Release Date: 26 April 2024
St. Vincent
We're All Born Screaming
Kicking off with a bang this week with the latest album from Annie Clark aka St. Vincent. This is the first time the former ‘The Polyphonic Spree’ member has jumped behind the boards to solo-produce her album, and the result is thrilling. A concise project that’s also all over the place, this one has taken a couple of listens to process before I can give a full breakdown.
Genre:
Rock, Alternative, Indie, Pop-Rock
Tasting notes:
This album hits on so many different elements, with epic guitar riffs, distorted, wet synths and intricate lyrics. She’s a real journey.
Standout Tracks:
Broken Man – Starts with a minimal guitar and metronome, which teases before erupting.
All Born Screaming – This is a beautiful end to the album and real different to the other tracks. Split into two parts, I especially love the first section.
Violent Times – This one reminded me of a Bond theme song when I first heard it, which funnily enough was touched on with her interview with Rolling Stone.
Release Date: 30 April 2024
*Note: Since writing this, the two artists having been swinging back and forth with multiple releases. I’ll look into more of these in-depth on a separate post.
Kendrick Lamar
Euphoria
By featuring on Metro Boomin & Future’s album, ‘We Don’t Trust You’ and directly calling out Drak & J. Cole, Kendrick began a generational clash that has pulled in some of the biggest rap artists in the game. We’ve all been waiting for his response and I don’t think fans have been disappointed. Kendrick does not hold punches here, going straight for Drake’s jugular.
Genre:
Hip-Hop, Rap
Tasting notes:
Listen out for the lyrics on this one, with not-so-subtle stabs at Drake. There are also three different beat changes, highlighting Lamar’s talent and creativity.
Looking for more:
Like That from Future & Metro Boomin which started this whole thing off
Gives me real Warning and What’s Beef by The Notorious B.I.G, straight to the point
Release Date: 24 April 2024
Ezra Collective
Ajala
Their first release since winning the Mercury Prize in September 2023, the UK jazz collective has picked up where they left off, with this fun and energetic track. In a similar style to ‘Victory Dance’ from their previous album, this album pulls from Afro-beat and Bossa Nova influences and has me excited for their next album which is set to release this year.
Genre:
Jazz, Afro-Beat, Bossa Nova
Tasting notes:
An fast-tempo exciting track which will have everyone moving.
Looking for more:
Victory Dance by Ezra Collective, Kokoroko, Ebi Soda
Release Date: 30 March 2022
Gianni Brezzo
Tutto Passa
Gianni Brezzo, is a studio and band project led by multi-instrumentalist Marvin Horsch from Cologne, Germany. Under the fictional alias of Gianni Brezzo, Horsch taps into the talent of local artists with a rotating cast, ensuring each rendition of their songs is fresh and unique. This album is steeped in Italian 70s influences, inspired by Horsch reconnecting with his Italian roots. It captures the essence of the era with its soulful melodies and nostalgic vibes. Titled ‘Everything Passes’ in homage to its Italian inspiration, the album delivers a captivating blend of retro charm and contemporary flair. One of my favourites from the projects discography.
Genre:
Jazz, Soul-Jazz, Nu-jazz, instrumental
Tasting notes:
Sunny afternoon listening, with Italian influences that Horsch has tapped into transporting you to a Sicilian town in summertime.
Looking for more:
Surprise Chef, BADBADNOTGOOD, Matthew Halsall
Release Date: 3 May 2024
Kamasi Washington
Fearless Movement
The new album from the American Jazz guru is as experimental as ever. As a key member of the collaborative West Coast jazz scene in the US, Washington has plenty of his star friends feature on this album, such as Thundercat, Terrace Martin, BJ the Chicago Kid, George Clinton and even Andre 3000 on his flute. The result is a free flowing and improvised album that exhibits the amazing talent coming out of the American jazz scene, whilst at the same time connecting to the fundamental roots that the new wave is built upon.
Genre:
Jazz, West-Coast Jazz
Tasting notes:
Very experimental fluid and unpredictable, covering a wide range of jazz techniques
Looking for more:
Dream State – Andre 3000 and Washington complement each other beautifully for the most mellow track on the album
Together – a great solo from Kamasi on this one
Release Date: 21 April 2009
El Michels Affair
Enter the 37th Chamber
If you’re a fan of jazz and Wu-Tang Clan, this one is certainly for you. The release from El Michels affair uses some of the rap collectives classic tunes as touch points that they’ve recreated in their soul/funk-jazz interpretation. The band recorded this after supporting Wu-Tang members on the road, which was such a success that they landed a deal to produce C.R.E.A.M as a single, followed by a whole album of renditions.
Genre:
Jazz, Afro-Beat, Bossa Nova
Tasting notes:
Rap classics reinvented with a hazy, jazz feel, this one is perfect for hip-hop and jazz nerds alike.
Standout Tracks:
C.R.E.A.M & Shimmy Shimmy Ya – two of the most iconic songs from the Wu-Tang discography, El Michels Affair don’t miss a beat here and serve them justice.
Looking for more:
Abstract Orchestra, do great covers of hip-hop such as Madvillain from MF DOOM and Madlib
Soul Supreme, who have some great jazz versions of A Tribe Called Quest songs
