There's so much good jazz being recorded around the world....a lot of it on small labels....and yet it rarely gets airplay. JAZZ TODAY....in it's own small way....tries to put that right!

JAZZ TODAY is a weekly radio show on Cambridge105 Radio. It is broadcast live in Cambridge UK on 105FM, on DAB digital and at cambridge105.co.uk.

JAZZ TODAY ONLINE is a quarterly cloudcast of some of the best tracks to appear on JAZZ TODAY.


Monday 19 December 2011

Pete's Pick of 2011

Ten albums that have given me a great deal of enjoyment over the past year, together with a few thoughts on each.  As before, I prefer to highlight new artists and minor labels that might not otherwise get exposure.


Suga Dairo plays Shibusashirazu (CooL FooL)

Suga Dairo is little known this side of Nagasaki, but has a fair few albums under his belt; solo and with groups such as Jazz Samurai and Blacksheep. He has also played with the large ensemble Shibusashirazu, and on this album he covers tunes written by their leader Daisuke Fuwa. Suga is a ferociously percussive pianist (you wouldn't want to risk your favourite Steinway), yet he also has a gentle side. The album features him in solo, trio and quintet settings, with Fuwa himself appearing on four of the tracks. Well worth searching out if you're interested in contemporary jazz piano.





Fattigfolket: Park (Ozella Music)

A sedate exploration of eleven open spaces by a Scandinavian quartet of trumpet, reed, bass and drums.  No chordal instrument, but the harmonies of the front line (signposted by the bass of Putte Johander) paint captivating and melodic pictures of the different Parks. Struth, just listening to it is making me wax lyrical. It's their third outing.....and their best.





Tomas Ulrich's TransAtlantic Quartet: Clear Horizons (Gligg)


The instrumentation of Tomas's Transatlantic foursome (trombone, mandolin, cello and percussion), make for a unique sound. Not your traditional jazz line-up! All the compositions are written by the leader, and the music moves from folksy to free, often within a single piece. In fact the track Oblique Departures comes across as a free hoe-down! Sample my Autumn online cloudcast for an extract. And check out the Gligg website for more interesting releases from this small German label.




Nels Cline: Angelica (Enja)

I rarely put re-issues on my end-of-year list, but this is an undersung classic. Recorded in '87, it features a quintet that contained musicians from different points on the jazz spectrum, from the more mainstream (Stacy Rowles and Eric von Essen) to the more experimental (Tim Berne, and the Cline brothers). The end result is a collection of haunting compositions played beautifully, tunes that will stay with you. Sadly Stacy and Eric are no longer with us, which makes this re-issue even more poignant.





Admiral Awesome feat. Fredrik Ljungkvist (Gateway Music)

Reedsman Fredrik Ljungkvist has long been a favourite of mine, ever since his early work with Per 'Texas' Johansson and his own quartet. Here he is guesting alongside a Danish trio with a wonderfully modest moniker. But they're no slouches, with saxophonist Jacob Danielsen jousting with Fredrik on some craggy freebop, ably supported by the bass of Christian Windfeld and the drums of Thomas Sejthen. A band to watch.






Arun Ghosh: Primal Odyssey (Camoci)

I often find that jazz and enthic music can be temperamental bedfellows. However on his new (and 2nd) CD, Arun Ghosh succesfully blends the rhythms of the Indian subcontinent with jazz. The front line of Arun, Shabaka Hutchings and Idris Rahman generate a warm and earthy feel to the compositions, with unison passages of clarinet, bass clarinet and tenor sax interspersed with fiery solos. Powerful stuff.




Ulrich Drechsler Cello Quartet: Concinnity (Enja Yellowbird)

There's something very human about the sound of a bass clarinet. Here we have Austrian Ulrich Drechsler wielding the beast in a chamber setting supported by cellos and percussion. There's a classical slant to some of the compositions, but the music always retains an edge, aided by the fact that the cellos are frequently played pizzicato. Ulrich's playing is top notch throughout, and occasionally reminds me of Gianluigi Trovesi (which is no bad thing!).




Print: Live - Nordic & Baltic Tour (Great Winds)  
Fusk: Fusk (WhyPlayJazz)



Two more pianoless European quartets.... (it must be a phase I'm going through). Nevertheless, there's a lot to commend these two releases, both on fledgling labels.


This is the fifth outing for the French quartet Print, and with the exception of the cellist/bassist, the line-up has remained the same throughout the past 14 years. It's good to hear them in a live setting, and the addition of electric bassist Jean-Luc Lehr adds a different dimension (and drive) to the band. As with everything Sylvain Cathala turns his hand to, its well worth you attention.


In contrast, I think this is the first release from the quartet Fusk, although the band members have all been about a bit (so to speak!). The German reed pairing of Rudi Mahall and Philipp Gropper are ably supported by the Danish rhythm of Andreas Lang and Kasper Tom Christiansen. It's interesting to compare Rudi's quirky approach to the bass clarinet with that of Ulrich Drechsler (see above). And if you like Rudi's work with Die Enttauschung and Alex von Schlippenbach, then this album should be right up your street! Good stuff.




Wojtek Mazolewski Quintet: Smells Like Tape Spirit (Mystic)

It has to be a really good album from Poland to get me to play it on Jazz Today, 'cos my pronunciation of Polish names is terrible. Unfortunately (and fortunately), there's a lot of excellent albums emanating from that country of late (....check the Polish Jazz blog). Here's one that I obtained early this year that is still revealing it's secrets. An acoustic set from a musician who appears to have his fingers in many pies. The playing is good, but it's the compositions (by the leader and pianist Joanna Duda) that make this a memorable album.


