Back in stock: Modern Classical

Review: Tricatel presents a stunning gatefold vinyl release featuring Bertrand Burgalat’s lavish compositions for this series. Known for his sophisticated and genre-blurring approach to music, crafts a score that balances classic revue traditions with a fresh, contemporary sensibility. Marc Fitoussi, having worked with Burgalat on Les Apparences, recognised his ability to create authentic cabaret-style music reminiscent of legendary venues like Paradis Latin and Alcazar while also capturing the energy of modern nightlife. The result is a soundtrack that fluidly moves between vintage theatrical elegance and contemporary dancefloor charm, mirroring the series' exploration of performance and reinvention. The score's connection to the rich tradition of backstage musicals, from 42nd Street to Chorus Line is fully evident. Much like these classics, Ça, c'est Paris! follows a troupe striving to put on a show against all odds. Burgalat’s compositions encapsulate this spirit, infusing his signature harmonic complexity and inventive tonal shifts to bring Fitoussi’s vision to life. His music not only underscores the drama but also breathes new vitality into the time-honored genre.

Review: From pastoral 90s dance crossovers to left field analogue house mavericks and onto their current position as gifted, jazz-minded groove navigators, Ultramarine have never stood still over their long and winding career. At this point in time they slip into each new project with an ease and confidence which pours out of the music. On this new entry for Blackford Hill, they've chosen an unlikely muse in the Blackwater Estuary which runs into the sea just North of London. Quite whether you hear the undulating, tidal ebb and flow of large water masses in the music is subjective, but the mellifluous fusion of electronic and organic instrumentation is pure treasure for the ears, oozing warmth and full of charming surprises without ever sounding overwrought. By rights, Ultramarine should be considered a British cultural treasure and this album only confirms that fact.

Review: Bugge Weseltoft and Henrik Schwarz first crossed paths on 2011's Duo, a sophisticated blend of Schwarz's cosmic disco tendencies and Wesseltoft's exquisite jazz piano. It was understated, but brimming with inspiration, and it's widely hailed as something of a modern classic. As such, it's a treat to see the pair reunited for Duo II, once more on Jazzland, but if you were expecting a repeat of the first album, think again. With guest vocalists and musicians stirred into the stew, Schwarz and Wesseltoft explore all kinds of new terrain without losing that immediacy and delicacy that made their first joint effort so charming.