Back catalogue: Broken Beat/Nu Jazz

Review: They say that where there is repetition, there is unfinished business; that where there is a broken record, there is a will for that breakage to be attended to. So too does the eponymous alias of Jake Alias, The Brkn Record, know this. The Architecture Of Oppression Part 2 is Ferguson's next album for the righteous future jazz project; an earnest admixture of spoken word and slam poetry set against ambient jazzscapes and cinematic post-noir shades. Showcasing the manifold talents of wordsmiths the likes of Toyin Agbetu and Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, both of whom ponder the nature of freedom as it exists in its best articulated form today - the continued articulation of freedom being the driving force of history - The Architecture Of Oppression Part 2 deploys a righteous infrasound to deconstruct the edifices that impinge on this freedom, brick by brick.

Review: Cromagnon Band's Mode is a deeply immersive journey into instrumental creativity, crafted through a unique process of live jamming and reverse engineering. The trioidrummer Tom Watt, bassist Lenny Walker, and multi-instrumentalist Bert Pageitake grooves from their favourite tracks, jam until something fresh emerges, then reshape it into fully produced pieces. The result is a psychedelic blend of dark funk, Nordic psych/jazz, boom-bap hip-hop breaks and riff-heavy rock reminiscent of early Black Sabbath. With no specific narrative, Mode leaves room for listeners to interpret and create their own mental imagery. Its sound is cinematic, layered, and transcendental, showcasing the band's broad musical influences and love for sonic experimentation. This second album, and their debut release on BBE Music, is a testament to their live jamming technique and musical pedigree, with Bert Page's Moog and Rhodes providing rich textures alongside his sax and clarinet. Mode is a must-listen for fans of boundary-pushing instrumental music.

Review: 'Off Days in London' is a collaborative EP by Detroit's Illa J and London-based Ash Walker. Their serendipitous meeting in London in 2023 during Illa J's break from touring led to the creation of four fresh tracks that blend hip-hop and jazz. Despite busy schedules, the two artists found time to bond over shared influences, like featuring Detroit legend Amp Fiddler on their albums, and turned their studio sessions into soulful, genre-blurring music. With Illa J effortlessly switching between singing and rapping, the EP showcases organic collaboration and leaves listeners eager for a full-length project from the pair.

Review: Jessica Lauren is a cornerstone of the UK jazz scene who has spent decades enhancing recordings and performances for legends like Jean Carne, Dexter Wansel and The Heliocentrics. As a core member of Emanative, her talents are well-known and her latest release, Film, affirms her status as a forward-thinking artist. Originally recorded in 1997 and released on CD in 1999, Film has been remastered and is now reissued on gatefold vinyl. The album's fusion of modal jazz, electronica, library music and field recordings feels remarkably current and blends acoustic and electric pianos, harpsichord and synths in a beguiling fashion. As such, Film cements Jessica's place as an innovative musical visionary.

Review: Sugar Honey Iced Tea! is the highly anticipated debut album from Musclecars, comprised of Brandon Weems and Craig Handfield, delving deep into the Afro-American experience. With 13 tracks that span themes of joy, loss, intimacy, perseverance and more, Musclecars craft a profound narrative that captures the nuances of daily life in native New York. From the exploration of Afro-dystopia to moments of self-discovery and self-preservation, the album offers a rich blend of sound that resonates with authenticity, emotion, and rhythm. It's a musical adventure to throw yourself in and get lost in the essence of the urban experience, crafted with intentionality, depth and a touch of magic.

Review: If Music presents: You Need This! An Introduction to the Handson Family from the legends at BBE is a must-have double album that highlights the rich heritage of Black music, not that we really needed reminding of course. Compiled by London DJ duo the Handson Family, this collection features tracks from plenty of key artists such as Emanative, Ty, Cecilia Stalin, and Xantone Blacq and across all 14 songs, the diverse sounds and styles of recent Black music are laid bare and offer an educational experience in Black music genres while also capturing the essence of the duo's influential DJ sets and radio shows.

Review:  Waaju & Majid Bekkas's Alouane exemplifies the power of collaboration during challenging times. As bringing overseas artists to the UK grows increasingly difficult, this record bridges cultural and generational gaps while capturing the vibrant energy of live collaboration post-Covid-19. Conceived by Waaju bandleader Ben Brown, the album features his expansive arrangements of traditional Gnawa songs and blends Bekkas' musical prowess with Waaju's signature grooves and trippy delays. Bekkas, a key figure in Moroccan Gnawa music, had never collaborated with a UK band until this project. Alouane, meaning "colours" in Arabic, reflects the seven integral colours of Gnawa music, each invoking different spirits.