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Review: A remarkably sleazy new compilation from the digger's delighter known as Greasy Mike, who has generously opened up his 'vinyl dungeon' for the purpose of letting us in on just a small slice of his wax "harem". Ah yes, the sensual and voluptuous pleasures of Middle-Eastern jazz on wax. Unmatched. The choice cuts on this comp, one of many from Mike, this time catalogue the works of Middle Eastern jazz unknowns, championing their work starting from the genre's inception.

Review: "Sketching The Unknown" is a terrific name for an album, particularly for a deep modal jazz set that aims to draw maximum influence from "the folk and modal music of ancient Greece". We're not knowledgeable enough on Greek musical traditions to say whether or not saxophonist Sokratis Votskos and his quartet have successfully accomplished that aim, but we can confirm that "Sketching The Unknown" is superb. Brilliantly arranged, played and produced with surprises around every corner, it's one of the boldest and inventive jazz sets we've heard for some time. There's no fusion antics, sampled hip-hop beats or modern studio trickery, just five high quality jazz cuts that sound like they will last the test of time.

Review: While previous instalments of Jazzman's essential Spiritual Jazz series have focused on killer cuts and rare gems from the past (specifically material recorded between the 1950s and '80s), the thirteenth volume shines a light on what's happening right now. This second part (of two) successfully showcases the best of the contemporary scene, showcasing cuts from around the world that neatly encapsulate the breadth and diversity of 21st century spiritual jazz. The plentiful highlights include the exotic, Eastern-tinged spiritualism of Wildflower's 'Flute Song', the futurist jazz-funk deepness of Steve Reid's 'For Coltrane', the layered vocals and acoustic instrumentation of Angel Bat Dawid's 'What Should I Tell My Children Who Are Black' and the sparkling, sun-soaked positivity of 'Nova' by Menagerie.