I love it when a musical connection is made! I’ve been banging on about Zero 7 and then their offshoot, Fragile State, on this curation and then what happens? I come across someone new with a name that sounds like I should like them – Ambient Jazz Ensemble – and who’s central to them? None other than Neil Cowley who was in both Z7 and FS! Not surprising then that I’m already a convert to their sound which is “cinematic” in style with that relaxing tempo and those downbeat textures.
AJE actually comprise Cowley,(keyboards) Chris Hill(bass)and Ben Reynolds (drums) with the addition of a fifteen piece orchestra. At its heart it’s jazz influenced, but it’s accessible electronica really. Right up my street! Oh and just to give a heads-up to any of you out there who are into these things and because I’ve already put two Bonobo tracks here, note that Si Green (Bonobo) has a brand new track called “Ibrik” available via Spotify… which surely can only mean there’ll be a new album out soon. COOL!!
You can learn more about Ambient Jazz Ensemble here:
You can learn more about Peter Gabriel here:
About the Curator: Richard Parsons
I grew up listening to music from the late 60’s onwards. Pirate pop radio; swapping LP’s with friends; exploring genres; daydreaming over the latest woofer and tweeter.
In reality I spent thirty years imparting imperfect knowledge of English literature and drama to young minds in school. Regrets? No. I loved teaching; loved the interaction with the pupils, and made lifelong friends as a result. And what better way to keep up to date with music? I always played stuff in my lessons, and as a result, I’d be bombarded with suggestions from my flock! “Sir! Have you heard…?”
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Big Time – Hardage feat. Peter Gabriel
30 January 2019
I can barely believe that I’ve let this curation go so long without more than a passing reference to the legend that is Peter Gabriel – though Genesis feature here with “Cinema Show” from “Selling England By The Pound” which has him on lead vocals…
The Suns of Afterlife – Bliss
22 January 2019
In keeping with the “world” themes of this curation, Bliss hail from Denmark, though their collective owes as much to influences from Guinea and Sweden! They first appeared in the early 2000’s which really was the halcyon period for ambient chill stuff it seems – a golden age? …
All Kinds – Kinkajous
16 January 2019
Bang up to date sounds of alt-jazz from this five piece outfit that hail from London. Travelling through places where borders disappear, Kinkajous give birth to an innovative sound that very much reminds me of another favourite band of mine that features on this collective; namely Submotion Orchestra…