Sonic explorations and research from the outer groove
Style: Free Jazz
Vibe: Hypnotic, Ritualistic, Driving, Intertwined, Fire, Mystical, Powerful, Complex
Musical Qualities: Ostinato, Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Acoustic, Repetitive, Polyphonic, Rhythmic
Instrumentation: Alto Saxophone, Cello, Trumpet, Drums, Flute
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Cathartic, Transcendent, Triumphant, Passionate, Intense, Chaotic, Powerful, Adventure, Searching, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dense, Dynamic, Complex, Acoustic, Thematic, Dissonant, Technical
Style: Dream Folk, Jazz-Folk, Warped Americana
Vibes: Warm Melancholy, Springtime Reflection, Rootsy, Early Afternoons in the Garden, Dreamy, Intertwined, Heartfelt
Musical Qualities: Lush; Improvised Arrangements; Studio-as-an-Instrument, Melodic, Vocal Fx
Instrumentation: Banjo, Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Flute, Acoustic Bass, Synthesizers, Piano
Style: Free Folk, Mystical Americana, Drone, Free Improvisation, Post-Rock
Vibe: Weary, Hopeful, Rustic, Communal, Spiritual, Ragged, Eerie, Melancholy, Deconstructed, Hypnotic, Communal, Haunting, Raw, Suspenseful, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Lo-Fi, Atmospheric, Droney, Group Vocals, Dub FX
Instrumentation: Electric Guitars, Vibraphone, Flute, Drums, Violin, Cello, Clarinet, Saxophone, Banjo, Melodica, Sitar, Electronics, Turntable, Keyboards, Trumpet, Electric Bass
Style: Cosmic Jazz Fusion, Avant-Garde Big Band
Vibe: Mysterious, Elegant, Hypnotic, Nocturnal, Cosmic, Futuristic, Spacey, Ethereal, Groovy, Mellow, Flowing
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Atmospheric, Collective Improvisation, Thematic, Polyphonic, Odd Time Signatures, Melodic, Progressive
Instrumentation: Fender Rhodes, Synthesizers (Arp, Minimoog, Crumar Electronic Keyboard), Organ, Piano, Bells, electric Guitar, Drums, Percussion, Group Vocals, Trumpet, Saxophone, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Congo, Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet, Upright Bass
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Slowcore, Alt-Country, Loner Folk
Vibe: Existential, Warm, Morning, Spiritual, Deadpan, Peaceful, Poetic, Introspective, Lonely, Melancholy, Mellow, Contemplative, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Slow, Lo-fi, Lush, Soft, Sparse, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Pedal Steel, Piano, Hammond Organ, Guitar, Trumpet, Drums, Drum Machine, Hurdy Gurdy, French Horn
Style: American Primitivism, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Raga
Vibe: Mystical, Nature, Open, Passionate, Pastoral, Peaceful, Airy, Contemplative, Earthy, Impressionistic, Meditative, Morning, Spring, Spiritual,
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Indian-Influenced, Sparse, Technical
Style: American Primitivism, Acoustic Blues, Folk
Vibe: Meditative, Loner, Morning, Rustic, Spring, Spiritual, Pastoral, Bittersweet, Hypnotic, inspiration, Melancholy, Nature, Raw, Warm
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Technical, Fingerstyle, Instrumental, Sparse, Progressive
Style: Psych-Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Spiritual Jazz, Afrobeat
Vibe: Sunny, Mysterious, Triumphant, Groovy, Serpentine, Psychedelic, Warm, Spiritual, Ancient, Cosmic, Eclectic, Energetic, Mystical, Retro-Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Rhythmic, Percussive, Thematic, Polyphonic, Suite
Style: Cosmic Jazz
Vibe: Cosmic, Mysterious, Chaotic, Epic, Futuristic, Imaginative, Suspenseful, Ominous, Spacey, Surreal, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Dynamic, Collective Improvisation, Dissonant, Atonal, Progressive, Free
