The Listening Guide
🎶 The listening guide: five albums, released during the past twelve months, chosen around a weekly theme 🎶
This week, we return to our suites theme, exploring a range of releases from the past twelve months that explore varying subject matter through long-form compositions and improvisation. Some are large ensemble works, like trumpeter and leader Ndabo Zulu’s Queen Nandi, recorded with his twelve-strong Umgidi Ensemble, whilst others are written for smaller groups, such as Piotr Damasiewicz & Viennese Connections’ Vienna Suite—a quartet recording inspired by the group members’ first meeting as part of the Melomaniac Corner concert series. James Hamilton and Jacky Naylor deal with subject matter particular to the North of England in their suites: Hamilton’s Yorkshire Suite reflecting upon ‘the feelings, people and places’ of the county, whilst Jacky Naylor’s Industrial Suite looks at the textile industry, its mills, tensions and legacy. New York-based pianist Miki Yamanaka draws inspiration from Agnes Denes’ 1969 photograph Human Dust to create a five-part suite that revolves around elements of anatomy and their contribution to our sense of life. Check out each record and support the artists via Bandcamp!
Ndabo Zulu & Umgidi Ensemble – Queen Nandi: The African Symphony
Jacky Naylor – The Industrial Suite
Miki Yamanaka – Human Dust Suite
James Hamilton Jazz Orchestra – Yorkshire Suite
Piotr Damasiewicz & Viennese Connections ‎– Vienna Suite
Album of the Week
Our NQ Jazz album of the week is pianist and composer Yoonmi Choi’s 7 Days. Its material derives from Chio’s visit to the Sistine Chapel and the inspiration she felt at seeing Michelangelo’s ‘The Creation of Adam’, which is central to the ceiling design. Her resulting album takes shape around ‘the Judeo-Christian account of the Earth’s creation,’ and is a conceptual, beautifully executed work. Her trio features drummer Samvel Sarkisyan and bassist Myles Sloniker. Check out the album via Outside In Music’s Next Level label and Yoonmi’s website.
Classic Album
This week’s classic album is the eponymous LP from the endlessly inspiring composer Moondog. A dazzling blend of classical, jazz, and various folk styles and textures, it’s truly an album that everyone can take something away from. His work inspired the likes of Kenny Graham and The Pentangle back in the day, but more recently, Mr. Scruff has crafted a floor-filling anthem around a sample from ‘Bird's Lament’, and Chicago-based artist Dustin Laurenzi has recorded a tribute to his work, featuring Quin Kirchner and Chad McCullough amongst others. If you haven’t heard the record, it’s a must! Find it on streaming services, hi-res digital on platforms like QoBuz, and various official vinyl pressings on sites like Discogs.