Search Results for: mikkel ploug

May 20 2015

Radio show recap: Bird is the Worm on ARTxFM’s “Mingle” with Kevin Coultas

 

BitW square avatarSo, I was on the radio last Tuesday night, May 12th.  Let me begin my recap by again thanking show host Kevin Coultas and the ARTxFM station for having me on as a guest on his show Mingle.  It was as much fun on my sophomore appearance as it was the inaugural guest-spot.

Sorry I forgot to give my readers a heads-up.  Totally blanked on that post.  However, you can hear the entire show in the embedded audio further down in this post.

And here’s the show playlist.  Kevin always begins with show with a Mingus tune (this episode it was “Bird Calls”), but aside from that, all of these songs come from 2015 releases, except for the RJ Miller tune, which dates back a few years.  Following each line is a link where you can read more on this site about that album or, in some instances where the album hasn’t yet been released, more about the artist for a different album.  Those links, by the way, will open a new window so that you can read about the album as you hear a song from it on the current page:

  • (Intro:  Charles Mingus “Bird Calls”)
  • “The Lovers of Roissy” – Catfish (LINK)
  • “North” – Mikkel Ploug (LINK)
  • “Voices” – Oded Lev-Ari (LINK)
  • “Drifter” – Old Time Musketry (LINK)
  • “Reckoner” – Robert Glasper (TBA)
  • “Finco” – Linus + Skarbo/Leroux (LINK)
  • “Tears Pt. 1” – Fabled (LINK)
  • “Bakou” – Reijseger Fraanje Sylla (LINK)
  • “And They All Came Marching Out of the Woods” – Jakob Bro (LINK)
  • “(Opening) In For a Penny, In For a Pound” – Henry Threadgill (TBA)
  • “The Missing Piece” – Prism Quartet (LINK)
  • “I Kina Spiser de Bjerge” – Zetzum Zorglum (LINK)
  • “Ronald’s Rhythm” – RJ Miller (LINK)
  • “The Gardener” – Till Martin (LINK)
  • “Flying Over the Odra Valley” – Charles Lloyd (LINK)

 

And now all you gotta do is hit the play button on the player below to hear the entire show…

Mingle 05/12/15 by Mingle on Mixcloud

Kevin has been featuring a lot of the music that you read about on my site, however, you should check out his show archive on the Mixcloud site (LINK) to hear more of the music you read about here as well as other great music that you probably should be listening to.  And if you’re an artist, label or rep who is interested in getting your music featured on Kevin’s weekly show, you should think about contacting him through his show’s Facebook page or via his Twitter account.  He’s a nice guy, so don’t be afraid to shoot him a message and say hi.

Enjoy the show!

Cheers.

By • Announcement - Music, Announcement - Site & General, On the Radio • 0

Apr 18 2015

This Is Jazz Today: Charles Lloyd, Reijseger/Fraanje/Sylla, Tim Berne’s Snakeoil & more!

 

BitW square avatarGood god, this was a strong week of new jazz releases.  As much as I dislike doing the whole co-pick thing, I just had no choice.  Both the Charles Lloyd and Reijseger/Fraanje/Sylla recordings are supremely intense and crafted masterfully.  But don’t stop there.  The four albums on the list that follow immediately after could all just as easily have been named the Pick of the Week.  And then there’s the “rest of the albums,” which, top to bottom, are a formidable group of new music.  I’m just thrilled with the music I’m able to include this week.  I’ll be writing more about many of them in the coming weeks.  Expect to see a slew of stand-alone recommendations that originate from this list.

My advice:  Immediately buy the first six albums on this list, and then pick and choose from the rest, to taste.  You won’t go wrong.  Even if a particular album of those six doesn’t necessarily appeal to you right now, it’s the kind of quality music you want sitting in your library until your tastes and/or your ear comes around and connects with the music’s brilliance.

Okay, enough gushing.

Let’s begin…

*** co-Picks of the Week ***

 

Charles Lloyd – Wild Man Dance

Charles Lloyd - "Wild Man Dance"Absolutely stunning live performance of a new long-form piece by jazz giant Charles Lloyd.  A compelling moodiness throughout, even when his sextet surges up with huge, expressive emotions.  That sextet is top-notch.  Joining the saxophonist are drummer Gerald Cleaver, pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Joe Sanders, and Sokratis Sinopoulos and Miklos Lucaks on Greek lyra & cymbalom.   There’s a rawness to the lyricism that makes for some seriously thrilling moments, accentuated by the relentless nature of the rhythm unit.  The use of lyra and cimbalom add some texture to a recording that really does just fine in that category with the more traditional jazz instruments.  The electricity of the live performance resonates strongly on the recorded medium, though it isn’t likely to make you not wish to have been there when it all went down.  Just a great recording.

