Madli-Liis Parts, Muusika (Estonia)
CAPTAIN KIRKE AND THE KLINGONS Captain Kirke and The Klingons (Kirke Karja)
A selection of the hot new music surfacing across the continent this month by the top European jazz magazines and websites
Paweł Brodowski, Jazz Forum (Poland)
KUBA WIĘCEK TRIO Multitasking (Polskie Nagrania)
Two years ago alto saxophonist Kuba Więcek became at 23 the youngest leader to have his album released in the cult series Polish Jazz. Following his sensational debut “Another Raindrop”, now comes his second outing “Multitasking,” recorded by the same trio with two older cohorts: Michał Barański on acoustic and electric basses and Łukasz Żyta on drums and glockenspiel. The notorious Marcin Masecki is guesting on synthesizer in one piece. It is a remarkable effort showing the young saxist’s creative zest and search for new sound combinations – subtle electronic effects, Middle Eastern modes and even an attempt by Michał Barański at Konnakol (the South Indian Carnatic art of performing percussion syllables vocally). The record production is impeccable, the trio’s musicianship stunning, but at the same time relaxed and full of humor. Each piece is completetly different.
Mike Flynn, Jazzwise (UK)
VULA VIEL Do Not Be Afraid (Vula Viel Music)
Jan Granlie, salt-peanuts.eu (Pan-Scandinavian)
ARASHI Jikan (PNL Records)
This is a trio that surpasses most in close interaction, while the music is open and exciting. And they should be invited to any jazz club and jazz festival around the world with this amazing form of modern jazz, because I don't think anyone can do this kind of music better that these three guys.
Christine Stephan, JAZZTHETIK (Germany)
HEINRICH VON KALNEIN AND MERETRIO: Passagem (Natango / Galileo MC)
Viktor Bensusan, jazzdergisi.com (Turkey)
GREGOR HUEBNER El Violin Latino Vol.3 - Los Soñadores (Zoho)
This genuine latin jazz album with a political flavor by the New York based German violinist Gregor Huebner offers the perfect balance: Original compositions reacting to the Trumpist agenda and latin standards with the bonus of an evergreen by Coltrane, Equinox. Also, be sure to lend your ears to the Curaçaoan vocalist of the album: Yumarya Grijt...
Henning Bolte, Written in Music (Netherlands)
ANNE METTE IVERSEN’S TERNION QUARTET Invincible Nimbus (Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records)
The music of this album is muscular and graceful, round and edgy in the same breath.It is of great clarity and rolls effortlessly. Also In fast and intricate zigzagging it feels easy going so that it is joyful for both musicians and listeners. There is slow deep blues and clear bop. There are fast, explosive runs. When you listen to more of it, all this doesn’t disappear. Rather it multiplies in new shapes time after time and gives surprise.
Magnus Nygren, OrkesterJournalen (Sweden)
JAN JELINEK AND SVEN-ÅKE JOHANSSON puls - plus - puls (Ni-Vu-Ni-Connu)
Cim Meyer, Jazz Special (Denmark)
GILAD HEKSELMAN Ask For Chaos (Imogéna)
With two quite different trios Hekselman looks for new ways every time they play his complex yet catchy originals with influences stretching from Milton Nascimento, Pat Metheny, Ornette Coleman, R&B, prog-rock and more.
Lars Mossefinn, Dag og tid (Norway)
MATHILDE GROOSS VIDDALS MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS Stabat Mater (Giraffa Records)
Axel Stinshoff, Jazz thing (Germany)
TOBIAS MEINHART Berlin People (Sunnyside)
