'Keeping Company' by Bill Laurance & Michael League

Prior to being presented with the new release by Bill Laurance & Michael League, I had actually been coincidentally taking the time to reconnect with the revered Snarky Puppy series, Family Dinner...

Two sensational live releases by the Texan-based jazz fusion collective (fingers crossed for a Volume 3 one day!) that proved genuine milestones within the Snarky Puppy legacy.  A project that saw the already expansive ensemble open their doors to a wide array of artists and musicians, the sheer scope of these projects is daunting even to just relay in words here.  Daunting but surely creatively satisfying in immeasurable ways as well - albums that serve as definitive validation of the band's over-arching success.

In many ways, the name, successes, accolades and scale of the collective must loom like a shadow for any Snarky Puppy member and the multitude of projects its vast array of contributors have gone on to tackle in the time in and around Snarky releases.

For Snarky Puppy founder Michael League and core contributor Bill Laurance, projects which afford them the opportunity of a reinvention of sorts must serve as wholesome reprieves.  For pianist Laurance, his releases have proved consistently varied - albums positioning him amongst larger-scale ensembles like Germany's WDR Big Band or more recently with The Untold Orchestra for their brilliant album 'Bloom' released earlier this year have remained alongside projects that feature smaller scale trio formations or solo piano projects.

Similarly for League, as well as the cultivation of the GroundUP Music label, the guitarist and producer has immersed himself amongst a variety of dynamic projects and ensembles including Forq and Banda Magna, as well as consistently featuring as a key collaborator for a variety of names across the worlds of jazz, R&B, folk and fusion including Edy Forey, Lil John Roberts, Becca Stevens and David Crosby.

The release of the Bill Laurance & Michael League's 'Keeping Company' serves, comparatively, as a swift follow-up to their collaborative two-man debut with 'Where You Wish You Were', released just last year again through ACT Music.  In a recent Instagram post, Laurance described the new release: "this record explores further the purity and simplicity of two old friends in free musical dialogue".

His words serve as such an elegant description of a project rooted within friendship but also one undeniably rooted within sincerity - musically, there's next to nothing that Michael League and Bill Laurance can't achieve, so to continually find inspiration within each other and within collaboration in this context is truly inspiring. 

The music across the eleven tracks that comprise 'Keeping Company' is typically exquisite - a beautiful collage of folk-tinged, neo-classical jazz created by definitive masters of their craft.  While the project as a whole absolutely deserves every bit of your attention, it would be criminal not to emphasise the sheer perfection of 'Yours' which may very well serve as the album's brightest moment.

'Travel Poems . Chapter 3 . There is no path back' by Eric Pan

The release of Eric Pan's 'There Is No Path Back' must come with an incredible amount of personal and creative satisfaction - serving as the final chapter within his Travel Poems series, Pan's ambition and scope have delivered an exceptional trilogy of albums with each entry paying loving homage to his experiences and travels, as well as the experiences and travels of others.

Born in Taiwan, Eric Pan's penchant and appreciation for travel started at an unwittingly young age - moving to the US and having jazz become a large part of his life when he reached the University of California would ultimately be the start of the pianist's consummate education.  Performing across the States and eventually the world, Pan's musical vision would go on to be influenced by each and every experience garnered from all corners of the world.

The Travel Poems series in of itself finds its inspiration from stories - the shared experience of our collective, individual and unique narratives that go on to shape us and everyone we interact with.  It's a romantic take to have on music and the world around us in accepting that the art that you make is actually part of a bigger picture than just one's own perspective on things.   

Certainly the case when considering where said inspiration has brought Eric Pan.

Now totalling thirty songs over the course of three discs, Chapter 1 was initially unveiled in 2020 as 'Secret Towns' with Chapter 2, 'The Night Sea', following two years later.  Cited as having a recording schedule that saw Pan perform across four continents alongside varying musical arrangements - sometimes through solo performances and others aided by drummers Nir Sabag and Sebastian Chiriboga, and bassists Dean Torrey and Hugo Reydet - there is a concerted effort for the music to be as immersive as possible with subtle inclusions of the hustle and bustle of small village markets, intricately interspersed field recordings and local chanting. 

Beautifully conceived and elegantly performed, the music throughout 'There Is No Path Back' creates moments of joy and inspiration ('Sunrise Market', 'After the Whistle') as well as moments of lament and introspection ('Sequel to a Memory', 'Ladder of Damascus') but each instinctual reaction is to be absolutely embraced.

