Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #147: Leona Berlin

Welcome to Episode #147 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran connect with Leona Berlin.

The always sensational Berlin-based singer, songwriter and producer returns with her third full-length album, 'ELEVATE'.  Berlin's music has consistently touted the benefits of individuality, self-awareness and self-confidence and the importance of those values as a starting point to move forward.  Whether it be earlier single releases including 'Cage', 'Feminine Energy' or more recent efforts with 'Jealousy', Berlin has consistently created statements of anthemic impact that continue to position her as the benchmark for today's R&B and neo-soul artists.

We're incredibly grateful for Leona's time which includes us recounting her recent travels to India and Nepal, the release of the new album, the creative process and we discuss Leona's relationship with AI and it's burgeoning impact on the art and world around us.

To grab your copy of 'ELEVATE', please feel free to visit Leona Berlin's Bandcamp page.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#147_Leona Berlin

'Circles' by Luca Mannutza Quintet

'Circles' marks the latest release from revered Italian pianist Luca Mannutza whose famed career - that has seen him perform around the world and become a staple of Italy's jazz landscape - now brings him to the esteemed recording home of A.MA Records.

Mannutza has left an indelible imprint for Italy and some of their most celebrated releases and ensembles for years now.  Born in Cagliari, Mannutza can boast being a graduate of Cagliari's GP da Palestrina Conservatory before going on to win a litany of awards and distinctions: Ennio Porrino Prize (1981), the first prize in the International Massimo Urbani Award (2002), the Audience Award at the International Tramplin Jazz Competition in Avignon, France, amongst others.

With a flair for improvisation and collaboration, Mannutza would go on to immerse himself within a variety of ensembles, namely his work as part of Sound Advice, Sound Six, as well as duo projects alongside saxophonist Max Ionata and drummer Lorenzo Tucci, notwithstanding his collaborations with Rosalia de Souza, Jeremy Pelt and Fabrizio Bosso.

Mannutza's contributions as a member of High Five found even greater international acclaim particularly with their collaborative efforts with Mario Biondi - garnering the hit 'This Is What You Are' from the album 'Handful of Soul' (Schema, 2006).

The arrival of 'Circles' serves as a poignant release, particularly in light of Mannutza's stunning career to date.  The notion of 'circles' always serves as evocative symbolism - while it invites ideas of wholeness, unity and balance, within the context of Mannutza's eight-track album, we're introduced to the compelling narrative of a life cycle with songs that incorporate elements of awareness, isolation, change, love and loss.

Presented by Mannutza's Quintet - comprised of saxophonist Paolo Recchia, vibraphonist Jordan Corda, double-bassist Daniele Sorrentino and Sasha Mashin on drums - the album's concept is introduced brilliantly with the album's near-ten-minute opening number.  A sensational opener that finds everyone on spectacular form and delivering an impassioned and vibrant performance.  It sets the standard for everything that follows - the more sublime and measured tone of 'Metamorpho', the playful 'Black Comedy' and the charming take on Bobby Hutcherson's 'Herzog' is again a definitive highlight.

The album's divine final track, 'The End of a Love Affair', represents a beautiful sentiment that finds a person returning to love's beginning through its end.  More specifically, it's a return of the person to themself but after having been altered by all of life's events that preceded it.

'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' by Kistor Beating Drums

'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' marks the latest release from French and Guadeloupean producer and beat-maker, Kistor Beating Drums.

Kistor's latest release serves as another fantastic entry within his ever-expanding catalogue of music that finds him spinning inspired narratives via a revolving door of musical and popular culture influences.  It's a musical collage if you will that paints this engaging and compelling portrait of Kistor and the full multitude of facets that comprise his make-up...

The release of his 'Strange Element' LP in 2018 provided Kistor's ode to Halloween and horror via an immersive eleven-track effort; also in 2018, there was his homage to the seminal Martin Scorsese gangster masterpiece 'Goodfellas' (1990) and, more recently, Kistor unveiled a wonderful and fascinating beat tape celebrating the beauty of Heraklion - the capital of the Greek island of Crete.  'Ηράκλειο (Heraklion)' delivered as a particularly noteworthy release as Kistor's distinct hip-hop-inspired productions presented some fascinating concepts alongside samples of Greek music that found his production tendencies to seem naturally at home.

