Author Archives: JWQ

JWQ World Music Mix: Ancient Future(USA)-Purple Nirvana

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Purple Nirvana is an EP including Ancient Future’s first ever popular cover songs: “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. The later was rediscovered in December of 2023 when Matthew Montfort was preparing his piece “East of the Sun” from the Archive of Future Ancient Recordings for public release. During the recording session for “East of the Sun” on April 1, 2011, the inspiration came to record the cover that became “Spirit of Nirvana.” In honor of that, the EP includes the trio version of “East of the Sun” recorded that same day along with streaming and radio edits of “Spirit of Nirvana.”

East of the Sun (Studio Version with Paul McCandless, Oboe) by Ancient Future (Montfort. 5:10).
This full studio version features Paul McCandless (oboe), an important early musical influence on the founders of Ancient Future. He joins Matthew Montfort (scalloped fretboard guitars, fretless bass), Benjy Wertheimer (tabla), and Mariah Parker (santur).The basic tracks were recorded live as a trio with the intention to release a full ensemble version, and on January 16, 2013, Paul McCandless added his oboe overdub. Matthew Montfort added guitar overdubs on April 25, 2013, and completed the piece with a fretless bass overdub on July 3, 2013. The final mix for public release was finished on February 25, 2025. Sadly, in 2017 Paul McCandless was diagnosed with a health condition that led him to retire from performing on oboe, but he continues to perform on his other wind instruments.

Available for interviews, station ID’s, & radio/TV performances.
Contact Ancient-Future.Com Records: info@ancient-future.com • 415-459-1892 (landline, no texts)

JazzWorldQuest World Music Mix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025: THREE Darren Pickering-Small Worlds

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Darren Pickering-Small Worlds

THREE
Darren Pickering Small Worlds

Release Date: 30 April, 2025

Available from the RATTLE WEBSITE as a Print-on-Demand CD or Digital Download and on all major download and streaming platforms

Following their critically acclaimed Volume One (2022) and Volume Two (2023), Darren Pickering Small Worlds continue their through-composed improvisational explorations into the melding of jazz and song-based structures incorporating the “cinematic sonics” of modular synthesisers. Their music features lyrical melodies over shifting textures grounded in solid modern jazz harmony.

RATTLE

An Auckland-based artist-focused art music label specialising in contemporary works by composers and performers who explore unique creative pathways—new music for open ears.

THREE (RAT-J-1059)

01    Green Blinking Light                  (3.11)

02    What If                                       (6.26)

03    Tauhou Waltz                             (7.03)

04    Soft Life                                      (3.04)

05    Hjartdal                                      (2.36)

06    Randall                                       (7.58)

07    Taylor Time                                (8.34)

08    Folly                                            (8.28)

09    Push Bliss                                   (1.42)

All compositions by Darren Pickering © 2025

DARREN PICKERING

Darren is a jazz pianist, composer, educator, modular synthesist and session musician based in Christchurch (NZ). Some of the notable international artists he has worked with include Gordon Brisker (USA), Dick De Graf (Holland), William Parker (USA), Raed Yassin (Lebanon), Bobby Shew (USA), Jamie Oehlers (AUS), Tom Warrington (USA), Iain Ballamy (UK), and he has also worked with nationally renowned NZ artists Julia Deans, LA Mitchell, Mark Vanilau, Whirimako Black, Dave Dobbyn, Anika Moa, and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. His playing and compositions also feature on albums by Shapeshifter (Stars), Cairo Knife Fight (Iron), Julia Deans (Modern Fables), Oakley Grenell (The Deep), The Tiny Lies (The Oaks They Will Blow), Pacific Heights (The Stillness), Departure Lounge (In Session), Sacha Vee (Sacha Vee, Rising One, Luminous), Glen Wagstaff (Firefly), Oval Office (Oval Office, Move, Don’t Stop), Sumo Jazz (Shiko and Throwing Salt, Jazz Album finalist, 2011).

DARREN PICKERING SMALL WORLDS

L to R, Darren Pickering (piano), Jono Blackie (drums), Pete Fleming (bass), Heather Webb (guitar)

This Ōtautahi (Christchurch, NZ) based jazz quartet performs works composed by pianist Darren Pickering as well as re-imagined versions of selected works from other genres. The group’s emphasis is mostly on through-composed material combined with improvisation, and the artistic direction is determined equally by all members. There is a cinematic flavour to the ensemble’s sound, enhanced by the electronic textures of Darren’s ever-expanding collection of modular systems, synths, selected iPad apps and sonic manipulation devices.

