17.04.2018
Article: Cem Kayıran
Translation: Yetkin Nural
Collage: Sadi Güran
As we are entering the second half of 2018, it is time to go back and review the jazz releases of the past six months. Come take a tour of the albums released from important labels such as Blue Note, ECM, Impulse! and many others.
Sons of Kemet – Your Queen is a Reptile
(Impulse!)
Led by the multi talented Shabaka Hutchings, Son of Kemet’s Your Queen is a Reptile, is one of the most important albums of the year, not only in jazz scene but in general. With Extraordinary compositions, sweeping improvisations and inspiring ideas, Your Queen is a Reptile takes on the theme of a myth that some of the British royal family embers are actually shape shifting reptiles.
Dave Liebman – Fire
(Jazzline)
Here is a quartet that has been shaping jazz since 1970’s: Dave Liebman, Dave Holland, Kenny Werner and Jack DeJohnette. The important names of modern jazz managed to create another “timeless” album of six songs, recorded with the lead of Liebman during 2016.
Brad Mehldau Trio – Seymour Reads the Constitution
(Nonesuch Records)
One of the most unique trios of the jazz scene, Brad Mehldau, Larry Grenadier ve Jeff Ballard are together since 2005. Their latest album, Seymour Reads the Constitution, is a gift that keeps giving every time you listen to it. Aside from Mehldau’s compositions, the jazz and waltz flavored renditions of legendary songs from names such as Bryan Wilson and Paul McCartney are definitely worth listening.
Kenny Barron Quintet – Concentric Circles
(Blue Note)
An important representative of bebop, Kenny Barron celebrated the 50th anniversary of his career with an exciting album. Concentric Circles, Barron’s first solo album from the prestigious Blue Note label, includes originals compositions as well as renditions of songs from names such as Thelonious Monk and Caetano Veloso.
Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin – Awase
(ECM Records)
Nik Bärtsch and his magnificent band Ronin came up with a new album based on the words of the famous French theorist Roland Barthes. As in all Ronin albums, Awase keep a unique and incisive flow while also expanding the sound and composition range of the band.
Make sure to check these as well:
Kamasi Washington – Heaven and Earth
(Shoto Mas Inc.)
Peter Ersikne & The Dr. Um Band – On Call
(Fuzzy Music)
GoGo Penguin – A Humdrum Star
(Decca Records)
The New Mastersounds – Renewable Energy
(One Note Records)
Kamaal Williams – The Return
(Black Forest Records)