Released on Blue Note Records.  Visit the artist site.

Buy:  Amazon

 

Reijseger/Fraanje/Sylla – Count Till Zen

Reijseger Fraanje Sylla - "Count Till Zen"The trio of Ernst Reijseger, Harmen Fraanje and Mola Sylla just released a riveting follow-up to their equally stunning 2013 release Down Deep (which was named the Bird is the Worm Best of 2013 #7 album of the year).  The trio of cello/piano/percussion concoct up a magnetic serenity that stands apart from anything else on the scene, though some parallels could be drawn with the equally compelling work of the Codona trio back in the 70s.  I’ll be writing more about this excellent recording in the coming weeks, but, seriously, don’t bother waiting for my words… just go buy this album now.

Released on Winter & Winter.  Visit the artist site.

More Listening | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

*** This week’s featured albums ***

 

Tim Berne’s Snakeoil – You’ve Been Watching Me (ECM)

Tim Berne - "You've Been Watching Me"Alto saxophonist Berne’s previous works typically show flashes of sharp teeth and no hesitation to let ’em sink in deep.  His newest, however, is far more approachable due to some powerfully melodic passages that envelop this unconventional music.  An absolutely magnetic personality to this one.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Mikkel Ploug Trio – At Black Tornado (Whirlwind)

Mikkel Ploug - "At Black Tornado"Guitarist Ploug’s trio session has a talkative style that’s plenty charismatic.  Rich textures and sharp melodicism keep the ear riveted throughout.  Occasional flourishes of folk-rock are a nice touch.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Respect Sextet – Respect ‘n’ You: Live at Greenwich House Music School (Self-Produced)

Respect Sextet - "Respect 'n' You"Very fun live set from the unconventionally-inclined Respect Sextet.  Most impressive is how they break from an orderly melodic procession into a mass hysteria of competing lines, and yet give the impression that everything is snapping right into place.  With half the outfit taken up by wind instruments, plenty of nice harmonic interludes, but its the way that all members contribute to rhythm-building that defines the album’s intelligence.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon

*****

Pedro Giraudo Big Band – Cuentos (Zoho)

Pedro Giraudo - "Cuentos"Excellent big band session from bassist Giraudo, whose deft hand at directing the large ensemble results in lovely music with a most appealing flow.  The emotional impact of these pieces is considerable.  Just a hell of an album.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

MIT Wind Ensemble & MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble – Infinite Winds (Sunnyside)

MIT Wind Ensemble - "Infinite Winds"Modern jazz all-stars Guillermo Klein, Don Byron, Bill McHenry, Chick Corea and Evan Ziporyn are all featured on this solid large ensemble/jazz orchestra outing.  Huge, sprawling sounds share the same patch of land as the most delicate interludes.  When the MIT ensemble gets a head of steam going, things really get exciting.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon

*****

Petros Klampanis – Minor Dispute (Inner Circle Music)

Petros Klampanis - "Minor Dispute"Interesting contemporary jazz strings project from bassist Klampanis.  An intriguing core quartet (which includes pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, guitarist Gilad Hekselman and drummer John Hadfield) is buffeted upwards with a complement of strings.  Has an evocative mix of soaring harmonies & up-tempo motion reminiscent of some of McCoy Tyner’s underrated 1980s experiments with strings & orchestra.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Amazon

*****

Stockton Helbing – Patina (Armored Records)

Stockton Helbing - "Patina"Enjoyable straight-ahead set from drummer Helbing.  Earlier in his career, he put out some of the better modern-style contemporary jazz, giving the fusion sheen an appealing sense of propulsion.  Now, his last two albums have shown a hard bop heat and groove that is easy to get hooked on.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Pulcinella – L’empereur (Les Productions du Vendredi)

Pulcinella - "L'empereur"Whimsical and upbeat quartet of accordion, sax, bass & drums.  Folk-jazz that has an infectious pop music delivery along with some rock ‘n roll edge.  The harmonic action between accordion and sax provides plenty warmth as well as some essential contrast with the hard-charging rhythm section.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