Caveat lector:


As always, choosing just ten was difficult. On another day, and with Venus rising, one or more of the following might have been in amongst: Dimami: Shadow of a Cloud (Morvin), Francois Corneloup: Noir Lumiere (Innacor), Paul Van Kemenade: Who Is In Charge? (Kemo), Kairos 4tet: Statement of Intent (Edition), Fred Hess Big Band: Into the Open (Alison), Vein: Meets Glenn Ferris (self-released), Giovanni Guidi: We Don't Live Here Anymore (CAM Jazz), Nils Wogram: Listen to Your Woman (NWog), Rich Halley: Requiem for a Pit Viper (Pine Eagle), Musikverein Heillijewald: Call Me Cake (Gligg), Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky: Pieces for String Trio and Trumpet(Leo), Nate Wooley Quintet: (Put Your) Hands Together (Clean Feed).....


Hmmm. Maybe I should start again.....






Sunday 18 December 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: 18th Dec 2011

Empirical: Spitting Them Out from Elements of Truth (Naim)
Eric Watson: Jaded Angels from Jaded Angels (ACT)
Print: Coffee, Please from Live (Great Winds)
Jazz & Fly Fishing: Czech Nymph from Slow Water Walking (Bolage)
Benedickt Jahnel & Das Kaktus 6tett: Simple Suite Part III from Benedickt Jahnel & Das Kaktus 6tett (Embab)
Sonne: Patient from Sonne (WhyPlayJazz)
Emmanuel Bex Trio: Pour Alain from Open Gate (Plus Loin)
Michel Pilz / Bob Degen Quartett: Melusina from Tilly’s Eyes (Jazzhausmusik)
Lafayette Gilchrist: Baltimore’s Belly from The Music According To ...(Hyena)
Trio: Four Nights from Pitch, Rhythm and Consciousness (New Artists)
Print: Memory from Live (Great Winds)
Invisible Change: Part II from Nyktophobie (Jazzhausmusik)
Simon H. Fell: Turn Out the Stars from Frank & Max (Bo Weavil)
Mike Baggetta Quartet: Tonic from Source Material (Fresh Sound New Talent)
Mike Baggetta Quartet: The Winter Moon from Source Material (Fresh Sound New Talent)
Bob Degen: Offside Blues from Jake Remembered (Enja)
Michel Pilz / Bob Degen Quartett: Cascade from Tilly’s Eyes (Jazzhausmusik)

Sunday 4 December 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: Dec 4th 2011


Maurizio Pagnutti Sextet: Bachafillen from Secret Stories (Artesuono)
Antonio Farao Trio: Free Dialog from Domi (Cristal)
Marc Copland / Dave Liebman Duo: Cry Want from Impressions (Hatology)
Fusk: Ein Kopf Kaffe, bitte from Fusk (WhyPlayJazz)
Emmanuel Bex Trio: Danse Romaine 1 from Open Gate (Plus Loin)
Paul Motian: Liza from On Broadway Vol.1 (Winter & Winter)
Liam Noble Group: Waltz from In the Meantime (Basho)
Giuliano Tull Quartet: Boparte from Boparte (Rudi)
Obara Special Quartet: Booby Trap from Four (Ars Cameralis)
Fattigfolket: Barnim Park from Park (Ozella Music)
Andrea Lombardini Broken Band: Noi from Today (db Music)
Denis Colin & la Societe des Arpenteurs: Turkish Women at the Bath from Subject to Live (Le Chant du Monde)
Dave Holland Big Band: Free For All from Overtime (Dare2)
Fusk: November from Fusk (WhyPlayJazz)
Erik Friedlander: Tabatha from Bonebridge (Skipstone)
Dead Cat Bounce: Living the Dream from Chance Episodes (Cuneiform)

Sunday 20 November 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: Nov 20th 2011


Andrew Green: .45 Auto from Narrow Margin (Microphonic)
Sam Crockatt Quartet: The Ridgeway from Flood Tide (Babel)
Enrico Rava Quintet: Incognito from Tribe (ECM)
Vidar Johansen Quartet: Blues for the New Delta from Lost Animals (Jazzland)
Sebastien Jarrousse Sextet: Glen Fiddich from La Nuit des Temps (Such Production)
Angelica Niescier: Untitled from Quite Simply (Enja)
Ulrich Drechsler Cello Quartet: Eternal from Concinnity (Yellowbird)
Ulrich Drechsler: Morning Ritual from Daily Mysteries (Cracked Anegg)
Peer Baierlein Quartet: Song for Mpho from Cycles (DE WERF)
Austin McMahon: Winks from Many Muses Vol. 2 (Fractamodi)
Fattigfolket: Pfaueninsel Park from Park (Ozella Music)
Piero Bittolo Bon: Tomorrow is the Question from Mucho Acustica (Long Song)
Neil Yates: Izabella’s Dream from Five Countries (Edition)
Hamster Axis of the One Click Panther: Emergency from Small Zoo (DE WERF)
Jazz & Fly Fishing: Lahppoluobbal from Slow Walking Water (Bolage)
FAB Trio: Chan Chan from History of Jazz in Reverse (TUM)

Sunday 6 November 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: Nov 6th 2011


Gianni Bardaro Sinestetic Jazz: Scandango from Overflow (Gateway / Jazz Engine)
Rez Abbasi’s Invocation: Nusrat from Suno Suno (Enja)
Nels Cline: Angel of Death from Angelica (Enja)

FAB Trio: One for Don Cherry from History of Jazz in Reverse (TUM)
Bojan Z Tetraband: Natural Ground from Humus (Emarcy)

Olavi Trio & Friends: Old Papa’s Blues from Triologia (TUM)
Backing gig guide – Bojan Z: Ashes to Ashes from Xenophonia (Label Bleu)

Taylor Ho Bynum & Tomas Fujiwara: The Leaning Reflection from True Events (482 Music)

Austin McMahon: L’Uscita from Many Muses Vol. 2 (Fractamodi)
The New World Jazz Composers Octet: Breaking News from Breaking News (Big & Phat Jazz)

Roil: Costume of Melancholy from Frost, Frost (Bo’ Weavil)

Enrico Rava Quintet: Choctaw from Tribe (ECM)
Nels Cline: Maria Alone from Angelica (Enja)

