Jazz

  • Gonçalo Almeida/Rodrigo Amado/Marco Franco – The Attic

    Don’t be fooled by the inconspicuous lineup: Gonçalo Almeida on double bass, Rodrigo Amado performing tenor saxophone and Marco Franco on drums. This is no dusty, old-school jazz record. The Attic moves at a feverish clip. Featuring three extraordinary players, recorded live, this is a state-of-the-art free jazz album. Almeida, Amado and Franco are renowned…

  • Astral Spirits Batch 13

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    After my less-than-subtle attempt to kick-start an Elevator Bath fan club, it might surprise you to see my focus shift back to Austin, Texas less than a month later. But a new collection of recordings from the remarkable cassette label Astral Spirits has forced my hand. “The New Wave of Heavy Free Jazz and other…

  • George Hadow/Dirk Serries – Outermission

    If there were such a thing as minimalist jazz, it could fairly be said that drummer George Hadow and guitarist Dirk Serries have come close to perfecting the subgenre. The duo’s new album, which drops on Raw Tonk Records July 7, is a staggering, conscious-raising, zig-when-you-thought-they’d-zag winner. To describe this disc as minimalist has more…

  • Extemporize – Capital

    If you had any doubts about the relevance of jazz music in 2017, this project from London, England will set you straight. Extemporize’s Capital, released in May, is an absolute cracker. These 13 polished, impossibly groovy tracks are proof positive that nujazz is an art form to be reckoned with. Led by drummer Mark Heaney…

  • Kamasi Washington – Truth

    My money’s on Kamasi Washington to go down as one of the great jazz artists of our time. Decades from now, he will be recognized as a key 21st century follower of Miles, Coltrane and the rest of them. I’m also betting you didn’t hear that here first. His triple-album solo debut The Epic deserved…