The Ghost Notes – Secret Of A Memory (Hitchtone)

Ghost Notes - "Secrets of a Memory"Likable quintet focusing on Gypsy jazz and Django Reinhardt comps.  An alluring serenity to some tunes that balances nicely with the up-tempo burners.  If you’re looking to add a hot jazz recording to your library, this is an interesting option.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Harold Mabern – Afro Blue (Smoke Sessions)

Harold Mabern - "Afro Blue"Veteran pianist Mabern is back with another excellent Smoke Sessions release, this time with a focus on vocalists, which is a first for the label.  Top-shelf straight-ahead bop, vibrant and full of life.  Gregory Porter and Norah Jones both take nifty turns at the mic.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Eric Vloeimans’ Oliver’s Cinema – Act 2 (Self-Produced)

Oliver's Cinema - "Act 2"The follow-up of Vloeiman’s Oliver’s Cinema is just as captivating as their self-titled release.  The trio of trumpet, accordion and cello is a strange kind of folk-jazz, working a cinematic angle at all times.  A quirky kind of tranquility.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Raffaello Pareti – Il Mondo che Verra (Artesuono)

Raffaello Pareti - "Il Mondo che Verra"Delightful quartet session from bassist Pareti.  Reeds & trombone combo lead to plenty of lyricism, heart and soul.  A couple moments that miss their target, but overall, just a real enjoyable recording that clearly places high value on a melodic life.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Carlos Averhoff Jr. – iRESI (Inner Circle Music)

Carlos Averhoff - "iRESI"Nice contrast of surging locomotion and light-on-its-feet lyricism to tenor saxophonist Averhoff’s quintet set.  Straight-forward bop expressed in a variety of ways, while keeping a strong cohesion to the album overall.  Strong line-up with alto saxophonist Greg Osby, pianist Aruan Ortiz, drummer Francisco Mela and bassist John Lockwood.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Rob Reich – Shadowbox (BAG Production)

Rob Reich - "Shadowbox"Fascinating mix of folk and jazz, rarely expressed twice with the same ratio.  Joining accordionist Reich is an eclectic line-up of guitarist Ila Cantor, clarinetist Ben Goldberg, bassist Todd Sickafoose and drummer Eric Garland.  Has some beautiful melodic passages that cut right to the bone.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

 

Have a great time digging through the list!

And remember, it’s simple:  You like what you like.

Cheers.

***

By • Jazz Recommendations, Jazz Recommendations - 2015 Releases • 0 • Tags:

Nov 6 2014

Recommended: Equilibrium – “Liquid Light”

 

Equilibrium - "Liquid Light"One of the truly absorbing albums I’ve encountered lately is Liquid Light by Equilibrium, a trio of guitarist Mikkel Ploug, clarinetist Joachim Badenhorst and vocalist Sissel Vera Pettersen, who also slips some soprano sax into the mix as well as some well placed electronics and effects to go along with her wordless vocals.  It’s a strange kind of ambient music expressed here, an uneasy serenity that possesses a drifting motion but sparks to life with teeming bits of nuance and texture.  There’s nothing sleepy about this music even though it often behaves as if sculpted from moonlight and dreams.

The three musicians don’t interact so much as develop comparable trajectories, and where orbital motion is maintained by a very elastic collaborative gravity.

“Thalassa” builds a staggering cadence, increasing its strength while obscured by the drifting harmonics of wordless vocals.  It creates a nice bit of tension between the differing motions, each making a strong case for why the ear should direct its attention in their direction and not the other.  “Praha” is a series of calls into the night, sometimes inquisitive, sometimes probing.  It’s a melodic feint, and a sly way of instigating the sensation of motion.  It’s a similar method applied to “Sweep,” which is marked by gentle surges that suddenly rise up to threatening levels.  And then are tracks like “Statolith,” where warped voices twist and turn above a cloud of hazy electronics.  Shrieks from woodwinds mock the attempts at ambient music.

Some tracks possess almost no form at all but are simply a function of their motion.  “Respire” is a hymn floating up in the church rafters.  The brief interludes of “Eupnea,” “Air” and “Hiro” exemplify this quality to an even greater degree in that they dismiss even the concept of a ‘beginning’ and ‘end’ to their expression, as if creativity were at the mercy of an on/off switch.

