Hi friends!
This week’s 5 selections are:
OCEAN - Moses Yoofee Trio (LEITER, 2023)
#Contemporary Jazz
Pianist, keyboardist and producer Moses Yoofee, bassist Roman Klobe-Barangă, and drummer Noah Fürbringer unveiled their debut LP last year. The Berlin trio has already gained recognition for their technical proficiency, creativity, and the emotional depth of their performances. Their music reminds me of Robert Glasper, pushing the boundaries of jazz while maintaining a strong connection to its roots, with influences from hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. This one truly deserves a careful listen.
I Need Some Money - Chicco (Roy B. Records, 1986)
#Bubblegum #Boogie
It has been a while since we listened to some bubblegum here at MMLW… The other day, a music collector recommended Chicco's work on one of my Instagram posts. One of his highlights was this EP, which includes Chicco’s first hit, “I Need Some Money.” Chicco is a musician, singer, songwriter, and producer from Soweto, South Africa. His music often reflected the struggles and aspirations of the South African people, blending happy melodies with socially conscious lyrics. No bad words, no explicit content, just pure talent and infectious dance rhythms!
On the Other Side of Dub - Lone Ranger (Studio One, 1977)
#Reggae #Dub #Toasting
Lone Ranger, one of the original and finest dancehall toasters, rose to the fame in the early '80s with a string of hits that drew on vintage Studio One rhythms from the rocksteady and early reggae eras. Teaming up with producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, On the Other Side of Dub showcases the masked man in his unique bimming and ribbiting style, effortlessly delivering witty phrases and sharp social observations.
Uターン (U Turn) - Yusaku Matsuda (Invitation, 1978)
#J-Pop #Jazz-Funk #Rock
Yusaku Matsuda, the legendary and charismatic Japanese actor, was celebrated for his roles in action films and a range of TV series throughout the 1970s. His deep, resonant voice carried an emotional weight that matched his powerful on-screen presence. "U Turn," his second album, features the exceptional production of Yuji Ohno’s You & The Explosion Band, with additional arrangements by Ryudo Uzaki, Michihiro Yamanishi, and Hiroshi Sato. The band's style is a unique blend of jazz, funk, and fusion, which, combined with Matsuda’s performance, makes for a refreshing album perfect for this summer.
The Melody At Night, With You - Keith Jarrett (ECM Records, 1999)
#Post-Bop #Jazz Standards #Piano Jazz
For your unwind time after a long weekend, I wanted to feature this beautiful masterpiece by one of the greatest piano players ever, performing solo. The Melody At Night, With You is a deeply quiet and intimate record, composed by Keith Jarrett in his countryside New Jersey home studio during a period of chronic fatigue syndrome. The album exudes excellence, centered around beloved jazz standards. However, it's Keith's remarkable ability to interpret and improvise that truly makes each track shine with grace, emotion, and melody.
That was all for this week. I hope you liked the selections :D
Stay groovy,
Dudier