EMANATIVE Vinyl & CDs

Review: Expect a stellar line-up from the realm of 'modern electronic jazz,' featuring long-time collaborators Jessica Lauren and Ben Hadwen (on tenor sax, bass clarinet, and flute), alongside Twm Dylan (upright bass), Peter Zummo (trombone), Sarathy Korwar (Tabla), Magnus Mehta (congas/percussion), Raimund Wong (Yamaha MT400/electronics), and Nick himself on drums, percussion, vibes, and synth. The album offers four standout tracks: 'Spice Routes' delves into deep bass-driven space jazz with Ben's sax and bass clarinet leading the charge; 'Messimalism (Above Thought)' is a fusion of space jazz and dub; 'Paradox' invites listeners into a rich soundscape of gong baths; and 'Pathways to Presence' stands out with its expansive, 18-minute exploration, blending elements of Art Ensemble of Chicago and Kahil El Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, along with a hint of early Cinematic Orchestra vibes. Fans of influential DJs like Patrick Forge and Michael Ruetten are particularly excited by this release. The album reflects Emanative's collective spirit, drawing on jazz traditions while forging new paths. With connections to Sun Ra Arkestra and Tribe jazz royalty, and a sound reminiscent of Carlos NiNo & Friends, this album is a significant addition to the genre. In terms of missing elements, it's notable that Liz Elensky, Nick's partner of 25 years, is not involved, which might be a point of interest for those familiar with his personal history.

Review: Ever since their first record launched on Futuristica Music, back in 2008, Emanative have been quietly shaping the contemporary jazz-dance landscape - an achievement for which they are rarely accredited to. Hopefully, we can change some of those misconceptions by telling you just how special this new EP for Jazz45 is sounding! The opening "New Day" features the soulful vocals of Ahu over a rolling, breaks-centric groove with plenty of melodic quirks and, of course, the unstoppable euphoric power of the flute; the flipside's instrumental allows you to get even closer to the music constructed by Emanative, which is undoubtedly the outfit's long-running forte.

Review: London spiritual jazz man Emanative is drummer and producer Nick Woodmansey. He has put out some well received albums on Brownswood, The Steve Reid Foundation and Jazzman Records and also tries his hand - successfully - at electronic music. Vocalist Liz Elensky has been part of the project since 2006 and this album finds the duo head in a new direction that delves deep into electronic sounds but with soulful jazz vibrations and contributions from the likes of Rocketnumbernine, The Maghreban and Khalab & Jesica Lauren amongst others. It results in an album that is as alluring as it is inventive.