'Astronote Rainbow' by LaNote

'Astronote Rainbow' serves as the new album release from Caroline "LaNote" Marks whose new project finds its home on the brilliant French indie-label, A Night on Canopy.

Already riding high from the recent collaborative project from vocalist Régine Lanoir and DJ/producer A Cat Called Fritz under the JATOBA moniker, Canopy score another big win with LaNote who follows up with her first full-length project since 'The Nola Clarks Xprmt' in 2023.

Clarks seems to relish the ability to consistently steer her music in a variety of directions - from the hip-hop soul backdrop of the As Valet-produced 'Rebirth' to the eclectic beat-tape soundscape of the aforementioned 'The Nola Clarks Xprmt', each outing seems to find a venerably comfortable and poised Clarks taking ownership of the space around her.  And as in past projects, that ownership can find LaNote elegantly singing over sublime neo-soul-esque production or rapping over golden era boom-bap-styled beats... it's LaNote's world and we're just lucky to be living in it.

As a member of the Parisian quartet Electric Conversation - alongside As Valet, Oz and Gus La Temp - Clarks benefitted greatly from the collaborative element and the projects released through Futuristica Music - 'Communication' (2007) and 'Electric Conversation' (2013) - still serve as cult classics to this day.

Much like 'The Nola Clarks Xprmt', 'Astronote Rainbow' finds LaNote in the director's chair, helming all aspects of the album's creative direction and despite having often featured over some flawless productions by close collaborators for past releases including As Valet, Gus La Temp and Simon S, 'Astronote Rainbow' couldn't be in safer hands.

As the album title may suggest, 'Astronote Rainbow' connects as something of a sonically trippy Alice in Wonderland - the opening few seconds of album opener 'My Love' finds us in the midst a happy and carefree space before we're plunged into a completely different soundscape that positions us in an entirely new reality.  And it's a reality that continues to change and evolve as we fall deeper into the proverbial rabbit hole - the incredible 'Let Me See' resonates like an enchanting trance, 'Royaume' is an unapologetically electronic statement of intent and 'Orbit' is like a haunting and distorted nursery rhyme.

The mind-bending journey reaches its conclusion with the album's final two tracks almost striving to place us back where 'Astronote Rainbow' found us.  There's a very pertinent quote by US psychologist Abraham Maslow who once said "In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety".  LaNote continues to choose the former option when it comes to her music - each subsequent album release represents a forward step towards her ongoing evolution and the journey attached to each one is a continual joy to experience.

'Golden Retrieve Her' by ADJA

'What's Going On?' - a question posed by Marvin Gaye in 1971 and asked by a litany of musical artists ever since.  Perhaps it's a question we're forever destined to ask of our society as we continue to find ourselves overwhelmed by political divide, the ongoing threat of war, the continual threat of climate change... It's a never-ending onslaught that finds us all in opposition with each other or finds us slowly conforming to manipulation that slowly ushers in the new "norm".

The new release from Adja Fassa continues in that lineage of impassioned voices ultimately seeking to inspire independent thought - a change from the beaten path beautifully conveyed from her debut full-length, 'Golden Retrieve Her'.

Fassa rode the wave of praise and plaudits following the release of her EP 'IRONEYE' back in 2023 - also available through Sdban Records - which served as the introduction of the singer and songwriter's wonderfully innovative blend of neo-soul, R&B and nu-jazz delivering a true standout for the Belgian-based label.

And that's really saying something - as a progressive label that champions distinctly unique jazz that thrives on elements of fusion, electronica and global grooves and perspectives, Sdban have bestowed absolute treasures from artists including KAU, Azmari and Dishwasher.  Musically, ADJA may offer a stark contrast to the label's archetypal jazz aesthetic but Fassa's ideologies are very much in sync when it comes to an artist carving out their own lane.

A storyteller at heart, Fassa has consistently relied upon narratives as a way to connect with her music - whether it be through 'IRONEYE' or 'Golden Retrieve Her', Fassa adeptly finds interpersonal qualities through her writing and performance cultivating the technique as an artform of its own.  

Across the album's eleven tracks, Adja seeks to tackle "the impact our capitalistic society has on our most intimate moments" (as described via the project's Bandcamp page).  'Golden Retrieve Her' flows through so many of our now commonplace social rituals with commentary that ranges from biting wit to forlorn lament.  Adja's entire approach is inspired and she proves herself a sensational vocalist, an incredibly nuanced artist and intricate writer able to tackle such meticulous subject matter with charm and personality.

Ultimately, we have become a society driven by social media acceptance and approval, beholden to big business, susceptible to online trends and moulded into a "I want it now" culture that looks at time and patience as outdated philosophies.  Are things likely to change? Perhaps not, but at least we'll keep asking... "What's going on?"

'Behind Closed Doors' by Maria Manousaki

'Behind Closed Doors' marks the latest release from Maria Manousaki whose third full-length album continues to build upon the violinist's impassioned stance on jazz and composition.

