Jazzaggression Norway Vinyl & CDs

Review: Dream was a Norwegian psyche rock outfit that saw plenty of success before disbanding in the latter part of the 1960s. From the ashes of that group, Christian Reim set out with a new project with another group, Bash. After years of exploring pop and rock he carried on down that path but with more and more of a love of jazz. The band had a fine line up of jazz talents and this live recording from Club7 in 1973 is them at their peak of their powers with lots of crowd noise adding to the atmosphere alongside several surprise interjections that bring it further to life.

Review: One of Norway's finest jazz artists, Alex Figueira, shares a surprise mini-album via Jazzaggression, whose solar-punky, psychedelic description of the record is as gleeful as the implied beam of light which emanates from behind the artist's front-cover printed visage, and on which the warped art nouveau typography detailing its title wafts: "a vibrant fusion of tropical rhythms layered with a dazzling array of synth-driven psychedelia." Said to have played every instrument on the LP himself, Figueira's ends are irreverent and sun-soaking; his ultra-obscure Norweigan tropical music scene is married well to the all-improv, time-pressed nature of the recordings going in, all of which were immured and hothoused behind the walls of Utrecht's Studio Pelto.

Review: Continually travelling jazz explorer Greg Foat heads to Finland in search of more kindred spirits to jam with, again hosted by the excellent Scandi jazz label Jazzaggression. Having recently collaborated with Aleksi Heinola and Teemu Akerblom for Gone To The Cats, Foat now teams up with Eero Koivistoinen on tenor sax for a decidedly smooth ride which brings out the best in both players. Captured over a stormy weekend at Jazzaggression's in-house studio, there are considered compositions and improvised moments alike on this infinitely listenable album, which neatly rounds off his trio of albums for the label.

Review: Eye of the Universe, recorded by Finnish saxophonist Markus Holkko at Studio Pelto, is a sophisticated blend of jazz traditions and experimental sounds. This album sees Holkko revisiting his roots while innovating with a mix of straight, Latin, and spiritual jazz, infused with elements of west coast cool and psychedelic touches. The core ensemble, featuring Juuso Rinta on double bass, Samuli Rautiainen on electric piano, and Teemu Mustonen on drums and percussion, lays down a foundation of organic, acoustic jazz. Additional layers by Teemu Akerblom on electric guitar and sitar, alongside Holkko's analog synthesisers, enrich the album's texture. Primarily instrumental, the album also includes Holkko's wordless vocals, adding an ethereal quality to tracks like 'Funky Ranking'. Eye of the Universe encapsulates a true jazz feel with its deep, layered sounds and a nod to musical authenticity, promising to be a compelling listen for those intrigued by the evolution of jazz and its fusion with other musical forms.

Review: Jimi Ahlroos's debut release on Jazzaggression is a limited edition album that comes in a reused sleeve with a digital download but none of the musical ideas are rehashed in any way. it's a vital 10" that features three original compositions performed by Jimi's energetic trio which includes Mooses Kuloniemi on drums and Tuomo Purhonen on double bass. Recorded at Pelto Studio in Siuntio during November 2023, the A-side opens with the funky 'Kouvo's Dance' followed by the introspective 'Blues.' The B-side offers the expansive 'Dave Had a Dream,' a heartfelt tribute to David Lynch that has already proven popular at Jimi's gigs.

Review: Helsinki funk legends Kuja Orchestra return with a fresh lineup and a brilliant blend of Latin, soul, blues, disco-funk, African, and Oriental influences. Their new album Seasons in Rhythm, part of Jazzaggression's library series, was recorded over two years at Studio Pelto and showcases core members guitarist Timo Hatva and bassist Aku Helin alongside new recruits keyboardist Miska Puusa and drummer Tony Pelkonen. Session musicians include Joose Kyyro on sax and flute, Heikki Tuhkanen on trombone, and Toimi Tytti on vocals. This eclectic mix of funky Latin, Afrobeat and cosmic grooves comes on nice heavy 180g vinyl.

Review: The Boston-based band The Post Pop Space Rock Be Bop Gospel Tabernacle Chorus and Orchestra was led by Webster Lewis and this album was recorded live in Oslo, Norway, in 1971. The original album was released in 1972 and this expanded edition includes previously unreleased songs, unseen photos and the full backstory of the historic concert. It is a rather rare recording that showcases spiritual and soul jazz at its finest and blends instrumental and vocal tracks for a unique, eclectic sound that has made it highly sought after. Newly transferred from the master tapes, it offers improved sound quality and is a must-buy for jazz cats.

Review: Shapes and Colours is the first album to have been produced at Jazzaggression's Pelto Studio in Siuntio, Finland and is exactly what a proper album should be - a real journey. It is a mix of funky synthesized jazz with gorgeous melodies and life-affirming musical moods that mange to sound as full of hope and optimism as the dawn of a new spring day. Behind it all is the highly acclaimed Estonian composer and musician Tonu Naissoo who has a worldwide reputation for his composition and performance skills and he shows them all off here. Various classic synths and a Rhodes MK2 form the foundation of these sounds with an in house studio group providing drums, bass, reeds and flutes.

Review: Swedish multi-instrumentalist Gustav Horneij, best known as OPE, finally lands on Jazzaggression with a new 10" release that showcases his singular approach to spiritual jazz and overdubbed improvisation. It's a new release composed entirely around bamboo flutes, but the instrumentation stretches far beyond i drums, bass, reeds, harp and subtle string textures are all played by Horneij himself, each part layered with a feel for groove and tone that's entirely unforced. Tracks like 'Instant' and 'Picante Beef' hit with warm, rolling basslines and smoky modal phrasing, while 'The Deepest Bowl' moves slower, drawing you in with flickers of flute and ambient space. 'Udon' is a clear standout, combining a floating top line with an earthy, locked-in rhythm section that could loop forever without tiring. Despite the solo setup, nothing feels precious or overcooked i the mood stays loose and tactile, like a small ensemble jamming in real time.

Review: Helsinki-based sextet Soft Power return with their fourth release i a richly detailed and expansive jazz-rock record that confirms their standing as one of Finland's most original ensembles. Formed in 2015, the group continues to push forward with a sound rooted in Nordic jazz and progressive traditions, but always shaped by clarity, control and sharp melodic thinking. It's a new release that leans into modal harmony, rhythmic intricacy and instrumental colour, without ever tipping into excess. 'Zeppelin' unfurls with measured power, while the title track 'Space To Breathe' delivers a slow, immersive build full of harmonic subtlety and textural weight. Lush electric keys and layered horns give the record its warmth, while tight ensemble playing keeps the edges crisp. There's a sense of atmosphere here that's as important as any solo or theme i a carefully built tension between groove, abstraction and mood. Without falling into pastiche, the band channel the mysticism of 70s European fusion and reshape it for the present, offering a record that's cool, grounded and quietly complex. A standout addition to the Finnish jazz-rock catalogue and a clear sign that this group continues to grow with purpose.