quête:o k jazz

The Modern Jazz Quartet, known for its sophisticated and elegant approach to jazz, consisted of pianist John Lewis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson, bassist Percy Heath, and drummer Connie Kay

Here are Some key points about the album: "Fontessa" is regarded as one of the Quartet's essential recordings, praised for its elegant performances and refned compositions. The album refects the commitment to creating jazz that is both accessible and artistically ambitious. Critics and jazz enthusiasts often highlight the interplay between Milt Jackson's vibraphone and John Lewis's piano, supported by the solid rhythm section of Percy Heath and Connie Kay. The title track "Fontessa" is a suite in several movements, showcasing the band's ability to merge different musical themes seamlessly; the album includes notable covers such as "Angel Eyes," "Willow Weep for Me," and "Over the Rainbow" all of which are given the Modern Jazz Quartet unique treatment with a mix of lush harmonies and sophisticated improvisation. The album, released in 1956, signifcantly contributed to the evolution of jazz by demonstrating that it could be a serious, artful genre capable of sophisticated expression. The Modern Jazz Quartet infuence extends beyond jazz to classical and popular music, and "Fontessa" remains a testament to their innovative spirit and enduring appeal, a key album in their discography, exemplifying their unique sound and artistic vision.

When a limited edition 45 single landed on the desk of Jazz Room Head Honcho Paul Murphy he contacted the guys straight away. "Do you want a 45 piece of wax released on Jazz Room Records?" Bells were ringing!

The A Side is a Latin Afrosound version of the Sun Ra Classic "Watusa". Featuring members of the Los Angleles based Afro Latin Beat Collective "Jungle Fire".

You might have noticed this getting quite a few spins on the Gilles Peterson show on BBC 6 Music.

The B Side is a funky version of the Charles Mingus composition "Meditations On Integration".

Rush releasing July 2025.

Dimple Discs is pleased to announce its first release from the Near Jazz Experience. They play wildly improv but tuneful music - cross Can"s rhythm section with Roland Kirk, and Motown and you"ll get close to where The NJE is coming from. These are three musicians at the top of their game. Hint of soundtracks for spaghetti westerns and Bollywood only enriches the mix!

Jazz Side Of The Moon is reissued on 180gram One Step Pressing LP and SACD Hybrid Stereo.

A homage to Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, Jazz Side Of The Moon is one of the brightest jewels in the catalog of noted audiophile label Chesky Records.

It was recorded in 2007 in St. Peter's Church, New York, by a jazz supergroup consisting of organist Sam Yahel, drummer Ari Hoenig, guitarist Mike Moreno, and tenor saxophonist Seamus Blake. The quartet put a fresh spin on an old classic, giving it a transformative makeover that honored the spirit of the original 1973 LP while adding something new and refreshingly different. The record's highlights include sensational renditions of the Floyd favorites "Time," "The Great Gig In The Sky" and "Money."

Lee Morgan war ein amerikanischer Jazztrompeter und Komponist. Als einer der wichtigsten Hard BopMusiker der 1960er Jahre wurde Morgan bereits in seinen späten Teenagerjahren bekannt. Er nahm mit Bandleadern wie John Coltrane, Curtis Fuller, Dizzy Gillespie, Hank Mobley und Wayne Shorter auf und spielte in Art Blakeys Jazz Messengers. Morgan blieb bis 1961 bei Blakey und begann in den späten 50er Jahren, als Leader Platten aufzunehmen. Seine Komposition „The Sidewinder“, die auf dem gleichnamigen Album enthalten ist, wurde 1964 zu einem überraschenden Crossover-Hit in den Pop- und R&B-Charts. Nach einem zweiten Engagement in Blakeys Band arbeitete Morgan bis zu seinem Tod 1972 sowohl als Leader als auch als Sideman weiter. Ursprünglich 1960 auf dem Vee-Jay-Label veröffentlicht, ist ”Here’s Lee Morgan” Lee Morgans 10. Album. Auf der Sammlung von 6 Hard Bop-Stücken wird Morgan von Clifford Jordan (Tenorsaxophon), Wynton Kelly (Klavier), Paul Chambers (Bass) und Art Blakey (Schlagzeug) unterstützt. Diese Neuauflage des Albums erscheint als Teil der Original Jazz Classics Series auf 180-Gramm-Vinyl, das bei RTI gepresst wurde, mit analogem Mastering von den Originalbändern bei Cohearent Audio und einem Stoughton TipOn Jacket.

