'Bounds' by Keysuna

Bounds.  It's an incredibly evocative title and theme to explore through music.  

As a concept, the album could be referencing a range of meanings from the varying constructs of our daily lives, routines and responsibilities to the invisible limits that prevent us from venturing beyond what's immediately in front of us.

Throughout the debut album by singer, bassist and producer Keysuna, bounds is a theme tackled with poise and sophistication.  A staggeringly warm and intimate full-length that presents the French artist's distinct stance on contemporary R&B and neo-soul - as an artist who lovingly wears her influences on her sleeve, Keysuna openly expresses affections for the genre's icons like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott while still presenting compelling insight into her own takes and perspectives.

While 'Bounds' may serve as her debut full-length, Keysuna has been ingratiating herself amidst France's thriving landscape for some time now - with songs from the album having been drip-fed as standalone singles previously, Keysuna can also boast a definitively scene-stealing performance alongside French jazz trio, Namas, for their collaborative track, 'Don't Rush'.  Featured as part of Namas' sophomore album release 'Tonight', Keysuna displays the deft versatility through jazz as she does alongside the more hip-hop inspired sonic palettes of Deheb.  The current track, 'Let That S##t Go', from their upcoming joint EP offers up yet another enthralling facet to Keysuna's music that thrives off her charisma and dynamic approach to music-making.

'Bounds' delivers as a fantastic - and somewhat formal - introduction to the artist as a fully-realised ideal.  Across the album's nine tracks, we're treated to songs that address notions of social constructs, intimacy, rejection and honesty.  And 'honesty' does prove to be a key factor throughout 'Bounds' - as much as it proves to be a quality important for our protagonist to identify in others, it's equally important that it be a quality that she exudes in her own writing which she does to notable effect.  

Backed by sublime vocals, lush production and intimate soundscapes, 'Bounds' ingeniously finds freedom through its vulnerabilities and sincerity.  A brilliantly accomplished project from start to finish, Keysuna's remarkable debut offers listeners the chance to consider the theme within their contexts - which bounds are best left behind and which have we imposed upon ourselves?

'DISCIPLINE SE7ENTY 9' by A Cat Called Fritz

After a brief - and wholly welcome - detour as one-half of the neo-soul outfit Jatoba, A Cat Called Fritz returns to the hip-hop aesthetic cthat has become most synonymous with his musical output.

Through past mixtape projects, Fritz has brilliantly managed to cater to slightly more experienced hip-hop fans that grew up with mixtapes as a crucial part of their fandom.  Presented here as two separate 45-minute mixes, 'DISCIPLINE SE7ENTY 9' finds the French DJ and producer presenting a selection of tracks and previously unheard gems including his own originals and exclusives that carry the torch for the golden era boom-bap of the 1990s.

Fritz furthers his affections for the genre by releasing 'DISCIPLINE SE7ENTY 9' through a selection of physical cassettes via his Bandcamp page that adds to the air of nostalgia around the project.

Hip-hop has long served as the core of Fritz's now extensive catalogue.  Through a varied selection of standalone singles, EPs and full-lengths, Fritz has managed to tailor projects around his vast talents taking every opportunity to weave new narratives and recontextualise his affections for hip-hop and music.

From providing incredible sonic backdrops for his collaborators to ingratiate themselves to, to the range of soulful instrumental projects or the aforementioned Jatoba full-length of last year alongside vocalist Regine Lanoir, Fritz's deep-seated affections for creating consistently will always continue to help further establish a sensational catalogue.

Boasting exclusive A Cat Called Fritz reinterpretations on Queen Latifah's 'Black Hand Side', Black Moon's 'How Many MCs', A Tribe Called Quest's 'Mind Power' and D'Angelo's 'Me & Those Dreamin Eyes of Mine', 'DISCIPLINE SE7ENTY 9' proves a fantastic showcase for Fritz's talents.  As a complete mixtape, the joy of the project rests in the indelible imprint of Fritz's mixes, sequences and transitions - an incredible showcase of his all-round skill that makes this version of 'DISCIPLINE SE7ENTY 9' a distinctly inspired release aided by the DJ's incredible personal touches.  