As stated by this album's title, 'there is no path back'.  But why would you want one?  There is the travelled road and the unbeaten path and Eric Pan's Travel Poems trilogy is about taking those steps into the unknown to craft your own legacy... to write your own story.  

There is a wonderful poem by Antonio Machado which I think eloquently conveys much of Pan's motivations for this series which I will leave you with...

"Traveller, there is no path

The path is made by walking.

By walking you make a path

And turning, you look back

At a way you will never tread again"

 

New music round-UP ::: October 2024

'Blow Out' by Socool

Always captivating through innovative compositions, dreamy musical soundscapes and sublime vocals, the boundless talents of Emily "Socool" Sobool have turned their attention to that of the revered Radiohead.  An oft-covered band whose own experimental approach to music has leant itself open to reinterpretations from Mark Ronson, Bilal, Osunlade and Prince, notwithstanding the countless interpretations of their anthemic 'Creep'.  Courtesy of Bathurst Music, 'Blow Out' receives the Socool treatment blessed with a loving reimagining of the 1993 track.  A haunting take on the classic with an enchanting vocal, Socool continues to do no wrong.

'Abyss of My Tea' by Yumeji

It's hard not to get excited by everything that Yumeji do.  Having just released their third single, 'Abyss of My Tea', the French duo's inspired and effortlessly cool take on alternative R&B has delivered gems in the form of past singles 'Sponge Queen' and 'Midnight Moves'.  Comprised of bassist Thegirlfromtutu and vocalist Hermione Bayle, Yumeji's confident swagger is more than justified, particularly when releasing music that's just so good!  With influences ranging from Jamiroquai, George Clinton and Angie Stone, Yumeji offer an exciting take on progressive soul music that will hopefully continue to keep the 'Yumeji' name prevalent for some time to come.

'Dedication to David T' by Lophae

We're so excited about the new project from guitarist Greg Sanders!  Boasting an incredible résumé that runs a phenomenal gamut of contemporary jazz and worldwide influences - the founder of the brilliant Teotima collective, producer of Juanita Euka's 'Mabanzo' project and guitarist for Jonny Wickham's 'Terra Boa' release really has been a part of some staple releases within UK jazz for some years.  It's an excellent collection of projects to have your name so prominently featured within so it comes with real excitement to see Sanders return to centre stage to unveil his latest offering - Lophae.  With the 'Perfect Strangers' full-length due in January 2025, we currently have two exceptional single releases to beautifully set the stage for the project going forward.  

'Jealous' [2XM Remix] by Di-Vincent

Marking an excellent follow-up to Di-Vincent's 'SKR' mixtape - released a year ago through Eton Messy Records - the project's remix EP now looks to continue the story through some inspired re-imaginings.  With releases that date back to 2020 and the independently-released 'Crazy Beautiful Dreams', the rapper and producer has cultivated a thrilling perspective of East London-inspired hip-hop and club culture that has remained prevalent amidst his releases through to 'SKR' in 2023 and 'SKRR' in 2024.  With remixes courtesy of Poolsideconvo, Feiertag and Crate Classics that each serve as strong contributions to the EP, it's the 2XM remix of 'Jealous' that steals the show here - a unique production that is as intimate as it is dancefloor-friendly.

'This Is...' by Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos (2024 deluxe version)

Celebrating fifteen years since the album's initial release, Légère Recordings unveil a deluxe reissue of Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos' 2009 album that is a mouth-watering package and duly pays respect to a contemporary classic.

Proving to be a milestone release for both factions, 'This is Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos' paired dynamic UK singer-songwriter Smith with Hamburg's multi-faceted soul ensemble, The Mighty Mocambos, unveiling an album that would go on to cast a long shadow for each going forward.  And it's not hard to see why - theirs proved to be an inimitable chemistry punctuated by the Mocambos' rich landscape of fiery drums and plush horns alongside Gizelle’s voice swooning skilfully over it all.

For Gizelle Smith, her star as a solo artist continued to rise with single releases via Italy's Record Kicks and two full-length projects via the UK's Jalapeno Records.  The soul-drenched 'Ruthless Day' came to us in 2018 followed by the imaginative and self-assured 'Revealing' in 2021.  Likewise, The Mighty Mocambos career went from strength-to-strength with a series of releases under their own name, the continued development of their own Mocambo Records, high-profile pairings with Eric Boss and Caroline Lacaze and the cultivation of their steel pan alter ego, Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band.