Influences include Aaron Parks, Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band, The Cinematic Orchestra, EST, Floating Points, Jacob Karlzon, Kendrick Scott Oracle, Romain Collin, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Slowly Rolling Camera, and many others. 

Produced by Darren Pickering Small Worlds

Recorded at Rapaki Studios, Christchurch (NZ)

Engineered and mixed by Alex Harmer

Mastered by Steve Garden

Cover art ‘Sign of Life’ by Harry Harrison

Design by Unklefranc

Printing by Studio Q

This music was composed, performed, recorded, and produced in Aotearoa (NZ)

LINKS

ARTIST Website:

https://www.darrenpickeringmusic.com

RATTLE Website – album profile page:

https://rattle.co.nz/catalogue/releases/three

RATTLE Media Portal – album assets for reviewers and broadcasters: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xg3ifgs0bjx6a45_gfmWh4ztQq44FtTW?usp=sharing

RATTLE Bandcamp: https://darrenpickeringsmallworlds.bandcamp.com/album/three

RATTLE Media Portal – the complete Rattle catalogue:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10fp1w4uuR6ulC1AnVdGxH0cS1vomZHPQ?usp=sharing

CONTACT

Label manager | Steve Garden

1 Kitchener Road Sandringham, Auckland 1025 (NZ)

p: +649-8466642 | m: +6422-6579351

steve@rattle.co.nz

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025: Antoine Fafard (UK/Canada)-Quadra Spherium

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Released in June 2025, Quadra Spherium is the name of the album from Antoine Fafard, featuring Gary Husband on drums and Jean-Pierre Zanella on tenor saxophone. The concept behind this album stems from two fortuitous opportunities. Firstly, Antoine’s motivation to craft an album specifically for Jean-Pierre Zanella on the tenor saxophone. Although Jean-Pierre has been primarily associated with the alto sax, a session he recorded for Antoine on the tenor inspired further exploration.

The second opportunity arose when Gary Husband informed Antoine that his new Pearl Crystal Beat kit was stored at Dock Street Studios in London, and that he was available for recording. Antoine eagerly embraced the chance to combine this with the project he had envisioned for Jean-Pierre, creating at the same time a sequel to the Sphère album released in 2016, where Gary played drums. Quadra Spherium showcases Antoine on bass and all guitars, allowing him to push the boundaries of his guitar playing in an instrumental jazz fusion context. Multi-instrumentalist Gary Husband is well known for his long association with guitarist Allan Holdsworth, with whom he recorded multiple albums and extensively performed over many years. As a session musician, Husband’s credits include collaborations with artists such as Jack Bruce, Gary Moore, Level 42, Jeff Beck, Mike Stern and many more. His parallel voice as a keyboard player has seen him as a member of John McLaughlin’s group The 4th Dimension and Billy Cobham’s touring bands. As a bandleader, soloist and composer Gary has released over 14 album recordings under his own name.

Jean-Pierre Zanella, a highly sought-after player in Montreal, Canada, earned his master’s degree in jazz from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, in 1982. Recognized by the Brazilian government with the honorific Order of Rio Branco, Zanella won the Oscar Peterson Prize at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal in 2011 for his significant contributions to the Canadian jazz scene. Having released music for 25 years, Antoine Fafard has collaborated with some of the world’s most respected and influential players, including Vinnie Colaiuta, Jerry Goodman, Gavin Harrison, Simon Phillips, and Todd Sucherman. Fafard’s music has consistently earned praise for its intricacy and originality from his peers.

Distributed by Amplified Distribution and Code 7 (UK), Quadra Spherium is now available for exploration and enjoyment since its release in June 2025.

Quadra Spherium
The new album featuring Gary Husband and Jean-Pierre ZanellaI’m glad to announce the upcoming June 13th release of Quadra Spherium, a new album featuring Gary Husband on drums and Jean-Pierre Zanella on saxophone.

This project is the result of bringing together two amazing musicians to perform new, original music that I’ve composed over the years. This album is my second release featuring Gary on drums, following Sphère, which came out nearly 10 years ago. Gary played his parts on his Pearl Crystal Beat kit – a performance that was captured on video and is also available for purchase as a single file. Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre, a longtime contributor to my album projects, is featured throughout Quadra Spherium on tenor saxophone.

The CD version of the album is now available to pre-order on my website, as well as various packages. Orders from my website will be shipped prior to the official release date.

Exclusive to my website is a sheet music book package (CD included). This product features the written parts used by the musicians who performed on the album.