Style: Gnawa, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Ceremonial, Hypnotic, Communal, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Uplifting, Serpentine, Warm, Desert, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Repetitive, Chants, Improvisation, Microtonal
Instrumentation: Guimbri, Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Group Vocals, Clapping
Style: Jazz Fusion, Avant-Garde Jazz, Baião
Vibe: Warm, Passionate, Spiritual, Eclectic, Groovy, Energetic, Tropical, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Complex
Style: Free-Psych, Ritual Folk, New Weird Americana
Vibe: Ceremonial, Communal, Hallucinogenic, Mysterious, Amorphous, Earthy, Cathartic, Primal, Murky, Ritualistic, Surreal
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Lo-fi, Free-Form, Atmospheric, Dissonant, Group Vocals, Repetitive, Chants, Percussive
Style: Organic Beat Music, Spiritual Jazz, Cosmic Folk
Vibe: Intertwined, Hypnotic, Earthy, Warm, Spiritual, Cosmic
Musical Qualities: Polyrhythmic, Percussive, Acoustic, Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Beats
Instrumentation: Clarinet, Keyboards, Piano, Drum Machine, Percussion, Cornet, Upright Bass, Pocket Trumpet
Style: Afro-Jazz, Post-Bop
Vibe: Warm, Communal, Groovy, Spiritual, Sunny, Dance
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Improvisation, Melodic
Style: Chamber Folk, Spiritual Folk, English Folk
Vibe: Mystical, Medieval, Warm, Spring, Intimate, Mellow, Morning, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Progressive
Instrumentation: Organ, Banjo, Acoustic Guitar, Dulcitar, Recorder, Electric Bass, Washboard, Drum, Bongos, Tambourine, Cello, Indian Hand Organ
Recorded in Tokyo with regular collaborators Gary Peacock and Benny Maupin, plus amazing local pianist Hideo Ichikawa, “Have You Heard?” is an interesting & exploratory record from master drummer Jack DeJohnette. Two shorter cuts of nocturnal modal-jazz bookend a pair of longer, abstract pieces that recall the “modern creative” improvisations coming out of Chicago.
Recommended for fans of Miles Davis’ Nefertiti as well as the works of Art Ensemble of Chicago
Style: Post-Hardcore, Art Rock, Folk-Influenced
Vibe: Spiritual, Poetic, Angsty, Introspective, Psychedelic, Energetic, Autumnal, Passionate, Sombre
Themes: Existential, Religious (Christian), Personal, Allegory, Symbolic, Philosophical
Musical Qualities: Spoken Word, Shouting, Groovy, Lush, Dense, Dynamic, Progressive
Style: Folk-Blues
Vibe: Spiritual, Brooding, Angsty, Longing, Passionate, Religious, Rustic, Depressive
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Bluesy, Lo-fi, Solo
Style: Americana, Country Soul, Singer/Songwriter, Folk Rock
Vibe: Warm, Introspective, Existential, Rustic, Mystical, Reflective, Uplifting, Christian
Musical Qualities: Lush, Melodic, Lyrical
Style: Ambient Pop, Progressive Pop (LP1), Ambient (LP2)
Vibe: Ethereal, Introspective, Sombre, Sentimental, Spiritual, Winter, Lush, Meditative, Longing, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Progressive, Polyphonic, Polyrhythmic, Polished, Ballads
Style: Freeform Psych, Krautrock, Space Ambient
Vibe: Ancient, Mysterious, Surreal, Exploratory, Cosmic, Spiritual, Warm, Psychedelic, Cathartic, Hypnotic, Amorphous
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Atmospheric, Loose, Improvisation, Dynamic, Crescendo, Percussive
These guys are my favorite American Rock band. Every album they’ve released explores different sides of rock, folk, experimental and psychedelic music in such a natural, unforced way that my mind usually envisions them jamming by a campfire in the woods. What’s even better is I imagine I’m there with them singing along and worshipping the great creative spirit that inspires their music. There’s such an unpretentious, inclusive sense of community and spirituality in their music that I can’t help but feel welcomed and embraced into the family.
