For well over a decade, Manchester composer, saxophonist, and multi-instrumentalist Nat Birchall has released some of the most standout jazz recordings, as well as some brilliant dub-infused collaborative work with producer Al Breadwinner. He has recently released an incredible new solo African-influenced spiritual jazz album titled, Ancient Africa.

Released on his Ancient Archive of Sound label, this six-track record blends together spiritual melodies and Coltrane-esque solos, with African-influenced percussion layers, textures, and rhythms. Recorded between Christmas and New Years of 2020, Birchall impressively played all the instrumentation on the session, including tenor and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, piano, bass, drums, and percussion. He also incorporated the Moroccan-based string instrument Gunibri.

Capturing the spirit of John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, Gato Barbieri and others, while pushing the sound forward, Nat Birchall continues to consistently produce remarkable and timeless recordings that are right up there with any jazz that is being released today, and Ancient Africa is arguably one of his most triumphant albums to date.
Highly recommended!

Nat Birchall — ‘Ancient Africa’
(Ancient Archive of Sound)

1. Ancient Africa
2. Paladins
3. Mirror Mind
4. Song For John Blanke
5. Malidoma
6. Ancestral Dance

BUY RECORD

• Jazz
• Spiritual Jazz