I hope you’ll enjoy this new project and many thanks for your support!

Antoine
Pre-Order Now

World Music Mix: Ensemble Myrtho(France)-Au Gré d’Eros

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Ensemble Myrtho
Nouvel album : Au Gré d’Eros
Sortie le 04/04/2025 chez Concertons ! / L’Autre Distribution
Après de nombreux concerts dans toute la France, l’Ensemble Myrtho sort le 04 avril 2025 son premier album Au Gré d’Eros, et nous dévoile ses musiques oniriques d’Orient et d’Occident. L’album propose onze thèmes musicaux et littéraires traditionnels de France et de Méditerranée : poésie d’amour populaire et savante, sérénades, anciennes légendes, contes chantés, thèmes épiques.
L’Ensemble Myrtho réunit quatre musiciens (santour, violon, alto, vielle à roue, percussions méditerranéennes, kemençe d’Istanbul, chant.) Avec eux se mêlent les sonorités acoustiques et la voix dans un mélange unique entre classique et musique du monde.
Explorant et réarrangeant des thèmes traditionnels et des poèmes populaires de la Méditerranée européenne, l’Ensemble Myrtho nous séduit par sa poésie millénaire. Tout au long de l’album Au Gré d’Eros, les langues latines côtoient les sonorités plus rauques des dialectes grecs, les harmonies d’Europe occidentale se mêlent aux thèmes venus de la Mer Égée, qui tirent vers l’Orient et dansent sur des rythmes impairs. Découvrez le premier extrait, Rossignolet du bois, une chanson traditionnelle du Quercy qui clôt l’album Au Gré d’Eros.

L’Ensemble Myrtho est composé de quatre musiciens venus d’horizons différents, mais reliés par une passion pour les musiques et les instruments traditionnels de Méditerranée : Pierre Blanchut (santour), Laetitia Marcangeli (chant et vielle à roue), Raphaël Sibertin-Blanc (violon, alto, kemençe d’Istanbul), Timothée Tchang Tien Ling (percussions méditerranéennes).

Dans une perspective à la fois musicale et littéraire, l’album Au Gré d’Eros déploie un répertoire de poèmes chantés, lyriques ou narratifs, évoquant la variété d’émotions qui accompagnent le capricieux sentiment amoureux.

L’Ensemble Myrtho, qui emprunte son nom à un poème de Gérard de Nerval, tente de relier musicalement et poétiquement l’orient et l’occident méditerranéens, tant par l’exploration et le réarrangement de thèmes traditionnels et de poèmes populaires de Méditerranée européenne, que par la remise en musique et en scansion d’une poésie parfois aussi ancienne que celle de Sapho (VIIe siècle avant J.-C.) ou des élégiaques latins (Ier siècle).

Le répertoire joue sur les thèmes musicaux et littéraires traditionnels de France et de Méditerranée : poésie d’amour populaire et savante, sérénades, anciennes légendes, contes chantés, thèmes épiques.

Poésie d’amour populaire et savante, sérénades, anciennes légendes, contes chantés, thèmes épiques reprennent vie ainsi portés par les chants traditionnels de Grèce, de Corse, de l’Espagne.

Prochains concerts :

  • Samedi 4 mai, Revel (31)
  • Vendredi 28 juin, Maiholas (31)
  • Samedi 29 juin, Tourtour (83)
  • Vendredi 23 août, Fenouillèdes (66)

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World Music Mix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025: Yuto Mitomi (Japan)- Album: Epicycle

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Yuto Mitomi- Epicycle

About Epicycle

Yuto Mitomi, a Japanese jazz saxophonist and composer based in New York, collaborated with multi-genre artists to create an album that was assembled organically, featuring elements of free improvisation, yet structured with a geometric vision, titled ‘Epicycle’.

From his debut album titled “Continuation,” his musical journey evolved into a genre-less and more complex contemporary music, incorporating elements of both acoustic and electric sounds. The album released this time is a collaboration with world-renowned artists based in NYC, including Takahiro Izumikawa (Piano, Keyboards), Moto Fukushima (six-string electric-bass), and Keita Ogawa (drums, percussions).

The title “Epicycle” refers to a geometric model used to explain the variations in speed and direction of the apparent motion of the Moon, Sun, and planets. The album title was derived from the layers in which various musical backgrounds, rhythms, and harmonies organically overlap and develop, resembling some kind of design.