Conversely, the project also has the distinction of being split into two further releases that divide the mixtape's selections into the standalone versions of the aforementioned remixed tracks, and a second release that focuses on the instrumentals.  Proving to be something of a lost artform in today's streaming and digital age of music consumption, 'DISCIPLINE SE7ENTY 9' works best when taken as a complete musical experience, digested and appreciated as a fully-realised full-length.  More than a nostalgic exercise, the mixtape stands as a celebration of hip-hop's enduring culture, reaffirming A Cat Called Fritz as both a gifted producer and an exceptional curator.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #151: The Night Service Commute

Welcome to Episode #151 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which this week sees Imran connect with Netherlands-based producer, musician and DJ, Tommy Willetts.

Under the guise of the illusive Night Service Commute, Willetts has cultivated a sensational middle ground where jazz compositions intertwine themselves with hip-hop sensibilities to create a genuinely enthralling and imaginative series of releases.  While recent single releases - including his 'Certain Sevens' double-header in 'Downfall' and 'Halfspeed' - have leant further into more haunting and even trippier productions, 'Dust' and 'Again' see Willetts return to the style of his esteemed 'In Transit' full-length which served as a flawless introduction to his indelible talents.  With a litany of standalone singles and remixes already available this year - including a new full-length due in 2026 - Willetts proves near unmatchable when donning his Night Service Commute cowl so another album is sure to be an absolute treat!

The conversation delves into the creation of The Night Service Commute's sublime productions, life as an independent artist, collaborations and where the Night Service moniker actually came from.

For more info and to explore Tommy Willetts' music further, please visit Bandcamp:

https://thenightservicecommute.bandcamp.com/music

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#151_The Night Service Commute

'Downtempo 1' by The Tony Soprano Band

Capturing a deliciously vibrant and inspired set of eclectic and varied soundscapes, The Tony Soprano Band make their riveting debut for Dune Castle Records with 'Downtempo 1'.

As an album composed and created very much in line with the Dune Castle aesthetic, the Tony Soprano ensemble is comprised of friends and Dune Castle label-mates that each revel within the constructs of live performance, improvisation and instrumental collaboration.  As a label now into its sixth year, the Patrick "Cantrips" Ryan-helmed studio and recording home has championed the free-thinking and diverse musical projects of a host of artists and bands, all keen to express their distinctively unique musical vision:  from the left-of-centre electronica and nu-jazz scope of Evening News, the cinematic funk of Blademasters or the 60s folky soul of Robbie Belchamber, Dune Castle has consistently represented innovative perspectives on predominately Melbourne-based artists and perspectives.

The Tony Soprano band adds its name to the eclectic lineage of the label delivering a fantastic and compelling project at the same time.  Made up of bassist Daniel Rock, drummer Lucky Pereira, Robert Downie on sampler and drum machine and Winton Findlay on synthesizers, 'Downtempo 1' found its life from a series of improvised jam sessions that were later repackaged and recontextualised by Patrick Ryan himself and presented in the phenomenal end-product that we now have.

Across the album's seven compositions, the quartet lovingly wear their influences on their collective sleeve - from the boom-bap of golden era hip-hop to the more immersive and darker aspects of the production that at times call to mind traces of 90s trip-hop.  Conversely, the band's use of synths has a fascinating ability to both usher in warmer and more intimate dimensions to the music while still retaining the freedom to create even more trippy sonic backdrops at the same time.  

'Downtempo 1' is an ingenious album that doesn't find itself trying to overly force itself into different categories or characterisation; as an album, it is never trying to make itself anything other than what it is: a free-flowing and visionary project born of profound imagination.

It may not be really understood at this time whether the adoption of the "Tony Soprano" name serves as an affectionate nod or whether there is a stronger parallel being drawn - perhaps though it has to do with the notion of contradiction, the idea of an entity retaining the benefits of strength and tenderness, rigidity and impulse, curiosity and confidence.  Either way, in the words of Uncle Junior, "You steer the ship the best way you know".

