Ancient Archive Of Sound Vinyl & CDs

Review: In the many-layered world of UK jazz, saxophonist Nat Birchall remains something of a hidden treasure. Having led many a group and recorded for the likes of Gondwana, Jazzman and Sound Soul and Spirit, he's now settled into a steady rhythm with Ancient Archive Of Sound, notching up a fourth album for the label which confirms once again what an incredible talent he is. The sound is spiritual, paying explicit homage to the deep rooted heritage of the music he plays without overstepping the mark - Birchall's fluid expression and composition is reverential and powerful, a true credit to the winding legacy of jazz music.

Review: Nat Birchall is one of the finest contemporary sax players around, He can do it all, from solo albums where his instrument takes the lead in seductive suites of meditative jazz, to more cosmically mind work with a band via superb reggae fusions. After last year's well removed Ancient Africa he is back with a third all-solo outing that finds him playing all the instruments himself. It's an homage to the king of tenor sax, John Coltrane, as the title suggests, and included are classic 'Trane compositions 'Acknowledgement' from A Love Supreme, 'India' from his Impressions LP and 'Dahomey Dance' from Ole.

Review: Nat Birchall's latest album is a heartfelt homage to the Jamaican music scene of the mid-1970s. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Lee Perry, Aston Family Man Barrett, and Sly Stone, Birchall expertly captures the essence of the era's sound. His meticulous attention to detail shines through in every aspect of the album, from the use of drum machines to the instrumentals and dubs reminiscent of Keith Hudson and Im & Count Ossie. Birchall's dedication to his craft is evident in his role as the sole creator of the album, handling all instruments, recording, and mixing. The result is a profound musical journey that pays homage to the past while carving out a unique space for Birchall's own artistic expression.

Review: Nat Birchall is a prolific artist and someone who has proven he can do all forms of jazz from spiritual to contemporary to dub styled. This newest album from him finds him join with an expanded Unity Ensemble to cook up six original compositions featuring the likes of cult UK tenor saxophonist Alan Skidmore and guest percussionist Mark Wastell. They all came together initially at a John Coltrane tribute concert at London's Cafe Oto last year and soon found they had a common creative group so decided to get in the studio together. That early synergy shines through here on a lush five track record that is expansive and uplifting and rich in celestial melody.