Alan Pasqua / Dave Carpenter / Peter Erskine: Silvana from The Music of Eric von Essen Vol.1 (Cryptogramophone)

The Nice Guy Trio: Caught in Thought from Sidewalks and Alleys / Waking Music (Porto Franco)
Samuel Blaser Quartet: Boundless Suite, Part 1 from Boundless (Hatology)

Saturday 29 October 2011

Jazz Today Online - Autumn 2011


Tomas Ulrich’s Transatlantic Quartet: A New Day from Clear Horizons (Gligg). Tomas Ulrich, cello; Christof Thewes, trombone; Martin ‘Schmiddi’ Schmidt, mandolin; Michael Griener, drums.
Wojtek Mazolewski Quintet: Newcomer from Smells Like Tape Spirit (Mystic Production). Oscar Torok, trumpet; Marek Pospieszalski, saxophone; Joanna Duda, piano; Wojtek Mazolewski, bass; Michal Bryndal, drums.

The Nice Guy Trio: I Can See Infinity from Here from Sidewalks and Alleys / Waking Music (Porto Franco). Darren Johnston, trumpet; Rob Reich, accordion; Daniel Fabricant, bass; Mads Tolling, Anthony Blea, Dina Maccabee and Mark Summer, strings.

Arun Ghosh: Unravel from Primal Odyssey (Camoci). Arun Ghosh, Idris Rahman and Shabaka Hutchings, reeds; Liran Donin, bass; Pat Illingworth, drums.
Admiral Awesome feat. Fredrik Ljungkvist: Fredriks Andra Horna from Admiral Awesome (Gateway Music). Jacob Danielsen and Fredrik Ljungkvist, reeds; Thomas Sejthen, bass; Christian Windfeld, drums.

Erik Friedlander: Transpontine from Bonebridge (Skipstone). Erik Friedlander, cello; Doug Wamble, guitar; Trevor Dunn, bass; Mike Sarin, drums.
Havard Stubo Quartet: Red from Spring Roll Insomnia (Bolage). Knut Riisnaes, saxophone; Havard Stubo, guitar; Torbjorn Zetterberg, bass; Hakon Mjaset Johansen, drums.

Klang: Angles Sing from Other Doors (Allos Documents). James Falzone, clarinet; Jason Adasiewicz, vibraphone; Jason Roebke, bass; Tim Daisy, drums.
Paul Van Kemenade: Who is in Charge? from Who is in Charge? (Kemo). Paul Van Kemenade, saxophone; Ray Anderson, trombone; Frank Mobus, guitar; Ernst Glerum, bass; Han Bennink, drums.

Sunday 23 October 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: Oct 23rd 2011

Moutin Reunion Quartet: Red Moon from Red Moon (Nocturne)
The Nice Guy Trio: I Can See Infinity from Here from Sidewalks and Alleys / Waking Music (Porto Franco)
Darren Johnston’s Gone to Chicago: Black and Tan Fantasy from The Big Lift (Porto Franco)
Gilfema +2: One’s Mind’s Eye from Gilfema +2 (Obliqsound)
Arun Ghosh: Unravel from Primal Odyssey (Camoci)
Neil Yates: Dustfall / Spin the Sky from Five Countries (Edition)
Mikko Innanen & Innkvisitio: Clustrophy from Clustrophy (TUM)
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra & Maria Kannegaard Trio: How Come? from Live in Oslo (MNJ)
Andrew Cyrille & Haitian Fascination:  Hope Springs Eternal from Routes de Freres (TUM)
Angelika Niescier: Bajazzo from Quite Simply (Enja)
The South Trio: Eddies Theme from Elegy for a Raver (Shift)
Nils Wogram Root 70: Listen to Your Woman from Listen to Your Woman (nwog)
Jonathan Bratoeff Quartet: Transition from Mindscapes (F-IRE)
Arun Ghosh: Yerma from Primal Odyssey (Camoci)
Steve Swallow: Item 2 from Damaged in Transit (XtraWATT)

Sunday 9 October 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: Oct 9th 2011

Nils Wogram Septet: Swing Moral from Swing Moral (Enja)
Talking Cows: Ruminating from Dairy Tales (Morvin)
Kairos 4tet: The Calling from Statement of Intent (Edition)
Tim Hagans: First Jazz from The Moon is Waiting (Palmetto)
J.C.Capon Original Quartet: Cors Apres Moi from Capophonie (CC Production)
Richard Galliano & Jean-Charles Capon: Blues Sur Seine from Blues Sur Seine (Label La Lichere)
Admiral Awesome feat. Fredrik Ljungkvist: Different Directions from Admiral Awesome (Gateway Music)
Dimami meets Joost Buis: Givet from Shadow of a Cloud (Morvin)
Dimami meets Joost Buis: Zwalken from Shadow of a Cloud (Morvin)
Nils Wogram Root 70: Erectile Disfunction from Listen To Your Woman (NWOG)
Malcolm Braff: Tied to Tide from Inside (Enja)
Jeb Bishop Trio: 900 from 2009 (Better Animal)
Admiral Awesome feat. Fredrik Ljungkvist: Fredriks Andra Horna from Admiral Awesome (Gateway Music)
Zeno de Rossi Shtik: When We’re Alone from The Manne I Love! (El Gallo Rojo)
Felix Stussi 5 & Ray Anderson: Hit ‘Em With Rhythm from Hieronymus (Effendi)
Martin Fondse & Starvinsky Orkestar: Uncle M. from Fragrant Moondrops (Basta)

Biotone: That Day’s Mood from Unspoken Words (SJ Records)

Sunday 25 September 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: Sept 25th 2011

