Rachel Therrien Returns Home with Mi Hogar II: A Dazzling Celebration of Latin Jazz Unity

Trumpeter and composer Rachel Therrien delivers a vibrant and deeply personal musical statement with Mi Hogar II, her eighth studio album and the sequel to her acclaimed 2023 release Mi Hogar. Translated as “My Home,” the title is a reflection of Therrien’s ever-deepening connection to Latin jazz, and the global family of musicians who have shaped her artistic voice.

In Mi Hogar II, Therrien curates a diverse and electrifying ensemble of collaborators. The album features some of the most respected names in Afro-Caribbean and Latin jazz, including Grammy-winning bassist John Benítez, Cuban-Canadian duo OKAN (violinist Elizabeth Rodriguez and percussionist Magdelys Savigne), Grammy winner Mireya Ramos, saxophonists Iván Renta and Nestor Rodriguez, and celebrated pianists Danae Olano and Manuel Valera. Their collective brilliance infuses the album with rich textures and vibrant rhythmic interplay.

From the dynamic changüí rhythms of Benítez’s Fiestas Campesinas to the introspective Back Home, Therrien balances celebration and reflection. The album’s repertoire bridges folkloric traditions with contemporary jazz, such as in Mambo ‘Chucho’ Influenciado, a nod to the great Chucho Valdés, arranged with inventive harmonies and percussive drive.

The percussive core is held together by Michel Medrano Brindis on drums, with a rotation of master percussionists—Keisel Jiménez, Carlos Maldonado, Magdelys Savigne, and Diomer Gonzalez, among others—laying down the polyrhythmic foundations that make this album a sonic feast.

Therrien plays both trumpet and flugelhorn on all tracks, weaving in lyrical phrasing, crisp articulation, and soulful improvisation. Her playing anchors the album, acting as both storyteller and interpreter, pushing boundaries while staying rooted in cultural reverence.

Mi Hogar II is more than a sequel—it’s a celebration of cultural identity, musical camaraderie, and Therrien’s bold voice in the evolving landscape of Latin jazz. Through masterful arrangements, a star-studded ensemble, and heartfelt performance, Rachel Therrien once again proves why she remains a leading force in modern jazz innovation.

Dr. Purgatory Blurs Boundaries with The Consumption: A Haunting Jazz-Folktale Fusion

When Toronto guitarist and composer David Riddel, known artistically as Dr. Purgatory, began work on his second LP, The Consumption: A Tragic Folktale in Six Parts, he didn’t anticipate it evolving into a fully multidisciplinary endeavor.

“I wanted to make an album that was one part Reinier Baas, one part Maurice Ravel, and one part Björk,” says Riddel, citing his musical touchstones. While the latter’s influence might not be sonically obvious, Riddel insists that Vespertine, Björk’s 2001 opus, shaped the very essence of his writing. The result is a 10-track chamber jazz concept album—lush, angular, and entirely original.

The project assembles some of Canada’s most respected jazz artists: Colleen Allen (alto sax, flute), Andrew Downing (upright bass), Noam Lemish (piano), Aline Homzy (violin), Stefan Hegerat (drums), and Conrad Gluch (alto sax, bass clarinet). Together with Riddel on guitar, the ensemble breathes life into a suite that is both sonically adventurous and emotionally raw.

Yet The Consumption is more than music. Alongside the album comes a 40-page novella written by Riddel himself—a modern dark folktale populated by mythological archetypes and occult references. “Once the musical concept became clear, the story just started forming,” says Riddel, whose literary voice has been shaped by the likes of George Saunders’ Lincoln in the Bardo, Ottessa Moshfegh’s Lapvona, and the mystical Lesser Key of Solomon attributed to Aleister Crowley.

The novella, illustrated by Toronto artist Sid Sharp, pairs with the music to form a unique, narrative-driven art object—both brooding and darkly humorous. Each enhances the other: the music giving pulse to the story, the prose deepening the sonic world.

Steve Holt’s IMPACT Album Brings Fire, Elegance, and Originality to the Modern Jazz Scene

Veteran pianist Steve Holt returns with IMPACT, an exhilarating new release that signals a powerful and imaginative evolution in his illustrious jazz career. The album showcases a stunning collection of original compositions, brimming with passion, sophistication, and a sense of joyful exploration.