Tracks like “Laglio” and “Oslo From Above” have a sing-songy delivery and allow the melody to come into focus.  They’re the closest thing to catchy on this album, which more often relies on subtlety to transfix the listener.  Ploug’s notes are the trail markers to the path of Pettersen’s voice.  Badenhorst’s clarinet is hovering nearby at all times.

It ends with “Comacina Dreaming,” a song that gives each artist a moment alone in the spotlight to highlight those qualities that contributed to the mesmerizing loveliness conveyed throughout.

An album that demands the listener’s attention then immediately incites daydreams and reveries.  And enjoyable… very, very enjoyable.

Your album personnel:  Sissel Vera Pettersen (voice, soprano sax, live electronics, singing bowls), Joachim Badenhorst (clarinet, bass clarinet), and Mikkel Ploug (electric & acoustic guitars).

Released on Songlines Recordings.  Visit the label site for a free album track.

Available at:  eMusic | Amazon CD/MP3

You can also buy directly from Songlines Recordings via Paypal.

 

By • Jazz Recommendations, Jazz Recommendations - 2014 Releases • 0

Dec 3 2012

Pete Robbins Transatlantic Quartet – “Live in Basel”

 

The bird as metaphor in not uncommon when describing musicians or their music.  Which specific aspect of the feathered creature gets referenced differs from moment to moment, but typically it’s just one.

On his newest release Live in Basel, the music of the Pete Robbins Transatlantic Quartet is the whole damn bird.

Your album personnel:  Pete Robbins (alto sax), Mikkel Ploug (guitar), Simon Jermyn (electric bass), and Kevin Brow (drums).

Robbins talks the talk.  Listen to opening track “Eliotsong.”  He has a chirp-chirp-coo rhythmic pattern that is so infectious, and Robbins breaks into it immediately.  It’s a warm and comforting sound.  It makes it easy to buy into the album.  It renders meaningless the concept of CDs and MP3s and speakers and the passing of time, and allows the listener to just interact with the music as if sitting there in the club when it was originally performed and recorded.

Robbins knows how to direct the flock.  Listen to second track “There There.”  Robbins has bassist Simon Jermyn lead with a solo, then in tandem with Mikkel Ploug’s guitar.  Together, they create a raindrop serenity that leads immaculately into Robbins’ eventual entrance.  It’s a delicate affair, made lively by the rapid strings of notes and made gentle in the graceful way Robbins delivers them.

Robbins knows how to nest a tune.  Listen to third track “Inkhead.”  It’s a nod to the groove, but has a dreamy wind-down of ambient guitar and bass.

Robbins knows about altitude.  Listen to fourth track “The Quiet Space Left Behind.”  It’s a slow gentle sway, a lullaby for baby saxophones.  Robbins shifts between sudden climbs in elevation and languid soaring, often within the same solo.  It allows him to accent melodies in ways that make them simultaneously dynamic and pretty.

Robbins knows how to take evasive action.  Listen to fifth track “Hoi Polloi.”  Listen to its herky-jerk bounce.  Try to keep up with its rhythmic misdirects.  The pronounced cough of Robbins sax draws one’s attention away from Jermyn’s prowling bass lines, and the stomp of Brow’s drums splits off from the slippery path of Ploug’s guitar.

Robbins knows how to land.  Listen to album closer “Hope Tober.”  Robbins plays rapid progressions that end with final extended notes, like a seagull flapping its wings furiously just before hitting the water’s surface and gliding to a halt.

With some artists, their sound is so inviting that I’d be content listening to them just tune their instrument while running through a practice book.  Pete Robbins is one of those artists.  Live in Basel really brings that fact home.

Released on Hate Laugh Music, which is Robbins’ self-made label.

Originally recorded at the Birdseye Jazz Club in Basel, Switzerland, and from musicians who call their home NYC (Robbins), Copenhagen (Ploug), Dublin/Brooklyn (Jermyn), and Toronto/Copenhagen (Brow).  So, yeah, from all over the place.

I couldn’t find any audio to embed here, however, you can stream a whole bunch of Robbins’ music on his site.  If you have an ad blocker, you might not be able to pull the music up.

Available at:  Bandcamp CD&Digital | Amazon MP3

By • Jazz Recommendations, Jazz Recommendations - 2012 Releases • 0

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