Jacek Kochan: Under the Circumstances from Monorain (Not Two)
Erik Friedlander: Transpontine from Bonebridge (Skipstone)
Wolfert Brederode Quartet: Inner Dance from Post Scriptum (ECM)
Dead Cat Bounce: Tourvan Confessin’ from Chance Episodes (Cuneiform)
Bebop Trio: Boa from Bebop Trio (Creative Nation Music)
Lorenz Hargassner Quartet: Repeated Behaviour from Vitality (Unit)
Tim Hagans: Ornette’s Waking Dream of a Woman from The Moon is Waiting (Palmetto)
Klang: Memories of You from Other Doors (Allos Documents)
Z Quartett: Stolen Moments from Z Quartett (Le Triton)
Havard Stubo Quartet: Red from Spring Roll Insomnia (Bolage)
Havard Stubo Quartet: 3AM Meltdown from Spring Roll Insomnia (Bolage)
Trio Dolce Vita: La Dolce Vita from Amarcord (Jazzwerkstatt)
Nymo / Haker Flaten / Mjaset Johansen: Rememberance from Play Complete Communion (Bolage)
Malcolm Braff: Berimbau from Inside (Enja)
McCormack & Yarde Duo: Flowers for Japan from Places and Other Spaces (Edition)
Dead Cat Bounce: Food Blogger from Chance Episodes (Cuneiform)
Wollny / Kruse / Schaefer: Phlegma Phighter from [em]II (ACT)
Erik Friedlander: Hanky Panky from Bonebridge (Skipstone)

Sunday 11 September 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: Sun 11th September 2011

Wojtek Mazolewski Quintet: Newcomer (Sunny Take) from Smells Like Tape Spirit (Mystic)

Paul van Kemenade: Who is in Charge? from Who is in Charge? (Kemo)

Aquarium: Shy from Aquarium (Babel)

Michiel Braam’s Wurli Trio: 2 from Non-Functionals! (BBB)

Martin Fondse & Starvinsky Orkestar: Fragrant Moondrops from Fragrant Moondrops (Basta)

Martin Fondse Oktemble: Ejire from Ere Ibeji (BVHaast)
Klang: Stompin’ at the Savoy from Other Doors (Allos Documents)

Tony Overwater Trio & Calefax Reed Quintet: Amad from Ellington Suites (Jazz In Motion)

McCormack & Yarde Duo: D-Town from Places and Other Spaces (Edition)

Spring: Spiff from Spring (ILK)

Ferenc Snetberger: Air from Nomad (Enja)
Rasmus Ehlers: Hey, Open Up from As Played by Ear (Your Favourite)

Wojtek Mazolewski Quintet: Gwiada z Pragi from Smells Like Tape Spirit (Mystic)
Roger Kellaway: Freddie Freeloader from Live at the Jazz Standard (IPO)

Reto Suhner Quartet: Run from Run (Meta)
David Lopato: Wishing Willie Well from Many Moons (Global Coolant)

Paul van Kemenade: Silver Nichols from Who is in Charge? (Kemo)

Sunday 28 August 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: 28th Aug 2011


String Zone: Drop In Meditation from Mystery Bag (Nagel Heyer)
Cool Quartett: Half-Foreground from Cool Quartett Vol. II (SAJ)
Domancich & Goubert: Seagulls of Kristiansund from You Don’t Know What Love Is (Cristal)
Rich Halley Quartet: Maj from Requiem for a Pit Viper (Pine Eagle)
Christian Mendoza Group: Aube from Arbr’-en-Ciel (De Werf)
Musikverein Heillijewald: Ein Widerwartiger Dompfaff from Call Me Cake (Gligg)
Olivier Themines Trio: Le Basilic from Miniatures (Yolk)
Matthieu Donarier: La Chute from Optictopic (Yolk)
Jesper Bodilsen: One of a Kind from Short Stories for Dreamers (Stunt)
Francesco Diodati’s Neko: Kort from Purple Bra (Auand)
Laurent Mignard Pocket Quartet: Constantinoble from Good News (Juste-une-Trace)
Christian Mendoza Group: Arbr’-en-Ciel from Arbr’-en-Ciel (De Werf)
Mike Nock Project: Jazz Elective #2 from Meeting of the Waters (Jazzhead)
Arkana Music: Brooding from Hyprovisation (Self-released)
String Zone: Ballade from Mystery Bag (Nagel Heyer)
Wojtek Mazolewski Quintet: Smells Like Tape Spirit from Smells Like Tape Spirit (Mystic Production)
Aldo Romano: Gush!! from Intervista (Verve)

Sunday 14 August 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: 14th August 2011

People are Machines: D.S from Jazz Getxo (Errabal)

Niels Praestholm & The Gyroscope String Trio: Copenhagen Glide from Precessions (EME)
Dawn of Midi: Laura Lee from First (Accretions)
Eric Hofbauer & The Infrared Band: The Faction from Level (Creative Nation Music)
Tomas Ulrich’s Transatlantic Quartet: A New Day from Clear Horizons (Gligg)
Les Duos Popoliens: Les P’tits Nains from Les Duos Popoliens (Eustache / Plainisphare)
Trio Poursuite: Casa Rosita from Casa Rosita (Eustache)
Sam Crowe: Fall From Grace from Synaesthesia (F-IRE)
Rocking Chair: Anne from 1:1 (Enja Yellowbird)
Didier Levallet Quintet: Inside Movements from Songes, Silences (Sans Bruit)
Satoko Fujii Orchestra New York: Stroll from Eto (Libra)
Satoko Fujii Orchestra New York: Ox from Eto (Libra)
Satoko Fujii Orchestra New York: Tiger from Eto (Libra)
Bastian Stein’s Gravity Point: Quiet Sympathy from Grounded (Double Moon)
Gretchen Parlato: I Can’t Help It from In a Dream (Obliqsound)
Satoko Fujii Min-Yoh Ensemble: Whitewater from Watershed (Libra)
Niels Praestholm & The Gyroscope String Trio: Aga Ie A Gaga from Precessions (EME)
Sam Trapchak’s Put Together Funny: Losing You from Lollipopocalypse (Raw Toast)
Michel Portal: Dolce from Bailador (Emarcy)

Sunday 31 July 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: July 31st 2011