Born in Johannesburg, raised in the Cretan city of Chania and later based in New York, Manousaki has cultivated an inspired world view shaped by her own cultural make-up, extensive travel and an open-mindedness that finds her as a storyteller keen to embrace varying ideologies.  It's an endearing approach that reflects some of the most compelling parts of Manousaki's own music and has contributed to much of her incredible successes to date.  

Having established herself as a formidable talent as a writer and performer - clocking up numerous awards, accolades and distinctions - Manousaki graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston before ultimately moving to New York and ushering in the next phase of her career.  A frequent performer, the violinist has graced stages as part of a multitude of prestigious events from New York to the Middle East to Australia and continues to rack up collaborations with like-minded musicians including luminaries Thana Alexa, Gilad Hekselman and Shai Maestro.

The desire to create for Manousaki seems to serve as a driving force that leads her to a litany of projects and ensembles from the Stephane Grappelli Project, the swing quartet that seeks to celebrate the music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, or The Cretan Jazz Project, a quartet that similarly celebrates the Cretan songbook.  

 

Through past solo releases, 'Sole Voyage' and 'Hidden Trails', Manousaki has carved her own consummate sound which finds the band leader continue to openly embrace her Greek traditions while still finding ways to infuse them as part of an exquisite amalgamation of contemporary jazz alongside neo-classical compositions.  'Behind Closed Doors' seeks to build upon that framework through to sublime effect gifting listeners with a riveting project that confidently acknowledges the scope of Manousaki's inspirations presenting them succinctly as part of the project's seven tracks.

While 'Behind Closed Doors' continues to demonstrate Maria's boundless talents as a writer and composer, it would be criminal not to mention the nearly unrecognisable and haunting take on 'Lovesong' originally by The Cure.  A genuinely beautiful and somewhat ethereal reimagining of the track that finds a fascinating new narrative within the 80s gem making it a masterpiece all over again.

An artist with inspirational levels of imagination and ambition, Maria Manousaki's career to date has led to some wonderful high-points and the blissful release of 'Behind Closed Doors' ironically looks set to open the door to even greater successes.

'Reverie' by Stefan Sirbu

Celebrating the release of his new project, 'Reverie', pianist Stefan Sirbu paints an exquisite sonic landscape alongside some venerable collaborators for his sophomore album release.

The Moldova-born and German-based musician certainly delivered an impassioned statement of intent following the release of his 'Autumn Whispers' debut in 2021.  A warmly-received project that displayed Sirbu's affections for performing alongside somewhat unexpected and international performers with 'Autumn Whispers' boasting collaborations with guitarist Fabio Gouvêa and drummer Paulo Almeida from Brazil and double-bassist Roberto Koch from Venezuela.

A storyteller at heart, Sirbu's music displays a variety of interwoven narratives - a technique that worked wonders for 'Autumn Whispers' but reaches transcendent levels for 'Reverie'.  An album that was envisaged to serve as something of a day dreamers' soliloquy, 'Reverie' exists within those moments of reflection and meditation - an abstract divinity that finds you staring aimlessly out of the train window during the morning commute or succumbing to the tiredness of the day's work stresses as the allure of home draws you ever closer.  It's a rare and magical moment of quiet solace that can take you to the bliss of last night's intimacy or to the lament of what could have been.

'Reverie' is brought to life by an all new and equally dynamic selection of collaborators in the New York-based ensemble including saxophonist Julieta Eugenio, double-bassist Clovis Nicolas and drummer Anthony Pinciotti.  It was having seen the trio perform as part of a quarantined online performance that brought Sirbu to their attention ultimately leading to 'Reverie'.  Sadly the album also serves as something of a swansong for drummer Pinciotti who passed away not long after the album's completion making the beauty of 'Reverie' a fitting commemoration to the talented musician's own legacy.

Across the album's seven ethereal compositions, Stefan Sirbu and company do immaculate justice to the album's concept through a series of original, Sirbu-penned compositions that display an undeniable joy within their presentation.  While an album that openly embraces its influences and inspirations - from Coltrane to Bach - the project still resonates as deeply personal to the pianist and band leader as 'Elsa au Miroir' is revisited from 'Autumn Whispers' and 'V.S.T. (Valse Sans Titre)' is a piece composed by Sirbu over twenty years ago.     

Once again Stefan Sirbu creates a timeless piece of music within a burgeoning catalogue of beautiful releases.  As humbly surmised by Sirbu at the conclusion of the album's inlay card, all that remains is to… "Enjoy the music".

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #143: Zola Marcelle

Welcome to Episode #143 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which this week sees Imran connect with singer, songwriter and producer, Zola Marcelle.

Following a string of standalone single and EP releases dating back to 2018, the multi-faceted Zola Marcelle releases her debut full-length album entitled 'Home' unveiled through the hallowed walls of London's Jazz Re:freshed.  Adding her name to the revered Jazz Re:freshed lineage which includes Kaidi Tatham, Nubya Garcia and Richard Spaven, Zola's exceptional credentials to date have seen past collaborations alongside Daniel Casimir and Ashley Henry as well as having secured coveted touring duties alongside Myele Manzanza.

