December is traditionally a quieter month for jazz releases, as people start to wind down for the holiday season. That doesn’t mean we aren’t still spoilt for choice, though, when it comes to new albums to check out!
Looking for some brand new listening? Here’s our pick of some of the best new releases this December…
As always, we’ve included Bandcamp links where possible, so you can buy directly from the artist or independent label.
Florian Arbenz – Ablaze (December 9th)
Florian Arbenz is not a musician who is content to sit still, as his ambitious plan to record twelve albums with 12 drastically different ensembles clearly indicates.
Inspired by his parentsâ vinyl collection as a young child, the latest offering provides a progressive take on the traditional New Orleans line-up.
“The title “Ablaze” perfectly reflects the energy and power of the latest recordings” – Donos Kulturalny (PL)
Machina Mundi – Machina Mundi (December 16th)
Inspired by the ancient philosophical notion that the universe works like a machine, renowned saxophonist Lubos Soukup presents his latest musical undertaking, the self-titled debut album from his new quartet âMachina Mundiâ.
Along with William Larsson on keys, bassist Graig Earle and drummer Daniel Johansson, the music is inspired by the likes of Weather Report and Chris Potterâs Underground.
“Brings musical ideas from the past squarely into the future” – Jazz Views (UK)
Luca Di Luzio – Never Give Up (December 10th)
A jazz guitar graduate of the Conservatorio di Musica Frescobaldi, di Luzio showcases his pulling power with an all-star group which features trumpet legend Randy Brecker alongside keyboard player George Whitty, bassist Alain Caron, drummer Rodney Holmes and percussionist Steve Thornton.
The ensemble tackles an array of styles united by di Luzioâs guitar-centric compositional voice.
“a bluesy, intense affair with inspired guitar lines and mellow Brecker passages” – Soul and Jazz and Funk
Kurt Rosenwinkel – Berlin Baritone (December 2th)
Legendary guitarist and composer Kurt Rosenwinkel returns with Berlin Baritone, a series of eight completely improvised pieces on the baritone guitar, an instrument Rosenwinkel has never recorded an album with before.
It also includes an improvisation on âUnder it Allâ, a song that has appeared in different iterations over the course of Rosenwinkelâs career.
“Itâs as close as many of us will get to hearing Rosenwinkel play for you in his home, unguarded and revelling in the joy of playing his guitar” – Jazz Guitar Today
Mthunsi Mvubu – The 1st Gospel (December 2nd)
A prolific session performer, Mvubu has appeared on more than 20 albums, including Lionel Loueke and Shabaka Hutchings. His experience and passion for the music have brought him to record his debut album, titled The 1st Gospel.
The record sounds decidedly analog, with enough space and time to wander from the NY Jazz Club to the African village. One is reminded of a simpler, more relaxed time as each player shines without fanfare.
The 1st Gospel by Mthunzi Mvubu âmusical fireworksâ – Sisgwen Jazz
Rebecca Nash – Redefining Element 78 (December 9th)
‘Redefining Element 78’ presents a new work by British pianist-composer Rebecca Nash â a distinct musical voice with a deep musical identity.
Commissioned by Bristol Jazz Festival, this suite – a collection of eight pieces inspired by confluence of sound and science, is centred around precious metals; Platinum, Osmium, Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, and Palladium.
Redefining Element 78 by Rebecca NashâThis is a long way from the oft-encountered jazz disk where the leader has come up with a few tunes or chord charts and thrown them at the band hoping for the best: here we have real small group writing and arranging developed with the utmost care.â – London Jazz News
Thanks for reading!
Looking for more new releases? Check out our past month picks here or head over to our New Releases Playlist.