Anthony Johnson Gossip in My Ear
Anthony Johnson is as evolutionary as jazz as a genre is, and his latest composition, Gossip in the Ear, is the ear-worm of the year.
Levi Sap Nei Thang - My Little Offering
Levi Sap Nei Thang has a voice that can calm any storm, be inside your head or out in the physical world, and her latest release, My Little Offering, is a testament to it.
Ferdinand Rennie - Summer, Roses, and Wine
Ferdinand Rennie has the wind blowing and the stage set for the inevitable takeover of your heart with his latest number, Summer, Roses, and Wine.
Nico Guzzi
If you are searching for a song to have your jaw on the floor and your heart in your hand, then Loser by Nico Guzzi is for you.
Quinn Sternberg-Cicada Songs
Within the million or so genres that exist, there are a special few that are beyond my understanding. Purely refined, versatile and mathematically precise, jazz is one of them. Quinn Sternberg is not your ordinary jazz musician, he's been on his own odd time roll since 2016. After his release Weird World, he has explored the extents of his creative boundaries passionately. 6 years later, this is his latest album, Cicada Songs. The twisted tempos of jazz The opening track is June, something that is a soft cruise down this road of jazz Quinn so easily navigates. The album having sharp turns to straight drives, there was a desire to know what this album transpired from. "I think the overall sound of this record is based on a combination of bands that I was really interested in at the time, but each individual song has its own narrative that I tried to funnel those sounds into." , Quinn says. It is clear from the sound in June and the immediate shift of tone, tempo, rhythm and heart in the title track that he is purely out to enjoy himself. "Ron Miles, Marquis Hill, and Kurt Rosenwinkel were definitely high on my listening list, and I wanted to combine what I was hearing in their music with my own aesthetics to animate the 8 different scenes." says Quinn, about his thematic travel. Using this dramatic effect of splitting the tone and sounds, each track can extract the characteristic of these artists Quinn admires, with his signature delivery. The funky core of Cicada Songs is a massive juxtaposition from June or the cinematic flow of Remember the Birds. A new approach and style Quinn says "A lot of the diversity in soundscapes on this album comes from the instrumentation. This was the first album I've done with both a guitarist and a keyboardist and the first one where I've played both electric and acoustic bass." This is heard in the tonal shift between the tracks, where each controls the motor movement of the song itself. Take the relaxed flow of Porch Cat for example, it has notational character very different of that to the complex clockwork of What A Day. "Being able to switch between the two basses and various combinations of guitar, Rhodes, and piano gave us a lot of different textures to work with. It also helps to have a super creative and versatile drummer like Peter Varnado to give the songs a unique contour." It has vastly amplified the tempo that is mirrored and replicated on all the instruments, a jam harnessing cosmic energy. Weird World is now miles away from Quinn's current sound and mind. "I think as an instrumentalist and as a writer I'm more inclined to use the bass as a compositional tool than to try to do "cool things" on the bass. The first couple albums have a bunch of bass solos because I thought that was a necessary thing, but this time around I just wanted to play bass lines that supported the music. I'm trying to play solid parts now even in improvised contexts where the part can change rapidly." The approach and process have changed massively, which is where we see the maturity in sound from Quinn Sternberg. On composing and working When asked about the most complex song on the album that would have felt easy, Quinn said Remember the Birds. "Sometimes as a composer I spend so much time writing a piece and gaining an intimate understanding of it that by the time I bring it to the band I've forgotten that the rhythms and chords I wrote are super weird. This was a tune that I wasn't really worried about initially, but it's proved to be quite challenging to play live." I would suppose that would be the case for all of jazz, but hearing this track reminds you how masterful the genre is to understand and appreciate. Sinusoidal also asked what other plans Quinn Sternberg has with regards to collaborations and parallel projects. "I have a handful of projects that I've worked on recently as a sideman that I'm excited to see come to fruition. A couple of rock groups I play in, Mighty Brother and Ari Carter Trio, recorded albums the same month as the cicada session that will both be out before too long." "On the BAM/Jazz side of things I recorded a couple albums with the Doug Stone/Marcelo Pinto Quartet and Kirk Duplantis that I'm stoked for. There are a ton of amazing players that I'd love to collab with, but I'll be thrilled if I can keep working with the guys I'm currently playing with." You could hear the drama of Quinn Sternberg's playing with Cicada Songs while watching slow-burn drama unfold on Birdman or La La Land among others. So watch chaotic scenes unfold with us!