Style: World Fusion, Spiritual Jazz, Avant-Folk
Influences: Raga, Brazilian Folk, Minimalism, Turkish Folk, African Music
Vibe: Utopian, Communal, Spiritual, Warm, Hindu, Hypnotic, Colorful, Meditative, Sunny, Uplifting, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Percussive, Acoustic, Polyrhythmic
Style: Future Jazz, Organic Beat Music, Jazz Rap, Collage Pop
Vibe: Triumphant, Spiritual, Quilted, Poetic, Communal, Conscious, Christian
Musical Qualities: Sound Collage, Vignettes, Sampling, Beats, Rapping, Spoken Word, Rhythmic, Polished, Loops
Style: Cosmic Folk, Caribbean Folk
Vibe: Mystical, Tropical, Poetic, Cosmic, Earthy, Ecletic, Intertwined, Groovy, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Percussive, Polyrhythmic, Repetitive, Dense, Technical, Polished
Instrumentation: Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Vocals, Electric Bass
Style: Creative Music, Future Jazz, Organic Beat Music, Pan-Americana, Art Pop
Vibe: Romantic, Sci-Fi, Determined, Triumphant, Colorful, Eclectic, Communal, Futuristic, Groovy, Rootsy, Spiritual, Warm
Musical Qualities: Thematic, Polyphonic, Percussive, Polyrythmic, Percussive, Improvisation, Electro-Acoustic, Progressive
Style: Free Jazz
Vibe: Powerful, Energetic, Cosmic, Kinetic, Driving
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Acoustic, Instrumental
Instrumentation: Upright Bass, Sitar (w/ Electronics), Drums, Saxophone
Style: Experimental Hip-Hop
Vibe: Futuristic, Mellow, Aquatic, Brooding, Cryptic, Haunting, Liberation, Philosophical, Poetic, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Sombre, Sci-Fi
Musical Qualities: Rap, Vocal Manipulations, Glitchy, Sampling, Digital, Spoken Word, Catchy, Suite, Percussive, Sound Collage
Style: Psychedelic / Chamber Folk
Vibe: Pastoral, Spiritual, Sentimental, Haunting, Medieval, Spring, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Progressive, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Flutes (Kaval, Recorder), Hurdy Gurdy, Drums, Piano, Tanpura, Analogue Synthesizers, Electric Guitar, Tympani, Vibes
Style: Neoclassical Darkwave, Symphonic Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Moods/Vibe: Cathartic, Brooding, Sombre, Mystical, Epic, Ominous, Motorik, Spiritual, Cinematic, Powerful, Mourning, Funereal
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Driving, Lush, Dense
Style: Drone Rock, Post-Rock
Vibe: Meditative, Desert, Hypnotic, Soothing, Spiritual, Western, Lethargic, Determined, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Slow, Riffs, Repetition, Improvisation, Minimalistic, Instrumental
Style: Afro-Caribbean Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Protest, Political, Intense, Propulsive, Conscious, Energetic, Groovy, Hypnotic, Passionate, Rebellious, Spiritual, Powerful, Tropical, Conceptual
Musical Qualities: Dense, Polyphonic, Rhythmic, Improvisation, Spoken Word, Percussive
Style: Ecstatic Chamber Music, Kosmische, Neoclassical New Age
Vibe: Spiritual, Ethereal, Mystical, Meditative, Mysterious, Soothing, Peaceful, Mellow, Ritualistic, Sentimental, Religious (Christian), Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Chamber Arrangements, Atmospheric, Melodic, Suite
Instrumentation: Harpsichord, Piano, Electric Guitar, Oboe, Tanpura, Hymnal Vocals, Violin
Style: Experimental Rock, Post Rock