And when discussing new projects unveiled through Oioji Records, "home" is often the most apt descriptor for the label's releases.  Continually committed to bridging music rooted within Caribbean tradition to new audiences and generations, the label's long list of artists including Queen Ci, Eugene Neighbrs and Claude Saturne have each delivered stunning efforts serving as vital puzzle pieces within Oioji's own collage.   

Kistor consistently demonstrates himself as an artist who wears his heart and his influences on his sleeve.  While past releases have clearly presented a vast range of facets for the creative beat-maker, 'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' may very well find Kistor Beating Drums unveiling his most personal effort yet.  As described via the project's Bandcamp page, 'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' serves as "a tribute to the reality of Guadeloupe and all colonized territories whose stories and rhythms shaped generations".  In typical Kistor Beating Drums fashion, the eleven-track project presents tracks that are expertly-crafted productions, born of his affection for hip-hop, beat tapes and Caribbean influences.  The project showcases charismatic compositions that are beaming with personality, genuinely indicative of some of Kistor's greatest work.

Oioji Records has always admirably used their music to shine a light on the label's roots within Caribbean culture but perhaps a slightly undersold take on the label is the otherwordly talent that Paris has on offer as well.  Alongside the aforementioned Oioji stablemates, names including label founder As Valet, Dusty, Rickysoul The C3PO and Gus La Tempête represent a thriving musical scene as phenomenal talents in their own right.

Continuining to fold personal history and traits into his craft, 'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' stands as a prevailing release amongst Kistor Beating Drums' catalogue to date.  From Guadeloupe to Paris, this is a project that honours the past while energising the future.

'What We Don't See' by Fernando Brox

'What We Don’t See' serves as the latest project from flautist and composer Fernando Brox.

Born in Spain but now based in Switzerland, Brox follows up on last year's incredible release 'From Within' - his album released through the acclaimed Spanish label, Fresh Sound Records.  In the time that Brox has dedicated to jazz however, he has managed to amass an impressive array of releases dating back nearly ten years with projects that have demonstrated his proficiency as a key collaborator or as a bandleader in his own right.

Boasting a remarkable catalogue that has found him release projects including the sublime two-hander alongside pianist Javier Galiana ('Tonterías', 2021), projects as part of the Fernando Brox Quartet ('Broxila', 2020) and Fernando Brox Sexteto ('Factor Humano', 2020).  Further to helming his own celebrated releases, the flautist has provided stunning accompaniment to a lengthy list of artists including the Underpool Collective, Silver Geishas, Baz Trio and Juan Pablo Balcázar, naming just a few.

As a highly-decorated and highly-educated artist, Brox seems to thrive when it comes to introducing narratives into his work - the notion of using each new project as a blank canvas to create something entirely new is an attribute that many resonate with when it comes to regarding the wider tapestry of Brox's music to date.  A collage of sorts that takes shape through the litany of collaborators that Brox takes pride in making music with.

...Which is certainly the case for the latest release 'What We Don't See'.  Boasting elements of improvisation throughout his recordings, 'What We Don't See' was recorded in an afternoon at Basel's Jazz Campus Studios, a mere eleven months prior to the album's release.  Featuring the talents of pianist Lorenzo Vitolo, double-bassist Joan Codina and drummer Paulo Almeida, the album's thirteen tracks offer some delectable compositions that both challenge and inspire.

The ominous album intro 'Dark Matter' makes way for the brilliant urgency of 'XII' which is a dichotomy that is echoed throughout the album - compositions that are fuelled with vibrancy and ebullience are interspersed with a series of 'Background Radiation' interludes that bring it back to the album's foreboding tone... perhaps resonant of the world that moves beneath us (the world we don't see) in contrast to the more dynamic pieces that present the concept of the fast-paced nature of our everyday grind.

