10 Albums You Need to Know: April 2021

A sax legend’s first album in eight years; a singer/songwriter’s first-ever full-length reside file; the discharge of a long-lost session by an elusive jazz icon. All this and extra in our checklist of albums launched this month that you might want to learn about.

Gary Bartz, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge, Gary Bartz JID 006 (Jazz Is Useless)

Launch date: April 2

The latest entry in producers Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad’s acclaimed Jazz is Useless collection is a collaboration with Gary Bartz, which additionally marks the legendary saxophonist’s first album in eight years. “He’s a luminary that has contributed a lot to music tradition, for many years,” says Younger about Bartz. “His musical potential is increasing with age and we’re honored to be part of his world.” Order it here.

Damon Locks & Black Monument Ensemble, NOW (Worldwide Anthem)

Launch date: April 9

Multimedia artist/activist Damon Locks and his multi-generational Chicago-based collective of artists, musicians, singers and dancers reply to the unrest of latest occasions with a brand new album of uplifting, anthemic and extremely animated musical performances. Bringing a variety of influences and private experiences to the desk, NOW can be a renewal of their mission for creating uplifting and activist music. Pre-order it here.

The Dave Weckl Band, Reside in St. Louis Chesterfield Competition 2019 (Autumn Hill)

Launch date: April 9

Reside in St. Louis Chesterfield Competition 2019 captures a really particular reunion efficiency by The Dave Weckl Band with the good jazz fusion drummer on the helm and founding band members Jay Oliver on keyboard and Tom Kennedy on bass joined on guitar by Buzz Feiten for the primary time in over 20 years. Collectively, they carry out a celebratory set with half the tunes culled from their acclaimed 1997 debut album, Rhythm of Soul. Pre-order Live in St. Louis Chesterfield Festival 2019 here.

Pasquale Grasso, Solo Ballads (Sony Masterworks)

Launch date: April 9

Pasquale Grasso augments his 2020 EP Solo Ballads, Vol. 1 with 5 new solo takes on a few of his favourite ballads. Solo Ballads is the primary installment of a three-part album collection set for launch in 2021-2022, showcasing Grasso’s eloquent classical method, jazz phrasing, bebop rhythms and nimble fret musings which have distinguished him as a celebrated Twenty first-century virtuoso. Pre-order it here.

Vijay Iyer Trio, Uneasy (ECM)

Launch date: April 9

Uneasy presents pianist Vijay Iyer’s new highly effective trio with two fellow key figures in inventive music – bassist Linda Might Han Oh and drummer Tyshawn Sorey. Collectively, they carry out rediscovered Iyer authentic compositions and extra. “We’ve an vitality collectively that could be very distinct,” says Iyer about working together with his trio members. “It has a unique type of propulsion, a unique impulse and a unique spectrum of colours.” Pre-order Uneasy here.

Norah Jones, ‘Til We Meet Once more (Blue Be aware)

Launch date: April 16

‘Til We Meet Once more is singer/songwriter/pianist Norah Jones’ first full-length reside album ever, that includes performances recorded in numerous components of the world between 2017 and 2019. The 14-tracks featured on the file span her complete profession from her 2002 debut Come Away With Me and culminates with a solo piano efficiency of “Black Gap Solar” in tribute to the late Chris Cornell. Pre-order ‘Til We Meet Again here.

Dan Wilson, Vessels of Wooden and Earth (Brother Mister/Mack Avenue)

Launch date: April 23

Dan Wilson calls consideration to the great thing about usually ignored structural foundations of music and life on his third album as a pacesetter through eleven tracks, together with originals and covers, in addition to a nod to religious chief John Coltrane. Vessels of Wooden and Earth, his Mack Avenue debut, options the guitarist/composer alongside Christian Sands, Marco Panascia and Jeff “Tain” Watts, plus visitor vocalist Pleasure Brown. Pre-order it here.

Hasaan Ibn Ali, Metaphysics: The Misplaced Atlantic Album (Omnivore)

Launch date: April 23

Omnivore has rediscovered a never-before-issued 1965 quartet recording by elusive jazz pianist Hasaan Ibn Ali. The recording was shelved by Atlantic after his incarceration on a narcotics possession and later thought destroyed. Lastly seeing the sunshine of day with audio restored from long-lost acetate copies of the periods, Metaphysics additionally contains liner notes by Alan Sukoenig and Lewis Porter. Pre-order it here.

Michael Wollny, Emile Parisien, Tim Lefebvre and Christian Lillinger, XXXX (ACT)

Launch date: April 30

Michael Wollny, Emile Parisien, Tim Lefebvre and Christian Lillinger are 4 main figures in at present’s improvised music scene. XXXX is a reside album rising from their week-long collective, free improvisation units on the A-Trane in Berlin, Germany, from December 2019. The LP distills their collaboration into ten tracks, capturing the enjoyment and emotion shared by the 4 musicians of this stellar trans-Atlantic quartet. Pre-order XXXX here.

Tony Allen, There Is No Finish (Blue Be aware)

Launch date: April 30

There Is No Finish is famous and pioneering Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen’s first posthumous launch and is out on the one-year anniversary of his passing. The album was produced by Allen, Vincent Taeger, and Vincent Taurelle and its 14-tracks characteristic visitor vocals from Danny Brown, Sampa the Nice and Lava La Rue, amongst many others. Pre-order There Is No End here.

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