Vibe: Cathartic, Visceral, Spiritual, Brooding, Shadowy, Apocalyptic, Ritualistic, Suspenseful, Climactic, Dark, Powerful, Heavy, Cryptic, Philosophical, Surreal, Epic, Hypnotic, Sombre, Meditative, Mysterious, Monolithic, Longing, Existential, Disorienting
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Repetitive, Dense, Crescendo, Rhythmic, Droney
Style: Space Rock, Canterbury Scene, Prog, Jazz-Rock
Vibes: Eccentric, Surreal, Playful, Epic, Psychedelic, Theatric, Energetic, Spiritual, Conceptual, Energetic
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Complex, Driving, Technical
Style: Avant-Garde Big Band, Spiritual Jazz, Vocal Jazz (A2)
Vibe: Spiritual, Communal, Epic, Passionate, Active Listening, Energetic, Religious, Triumphant
Musical Qualities: Polyphonic, Complex, Dense, Acoustic, Thematic, Improvisation, Melodic, Technical, Orchestral
Style: Cosmic Blues, Jazz Fusion, Spiritual Jazz, Abstract Groove
Vibe: Cathartic, Kinetic, Energized, Exploratory, Cosmic, Spiritual, Propulsive
Musical Qualities: Power Trio, Collective Improvisation, Rhythmic, Dynamic, Loose, Instrumental, Ostinato
Style: Ritual Folk, Drone
Vibe: Ancient, Forest, Meditative, Ritualistic, Intimate, Devotional, Earthy, Nature, Autumnal, Contemplative
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Field Recordings, Drone, Atmospheric, Sparse, Suite
Style: Avant-Garde Jazz, Chamber Jazz, Modern Creative Music
Vibe: Intertwined, Open, Patient, Flowing, Noir, Suspenseful, Spiritual, Communal, Abstract
Musical Qualities: Poly-Free Improvisation, Polyphonic, Acoustic, Complex, Instrumental, Dynamic
Instrumentation: Trumpet (muted), Harp, Vibraphone, Upright Bass, Clarinet, Trombone, Wooden Flute, Drums, Saxophone, Flugelhorn
Style: Ecstatic Minimalism, New Age, Drone
Vibe: Spiritual, Meditative, Heavenly, Cosmic, Hypnotic, Mystical, Longing, Intertwined
Musial Attributes: Just Intonation, Instrumental, Minimalistic, Repetitive, Suite, Improvisation, Drone
Instrumentation: Yamaha YC-45D Organ with multiple digital delay channels for live layering & interactions
Style: Roots Reggae, Dub
Vibe: Spiritual, Warm, Apocalyptic, Hypnotic, Groovy, Summer, Tropical, Religious, Passionate, Psychedelic, Peaceful, Soothing, Laid Back, Aquatic
Musical Qualities: Studio-as-an-Instrument, Rhythmic, Melodic, Lo-fi, Slow
Style: Black Classical Music, Spiritual Jazz, Organic Beat Music
Vibe: Kinetic, Spiritual, Playful, Groovy, Exploratory, Elegant, Intertwined, Retro, Loose
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Percussive, Acoustic, Rhythmic, Dubbed Out
Style: Free Jazz, Spiritual Jazz, Post-Bop
Vibe: Mysterious, Nocturnal, Adventure, Spiritual, Communal, Eclectic, Epic, Meditative
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Improvisation, Progressive, Thematic
Style: American Primitvism, Ambient Blues, Solo Electric Guitar
Vibe: Meditative, Longing, Spiritual, Pastoral, Loose, Kinetic
Musical Qualities: Improvisation, Dissonance, Instrumental, Sparse
Style: Hardcore Boom-Bap, Experimental Hip-Hop
Vibe: Gritty, Cerebral, Ominous, Futuristic, Restrained, Cryptic, Spiritual, Storytelling, Urban, Powerful
Musical Qualities: Beats, Sampling, Rhythmic
Style: Kosmische Musik, Prog, Space Rock, Progressive Electronic
Vibe: Cosmic, Ethereal, Aquatic, Groovy, Exploratory, Hypnotic, Meditative, Hallucinogenic, Spiritual, Futuristic
Musical Qualities: Progressive, Suite, Raga, Headphone Album, Raga, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Dense
Lyrics: Conceptual, Egyptian Book of the Dead, Spiritual, Philosophical
Style: Ecstatic Folk-Jazz, Devotionals