'Home' serves as an inspired depiction of Zola's creative peak to date - a fascinating and compelling portrayal of an artist examining the concept of "home" as an individual as well as an ideology within a greater tapestry of culture and heritage.

We're so appreciative of Zola's time for this conversation which sees us delve into her career to date, the ideas and inspirations that brought 'Home' to fruition, the album's incredible supporting cast including Lewis Moody and Rudi Creswick, Jazz Re:freshed and London's thriving jazz landscape.

To grab your own slice of 'Home', please feel free to visit the album's Bandcamp page here.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#143_Zola Marcelle

'Lightside' by Matteo Pastorino

'Lightside' marks the introduction of bass clarinettist Matteo Pastorino and his quartet as part of the bustling A.MA Records roster.

A.MA have consistently provided a platform for a range of dynamic jazz talent with musicians presenting their debut solo offerings as the first step within their burgeoning musical journey to more experienced artists who have cultivated lengthy and fruitful careers before arriving to A.MA.  In the case of Matteo Pastorino, his extensive accolades would certainly place him within the latter category as the highly decorated performer and composer can lay claim to a multitude of successes to date.

Even prior to the release of Pastorino's debut album - 'V' (Absilone/Socadisc, 2014) - the musician could boast a clutch of awards to his name including the Young Talent Prix at the 2012 Saint Germain des Pres Jazz Festival along with the Selmer Prize as Best Soloist.  Pastorino would continue to amass greater awards and distinctions as the years progressed including his sophomore album release, 'Suite for Modigliani' (Challenge Records, 2017), which saw Pastorino collaborate with world renowned, US-based guitarist, Gilad Hekselman for an elegant homage to the music of Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani.

As a virtuoso in his own right, a composer and band leader, Pastorino's talents have been fully on display via his own projects but his desire to continually create and perform have seen him further grace studios and stages alongside the immeasurable talents of Julian Getreau Quartet, Nicola Andrioli Fourth Stream Ensemble, Emanuele Filippi and Mauro Gargano.

An in-demand and boundlessly talented musician and collaborator, the release of 'Lightside' comes as a great win for A.MA as their celebration of Italian and European jazz continues to lead them to some wonderfully inspired places and projects.

'Lightside' finds Pastorino in fine company as his bass clarinet is joined throughout the album by Domenico Sanna on piano, Dario Deidda on bass and Armando Luongo on drums.  The quartet perform with such a compelling intimacy that breeds phenomenal results, exemplified beautifully in the album opener, 'Gorèe' - an engaging yet understated opening number that relishes within its slow build before teaming with life by the song's climax.  Conversely, 'Coming Back' warrants special mention for its effervescent swing from the unified performances that still boast some excellent solos throughout the track's near-eight-minute runtime.  'Marzo' closes the album with a sublime composition that finds Pastorino and company in an introspective state of mind - a masterclass of gentility and poise that generates yet another soaring album highlight.

With a career that is bursting with praise and plaudits, it's incredible to see Matteo Pastorino still striving to raise the bar for himself with captivating new releases like 'Lightside'. 

'System D' by Biomania

'System D' marks the new album release from French quintet Biomania which finds its home on the Asta Hiroki-helmed Folded Music's sub-label, Most Least.

While Folded Music's sublime take on downtempo electronic music continues to flourish through sensational new music releases by Hiroki himself, Tristan de Liege and Catch92, Most Least continue to have similarly become hugely adept with their presentation of progressive and innovative jazz most recently captured by Ryan Wheless' space travelers union and their enthralling full-length, 'the trials of bunny john'.

Like the space travelers union project, the new release from Biomania serves as a perfect album to encapsulate so many of Most Least's lush musical tendencies and ambition with 'System D' expertly managing to introduce these elements of nu-jazz interweaved within a hip-hop aesthetic across the album's ten compositions.  

Initially conceived as a solo project by saxophonist Thierry Lemaitre - a musician whose sax has graced projects by Jalapeno Records' Ephemerals, Jimi Needles and Marvellous - the project's scope ultimately expanded to incorporate additional musicians who have all contributed to rounding the Biomania unit out into a beautifully conceived and well-rounded sound.

These exquisite selections showcase the band's expansive styles and disciplines across the ever-broadening scope of contemporary jazz.  Boasting their affections for the hip-hop-inspired productions of Jay Dee to the more contemporary stylings of, say, Thundercat or Terrace Martin; Biomania infuse all of these inspired elements into a series of unique and distinctive compositions that further solidify their own remarkable voice within today's jazz music scene.

With tracks ranging from more up-tempo numbers like the vibrant 'Devils' or 'Dinosaur', tracks like 'Dare' and 'Deepness' offer more intimate alternatives with many of the tracks punctuated by such warm keys that really point to an infectious groove-based, neo-soul styling that adorns the music throughout.

'System D' delivers as such a captivating and multi-faceted project that joyously embraces forward-thinking approaches to jazz.  A real delight and another release to showcase the ever-expanding catalogue of Most Least Records.