Review: WAAN - Echo Echo (Sonar Kollectiv)

WAAN's debut album is out this month as Bart Wirtz (sax) and Emiel van Rijthoven (keys) realize their dream that's been 5 years in the making.

You'll recall 'KinK' and 'Open' from late last year, (see YATM review HERE) and now we've got the other eight tracks to make up the album 'Echo Echo' (so good, they named it twice - Ed. you can say that again).

Strongly recommend checking the bandcamp link below as there's also a video of 'Omi' recorded live in the Eminent Studios.

You may have heard this tracks as tastemakers like DJ Gilles Peterson, Mr. Scruff and our very own Will Sumsuch  have taken these guys to their hearts/DJ booths as it's very modern jazz-funk, like Floating Points, a mellow BadBadNotGood, or a slim Weather Report as yet can bet both Bart and Emiel are big fans of Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter; particularly on a track like 'Chivat' even with its a bit of bruk in it (a track that apparently evolved out of a band jam!) 

And the more you listen to this album, the more you hear (is that 'spray can' percussion on the alt. version of 'Chivat'?) and the better it gets.  Like the jazzy 'Lost', the "out-there" '1974' which they've made sound a bit big band electronic (ohhh, don't you just love the 70s - definitely could be TV theme music with that racing synth) and the funkier 'The Cricketer' that's more Death Wish Herbie in Swinton (where 'The Cricketer' Public House is!) with Jason Swinscoe serving pints.

Talking TV/FIlm themes, 'Frequence' is where they trail the suspect in the mean back streets, at night and it's raining whilst 'Hard Cane Bone' is like a confluence of all that's gone before.

Mixed by Oscar de Jong (he of Kraak & Smack) at Kraak & Smack's studios, its nothing like Kraak & Smaak as there are more likely to be comparisions with other recent albums like Urbs' 'Geheimland' or Conic Rose's 'Heller Tag' [Austria vs Holland vs Germany on three different German labels] but you'll want to get all.  

Sonar Kollectiv's founders, Jazzanova, have recently been on "holiday" with BBE's latest release, review HERE), WAAN, the Dutch for "delusion" fly the flag for modern nu-jazzness that is anything but delusional.

Live Dates:
23.02. – NL, Nijmegen, Brebl
24.02. – NL, Amsterdam, Bimhuis
10.04. – NL, Oosterhout, Theater De Bussel
27.05. – NL, s'Hertogenbosch, Jazz in Duketown 2023

Artist: WAAN

Title: Echo Echo

Release date: 24th February, 2023

Label : Sonar Kolletiv

Catalog Number : SK450D Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Antti Lötjönen's Quintet East - Circus​/​Citadel (We Jazz Records)

For some reason, the second Quintet East album on We Jazz Records sounds even more 60s New York than the elite of the jazz scene Don Cherry/Ornette Coleman/Albert Ayler et al.

Lead by bassist Antti Lötjönen with Verneri “'the Miles Davis of the north”  Pohjola (trumpet), Mikko Innanen and Jussi Kannaste (saxes) and Joonas Riippa (drums) we're talking the top ranked Helsinki jazzers.

The title track, 'Circus/Citadel' comes in three parts. Inspired by a poem by the Romanian-born German-language poet Paul Celan (1920–1970) this explores the idea of “circus” and “citadel” in this confused world we find ourselves in. 

Part II has a jocular circus element in it which is not always evident in the avant-garde jazz genre before Part III gets a bit more experimental without going the full clown; perhaps closer to the Art Ensemble of Chicago at their best.

These 'themes' continue in the other tracks where you can get part melody's from nursery rhythms to hard bop swing; particularly 'Defenestration' – pop goes the weasel as they say.

Alyer's military period gave him a feel of the marching bands which he like to use in the funeral march blues and these guys also dip their musical toes in this citadel on '(for) Better People' which could be a homage and 'It Goes On' that showcases Antti's bass playing.

That said, this is a proper Quintet set of tracks and very We Jazz.

And if you happen to be in Helsinki this summer don't forget the Odysseus Festival on 21-23 July that will include many of your We Jazz favourite acts including the Valtteri Laurell Nonet!

Antti Lötjönen Quintet East LIVE
27.4. April Jazz Festival, Espoo FI (album release gig)
21.7. Odysseus Festival, Helsinki FI
 

Artist: Antti Lötjönen's Quintet East 

Title: Circus/Citadel

Release date: 24^th February, 2023

Label : We Jazz Records

Catalog Number : WJLP44 / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Natalie Duncan - Silver Gun (w/ Lenzman Remix) (Fallen Tree 1Hundred)

If you've recently seen Natalie Duncan at any of her recent live gigs (and no doubt, gigs in the future) you'll recognise 'Silver Gun' as one of her stand out tracks that showcase her vocal talents; having been compared to Nina Simone and Alicia Keys in the past.  