Composed over the span of a year, IMPACT is more than just a musical statement—it's a testament to Holt's enduring creativity and his deep-rooted connection to the jazz tradition. Each track features inventive writing and inspired improvisation, capturing the spirit of a quintet that plays with precision, freedom, and soul.

Leading the charge is the explosive title track “Impact,” a high-energy tune that encapsulates the album’s bold tone and collective chemistry. Tracks like “Second Voyage” take listeners on cinematic sonic journeys—dreamlike and expansive, with echoes of Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage. Meanwhile, “Lalita’s Waltz,” a tender jazz waltz dedicated to Holt’s wife, channels the romantic, harmonic richness of Bill Evans with modern twists that surprise and delight.

Rounding out the album are several more Holt originals, a fiery take on Tom McIntosh’s “Cup Bearers,” and a moving solo piano rendition of “O Canada.” This national anthem reimagined becomes a stunning showcase of Holt’s technical and emotional range—elevating the familiar to something profound and personal.

Joining Holt on this powerful recording are some of Canada’s most respected jazz artists:

• Kevin Turcotte (trumpet & flugelhorn)

• Perry White (tenor saxophone)

• Duncan Hopkins (bass)

• Terry Clarke (drums)

Together, The Steve Holt Jazz Impact Quintet delivers an album that feels fresh and timeless—an essential listen for jazz lovers everywhere.

Joshua Banks Makes a Bold Debut with Para Sayo — A Personal Journey Through Jazz and Cultural Identity

On his striking debut album Para Sayo, Edmonton-based pianist and composer Joshua Banks announces himself as a powerful new voice in contemporary jazz. Released on May 16, 2025, this stunning project blends Banks’ classical training with the dynamic influence of Asian jazz luminaries like Hiromi Uehara, Kie Katagi, and Nahre Sol. The result is a uniquely expressive and deeply personal sonic journey.

The nine-track album was meticulously refined over two years, with Banks channeling his own experience as an Asian/Filipino-Canadian to create music that speaks to both his identity and artistic vision. “I was born here in Canada,” Banks explains, “but I have nothing from ‘there’—my family’s homeland. This album is an exploration of what it means to find space as an Asian artist, and to make room for our families, our people, and our cultures in the West.”

A key collaborator in shaping the emotional core of Para Sayo is lyricist Hazel Cavida, who contributed bilingual lyrics in English and Tagalog, helping to ground the album in Filipino cultural and linguistic roots. This collaborative spirit also extends to Banks’ mother, Corazon Banks, whose spoken word performance in Ibaloi—an Indigenous Philippine language—pays homage to ancestral history in a deeply moving track.

The album features an impressive roster of young Canadian musicians, including bassists Connor Milkman and Kessler Douglas, drummers Graeme Newburn and Joel Jeschke, saxophonists Dana Anderson and Nick Lange, and rapper Tea Fannie, who adds a dynamic verse to the final track. String arrangements bring additional richness, performed by Raphaelle Erdman, Louisa Lu, Yitian Fan, and Julian Eveneshen.

From field recordings to rap verses, from classical composition to cultural exploration, Para Sayo is more than a jazz debut—it’s an invitation into Joshua Banks’ world: one rooted in heritage, identity, and the endless possibility of sound.

William Carn’s The Unburdening Explores Deep Emotions Through a Modern Jazz Lens

Renowned Canadian jazz trombonist, composer, and producer William Carn returns with The Unburdening, the powerful second installment of his innovative CHOICES project. Set for release on Friday, July 18, 2025, the album continues Carn’s bold exploration of jazz’s evolving boundaries, blending digital soundscapes with acoustic instrumentation to stunning emotional effect.

Through The Unburdening, Carn delves into the depths of the human experience, drawing out themes of loneliness, anxiety, inner turmoil, and emotional rebirth. The result is a sonically rich, highly introspective record that captures the universal pursuit of peace and happiness. His skillful integration of keyboards, trombone, and vocals weaves a narrative that’s both deeply personal and broadly resonant.

Carn enlists some of Canada’s finest musical talents to bring this album to life. Collaborators include HiFiLo (Todd Pentney) on keyboards, Brad Turner and Lina Allemano on trumpet, Luis Deniz and Tara Davidson on alto saxophone, Selena Evangeline on vocals, and world-class drummers Larnell Lewis, Davide Direnzo, and Colin Kingsmore. Each artist contributes remotely, highlighting the album’s national scope and collaborative spirit.

