Fusion – ojdo

Lavoura – [2019] Ayizan

Exotic future jazz fusion with groovy inserts left and right.

This release is exceptional in that it differs quite a bit from the typical roster one would expect to find in netlabel Bump Foot’s roster. But to be fair, a Brazillian future jazz ensemble would stick out in just about any artist listing. What a pity that this release is only two tracks long. Dont’t dare to miss any of those, though. Influences from Brazil and Africa, mixed with contemporary fusion jazz, these standards deserve a place in your playlist:

Chico Correa & Electronic Band – [2006] Chico Correa & Electronic Band

Unique blend of latin flavour and electronic sound. Great vocals on top make this a rare find.

For this review, I had to stick on plenty of genre tags. Both jazz fusion and electronic IDM seem fitting descriptions. Then there’s a downtempo or chillout influence. And finally the world and latin tags to locate the music style geographically. And all that back in 2006, released on notoriously good (and still active) netlabel Bump Foot. And if you want to check out more recent stuff by the artist, find them on Bandcamp (latest release from 2020).

M-PeX – [2014] ODÝSSEIA

Portuguese guitar meets modern beats. Guitar and double bass, featuring electronic sounds.

This gem I found via the Enough Records mixed tape for the 2016 CC Europe Meeting in Lisbon. It features artists M-PeX (Portuguese guitar), André Coelho (double bass), and DJ X-Acto who provides the electronic part. It’s incredible stuff that deserves much more attention than the release’s view counter indicates. Continue reading “M-PeX – [2014] ODÝSSEIA”

Graphiqsgroove [2009] – Graphiqsgroove2009

Ok, naming their stuff creatively isn’t one of Graphiqsgroove’s strengths, but after all, their music is what counts. And there, the Japanese nujazz artist doesn’t disappoint. Laid-back instrumental soft beat lounge funk that doesn’t distract is what you can expect from these 9 tracks. Continue reading “Graphiqsgroove [2009] – Graphiqsgroove2009”

Bluebridge Quartet – [2007] Adjusted for Low Noise Tape EP

Friedemann’s Aquamarin Orchestra would be proud. I discovered this release with the morbid joy of a forensic researcher in the remainings of the discontinued Aerotone netlabel (“Ende.“). Abstract instrumental jazzy tunes are floating mid-air in front of your ears. Skillfull compositions (or improvisations?) showcase the saxophone, percussion, bass and guitar that form this marvelous quartet. You hardly ever encounter music without a catchphrase that is yet “welcoming”. Listen to my two favourites to find out more: Continue reading “Bluebridge Quartet – [2007] Adjusted for Low Noise Tape EP”

Paolo Pavan – [2009] Looking for a Way Out

This album comprises 6 slow and mellow jazz tracks by the Italian artist Paolo Pavan. The jazz combo consists of tenor saxophone, drums, bass and piano. This release is on the edge of smooth jazz and fusion, i.e. it can’t decide whether you sit in a smoky bar after your third bourbon or are at home in your designer living room, thinking about new paintings to buy. As usual, I select two representative songs for you to decide whether the full album is worth your precious listening time! Continue reading “Paolo Pavan – [2009] Looking for a Way Out”

Antiquity – [2009] As Much As You Can

Antiquity are a jazzy, bluesy studio combo from Brooklyn. Various professional musicians contributed to this gem of an album that vibrates between genres. Pop, Jazz, Blues, Soul, a little Funk. This only release from 2009 reminds me of Incognito.

The two preview tracks were hard to select… so better grab the whole album and find your preferred titles. Continue reading “Antiquity – [2009] As Much As You Can”