Review: Various Artists - The Jazz Room Vol. 2 compiled by Paul Murphy (BBE Music)

It seems more than apropriate that one of the most influence DJs in UK jazz history, that's Paul Murphy, picks a track by a band called Jazz Carnival (named after Azimuth's international hit) when news of the passing of Azimuth's drummer, Ivan "Mamão" Conti, reaches us as this compilation is released. 

And in keeping with influences, from Paul's own Jazz Room label, there's the brilliant Take Vibe 'take' of the Stranglers' 'Golden Brown' [and if you didn't know better, you'd swear it was Dave Brubeck: and worth tracking down the video which prooves it.  

Then there's Daniel Crawford's 'Water No Get Enemy' (the Fela Kuti 'standard') and the France's Florian Pellissier Quintet doing Harold McNair's classic 'The Hipster' [and they've done a cover of 'Jazz Carnival' in past!].  

But the intention of the compilation was that it was more of a DJ's musical support so it's packed with great tracks from old tracks like Clare Fischer's 'African Flutes' to The Stance Brothers or modern jazz dance ambassador, Chip Wickham.  

Paul can do no wrong in my book [so I'm biased], but there's absolutly nothing wrong with any of the tracks on this album so it's very recommended. 

Artist: Various Artists

Title: The Jazz Room Vol. 2 compiled by Paul Murphy

Release date: 5th May, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE678 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp