A fascinating discovery for us here at Presto HQ, this Swedish ‘hypno-jazz’ ensemble appears to have gone largely under the radar as far as mainstream coverage is concerned. We hope all that is about to change with the release of their latest LP, which traverses the realms of spiritual jazz, psychedelia and contemporary classical. Each of Kajfeš three long tracks is a spellbinding voyage into uncharted territories, and the results are beyond words. Available in a limited run on dazzling ‘curacao and red marbled vinyl’, this record is one for those after-dark vibes.

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Raph Clarkson, the UK trombonist and Dissolute Society-leader, gathers the cream of the crop in Joburg talent for this vivifying tribute to the rainbow nation’s cultural history. Reflecting his twin influences of jazz and traditional African music, as well as the spaces in which the two intertwine, he calls together twenty three musicians to continue a tradition that was kickstarted by Chris McGregor’s Brotherhood of Breath over half a century ago. Hats off to label Ubuntu Music, who have also released an album from Apartheid-era jazz ensemble The Jazzanians in recent weeks, helping to keep the flame burning well into the 21st century.

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This entrancing Belgian vocalist of Dutch origin presents one of the most resourceful uses of an international all-star troupe to date. Her original set of wistful songs is delicate to the touch, but somehow remains unshattered. Complemented in the proceedings by two-thirds of the Bill Frisell Trio (ie. the maestro, whom she collaborated with on last year’s Live at Jazz Middelheim, plus bassist Thomas Morgan) the overall mood is graciously augmented by the group's serene feel. I appreciate the ways in which Acda’s voice resembles Marianne Faithfull, which she achieves with matchless fragility.

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A journey two decades in the making, this gifted pair have made a name for themselves as a couple of the fiercest cats on the London scene. With Edis having relocated from the North West and Xenopolous originally on loan to us from his native Greece, the duo made frequent live companions before releasing their debut album together in 2016. Proudly wearing a host of fantastic influences on its sleeve, the ensemble delves into a rip-roaring variety of palatable flavours starting with impassioned opener, ‘Going Home’ – a tuneful reimagining of the Largo from Dvořák’s 9th Symphony (or the Hovis advert, depending on your cultural preference).

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The reigning king of smooth jazz and a former staple of Luther Vandross' band, Whalum has recorded everything from pop music to R&B and film soundtracks. Effortlessly hip, the iconic ‘I Will Always Love You’ saxophonist now returns for his first album in five years. Highly anticipated, Epic Cool is filled with head-nodding riffs galore, and features a sensational lineup of seasoned players – each of them in tune with Kirk’s signature brand of velvety affection and soul.

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