The Art Crimes Band-In the Dark of the Evening
Some songs go down like finely aged whiskey. The Art Crimes Band makes songs like none other. Not only is their sound especially unique given their journey, their arrangement, approach and styles that confluence is a sonic delight to dance under. This is their latest single, In the Dark of the Evening. Whether you’re being muscled down by non-starter, boring conversation or just traveling, this is guaranteed to make your head turn. The Art Crimes Band open with just an acapella style opening, so that the instrument drop feels special. Now, any other band would have made a loud, presence-felt mess of the opening. Audio that feels hasty. This group slides in smoothly, imitating motions in the dark. It is important to hear those transitions, they revel in the detail of their music. The accents and flourishes in the middle of the verse parts is enjoyable, a delectable surprise of sorts. Hearing the whole track makes you feel excited, like a high using only the right notes. Then you see the scene the song sets. It is a dance, a dangerous dance within frame. Reminded me of movies like Focus, The Italian Job. There is a lot to learn that we can visualize within the scene, but the rendezvous takes convulsions we don’t get to gauge. It is a superb effort by a band that has settled into making some of the sharpest sounding arrangements in the indie band scene. Check out their tracks like Neon Skyline & If Only, for beautiful audio narratives. Follow them for some resounding compositions!
JUNK- Chromatose
JUNK released their first album- Chromatose and it is nothing short of an enigma which features Dirty D and Dubl B. Dirty D is the saxophone player and Dubl B is the Bass player and a music theory genius. Chromatose is so satisfying to hear, it feels like they scratch an itch that you never knew existed deep within your brain. It has this quality that is so striking but is as smooth as silk on a baby’s bottom. Chromatose and Blow The Album by JUNK begins with Chromatose, the single that is an eclectic mix of rock, punk and Jazz. The song has a brilliant arch within itself. The music tips its hat slightly to Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen as it softens towards the end. None of the above has an unusual start with an almost psychedelic vocal work. It warns the listener of the epic Saxophone and Bass solos that are yet to come. The track is elevated by the electric guitar that riffs the song to life! If the album was a movie, you can imagine that the story reaches its climax at Blow. The number begins with a striking bass entrance. Don’t get me started on how the Saxophone has you grooving to it in a trance-like state. The medley of the two instruments creates such an arsenal of feelings within you, it almost gives you whiplash. Frogadelic Frogadelic is a track that is extremely different from the rest of the tracks on the album. It draws from nature sounds, especially the frog. This happens because of the Guiro and the Bird Water Whistle, two musical instruments that imitate nature noises. Frogadelic takes you by surprise because up until now, your mind was blown by some brilliant Jazz music. All of a sudden you hear nature. You don’t know why but your body begins to groove to this new quality of music. Frogadelic feels like you had some funny brownies in the middle of a forest and are touching grass with a newfound sense. Everything Everywhere All at Once is a beautiful film that has many nominations under its belt. The film is shedding light on a surrealist form of art and storytelling. One of the cast members Stephanie Hsu is a skilled absurdist and alternative theatre artist. She once played a hand on stage. The kind of imagery and feelings the album evokes and the film evokes is very similar in nature. The album has so many possibilities to play with as well as it has such a wide variety of tunes within it. You pick a scene and the album has you covered with a soundtrack that fits as background. It is guaranteed that the first album by JUNK will floor you with its sheer skill of production, intrumentals and detailing. It comes as such a surprise that they don’t have many followers. I am assured this will change, people will not be able to resist hitting the follow button after being floored by their musical sense.
Anton Commissaris-Mission of Love
Imagine yourself smoking a Marlboro, dressed to the nines in a jazz club. It might be difficult for you now, but Anton Commissaris can help you. There are time capsules that can take you back. Then there are artists, who can bring the sound of the time to you. Mission of Love is the song that will do the latter, almost effortlessly. Find the flavour in love, in black and white. You’d be forced to not say “just like Sinatra” listening to this. Just like the Rat Pack, Anton brings the Vegas suave to you. From the instrumentals to the dapper vocals, you can hear the melody improvising, changing and tailored to the times. It might not be the case, but if you press this on vinyl, you’re fooling an awful lot of people. With beautiful, deep lyrics of finding the emotion that is yearned so much-it is a journey unlike any other. If this is the first time you’re listening to this artist, I can bet you that it won’t be the last. This is where the essence of music is returned, with style and flavour. The improvised inflections, whether planned or not, are the cherry on the icing. They bring the movement and energy of a live performance, and Anton Commissaris has perfected that imagery. From Down with Love to Begin Again, there are a lot of romance genre movies that would do well with this song. Anton’s special way of composing and really kicking the sound into gear go a great distance in authenticity, which he is consciously bringing back to music. Listen to his EP Off the Shelf to understand his connect with the groove. Be sure to follow him for more great music like this!
