World Music Mix: Haftor Medbøe and Konrad Wiszniewski(UK)-Poiesis(Subcontinental Records, 2022)

Haftor Medboe and Konrad Wiszniewski-Poiesis

Poiesis is a mesmerizing improvisational musical journey that takes the listener on an ambient and ethereal adventure created by Haftor Medbøe on guitar/effects and Konrad Wiszniewski on saxophones. The album is collection of ten dialogues permeated by an unearthly sense of infinity and borderless astral energy.

What came out from the synergy between the two musicians is a balanced sonic experience in which each instrument finds its right place in time while leaving no room for overstated interventions. The result is not just organic in its essence but adventurous reaching the unexpected.

From mellow to majestic, going through meandrous melodic lines that reach the lyrical realm, the fusion between acoustic and electronics offers a singular and enthralling experience. It is also about the solidarity of human souls facing the mystery of the universe using the music as vehicle for meaningful expression.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson put it: “All life is an experiment”, a vision that both musicians embraced throughout their spiritual encounter fueled by individual creative freedom.

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World Music Mix

World Music Mix: Clint Bahr(USA) – Puzzlebox (Moonjune Records, 2022)

clint-bahr-puzzlebox

Inextricably linked to the label, the 2003 self-titled debut of Clint Barr‘s seminal NYC-based power trio, Tripod, was MoonJune Record’s fourth release. Harkening back to the same “reaching beyond” mentality which defined the work, Puzzlebox – bassist / vocalist / composer / multi-instrumentalist Barr’s long-awaited epic – is a fitting way to document this most special of occasions: seeing both artist and label going full circle, and in grandiose style!

Delightfully blurring both stylistic and structural approaches, the tight-knit unit Barr has assembled proves as unpredictable as they are adept, articulate and convicted. Described as “a genre-defying global collaboration of artists; a cross-pollination of diverse instruments and talents,” Puzzlebox recalls prog in its early heydays: when albums as uninhibited and offscript as King Crimson’s Lizard and Beefheart’s Trout Mask Replica were celebrated, and the Canterbury renaissance was in full swing. Brilliantly arranged and produced, Clint Barr has delivered a multi-faceted, timeless epic … at such a time as this.

CLINT BAHR’s PUZZLEBOX’s release culminates a 20-year relationship between Clint Bahr and Leonardo Pavkovic, as TriPod’s eponymous CD was the fourth album released on MoonJune Records in 2003.

PUZZLEBOX is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Clint Bahr (former member of TriPod, Andromeda & Flash).

PUZZLEBOX is a rock band, a multidimensional “Tabula Rasa” in both compositional and improvisational formats.

PUZZLEBOX is a genre-defying global collaboration of artists, a cross-pollination of diverse instruments and talents.

Featuring:
Clint Bahr – basses & vocals (TriPod)
Peter Banks – guitar (Yes)
Colin Carter – vocals (Flash)
Marilyn Crispell – piano (Pharoah Sanders, Anthony Braxton)
David Cross- violins (King Crimson)
Stephanie Feyne – dialogue (The Dotes)
Billy Ficca – drums (Television)
Dick Griffin – trombone (Sun Ra, Roland Kirk)
Mike Hough – drums (Flash)
David Jackson – woodwinds (Van der Graaf Generator)
Dan Parkington – sitar & violin (Andromeda)
Jeff Schiller – woodwinds (The Roots)

www.puzzlebox.band

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World Music Mix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022: Luisvi Jimenez(Spain)-Caminos Cruzados

Luisvi Jimenez-Caminos Cruzados
Luisvi Jiménez – Africa

Luisvi Jiménez composer and guitarist presents his new album titled Caminos Cruzados. The album includes compositions by Luisvi Jiménez, accompanied by Javier Rodriguez on Electric Bass, Adal Fernández on Drums and Percussion, Adrián Royo on Piano and Melodica and Luisvi Jiménez on Guitars.

It is worth noting the collaboration of Jesús Carbonell on the flamenco guitar in the song Caminos Cruzados.

The album has been Recorded, Mixed and Mastered at Pottoko (Beasain) studios. The album cover is the work of cartoonist and illustrator Pedro Espinosa.

An album featuring subtle soundscapes in which Flamenco, Samba, Latin, Swing, Blues touches come together in a wide spectrum of sonorities divided into eight tracks.

Luisvi Jiménez compositor y guitarrista riojano nos presenta su nuevo trabajo discográfico titulado Caminos Cruzados. Son composiciones de Luisvi Jiménez, acompañado de Javier Rodriguez en el Bajo eléctrico, Adal Fernández a la Batería y Percusiones, Adrián Royo al Piano y Melódica y Luisvi Jiménez a las Guitarras. Es de destacar la colaboración de Jesús Carbonell a la guitarra Flamenca en el tema Caminos Cruzados. El disco ha sido Grabado, Mezclado y Masterizado en los estudios Pottoko (Beasain). La portada del disco es obra del dibujante e ilustrador Pedro Espinosa. Un disco que nos ofrece sutiles paletas sonoras en las que confluyen pinceladas Flamencas, Samba, Latin, Swing, Blues, y un largo abanico de campos sonoros repartidos en ocho composiciones.

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JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022

World Music Mix: Russ Hewitt(USA)-Chasing Horizons(2022)

Russ Hewitt(USA)-Chasing Horizons(2022)

Russ Hewitt(USA)-Chasing Horizons(2022)

On Chasing Horizons virtuoso Texas-based guitarist Russ Hewitt integrates a diverse palette of Latin and world music in a selection of ten original compositions that define his entire artistic career to date. The album’s beauty stems from an extraordinary synthesis of sensitivities and abilities that speaks directly to the listener’s heart and leaves an enduring impact.