Vibe: Communal, Spiritual, Ritualistic, Uplifting, Earthy, Intertwined, Mystical, Religious, Warm
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Chants, Collective Improvisation, Percussive
Released in 2021 on Lion Productions Recorded 1977, Archival Release Format: LP, includes 12-page 12″ booklet Style: British Folk, Psych … More
Style: Organic Beat Music, Instrumental Hip-Hop
Vibe: Hypnotic, Lush, Spiritual, Mellow, Nocturnal, Warm, Eclectic
Musical Qualities: Beats, Sampling, Suite, Percussive, Rhythmic, Vignettes
Style: Experimental Songwriter, Spiritual Folk, Avant-Folk, Outsider Folk
Vibe: Spiritual, Adventure, Alienation, Cathartic, Cryptic, Eccentric, Existential, Loner, Poetic, Psychedelic, Storytelling, Tribal, Tropical, Warm
Musical Qualities: Homemade Instruments, Acoustic, One Man Band, Percussive, Spoken Word, Progressive
Style: Free Folk, Cosmic Appalachia, Ambient Folk, Healing Music
Vibe: hypnotic, amorphous, confident, cosmic, dreamy, earthy, ethereal, existential, exploratory, forest, warm, spiritual, spontaneous, soothing, psychedelic, passionate, nature, meditative, hallucinogenic
Musical Qualities: Suite, Electro-Acoustic, Studio-as-an-instrument, Loops, Home Recording, Progressive, Field Recordings
Style: Psychedelic Chamber Music, Kosmische Musik, Ritual-Folk, Global Fusion
Vibe: Spiritual, Meditative, Communal, Psychedelic, Earthy, Forest, Ritualistic, Tribal
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Atmospheric, Chamber, Droney, Raga, Percussive, Chants
Instrumentation: Oboe, Keyboards, Conga, Acoustic Guitar, Bamboo Flute
Style: Ambient Pop, Jazz Folk, Singer/Songwriter, New Age
Vibe: Uplifting, Ethereal, Eclectic, Passionate, Spiritual, Spring, Lush, Melodic, Joyful
Style: Avant Chamber-Jazz, Vocal Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Ritualistic, Poetic, Complex, Hypnotic, Nocturnal, Passionate, Mellow
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Thematic Improvisation, Rhythmic, Chamber, Percussive
Style: Neo-Psychedelia, Art Rock Vibe: Restless, Eclectic, Energetic, Anthemic, Introspective, Spiritual Musical Attributes: Riffs, Melodic, Dense, Percussive
Style: Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Joyful, Passionate, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Love, Colorful, Communal, Cosmic, Earthy, Energetic, Groovy
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Chants, Africa-Influenced, India-Influenced, Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Percussive
Style: Ritual Folk, Dhrupad, Free Folk
Vibe: Meditative, Mysterious, Psychedelic, Spiritual, Earthy, Hypnotic
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Drone, Improvisation, Instrumental, Repetitive, Raga
Style: Country-Soul, Americana, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Passionate, Rootsy, Rural, Spiritual, Triumphant, Uplifting, Warm, Contemplative, Introspective
Musical Attributes: Lush, Lyrical
Lyrical Themes: Existential, Christian
Style: Appalachian Folk, Folk Blues, American Primitive Guitar
Vibe: Bittersweet, Rural, Spiritual, Intimate, Pastoral, Warm, Rootsy
Musical Attributes: Acoustic Fingerstyle, Solo Performance, Sparse, Technical
Style: Progressive Acid-Folk, Ritual-Folk, Psych-Rock
Moods: Sombre, Earthy, Ritualistic, Psychedelic, Brooding, Exploratory, Mysterious, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Progressive, Acoustic, Percussive, Rhythmic, Complex, Dynamic
