Live at Café OTO – Masahiko Satoh, Takeo Moriyama, Leon Brichard and Idris Rahman
Masahiko Satoh and Takeo Moriyama are seminal figures of Japan’s post-war jazz scene. Front and centre in the late ’60s, they witnessed and pioneered the merging of cultures, the evolution of traditions and the construction of Japan’s modern jazz vernacular. In their latest live album, they are joined by two younger players, Idris Rahman and Leon Brichard, from the heart of the new UK jazz movement. ‘Live at Café OTO’ is a stunning display of improvisation and virtuosity. Its stellar lineup, generations and continents apart—united by way of a universal musical language—purifies and expands our minds with an hour of improv-jazz magic.
Take It or Leave It – Helen Townsend
Americana veteran Helen Townsend is bold, honest and unafraid on ‘Take It or Leave It’, her second studio album. It is a vulnerable statement of love, loss and strength. As is the case with all good music, the album is just as much a product of Townsend’s personal experiences as it is an expression of universal emotions. Townsend’s plaintive guitar and soulful voice call out to us in a way that is immediately compelling and undeniable.
This album is the sum of all the parts that make me who I am today. Reflecting on love in its various forms, each track represents a moment in time, offering introspection and, I hope, connection to anyone who has ever felt alone in their experiences.
