jazz
Album Review: Pat Matshikiza and Kippie Moketsi – Tshona! : uplifting classic South African jazz from the 70s.
Those inspired curators at We Are Busy Bodies continue to astound with this latest release in their expanding achive from the seminal South African jazz label As Shams/The Sun. Pat Matshikiza and Kippie Moketsi’s ‘Tshona!’ (available from 15th April) was originally issued in 1975 and produced by label boss Rashid Vally, a pivotal figure in …
Tracks: The Tangent – Changes
The Tangent, the progressive/jazz-rock collective led by Andy Tillison, have announced the release of their 12th studio album ‘Songs From the Hard Shoulder’ due 10th June 2022. This album sees The Tangent focusing almost entirely on their long format songs or “epics” with only one song being less than 16 minutes long. They have shared the album’s …
Premiere: Bristol Jazz Collective Al Swainger’s Pointless Beauty Share New Single ‘The Shrug’
We’re pleased to be running the premiere for the new single ‘The Shrug’ from jazz collective Al Swainger’s Pointless Beauty. Taken from the upcoming album ‘Hearts Full Of Grace’, ‘The Shrug’ see’s Swainger showcase his abilities as a composer with a gentle, melancholic soundscape packed with beautiful instrumentation, courtesy of his extremely talented five-piece band. …
Premiere: Amine Mesnaoui and Labelle release new visuals for Bleu Noir; watch it here first
Taken from their forthcoming album African Prayers, out April 1st on the Lo Recordings imprint, is the new single Blue Noir from Berlin and Réunion based duo Amine Mesnaoui and Labelle, and we’re delighted to be able to premiere the Stephen Talneau directed video right here on Backseat Mafia today. The LP its taken from …
New Track: Akusmi previews ‘Fleeting Future’, title track from his forthcoming album of intricate minimalism and vibrant electro-acoustic conversations.
London based composer/producer Pascal Bideau aka Akusmi doesn’t do music that simply grows on you. Want proof then tune into those digi-platforms and catch his new track ‘Fleeting Future’ from his soon-come album of the same name. It’s a piece that draws you into a world of sound which flourishes as you listen, from the …
Live Review: Kokoroko / Aziza + Finguz – Sheffield University, Sheffield 25.03.2022
Another great night at Sheffield University’s Foundry; witnessing first: Aziza + Finguz, a talented local three-piece, then Kokoroko the headline act up from London. Warming up the Friday night crowd; Aziza + Finguz played their latest and greatest material, which went down well; a mix of hip/trip-hop with some electronic influence, backed by keyboard, double …
Album Review: Tapani Rinne & Juha Maki-Patola – Open: exquisite jazz electronica that restores and inspires.
Some records arrive that make you wonder if there is much value to writing about music. ‘Open’ by the Finnish ambient jazz partnership of reedist Tapani Rinne and composer/producer Juha Maki-Patola is one of those albums. Elusive, shivering with atmosphere, the immersive soundscape that the pair have crafted elevates listening beyond the incidental and reduces …
Premiere: Simeon Davis Group – Eden
“Eden” from the Simeon Davis Group’s upcoming album, ‘Of Narratives & Nocturnes’. In addition to the music itself, we’re excited to provide exclusive access to the music video premier, should you so desire! Davis comments “‘Eden’, like all the compositions on this album, is completely through-composed, combining jazz, soul, and subtle elements of my heritage …
Album Review: Ilmiliekki Quartet – Ilmiliekki Quartet : Essential atmospheric jazz
Trying to unravel the interconnections and collaborations in jazz is often like code-breaking. Players are likely to be in several groups at a time, they form their own units, perform solo, take a guest spot, record a one-off with new people to keep up that spirit of adventure. The four members of Helsinki’s Ilmiliekki Quartet, …
Premiere: Genre-defying Melbourne instrumental trio The CB3 release the tempting morsel ‘Teacups & Candy ft XANI’ and announce new EP ‘Bunny Hop’.
While described as R&B/Funk/Hip Hop, the sound of Melbourne trio The CB3 is eclectic and difficult to pin down, but their new single ‘Teacups & Candy’ is a pure ray of sunshine. The challenge for instrumental groups as always is being able to convey thoughts and feelings without words, and in ‘Teacups & Candy’, The …