Pascal Schumacher Quartet: Bang My Can from Bang My Can (Enja)

Bassdrumbone: The Blue Light Down the Line from The Other Parade (Clean Feed)

Marty Ehrlich: Scroll No1 from Fables (Tzadik)

Eirik Hegdal with Trondheim Jazz Orchestra: Afromusic from We Are? (Jazzaway)
Silke Eberhard Trio: Lobsters Livelihood from What a Beauty Being (Jazzwerkstatt)

TGB: The Weird Clown (Part 1) from Evil Things (Clean Feed)
TGB: Planet Caravan from Evil Things (Clean Feed)

TGB: Bozzetto’s Song  from Evil Things (Clean Feed)

Peter Zihlmann & TOW Orchestra: Bahnhofstrasse from Tales of the Old World (Unit)
Fiorenzo Bodrato: The Party from Futile Muziek (CMC)

Michel Godard / Franck Tortiller / Patrice Heral: Bourguignone from Ivresses (Yellowbird)

Rick Helzer: The Mentor from Face in the Mirror (Nine Winds)

Denis Badault: L’arbre a Quintes from H3B (Abalone)
Joe Morris’ Wildlife: Game from Traits (Riti)

Ola Kvernberg Trio: Oscar from Folk (Jazzland)

Popol Lavanchy: Le Ver from En Ver et Contre Tout (Plainisphare)
Keith Tippett Octet: From Granite to Wind (excerpt) from From Granite to Wind (Ogun)

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Jazz Today Online - Summer 2011

Walsh Set Trio: Urgent Ape from Set One (Nine Winds). Brian Walsh, clarinet; Colin Burgess, bass; Trevor Anderies, drums.

Julio Resende Trio: Improvisacao (Call It Whatever) from You Taste Like a Song (Clean Feed). Julio Resende, piano; Ole Morten Vagan, bass; Bruno Pedroso, drums.

Bassdrumbone: The Blue Light Down the Line from The Other Parade (Clean Feed). Ray Anderson, trombone; Mark Helias, bass; Gerry Hemingway, drums.

Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky: Forced Landing in Mexico from Pieces for String Trio and Trumpet (Leo). Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky, trumpet; Vladislav Pesin, Dmitry Yakubovsky and Mikhail Degtyarev, strings.

Blacksheep: Perishing Wind from Blacksheep 2 (Doubtmusic). Yoshida Ryuichi, baritone sax; Goto Atsushi, trombone; Suga Dairo piano.
Steiner Raknes: Tango Rachetti from Tangos, Ballads and More (Park Grammofon). John Pal Inderberg, baritone sax; Ola Kvernberg, violin; Steiner Raknes, bass; Hakon Maset Johansen drums.

Peter Scharli Quartet: Calabrian Nights from Jazz at Prague Castle 2010 (Multisonic). Peter Scharli, trumpet; Glenn Ferris, trombone; Hans Feigenwinter, piano; Thomas Durst bass.

Chris Biscoe: J-Yarde from Profiles of Mingus (Trio). Chris Biscoe, alto sax.

Didier Levallet Quintet: Blue Berlin Tango from Songes, Silences (Sans Bruit). Airelle Besson, trumpet; Sylvain Rifflet, clarinet; Jan Vanek, guitar; Didier Levallet bass; Francois Laizeau, drums.

Sunday 3 July 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: 3rd July 2011

Rolf Kuhn & Tri-O: Rollercoaster from Rollercoaster (Jazzwerkstatt)
Michel Portal: Ombres from Bailador (Emarcy)

Fanfareduloup Orchestra: Calbalacrab from Oh! (Labeloup Production)

Bertrand Renaudin: Contemplation from Chateau Rouge (Cristal)

Vein: Travlin’ Bone from Vein Meets Glenn Ferris (Self-produced)

Albatrosh: Albatrosh on Skies from Mystery Orchestra with Grenager & Tafjord (Inner Ear)

Blacksheep: Perishing Wind from Blacksheep 2 (Doubtmusic)

Cargo Cult: I Know from Discovers (CIMP)

Backing gig guide – Bojan Z: Ashes to Ashes from Xenophonia (Label Bleu)

Laurent Mignard Pocket Quartet: Contemplation from Good News (Juste Une Trace)

Rich Halley Quartet: Requiem for a Pit Viper from Requiem for a Pit Viper (Pine Eagle)

Rick Stone Trio: Ballad for Very Sad and Very Tired Lotus Eaters from Fractals (Jazzand)

Vein: Blue Sun from Vein Meets Glenn Ferris (Self-produced)

Peter Scharli Quartet: Calabrian Nights from Jazz at Prague Castle 2010 (Multisonic)

Eric Hofbauer and The Infrared Band: La Ligne de Chance from Level (Creative Nation Music)

Listen: America’s Greatest from Listen (Schmell)

Vicious World: Peach Trees from Plays the Music of Rufus Wainwright (Spinaround)

Michel Portal: Citrus Juice from Bailador (Emarcy)

Sunday 19 June 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: 19th June 2011

SubTrio feat. Paulo Fresu: Line for Lyons from Live at Sting (Dravle)
The Quentin Collins / Brandon Allen Quartet: No Way Jose from What’s It Gonna Be? (Sunlightsquare)
David Lopato: Unrequited Love from Many Moons (Global Coolant)
Die Enttauschung: Rocket in the Pocket from 5 (Intakt)
Anne Mette Iversen: North (Allegro) from Best of the West / Many Places (Brooklyn Jazz Underground)
Michael Vlatkovich: Somehow We Can’t Catch a Glimpse of Our Future in a Passing Train Window from Three3 (Thankyou)
Daniel Erdmann & Francis Le Bras: Double Stupid from Daniel Erdmann & Francis Le Bras (Vents D’Est)
Brice Martin Quartet: Danse des Mirages from Jazz Migration 2007 (Afijma)
Russ Lossing Trio: Caldron from Oracle (Hatology)
Mostly Other People Do the Killing: Round Bottom, Square Top from Forty Fort (Hot Cup)
Ola Kvernberg Trio: Roland from Folk (Jazzland)
Fredar: Heroism from Irukandji (Cam Jazz)
Jesse Stacken: Magnolia from Magnolia (Fresh Sound New Talent)
Jesse Stacken: The Whip from Magnolia (Fresh Sound New Talent)
Eric Boeren 4tet: A Fuzzphony from Song for Tracy the Turtle (Clean Feed)
Trio Chemirani: Dordaneh from Invite (Accords Croises)
Daniel Erdmann & Francis Le Bras: Duo from Daniel Erdmann & Francis Le Bras (Vents D’Est)
The Quentin Collins / Brandon Allen Quartet: Dark Shadows from What’s It Gonna Be? (Sunlightsquare)