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Cosmic, Loose, Passionate, Spiritual, Uplifting, Energetic,
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Acoustic, Thematic, Extended Techniques, Vocals, Chants
Style: Spiritual Jazz Fusion, Orchestral Jazz
Vibe: Cosmic, Epic, Religious (Hindu), Mysterious, Complex, Passionate, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Technical, Orchestral
Style: Psychedelic Trance Music, Avant-Jazz, Creative Music, Post-Minimalism
Influences: Gnawa, Spiritual Jazz, Raga, Kosmische Musik
Vibe: Earthy, Hypnotic, Meditative, Cosmic, Psychedelic, Ritualistic, Spiritual, Tribal
Musical Attributes: Polyrhythmic, Acoustic, Minimalistic, Improvisation, Percussive, Instrumental
Style: Soul Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Uplifting, Joyful, Anthemic, Communal, Groovy, Spiritual, Spring
Musical Attributes: Complex, Improvisation (Chordal), Rhythmic, Technical, Thematic
Instrumentation: Piano, Upright Bass, Trumpet, Saxophone (Tenor), Flute, Drums, Trombone
Style: Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Cosmic, Passionate, Spiritual, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Improvisation (Thematic & Collective), Loose, Percussive
Style: Spiritual Folk, Psychedelic Chamber Music, Kosmische, New Age
Vibe: Ritualistic, Religious (Hindu), Hypnotic, Spiritual, Tribal
Musical Attributes Acoustic, Percussive, Raga-Influenced, Chants
Style: Psychedelic Minimalism, Post-Minimalism, Ritual Folk
Vibe: Ritualistic, Hallucinogenic, Hypnotic, Earthy, Primal, Psychedelic, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Electro-Acoustic, Loops, Minimalistic, Sampling
Instrumentation: Manipulated Vocals, Flute, Synthesizer (Moog), Drum Samples, Vibraphone
Style: Ambient Pop, Free Folk, New Age
Vibe: Cosmic, Dreamy, Earthy, Ethereal, Lethargic, Meditative, Mystical, Passionate, Ritualistic, Soothing, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Droney, Slow
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Ritualistic, Spiritual, Triumphant, Uplifting, Warm, Cathartic, Communal, Cosmic, Energetic, Intense, Passionate
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Acoustic, Live, Polyphonic, Percussive, Multiple Drummers
Style: Psych Rock, Kosmische-Influenced
Vibe: Introspective, Mystical, Spiritual, Confident, Conscious, Existential, Hypnotic, Motorik, Psychedelic, Uplifting
Style: South African Jazz, Spiritual Jazz, Progressive Jazz
Vibe: Conscious, Intense, Ritualistic, Cathartic
Lyrical Themes: History, Politics, Death, Spirituality
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Complex, Spoken Word, Technical
Style: Progressive Pop, Synth Pop, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Colorful, Epic, Existential, Imaginative, Spiritual, Catchy, Love
Musical Attributes: Dense, Melodic, Lush, Polished, Progressive
While the luminescent drones and angelic simulacra of Deepak Verbera expanded out into the cosmos, Botany’s newest LP feels more rooted in the soil of our material reality. The bass heavy beats and impassioned vocal samples inspire movement and action rather than contemplation alone, not to say the results aren’t heady. Rich tapestries of resonant acoustic instruments (harps, flutes, percussion, strings), woozy synths, and warm tape hiss are as intricate as ever and easy to lose (or find?) yourself in. Recommended to fans of Flying Lotus’ Until the Quiet Comes, Boards of Canada, and Alice Coltrane.
