Quite rightly, the status of jazz music has had a recent resurgence within the current musical economy. Harbouring an undeserved reputation as a genre for the esoteric and older members of society, for a long time there has been an invisible wall making it extremely difficult for new emerging, even seasoned musicians to extend their audiences.
Jazz re:freshed however, a longstanding jazz night and record label, have always and will always be about the new and exciting jazz acts (not forgetting previous torch bearers of course). Last week they celebrated their latest release Welcome To A New Welcome EP, coming courtesy of talented London-based ensemble Maisha. The 6-piece, led by drummer Jake Long create an enthralling blend of astral jazz driven by West African rhythms and we’re delighted to premiere our pick of bunch; “The Night Trance” which channels and almost contains a spiritual free jazz feel, typical of Pharaoh Sanders. The track’s constant afro-bossa backline rhythms provide a key reference point and simultaneously meditative element; allowing the piece to bring you out of it’s spell only as each player ends their equally mesmeric solo. A simply stunning 13minutes of hypnotic joy.
Welcome To A New Welcome EP is out now and available to download free via the Jazz re:freshed bandcamp.