Wednesday 1 June 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: June 1st 2010

Fiorenzo Bodrato: Clap Your Hands When You Listen from Main Scream Five (CMC)
Quinsin Nachoff: Bogardus Place from Horizons Ensemble (Musictronic Productions)
Trio Chemirani: Flamenco Mar from Invite (Accords Croises)
Steiner Raknes: Tango Rachetti from Tangos, Ballads and More (Park Grammofon)
Lokomotiv Kanarone: Greatest Hits Revisited from LK2 (CMC)
Giovanni Ceccarelli Trio: The Ever-Changing Sky from Meteores (Bonsai Music)
Sakoto Fujii Ma-Do: Heat Wave from Heat Wave (Not Two)
Gato Libre: Patrol from Kuro (Libra)
Solveig Slettahjell: Precise Content from Tarpan Seasons (Jazzland)
Ideal Bread: As Usual from Transmit (Cuneiform)
John Lindberg’s Tripolar: Send Off from [A]Live at Roulette, NYC (Jazzwerkstatt)
John Lindberg’s Tripolar: Ways from [A]Live at Roulette, NYC (Jazzwerkstatt)
Jørn Øien Trio: It Should Be Obvious from Digging in the Dark (Bolage)
Fredar: Plumpa from Irukandji (CAM Jazz)
Richard Nelson Large Ensemble: Search from Pursuit (Heliotrope)
Alexander von Schlippenbach & Manfred Schoof: Canto Dedicato from Blue Hawk (Jazzwerkstatt)
Fiorenzo Bodrato: Hangover from Act No Strange (CMC)

Wednesday 18 May 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: May 18th 2011

Plunge: Life Lite from Tin Fish Tango (Immersion)
Didier Levallet Quintet: Blue Berlin Tango from Songes, Silences (Sans Bruit)
The Tigers of Love: Genau! from Un Amour Fou (Jazzhausmusik)
Phronesis: Love Song from Alive (Edition)
Walsh Set Trio: Urgent Ape from Set One (Nine Winds)
Bruno Tocanne: Birthday Memorial from 4 New Dreams (Instant Musics)
Roland Neffe: Heavy Line from Vibes Beyond (Jazzhausmusik)
Plunge: Diddlin’ from Tin Fish Tango (Immersion)
James Singleton String Quartet: Foxy Roxy from Gold Bug Crawl (self-released)
Laia Genc’s Liaison Tonique 5: Polyfangastronose from Polyfangastronosia (Jazzhausmusik)
Isabelle Olivier: Wae from My Foolish Harp (Enja Yellowbird)
Keefe Jackson Quartet: Put My Finger On It from Seeing You See (Clean Feed)
John Ruocco: Am I Asking Too Much? from Am I Asking Too Much? (Pirouet)
Bruno Tocanne: Van Gogh from 4 New Dreams (Instant Musics)
Eivind Opsvik: Planned Future from Overseas II (Fresh Sound New Talent)
Blue Lotus: Rainy Day from Blue Lotus (Stunt)
Walsh Set Trio: Blues for Lee Van Cleef from Set One (Nine Winds)
Moholo-Moholo/Pukwana/Dyani/Wright: Ancient Spirit (extract) from Spiritual Knowledge and Grace (Ogun)

Wednesday 4 May 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: May 4th 2011

Chris Biscoe: Boogie Stop Shuffle from Profiles of Mingus (Trio)

Obara Special Quartet: Morph from Four (Ars Cameralis)

Hera: Cefalu from Hera (Multikulti Project)

Chris Biscoe: PSPPH from Profiles of Mingus (Trio)

Chris Biscoe: J-Yarde from Profiles of Mingus (Trio)

Harris Eisenstadt: Now Longer from Canada Day II (Songlines)

L’Orkestre des Pas Perdue: Acetominophene from Maison Douce Maison (Ambiances Magnetiques)

Prysm: Temps Dense from Five (Plus Loin)

Big Air: The Wizard from Big Air (Babel)

Bobo Moreno: 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover from 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (Stunt)

Mats Eilertsen: Night Song from Radio Yonder (Hubro)

Michael Feinberg: Fighting Monsters from With Many Hands (Self-released)

Christophe Schweizer Moonsun: Omen from Cocoa (Unit)

Chris Biscoe: Goodbye Pork Pie Hat from Profiles of Mingus (Trio)

Carlo De Rosa’s Cross Fade: For Otto from Brain Dance (Cuneiform)

Trondheim Jazz Orchestra & Eirik Hegdal: Country from Triads and More (MNJ)

Harris Eisenstadt: To Be from Canada Day II (Songlines)

Tuesday 26 April 2011

Forgotten Gems

Every so often I’ll be dusting off an album that deserves to be better known, in a series called Forgotten Gems. The first of these is a classic from the Hat catalogue....


Urs Blöchlinger Tettet:  Neurotica (Hat Art)

During his lifetime, Swiss saxophonist Urs Blöchlinger recorded in solo, medium and large group settings on labels such as Plainisphare, Unit and Creative Works. He performed with the cream of Swiss jazz talent (such as George Gruntz, Hans Kennel and Peter Schärli) as well as visiting musicians (Carla Bley, Tom Varner). He also wrote music for theatre and film.