As jazz broadcaster Heather Bambrick of JazzFM91 aptly notes:

“With this new solo recording, Carn showcases a diversity of approach and modernity of tone that doesn’t eschew his incredibly strong traditional roots.”

With The Unburdening, William Carn doesn’t just release an album—he offers listeners a transformative experience that mirrors our own journeys through emotional hardship and healing.

For more information, visit williamcarn.com.

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Butcher Brown Drops Letters From The Atlantic — A Sonic Journey Across Genres and Oceans

Genre-defying collective Butcher Brown returns with their new album Letters From The Atlantic, released via Concord Jazz. Arriving with the final pre-release single “Unwind” featuring Melanie Charles, the album draws from an eclectic sonic palette: jazz, funk, R&B, bossa nova, rock, and more. It’s a vibrant, exploratory record that journeys from the American East Coast to Europe, layered with warmth, chemistry, and a deep sense of place.

Previous singles like “Dinorah Dinorah,” “Ibiza,” and “Montrose Forest” hinted at the record’s wide-ranging influences, but “Unwind” reveals the band at their most free and spontaneous. It’s a lush, almost-improvised studio creation that leans into acid jazz, drum & bass, and house, with Charles delivering a magnetic performance on vocals and flute. “Her ear is crazy,” the band shared. “She knew exactly what to do with the track and just exploded all over it.”

Fans can now listen to “Unwind” and view the visualizer online, along with pre-ordering or pre-saving Letters From The Atlantic.

A follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2023 project Solar Music, this new record feels more grounded and fluid—an audio postcard from Butcher Brown’s travels and inspirations. “We want this album to feel like a trip,” they explain. “It captures our nostalgia for Virginia, the East Coast, and Europe. Each track represents a different place, a different vibe.”

The album’s opening track “Seagulls” evokes peaceful coastal energy from Virginia Beach, while “Unwind” channels downtown New York cool, straight from Avenue C on the Lower East Side. “Something New About You” featuring Neal Francis leans into a breezy yacht rock vibe, reminiscent of sunsets in the Florida Keys. “Hold You” travels across the Atlantic, evoking the tranquil feeling of a train ride through Europe. The record closes with “Infant Eyes,” a beautiful instrumental tribute to Wayne Shorter, a hero and guiding light for the band.

Throughout the album, Butcher Brown collaborates with an impressive range of vocalists and instrumentalists—especially women artists—who bring rich texture and perspective to the work. Vocalists Yaya Bey, Melanie Charles, Leanor Wolf, Mia Gladstone, and Victoria Victoria all lend their voices. “We’re fans of all of them,” says the band. “They brought harmony, chemistry, and real energy to the sessions.”

One especially memorable collaboration came with Yaya Bey, who joined the band in Richmond for an in-person session that blossomed into the laid-back, soulful track “I Remember.” “We chopped it up for hours before even recording,” the band recalls. “It felt like family. That’s why we prioritize in-person sessions—if the vibe is right, everything else follows.”

Letters From The Atlantic was recorded at Spacebomb Studios in Richmond, VA with Alex De Jong at the helm. Sessions took place over the summer, and the group leaned deep into their love of electronic genres like house, disco, drum & bass, trip hop, and acid jazz—flavors that fuse effortlessly with their jazz and funk foundations. Compared to the more angular energy of Solar Music, this album feels smoother, more intentional, and emotionally resonant.

“Our sound’s evolving,” says drummer Corey Fonville. “This record has more nuance—it’s about letting things breathe, trusting the moment, and making music that reflects where we are now.” Bassist Andrew Randazzo adds, “We wanted to make something that feels like it floats—something immersive.”

That fluidity and grounded self-awareness come through across every track. “Whatever happens with this band,” says keyboardist DJ Harrison, “it won’t be forced. We make the music we want to make. Whatever happens outside of that—it’s all built on honesty and vibe.”

Butcher Brown’s music continues to resonate across genres, generations, and geographies. With praise from NPR, The New York Times, Bandcamp, The FADER, and more, the group has built a loyal following while remaining creatively fearless. Their Tiny Desk performance was lauded as “hot and funky from the count-in,” while The Washington Post calls them “respected across the genre spectrum.”