'Øyeblikk' by Maria Dybbroe (Caktus x OJKOS)

Consistently pushing boundaries and finding innovative ways to recontextualise her music, Maria Dybbroe delivers a sensational third full-length offering alongside her Caktus quintet that represents some of her most inspired work to date.

And that's an incredibly bold statement in of itself!  

For an artist that has presented her music across a variety of ensembles including Bloomers, JUMP, Køs and the aforementioned Caktus - or even as part of duo projects with cellist Jakob Kullberg or accordionist Artemis Vavatsika - the Danish saxophonist and composer relishes the boundless possibilities that lay within a blank canvas.  With an affection for the freedom of improvisation as well as the meticulousness of chamber composition, Dybbroe's highly decorated and esteemed presence amidst the Scandinavian landscape of contemporary jazz continues to position her as a compulsory voice working today.

For 'Øyeblikk', Dybbroe further expands the Caktus ensemble by incorporating the Orchestra for Jazz Composers in Oslo - OJKOS.  A fourteen piece collective that represents leading names amidst Oslo's burgeoning talent, 'Øyeblikk' is treated to an incredible perspective with Dybbroe at the helm who navigates a scintillating narrative across the album's five compositions.

With the album's title translating to "moment", the intimately personal project finds Dybbroe using each composition to revisit a moment, a place, a time in her life of notable significance.  There's a delicious ambiguity about many of the stories being told here but, ultimately, 'Øyeblikk' is defined by its sublime presentation and elegant performances that find Dybrroe expertly able to convey moments of joy, lament and deep-seated moments of tenderness and affection.  A definitively immersive listening experience, the music is bolstered with orchestral soundscapes and ambitious production with 'Øyeblikk' running the gamut of doting and warmth all the way to a track like 'Kalvøya' that revels in an intricate erraticism that captivates.

'Øyeblikk' is a genuinely inspired piece of art - inspired in musical scope and inspired through its very essence and motivational themes.  Projects that find themselves created from such personal subject matter often become fascinating journeys for the artist to undertake just as much as it is for the listener.  

While Maria Dybbroe's intention may very well be to revisit past moments, such journeys can easily become more about revisiting the person that experienced them rather than the time period itself.  And in that way, 'Øyeblikk' transcends from a document of selected moments to memories that endure.

'Dare to Love Free' by Eki Shola

'Dare to Love Free' serves as an incredibly bold, innovative and artistic statement from the indelibly talented Eki Shola.  

In its fully realised form, the 'Dare to Love' project boasts a whopping forty original songs and compositions that wander freely in between the realms of jazz, R&B, electronica, experimental and ambient.  Never trying to make music that adheres to rules or principles of preordained genres and styles, Shola's boundless talents have just proven to be unhindered in their perception of music and how to communicate it to its audience.

But the project's overarching scope extends significantly further than just the amount of songs included on the expansive release.  Shola's music has consistently been demonstrative of her evolution as an artist as well as a person.  Born in London before moving to California at a young age, Shola's experiences seem to have blessed her with an insatiable appetite for learning - as a qualified physician, that learning never stops and that's an ideology that has permeated through to her perspectives on music and composition.

Proudly wearing the tags of singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and composer, it's a mind-blowing roll-call of talents befitting the passion Shola exudes and the dedication each project is approached with.  A definitive milestone release within the Eki Shola catalogue came in the form of 2023's '還 (Kaeru)' - a project recorded and conceived in Japan, the album sought to document Eki's affections towards a place that has since gone on to bear tremendous significance to her on a personal and musical level.  

An adopted home of sorts, Japan's impact on '還 (Kaeru)' has also proved significant for 'Dare to Love Free', which is where the album's true brilliance lies.  For long-term fans of Eki Shola, her music has proved a living testament to her life, experiences and of course travels.  New instruments, new techniques, new skills are picked up on the way to each release and 'Dare to Love Free' is Shola at her most realised.  