The album contains five original compositions by Yuto Mitomi and three free improvisations, including Track 1 “Morning Haze”, Track 5 “Grappling Cats”, and Track 6 “Moony Night” which were completely improvised and recorded in the studio. The title track of the album, “Epicycle,” is divided into two parts, with Part I characterized by spatial flow, and Part II dramatically featuring a crossover of multiple different tempos. “Spline” is also a mathematical word referring to a type of curve used to create smooth and continuous curves, which align with the naturally and flexibly of music directions. Following Morning Haze,“Dew “ a melodically odd meter (4/7) tune that focuses more on the compositional side of ensemble arrangement. The album concludes with “Same Sky Same Night” a ballad combined with rock feel and classical chorale harmony.

Yuto Mitomi – Tenor Saxophone, (https://yutomitomi.com/)
Takahiro Izumikawa – Piano (https://www.takahiroizumikawa.com/)
Moto Fukushima – Six String Electric Bass (https://www.motobass.com/)
Keita Ogawa – Drums (https://keitaogawa.com/)

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025

JazzWorldQuest World Music Mix : The Mint 400-Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can’t Keep

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The Mint 400-BEAUTY MAKES PROMISES BEAUTY CAN'T KEEP

Conceived as a tribute to the influential Northern Soul movement that emerged in Northern England during the early 1970s, British musician and producer Paul Wheatcroft captures its essence and sound, employing a diverse array of techniques and tools.

As Paul Wheatcroft describes:

“The album took 9 months to write, record and produce. I played or programmed everything and the Memphis singer Rachel Maxann provided vocals. In terms of production, it was recorded using a special plugin which mimics the sound of 1960s microphones. I studied the way the ‘Motown’ sound was achieved and tried to replicate that, including the ‘bleed’ you get between microphones when instruments are recorded to gather in the same room. Then I used a series of effects to mimic 1960s ’solid state’ analogue mixing desks and reverbs. Reverbs became very important because the instruments are recorded at specific distances from the listener, to give a depth to the sound. After that, the mixing and mastering was done as flat as possible, to allow the natural sounds of the instruments to come through.

The album is based on a quote from a book by Cormac McCarthy, and really continues the ’tainted love’ theme which characterizes Northern Soul.”

However, Beauty Makes Promises Beauty Can’t Keep is not simply a modernized rendition of the Northern Soul atmosphere enhanced by contemporary technology. Instead, it is rooted in a thoughtful compositional approach, where the iconic Motown sound serves as a foundation for the artist to craft a new subjective identity. This approach pays homage to the past while reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens.

The result is a unique concept imbued with the energy of soul music, capturing the personal vision and creativity of its author.

Bandcamp

World Music Mix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025: Igor Willcox Quartet – Time Traveller

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igor willcox quartet-time traveller

The Brazilian groove-jazz-rock fusion ensemble, Igor Willcox Quartet, returns with a dazzling new album titled Time Traveller. The four travellers embark on a multi-sonic journey through time and sounds, fuelled by dynamic rhythms and vibrant solos. The crew is led by the virtuoso “captain” drummer and composer Igor Willcox, who penned all the tracks on this timeless album.
Willcox’s brings on board his kaleidoscope of rhythms and textures, bursting with energy and charisma throughout the musical expedition. The title track, Time Traveller, features an infectious syncopated groove, with Wagner Barbosa on saxophone and Erik Escobar on Rhodes keyboard exploring uncharted territories of improvisation. Escobar takes the lead in this imaginative journey, paving the way for his fellow musicians to engage in a friendly creative ride.
On Civilization, the quartet delivers an explosive synergy, blending intricate bass lines from expert Ricardinho Paraiso and Willcox’s dynamic drum patterns with soaring synth textures to provide a “spatial” atmosphere. Meanwhile, Zero Gravity highlights the interplay between the bass, drums, and saxophone, creating a sophisticated collaborative foundation grounded in a mysterious like atmosphere.
The album reaches its apex with Out of This World, where Willcox’s drumming erupts with volcanic intensity, skilfully balanced by the collaborative efforts of the bass, piano, and saxophone. Together, the quartet crafts a stunning solid performance.

