00:00
Belgium Sessions: Hijaz
In this DJAZZ Belgium Sessions performance, which was recorded at AED Studios in Lint, Belgium, we witness Europe’s finest jazz musicians at work. A wide variety of international jazz musicians give a creative, up-close and inside insight into their art of playing jazz music. Young talent and established jazz musicians play to their heart’s content: take for instance this unusual performance by the multi-ethnic ensemble Hijaz. This band explores the dialogue between piano and the oud, a pear-shaped stringed instrument from the East. Hijaz is a close-knit quartet that explores the differences and similarities between Mediterranean cultures in order to create moments of harmony, warmth, and great musical beauty.
00:44
Ode to Miles: Bitches Brew Beyond
For the 40th anniversary of jazz legend Miles Davis' legendary album Bitches Brew, trumpeter Wallace Roney leads a band that revives the master's music. This project is the brainchild of Miles' family (including his son Erin), which is represented by his nephew, drummer Vince Wilburn. This concert at the ancient theater in Vienne, France, is a grand tribute to Miles.
01:47
Live in France: Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith: Live in '69 boasts an incredible 90-minute concert from 1969 filmed in Paris. Working in his classic trio format with longtime guitarist Eddie McFadden and drummer Charlie Crosby, Jimmy shows why he is still the uncontested king of the jazz organ. Highlights include blues jams “Got My Mojo Working” and “Sonnymoon For Two”, the classic ballads “Alfie” and “Satin Doll”, as well as a 23-minute version of his showcase number “The Sermon”.
03:13
TorTube: Benjamin Herman - Mokum Swing
Jazz fans in television land have come to the right place for their dose of first-rate world jazz: TorTube! Jazz club De Tor in Enschede is one of Europe’s most authentic jazz venues, with an absolutely unique ambiance. Some of the best musicians from Holland and the rest of the world find their way to De Tor to perform for an appreciative audience of jazz fans. This recording features Dutch jazz icon Benjamin Herman in collaboration with English brothers and gypsy guitar masters Robin and Kevin Nolan along with bassist Arnoud van den Berg. This spirited band plays swinging jazz in the style of legendary French jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt (Swing de Paris).
03:43
Os Capoeira - Da Pá Virada Sessions
The Da Pá Virada Sessions series presents the best musicians of contemporary Brazilian jazz, and beyond. Filmed in São Paulo, each session offers a unique experience by giving a fresh look into Brazil's music scene. The artists for each session are selected in consultation with Stingray DJAZZ's music editor. One of the bands taking part in this series is Os Capoeira. This ensemble practices the traditional Brazilian martial art from Bahia it is named after, combining elements of dance, acrobatics, and percussive music. Moreover, Os Capoeira runs a cultural center in São Paulo. Let yourself be inspired by Os Capoeira's unique take on Brazilian culture!
04:37
Jazz Batá 2
Legendary Cuban pianist Chucho Valdés brought his band ‘Jazz Batá 2’ to the Malta Jazz Festival on July 19, 2019. The air was thick with anticipation as Valdés took to the stage, revisiting the small-group concept of his mythical 1972 Cuban album ‘Jazz Batá’. The batá repertoire – the deep classical music of West Africa – permeates Valdés’ piano solos throughout the concert. Valdés’s band consists of Dreiser Durruthy (Batas and vocals), Yaroldy Abreu (percussions and vocals), Abraham Mansfarroll (percussion), Ramón Vazquez Martirena-Bajo (bass guitar). They delivered a performance that reverberated through the historic island.
05:35
jazzahead! 2024 - Raw Fish
Annual trade fair, exhibition, and festival jazzahead! is one of the international jazz community’s most important events. Hosted in Bremen, Germany, jazzahead! brings together musicians, bookers, agents, organizers, jazz experts, and music enthusiasts at the world’s largest jazz event. In 2024, jazzahead! paid special attention to the jazz scene of the Netherlands and invited over forty jazz acts to perform over the course of three days. Among the acts presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2024 is Raw Fish. The Danish/Italian duo of Teis Semey and Giovanni Iacovella join forces with eclectic Italian singer-songwriter Marta Arpini, blending punk, indie rock, and improvised music into a cosmic journey. The trio expertly navigates through uncharted territories and novel sounds. Equipped with an MPC beatmaker, guitars, synthesizers, drums, and a laptop, they immerse themselves in a dynamic performance of button smashing, drum kicks, and pedal pressing. Raw Fish consists of Teis Semey (guitar, MPC, drum machine), Giovanni Iacovella (drums, live electronics), and Marta Arpini (vocals, synthesizers).
06:04
jazzahead! 2024 - Alexandra Ivanova Trio
Annual trade fair, exhibition, and festival jazzahead! is one of the international jazz community’s most important events. Hosted in Bremen, Germany, jazzahead! brings together musicians, bookers, agents, organizers, jazz experts, and music enthusiasts at the world’s largest jazz event. In 2024, jazzahead! paid special attention to the jazz scene of the Netherlands and invited over forty jazz acts to perform over the course of three days. Among the ensembles presenting themselves at jazzahead! 2024 is the trio of German pianist and composer Alexandra Ivanova. She brings a unique multicultural perspective to her music, influenced by her diverse linguistic abilities and the variety of places she has lived. Born in Austria to Bulgarian parents, Ivanova skillfully melds jazz with Maqam traditions and Afro-Cuban rhythms in her compositions, challenging the Eurocentric focus of traditional music. She believes that her varied cultural identities converge in her music, creating a transient yet profound experience. Her debut album, ‘Beauty in Chaos’ (Double Moon), which was recognized among 2023’s Top 10 albums by German magazine Jazz thing, is noted for its “enigmatic aura”, says AllAboutJazz. At jazzahead! 2024, pianist Alexandra Ivanova appears with Niklas Lukassen (double bass) and Nathan Ott (drums).