mjazzg

Lots of very good duets with drummers in the catalogue. I think I prefer his drummer-less recordings a bit (I'm not being deliberately contrarian today, I promise), it's his use of space to imply rhythm that I hear and enjoy in them. There's some really good duets with drummers nonetheless, Moholo-Moholo is a standout. The FMPs with Kowald and Sommer might tickle your fancy Prompted to play... Wadada Leo Smith's Mbira - Dark Lady Of The Sonnets [TUM Records]

I think "space" and silence is my key to understanding WLS, he uses both to great effect as I hear it. It's such a huge discography now that it seems faintly ridiculous to pluck single albums out to recommend. I might suggest a dive into the Tzadik box set, if it's now streamable https://www.discogs.com/release/583787-Wadada-Leo-Smith-Kabell-Years-1971-1979 Early small group and solo pieces that I fell in love with when it was released. Immerse and live with it for a bit, if life allows. There's so much being said musically in what I hear as a very original way. Would love to have come across it real time but even I'm too young for that. I don't think the TUM label is streamable which is shame as they've released his most recent work. I have a soft spot for the string quartet box amongst others. Interestingly, I admire 'Ten Freedom Summers' more than likely it. I did see an astonishing performance of part of it at Oto. Go and see him live if you can (he's at Wigmore Hall in October but with you know who)

That's a pretty good start

Funnily, as I listened to that Ganavya yesterday I was particularly taken by the covers and particularly that of 'A Love Supreme' and thought how natural it sounded, a logical, but not in a cold way, realisation of her overall sound and approach. It made want to listen to JC's recording not to compare or contrast but to complement. This really is all about subjectivity in the end as we all know but don't always admit. I'm as guilty as anyone on that front and not asserting that you are in this instance at all. Now, Wadada Leo Smith, it now becomes my mission in life to help you 'connect' to his music as no music lover such as you should live without that connection and the joy it brings. Off to think about my strategy 😀

I don't find that Ganavya overly studious in the slightest, I only listened to it yesterday and thought what a marvellously organic album it is. Arooj Aftab on the other hand I completely agree with you, pretty lifeless As for Iyer, we all know your thoughts on him some of which I agree with but if you listen to 'Defiant Life' and think there's no future in Jazz then I'll worry about you...

Yes, they were really difficult to get over here but I did get that Matana and a couple others

Previous highest is £1000 with median at £850, it's inflationary pricing at best

Josh Johnson - Unusual Object [Northern Spy, USA 2024] Not overly convincing on first acquaintance. There's something good about his playing here, and elsewhere, but I'm not sure settings are good enough.

I successfully ordered from the link in my post, just before I posted. Just checked now and was able to add to basket from here https://ukstore.everythingjazz.com/products/trio-vinyl-exclusive-art-card?_pos=2&_sid=4071f78cd&_ss=r Hope you manage to track them down. It might be worth checking Juno or Honest J's as I'm sure both will stock them at some point.

Finally... Mike Taylor's 'Trio' and 'Pendulum' LP reissues released 25/7 through the British Jazz Explosion series. Pre orders are open https://ukstore.everythingjazz.com/ Great news and great work by Tony Higgins and others

Loved that character, and his acting of it. Some terrific writing in that show too I don't recall seeing Wendt much after 'Cheers' but maybe that's because his work didn't make it over here

Now that's a line up I can get behind

I'll second this, wholeheartedly!

I've never been able to listen to more than 5 minutes of Ibragon for precisely this same reason. Also a player that I hear as technique over content but we all hear differently. von Schlippenbach, one of the absolute masters indeed

Berne used to be a regular visitor to The Vortex, I was lucky enough to see these bands in real time, great music guaranteed

And it seems that Shipp has a new release himself to promote... here's hoping his new found exposure shifts some extra units with all the Andre3000 fans buying it

Very interesting news piece on BBC radio yesterday about the positive effects some of these weight loss drugs are having on other long term illnesses. I can't remember the details but it was a highly respected medical academic, one who led UK COVID vaccine effort, that was being so positive about them. Sounded very encouraging This isn't the radio piece nor the academic I referenced but looks like fundamentally the same story on the BBC website https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9d5pq4y5wpo Obvious caveats as with all medical trials but nonetheless potentially very interesting And just as an aside, to @Pim's point about exercise/calorie intake being the sole weight loss strategy, not everyone is in position to physically exercise to any great extent. Yes they then need to be more careful with their diet but some disabling health conditions have physical and mental consequences not always in the individual's control or at the very least very difficult to control I leave that there and say no more.

Lovely album. I'm a big fan of Armaroli in whatever setting

I saw a similar show in London a few years ago, it too was really good https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/picasso-and-paper

😀

Dua Lipa's worried already

Maybe a duet album with Andre 3000 next?

Definitely!

Lauren Henderson - Conjuring [Brontosaurus Records]

This again, love it!