Review: Matthew Halsall continues to serve as a true devotee of spiritual jazz in the UK with his stellar new album An Ever Changing View. Restlessly prolific and drawing from a seemingly bottomless well of ideas, Halsall approached this record as a reset of sorts, affording himself freedom to explore sound in all aspects. The end result remains true to his velvet-smooth approach, delivering understated instrumental flourishes around delicate grooves to make for the gentlest of access points for the labyrinthe halls of jazz, but as ever there's much nuance and complexity bedded into these delicate compositions to yield new discoveries over repeated listens.
Review: Described as "one of New York City's most in-demand guitarists", Mary Halvorson adds new dimensions to her Amaryllis sextet on About Ghosts, expanding the lineup with saxophonists Immanuel Wilkins and Brian Settles across five of its eight new compositions. Out via Nonesuch, the LP was written in late 2023 and hears Halvorson layering dense horn arrangements and unexpected timbres into an otherwise well-established audio apparatus. Addressing a cabinet of friends and guests, she also notably folds in throughout an overdubbed synth bed, using a Pocket Piano gifted by a childhood friend. Produced and mixed by John Dieterich of Deerhoof, the album builds on the direction set by Amaryllis, Belladonna and Cloudward, foregrounding Halvorson's fascination with structural friction, sly detours and collaborative elasticity.
Watermelon Man (CD1: Omaha Civic Auditorium music Hall, Omaha, Ne, 17th November 1975 Kjso-FM)
Hang Up Your Hang-Ups
Steppin' In It
Bubbles
Shkere
Heartbeat
DJ Intro/Chameleon (CD2: Ivanhoe Theater, Chicago, Il, 16th February 1977 Wxrt-FM)
Hang Up Your Hang-Ups
Maiden Voyage
It Remains To Be Seen
Review: This double CD showcases two live radio broadcasts from jazz hero Herbie Hancock, and each one was recorded two years apart. The first disc features the early Headhunters lineup delivering dynamic jazz-funk with tracks from Manchild and a fresh take on the classic 'Watermelon Man.' The second disc highlights the skills of Jaco Pastorius on bass, and he is joined by James Levi in a tight rhythm section. Herbie Hancock and Bennie Maupin lead with powerful performances including an electrifying version of 'Chameleon.' Together, these recordings capture Hancock's innovative mid-seventies jazz-funk sound in all their glory.
Review: Hailing from Norway, Hedvig Mollestad is renowned for her ability to bridge the worlds of jazz and heavy rock with a fierce, improvisational spirit. The trio, which has been at the heart of her sound since its inception, is back with their latest offering after a four-year hiatus, following the release of Ding Dong. This time, there's a palpable sense of urgency and creative freedom. Tracks like 'Bees In The Bonnet' and 'Under The Velvet Sky' highlight their complex interplay, weaving intricate structures with fiery, riff-heavy moments. The trio's chemistry, cultivated over years of touring and writing together, has only deepened, with an infectious energy that resonates throughout the release. Mollestad's sharp, commanding guitar work remains a focal point, as she effortlessly fuses influences from jazz legends to the weighty riffs of metal pioneers.
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