Style: Raga-Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Spiritual, Peaceful, Uplifting
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Improvisation, Instrumental, Indian-Influenced, Technical
Style: Free Jazz, Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Abstract, Active Listening, Chaotic, Energetic, Raw, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Improvisation (Collective, Thematic, Free), Live, Lo-Fi, Instrumental, Acoustic
Style: Free Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz
Vibe: Triumphant, Energetic, Epic, Exploratory, Loose, Spiritual, Suspenseful, Angular, Chaotic
Musical Attributes: Polyphonic, Progressive, Complex, Dissonant, Dynamic, Technical, Acoustic, Improvisation (Collective, Thematic), Instrumental
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Black Liberation Music, Vocal Jazz
Vibe: Triumphant, Uplifting, Conscious, Groovy, Passionate, Poetic, Cathartic, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Dynamic, Acoustic, Progressive, Rhythmic, Technical, Melodic, Complex
Style: Psychedelic Funk, Conscious Hip-Hop, Soul
Vibe: Conscious, Groovy, Retro-Futuristic, Passionate, Philosophical, Political, Psychedelic, Uplifting, Urban, Eclectic
Musical Attributes: Groovy, Rhythmic, Lush, Melodic, Complex, Sampling, Lyrical
Style: Experimental Singer-Songwriter, Soul Blues, Psychedelic Soul
Vibe: Imaginative, Bluesy, Cathartic, Conscious, Cosmic, Spiritual, Heartfelt, Passionate, Psychedelic, Rootsy, Bittersweet, Poetic
Lyrical Themes: Existential, Afro-Futurism, History, Racism, Reflective
Musical Attributes: Atmospheric, Lyrical, Improvisation, Raw, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Vocals, Piano, Synthesizers, Keyboards, Saxophone, Trombone, Percussion
One can only imagine how Ayler bringing more commercial styles like R&B, Rock, and Gospel into his avant-garde music messed with critics and fans alike when it came out—the way it looked like commercial pandering to the Free Jazz listeners but was probably still too weird for new listeners. It helps to remember that Ayler came from R&B and went straight to the Free Spiritual Jazz of the early 60s, making Jazz critics highly skeptical skeptical by not climbing the bebop ranks like Coltrane before plunging into freedom. On New Grass, Ayler really started to synthesize the spiritual elements of many forms of Great Black Music, making more accessible music not as a way of selling out, but a way of sharing his beautiful spiritual message and sound with a wider audience. Plus this thing has Bernard Purdie on drums so of course it slaps.
If you dig this LP, I think he succeeded in this sound direction even more on his following albums Love Cry and Music is the Healing Force of the Universe. Albert Ayler was a pure soul that left this world too soon, grateful for the gifts of music and wisdom he left behind.
Style: Raga-Jazz, Hindustani Classical Music
Vibe: Passionate, Spiritual, Energetic, Focused, Meditative, Peaceful
Musical Attributes: Improvisation, Acoustic, Instrumental, Technical
Style: Collage-Pop, Glitch-Folk, Plunderphonics
Vibe: Surreal, Psychedelic, Peaceful, Cerebral, Meditative, Philosophical, Spiritual, Uplifting, Warm, Playful, Hallucinogenic
Musical Attributes: Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Melodic, Sound Collage, Vocal Manipulation
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Passionate, Spiritual, Exploratory, Triumphant,
Musical Attributes: Complex, Modal, Thematic, Acoustic, Live, Improvisation, Dynamic, Instrumental
Style: Spiritual Jazz
Vibe: Warm, Spiritual, Groovy
Musical Attributes: Melodic, Improvisation, Acoustic (Upright Bass, Drums, Flute/Saxophone)
Style: East Coast Hip-Hop, Boom Bap, Jazz Rap
Vibe: Conscious, Uplifting, Groovy, Confident, Urban
Lyrics/Themes: Philosophical, Political, Black Pride, Racism, Spiritual, Islam
Musical Attributes: Lyrical, Sampling, Beats, Turntables, Live Instrumentation (Rhodes, Electric Bass)
Style: Abstract Funk, Jazz Fusion, Spiritual Jazz
Lineup: Eddie Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Bennie Maupin, Lenny White, Billy Hart, Buster Williams, Pat Gleeson
Vibe: Cosmic, Exploratory, Groovy, Atmospheric, Spacey, Spiritual
Musical Attributes: Collective Improvisation, Polyrhythmic, Odd Time Signatures, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Spiritual Jazz, Free Jazz
Vibe: Communal, Earthy, Energetic, Hypnotic, Intense, Loose, Mystical, Passionate, Spiritual, Tribal, Uplifting, Warm, Dance
Musical Attributes: Acoustic, Complex, Collective Improvisation, Percussive, Dense, Thematic, Suite
An obscure release from the great creative label ESP-Disk, containing exploratory, mysterious and playful improvisations from The Sea Ensemble—the husband/wife duo of Zusaan Fasteau and Donald Rafael Garrett. While they are both trained musicians and multi-instrumentalists, an uninhibited childish spirit permeates this release, as can be seen in Donald’s crude but visionary cover drawing; Yet the recording also feels imbued with ancient wisdom, as heard in their primal and instinctive vocalizations throughout the album
These communal sound rituals express a digital-era longing to reconnect to the Earth. The grooves here are circular and ceremonial, not rooted to any specific musical traditions but borrowing from many, including cosmic jazz, kosmische musik and undoubtedly inspired by Holden’s collaboration with legendary Gnawa musician Maleem Mahmoud Ghania. Drums and percussion ground the proceedings while muscular sequencer and fiery saxophone arpeggiations hypnotically intertwine. The sounds of fluttering recorder and modular synthesizer swirl through the air like offerings to the cosmos.
Recommended for fans of The Comet is Coming, Tonto’s Exploding Head Band, Maleem Mahmoud Ghania & Pharoah Sander’s Trance of Seven Colors, Natural Information Society, Colin Stetson
Released in 2017 on Drag City Records Format: LP Review “The world wants an oath but all you can say … More
Irreversible Entanglements follows up the scathing fire music of their debut with regenerative and ritualistic earth music. “Who Sent You?”, is a record that looks not only to the violent “rhythms of oppression”, past and present, that need to be burnt to the ground, but to a future built from the ashes of these unjust systems. Irreversible Entanglements are simply one of the most powerful bands in existence, building their symbiotic improvisations with fervent passion, hypnotic rhythm, and urgent truths.
Released in 1973 on Impulse! Records Format: LP
Originally released in 1972 on Impulse! Records Superior Viaduct reissue (2018) Format: LP
Released in 1977 on Impulse Records Recorded September 2, 1965 Format: LP
Released in 2018 on Sublime Frequencies Format: LP
Released in 2014 on Svart Records Recorded 2011 Format: LP
Released in 2011 on Constellation Records Format: 10″x2
Released in 2019 on 33-33 Records Format: LP Style: Free-Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Experimental Rock Influences: Arabic Folk Music, Free Improvisation, … More
The second Radio Gnome transmission finds Zero the Hero astral projecting to PlanetGong where he meets with Selene the Moon Goddess and the Octave Doctors to learn the infinite powers of their lovewisdom vibrations. This psychedelic journey brings together fantastical imagery of pothead pixies and flying teapots (and a dose of hippy hedonism) with heady spiritual concepts delivered in a quite fun and silly way, but even before digging into the concept I was immediately grabbed by their unique style spacey jazz-rock with its propulsive bass lines, immersive synthesizer atmospheres and serpentine soprano sax soloing.
No Food Just Wax 