James Brandon Lewis, For Mahalia, With Love, Tao Forms ****

It's been a good year for saxophonist James Brandon Lewis with the release already of his acclaimed Eye of I. And now the spiritual flipside to that stirring release a new Red Lily Quintet album For Mahalia, With Love is set for release next month. …

Published: 25 Aug 2023. Updated: 32 days.

It's been a good year for saxophonist James Brandon Lewis with the release already of his acclaimed Eye of I. And now the spiritual flipside to that stirring release a new Red Lily Quintet album For Mahalia, With Love is set for release next month. Formed of avant bass titan William Parker, cornetist Kirk Knuffke, cellist Chris Hoffman and drummer Chad Taylor, the album is both a tribute to Mahalia Jackson and to Lewis' grandmother who first introduced the music of the great gospel singer to her grandson. Highlights include 'Wade in the Water' and 'Precious Lord.'

Out on 8 September - 'Swing Low' is streaming

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Erkin Cavus and Reentko Dirks, Ütopya, Traumton ***1/2

A gem here from guitarists Erkin Cavus and Reentko Dirks in their latest explorations a couple of years on from the equally appealing Istanbul 1900. Not strictly a jazz album although the dreamy results are relatable to most jazz listeners, the …

Published: 24 Aug 2023. Updated: 32 days.

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A gem here from guitarists Erkin Cavus and Reentko Dirks in their latest explorations a couple of years on from the equally appealing Istanbul 1900. Not strictly a jazz album although the dreamy results are relatable to most jazz listeners, the Dresden-based musicians factor in a whole range of styles that have the knack of seeming both ancient and modernistic. The album includes a collaboration with pianist Clemens Christian Pötzsch and the album’s title piece streaming ahead of release has a distinctively pastoral piano and guitar conversation that works well. The full album is out on 15 September