New Music Releases: Jacky Terrasson; Ash Walker; GoGo Penguin

Jacky Terrasson - 53

With the Sept. 27 release of 53, the 15th album in a recording career that has now spanned 25 years since his stunning self-titled debut on Blue Note in 1994, pianist Jacky Terrasson presents a magnificent collection of original pieces in the form of an intimate confession brought to life by a varied cast of trio mates. Hear the new tracks “The Call,” dedicated to Ahmad Jamal, and “Palindrome” on our playlist Jacky Terrasson: The Finest which looks back across his fantastic Blue Note catalog with highlights from albums including Reach, A Paris, Smile, & Rendezvous featuring Cassandra Wilson.

Ash Walker - Aquamarie

We really loved Ash Walker the last time around – but here, he really blows us away by stepping forth into a style that's even stronger than before – more focused, more soul-based, and with a depth that should really put him on the map! As before, there's lots of funky jazz in the mix – but often abstracted and produced in ways that open up the core elemental sounds – and singer Laville is upfront in the mix on most tracks, really helping give the music a message that matches its sound – while Ash works in the background on a range of other instruments alongside the band, including the studio as a whole – which he really seems to have mastered. Titles include "Brave New World", "Finishing Touch", "Under The Sun", "Time", "Come With Us", "Ain't Got You", "Dagon's Cashmere Jumper", "Fat King Smoke", and "I Need Money".

GoGo Penguin - Ocean in a Drop: Music for Film

UK trio GoGo Penguin will release a new EP Ocean in a Drop: Music for Film on Oct. 4, with 10” vinyl to follow on Oct. 18. The 5-track EP draws inspiration from the band’s celebrated live soundtrack for Godfrey Reggio’s 1982 cult doc Koyaanisqatsi, which the band will perform live with the film next month in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, Paris, London & Manchester, in addition to an appearance at the ACL Music Festival in Austin.