Neurotica was recorded by his 7-piece Tettet and released as a double LP on Hat Art in 1984. The band comprised five Swiss musicians, reedsmen Hans Koch and Ruedi Häusermann, pianist Jürg Amman, bassist Thomas Dürst and drummer Dieter Ulrich, plus America trombonist Glenn Ferris.

Nine of the eleven tracks on the recording were written by Urs, with theatrical (!) titles such as King Arthur meets Hanns Eisler in Hollywood. The soloing is first class, and the arrangements appropriately quirky. There is a great energy to the album, and a sense of fun.

Urs took his own life at age 40 in 1995. Neurotica stands as reminder of a fascinating musician and an excellent band. Sadly it has never been released on CD.

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: April 20th 2011

Francesco Diodati’s Neko: Kort from Purple Bra (Auand)
Nate Wooley Quintet: Hands Together from (Put Your) Hands Together (Clean Feed)
Julio Resende Trio: You Taste Like a Song from You Taste Like a Song (Clean Feed)
Hugo Atunes: Anfra from Roll Call (Clean Feed)
R.I.S.S.: House of the Rising Sun from Color & Style (Unit)
Giovanni Maier: Leroy Vinnegar from The Talking Bass (Long Song)
Julio Resende Trio: Improvisacao (Call It Whatever) from You Taste Like a Song (Clean Feed)
Edouard Bineau: Maman Rose from Wared Quartet (Derry Dol)
Cylinder: Skipped Rocks from Cylinder (Clean Feed)
Keefe Jackson Quartet: Eff-time from Seeing You See (Clean Feed)
Ring Ensemble: 5000 miles Away from Ring Ensemble (Enja)
Francesco Diodati’s Neko: Finale Aspettato from Purple Bra (Auand)
Michael Attias: Vitesse de Laumiere from Twines of Colesion (Clean Feed)
Ken Filiano’s Quantum Entanglements: Shinobu from Dreams from a Clown Car (Clean Feed)
Alexey Kruglov: Russian Metaphor from Russian Metaphor (Leo)
Jon Lundbom & Big Five Chord: Faith-Based Initiative from Quavers! (Hot Cup)

Sunday 10 April 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: April 6th 2011

Prysm: Reflexion from Five (Plus Loin)
Giovanni Guidi: We Don’t Live Here Anymore from We Don’t Live Here Anymore (CAM Jazz)
Claudio Cojaniz Trio: Almost, Almost from Romantic Circle (Splasch)
Outhouse & Hilmar Jensson: Long Notes from Straw, Sticks and Bricks (Babel)
Fred Hess Big Band: Sooz Blooz from Into The Open (Alison)
Queen Mab Trio: Spiders Fingers from Thin Air (Stichting Wig)
Paul Williamson Quintet: Raven Hair from Far Away Here (Jazzhead)
Ring Ensemble: Trailer – Traumen, Was Sein Wind from Ring Ensemble (Enja)
Giovanni Guidi: Disturbing the Peace from We Don’t Live Here Anymore (CAM Jazz)
As If 3: Ball Shelly from Klinkklaar (Casco)
Zanotti / Bocchino: My Favourite Things from Jazz al Dente (Bonsai Music)
Gnu Quartet: Carta o Contanti from Jazz al Dente (Bonsai Music)
Marius Neset: Shame Us from Golden Xplosion (Edition)
As If 3: Afternotes from Klinkklaar (Casco)
The Dorf: Spin from Le Record (Leo)
Aquarium: Strangers from Aquarium (Babel)
Patrik Boman Seven Piece Machine: Dog Breath from Patrik Boman Seven Piece Machine (Arietta Discs)

Wednesday 23 March 2011

Jazz Today Playlist - 23rd March 2011

Chris Lightcap’s Bigmouth: The Clutch from Deluxe (Clean Feed)
Simon Nabatov: Low Budget from Roundup (Leo)
Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky: Forced Landing in Mexico from Pieces for String Trio and Trumpet (Leo)
Urs Voegeli Flyout: Shining Lady from Not All Birds Play Be-bop (Meta)
Urs Voegeli Flyout: Tryin’ to Forget Lazy Lady from Not All Birds Play Be-bop (Meta)
Suga Dairo: Hiouki from Plays Shibusashirazu (Cool Fool)
Renza Bo: Amour M from Voronej (Petit Label)
Chris Lightcap’s Bigmouth: Deluxe Version from Deluxe (Clean Feed)
Ingebrigt Haker Flaten Quintet: Green Wood from The Year of the Boar (Jazzland)
Vyacheslav Guyvoronsky: Ballad from Pieces for String Trio and Trumpet (Leo)
Kairos 4tet: The Calling from Statement of Intent (Edition)
Han Bennink Trio: Music for Camping from Parken (ILK)
Bennink / Puglisi  / Glerum: The Peacocks from Laiv (Collectivo Bassesfere)
Patrik Boman Seven Piece Machine: Cyber Sam from Johnny Mob in Deep City (PB7)
Mark Armstrong: Blues for L. E. from Coastbound (MAM)
Exploding Customer: Quoting Frippe from Live at Tampere Jazz Happening (Ayler)

Wednesday 9 March 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: March 9th 2011