Fernando Brox presents fascinating and compelling concepts for the album's evocative title - a multi-layered concept that could find its inspiration in the music we're listening to, that we don't see made, or the very forces of our universe that provides the structure for our existence.  Brox's quartet highlights the importance of what we are not able to see and how it manages to keep everything together - concepts we almost take for granted as being infinite and habitual.  And the music is suitably reflective of these ideals capturing the essence of intimacy and grandeur at the same time.

'Cookin' the Books' by Cookin' on 3 Burners

'Cookin' the Books' marks the latest full-length release from Australian Hammond organ trio Cookin' on 3 Burners releasing their new album via their own Soul Messin' Records.

Over the years, Australia have delivered a phenomenal array of funk & soul acts that have garnered attention from audiences, and record labels, across the world.  Italy's Record Kicks and the UK's Freestyle Records serving as two prominent recording homes who have long recognised the brilliance emanating from the Australian scene that have seen bands like Dojo Cuts, Randa & The Soul Kingdom and The Bamboos receive international acclaim.  

Amidst the expansive array of Australian funk & soul flag wavers that have surfaced over the last twenty years, it would be near impossible to recount any list that wouldn't cite the unbridled efforts of Cookin' on 3 Burners.  With past releases on the aforementioned Freestyle Records, C3B have steadily been releasing their projects via Soul Messin' Records and have been subsequently cultivating an incredible label home as a result.  With releases dating back to 2000, the Cookin' trio have continued to deliver powerhouse performances alongside innovative and inspired takes on the genre's contemporary landscape.

As a testament to the trio's overall abilities and gleaming reputation, the trio have evolved into something of a supergroup with each of the three band members achieving notable creative successes and achievements collectively and through their solo endeavours.  As founder of Choi Records, drummer Ivan Khatchoyan has worked as a member and band leader of numerous ensembles including The Traffic and Mayfield; organist Jake Mason has established himself as a band leader in his own right with his own Jake Mason Trio as well as participating in projects for Albare, The Counterfeit, Chelsea Wilson and The Basics.  And then there's guitarist Dan West who boasts a similarly impressive resume featuring not just collaborations with Mojo Juju, Jane Tyrrell and Azalia Snail, but also creating custom scores for artists and showcase installations in galleries around the world.

The C3B trio have carved tremendous avenues for themselves as solo artists but there's an unmistakable magic that finds Khatchoyan, Mason and West continue to come back to what brought them to the dance.

And on that note, 'Cookin' the Books' is an excellent testament to the funk & soul that has defined the band over the years.  A fourteen track album that finds the trio in fantastic form alongside some fantastic guest appearances.  The band's typical penchant for blazing, powerhouse performances are still evident throughout but the album finds its definitive sweet spot in the soul-drenched ballads, beautifully performed alongside Natalie Slade ('Only Words'), Stella Angelico ('Brighter') and Wilson Blackley ('Away from My Heart').  In typical Cookin' on 3 Burners fashion, their funk-y takes on known classics always serve as a real treat with Mos Def's 'Ms Fat Booty' and Bon Jovi's 'Livin' on a Prayer' afforded inspired renditions.

'Cookin' the Books' offers a soulful glimpse into what has helped Cookin' on 3 Burners endure for all of these years.  A collective that continue to create fantastic music that positions them at the forefront of the genre's torch bearers.

'Infinity II' by Jeremy Rose

The boundlessly prolific talents of Jeremy Rose find the Australian saxophonist revisiting his latest 'Infinity' project offering up another fantastic instalment within the quartet's burgeoning catalogue.

With the project initially stemming from a 2021 live recording from Sydney's Phoenix Central Park, 'Project Infinity Live' would pair Rose's saxophone alongside pianist Novak Manoljovic, drummer Tully Ryan and Ben Carey on modular synthesiser.  A rapturously-received project, the live performance proved a captivating sonic exploration very much in line with Rose's detailed affections for intricate and thought-provoking jazz.