Letters From The Atlantic is an invitation to journey with Butcher Brown—not just across the map, but through sound, memory, and meaning.

Hiromi’s OUT THERE Delivers Funk, Fusion, and Fierce Improvisation

Twenty years into her genre-defying career, there’s still no one who sounds quite like Hiromi. Continuing her tradition of boundary-pushing innovation, she releases her 13th studio album, OUT THERE (Telarc), a bold new entry in her discography and her second collaboration with Sonicwonder—a blazing quartet featuring Hadrien Feraud on bass, Gene Coye on drums, and Adam O’Farrill on trumpet.

The follow-up to 2023’s Sonicwonderland, OUT THERE captures a thrilling evolution—deep chemistry forged through relentless touring and improvisational synergy. Hiromi's distinctive sound remains intact: a whirlwind of classic jazz-rock fusion, virtuosic classical flourishes, synth-heavy funk, acoustic jazz, and melodic pop sensibility, all sharpened through a new lens.

Two previews—“Balloon Pop”, an infectious throwback to ’80s-era Miles Davis, and the soul-inflected ballad “Pendulum”—offer just a taste. Now, fans can enjoy the video for the standout track “Yes! Ramen!!”, a genre-defying tribute to Hiromi’s favorite food. The video follows her through ramen shops in Japan, scoring each shift in setting with ska rhythms, disco energy, Sabbath-style riffs, and progressive jazz flair. It’s a sonic flavor bomb, and the whole band shares her ramen obsession—especially Coye and O’Farrill, who scout new bowls while on tour.

“For this song, I was scoring the film in my mind,” says Hiromi. “Each scene—a different restaurant, a different mood—deserved its own musical flavor. Ramen is pure inspiration, and I deeply respect the artistry behind it.”

Tonight marks the start of Hiromi’s U.S. tour, with stops at iconic venues in Chicago, Toronto, and a special album release performance at NYC’s Blue Note on Monday, April 7. The group’s live energy, honed by nearly two years of shows, promises unforgettable musical storytelling.

“On Sonicwonderland, I had the songs first and searched for musicians to bring them to life,” Hiromi explains. “Now, after playing together extensively, I write with this band’s unique energy and strength in mind.”

Each member brings virtuosity and character: French-born Feraud, often likened to Jaco Pastorius, brings electric fusion brilliance. Chicago native Coye combines gospel grounding with infectious groove. Brooklyn-born O’Farrill, heir to a Latin jazz dynasty, explores deep sonic experimentation using electronic effects—an avenue Hiromi actively encouraged.

Reflecting on her career, Hiromi invokes bass icon Anthony Jackson, who once told her: “A first-class musician can play anything.” With that ethos in mind, she pursued the boldest ideas for OUT THERE, allowing curiosity to guide her. “Curiosity is the fuel,” she says. “It pushes you to write more, feel more, and say more with sound.”

At the album’s core lies a four-part suite Hiromi urges fans to hear as a continuous journey. It begins with the breakneck “Takin’ Off”, glides into the groovy, ’70s-inspired “Strollin’”, swells with cinematic scope in “Orion”, and culminates in “The Quest”, a fusion of chopped-up rhythms, soaring synths, and fearless ambition. The suite is followed by the closer, “Balloon Pop”—as catchy as any Top 40 hit, and a reminder of Hiromi’s melodic genius. O’Farrill’s trumpet calls back to the hooky brilliance of late-era Miles Davis.

Hiromi’s resume continues to dazzle: a viral NPR Tiny Desk Concert (2M+ views), a historic performance at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, a 2024 Best Music Score win for Blue Giant, and a GRAMMY Award for her collaboration with Stanley Clarke. As The New Yorker once put it, her artistry remains nothing short of “dazzling.”

Rachael & Vilray Announce New Album West of Broadway, Out August 1 on Concord Jazz

Upcoming Tour Includes Newport Jazz Fest, LA’s The Ford, and NYC’s The Town Hall

Brooklyn-based duo Rachael & Vilray are set to release their third studio album, West of Broadway, on August 1 via Concord Jazz. The record marks another stunning chapter in the musical journey of vocalist Rachael Price (of Lake Street Dive) and guitarist/singer/songwriter Vilray, offering an exquisitely out-of-time portrait of their beloved New York City through lush, story-driven compositions.