In truth, on 'Silver Gun' she sounds more like Natalie Duncan with a production that's like a tight Cinematic Orchestra. And on that subject, many readers with a good memory will recall the name of drummer Richard Spaven who has worked with Incognito, Robert Mitchell 3iO, Tom Mason, Deborah Jordan, Phil France (Cinematic Orchestra) and loads more.  Apparently it was his drum styling that focused Natalie on her inner "Radiohead" to produce 'Silver Gun!  

And on the subject of drums, the single comes with the Lenzman d'n'b remix (vocal and instrumental versons); it is Goldie's label after all.  Based in the Netherlands, he's said to specializes in the soulful end of the D'n'B genre and Natalie's voice and piano remain prominent in the mix.  

Getting back to the original version, must also mention the rest of the band, being Alan Mian (bass), Laurence Jepson (synths/programming), Rashaan Brown (guitar) together with producer/engineer, Chris Hewitt.

Last year we had the single 'Found Myself' with a remix by Tru-Thoughts' WheelUP so this keeps up the momentum for a new album.

Artist: Natalie Duncan

Title: Silver Gun (w/ Lenzman Remix)  EP

Release date: 24th February, 2023

Label: Fallen Tree 1 Hundred

Cat. No: FT1H020

Format: Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Maxine Scott x Alf.E - Guard Down (Ramrock Blue Records)

Wow! Ramrock Blue Records are red hot with superstar Maxine Scott.  

Once more, the new release with beats maestro Alf.E is a perfect expression of modern love issues as 'Guard Down' follows the equally youthful, 'Ya Energy' and 'SXC' (all beloved of BBC 6 Music, FACE FM and other high quality radio stations worldwide).

'Guard Down' is arguably the most 'open' Ms. Scott has been lyrically on the three collaborations with Alf.E so far and therefore, most touching/emotional - get the cover artwork?

The only problem with these kids today (Ed. I feel a soapbox coming on) is why, oh why are these tracks so short?  I really don't get it!  If they can concentrate for 2 hours for "beats and instrumentals to help block out distraction" but over 3 minutes! (check out BBC Sounds' 'Focus Beats' which is apparently the in-thing at DJ school these days!)

Anyway, back to 'Guard Down', there are vocal and instrumental versions and watch out and in the future, there's more collaborations as she's a dance orientated session with producer  Andrew Sant, a solo track as part of the Black Science Orchestra's 30th Anniversary and a live gig at London's Jazz Cafe - life is moving fast for this young lady, let's hope she doesn't let her guard down.

Artist: Maxine Scott x Alf.E

Title: Guard Down

Release date: 24th February, 2023

Label: Ramrock Blue Records

Cat. No: RRB016

Format: Digital

Review: Gecko Turner - Somebody From Badajoz (Lovemonk)

What the hell! It's been over five years since Gecko Turner's 'That Place, By The Thing With The Cool Name' and over ten since 'Gone Down South'!

So it's about time the world had a new album by the multi-instrumentalist talent that is, 'Somebody From Badajoz'.

These 11 tracks are very him as 'Lovemonk' drenched soul Afro-Cuban Latin funk that touches the beach and dancefloor.  

At one extreme, he can play the radio pop-funk charts with 'Ain't No Fun Preachin' to the Choir' to the playa del Río, 'De balde'.

And if you've had a heavy Saturday, 'Little Dose' is a perfect Sunday morning pick me up, it's that good it's ideal for future Paul Hillery 'Children Of The Sun' compilation.

What's so great about Grecko is that he's just fantastic as whatever he puts his mind to, I can't believe he's sad, ('Am I Sad?) and what a happy clappy climax 'End Of The World (if Armageddon is coming, this is the one to go out on).

If you're into the Heavenly Sweetness / Pura Vida Sounds / Soundway Records, this is one for you; get it now before all his old remix mates start bangin' on his door.

Artist: Gecko Turner

Title: Somebody From Badajoz

Release date: 24th February, 2023

Label: Lovemonk Records 

Cat. No: LMNK74

Format:  LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

FlyGlobalMusic's Damian Raferty reviewed Gecko's second album, 'Chandalismo Ilustrado' back in 2006.

Review: Dizzy Gillespie - The Real Thing (BBE Music)

Dizzy Gillespie will always be remembered for developing bebop (along with Charlie Parker) and introducing Afro-Cuban/Latin style into jazz in the late 40s.  But what was he doing in the early 70s? 