An album that embraces each aspect of her personal make-up from her formative years in London, her adult life in California and her spiritual reawakening in Japan.  'Dare to Love Free' holds the weight of it all on its shoulders and it invites us to regard her with openness and sincerity.  The concept of home and identity seemed prevalent within Shola's music for some time now - sometimes addressing the questions about who we are can come with struggle and sometimes they can be the simplest questions to answer.  If '還 (Kaeru)' was asking where home was, 'Dare to Love Free' is Eki Shola's response.

International Jazz Day 2026

Our celebrations for International Jazz Day took place Sunday 3rd May this year and we were incredibly proud to present an extra special series of shows to celebrate our unwavering affections for the genre with the team showcasing new and innovative global jazz music and artists while paying homage to the genre's icons, architects and labels.

You can now catch-up on every show we aired for the day via the following links and re-live the celebrations at your leisure.  We'd like to extend a massive thank you to the phenomenal Blue-in-Green:RADIO team who went above and beyond, delivering some spectacular shows!

With Chicago as this year's host city, we start the day with an I-N-F-(((o)))-C-U-S episode celebrating the dynamic and progressive jazz of the city's own #InternationalAnthemRecordings.  Founded in 2014, the revered Chicago-based record label has gone on to achieve phenomenal success since its inception.  while presenting an incredible front-line roster of innovative jazz talent, International Anthem has gifted listeners with some inspired, impassioned and spirited jazz releases, initially with a devoted lens on Chicago-based artists but has since gone on to champion burgeoning talent from the UK and South Africa.

Celebrate IJD with UK Vibe's Steve Williams who gifts us a special mix drawn from 4 decades of dedicated record collecting. This carefully curated selection journeys through the rich landscape of jazz, featuring vocal masters #CarmenLundy, #MarkMurphy & #DeeDeeBridgewater alongside instrumental greats including #WoodyShaw, #KennyBarron and #LouDonaldson. From Mose Allison's bluesy storytelling and Astrud Gilberto's Brazilian warmth to contemporary voices like the Mabon Dawud Quintet and Yes! Trio, the mix weaves together classic and modern, soulful and spiritual, familiar favourites and hidden gems. A heartfelt tribute to the music that's soundtracked a lifetime of listening.

The incredibly prolific DJ/producer and founder of Oioji Records, As Valet gifts us a sensational episode of Cosmic Radio that explores Caribbean jazz.  With Oioji Records consistently paying homage to its Caribbean roots, As Valet's indelible perspectives and far-ranging musical tastes provide fascinating insight for today's show.  Featuring music from #MariusCultier #RolandBrival #LucHubertSejor #MichelSardaby #JoweeOmicil + more...

Twistedsoul with Colin Smith.  Typically presenting selections through a broad sonic palette including cosmic soul, jazz fusion, ambient folk and left-field hip-hop, Colin's incredible selections tonight showcase some of his personal treasures through selections by emanative, Awen Ensemble, Ancient Infinity Orchestra, #Emanative #BenLaMarGay #CarlosNino #DonCherry + more.

In conversation with Tim "Chiminyo" Doyle.  As a key component to leading ensembles including Maisha, Cykada, Your Brother's Keeper and Uniri, Tim leads the charge for progressive and club-centric jazz and electronic fusion most aptly through his NRG series.  With NRG #5 now available through Bandcamp, Tim joins us from his current tour to discuss the NRG series, the ideals of improvisation, life as an independent musician plus the upcoming Your Brother's Keeper project with Gary Bartz. 

Futuristica Radio with Simon S.  Founded by Simon S in 2006 and swiftly launching their inaugural project - 'Strangers to the Ordinary' by Low Budget Soul - Futuristica Music would go on to release a slew of genre-defining and genre-defying projects from world class names in jazz, neo-soul and hip-hop.  With the label now reaching the milestone of its 20th year in 2026, DJ, producer and label founder Simon Skolfield explores the jazzier side of the future soul label's catalogue with some phenomenal music from #DeborahJordan #Stark #Rise #PeterFranks #JazzChronicles #GeorgieSweet + more...