But despite their warranted successes separately, there's a natural fit when you regard the pairing of Smith alongside the Mocambos that just feels right.  Like it belongs.  

While listeners may have long craved an official follow-up to 'This is...' - which may very well still happen - this deluxe package proves as strong a consolation prize as we could get.  Bumping the original 12-track collection to a whopping 23 tracks, the bonus material offers a scintillating collection of live performances from London and Paris, unreleased recordings from the album's recording sessions and remixes which include Kenny Dope's beloved take on 'Working Woman' originally released via his own Kay Dee Records.  Hats off to Légère and all involved for this release which offers as definitive a depiction of the album's story that we're likely to receive. 

We are certainly within a thriving era of contemporary soul music with record labels, bands and artists around the world continuing to push forward and present some sensational offerings that don't just hark back to bygone eras of funk & soul, but also seek to look forward and offer something new to the scene.  'This is Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos' is a pioneering record in this context.  An album that stands tall amidst a new generation of releases and one, if missed the first time round, should certainly not be missed this time.

'Southern Return' by Dimitri Howald

'Southern Return' marks the new release from Swiss guitarist and producer, Dimitri Howald, whose latest project finds its home through the Berlin-based record label XJAZZ!

Looking back through past Howald projects, the variety that the artist continues to offer up with each release consistently leads to some compelling results.  With projects that can range from Howald performing in a room by himself to the guitarist helming sextet ensembles, Howald continues to find new ways to present his music and recontextualise his own performance with each go-round. 

Having earned a Masters Degree in Music Performance at the Hochschule der Künste, Bern, Howald's proficiency as a performer finds his album releases mount up since his debut 'Three Flamingoes' in 2016.  An album presented by Howald as part of his trio outing, positioning his guitar alongside double-bassist Valentin von Fischer and drummer Philipp Leibundgut, 'Three Flamingoes' established Howald through a stunning project that cemented his arrival as an imaginative band leader in his own right. 

Consecutive full-length and EP releases see Howald embrace the challenge of new arrangements, collaborators and conditions going forward.  While 'Tundra' in 2018 saw Dimitri Howald expand the collaborative pool under the ILJA banner, projects like 'Industrial Plants' and 'Amnis Alsace' serve as releases that demonstrate the multi-faceted nature to Howald's vision, seeing him tackle even more duties as a musician posing even greater challenges for himself. 

The kind of challenges that appear to be echoed within current project, 'Southern Return', which sees Howald credited for no less than guitars, vocals, bass, organ, synth, drums and drum Machines throughout the album.  While Howald clearly excels when playing alongside like-minded musicians, there's something about Howald's compositions as part of these solo projects that generates thrilling results - with sonic soundscapes both sweeping and immersive, so much of the compositions revel within various underlying inspirations.

The Latin-tinged 'Akimi' and 'Blurry Lights', the harder-edged guitar of '16-8', the ambient intricacies of 'Delude' and the synthy wonder of '7+9=1 (Levitate)' are all strong album highlights that demonstrate the project's boundless versatility and the personality injected into each track.  The album opener 'Serafin' may well come off as the project's gleaming gem however - a rousing piece accentuated by some subtle and sublime wordless vocals by Howald himself that really steal the show.

Regardless of the circumstances or the setting, Dimitri Howald consistently finds ways to bring the best out of himself and his music, elegantly adjusting the narrative each time.  Although 'Southern Return' adds as part of the strong lineage of Howald releases to date, the album also proves to be a great introduction to his music and over-arching vision.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #140: King Llama

Welcome to Episode #140 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which this week sees Imran connect with King Llama members, Ryan Bailey and Luis Briones.

Following the release of their new album over the summer, the LA-based prog-jazz-rock-fusion collective unveiled an excellent release with 'Fata Implexis'.  Offering a truly unique perspective on contemporary jazz, King Llama have continued to embrace bold and innovative musical soundscapes across their projects.  For this go-round - under the watchful eye of highly-decorated producer Dennis MacKay - King Llama have set exciting new heights for themselves.  

We're incredibly grateful to have been able to catch up with Ryan and Luis to discuss the new album, collaborating with artists like MacKay and percussionist Nate Werth for 'Fata Implexis', the creative process and we delve into the mythology surrounding King Llama, the album's exceptional artwork and the compelling bigger picture surrounding it all.

