Gregory Porter – Be Good (Montema)
Every now and then someone special comes along who has ‘Greatness’ stamped all over them, for me (and many others) that someone is Gregory Porter, ‘Be Good’ is the follow up album to the top selling debut release ‘Water’. Grammy nominated Porter has achieved an amazing amount of acclaim in a very short space of time. With a ridiculously great voice and original compositions, add to that lyrics that are meaningful, personal experience and social commentary are delivered heart felt emotion. Musicianship and production as you might are of the highest quality. A combination of ballads and uptempo tunes take the listener on what feel like one to one personal conversation with Mr. Porter. ‘On My Way To Harlem’ and ‘Real Good Hands’ are good examples of illustrating the ‘whole’ spectrum of soul and jazz through the years that flows effortlessly. ‘Bling Bling’ is straight ahead jazz with vocal complexities, reminder me of the great jazz vocalese such as Eddie Jefferson or Jon Hendricks who would put lyrics to intricate arrangements and solos. His version or ‘Work Song’ has brought a freshness and vigor to this classic sixties song. Another cover; Billie Holiday’s ‘God Bless The Child’ from the early forties, showcases the purity of Porters voice as he sings un-accomplished. I think Gregory Porter has surpassed expectation for a follow up album – I urge you to give this CD a place in your collection.

Brian Auger – Language Of Love (Teajuana)
Keyboardist Brian Auger has been performing and recording since the mid sixties, incorporating jazz, early British pop, R&B, soul and rock into an impressive body of work that has won him fans all over the world. He has also played along side some the of the greatest names in Jazz, Rock, Pop and Soul. ‘Language of the Heart’ is one of just a few solo projects in his lond carreer and contains seven new original composition, written and arranged by Brian Auger and Tea, a duo composed of keyboardist and percussionist Phil Bunch and guitarist Franck Balloffetwith guest artists including guitarists Jeff “Skunk” Baxter and Julian Coryell. It’s one of the those albums that sneak up on you after a few plays. Gentle for most part weaving together many strands of what Auger does best, bringing together Jazz, soft rock and lush soulful sounds. But there is also sparks of fusion and that distinctive Hammond sound that Auger is famed for, check out ‘Autoroute’ with a hippy-fied vocal arrangement. ‘Seasons’ is full of soul-jazz number ‘Hymn To Morning’ and ‘Ella’ both enchanting and hypnotic. Available as download and CD.

Third Coast Kings (Record Kicks)
This Michigan based band are super funky. Ripping though tunes with gusto and fire. But what is really working for me is a big band style horn section that elevates the sound above the tried and tested funk we so often hear. Vocal tracks are gusty and full flavoured. Touching on afro beats and soulful rhythms this eight piece outfit are raising the bar and shaking up the dance floor for sure.

Introducing The Al Scott Trio – (AST)
Pianist Al Scott along with Henry Gilbert on Double Bass and Marco Quarantotto on Drums have created a very relaxing, yet engaging CD. three of the  six compositions are originals, while the remaining are interpretations of of Thad Jones, Miles Davis/Bill Evans, a bold move for an introduction album, but the boys pull it of with confidence, style and maturity. Of the original scores it is ‘Northern Smiles’ that does it for me, the bass intro sets the tone with a gentle forcefulness before being joined by piano and drums, I sense a story being told here, but as an instrumental, you will have to use your imagination. To find out more check out http://www.al-scott.co.uk
The Renegades Of Jazz have a new CD out on Hiperbole records full of their remixes. a varird collection from artists such as Basement Freaks. Nick pride & The Pimptones, Hidden Jazz Quartet, Mo’ Horizens and Ray Harris  & the Fusion Experience to just a few. Journey into the world sax solos, beats and dance-floor swinging rhythms, 60s groove to Broken/dubstep of the naughties  and twisted bossa, it’s all here to hear.

Out on Agoago is a tasty little 45 ‘High Heels’ from the Hidden Jazz Quartett featuring Omar on vocals, sounding oh so strong and nice to hear him in a jazzier setting, a gutsy soul-jazz outing and a ‘Lack Of Afro’ mix on the flip taking back to the 60s latin boogaloo sound. Wah Wah 45 have just released an interesting album by Bev Lee Harling, not strickly speaking something that fits easy into eclectic jazz but worth of a mention none the less. ‘Barefoot In Your Kitchen’ quirky electronics, folk melodies and cheeky 50s kitsch combine to make an enchanting whimsical journey led by Harling’s deceptively innocent and quaint vocals.