Rose's efforts have long found him appreciated for the pioneer and visionary that he is.  As a highly-decorated musician, bandleader and composer, Rose's name continues to sit atop an incredibly lengthy list of unbridled talent when discussions veer towards Australia's thriving jazz scene.  A staunch advocate for contemporary jazz as its own community, Rose's own Earshift Music has presented some sensational offerings from Australian talent including I Hold the Lion's Paw, Ross McHenry, Helen Svoboda and Michelle Nicolle, naming just a few projects across the label's exceptional sixteen-year lifespan.  

And beyond serving as a platform for upcoming and established talent, Earshift naturally serves as a playground for a multitude of Jeremy Rose projects and the various incarnations that his musical endeavours take glorious shape within: albums by Jeremy Rose & The Earshift Orchestra, The Vampires, Vazesh, The Strides and Visions of Nar all bare Rose's indelible imprint as each ensemble offers him the opportunity to immerse himself within compelling and completely different musical narratives with each go-round.

The idea of 'musical narratives' is something that rings true when considering Rose's Infinity quartet - with their debut Live release relishing the opportunity to connect largely through an improvisational approach, the quartet make a wonderful transition to the studio for 'Infinity II' celebrating a remarkable evolution of their sound.  Although the album definitely serves as a loving progression in its sound, enough of the project's approach and characteristics are enough to wisely anchor 'Infinity II' to 'Project Infinity Live'.  Its sparse minimalism remains a fundamental component in its construction - a trait captured wonderfully through an atmospheric and ambient soundscape that finds Rose & company finding the beauty in the music's simplicity.

'Infinity II' is a quiet testament to the often overlooked beauty of restraint - it's an affectionate musical conversation between Jeremy Rose, Tully Ryan, Novak Manojlovic and Ben Carey that we're all invited to participate within.

'Many Changes' by Magro

"I drum.  I produce.  I build moods."

The brief but accurate description of Magro's talents can be found via his Instagram page which goes a long way to further justifying his bold proclamation.  Serving as something of an inspiring chronicle of sorts, Magro's Instagram charts the drummer and producer's numerous jam sessions, sketches of upcoming songs, new music and his prolific touring duties that have taken him to stages across Europe and most recently to India and Nepal as well in his continued quest to expand his own musical repertoire.

Now celebrating the release of his third full-length album 'Many Changes', Magro once again unveils new music to enthusiastic ears.  Continuing to prove himself as a veritable force amongst today's genre fluid perspectives on music, Grossman effortlessly adorns the tag of 'jazz artist' just as comfortably as he does 'hip-hop artist'.  His string of independent releases to date - which include previous album releases 'Trippin' (2021) and 'II' (2022), standalone singles and beat tapes - all add to the phenomenal musical collage of a progressive and innovative artist always seeking new ways to push himself and his music forward.  

And aside from Magro's independent releases, the drummer's sonic hip-hop-meets-nu-jazz-meets-electronica soundscapes also caught the attention of the revered Sonar Kollektiv label.  Not only did the union generate the fantastic and eclectic EP 'Tokyo Tree' in 2024, it also secured Magro a coveted spot amidst the just-released Jazzanova remix project celebrating their 2002 milestone project 'In Between'.  Remixing the Ursula Rucker-assisted 'Keep Falling', Magro finds himself in esteemed company alongside The KBCS and Japanese jazz trio Nautilus.

'Many Changes' continues the run of fantastic music - following a steady flow of singles in preparation of the album's release, the stage was set for another excursion into Magro's unrivalled sonic universe that seems to both define convention as well as defy it.  Comprised of a core trio of artists that position the drummer alongside Martin Lüdicke on keys and Francesco Beccaro on bass, the album boasts some distinguished guests including pianist Telemakus, guitarist Tom Ford, saxophonist Sean Payne and frequent collaborator in rapper Rapturous. 