Inspired by classic Broadway musicals, West of Broadway unfolds in a series of sharply-drawn vignettes—offbeat tales of love, loss, and human eccentricity told with cinematic flair. “There’s so much imagery in the lyrics,” notes Rachael Price. “I think a fun way to listen to the record would be to go for a walk and let the songs play out like a little movie in your mind.”

One of the album’s standout tracks, “Love Comes Around,” is available now on all streaming platforms. The song, commissioned by a widower who unexpectedly found love again, showcases the duo’s uncanny ability to blend storytelling with sophisticated musicality. “As I was writing, I could hear an arrangement that had the colors of West Coast cool—angular melodies, rich harmonies, and vibraphone instead of piano,” says Vilray. The vibraphone part, played by Warren Wolf, adds a “penthouse jazz flavor” that perfectly matches Rachael’s joyful phrasing and dynamic vocal performance.

Recorded at Sear Sound in New York City, the album features contributions from saxophonist Steve Wilson (Chick Corea’s Origin) and drummer John Riley (Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie), among others. The duo once again teamed up with arranger Jacob Zimmerman and producer Dan Knobler, continuing the creative collaboration that fueled their earlier releases, including the 2019 self-titled debut and 2023’s I Love A Love Song!.

While their musical style evokes the timeless glamour of Tin Pan Alley, West of Broadway ventures further into the theatrical, combining vintage pop and jazz idioms with narrative flair. “Going into the studio, there was a bit of a question as to whether we could bring together all these different elements that aren’t really connected—like West Coast jazz, Broadway musicals, and all the crazy characters and flavors within the songs,” Vilray explains. “But it showed us that even if the themes don’t feel unified at first, they’ll feel unified by the end—just as long as you’ve done your work, and you’ve got a room full of great musicians to knock the whole thing out of the park.”

The tracklist includes:

• Forever Never Lasts

• Is It Jim?

• My Key to Gramercy Park

• Lookin’ at You, I Forgot

• The Stuff

• Closer

• Love Comes Around

• Off Broadway (featuring Stephen Colbert)

• To Change

• Manhattan Serenade

Tour Dates

To support the album, Rachael & Vilray will embark on a U.S. tour with highlights including the Newport Jazz Festival on August 1, The Ford in Los Angeles on October 26, and The Town Hall in New York City on November 18.

Rachael & Vilray 2025 Tour Dates:

• July 30 – King of Prussia, PA – Concert Under the Stars

• Aug 1 – Newport, RI – Newport Jazz Festival

• Oct 20 – Vancouver, BC – Hollywood Theatre

• Oct 21 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre

• Oct 22 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall

• Oct 24 – San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club

• Oct 26 – Los Angeles, CA – The Ford

• Oct 27 – Scottsdale, AZ – Arizona Musicfest

• Nov 7 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark

• Nov 8 – Evanston, IL – Cahn Auditorium

• Nov 9 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall

• Nov 11 – Nashville, TN – Riverside Revival

• Nov 12 – Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall

• Nov 14 – Washington, DC – Lincoln Theatre

• Nov 15 – Boston, MA – Royale

• Nov 18 – New York, NY – The Town Hall

Eric Dolphy’s Outward Bound: The Groundbreaking Debut as Bandleader

Outward Bound (Prestige/New Jazz 8236) marks the monumental debut album of Eric Dolphy as a bandleader and showcases his boundary-pushing artistry in full form. Originally released in 1960, this influential session features Dolphy in a dynamic quintet alongside:

• Freddie Hubbard – trumpet

• Jaki Byard – piano

• George Tucker – bass

• Roy Haynes – drums

This recording represents the first of several legendary collaborations between Dolphy and Hubbard, setting the stage for some of the most innovative music of the post-bop era.

To further enrich this special edition, two bonus tracks have been included. These additional recordings feature Dolphy performing in a quintet led by trumpeter Ted Curson, offering listeners even more insight into Dolphy’s unique musical voice.

The release also includes a 16-page booklet filled with archival photos, liner notes, and background information, making it a valuable collector's piece for any jazz aficionado.

Critical Acclaim

“This album is the first extended exposure I've had to the remarkable talent that is Eric Dolphy's. On the strength of what I experienced in the course of absorbing the release, I firmly believe that this man will be one of the most rewarding jazzmen of the coming decade.