There's two album released on Perception Records, 'The Real Thing' and 'Portrait Of Jenny' that are both being re-issued on BBE on 17th February.

'The Real Thing' features a regular companion James Moody (ts) along with Mike Longo (p), Eric Gale (gtr), Phil Upchurch (b) and Candy Finch (d).

Longo, best known for his '900 Shares Of The Blues' album of jazz-funk-fusion wrote most of the material including the club classic 'Matrix' which Longo included on his own album a couple of years later on Mainstream Records.

But this is more than a one hit album as the very next track 'Alligator' is another sort after on the Mo' Mod Jazz scene and whilst all the musicians are brilliant, what was Eric Gale on?  Whatever it was, this is definitely some of his best work.

'Closer' is a rare vocal track in the gospel swing of things before 'Soul Kiss' gets Even Mo' Mod with the benefit of Nate Edmonds' big organ sound and Dizzy being very 60s interproative/experimental (this guy was in his 50s at the time!)

Could the b-side be as good with an cover of 'Summertime' and a tracks called, 'High On A Cloud', 'Let Me Outta Here' and 'Ding A Ling'?  We'll, it's far more relaxed and showcases the bands love of the blues, especially on the longest track on the album, 'Let Me Outta Here' and the more upbeat 'Ding A Ling.

Once more, thanks to BBE for diggin' this one (in more ways than one) and getting it Dizzy to the wider audience it and he deserves.

See review of 'Portrait Of Jenny' HERE.

Artist: Dizzy Gillespie feat. James Moody

Title: The Real Thing

Release date: 17th February, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE659 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Dizzy Gillespie - Portrait Of Jenny (BBE Music)

Dizzy Gillespie will always be remembered for developing bebop (along with Charlie Parker) and introducing Afro-Cuban/Latin style into jazz in the late 40s. But what was he doing in the early 70s?

Well, there are two lesser known albums that were released on Perception Records, 'The Real Thing' and 'Portrait Of Jenny'; and both have been re-issued on BBE on 17th February.

'Portrait Of Jenny' features the 'svengali' of 'The Real Thing', Mike Longo (p) but the rest of the band have changed with the Gonzalez Brothers, Andrew (b) and Jerry (congas) together with Gillespie's collaborator of over 30 years, the master of Afro-Cuban congas, Carlos Valdes.

Longo, shines again with the 12 minutes of 'Me 'n Them' but there's just brilliant Latin post-bop funky spiritual jazz with the other 3 tracks.

You'd be hard pressed to have a favourite when 'Olinga' is for you're trumpet head, 'Diddy Wa Diddy (Mozambique)' satisfys your dancing groove (along with Me 'n Them) and the finger lickin' guitar of George Davis on the soul-jazz of 'Timet'.

Once more, thanks to BBE for diggin' this one (in more ways than one) and getting it Dizzy to the wider audience it and he deserves.

See review of 'The Real Thing' HERE.

Artist: Dizzy Gillespie 

Title: Portrait Of Jenny

Release date: 17th February, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE660 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Black Ivory – Baby, Won't You Change Your Mind (BBE Music)

After less than 30 seconds of hearing the title track you'll be asking yourselves, "why have we not heard of these guys?"

Hot on the heals of their 'Don't Turn Around' earlier album (more of which below), here's the second installment of the Patrick Adams and Leroy Burgess (that would go on to be The Universal Robot Band whose monster hit 'Barely Breaking Even' that BBE take their name) why aren't they as well know as The Detroit Spinners, The Temptations, The Dramatics or any other 70s male vocal group called 'The' something.

We'll it's still a question that we'll never know the answer to as these must thave been the tracks that didn't make the first album but there's no let up in quality on this 8 track album [Ed. not 8-track!] with the one bonus track. 

Again, it's all about the vocal harmonies, the soul, the big string productions along with featuring future mega stars as Vince Montana on vibes and drummer Larry Blackmon (later of Cameo).

The tracks fit the 'formula' of the time (perhaps that why they got 'overlooked') but this was when soul, disco, big ballards ('Baby Won't You Change Your Mind' and 'It's Time To Say Goodbye') so that whatever they did is pure gold like, 'Just Leave Me Some', the Northern Soul of 'Push Comes To Shove' (great work by Vince) and even the 'sugary' 'Time Is Love' and 'Spinning Around' seem to have some balls; very nice last song slowee material. 