Sounds of Gravity with a Cat Called FRITZ.  This episode is dedicated to record labels ECM (Edition of Contemporary Music) et JAPO (Jazz by Post). German independent labels co-founded by producer Manfred Eicher, Manfred Scheffner and Karl Egger in Munich in 1969.  The respective catalogues each possess a very distinctive identity, ranging from jazz to Western classical music, including contemporary world music.  A very European jazz bias, but rich in contemplative atmosphere and some gems that truly stand out.  This mix mainly covers their releases from the 70s with artists like #RobinKenyatta #JanGarbarek #JohnAbercrombie #JackDeJohnette #RalphTowner #TetjeRypdal #MiroslavVitous #ManfredSchoofQuintet #KeithJarrett #GaryBurton #ArtEnsembleOfChicago… and many more.

'Circadia' by Mammal Hands

'Circadia' - the sixth album from the Norwich-based Mammal Hands - serves as a milestone release for the trio as they usher in their own new era of monumental change.

And it's very much a monumental change that finds its very concept aptly echoed within the album's title: suggesting movement through cycles as opposed to straight lines, the natural cycles of rest, renewal and awakening - a depiction of our own internal clock over a 24 hour period - prove a stark metaphor for where Mammal Hands currently find themselves within their own circadian rhythm...

Pianist Nick Smart and saxophonist Jordan Smart seek to steer the Mammal Hands brand into compelling new directions by inducting former GoGo Penguin drummer, Rob Turner, within the trio's fold.  The move gifts listeners nothing short of a super group pitting minds across two of the UK's most esteemed jazz ensembles with so much shared philosophies and ideals resulting in, needless to say, mouth-watering musical possibilities...

But the cycles of change continue as, following five albums through Matthew Halsall's Gondwana Records, the newly-formed Mammal Hands trio further take the leap towards a new recording home in German label, ACT Music.  Boasting a broad showcase of contemporary jazz luminaries, ACT's prominence continues to build to increasing heights thanks to helming projects by revered names including Bill Laurance, Theo Croker, Emma Rawicz and Shalosh. 

For Mammal Hands, 'Circadia' is a definitive step towards a new stage in the band's evolutionary process and it's a step taken with poise and confidence.  

Six albums over a twelve year period is an exceptional feat by anyone's standards.  And with a touring schedule this year that takes Smart, Turner & Smart to Poland, Germany, Romania, Italy, France, Portugal and across the UK, it's fair to cite Mammal Hands for their inspired and tireless work ethic that continues to appease listeners through each release.

Their insatiable energy naturally finds itself translating across to their music as well – their distinct perspectives on jazz continues to find inspiration across a range of genres and styles as diverse as the unbridled nature of electronica and broken beat to the cinematic scope of classical-inspired composition.

From the dawn of 'Helios' to the dusk of 'Submerge', 'Circadia' navigates an elegant and nuanced narrative that ultimately provides a distinctive jewel amongst the Mammal Hands treasure chest.  'Alia's Abandon' teams with infectious intensity while 'A Thread in the Dark' captures with its warmth and gentle lament. 

Through ACT and the inclusion of Rob Turner, 'Circadia' marks both an ending and a beginning for the newly-realised Mammal Hands trio - an album that contains a deep affection for everything they have achieved up to this point but a project that also lays a definitive mission statement for their next and deeply rich cycle.

'Di Hotel Malibu' by Thee Marloes

The sophomore album release from Thee Marloes finds its way to audiences two years after their sensational debut offering through Big Crown Records.

'Di Hotel Malibu' finds the Indonesian trio offering up a thrilling extension to the sublime soundscapes presented in their 2024 debut, 'Perak'.  Displaying an affection for 60s and 70s soul through a progressive and contemporary lens, Thee Marloes have cultivated a sound that lovingly nods to their Indonesian heritage while also boasting something of a now signature dusty analog texture that is so emphatically rich in quality. 