JehiahSax-Gangster of Love
JehiahSax can bring the next big revolution, or something in the form. His music transcends genres, but his sound is very much pure. His compositions have an ease of familiarity, but his sound is complex and crystalline. You’re looking at a contrast of a human being, a living contradiction of class and poise. Some might think I’m joking. He, for one, might agree to disagree. This is his latest single, Gangster of Love. Seldom do people remember Kenny G’s collaboration with DJ Jazzy Jeff. At the time, it was stuff of legend. De La Soul did it in their jazz-rap/bluesy style of execution as well. JehiahSax creates the same effect of change, but with another style. He is a renaissance man, and you hear his sax lick first. Developing into a hip-hop track, he very much controls the atmosphere. The guitars show us their flavour in the verse section, but the sax mirrors the chorus. Gentle but present, it is like a glossy sheet of sheen on an expensive work of art. Sometimes you might realise that a diamond shines in plain sight as well. Incredibly catchy, a song like this is going to rest in your playlist for a long time. I’d have loved to have heard this one in Boiler Room. The smooth sax playing with the hip-hop verse contrast is something that would fit in the already sensational soundtrack of this movie. You can get more of JehiahSax with his other single, Reckoner. He is always recording more music, so you don’t have to wait much for his next single. Follow him for more music! Here’s the pre-save link for his track-https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jehiahsax/gangster-of-love-feat-ken-fitzpatrick--werekitten-2. Follow him and make sure you are up to date with his releases!
Le Sonic - Riverside Drive
The music production pair of Mike Rogers and Gary Lefkowith goes by the moniker Le Sonic. To realise their artistic vision, the two seasoned producers, composers, and recording artists often collaborate with a group of outstanding musicians. They create soothing instrumental moods by fusing creative ingenuity and contemporary technology. Le Sonic pulls you right into their sonic masterpiece with the very first note as the piano kicks into an infectious bass groove on D. Soon after which, the sax plays a melody which would eventually set the mood for the track. The duo’s iconic Riverside Drive is catchy, carefully crafted, and so damn groovy! The song is essentially upbeat Jazz at its core, with Le Sonic drawing influences from both Dance and Electronica. The result is an impeccable piece of art that resonates with the listener long after the track has ended. What is equally impressive about the songwriting of Riverside Drive is the selection of instruments that are incorporated into it. All of them find their own distinct place in the stereo field and contribute to the overall mix dynamics in a way that would make it impossible to anticipate what is next! With minimal vocals and multiple layers of instrumental orchestration, Le Sonic has truly consolidated their place in the global indie music industry with this release. Riverside Drive was composed with assistance from Jim Hynes and Scott Kreitzer. In conclusion, the song would find its place in a classic comedy movie like Ace Ventura. And also be a perfect addition to TV shows that explore themes of comic drama and mystery such as Psych. So join Le Sonic in their lemon yellow convertible as they take it to Riverside!
Sky Canyon - BOP THAT RHYTHM
The latest track by Sky Canyon, "Bop That Rhythm" is a jazzy extravaganza that takes you on a musical journey. As a multi-talented artist, Sky has collaborated with some of the best jazz musicians in the industry, including Eric Gunnison, Mike Marlier, and Ron Bland, to create a lively, upbeat, and groovy instrumental track that will make you want to dance along. The track's opening immediately captures your attention, as the lively piano melody and rhythmic percussion create an energetic and dynamic atmosphere. The double bass and drums duet solos are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the incredible skill of the musicians involved. "Bop That Rhythm" would perfectly fit a lively scene in a movie or TV show. It could work well in a classic movie musical like "Singing in the Rain" or a modern-day musical like "La La Land." However, it would also be ideal for an art house Noir movie. One movie that "Bop That Rhythm" could fit well into is "Double Indemnity." The jazzy and mysterious vibe of the track would perfectly complement the tense and atmospheric scenes in this classic film noir. Sky Canyon's diverse background and musical expertise are evident in "Bop That Rhythm," which combines elements of jazz, rock, and Latin music. The track's intricate rhythms and catchy melodies testify to the skills os Sky Cannon as a composer and performer. Overall, "Bop That Rhythm" is a fantastic track that showcases Sky Canyon's incredible talent and versatility as a musician. It's a must-listen for any jazz lover or anyone who appreciates real music. The song is continually evolving, proving the adept songwriting skills of the artist. If you're an enthusiast of taste and culture, then missing out on Sky Canyon's work will prove to be a shame.
