Tag: Spiritual Jazz

J Jazz Vol. 4: Deep Modern Jazz from Japan - Nippon Columbia 1968 -1981

BBE’s superb Japanese Jazz compilation series returns, dives into the Nippon Columbia label

Since the release of the series’ first compilation back in 2018, in addition to two follow-up compilation recordings and a growing number of select album reissues, BBE’s J Jazz has become the most definite collection exploring innovative and rare Japanese jazz. Curated by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden, the highly anticipated fourth compilation dives deep into one of the biggest and most diverse labels in Japan, Nippon Columbia.

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble — Celestial Suite

Atlantis Jazz Ensemble return with spiritual soul jazz ‘Celestial Suite’

In much anticipation, the Ottawa-based collective Atlantis Jazz Ensemble return with a brilliant new recording on Marlow Records, titled Celestial Suite. Originally spawning as a project by pianist Pierre Chrétien and alto saxophonist Zakari Frantz of The Souljazz Orchestra back in 2013, this represents the group’s first release since their 2016 breakthrough album Ocean Suite.

Various — Spiritual Jazz: Private

Jazzman Records unearths rare private press gems on Spiritual Jazz 14

Over the span of the last two decades, in which Jazzman Records has been issuing their incredible Spiritual Jazz series, the London-based label has issued a number of volumes that have focused on some of the most groundbreaking and prolific jazz labels, including Blue Note, Prestige, Impulse!, and Steeplechase. For the latest release, titled Spiritual Jazz 14: Private, label owner Jazzman Gerald dives deep into the well and unearths rare gems that didn’t come out on a label and were ultimately released as a private press recording.

Matthew Halswell — An Ever Changing View

UK trumpeter Matthew Halsall releases new explorative album ‘An Ever Changing View’

With over 15 releases to his name since 2008, and the running of his fantastic label Gondwana Records, composer, trumpeter and bandleader Matthew Halsall has been one the most active and prominent jazz artists of his generation. It seems like with each release, the Manchester-based musician continues to push his sound to new heights, and that certainly is the case with his latest brilliant full-length, titled An Ever Changing View.

Pharoah Sanders — Pharoah Harvest Time

Luaka Bop releases expanded reissue of Pharoah Sanders’ classic 1977 album ‘Pharoah’

On September 24, 2022, the entire jazz world and beyond mourned the passing of the late great Pharoah Sanders, who was one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists of our time. Almost a year later, in what has become one of the most highly anticipated reissues of 2023, Luaka Bop has re-released an expanded edition of Pharoah Sanders’ classic 1977 album Pharoah.

Menagerie — The Shores of Infinity

Lance Ferguson led spiritual jazz group Menagerie return with brilliant new album ‘The Shores Of Infinity’

The Australian 9-piece group, Menagerie follows up their breakthrough 2021 full-length Many Worlds with arguably their best recording to date, titled The Shores Of Infinity. Marking their third release for the London-based Freestyle Records label, this is one of the many notable projects led by producer, songwriter, guitarist, DJ and recording artist Lance Ferguson (The Bamboos, Rare Groove Spectrum).

Tenderlonious — You Know I Care

Tenderlonious explores influential jazz classics on ‘You Know I Care’

For about a decade, UK-based producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and 22a label boss, Ed ‘Tenderlonious’ Cawthorne has been one of today’s most forward-thinking artists, incorporating jazz, house, electronic beats, Latin, classical Indian music and more into his recordings. For his latest release, titled You Know I Care, he focuses his energy on exploring the classic jazz material that has inspired him over the years.

Yussef Dayes — Black Classical Music

Visionary London drummer Yussef Dayes releases debut full-length ‘Black Classical Music’

Ever since his collaborative breakthrough Black Focus album with Kamaal Williams back in 2016, Yussef Dayes has quickly become one the leading musicians among London’s surging jazz scene. Since that time, the drummer, composer and bandleader has released a number of outstanding EPs, singles, live sessions, and additional collaborative efforts. Now he has just released his highly-anticipated full-length debut, titled Black Classical Music on Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label.