Drei KontinenteɎ drei musikalische Weltbürgerɍ In der Berliner Philharmonie haben sie ihre Herkunft und ihre globalen Erfahrunɞ gen zu einem fesselnden LiveɞKonzertprogramm vereintɎ das WüstenbluesɎ GnawaɞTranceɎ Jazz aus dem Nahen OstenɎ Rock und fernöstliche Gelassenheit umfasstɍ Die drei hochkarätigen Musiker haben aus ihrem musikalischen Erbe geschöpftɎ und ein Fest der menschlichen Verwandtschaft geschaffenɎ das atembeɞ raubend lebendig istɍ

Mit einem Konzert in der Berliner Philharmonie haben MozdzerɎ Rantala und Wollny ȓȑȒȓ den Startschuss zur erfolgreichen VÖɞReiɞ he gegebenɍ Über Ȓȑ Jahre später kehrten sie – diesmal mit Gregory Privat als vierten Pianisten – an gleicher Wirkungsstätte zurückɍ Zusammen lassen sie die Zuhörer die Essenz der Kunstform Musik erlebenɏ Als Spiegelbild ihrer ZeitɎ als Ausdrucksmittel purer Emotion und als eine Form der KommunikationɎ die ganz ohne Worte ausɞ kommt und Menschen in ihrem Innersten berührtɍ

Last Year at Marienbad proudly welcomes French producer DJ Psychiatre, aka Sylvain Creton, known for his dynamic and evolving approach to house music. His style blends acid-infused grooves, soft rhythmic atmospheres, and disco-driven energy, earning him releases on renowned labels like Whyte Numbers, Lost Palms, and Shall Not Fade.

His latest EP, Moving Into Jazz, showcases his signature sound with four diverse tracks. The title track starts with delicate keys before building into a rich, atmospheric house piece with acid elements. Those DJs follows with a stepping drum pattern, deep bass, and sweeping chords, reinforcing his intricate rhythmic focus. On the B-side, Iced Lemon introduces clean arpeggios and euphoric pads, culminating in a powerful progression. Closing the EP, A Trance to Remember delivers an uplifting, energetic groove with a deep bassline and engaging vocal snippets. This EP highlights DJ Psychiatre’s ability to craft immersive, melodically rich music that resonates beyond the dancefloor. Last Year at Marienbad is thrilled to share this release from a true master of the genre.

ANORAX is privileged to issue a very special 7” single.

Piano virtuoso Gail Jhonson’s stunning reimagination of EXPANSIONS celebrates the 50th anniversary of LONNIE LISTON SMITH releasing his groundbreaking epic classic. His revolutionary fusion of Jazz Funk & Soul with a cosmic message is in the music was hailed as an instant classic when released in 1975. Since then after being adopted across diverse dance music genres it has become an anthem of anthems.

Gail grew up listening to Lonnie’s music on quiet storm radio in Philadephida. After attending his concerts she began jamming with the great man and they became friends. Now based in Los Angeles and leader of all female jazz outfit Jazz In Pink she came up with the idea of paying homage to and reinventing EXPANSIONS.

“I decide to cover one of his many compositions and EXPANSIONS spoke to my spirit. As a smooth jazz artist I was able to slow the tempo down and reharmonise some of the chord voicings and play his vocal melodies as a piano lead. The bass line is infectious and carries the groove, accompanied by a four on the floor beat, a little wah guitar and the reimagining began…”

Covering a song as sacred as EXPANSIONS could be regarded as herey but when it is recreated with such reverence as this it simply adds to the legend.

Cosmic Echoes indeed.

Recorded August, 1965, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Original LP issue: OKTAV – OKLP 111



Sahib Shihab (Edmund Gregory) played with many of jazz’s finest musicians. Shortly after he became one of the first jazz players to change their names due to an Islamic conversion, he joined Thelonious Monk for his Blue Note sessions. He also played with Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Pettiforn and Quincy Jones. A unique musician, he was at home in every musical style, from the experimentalism of Thelonious Monk to the more direct hard bop of Art Blakey. Sahib Shihab’s distinctive sound was rooted in his modernist compositions and arrangements, complemented by an intense, soulful playing style.



In 1959 he toured Europe with Quincy Jones after getting fed up with racial politics in USA and ultimately settled in Scandinavia. He worked for Copenhagen Polytechnic and wrote scores for television, cinema and theatre. He remained there until 1973. During this period, he recorded several albums as leader for European labels such as Vogue, Storyville and Futura.



In 1961 he joined The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band and remained a key figure in the band for the 12 years it ran. He married a Danish lady and raised a family in Europe, although he remained a conscious African-American still sensitive to racial issues.



This record, on the Danish Oktav label, his second as a leader and also his rarest is a true masterpiece !!!



Personnel :

Sahib Shihab (Baritone saxophone, Flute, Cowbell)

Poul Hindberg (Alto saxophone, Clarinet)

Ib Renard (Baritone saxophone)

Bent Nielsen (Baritone saxophone, Flute, Clarinet)

Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (NHOP) (Bass)

Alex Riel (Drums)

Allan Botschinsky (Trumpet)

Fritz von Bülow (Guitar)

Bent Axen (Piano)

Bent Jædig (Tenor saxophone, Flute)

Niels Husum (Tenor saxophone)

Svend Åge Nielsen (Trombone, Bass trombone)

Torolf Mølgaard (Trombone, Euphonium)

Palle Bolvig (Trumpet)

Palle Mikkelborg (Trumpet)

Poul Kjældgård (Tuba)

Louis Hjulmand (Vibraphone)