Owen Marshall/Hilton Felton/Azanyah (Jazzman Records)
Jazzman Records continue to dig up and reissue long lost and super rare vinyl. Owen Marshall’s 1975 private press album ‘The Naked Truth’ taking us into the world of trippy psych-fusion, Spiritual jazz, wholesome funk and other worldly rhythms. This is interesting and another fine example if one were needed that seventies was haven for experimentation and exploration without commercial dilution. I’ve had a Hilton Felton album sitting in the collection for many years now, so it was nice to see this collection being re-issued covering a selection of tunes recorded between 1970-74. The most popular of these tunes being the Jazz-funk monster ‘Bee Bop Boogie‘ weighing in at a healthy 9mins length complete with great percussion breaks and an infectious hook, elsewhere we dip into a sultry soulful jazz vibe with ‘Spreading Fever‘ The gospel inspired ‘Dreams Come True’ and some great keyboard playing fromHilton himself on the track ‘Tell Her Love Has Felt The Need’ The third recent release is by Azanyah ‘The One’ a deep spiritual sound in the tradition of John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders. This sounds like it was recorded in the seventies but was in fact released in 1984 on ‘Path Of Light’ that gives us a glue that this has more obvious religious overtones, tunes like ‘Praise’ with a sermon introduction and titles like ‘Let God Come First’ but it is the musical arrangements that ride above the lyrical content. The sound is totally absorbing, mesmerizing at times, and modern Bop tracks like ‘Guiding Light’  evoke an uplifting and positive vibe. This is definitely ‘The One’

Jessica Lauren Four featuring Jocelyn Brown – Freestyle Records
A very tasty 3 tracker from the up and coming full album. Kicking off with a gutsy blues tinged joint ‘Happiness Train’ with Jocelyn building nicely vocal over  Jessica’s repeating and powerful piano pattern, add to this some percussion, guitar and a Train whistle and and you have a track that sounds like it could have been from the 1972 Watt Stax concert. ‘I Believe’ is a beautiful Souful-Gospel, sung with feeling and conviction and subtle keyboards straight from the church. The final track is ‘White Mountain’ A slice of deep and thoughtful Jazz, reflective and graceful and a 70s fusion sounding bass solo gelling things together. The talented Jessica Lauren is going from strength to strength and look I forward to hearing the full release.

Rudy Van Gelder
I don’t normally pay to much attention to Grammys, Hollywood glitz isn’t really my thing. But I was very pleased to hear that recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder was honored by the Recording Academy with a 2012 Trustees Award. Rudy has had more credits on albums then any musician or producer. As recording engineer for the iconic Blue Note records, as well as other labels he set new standards in recorded music from his studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey USA. Working with the biggest names in Jazz. In recent years he has been re-mastering many of the greatest albums from the Blue Note catalogue, released under the name of RVG Edition. Many titles including alternative and perviously un-released tracks. Check the sound clip of the classic Coltrane tune ‘ Blue Train’ from 1957 for proof of quality.

Jef Gilson
Sadly there have been a number of recording artists that have left us this year, Etta James, Jimmy Castor and of coarse Whitney Houston. But it’s a much lesser know artists that I want to acknowledge here, French pianist, composer and producer Jef Gilson. Who was more recently brought to the a wider attention through some timely re-issues. His recordings were wide ranging, but he is probably best known for his albums released during the 60s and 70s that drew upon the spiritual side of African music and the exploration of ‘free‘ and ‘modal‘ jazz. A good example of this would be ‘Espagnolade‘ and an epic version of Pharaoh Sanders ‘The Creator Has A Master Plan’ both of which can be found on the ‘Best Of‘ (Jazman Records) Jef Gilson has left us with a strong body of work, and you would be wise to explore his music.

One of the main aims of eclectic jazz is to share with you some fantastic music. On the music page you’ll find some mixes, I will be adding new mixes on a regular basis and have some great ideas in the works, so check back often. you can also listen to the eclectic jazz radio show that I do live every Thursday on Starpoint Radios. These shows will be added each week along with the playlists.

There are some great clips on the videos page, it’s amazing what turning up on YouTube, here you’ll find an eclectic selection from old black & white footage to modern day quick cut-up edits. When the clip finishes you’ll see other related items, so you can explore further. More stuff can be seen by visiting The Eclectic Jazz YouTube page.

The Photos page, feature a small selection of musicians that I have been snapping over the last 20 years. I will be adding to this over the coming months. If you feel like surfing all things jazz, then check out the ‘Surf’ page for info on musicians, record labels, radio stations and of course places to find those tunes !

