The Listening Guide
đ¶ The listening guide: five albums, released during the past twelve months, chosen around a weekly theme đ¶
This week, we return to the theme of solo piano, selecting five fine offeringsâall beautifully engineered in their different waysâfrom around the world. WAKOâs Kjetil Mulelid presents an elegant and beautifully-composed LP for Rune Grammofon, which was written during lockdown and recorded at Athletic Sound studio on their âunique and characteristicâ Bösendorfer grand piano from 1919. Jason Moranâs The Sound Will Tell You hears the New York-based pianist utilising a captivating delay effect, whilst drawing inspiration from the writings of Toni Morrison, which Moran often turned to during lockdown. Satoko Fujiiâs Hazuki also responds to the conditions of lockdown, having been recorded at her home during the heat of August on a piano she has played for decades. Satoko uses a broad sonic palette: occasionally brushing the strings or letting heavy bass chords resonate, whilst drawing out intriguing melodies and playing delicately. Theo Walentinyâs Looking Glass is his first solo album of improvised music, created âin the spirit of piano icons Keith Jarrett and Paul Bley, as well as the modernist compositions of Toru Takemitsu and poetic introspection of Mingus Plays Pianoâ. Still in his early twenties, the New York-based player is impressing the likes of Vijay Iyer and Oliver Lake with his âdazzling juxtapositions of wildness and tendernessâ in Iyerâs words. Andrea Kellerâs Journey Home, created within a multi-media collaboration with filmmaker Hayley Miro Browne, explores the topics of childhood, family and home, and comes after Kellerâs âextensive explorations into the process and technique of contemporary Estonian composer Arvo PĂ€rtâ which leaves its mark on the music. All five albums are well worthy of your time and support! You can find each one on Bandcamp (note, Kjetil Mulelidâs album isnât available digitally on Bandcamp, but is on platforms like QoBuz).
Jason Moran â The Sound Will Tell You
Album of the Week
Our NQ Jazz album of the week is violin player and composer Tomoko Omuraâs second installment of her project, Branches. The Shizuoka-born artistâs fifth studio album, it features six more original compositions inspired by Japanese folktales, and arrangements of Japanese popular songs. Omura is accompanied by guitarist Jeff Miles, pianist Glenn Zaleski, bassist Pablo Menares and drummer Jay Sawyer. You can sample and support the project on Bandcamp!
Classic Album
This weekâs classic album comes from vocalist and civil rights activist Abbey Lincoln, later known as Aminata Moseka. Lincolnâs voice may be recognisable from Max Roachâs 1960 recording We Insist!, and Roach is involved in this recording too, playing alongside a star-studded group including Mal Waldron, Eric Dolphy, and Coleman Hawkins amongst others. Straight Ahead features a fine set of songs, including Blue Monk and Retribution, an original sung passionately in the first person. Find the record on streaming services and hard copies on platforms like Discogs.