For more information about the band, please feel free to visit their site:

https://www.kingllama.com/

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#140_King Llama

'The Gyratory Allstars' by The Gyratory Allstars

As a city with a rich musical lineage, Brighton can hold their own against nearly anywhere in the UK - appreciative, diverse and eclectic audiences have proudly championed the prominence of names from The Kooks to Bat For Lashes to Pink Floyd's David Gilmore as heroes waving the flag for the seaside resort in their own right.

Even within the realms of contemporary soul music, there's again no shortage of incredible contributors - many of which spearheaded by independent labels including Tru Thoughts Records and Jalapeno Records, both prominent proponents for burgeoning soul music afficionados.

Through the release of their debut self-titled EP, The Gyratory Allstars offer an exciting take on imaginative soul music that brilliantly reflects Brighton's varied musical palette.  With a sound that finds itself steeped within a variety of the city's musical inspirations, the eleven-member collective features an excellent mix of predominately Brighton-based musicians from a variety of different styles and genres.  

Keyboardist Aaron Emerson makes an indelible contribution to the band - a multi-faceted musician, as versed in rock and folk as he is within impassioned soul music, and then there's the pioneer within the aesthetic of soul-infused electronica Jez Lloyd - of Ink Project and Blind Colour fame - who features throughout, flute in hand.  An excellent array of musicians and vocalists provide stellar support to vocalist and Gyratory front-man, Jerry Clavier.

A seasoned vocalist, Clavier's soul-drenched vocal can be found gracing the work of a variety of artists including Laroye and his track 'Grateful' from the French producer and musician's 'Let It Go' album (Local Talk, 2023); Producer and DJ J-Felix also recognised Clavier's immense talents by featuring the vocalist - performing under the alias Sol Goodman - over four tracks for his 'Whole Again Hooligan' full-length, released by the aforementioned Tru Thoughts Records.

It would certainly serve as an understatement to say that an opportunity for Jerry Clavier to showcase his talents as a front-man in this vein is very overdue and now backed by such an incredible ensemble, Clavier is afforded the platform to really shine.  The Gyratory Allstars' five-track release showcases the collective through some sensational numbers from the James Brown-esque groove of 'Judge a Book' to the rousing and socially-conscious 'Writing's on the Wall'.  And while the blissful 'Sun Still Shines' serves as its own ray of sunshine, it may very well be 'Keep Our Love Alive' that steals the show... beautifully produced with a sensational 70s jazz-funk - almost trippy - undertone, it's a track that perhaps represents the best of the Allstars and what they are striving to convey with their music.

The debut EP delivers as an accomplished introduction to The Gyratory Allstars, an exceptional addition to the rich lineage of Brighton's flag wavers and an indispensable voice for today's soul music scene.

'Elektronik R​é​volisyon EP Vol 1: Gwokhouse' by RICKYSOUL The C3PO /// HOUSE AN NOU

"Music from roots, music from space."

The fantastic introductory words from DJ, producer and bassist, Rickysoul The C3PO, courtesy of his Soundcloud page.  It's a phrase that elegantly covers all bases and in a manner of speaking elegantly conveys the notion of 'to know where you're going, you have to know where you've been'...

The latter serves as something of a mantra for the As Valet-founded Oioji Records which is steadily amassing an awe-inspiring catalogue of projects from impassioned artists that lovingly seek to pay homage in the same way.  We're not long removed from the sensational offering from the La Martinique-born and multi-faceted artist, Queen Ci, whose 'Creole Lightening EP vol​.​1' paid an affectionate tribute to Creole icon, Cécile Jean-Louis.  Producer Eugene Neighbrs addressed home with an unwavering affection using his project 'Wouj Vè Nwè Dialektics' to inspire socio and political change within the French Caribbean. 

Rickysoul continues his long-standing passion for house music alongside Caribbean Gwo Ka percussion for his Oioji offering, 'Elektronik R​é​volisyon EP Vol 1: Gwokhouse'. 

Backed by some beautiful accompanying artwork for the EP's cover by Régine Lanoir, the EP's four tracks offer some incredible insight into Rickysoul's musical make-up as the tracks strive to brilliantly infuse musical styles and eras ultimately expressing his indelible passions towards house and club culture.  Even exploring Rickysoul's fantastic single releases via his own Bandcamp page unlocks the door to his own ongoing narrative that inevitably places him on the Oioji path.  