Ari Joshua - Lights Out
The latest release from Ari Joshua, "Lights Out," is an 8-minute-long jazz extravaganza that will leave you spellbound. The track is a masterful display of musicianship, featuring sick modal changes and overlapping guitar and piano melodies that create a rich tapestry of sound. The guitar tone is particularly noteworthy - it is saturated and crisp, perfectly balancing the rest of the mix. The production on "Lights Out" is incredible, with the organs and pianos sounding absolutely delicious. In addition, the way the instruments blend together is a testament to the skill of the producer, who has managed to create a seamless and cohesive experimental jazz soundscape. IMF got in touch with the artist to discuss Lights Out Lights Out is a clear winner for a spot in a contemporary Experimental and Alt-Jazz playlist. How did you come up with such a unique sound? I wrote this one with drummer John Kimock and pianist Eden Ladin in mind. John is one of my favorite drummers on the scene and after listening to him the melody and chords just came to me. After being well-known in the South African indie music scene for a while now, where do you see Ari Joshua as an act headed next? I’m not aware I was well known on the South African indie scene but that’s great news to me. As an act? Where am I headed? I just want to impact more people in a positive way, and resonate with people. A twisted complex emotional journey courtesy of Ari Joshua As the track progresses, it leads the listener through a range of emotions. The opening piano melody is introspective with a hint of melancholy. As the Guitars come in, the mood becomes more upbeat and lively, with a sense of frenetic energy building in the background. Again, at around the three-and-a-half-minute mark, the track takes a turn towards the experimental, with dissonant chords and unpredictable rhythms creating a sense of tension. The compositional brilliance demands a shoutout to fellow contributing artists John Morgan Kimock, Andy Hess & Eden Ladin. The song jumps through a vivid mix of emotions. What was your inspiration for such turbulent songwriting? I’m not sure. I’m not sure it jumps through a mix of emotions. But I’m glad to hear you feel that way. How was it working with John, Andy, and Eden? From your experience tell us a little about the benefits of collaborative efforts with these musicians. Andy Hess is a real sweet guy, really genuine, his playing is A++. I’d travel to play with him any time. John is really special. He serves the song. He doesn’t overplay or ever seem to be showing off, he’s there with you, really present. Eden is a like a thick menu of tasty musical ideas that you may never get tired of. He just plays the most amazing ideas and rhythms. It’s a joy to have great players with the combination of not needing to prove anything just working on collaborating and making art. What's next? After the positive reception of your initial releases like SoulMine and The $1000 Question, can your fans expect a full-length studio effort anytime soon? Well yes. But due to the high cost of producing and full length and the way the industry is, it’s just been my focus to produce a song at a time. The songs will all fall into albums later. There is a plan. Do you have any artistic insight or tips for upcoming songwriters who are willing to venture into progressive modern jazz? Listen to the masters. Find a few recordings to FALL IN LOVE WITH. Study them like the people study the Bible. Plan on dedicating 10,000 hours one way or another, and go see lots of live music. Also, support the artists you live that are alive.They deserve to be rewarded and appreciated! This experimental jazz number would be perfect for a variety of TV shows and fantasy noir movies. Its off-beat and avant-garde sound would work well in shows like "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" or "Seinfeld," where the music shifts in mood frequently. Also, in terms of movies, "Lights Out" would be a great fit for films like "Being John Malkovich," which feature unconventional narratives and surreal visuals. In conclusion, "Lights Out" is a tour de force of experimental-instrumental alt-jazz, showcasing the incredible musicianship and compositional skills of Ari Joshua. Furthermore, the South African rockstar consolidates his place in the global indie-rock scene with the addition of his latest release to his diverse discography which features tracks like Spooky, SoulMine, and The $1000 Question.