'One Way Ticket To Loveland', 'No If's And's, Or But's' and 'Wishful Thinkin' could all have been 'hits' as Adams and Burgess were briming full of ideas and talent which they more show here and indeed, went onto prove in their subsequent careers. 

Perception released two albums by the group under their sub label project run by Adams, Today Records (the other being 'Don't Turn Around' also from in 1972 that's being re-issue by BBE on the same day, see review 'HERE') and fifty years on they sound as beaautiful now as they did them.

Artist: Black Ivory

Title: Don't Turn Around 

Release date: 17 January, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE704 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Black Ivory - Don't Turn Around (BBE Music)

After less than 30 seconds of hearing the title track of this album, you'll be asking yourselves, "why have we not heard of these guys?"

We'll that is unless you've been hanging onto your BBE 7" from 2012 thinking, 'I Keep Asking You Questions', when are we going to get a Black Ivory album orignally released on Perception Records in 1972 (Ed. can you stop keep asking us questions now?)

What's even more baffling is that as the initial incarnation of Patrick Adams and Leroy Burgess (that would go on to be The Universal Robot Band whose monster hit 'Barely Breaking Even' that BBE take their name) why aren't they as well know as The Detroit Spinners, The Temptations, The Dramatics or any other 70s male vocal group called 'The' something?

We'll it's beyond me as this is all about the vocal harmonies, the soul, the big string productions along with featuring future mega stars as Vince Montana on vibes and drummer Larry Blackmon (later of Cameo).

The tracks fit the 'formula' of the time (perhaps that why they got 'overlooked') but this was when soul, disco, big ballards were what you did and every track is pure gold from the longing of 'You & I' to 'I Keep Asking You Questions' and the then future funky, 'Our Future'.

There's some tracks that are a bit sugary (but not 'I'll Find A Way' or 'She Said That She's Leaving') and at the other extreme, 'Surrender' sounds like their tribute to the Jackson 5!

That said, Adams and Burgess were briming full of talent which they more show here and, indeed, proved in their subsequent careers. 

Perception released two albums by the group under their sub label project run by Adams, Today Records (the other being 'Baby, Won't You Change Your Mind' also from 1972 that's being re-issue by BBE on the same day, see review 'HERE') and fifty years on they sound as beaautiful now as they did them.

Artist: Black Ivory

Title: Don't Turn Around 

Release date: 17 January, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE704 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp 

Review: Julius Brockington - The United Chair (BBE Music)

If your sitting comfortably.... then I'll begin.

If you've just got to grips with the keyboard whiz that is Julius Brockington from his album 'Sophisicated Funk' (review HERE) that's largely cover versions of tracks made famous by others like Isaac Hayes ('Do Your Thing'), Stevie Wonder ('If You Really Love Me'), Al Green ('Let's Stay Together') and Aretha Franklin ('Rock Steady') then this album is a bit of a shock.

'Sophisicated Funk'  was released in 1972 but  a year later for 'The United Chair', label head Patrick Adams, obviously saw something in Brockington's composition 'Cold Water' to give him a free funk reign over the seven tracks here.

Once more the cover does not give any incling as to what's on the inside but prepare yourself for some pre-beat gospel soul funk that's spacey and rocks, particularly  'BALT, Wash. EXP' and classic, 'Fourty Nine Reasons'.

'Fourty Nine Reasons' is the track that the diggers search for at nearly 8 minutes long.  Ironically, the one track not written by Brockington himself but his Alto saxophonist and flautist, Steve Turner who, along with Gerry Langston (guitar), Jim Wilson (trumpet), Ralph Fisher (drums), Marcel Turner (bass) and Julius (organ, piano and synth) produce an individual funky sound which is another reason the two albums are so different.

There's unusual funk tunes like 'Lost Tribe', 'In The Back Of The Churchyard' (sounds like it could have been a TV theme for a Blackploitation Father Brown) or 'Gettin' Into It' (The Clangers go to funky town - watch out for the Soup Dragon)

It's a lot less Brian Auger than it's predecessor and more soul/R'n'B, perhaps he needed a Julie Discoll/Oblivion Express to make the charts although 'Jaded Jackie' is more mainstream soul-jazz instrumental [hey, it was released as a 45 single in the US with 'In The Back Of The Churchyard' - hope you find one in the bargain bins]

If you had to pick just the one album betwen 'Sophisticated Funk' and 'The United Chair' that would be a very difficult choice but as they've been re-issued on the same day by BBE, it'd be rude to to get and enjoy both of them and marvel at the talent of Mr Brockington.

Artist: Julius Brockington

Title: The United Chair 

Release date: 17th February, 2023

Label : BBE Music

Catalog Number : BBE658 LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp