Kamasi Washington and his band The Next Step, pick up where their forefathers and mothers left off by making spiritual jazz that respects the jazz canon without getting stuck in the past. This album ranges from free to groovy to melodic without losing sight of its mission. The inclusion of such a large band, an orchestra, a choir, and even a turntablist allows an infinite, colorful array of tonal and dynamic possibilities.
Kamasi Washington – The Epic Read More »
Abstract fusion grooves, driving hard bop, and spacious modal jazz with horn overdubs and spacey synthesizers.
Joe Henderson – Black is the Color Read More »
Album Information: Released in 1978 on ECM Records Recorded November 1977 at Talent Studio, Oslo Engineered by Jan Erik Kongshaug Cover by Don Leavitt Produced by Manfred Eicher Format: LP, promo copy Recommended Track: B1 – Ghost Dance
John Abercrombie – Characters Read More »
While living in London I had an apartment with a small garden. During he summer around 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning, just as the day began, Birds would gather here one by one and sing together, each declaring its freedom in song. It is my wish to share the same spirit with other musicians and communicate it to the people. -Dave Holland
Dave Holland Quartet – Conference of the Birds Read More »
Czech bassist Miroslav crafts some flashy jazz funk with Herbie Hancock, percussionist Airto Moreira, vocalists Cheryl Grainger & Onike, and rotating drummers James Gadson and Jack DeJohnette (Gadson for the funkier/disco oriented tracks and DeJohnette on the fewer more psychedelic cuts). Thanks to generous synth overdubbing by Miroslav and Herbie, each track is incredibly spacey and great for a headphone listen.
Miroslav Vitous – Magical Shepherd Read More »
Album Information: Released on Milestone Records in 1972
McCoy Tyner – Sahara Read More »
Album Information: Released in 2009 on Downtown Music Exposion originally released in 2008 and is included as a bonus LP Origin: Austin, TX Format: LPx2
White Denim – Fits/Exposion Read More »
Shakti means “Creative Intelligence, Beauty & Power” and trust me, these are all in abundance on these devotional jazz ragas. Featuring John McLaughlin joined by a quartet of Indian master musicians, this album is a blissfully uplifting and meditative release.
Shakti – Shakti with John McLaughlin Read More »
In this energizing exploration of Hindustani classical music from a jazz perspective, John McLaughlin joins a virtuosic trio of Indian musicians who inspire some of the most impassioned and impressive playing of his career. His acoustic guitar shredding veers close to the bendy sounds of the sitar and fits nicely with the dense web of percussion created by Vikku Vinayakram and Zakir Hussain. Violinist Lakshiminarayana Shankar’s emotive themes and fiery solos make him a perfect foil to McLaughlin.
Shakti – Natural Elements Read More »
A psychedelic, transcendent fusion of hip-hop, jazz, prog, and IDM meant to simulate the cosmic experience of death. Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat, Herbie Hancock, Kamasi Washington, Snoop Dogg, and others..,
Flying Lotus – You’re Dead Read More »
Guitar-genius Mdou Moctar visits Portland, Oregon from his home country of Niger to record a hypnotic solo album of desert folk sung in Tamasheq. Most songs consist of intricate fingerstyle acoustic guitar with occasional electric guitar overdubs to accent the melodies.
Mdou Moctar – Sousoume Tamache Read More »
Soft Machine’s second album is an eclectic suite packed full of whimsical psychedelia, Dadaist detours, complex prog structures and jazz-inspired musicianship.
Soft Machine – Volume Two Read More »
Style: American Primitive Guitar, Folk
Moods: Joyful, Warm, Playful, Summer, Contemplative, Rootsy, Pastoral, Nature, Loner
Musical Qualities: Solo, Acoustic, Fingerstyle, Instrumental, Technical
Leo Kottke – 6 & 12-String Guitar Read More »