Giovanni Maier: Crayon Rouge from The Talking Bass (Long Song)
Daniele D’Agaro Adriatics Orchestra: Oh! from Exotica Domestica (Artesuono)
Rosset / Meyer / Geiger: Tritt O’nuss from What Happened (Unit)
Klang Quadrat: Miss Charles from Roaming (Unit)
Ola Kvernberg Trio: Introduction to.... and Night Driver from Night Driver (Jazzland)
Palsson / Flosason: Stikur from Stikur (Smekkleysa)
Fred Hess Big Band: Home Base from Into the Open (Alison)
Fred Hess Big Band: Sicilienne / Greensleeves from Hold On (Dazzle)
Daniele D’Agaro Adriatics Orchestra: Transition from Exotica Domestica (Artesuono)
Brian Landrus Quartet: Soul and Body from Traverse (Blueland)
Brian Landrus Quartet: Body and Soul from Traverse (Blueland)
Jurg Wickihalder Overseas Quartet: Warm-Up Party from Furioso (Intakt)
Curios: Little Sharks & Baby Dolphins from Closer (Impure)
Michael Formanek: Groogly from Low Profile (Enja)
Michael Feinberg: Temple Tales from With Many Hands (Self-Released)
Ola Kvernberg Trio: All In from Night Driver (Jazzland)
Sylvain Cathala Trio: Black Dance from Moonless (FTM)
Palsson / Flosason: Hvergi from Stikur (Smekkleysa)
Ches Smith & These Arches: Sixteen Bars for Jail from Finally Out of My Hands (Skirl)

Tuesday 1 March 2011

Jazz Today Online - Spring 2011

Francois Corneloup: La Nuit est un Son from Noir Lumiere (Innacor). Francois Corneloup, baritone sax; Helene Labarriere, bass; Simon Goubert, drums.
Suga Dairo: Theme of Inuhime from Suga Dairo Plays Shibusashirazu (Cool Fool). Suga Dairo, piano; Hikaru Toho, bass; Masatsugu Hattori, drums.
Giovanni Maier: Crayon Rouge from The Talking Bass (Long Song). Luca Calabrese, trumpet; Emanuele Parrini, violin; Giovanni Maier, bass; Scott Amendola, drums.
Kairos 4tet: The Calling from Statement of Intent (Edition). Emilia Martensson, vocals; Adam Waldman, sax; Ivo Neame, piano; Jasper Hoiby, bass; Jon Scott, drums.
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra: Glory from Triads and More (Jazzland). Mats Eilertsen, bass.
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra: Eroiki from Triads and More (Jazzland). Joshua Redman, Eirik Hegdal, Stig Forde Aarskog, reeds; Trine Knutsen, flute; Eivind Lonning, trumpet; Stein Villanger, French horn; Erik Johannessen, trombone; Ola Kvernberg, violin; Oyvind Engen, Marianne Baudouin, cellos; Nils Olav Johansen, guitar; Mats Eilertsen, bass, Tor Haugerud, drums.
Ottaedro: Gli Astanti Resistenti from Faggi in Fuga (Collectivo Bassesfere). Abb’ Sarcina, guitar and electric bass; Olivia Bignardi, Daniela Diurisi, reeds; Benny Penazzi, cello; Fabrizio Puglisi, piano; Leo Saracino, drums; Laurent Gehant, sousaphone.
Motif: Paddy Whack from Facienda (Jazzland). Hakon Kornstad, Atle Nymo, reeds; Eivind Lonning, trumpet; Havard Wiik, piano; Petter Vagan, guitar; Mattias Stahl, vibraphone; Ole Morten Vagan, bass; Hakon Mjaset Johansen, drums.

Wednesday 23 February 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: 23rd Feb 2011

The Core: Blues for Alex from Party (Moserobie)
Cortex: Frontal Lobe from Resection (Bolage)
Kif Kif: Honteux from La Descendence de l’Homme (ARFI)
Carsten Daerr & Daniel Erdmann: Psychobraut from Berlin Calling (ACT)
Kairos 4tet: Maybe Next Year from Statement of Intent (Edition)
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra & Eirick Hegdal & Joshua Redman: Walking on Green from Triads and More (MNJ)
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra & Eirick Hegdal & Joshua Redman: Glory from Triads and More (MNJ)
Trondheim Jazz Orchestra & Eirick Hegdal & Joshua Redman: Eroiki from Triads and More (MNJ)
Iain Ballamy’s Anorak: The Worm from More Jazz (Basho)
Rosset / Meyer / Geiger: Die Sau from What Happened (Unit)
Ottaedro: Gli Astante Resistenti from Faggi in Fuga (Collectivo Bassesfere)
The Tigers of Love: To Luno from Un Amour Fou (Jazzhausmusik)
Bennink / Puglisi  / Glerum: African Flower from Laiv (Collectivo Bassesfere)
Kairos 4tet: Philosophy of Futility from Statement of Intent (Edition)
Jason Adasiewicz: Get In There from Sun Rooms (Delmark)
Kif Kif: Veir le Mont from La Descendence de l’Homme (ARFI)
Thierry Marietan: Circevolution from Astargallus (Petit Label)

Saturday 12 February 2011

Jazz Today Playlist: Feb 9th 2011

Ted Sirota’s Rebel Souls: Killa Dilla from Seize the Time (Naim)
Pinton / Kullhammar / Zetterberg / Nordeson: Chantarello from Chant (Clean Feed)
Yo5: Waiting for the Wind from Yo5 (Petit Label)
Thomas Savy: Stones from French Suite (Plus Loin)
Tin Hat: Compay from Foreign Legion (BAG Productions)
Unidentified Flying Orchestra: Trillerpfeife from UFO (Green Deer Music)
Motif: Korean Barbeque Smokeout from Facienda (Jazzland)
Secret Quartet: Time to Evolve from Bloor Street (Edition)
The Microscopic Septet: Friday the 13th from Friday the Thirteenth (Cuneiform)
Motif: Monk Ease from Facienda (Jazzland)
Pinton / Kullhammar / Zetterberg / Nordeson: Soul Samurai from Chant (Clean Feed)
Sylvain Luc: Folklore Imaginaire from Ambre (Dreyfus Jazz)
Ralph Alessi: One Wheeler Will from Cognitive Dissonance (CAM Jazz)
The World According to James: Mr Glam from Lingua Franca (Lamplight)
Vein: Kime from Vein (Meta)
Yoni Kretzmer Trio: Till We Got There from Nevertheless (Hopscotch)
Motif: I Distinctly Heard the Sound of a Mexican Rhythm Combo from Facienda (Jazzland)