Review: Pauli Lyytinen - Lehto / Korpi (We Jazz Records)

We Jazz Records never cease to promote exceptional jazz and in the case of Pauli Lyytinen's 'Lehto / Korpi' it so happens to feature the natural environment of Finland.

There's a strong yin and yang going on here musically with 'Letho' Parts I-V and 'Korpi' Parts I-IV except the solo sax piece, 'Letho IV'.

It's said that this album is heavily influenced by 'free jazzer', Evan Parker's 'With Birds' album and there's a great 'connection' with birds (electronic or real) on 'Letho II' and 'Korpi III' but 'Letho V' is a great match of sax and ENO-esque electronics.

Other tracks have more for a choral backing reminiscent of Jan Garbarek's project improvising with the Hilliard Ensemble and then at other times, there's the controlled 'honk' of a Peter Brötzmann (al la Canadian geese).

For those into Nordic Noir, 'Korpi IV' is proper light and (dark)shade drama that the cover artwork represents.

And talking of the former Roxy Music keyboards/synth man, it's great to see/hear that it's not only ambient 'founder' ENO (with his 'EarthPercent' charity) is flying the flag, there's jazz ambient projects as far as Okinawa, Japan (as present by former BBC Radio 3 jazzman, Nic Luscombe, see introduction HERE) 

After a long weekend at the WeOutHere Festival, in the middle of nowhere in the very large grounds of a country house, 'Lehto / Korpi' is the back-to-natural that you now get at home.

Artist: Pauli Lyytinen 
Title:  Lehto / Korpi 
Release date: 30th August, 2024
Label : We Jazz Records
Catalog Number : WJLP59

Format: LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Katrin-Merili - Beautiful Things EP (Independent)

'Beautiful Things' is not the obvious nu-sou-jazz pop release from Paris based Estonian, Katrin-Merili.

One for fans old soul, your Moonchild's of late, possibly Allysha Joy (see review HERE) or even Kyra (see review HERE).

The 5 track EP which she co-produced with Sacha Arnaud which has found her touching some personal events in her life including her Mum's cancer diagnosis and long distance love ('Hold My Body') but don't get the impression that this is dark Nordic-noir soul; if anything, quite the opposite.

'Beautiful Things' and 'Girl In The Mirror' are reflective with a positive outlook that reminded me of Corrine Baby Rae who I recently saw at the WeOutHere Festival (Corrine is 45 now you know!)

'Overjoyed' jets a little more jazz keys (Katrin-Merili has worked with Roy Ayers) and the radio plays will come from 'Hold My Body' and my favourite 'Dangerous'.

Definitely one to look out for.   And by coincidence, talking WeOutHere, there was a lot of talk about Gilles Peterson's interview with Chris 'The Rhythm Doctor' Long (currently resident in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn), Jerry Dammers (caught watching Johnny 'reggae legend' Clarke the day after his brilliant set) and the 'LP Livicate EP' (see review HERE) - now that's pretty "Worldwide" so why not Katrin-Merili at next years' festival?

Artist: Katrin-Merili

Title: Beautiful Things EP

Release date: 30th August, 2024

Label: Independent

Cat. No: -

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Erdi Irmak - Roshomon / The Sun (Be Adult Music)

Hot after their 8th Birthday Party, Be Adult Music is growing up fast with Erdi Irmak's 'Roshomon' EP with remixes by Serious Dancers and MRSFLV.

In fact, Erdi's track 'Easy Now' was undated for the 8th Anniversary compilation (see review HERE) but there's original of 'Roshomon' (with MRSFLV remix) and 'The Sun' (with Serious Dancers remix).

But can these Serious Dancers be serious and both versions are as kaleidoscopic as the artwork and dancefloor heat guaranteed.

We know MRSFLV from 'Beatiful Others' (see review HERE) and the sounds of the Far East get speeded up for this beautiful 'I Can't Stand The Rain' temple of a track.

What a month it has been for BAM fans, as it started with  Midnight Workouts' 'Losing Me' (original with remixes Nikos Diamantopoulos, Mauro B, St.Ego) (see review HERE) and ending with this one.

'The Sun' is definitely shining on these guys.

Artist: Erdi Irmak

Title: Roshomon (Original with remixes by Serious Dancers & MRSFLV)

Release date: 29th August, 2024

Label: Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAM376

Format: Digital / Bandcamp.

Review: New King - Summer Sun EP (Original Vocal + D.Foe Remix) (Ramrock Red Records)

Any sun kings out there beware, there's a New King in town and about to be crowned!

Of course, a summer season can't pass without a summer sound coming out of Ramrock's HQ and 'Summer Sun' is it.

Dreamy and hot, the original is the one for the airwaves whilst the D.Foe takes it all the way to a Balearic dub pillow for some late nite swaying .

New King are Rob Clydesdale and Mark Daniels from D.Foe, featuring the "amazingly ethereal vocalist" Noah and guitarist Ruben Campos.

And this is just the start for New King as I'm told there's another two EPs to follow shortly.

Artist: New King

Title: Summer Sun EP  ( Original Vocal + D.Foe Remix ) 

Release date: 23rd August, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR065

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Babon - Desert Rose / TNT (Batov Records)

Batov Records continues to release excellent nuggets on 7" and here's another one,  Desert Rose' / 'TNT' by Babon.

Slipping from the Middle East heartland, Babon are a duo based in Indonesia with Wahyudi T. Raupp (drums) and multi-instrumentalist Rayi Raditia.

