From the late 80s to the beginning of the 00s, I’ve been lucky to be able to visit the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival each year. There are so many precious moments to remember. Visits to founder Claude Nobs‘ chalet high above Lake Geneva, sipping cocktails and beer with such luminaries as George Benson, Andrae Crouch,…
Latest in the Blue Note 180g Reissue Vinyl series is a 1968 recording by trumpet master Lee Morgan. The album is issued in a gatefold sleeve with original liner notes by Leonard Feather. Already reissued for a CD release in 1996, with production by Michael Cuscuna, this new version was mastered by Kevin Gray from…
An album about ghosts, desire, and nostalgia. That’s singer Cécile McLorin Salvant‘s latest and first for the Warner label Nonesuch Records, to be released this Friday. On vinyl too! “Ghost Song” features seven new compositions and five surprising interpretations of well-known, and not so well-known songs. There is amazing variety on this, clearly her best…
It seems like Detroit-based singer Kathy Kosins is all over the place since the release of her still brillliant album “Uncovered Soul”. Whether it’s the A list of Jazz FM London or the constant ranking on several Billboard charts, this lady can’t be stopped. Much applauded for her duet with Frank McComb on last year’s…
It’s finally here on vinyl: singer Judi Jackson‘s brilliant “Grace”. The Virginia-born singer, who now resides in London, could be heard on albums by Snarky Puppy, Ashley Henry, and Greg Spero, released an EP in 2017 and a live album in 2018, comes up now with an album of songs which were recorded between 2019…
In September 2021, Israeli trumpeter Avishai Cohen went into the studio at La Buissonne in France to record his fifth album for the Munich-based ECM Records, after “Into The Silence” (2016), “Cross My Palm With Silver” (2017), “Playing The Room”, a duo album with pianist Yonathan Avishai (2019), and “Big Vicious” (2020). This fifth one…
Alternative soul/jazz trio Moonchild from Los Angeles just released their fifth album, and fourth for the UK-based independent Tru Thoughts Records. The double-LP comes in a gatefold cover with all credits and lyrics and more or less is a continuation of their now established sound. There is still the breathy, overdubbed vocal style of singer…
Another much sought-after Brazilian soul release from the late 70s has seen the light of day again, thanks to the beautiful people of Mad About Records in Portugal. A track from this gem was featured on the “Too Slow To Disco Brazil” compilation, put together by Ed Motta. Don Beto, originally from Uruguay, was only…
Brian Jackson is back. The keyboardist, flautist, singer, composer, and producer, probably best known for his collaborative work with the immortal Gil Scott-Heron, will release a new album in May. In the 70s, they both worked on their unique melange of jazz, soul, and blues with lyrical content reflecting the social and political problems of…
Back in 2010, Bahamian soul/jazz singer Brettina (Brettina Lorena Robinson) released her debut album which includes the still thrilling “Bahamian Girl”. She’s back now after so many years with a version of her track “Simple Pleasures”, produced by Bluey of Incognito. The song comes to life (again) with this match made in heaven. The pairing…