Why not follow me on Twitter at Eclectic_Jazz

Enjoy ! – Phil Levene

If you have found this page independently of www.eclecticazz.com please click here

I’ve been looking forward to vol.2 ever since Vol. 1. and this doesn’t disappoint. Gerald from Jazzman records has pulled more rabbits from the depth of a hat, this time venturing into European Jazz. European Jazz musicians although influenced by their American counter parts, drew upon sounds closer to home, sounds that were formed generations earlier from around the world. Therefore touching on African, Spanish and Eastern influences. Erich Kleinschuster from Austria gets things going with ‘Communion’ with a beautiful melody and a building sax solo, offset with a choir that elevates this tube to a whole new level while remaining understated. As a tribute to British Pianist / composer Michael Garrick who sadly passed away the end of last year, we have a previously unreleased track ‘Temple Dancer’ a live recording with Eastern flavours weaving in and out of the repeating bass riff as the Piano takes hold, totally engaging.‘Duke and Trane’ a composition that was commissioned by the St. Peters Church of New york. Dedicated to Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. It’s an epic piece, performed and recorded live at the Temppeliaukio Church in Helsinki 1978 by Heikki Sarmanto Ensemble. Gregg Smith Vocal Quartet and the Long Island Symphonic Choral Association. A coming together of Jazz and symphonic choral orchestration, at over ten minutes long it is very compelling and moving, a perfect tribute to Duke Ellington and John Coltrane.Barney Wilen’s ‘Africa Freakout‘ soaked in African Rhythms with a gentle vocal arrangement echoing the great composition ‘The Creator Has A Master Plan’Traditional Spanish Flamenco guitar can be heard on ‘Las Morillas de Jaen’ by Pedro Iturralde whilst featuring a beautiful soprano saxophone solo full of Eastern promise.We go deeper into the eastern sound with Yugoslavian Dusko Goykovic and ‘Bosna Calling’ captivating rhythm and masterful soloing are the order of the day here. This is a collection of wondrous sounds, I’ve only touched on a few, there plenty more to explore. each track complimenting the next. Highly recommended.

The Strides Reclamation (Record Kicks)
Out of Australia The Strides deliver a refreshing blend of Afro-beat, Reggae, funky hip-hop and dubb-ness and Jazzy horn licks. Featuring vocals by reggae master Ras Roni from Trinidad via London and rising hip hop star from Fiji MC Lil Gzeus (Little Jesus) It’s great to hear different genres being infused to such good effect.

Kojato And The Afro Latin Cougaritas All About Jazz (Buyú Records)
Another amazing mix of styles expertly crafted for an audio delight.
Kojato consist of Kojo Ebenezer Samuaels, André Neundorf & Oliver Belz
Kojo now in his late 60s was originally from Liberia not only played with Afro-beat master Fele Kuti but also Avant-garde jazz pianist Cecil Taylor, that’s a potent combination of influences. A wealth of experience can be heard on this release. Brimming with afro-funk, bossa beats, jazz and a touch of Gypsy tinged retro-swing all delivered with a spirited vocal.

Mark de Clive-Lowe Renegades (Tru Thoughts)
I can’t stop playing this album, it has that extra special ‘something’ that isn’t always easy to explain. With his roots in straight ahead jazz and many years spent immersed in electronic/club music scene, Mark is a true innovator. It is his ability and understanding as a producer, composer, pianist and DJ that put him a cut above the rest. For this release his perfectly casted a great selection of vocalists; Omar, Sheila E, Bembé Segué, Nia Andrews and Tawiah all bringing their individual flavour, but across the tracks sounding like a well rehearsed team. The music ventures into future-soul/fusion, broken-beat, all fully textured, orchestral in parts, very danceable and highly enjoyable !

Napz Kalimba EP (Hiperbole Records)
Some lovely downbeat jazz vibes going here, from French producer Napz.
The opening track ‘Kalimba‘ Takes you on a dreamy journey with a lovely haunting vocal and space-out synth sounds. Following on with ‘Jazzbomb‘ sounding very filmic with occasional vocal snippets creating a slightly eerie feeling. My favourite track is ‘Ain’t Got Nobody‘ starting mellow with a very melodic vocal arrangement which soon gives away to more of an upbeat groove with some great keybs. finishing of this EP is‘Glossy Lipstick’ which is a jazzed out instrumental… Journey complete.

Yellowtail Back To The Melody EP (Bagpak)
A great 5 track Ep from Yellowtail featuring Eska on vocals. Soulful broken beat business
which will work great many clubs environments. Remixes come from Opolopo, Som do Matter (aka Greymatter), L’Aroye and Silverback plus the original. The remixes are very distinct from each other. Hard to pick a favourite but L’Aroye just pips it for me.