Past single releases from Rickysoul include 'Acid Bouladjel (aka doubout.2)', 'N.S.I Mendé', 'Hymne An Nou (chant lendépandans)' and 'Jack La' - all incredible offerings that relish the elements of musical fusion that the DJ's new 'Elektronik R​é​volisyon' series will hopefully build upon in time to come.

An excellent guest spot from vocalist Célia Wa for opening number 'Bonswa' kicks proceedings off perfectly for the moody house-infused gem.  With Rickysoul on production and bass duties across the EP, 'An Sé Neg', 'Yo Pé Kozé' and 'Dé gout dlo' represents an excellent evolution of sorts for the artist - an EP very much in line with his long-standing musical ethos but now using that perspective to become part of the enthralling Oioji collage.

'Triquetra' by Catriona Bourne

Marking the debut album by Catriona Bourne, 'Triquetra' presents an incredibly bold and inspired project from the multi-instrumentalist that draws from the elegance of neo-classical compositions positioning them alongside the innovation of ambient and free jazz.

A highly-decorated and highly-educated harpist and flautist, Bourne's dynamic and unparalleled vision presents a genuinely sublime and wholly unique perspective for her music.  Billed as presenting a deep dive into the realms of "experimental folk-jazz", 'Triquetra' proves a phenomenal showcase for Bourne's indelible talents honed over years of study, performance and collaboration amidst a variety of collectives, ensembles and arrangements.  

There's something about Catriona's music that lends itself to the joy of earnest exploration - beyond relishing the adventure of creating music across varied soundscapes, Bourne continues to prove fascinated with the exploration of her own abilities as an instrumentalist.  As a flautist, Bourne embraces opportunities to play as part of a duo, accompanied by either piano or guitar, as well as trio and quartet ensembles; playing as part of the improvising collective, the London Ambient Orchestra, or as part of the Bolling Quartet, which further acts as a showcase to those classical music biases.  And as a harpist of equal acclaim, Bourne continues to revel in opportunities to further recontextualise the instrument through a prolific work ethic and voracious performance schedule.

In truth, this whole article could be spent simply listing the limitless successes attributed to Catriona Bourne and all warrant due respect particularly as key moments and milestones building to the release of 'Triquetra'...

Backed by some fantastic support featuring Francis Tulip on guitar, James Owston on double bass and Joe Bainbridge on drums, 'Triquetra' provides a sensational, multi-faceted look into Bourne as a bandleader but also as an artist brimming with ideas and inspiration, all poured lovingly into the album's six compositions.  An album steeped within Scottish tradition and mythology - its own love letter of sorts to the boundless influences that have gone on to shape Bourne's musical make-up and ultimately bring 'Triquetra' into existence.  Nothing is wasted.  Everything intricately included as part of the project's over-arching story from the song titles that cite fairy tales of enchanted waters ('Sligachan Bridge') to ritualistic laments for those since passed ('Coronach').  Even the album's title pays homage to the Celtic symbol for the concept of three - notably mind, body and spirit.

'Triquetra' presents Catriona Bourne's exquisite perspective on her music and serves in loving reverence to everything that paved the way for its release. 

'The Voyage Out' by Myra Brownbridge

"I've been told that my music tells a story, but I don't know the story."  These are the words of celebrated French composer Tristan Murail who may very well have been displaying a level of humility in responding to assessments of his music or perhaps that just isn't a hat that Murail knowingly wore in this regard.  Myra Brownbridge, however, would serve as the definition of an artist whose music displays the unique gifts of a quintessential storyteller.

Every sublime thing about Brownbridge's debut album, 'The Voyage Out', paints the incredibly compelling and engaging perspective of an artist considering each composition - and subsequently the album as a whole - as a reflection and embodiment of the key moments, relationships and life experiences that have ultimately brought her to its creation. 

As a highly-decorated bassist, writer, composer and educator, Myra Brownbridge's path has already brought so many notable successes her way from having graced stages alongside saxophonist Tony Kofi, Zara McFarlane, the BBC Concert Orchestra, Tomorrow's Warriors as well as having accrued some eminent academic achievements over the years.  As the recipient of Trinity Laban's Innovation Award and the Ed Renshaw Award, Brownbridge can further boast having attended the Purcell School, Christian McBride's Jazz House Kids Summer School, Guildhall, Trinity Laban and JazzDanmark's Summer Sessions.  

