Jazz Recommends Jazz May 2023

Review: Although hard-to-find, Harold McNair's 1968 cut 'The Hipster' has long been an anthem on the British jazz-dance scene, with numerous contemporary musicians (Chip Wickham included) referencing it in their work. Here reissued officially by Soul Brother, the track features the Jamaican-born flautist and saxophonist delivering energetic, life-affirming flute solos over an infectious, piano-sporting jazz groove. As the original RCA 45 did, this pressing also features fellow 'Flute and Nut' album track 'Indecision' - a more laidback affair built around brushed snares, languid jazz breaks and rubbery double bass - on side B.

Review: 45Trio is a Japanese jazz outfit comprised of Junichi Sunayama, Masahiko Kubo and Shingo Hirakawa that has been turning out fresh jams since 2013 including an album and several 45rpms. 'Saudade Vem Correndo' is a new funk and soul-infused jazz sound that arrives especially for Record Store Day 2023 on limited edition 7". The A-side original is a nice louche and late-night lounge groove with magical melodies and catchy samba rhythms. On the flip is a DJ Koco edit that brings a hip-hop vibe that reminds of the late great J Dilla.

Review: This second instalment of Jazz Room's Pure Latin re-releases comes in the form of Orquesta Mayombe's masterpiece, Con Ritmo Del Tambo. First emerging in 1980 and now considered to be a classic example of Nu Yorican El Barrio sound, this is an essential record for fans of Tata Vasquez. Featuring Afro-Cubano jazz heavyweights including Chocolate Armenteros, Jose Mangual, Mauricio Smith, and Orestes Vilato, as well as an astounding seven-person percussion section, it's safe to say this release packs a punch. Travelling through ten dazzling, floor-filling cuts of Afro-Cuban via New York Jazz age tracks, this is a must-have for fans of Latin jazz.

Review: Blue Note's Tone Poet series is about reissuing some of the most notable label in its back catalogue on high-quality vinyl with all new mastering jobs. Next up is Freddie Hubbard's Blue Spirits, which was his label debut back in 1950 and saw the prodigious trumpeter kick off what was an astonishing run of records. He was joined by a wealth of talents such as James Spaulding on alto saxophone and flute, Joe Henderson on tenor, Kiane Zawadi on euphonium and Clifford Jarvis on drums, and Big Black on congas. Between them, they provide a rich textured album full of dynamic horns and evocative originals.

Review: Wes Montgomery's centennial was on March 6th 2023 and is marked by Verve and Uma releasing an acoustic sounds edition of his Smokin' at the Half Note album. Wes was said to be one of the best live performers in the game and this is real evidence of that - it finds him at the heights of his brilliant and influential guitar playing and is a record that captures him playing with more drive and confidence than ever. Smokin' Wynton Kelly does a fine job of supporting on this most accomplished and essential record.

Review: The Jazz Room is a hotly curated selectors' V/A compiled by jazz expert and BBE label owner Paul Murphy. Following the success of the original comp first released in 2019, this one comes up after a full four years' worth of curating and mulling, and aims to represent the full range of both classic and contemporary jazz sounds, from New Orleans to Latin jazz, in quick succession. Consisting of contemporary jazz versions of the likes of Fela Kuti, Raul Monsalve and, for some reason, The Human League, said contributions by the likes of Cruisic and Clare Fischer aim to trace the - yes, the - comprehensive throughline of jazz from past to present, all while refusing to abstain from BBE's trademark eclecticism. Highlights include 'Rebel No. 23' and Fast 3's Hammond-organ-injected 'Don't You Want Me'. Most importantly, no track goes without a driving, bright-bursting mood of energy.

Review: South Africa-based drummer Asher Gamedze looks into the relationship between time, music and history on this exceptional new album Turbulence and Pulse. This is a debut on this notable jazz label for this artist but those who follow free music closely will be familiar with his work such as his ZUZU debut album Dialectic Soul or last year's offering on Astral Spirits, Out Side Work. This album sees him again work with his core quartet from Dialectic Soul, namely South African musicians Thembinkosi Mavimbela on bass, Robin Fassie on trumpet, and Buddy Wells on tenor sax. It results in a soulful and accessible yet forward-thinking sound.