With its previously released studio albums and spectacular concerts, the Kaleidoscope String Quartet (KSQ) has established itself internationally in recent years. The four Swiss between the late twenties and late thirties transcend the classical string quartet format into new dimensions, leaving behind genre boundaries and at times elicit their instruments from unconventional to unexpected tones. Already on curiosity, her second work published in autumn 2015, fascinated her with striking timbres and charismatic original compositions. All the more they amazed at subsequent performances by virtuosity, dynamic joy of improvisation – and consistent renouncement of any sheet music. The special challenge to play everything by heart “allows a free, risk-taking handling of the musical material and opens up spaces for development and deepening,” explains the first violinist Simon Heggendorn.
[ October 2018 release from ODIN – Trondheim Jazz Orchestra + Ole Morten Vagan – Happy Endlings, 26th October 2018 ]
The 20th album, and just before the 20th anniversary! The legendary wonder orchestra, dining out of a seemingly inexhaustible pool of madly talented academic musicians under the direction of the renowned Norwegian bassist OLE MORTEN VÅGAN (MOTIF).
[ 2018 Why Play Jazz – 26th of October release – (WPJ042) – Philip Zoubek Trio – “Outside”]
There is no boundary between improvisation and composition, between energy and sensibility. Music that relies on curiosity, on high-energy processes filled with a catchy inner logic that is transferred to the listeners as they feel the artists’ urgent enthusiasm.
[ October 2018 release from ODIN – Hanna Paulsberg Concept + Magnus Broo – Daughter Of The Sun, 19th October 2018 ]
Ever since Jan Garbarek put Norwegian jazz on the map in the late 1980s, and even more so after the international success of his rigorously ascetic Officium in 1994, the music has acquired a reputation for being, if not entirely lacking in passion, then for being, at least, emotionally detached. More recently, with the emergence of a new generation of Norwegian musicians aligned with the electronica movement, the country’s jazz has, justly or unjustly, acquired a parallel reputation for being obsessed with technology and overly self-referential.
[ Crammed Discs release Don The Tiger’s Matanazas on the 19th of October ]
Let’s dive into the extraordinary world of Matanzas. Led by Don The Tiger’s deep, expressive voice, we’ll find out how Cuban bolero can smoothly collide with experimental recording techniques, how the spirit of Andalusian processions can coexist with video game music, and how Catalan sardana can morph into a cubist strain of ambient music. We’ll also encounter murderous sharks, doomed relationships, parrots & pirates, and even a fisherman of the disappearing Aral Sea.
[ October 2018 release from HUBRO – Moon Relay – IMI ]
release: 12.10.18
Drawing on the fractured funk and machine-aesthetic of late Seventies/early Eighties post-punk and No Wave bands, plus the motorik-meets-electro rhythms of ‘Planet Rock’-style hip-hop, the third full album by Oslo-based experimental rock quartet Moon Relay combines pin-sharp, real-time musicianship with a powerful conceptual punch. It’s a world where buzz-saw guitars mesh with disco handclaps on a series of hypnotically immersive instrumental grooves intersected by avant-garde collages of found sound and studio doodles.
[ Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival 2018 – The Full Blast DAY! ]
Coming tomorrow , all day Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival 2018 marathon is looking really good and full of treasures. Those long time recognised, but still not that easy to hear too often, as well as promising new-comers. For the ticket price I call it a steal! Repertoire wise it is absolutely “Carte d’or” for every improvised (and not only) music fan.
[ Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival 2018 – T.Riley & G.Riley DUO set review ]
Second Act of the ongoing Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival 2018 are two evenings reserved exclusively for Terry Riley and Gyan Riley, taking place at St. Luke’s Church, a lovely venue with a promising acoustics. I attended first of the two gigs on evening the 7th of October. Both shows had been sold out in just few days in an April, when 1st time advertised. Let’s jump to the substance then.
[ Brighton Alternative Jazz Festival 2018 – Terry Riley’s two sets ]
Probably the greatest attraction of this year festival and unquestioned Mega Star is Terry Riley. Two out of Four only concerts in the UK are taking place here in Brighton in St.Luke’s church, one more in Bristol and one in Manchester. Needles to say it only took two days in April to get it Sold Out.
[ October 2018 release from HUBRO – Geir Sundstøl – Brødløs ]
release: 5.10.18
Ambient goes country and David Bowie and Brian Eno share a tune with John Coltrane in slide guitar maestro Geir Sundstol’s astonishing cinematic travelogue. This How this new recording from HUBRO can be briefly described. To learn more about it, continue reading below: