Making the most out of the unfortunate lockdown, Glasgow-based pianist, keyboardist, and composer Josef Akin, who also plays in two excellent groups Amara and GABO, returns with an absolutely brilliant new album titled, Flightcase on London’s Sola Terra label.

Influenced by the adventurous sounds of Herbie Hancock to Sun Ra, this incredible eight track recording blends together spacey jazz-funk with spiritual grooves, hypnotic atmospheric tones, and layered horn melodies and percussion rhythms. There is an overall loose feel to the record, with Akin allowing each musician the freedom to express themselves and help shape the overall sound.

Recorded and mixed at Dystopia Studios by one of the most active and forward-thinking engineers in Glasgow, Luigi Pasquini (Nimbus Sextet, Amara, GABO), this record features a solid cast of musicians backing Akin on the session including Harry Weir on saxophone, Daniel Ashton on flute and guitar, Norman Villeroux on bass, Finn Rosenbaum on drums and percussion, Suleman “Chief” Chebe on balafon and percussion, as well as special guest trumpeter Joshua Elcock, and India Blue, who contributed vocals and trumpet.

Great from start to finish, Josef Akin has released one of the best jazz recordings of the year. Highly recommended!

Josef Akin — ‘Flightcase’
(Sola Terra)

1. Aquila
2. Sun Dance
3. Di Avenie
4. Blue Brew
5. Syntax
6. Flightcase
7. Darwood Avenue
8. Final Thoughts

BUY RECORD

• Cosmic
• Jazz Dance
• Jazz Funk