Nostalgia 77 Sleepwalker EP (True Thoughts)
‘Sleepwalker’ is the third single taken from Nostalgia 77s ‘The Sleepwalking Society’
Featuring the Bluesy-gospel vocal of Josa Peit and comes complete with remixes from Mark de Clive-Lowe, Lanu and Ambassadeurs. Ranging in style from sultry to upbeat and once inside your head its not easy to shake away !

Scrimshire The Hollow (Wah Wah 45s)
It was in 2008 that Scrimshire released his first full album ‘Along Came The Devil One Night’ at the time I wrote that it was a very mature sound and remember thing is this a one off, a fluke ? it does happen. Well it was definitely not a fluke, ‘The Hollow‘ proves Adam Scrimshire has a musical maturity that makes you think he has spent a life time making music. The composition are beautifully crafted and original featuring vocals from Stac, Faye Houston, Heidi Vogel and Inga Lill-Aker along with Scrimshire himself.
It’s mellow in parts and exotic in others. It all gels together well. The more I hear this the more I like it – give it try you won’t regret it.

This yearly event that was established in 1992 by the ‘Serious’ organisation is set once again to take over various venues though out the capital, to use a cliché: there is something for every one here. Below are just a few Eclectic Jazz recommendations.  Visit http://www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk/ for full information.

Brubeck Plays Brubeck
London Ronnie Scott’s
Friday 11 November, 7:00pm

Toumani Diabate
London Union Chapel
Friday 11 November, 7:30pm

Michael Janisch / Aruan Ortiz Quintet Featuring Greg Osby
London Pizza Express Jazz Club
Friday 11 November, 7:30pm

Zakir Hussain: Masters Of Percussion
Southbank Centre / Royal Festival Hall
Friday 11 November, 7:30pm

Steve Coleman: Reflex, + Steve Williamson
Southbank Centre / Queen Elizabeth Hall
Friday 11 November, 7:30pm

Robert Mitchell: Panacea
London Charlie Wright’s
Friday 11 November, 8:30pm

Mccoy Tyner Trio Featuring Jose James And Chris PotterBarbican
Barbican
Saturday 12 November, 7:30pm

Soweto Kinch
London The Albany
Saturday 12 November, 7:30pm

Robert Mitchell + Dave Morecroft + Adam Caird
London The Forge
Sunday 13 November, 2:00pm

Matthew Halsall
London Barflyclub
Monday 14 November, 7:30pm

Regina Carter
Southbank Centre / Purcell Room
Monday 14 November, 7:45pm

Cleveland Watkiss & Trinity Laban
London Blackheath Halls
Tuesday 15 November, 7:00pm

David Sanborn Featuring Joey De Francesco + Alex Wilson
Southbank Centre / Queen Elizabeth Hall
Tuesday 15 November, 7:30pm

Robert Glasper Experiment
London Xoyo
Wednesday 16 November, 9:00pm

Archie Shepp & Joachim Kuhn
Southbank Centre / Queen Elizabeth Hall
Thursday 17 November, 7:30pm

Andy Sheppard & John Parricelli
London 606 Club
Thursday 17 November, 8:00pm

Lizzy Parks + Tayna Auclair
London George Iv
Thursday 17 November, 8:00pm

Cesaria Evora + Hamilton De Holanda
Southbank Centre / Royal Festival Hall
Friday 18 November, 7:30pm

Roy Haynes: Fountain Of Youth Band And Peter King
Southbank Centre / Queen Elizabeth Hall
Friday 18 November, 7:30pm

Down To The Bone
Streatham Hideaway
Friday 18 November, 9:00pm

Julie Dexter
London Pizza Express Jazz Club
Friday 18 November, 11:00pm

Portico Quartet
Southbank Centre / Purcell Room
Saturday 19 November, 3:00pm

Hermeto Pascoal + Hamilton De Holanda
Barbican
Sunday 20 November, 8:00pma

Kadi Tataham (aka Agent K) is a multi-instrumentalist and producer. As a core member of Bugz In The Attic, as well as Neon Phusion and along side IG Culture with the Likwid Bizkit project. Kaidi has collocated with some of the most innovative and creative artists of the last decade; Zed Bias/Maddslinky, De Clive-Lowe, Nathan Haines and The Herbaliser amongst other, Placing him firmly in the vanguard of a musical movement widely known as Broken Beat or the sound of West London. A part of London that serves as a hub for this melting pot of talent. Emerging in the mid nineties from the influences of Drum & bass, House, Jazz, as well as Soul and Hip-hop, A new generation of music makers fusing all of the above to create a fresh and textured sound. But it is Jazz that runs deep in its veins, I feel that it is Kaidi’s keyboard playing that is in part responsible, adding that improvised style so often used to describe jazz and in particular Fusion. ‘In Search Of Hope‘ was Kaidi Tatham’s first full solo release, providing writer, performer and producer credits. came out in 2008 on the Japanese Freedom School label.

