Modern Jazz

The second in a two part project, Heritage finds Mark de Clive-Lowe digging deep into his Japanese roots in both composition and style. Heritage is an opus - the signature MdCL grooves are there but take a back seat to the elaborate compositions and deep feeling of the record.

The first edition of a two part series, Heritage finds Mark de Clive-Lowe in the process of grand introspection about his Japanese heritage, with specific tracks as memories from the past illustrating the right history of Japan. The albums have a sweeping, almost majestic feel with signature electronic soundscapes throughout.

Gregory Porter’s “1960 What?” continues to be one of Expansion’s most sought after releases and comes now in new enhanced packaging. It combines the original with the Opolopo Kick & Bass re-Rub.Gregory Porter as narrator, sounding like Amiri Baraka, declares on “1960 What?” that “the motor city is burning y’all—that ain’t right” and refers to Martin Luther King Jr.’s death and describes trigger-happy policing (supported by a trumpet that blares, jabs, rumbles, and yearns); and the song portrays how certain events turn people against the possibilities of life and light. A vision that only recognizes strength and cruelty and rage is dangerously imperfect: rather, creativity, education, intelligence, sensitivity, democratic political participation, and compassionate social work are goals and virtues that can be affirmed, if not actively pursued, in all times.

Formed in Tokyo in 2017, Ronin Arkestra brings together some of the finest and most creative players in Japan’s Jazz and and electronic scene. The collective includes members of Kyoto Jazz Sextet, WONK, Cro-Magnon, Root Soul, Sleepwalker, Sauce81, Kyoto Jazz Massive and, of course, band leader Mark de Clive Lowe.Kicking it all off is ‘Stranger Searching’, where lush electronics meet beautifully executed Jazz in full story mode. A constantly driving beat push this track along through its various chapters, with each member of the band given time tell their tale. Horns from Shinpei Ruike, Kohei Ando and Wataru Hamasaki tie everything together in beautiful harmony.‘Redeye Reprisal’ hits hard right from the top. With soaring horn lines and beautifully soulful keys from Mark de Clive Lowe, it is drummer Hikaru Arata who is given time to shine in this piece. Wild patterns add to the frenetic nature of the piece, creating drama and mystery before it safely delivers you home.Flip the record and we are back in story mode again. ‘The Silk Road Prelude’ is Japanese Jazz at its finest. A solid theme gives definition to this piece, with the horns once again providing all the drama you need. Carefully interspersed with beautiful guitar playing from Tsuyoshi Kosuga, and interwoven electronics from Sauce81, drummer Nobuaki Fuji and bassist Shinju Kobayashi control the groove with exquisite detail.The final track needs no introduction. ‘A Love Supreme’ is what legends are made of. Beautifully reimagined by this fine group of musicians, this is the Sunflower moment, a group showing its full dedication and respect for the Jazz masters. A band of Ronin, dedicated to follow the sun until it sets.

Esencia is proud to present Forgotten Ones, the new album from London based quintet Culross Close. The album opens with ‘Fractured’, a cosmic musing carried delicately by electric piano and decorated with a synthesized dalliance. The album then cruises into ‘Forgotten Ones’, a spiritual made potent by their choral-esque vocals by far their most accomplished piece to date.‘Acceptance’ finds the quintet in familiar hip-hop territory, carving out a top tier groove with a recurring piano motif of the highest order. Their vocals, this time more chant than choral makes for a brilliant 5-minute mantra.‘Mood’ is a stark contrast to anything else on the album, an acidic and rugged illustration of the group’s present state. ‘The Tiniest Lights Still Shine’ is a syncopated excursion in 5/4 time. With an electrifying percussion solo, this will be the song that finds its way onto the dance-floor. ‘Healing’ is a percussion heavy journey, draped in synthesizers and style, embodying elements of 70’s fusion and bossa-nova, a perfect closer to the album.1 x LP Full Colour Sleeve, shrinkwrapped