Hailing from Surabaya, Indonesia, Thee Marloes actually began life as a passion project for guitarist Sinatrya Dharaka and drummer Tommy Satwick who would record their early demos in Dharaka's bedroom during the global pandemic.  The duo's need for a vocalist led them to Natassya Sianturi, who they had previously crossed paths with on the circuit.  Through their palpable chemistry and soon discovering their shared love for soul revival bands, classic soul-funk for the 70s as well as quintessential soul music as pioneered by Motown, Stax and Atlantic Records, Sianturi was swiftly inducted as a part of the trio as vocalist and keyboardist.

An organic formation born of a shared passion for music that would ultimately garner the attention of Big Crown.  And it seems only fitting to take a moment and discuss the phenomenal slew of releases that Big Crown Records themselves are having - with projects over the last year alone from El Michels Affair, Les Imprimés and Marco Benevento, the New York-based label continues to serve as a beacon for contemporary soul music, even going as far as plundering the four corners of the planet in a bid to unearth the treasures they seem to continually showcase amongst their ever-expanding catalogue.  

And Thee Marloes are absolutely indicative of that.  

Through both intimate and articulate song-writing, exquisite musicianship and sublime vocals, Thee Marloes frankly make it all look too easy.  With songs that delve into a range of joyous and reflective subject matter from love, death, self-doubt, the music finds its life through affectionate and warm production that offers up inspired soundscapes for Sianturi's captivating vocal. 

Confirming the promise of the group's debut, The Marloes may openly declare their adoration for various styles of soul music but their ability to imbue those inspirations with a uniquely personal identity is what continues to endear them to listeners the world over.  Shaped by cultural heritage and a commitment to authenticity, 'Di Hotel Malibu' reaffirms the trio as a compulsory voice for contemporary soul.

'One or Two Things' by Dalia Valančiūtė

Jazz standards have long displayed a notably magical quality within the genre: compositions that ultimately become self-contained gifts, passed from one generation to the next and subsequently documenting an esteemed lineage as part of its own journey.  In this way, standards become a bridge of sorts between eras but also an enduring lexicon that has the ability to document everything from the continual ills of society to the purest joy of finding a divine love.

For the artist though, it's the strength of the performance that determines whether their interpretation can stand the test of time and do justice to songs that are intertwined within jazz's history.

Through the release of her second full-length album, 'One or Two Things', Dalia Valančiūtė presents an inspired perspective over the course of the project's twelve tracks that treat standards as living bodies of work connecting its revered past with progressive takes for the songs' future.

Born in Lithuania and now residing in Copenhagen, Valančiūtė has become a staple on the Danish live music circuit - the brief selection of videos available through her YouTube channel really demonstrates her charm, poise and charisma through studio renditions of 'My One and Only Love' and 'If I Had You' that are indicative of a deeply impassioned performer.

The release of 'Open the Door' in 2023, again, was demonstrative of Valančiūtė's affections for the genre presented through a warmly-received debut album.  'One or Two Things' finds the vocalist in more self-assured footing as she displays the confidence of an artist now able to decidedly hone in on the best version of herself; a version that finds the balance between honouring tradition while fearlessly conveying enough personality to interpret the songs within her own vision.  

And helping to bring these exquisite renditions into life is Valančiūtė's long-standing core unit which includes pianist Laurits Høgel, bassist Mariusz Praśniewski and drummer Jesper Lørup, with additional support from saxophonist Christian Holm-Svendsen and Malthe Kaptain on trumpet.  Boasting undeniably scintillating chemistry, the players are able to paint sublime musical backdrops for Valančiūtė's vocal whether it be for the joyous swing of 'Nobody Else But Me' or the delectable noir jazz of album closer 'Too Late Now'.

This is music that stands the test of time because - as compositions, as written words - the impact that standards have on artists and audiences alike reveal continual (re)discovery through each iteration or interpretation.  But 'One or Two Things' doesn't just carry the weight of audience expectations with it, it is also indicative of Valančiūtė wearing the pride of her Lithuanian roots which in many ways proves just as integral to the album's story.

'One or Two Things' is Dalia Valančiūtė picking up the mantle - like those before her - and valiantly bestowing these treasures onto a new generation.