New releases last eight weeks: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: The third and most especial edition in the latest selection of versions of the reissued LP by Alonso Toro, Paul Desenne, and Pedro Vasquez - Alzheimer. Coming hot on the heels of an original, as-it-was reissue as well as a gemmy Ricardo Villalobos rerub, this deluxe edition comes in a beautiful yellow and lilac LP box, and features the latter's two remixes as well as an exclusive Wetsuit Je Me Souviens version. A curio of the Venezuelan vanguard, the album was recorded between January 1997-99, and hears the fabled trio of musicians "forget everything" that came before, enlisting the recorded help of every member of the animal kingdom - from mammals to insects - and shooting squarely for a whole new sound-world-order in the process. Sonically flowing between heritage Latin music and minimal electronica, the purpose is to confuse and the effect is indeed confounding, though no less dazzling.

Review: This is a very special and exclusive new version of what is a sonnet cold classic album from the annals of jazz history. Few albums hold the prestige of Getz/Gilberto which was released in 1964 and is a special collaboration between saxophonist Stan Getz, guitarist Joao Gilberto, and composer Antonio Carlos Jobim which very much represents a pinnacle moment in the fusion of jazz and bossa nova. Across its ten tracks, the album weaves a mesmerisng tapestry of melody and rhythm, casting a spell that continues to captivate listeners over half a century later. At the heart lies the symbiotic relationship between two musical giants: Stan Getz, the virtuosic tenor saxophonist renowned for his velvety tone and lyrical phrasing and Joao Gilberto, the Brazilian guitarist and vocalist whose soft, intimate delivery epitomizes the essence of bossa nova.

Review: A beautifully made package that presents Coltrane and his ensemble exploring a softer, more introspective side of jazz. The quartet, featuring McCoy Tyner on piano, Jimmy Garrison on bass and Elvin Jones on drums, delivers a captivating performance characterised by sublime improvisation and profound musical expression. Across the album's tracks, including classics like 'Say It (Over and Over Again)' and 'It's Easy to Remember,' Coltrane's saxophone weaves intricate melodies with a soul-stirring resonance, Tyner's piano work adds rich harmonies and delicate textures, while Garrison and Jones provide a solid rhythmic foundation that anchors each composition. Ballads shows Coltrane's ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his music, from tender vulnerability to profound introspection. The quartet's impeccable musicianship and intuitive interplay make this album a timeless treasure in the world of jazz..

Notes: Maggot Brain Issue 16: Spring 2024

This is a really packed, special issue of Maggot Brain, with the feature cover story a comprehensive interview by celebrated writer Sasha Frere-Jones with essayist, Lucy Sante (who's written for every issue of MB since the start), on the occasion of her awesome memoir about transitioning, I Heard Her Call My Name.

Phill Niblock: A tribute to the genius musician, filmmaker, label head, and generous promoter of ecstatic sound, by Steve Silverstein.

Tresa Leigh: An in-depth feature on the star of Efficient Space's beloved Ghost Riders compilation! Really a beautiful, untold story.

Dredd Foole: As his legacy is revealed through Corbett vs Dempsey's archival series, Foole talks to Six Organs of Admittance's Ben Chasny about the role of his band the Din in the Boston underground. Plus sidebars from Christina Carter, Kris Price, and Phil Milstein.

Loopsel: Mike McGonigal on some of the most elusive, beautiful contemporary music, straight out of Gothenburg.

Jeff Noon: An illuminating interview with the British speculative writer on his newest work as well as the 30th anniversary of the stunning Vurt.

Sleater-Kinney: 30 vital years of uncompromising music, by none other than Audrey Golden!

Hudson of Feature Inc.: A celebration of the most innovative gallerist of our lifetime on the occasion of the Soberscove Press book about his work and life.

Shabazz Palaces: The creator of vital, spiritual hip-hop beautifully interviewed by Detroit-based musician and writer Zachary Weedon.

Birtha: Nate Carson's in-depth feature on the pioneering, all-women boogie-choogle act.

Shonto Begay: One of Maggot Brai's favourite contemporary writers, JD O'Brien, in deep discussion with the great Native American painter-with particular emphasis on how his works engage with and are influenced by music. This piece alone is so well-written and illustrated it's worth buying the issue for.

Some columns: The debut of archivist Andy Zax's fabulous 'Extinctophonics' column! Cassette reviews, plus copious book and record reviews as well! Ana Gavrilovska on Detroit-based jazz duo Balance! Nate Carson on the Earth documentary, in the debut of the music documentary column! The latest Icons column finds Michelle Dove exploring the work of Chicago's beloved Douglas McCombs! 13 Questions for contemporary folk great Lael Neale by Mike McGonigal! And more Lucy Sante!

Notes: Following "Vintage Music T-shirt Scrap", The long-awaited third instalment of the scrap series is Jazz!

Focusing on jazz, focusing on original vintage posters, From flyers to booklets, calendars, and magazines of performances at the time!

There are many jazz record jacket books in the world, but this is the first poster book in the world.

Ide started by searching for materials for his autobiographical book "Rolling On The Road". Ninety percent of the items in the collection were collected intensively by Ide over a period of about a year and a half. "

Binding: 376 pages / A5 format