Despite her obvious and frankly undeniable talents, one of Brownbridge's most endearing qualities rests in her unwavering quest to continue learning and to continue cultivating her ever-expanding world view.  Even a fleeting analysis of her music could detect the myriad of influences that fuel her vision - from folk to Latin rhythms, Brownbridge finds inspiration from so much of the world around her and skilfully interweaves subtle tinges of each into her compositions to exquisite effect.

Backed by some incredible names that comprise Brownbridge's quartet, 'The Voyage Out' benefits tremendously from the contributions of guitarist Tom Ollendorff, saxophonist George Garford and Matthew Holmes on drums who play with such a refined chemistry throughout the album's seven tracks.  A distinction that rings true on the more spirited numbers like 'The Joy of Being' all the way to the more introspective pieces like the album's elegant title track.  

Tony Kofi lends an exalted assist on 'As Dreams Are Made' continuing his long-standing collaborative history with Brownbridge developed through a series of performances celebrating the music of Thelonious Monk.  A final mention goes to the album's blissful album closer, 'Icarus', which showcases a sensational Myra Brownbridge vocal that would have been a wholly welcome inclusion on more of the album's tracks.

'The Voyage Out' is an incredibly accomplished debut release - a piece of work that presents such a succinct depiction of Myra Brownbridge as an artist who is fully aware of her story and equipped with every skill imaginable when it comes to sharing it with others.

'En Masse!' by Teis Semey

'En Masse!' marks the latest album release from Danish guitarist Teis Semey whose abrasive perceptions of contemporary jazz continue to garner acclaim as his projects mount up.

Much like Japan's Soil & "Pimp" Sessions referred to their high-octane levels of jazz as "death jazz", for Semey, his myriad of experiences, styles and passions seem to organically spawn a style of jazz matching the energy of Tokyo’s finest but still having cultivated an energy all of its own.

The term "abrasive" as a way to describe Semey's music is in no way used in a disparaging context - it's an immeasurably bold approach that sees the guitarist so committed to his somewhat visionary perspective of his music that makes him seem deperate to tear up the rule book with punk levels of outright rebellion...

Musically, the soundscapes defy order with songs like 'Hippity Hoppity Abolish Private Property' and 'Please Welcome the Giant of Rotterdam' bursting with energy and impassioned expression in a cacophany of meticulous chaos.  Beyond just the musical aspect of rebellion, however, 'En Masse!' further serves to address societal woes as a socialist manifesto for we - as a global community - can best serve each other and work towards what should be all of our common goals.

'En Masse!' comes in the midst of a particularly productive and creative period for Semey who is not far removed from the release of Raw Fish's 'Crudo' a mere five months prior.  Created as a project that relishes the middle space between electronics and live insrumentation, the Semey-helmed collective unveiled an excellent debut record that sets the bar high for future releases.  Continually showing no signs of creative dry spells, 'Crudo' finds its release, again, mere months away from Semey's 'Midnight Mess vol.1' (2023).    

But that level of output and ability to reinvent perceptions of his music seems to be a standard - or perhaps a self-imposed pressure - that Teis Semey thrives in living up to.  

As with 'En Masse!', Temey's projects find their charm in their imagination and while the aforementioned more energetic numbers are easy examples to cite as standouts, the album's more introspective numbers like 'A Melody to Help Me Through Winter' and 'Too Scared to Say It Like It Is' are just as captivating.

Incredibly engaging and beaming with creativity, Teis Semey unveils an absolute gem with 'En Masse!' rounding out an excellent year of releases.

'NRG 3' by Chiminyo

As enthusiastically announced by NRG mega-mind Tim "Chiminyo" Doyle back in April 2023's inaugural NRG release, the concept for the series was to amass a selection of collaborators for a wholly improvised performance with each session being made available for digital and vinyl purchases.

With now three NRG releases unveiled over an eighteen-month period, the drummer and musician has largely adhered to his plan and delivered fairly sensational instalments across the releases to date.  