1.Heroes of Persistence 06:43
2.The Journey 07:15
3.Time Traveller 06:27
4.Red Planet 06:27
5.Unknown Land 01:56
6.Civilization 05:35
7.Zero Gravity 08:24
8.Out of This World 06:24

Released January 6, 2025

Wagner Barbosa – saxophone, aerophone
Erik Escobar – piano, rhodes, synths
Ricardinho Paraiso – electric bass
Igor Willcox – drums, synths, vocals on track 8

All songs composed by Igor Willcox

Mixing & Mastering by Igor Willcox
Cover Design: Igor Willcox

Recorded at Bunker32 Studio, São Paulo, Brazil

Listen and download

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025: David Margam(Spain)-Whispers

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David Margam-Whispers'

David Margam presents his new single “Whispers” with international collaborations. The renowned Spanish guitarist David Margam announces the release of his new single, “Whispers,” an elegant composition that brings together the talent of prominent international musicians. Among the collaborations are Italian pianist Diego Calcagno, Spanish guitarist based in London Andrés García, and Miami saxophonist Jorge Pinelo.Together, they have fused their talents to create a unique piece that reflects the essence of smooth jazz with touches of sophistication and emotion. “Whispers” will be available starting January 10, 2025, on all digital platforms.

Co-written and co-produced by: Diego Calcagno and David Margam
Programming and arrangements: Diego Calcagno
Piano: Diego Calcagno
Guitars: Andrés García and David Margam
Saxophone: Jorge Pinelo
Mixed and mastered by: David Margam
Record label: Dr. Funk Productions

website

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025

JazzWorldQuest World Music Mix: Tony Adamo (USA) – Dig What I Say (2025)

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Tony Adamo-Dig what I say

Art/ Music Lyrics/ By Hip Spoken Word Artist Tony Adamo
And those usual Adamo lyrics offer more jazz hipster inside material—names, places, and the haunts of the hip. Tony Adamo is an inviting entertainer with honesty and integrity about the material he offers, and he is a deeply soulful singer. Allaboutjazz/
Tony Adamo/Hip Spoken Word
Gary Steinberg/Tenor Sax
Tim Campbell/Organ
Tony Adamo/ Drum Program
Barry Schiffman/Northern Lights Recording
Link to CD store

JazzWorldQuest World Music Mix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025: Roberto Magris Europlane for Jazz-Freedom is Peace

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Freedom-Is-Peace-Roberto-Magris

“Freedom is Peace” can be viewed from several angles. First of all, it marks 20 years since Italian pianist and composer Roberto Magris founded the Europlane project in 2005 and the same number of years since his collaboration with the famous Hungarian saxophonist Tony Lakatos who is here part of this new line-up. Also on board we find a couple of fine musicians with whom Magris has previously collaborated:
Florian Brambock-alto and baritone saxophone, Lukas Oravec-trumpet and flugelhorn, Rudi Engel-acoustic bass, Gasper Bertoncelj-drums.
This remarkable well-connected “mini” European Jazz Union delighted the audience with an effervescent live performance during the Festsaal in Bad Goisernan(2024, Austria). Last but not least, today’s sextet has preserved the swing of yesteryear enhanced with new stylistic and improvisational perspectives.

Of the eight selections on the album, five of the arrangements were written by Magris whose prowess as a composer, performer and arranger on both sides of the Atlantic has been showcased on his numerous past albums.

The opener title track “Freedom is Peace” composed by Magris sets the pace spreading uplifting energy. The exuberance is the keyword; captivating solos from Lakatos, Oravec and Brambock heat up the audience. The piano comes into play with Magris’ specific force of expression, so that in the end all the musicians reach an energetic peak of high impact.
“The Island of Nowhere” highlights the artistry of veteran trumpeter Tony Lakatos, “Malay Tone” begins with an introspective bass and piano introduction, delving into an African-inspired theme. This foundation is expanded by the trumpet, leading the piece into unexpected improvisational territories.
The elegant “Laverne”(Andrew Hill) radiates lyrical charm and peace, with piano, horns and bass dancing with grace. “Something to Save from EU (You)” starts in a reflective piano-bass space before evolving into a spirited showcase of drums, piano, and improvisational freedom. “When You Touch Me” gently unfolds into a melodic exploration, featuring airy, expressive solos supported by the flowing lines of the piano.
Magris’ original composition, “Loose Fit,” provides ample freedom for the horn section to shine before returning to the piano, culminating in a dazzling drum solo.
The album closes on a high note with the lively and entertaining “Hip! For the Conference,” the bouncing melodic theme connecting all musicians playing in full force.

ROBERTO MAGRIS – piano TONY LAKATOS – tenor and soprano sax FLORIAN BRAMBÖCK – alto and baritone sax LUKÁŠ ORAVEC – trumpet and fluegelhorn RUDI ENGEL – bass GAŠPER BERTONCELJ – drums

JMood Records

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2025