Beyond the technical mastery and distinctive melodicism Russ displayed on his previous three albums, lies a genuine inventiveness he infuses to every track of the new album. The Latin-Flamenco vibe that permeates his music is skilfully infused into each song in a unique way, giving the album the appearance of a collection of hits.

In addition to a band composed of high-class musicians, the present album features a couple of famous guest guitarists, the end result being a cohesive concept where every component fits together perfectly.

The album takes off with Allende on a Spanish Rumba Flamenca notesetting the stage for the exciting program that follows. Hewitt playing is concise and sharp, building the melody with what can be called “refined clarity”.

The title track Chasing Horizons, features guest guitarist Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme) playing in full synergy with Hewitt on an energised composition with a nouveau flamenco tinge with outstanding bass work from Bob Parr.

On Vivir Libre, the guitarist shares the spotlight with Marty Friedman(ex-Megadeth), a real joy to hear both musicians interpolate their skills through dazzling solos.

Amor Perdido is a beautiful merging of guitar and strings thanks to the participation of the Bucharest All-Star Orchestra. Interesting how the symphonic dimension enhances the emotional touch of the guitar.

The contemplative Luminous features the guitarist weaving an unforgettable bright and shiny melody. 

Gently swinging, Sunset Samba welcomes the guest musician Jorge Strunz (Strunz & Farah), the Brazilian breeze emerges with delicacy, we hear a fiesta of joyous spirits.

Luna is a composition of sheer beauty where sadness and joy mix together in a timeless cinematic narrative.

Cubalia Cafe with guest Ardeshir Farah (Strunz & Farah) spreads a Cuban perfume delicately fused in the texture of the song.

Serein-a nicely well-structured piece with a reflective, dreamy side with a superb arrangement.

Ending the album, Return to Simitai reveals an intricate melodic line flowing along the fusion between the guitar and the exotic sonority of the zither performed by the Vietnamese virtuoso Tri Nguyen.

All in all, Chasing Horizons is one of those refreshing albums to uplift the spirit, a real gem to delight the soul and beneficial for any music therapy!

Official website


World Music Mix
Russ Hewitt @ JazzWorldQuest


Christophe Goze-Soul to Soul (2022)


Known for his brilliant ability to blend world music with jazz and downtempo Christophe does not like to label his music and stick to one genre. “My influences have always been very wide and I never liked the idea of being stuck in one style. I’m more like a musical digital nomad who likes to freely experiment the moment as it comes. Depending where my mind has been traveling and what influences me at the time” says Christophe.

Jazz has always been a big part of his life and his guitar playing as definitely been influenced by it. “I’ve always been fascinated by the colors and sound of Jazz and as a guitarist by the technicality of this music”

Christophe Goze-At The End Of The Street

As a producer his sound is miles away from Jazz. He gets his technique & influences from Lounge, electronic music and even pop. The mix of the two is what he calls “Jazzy Lounge”

The “Reminiscence” album was a strong step into that direction . This new album “Soul To Soul” is another attempt, trying to go even a step further and reach to the planet “Smooth Jazz”. From “Jazzy Lounge” to “Smooth Jazz” the order can be very thin and a very interesting journey to travel. “I certainly enjoyed the trip and can’t wait to see where this is going to take me in the future”


SOME FACTS ABOUT CHRISTOPHE
French born & lives in Barcelona. He was signed by Virgin Japan at the age of 23 then moved to London and started to collaborate with the famous Cafe Del mar & Buddha Bar. Christophe also writes for Television & films & got nominated for Best UK Tv avert music . His latest major synch was on “The 355” movie with Jessica Chastain & Peneloppe Cruz.
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World Music Mix

World Music Mix: Ramiro Pinheiro & Ana Rossi(Spain)-Outra Era

Ramiro Pinheiro & Ana Rossi(Spain)-Outra Era
Album: Vivo
Composer: Raimundo Fagner & Zeca Baleiro
Label: Brasounds Productions (2022)


Ramiro Pinheiro and Ana Rossi presents “Outra Era” (Fagner & Zeca Baleiro), the first single of their next album “Vivo” (2022).
Born in Argentina, Ana Rossi began her musical training there, playing the piano in municipal and provincial schools. In the study of singing as an instrument, she has been especially interested in the Voice Craft technique, in which she has embedded her own trajectory combined with other visions. She is currently a member of Coetus, UNA, Marcelo Mercadante and his Quinteto Porteño, BREU and Gafieira Miúda, among others.

Ramiro Pinheiro is a subtle and creative acoustic guitarist from Brazil who is also a talented songwriter. He was mostly self-taught at the beginning, learning the guitar by ear before attending the Conservatório Souza Lima in São Paulo. Pinheiro moved to Barcelona (Spain) years ago and he has been an important part of the local music scene ever since, working with a wide variety of jazz and Brazilian musicians.
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World Music Mix

JazzWorldQuest Showcase 2022: Mike Miller(USA)- Album: Trust (Blue Canoe Records)

Mike-Miller-Trust

Mike Miller(USA)-Mr. Moreira
Album: Trust
Label: Blue Canoe Records
Rock and Jazz Guitarist Mike Miller releases a beautiful ten song album titled Trust. Mike is best know for his work with Chick Corea, Boz Scaggs, Bette Midler, Yellowjackets, Quincy Jones and so many more. Mike brings all of his year of experience into this incredible body of work. “Trust” features guest appearances from Jimmy Haslip, Jimmy Johnson, Jimmy Earl, Scott Kinsey, Brandon Fields, Gary Novak, Marilyn Scott, Jeff Babko, Chad Wackerman, Airto Moriera and so many more talented artists. “Trust” is a must have for fans of Mike Miller which features rich original compositions, stellar improvisations and prowess interplay and technique. This is a gorgeous, inspiring album and a must have for music fans everywhere!
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