But Tim Doyle is no stranger to being attached to fairly sensational releases - a stalwart within London's heralded jazz landscape for years now, Doyle has consistently proved himself to be one of the scene's most imaginative and compulsory contributors - whether we explore his efforts within the Jake Long-helmed spiritual jazz outfit Maisha, or the vibrant, genre-bending collective Cykada or the more recent Doyle-led project Uniri, which saw a dynamic, electronica-inspired take on contemporary jazz.

Renowned for continually pushing musical boundaries, Doyle's NRG series is the perfect project to showcase his boundless scope and ambition when regarding his own musical adventures.

Each instalment of the NRG series boasts the further distinction of showcasing the talents of an all new line-up with each ensemble proving to be an enviable selection breeding blissful results.  With past NRG contributors including such high-calibre musicians like keyboardist Amané Suganami, bassist Luke Wynter, multi-instrumentalist David Mrakpor and saxophonist James Mollison, amongst others, NRG 3 invites a similarly enthralling selection of modern-day luminaries.  Alongside Doyle on drums, the core quartet is comprised of Maria Chiara Argirò on keyboards, Pouya Ehsaei on modular synths and Sam Warner on trumpet; each incredibly talented artists in their own right, boasting a wealth of experience, and displaying the boundless talents to help generate phenomenally diverse compositions, even under such compelling improvisational conditions.

Certainly within these Chiminyo live sets, much of the band's aesthetic is as much devoted to club culture as it is to the iconic jazz works of the genre's forefathers and with Doyle in the director's chair, the visionary musician has become adept at creating and nurturing inspired sonic soundscapes that effortlessly straddle each musical realm.

'Possession' by Asha Parkinson

Following a multitude of incredible successes for the highly-educated and highly-decorated Asha Parkinson, the release of her new album 'Possession' suitably finds its home on the venerable Ubuntu Music.

The saxophonist, composer and band leader continues to lend her talents to increasingly diverse projects, live performances, distinctions - as well as helming new music and releases - all at a phenomenal pace, but a pace worthy of Parkinson's tireless efforts and incomparable vision.  As founder to her own ensemble, Kalpadruma, Parkinson's massively ambitious fourteen-piece jazz orchestra prove to be an impassioned extension of her music and ultimately bring life to the eclectic and vibrant imagination that comes with any and all Asha Parkinson projects.

Boasting an extensive musical education that includes having achieved a 1st class degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and further being awarded the Concert Recital Diploma for exceptional performance, Parkinson's adventures in jazz have seen her continually open to embracing new concepts and infusing a variety of musical influences into Kalpadruma's broad sonic pallette.

Having accrued a healthy appreciation for music from around the world at a very young age - ranging from a love of Moroccan Gnawa music all the way through to an appreciation of the pioneering electronic compositions of Germany's Karlheinz Stockhausen - the openness and subsequent boundary-less approach to Parkinson's own compositions has helped to establish her as an enviable voice amidst a thriving contemporary scene.

And it's an approach that benefits 'Possession' significantly - an inspired nine-track album that finds Parkinson navigate a scintillating course through the intricate musical identity that is Asha Parkinson & Kalpadruma.  A collective comprised of outstanding contributors, each one key to the project's overarching sound, including that of vocalist Rebecka Edlund who provides a captivating layer to the compositions.

The album's opener 'Urban Fantasy' marks a masterful introduction to the dynamic imagination captured throughout 'Possession' - with music at times spirited and playful and at times haunting and captivating like the album's jewel in 'Distant Devotion'.

For such an accomplished record, it's almost humbling to know that 'Possession', in time, will represent just one of countless endeavours for Asha Parkinson that will be uttered with the reverance of this release.

:n-the-m:x | September 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 45-minute excursion from eclectic R&B to some left-field jazz and lush electronica selections.

Music this month comes courtesy of...

'Coffee High' (Live At La Bellevilloise Paris) by Gizelle Smith & The Mighty Mocambos (Legere)

'Remedy' by Melanie Scholtz (Ropeadope)

'The Beginning' by Egidio Rondinone featuring Sanja Markovic, Milena Jancuric & Valentina Magaletti (A.MA)

'At Night' by Zoe's Shanghai

'Blow Out' by Socool (Bathurst)

'Presence' by Mahuki featuring James Brady (Bridge the Gap)

'Circuit Breaker' by LEDJ (Bridge the Gap)

'No Rush' by Deaddream

'Changes' [Titeknots Remix] by Bopperson & Bikbaye (+33JOY)

'Harpa' by JG Stockton (Dragon Trax)

: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.