'Desert Rose' is a great oasis of twisted Afro-funk-reggae and 'TNT' is the explosive B side which they call "Tropical Desert Music'.

Very different to Bolbec's 'Victime De l'aube' Eastern Grooves base (see review HERE) or is it?

Artist: Babon

Title:  Desert Rose / TNT 

Release date: 23th August, 2024

Label: Batov Records 

Cat. No: BTR101

Format:  7" Vinyl [500 copies only] / Digital / Bandcamp

Review: Midnight Workouts, Nash La Musica - Losing Me feat. Eva Essa (Be Adult Roots)

This comes as a little unexpected as Nash La Musica gets to mix Midnight Workouts' 'Losing Me' that features Eva Essa.

This comes out after Be Adult Music started with Midnight Workouts' 'Losing Me' (original with remixes Nikos Diamantopoulos, Mauro B,St.Ego (see review HERE) and now it's been supplemented with sister label, Be Adult Roots delivering this 3-track alternative.

Nash La Musica have  done Afro and a 3-step remixes with the bonus of Ms. Essa's acapella.

Trust me this release is a cool and dignified as the cover artwork and if you're in the business of warming up, this is class above and must have.

Note: As chosen by Will Sumsuch to start his months' Colour & Pitch Sessions mix (see below)

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - August 2024

Artist: Midnight Workouts

Title: Losing Me feat. Eva Essa ( Nash La Musica mixes )

Release date: 21st August, 2024

Label: Be Adult Music

Catalog Number: BAR016

Format: Digital / Bandcamp.

Review: The Jennifer Ewan Band - Space Girl (Ramrock Red Records)

On the space ship we find the high flyin' The Jennifer Ewan Band who has us in orbit with 'Space Girl'.

Nearly a year to the day that we found out 'Something Ain’t Right' on the EP by The Jennifer Ewan Band as it was our introduction to Celtic Cajun on the Clyde estuary banked by the Louisana bayou (see review HERE).

With an accent as strong as Susan Calman/Val Mcdermid (for the avoidance of doubt, that's a good thing), Ms. Ewan gives this tremendous swagger as we get the blast off.  

Be prepared for the instrument too with full accordion swing-a-long for Cajun and Zydeco types.

If you're in the Highlands for some golf or holidays, the band have been supporting Bill Bailey this summer and can be regularly seen at Edinburgh's Jazz Bar with their 'Bonnie Bayou' show and as part of the Fringe Festival.

Wonder if these guys could do a cover of 'Sea Cruise'?

Artist: The Jennifer Ewan Band 

Title: Space Girl

Release date: 19th August, 2024

Label: Ramrock Red Records

Cat. No: RRR064

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Halo feat. Maiya – Glory (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remixes) (Foliage)

As it's summer, I've found myself enticed into watching 'The Hundred' but thankfully the good guys at Foliage are still on the ball with their 99th release, 'Glory'!

With a deep dreamy house mix by the Aartist Atjazz, we're bouncing and looking up to the celestial galaxy.  The repeated dramatic piano chord and vocal give the feeling that there's danger in them dark skies and redemption all at the same time.

And as good as the original vocal is, you're going to love the instrumental version as that'll keep you on your toes too!

Great news for DJs as there's also a radio edit included - go for glory and play 'em all.

Artist: Halo feat. Maiya 

Title:  Glory (Atjazz Galaxy Aart Remixes)

Release date: 16th August, 2024

Label: Foliage Records

Cat. No: FN099

Format: Bandcamp / Digital

Review: Cee ElAssaad feat. QVLN - Ore Yeye O (Ensouled)

Ensouled, the label run by Cee ELAssaad, has got themselves a worldwide hit with 'Ore Yeyo O'.

It's only been a couple of months' since the  release of Cee's 'TRIBE' featuring Masaki Morii (see review HERE) and this is another monster tune.

We know the Cee is albout Afro-House Yoruba style but what do you expect from a "genre-defying" QLVN?  Well, the vocals have the peace and love of a Bob Marley, a world/Mali/rock guitar solo, massive jazz organ, prog. electric violin/synth and more.

In thre forms, orginal, reprise mix and a very short vocal only, there's only going to be positive vibes about this one baby.

Next years' WOMAD set already guaranteed.

Colour and Pitch · Colour and Pitch Sessions with Sumsuch - September 2024

Artist: Cee ElAssaad ft. QVLM

Title: Ore Yeye O
Release date: 16th August, 2024
Label : Ensouled

Catalog Number : ENSLD005

Format: Digital  

Review: Arrumar - Handwork EP (Ostowana)

Dubbed out Indo-House fusion, you've got it with Arrumar's handywork on a new EP out on Ostowana.

A bit different for the label as Arrumar's Balearic is closer to the Goa shoreline on the eight minute lead track, 'Matsena' with Henrikraabe.

Like I say, somewhat different to their last release, Mzala Wa Afrika's 'Resurrection EP' (see review HERE) but then 'Africa Dzonga' really does give it the full Afro-House Serengeti treatment.

Two huge tunes that'll get everyone excited about the forthcoming album which reflects on Arrumar's village life; what a night club of a village that must be! 

BBBBB

Artist:  Arrumar  

Title: Handwork EP, 

Release date: 16th August, 2024

Label: Ostowana

Catalog Number: OST068

Format: Digital