Jazz Matters October 2024 Showcase
Welcome to Jazz Matters, where I invite you to celebrate the music that means the world to me. Today’s show is deeply personal, as it is dedicated to the memory of my father.
I’ve been quiet since early June, as my father had been battling illness, and sadly, I lost him recently. This month’s show is a tribute to him—a man whose life was also immersed in music. Although his taste gravitated towards country and classical, somehow, we always connected over the timeless sounds of Steely Dan. In his honour, I’ve included two of his favourite tracks, one from Can’t Buy a Thrill and the other from Aja, albums that were very close to his heart.
My father wasn’t just a music lover, both my grandfather and my father were the greatest influences, shaping the way I experience and appreciate music. So, it feels only right to open today’s show with a piece I believe they would have appreciated: Vincent Peirani’s "This is New Shit."
As I find my way back into the rhythm of things, I’m excited to explore new creative projects and ideas, including a new audiophile platform I’ve been working. Though recent events have delayed its launch to December, I’ll be sharing updates as I move forward.
Thank you for checking out Jazz Matters, and here’s to the man who always had music in his soul—my father.
My podcast playlist is an ever-evolving exploration of sound, rhythm, and emotion. This months playlist is a blend of jazz virtuosity, genre-defying fusion, and contemporary innovation, featuring some of the most forward-thinking musicians on the scene today.
Vincent Peirani – "This is New Shit"Accordionist Vincent Peirani sets the tone with his piece "This is New Shit," an adventurous mix of jazz, rock, and European folk music. Peirani pushes the boundaries of the accordion, blending traditional and modern styles into a rich, atmospheric journey.
Yussef Dayes, Venna, Charlie Stacey - "Black Classical Music"Yussef Dayes, one of the most exciting drummers in contemporary music, teams up with saxophonist Venna and pianist Charlie Stacey on "Black Classical Music." It's a powerful tribute to jazz's roots, blending hard-hitting rhythms with an experimental edge that keeps the genre alive and evolving.
Chelsea Carmichael - "Bone and Soil"Saxophonist Chelsea Carmichael is carving out her space in the jazz world with "Bone and Soil," a deeply reflective piece with roots in the British jazz scene. Her sound is meditative yet dynamic, with nods to African rhythms and free improvisation.
Evgeny Pobozhiy Orchestra – "Stream"Evgeny Pobozhiy's orchestral composition "Stream" is a sweeping fusion of jazz and classical influences. The lush, cinematic arrangement feels like a river of sound, weaving through moments of delicate beauty and full-bodied jazz energy.
Raquel Martins - "Fragil Eyes"Raquel Martins’ "Fragil Eyes" blends soulful vocals with a warm, organic sound. Her mellow groove and introspective lyrics make this track a standout, offering a moment of tenderness and vulnerability in the midst of more complex compositions.
Jeremy Pelt -" "No A.I.Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt's "No A.I." reflects on the tension between humanity and technology, presenting a rich, emotional counterpoint to the cold, mechanical world of artificial intelligence. His playing is full of warmth, showcasing a mastery of the instrument and an introspective depth.
Steely Dan – "Aja" and "Kings" Two of my fathers favourite Steely Dan tracks and giving a nod to the classics, and Steely Dan’s tracks "Aja" and "Kings" are timeless. Their blend of jazz sophistication and rock sensibility is unmatched, with tight arrangements, soulful guitar work, and those signature harmonies that have defined the band for decades.
Takuya Kuroda - "Dead End Dance"Takuya Kuroda’s trumpet leads the charge in "Dead End Dance," a funky, danceable number that pulls from Afrobeat and jazz fusion. Kuroda’s sharp, energetic playing sits atop a tight groove, making this one of the playlist’s more rhythm-driven tracks.
Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few - "Perspective (Peace And Love)"Isaiah Collier and his ensemble bring free jazz into the spiritual realm with "Perspective (Peace and Love)." Collier’s intense saxophone explorations are balanced by the ensemble’s grounding rhythms, offering a transcendent experience that’s both chaotic and soothing.
Kiefer Trio featuring Luke Titus & Pera Krstajic "Montara"Keyboardist Kiefer brings in drummer Luke Titus and bassist Pera Krstajic for a smooth, groove-centric interpretation of Bobby Hutcherson’s "Montara." Kiefer’s touch is light and playful, making this cover feel fresh while paying homage to the original.
Kahil El'Zabar's Ethnic Heritage Ensemble - "Return of the Lost Tribe" Legendary percussionist Kahil El'Zabar leads the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble in "Return of the Lost Tribe," a journey into the avant-garde that melds ancient African rhythms with contemporary jazz improvisation. The track is both grounded in tradition and full of modern exploration.
Alison Crockett - "Like Rain" Vocalist Alison Crockett brings a sultry, soulful energy to "Like Rain." Her voice flows effortlessly over a smooth jazz backdrop, creating an intimate, moody atmosphere perfect for late-night listening.
Nir Felder – "Revival" Guitarist Nir Felder’s "Revival" is a bright, uplifting composition with intricate fretwork and a sense of optimism. Felder’s modern jazz sensibility shines, blending technical precision with emotional depth.
Andy Milne and Unison - "No Matter What"Andy Milne’s piano leads "No Matter What," a piece that moves between lyrical beauty and moments of energetic dissonance. Milne’s mastery of dynamics keeps the listener engaged, navigating a complex emotional landscape.
Jeremy Ledbetter Trio – "Flight""Flight" by Jeremy Ledbetter Trio is a high-energy romp through modern jazz, with tight, fast-paced playing that showcases each musician’s technical abilities. It's an exhilarating journey from start to finish.
Daniel Casimir – "Balance"Bassist Daniel Casimir’s "Balance" is a reflective, soulful piece that blends intricate bass lines with a thoughtful harmonic structure. The track feels like a meditation on the delicate balance of life, full of subtle nuance and quiet strength.
Billy Cobham & George Adams Featured By The Johannes Faber QuintetFinally, the legendary Billy Cobham and saxophonist George Adams bring their signature fusion energy to the stage, alongside the Johannes Faber Quintet. Their collaboration is a powerhouse of rhythm and melody, bringing this playlist to an epic close.
This playlist is a sonic journey through the many faces of modern jazz and beyond. From introspective ballads to high-energy fusion, each track reflects the endless possibilities of musical expression. Tune in and let the sounds take you to new place