operating Room.  A fantastic and captivating mind that opted not to ponder life's "what ifs" but instead boldly decided to ask the question "why not".  

'Tales of the Skald' by Modern Vikings

Contemporary jazz continues to breed thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational levels of innovative new music.  From the localized pockets that spring up featuring community-driven collectives from across the world boasting a wide range of luminaries in London (Nubya Garcia, Jake Long, Alfa Mist) and Australia (Finn Rees, Godtet, Allysha Joy), Scotland has managed to introduce themselves into the discussion following an extensive array of undeniable releases.

For some years now, Scottish jazz has continued to make an indelible contribution to what is now heralded as a revered UK jazz scene; although it has perhaps not always received the direct recognition and respect that it has probably been owed. With a diverse array of artists waving the flag for Scottish artistry including Fergus McCreadie, Sophie Bancroft, Fat-Suit and Nimbus Sextet, the ever-expanding roll call of burgeoning young Scottish talent continue to make their mark and redefine expectations of what contemporary jazz can live up to.

We mentioned the hugely-successful efforts of pianist Fergus McCreadie whose talents have seen a multitude of album releases and subsequent awards to his name along with a coveted Mercury Music Prize shortlist in 2022.  And serving alongside McCreadie for many of his releases to date has been the boundlessly-talented drummer and composer, Stephen Henderson, who now steps out onto centre stage to deliver his 'Tales of the Skald'. 

Under the moniker of Modern Vikings, Henderson seeks to continue in the vein of contemporary Scottish jazz artists striving to introduce Scotland and its musical perspectives to a grander stage.  Embracing strong elements of Scottish folk music as an integral part of his compositions, Henderson's sublime and spirited project ushers in a mish-mash of contemporary styles that are as inventive as they are humble.  

Performing alongside Henderson on drums is an excellent line-up of musicians and collaborators including Fergus McCreadie with long-time McCreadie-Henderson bassist David Bowden, guitarist Graeme Stephen and saxophonist Konrad Wisniewski.  The album's nine tracks are beautifully performed and as joyful and exuberant the album's up-tempo numbers are - like the brilliant eight-minute 'Pseudo Power' - it's the album's more intimate moments where the musicians really shine.  'November' and the album's closing number 'Back Home' are exquisitely realised creating stunning album highlights.

'Tales of the Skald' is a fantastic album to add to the burgeoning lineage of contemporary Scottish jazz and as the list of artists rising to prominence continues to grow, Stephen Henderson has created a project to see him placed firmly within the conversation going forward.