Above all else, his playing and writing have life. Sometimes sounding as if it is boiling with rage, Dolphy's music is filled with sharp, jagged lines that lift the listener as they spiral to peak after peak of raw emotional expression.

This album is life.”
— ★★★★★ Don DeMicheal, DownBeat Magazine

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Track Listing

Disc 1 / Side 1:

1. The Things We Did Last Summer

2. Bali Ha’i

3. 245

4. G.W.

5. April Fool

6. Miss Toni

7. Glad to Be Unhappy

8. 245

9. Les

10. On Green Dolphin Street

11. G.W.

Jah Wobble Returns with Exclusive Dub LP on Dimple Discs

Dimple Discs proudly presents its first release from the legendary Jah Wobble—a brand-new exclusive dub LP featuring original artwork by the artist himself. This completely solo project showcases Wobble at his creative peak, with all tracks written, arranged, and performed by the bass icon.

Deeply influenced by dub pioneers Lee “Scratch” Perry and King Tubby, the album delivers rich, immersive sonics and layers of mind-expanding sound. The LP is expertly mastered by Anthony Chapman of Collapsed Lung and cut to maximize clarity and volume, offering a truly high-fidelity listening experience.

Jah Wobble, best known as the original bassist for Public Image Ltd (PiL), rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After contributing to two groundbreaking PiL albums, he embarked on a prolific solo career exploring dub, world music, and experimental soundscapes.

In 2012, Wobble reunited with former PiL bandmate Keith Levene for Metal Box in Dub and the critically acclaimed album Yin & Yang. Since 2013, he has been a regular guest on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Up All Night, featured in the “Virtual Jukebox” segment with Dotun Adebayo.

His autobiography, Memoirs of a Geezer, was published in 2009. Today, Wobble continues to tour with his two-hour live show, often performing Metal Box in Dub alongside Jon Klein, former guitarist for Siouxsie and the Banshees, whom he hails as “the greatest post-punk guitarist.”

This new dub LP marks another milestone in Jah Wobble’s boundary-pushing musical journey—one not to be missed by fans of dub, post-punk, and experimental bass-driven music.

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Oliver Nelson’s The Blues and the Abstract Truth – CD Edition with Bonus Tracks & Booklet: A Timeless Jazz Masterpiece

Jazz enthusiasts and audiophiles rejoice—Oliver Nelson’s iconic album The Blues and the Abstract Truth is now available in an expanded CD edition, packed with musical treasures and collector-worthy extras. This definitive release includes the complete original album, six bonus tracks, and a 16-page booklet filled with memorabilia and updated liner notes, offering deep insight into one of the greatest jazz records ever made.

Originally released on Impulse! Records as Impulse AS-5, this 1961 recording marked a turning point in Oliver Nelson’s career, cementing his reputation as a masterful arranger and composer. At the heart of the album lies “Stolen Moments”, a timeless jazz standard praised as "perhaps the best blues ever written” by critic Ralf Dombrowski.

But the brilliance doesn’t stop there. The album showcases a dream lineup of jazz legends, including:

• Freddie Hubbard – trumpet

• Eric Dolphy – alto saxophone, flute

• Bill Evans – piano

• Paul Chambers – bass

• Roy Haynes – drums

Each performance is a study in balance, nuance, and innovative musical storytelling. Nelson’s arrangements blend the complexity of modern jazz with the soul of the blues, resulting in compositions that feel both fresh and eternal.

The newly remastered CD edition offers much more than just the original six tracks. Fans will find:

• Six bonus tracks featuring Oliver Nelson, Eric Dolphy, and Roy Haynes

• Two extended blues compositions

• The first recorded version of “Stolen Moments” – originally titled The Stolen Moment

• A 16-page booklet with rare photos, memorabilia, and revised liner notes

This makes the release a must-have for collectors, jazz historians, and casual listeners alike.