As alluded to earlier, sonically, the music is typically Magro-esque when it comes to its unpredictability and genre-blurring composition.  And while there are tracks that display his penchant for hi-energy, broken beat-styled production like 'Light Switch' or the album's title track, some numbers seem born of a more introspective nature with 'MkKy' and 'When I Grow Up' adding an elegant nuance to the album as a whole.

With 'Many Changes', Magro once again highlights the importance of growth as a part of his own musical journey.  Never resting on his laurels, never taking the easy option, Magro's masterclass in evolution almost still feels in its early stages with a multitude of adventures still ahead of him.  It's like he says... "I drum.  I produce.  I build moods."

'Guirca' by Kalaha

Marking the distinction of their seventh studio release, Kalaha unveil their latest effort, 'Guirca'.

Released through their long-standing label home, the esteemed April Records, the Danish quartet have revelled in running the gamut of dynamic and varied musical soundscapes that demonstrate the group's ability to flit effortlessly between - or even unite - disparate sonic realms and boundaries.

While 'Tutku' (2022) saw Kalaha celebrate 1970s Turkish psychedelic rock, 'Mystafa' (2021) proved a compelling showcase for the band's musical gumbo style combining global grooves, electronica and even 1980s synth-pop.  Always looking to regard each new release with a clean slate - less in a bid for reinvention and more to solidify their passion for evolution - 'Guirca' sees the quartet turn their attention to the high-energy and thrilling sounds of cumbia.

Serving as a fusion of styles in its own right, cumbia's amalgamation of African and Spanish musical traditions makes it the perfect subject for Kalaha's distinguished sonic dissections.

Over the years, the Kalaha quartet have ascended to supergroup status with its band members immersed amongst a variety of further solo and collective endeavours that continue to find them pushing boundaries amidst different settings.  Comprised of Emil de Waal (drums), Nicholas Knudsen (guitars), Jens Berents Christiansen (keys) and Anders Stig Moller (bass), there's generally a strong understanding that when the four come together under the 'Kalaha' banner, their irrefutable chemistry gives rise to a real magic.  A fact perfectly evident throughout 'Guirca'.

Across the album's nine tracks, we're treated to a wonderful foray into the realms of cumbia with a variety of pieces embracing the varied styles within its own wide-ranging genre.  With tracks showcasing cumbia's more organic compositions and to others that embrace the more electronic aspects of the genre, Kalaha deliver a standout effort as they consistently do.  From the urgency of 'Vals Ajillo', the strong Latin stylings of the album's title track to the more cinematic-sounding 'Yacumama', Kalaha have once again tapped into the code of their subject's inner workings and presented their version with self-assuredness and confidence.  A final mention goes to the fantastic 'Out in the Woods' which is brilliantly infectious and deserving of its position as the album's centrepiece.

With 'Guirca', Kalaha reaffirm their place as a boundlessly progressive and imaginative ensemble.  Long may they continue to find the joy in creating!

:n-the-m:x | October 2025

Welcome to our monthly mix series with each episode spotlighting 10 tracks that we were particularly excited about across various shows on Blue-in-Green:RADIO. This month showcases a selection providing a 45-minute excursion from eclectic and soul-infused jazz and sublime soul to round out the mix.

Music this month comes courtesy of...

'My Future' by Lance Ferguson featuring Rita Satch (Tru Thoughts)

'Beretta' by Royce Wood Junior featuring Lucey Way (First Word)

'Le Trip' by The Offline featuring Kimo Eiserbeck (DeepMatter)

'Put Your Love On Me' [Extended Mix] by Angels of Libra featuring Nathan Johnston (Waterfall)

'Only Words' by Cookin' on 3 Burners featuring Natalie Slade (Soul Messin')

'Can't Watch' by Bright Dog Red (Ropeadope)

'Kanda' by Rastko Obradovic (A.MA)

'Cornerstone' by Omasta (Astigmatic)

'Out in the Woods' by Kalaha (April)

'Billie & Trane' by Tony Adamo

:n-the-m:x is exclusive to our Mixcloud channel so be sure to check back at the end of every month for future round-ups.