2011 sees the release of Kadie’s mini album on the Jazz re:freshed label, part of the jazz re:freshed 5ive series. ‘Kaidi’s 5ive’ is a superb collection jazz infused soul. The opening track ‘Don’t Hide Your Love’ has all the trade marks of a classic jazz-funk track but subtly enters new territory as it twists and turns it way through. ‘To My Surprise’ a tasty slice of modern day disco-funk, veering off in different direction, to create an original piece, hi-lighted with a cool vocal. ‘Dyno’ takes things down a notch, slightly melancholic and a  darker tone overall. ‘For All The Love in Time’ an ethereal intro gently gives way to a sprightly jazz out fusion number with a tight drum foundation and melodic synth bass producing an enchanting sound. My favourite track is the last one on this album ‘Organic Juggernaut’ is far mored textured with a wonderful flute weaving in out. With a punchy beat that kicks in, signaling the uptempo and dance floor vibe to this excellent example of future fusion. Once again Kaidi has wrote and produced all selection as well as taking care of all keyboards, Percussion, Drums, Programming, Synth Bass, Flute and Vocals. With that much undiluted control, the expression and journey is pure and leaves you wanting more, a lot more.

So what about Jazz re:freshed, Well it’s far more more than just a label, It’s a movement, a philosophy. A vehicle to promote emerging artists and established ones. Though their website, label and live sessions. The brainchild of Uprock’s Justin ‘TopRock’ McKenzie & Adam ‘Rock’ Moses, Jazz re:freshed started in the summer 2003. Their aims..”to challenge the elitism and prejudice within the jazz community that had kept jazz on the sidelines far too long, whilst bringing the incredibly diverse, colourful, expressive and creative world that is jazz to the people – live, fun and affordable – whilst promoting underexposed music and artists deserving of the widest recognition” Much of this is achieved through their weekly live sessions in the heart of West London, show casing the many strands of jazz influenced music; Fusion, broken beat, be-bop, hip-hop, afro-funk, nu soul and other undefinable sounds. Djs booked to play also reflect this open minded attitude. The venue is intimate, perfect for inspiring and energizing the musicians, creating that magic vibe between stage and audience. It is so important that places and attitudes like this exist, encouraging collaborations  and conditions where new movements can emerge.

www.jazzrefreshed.com

The Shaolin Afronauts – Flight Of The Ancients Freestyle Records
The opening track, ‘Journey Through Time’ of this release will have you moving and grooving in no time at all, a raunchy afro-funk jam from this Australian African-inspired outfit. strongly influenced by the music of 1970s West Africa, Ethiopia and avant-garde jazz. The Shaolin Afronauts take you on a pleasurable journey through the subtle nuances Afro flavoured soul, funk and jazz. From funk gems like the title track ‘Flight Of The Ancients’ to the cinematic sound of ‘Scarab’ The line up comprises of a three-piece horn section, 5-piece rhythm section and three percussionists, that would make a live performance very exciting… Bring it on !

Black Feeling 2 Freestyle Records
Despite giving the appearance of a mid 70s compilation this collection of cover versions is the work of Australian musical supremo Lance Ferguson, The man behind the organ trio Cookin On 3 Burners and The Bamboos. Touching on funk, jazz latin, soulful grooves, think Prestige records, Blue note, Boogie Jazz-funk, Grant Green, cop show themes and boogaloo, you dig ! All given a spit and polish for a fresh 2011 feeling.

Nostalgia 77 – Beautiful Lie EP Tru Thoughts
‘Beautiful Lie’ thoughtful and delicate with a blend of modern jazzy-foklness rich in melodic soultronics. Josa Peit sets the tone with a wonderful vocal. Natural Magnetic remix and a live version along with original make a nice set. Also included the Dexter remix of ‘Simmerdown’ along with ‘Goldern Morning’ a live version and a remix from ‘Examples Of Twelves’

Renegades Of Jazz - Moo Juice EP Hiperbole
A jolly fun loving jazz beat and very funky best describes this collections of mixes. ‘Moo Juice’ is an original composition by this german group. Bernd ‘Kinski’ Roesler Remix fires up the bossa mode a few notches complete with vintage advertising samples. other mixes come from Tom Eno which has a jazzy disco feel to it and to finish off its the dubbed out ‘Mute Speaker’ remix.