This album has consistently been rated among the top jazz albums of all time, receiving accolades such as:

“This LP is a must buy for all jazz collectors, and a Top Ten-Fifty favourite for many.”
— Michael G. Nastos, AllMusic

“Using 12-bar blues and 'I Got Rhythm' as points of departure, Nelson has put together six compositions that show him to be one of the important new writers.”
— Don DeMicheal, Down Beat

Included in “120 Best Jazz Albums” – Basis-Diskothek Jazz, Germany

Track Listing

Disc 1 / Side 1:

1. Stolen Moments

2. Hoe-Down

3. Cascades

4. Yearnin’

5. Butch and Butch

6. Teenie’s Blues

7. Screamin’ the Blues

8. The Meetin’

9. Walk Away

10. Trane Whistle

11. Whole Nelson

12. Stolen Moments [First Version, aka The Stolen Moment]

Whether you’re discovering Oliver Nelson’s genius for the first time or revisiting a cornerstone of your jazz collection, this CD edition of The Blues and the Abstract Truth is an essential addition. It captures a singular moment in music history—when some of the most influential musicians came together to produce a body of work that still resonates today.

Sunset Manifesto Volume Two: A Global Groove Odyssey of Cinematic Disco and Mid-Tempo Bliss

Congratulations—you made it through another day. And what better reward than trading the doomscroll for a crisp mojito, a wide horizon, and the golden glow of sunset-soaked soundscapes? Welcome to Sunset Manifesto Volume Two, a lovingly curated sonic retreat courtesy of DJ Supermarkt. Out now, this second installment continues the journey through timeless, mid-tempo magic—equal parts nostalgic and forward-thinking, equal parts dream and dancefloor.

Set against the imaginary but oh-so-vivid backdrop of 1976 Los Angeles—by way of Mitte, Berlin—Volume Two leans deep into the smooth. Not smooth as a genre, but as a philosophy. As the world yells louder, Sunset Manifesto doubles down on mellow: no hard edges, just clean grooves, wistful melodies, and basslines that walk with swagger and ease.

The Tracklist: A Cross-Continental Conversation in Sound
The lineup is an international who's-who of the nu-smooth, après-disco scene. It opens with the extended summer breeze of Lovetempo’s “Same Ole Love (365 Days A Year)”, followed by the soft-funk shimmer of Nicholas Cangiano’s “Falling Behind.” From there, the compilation floats into the dubby, sunset-drenched remix of “Ventura Highway Blues” by Poolside (reworked with magic by Monsieur van Pratt).

Things only get silkier. PREP and Eddie Chacon team up for “Call It” (Turbotito Remix)—a track equal parts sultry and sincere, while Moi Je’s “Découvre” adds a French electro-pop breeze. Turbotito returns solo with “Time Starts Moving Slow,” a track so mellow it practically glides across the pool.

You’ll hear the rich harmonies of Young Gun Silver Fox’s “Curious,” the disco-funk pep of B.U.M.P.’s “Give A Little Love A Lot,” and the nostalgic head-nod of Woolfy vs Projections’ “Seeds.” And if you're looking for full retro-sci-fi dancefloor bliss, 1-900’s “Breakin’ 84” delivers.

Rounding out the set: Goodvibes Sound’s irresistible “Stay For One More Night” (Matt Hughes Remix), Moods & Nic Hanson’s gliding “Music Never Looked So Good,” the twilight romance of BowAsWell’s “Over When The Night Is Gone,” and finally, the lush remix of Joel Sarakula’s “Hands of Love” by Phil Martin and Kimchii’s tropical-laced slow-jam “Do You Ever.”

A Manifesto in Motion
This isn’t just another compilation—it’s a state of mind. Sunset Manifesto Volume Two avoids nostalgia traps while embracing half a century of dance music DNA. There are nods to romantic slo-mo house, French disco filters, Bernard Edwards’ signature basslines, and yes, even a Robbie Nevil-style shrug of cool. It’s music that understands history but plays in the now.

You won’t find irony or kitsch here—only warmth, generosity, and feel-good escapism crafted by some of the most innovative producers from around the world: France, Sweden, Mexico, the UK, Canada, China, and beyond. Their shared language is groove; their common aim, elevation.

For Fans Of:
Khruangbin, Poolside, Jungle, Daft Punk’s Discovery era, Yuksek, and those smooth yacht disco edits that magically turn your living room into a 1978 rooftop party.

So cue it up. Let Sunset Manifesto Volume Two be the soundtrack to your slow dances, cocktail hours, moonlit drives, and everything in between. Because in a world that keeps rushing, this record insists: the smooth will endure.