freshâ Sounds from Across the Pond: New Jazz releases You Needâ toâ hear
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The European jazz scene is bursting with talent, andâ several exciting new releases are making waves.from soulful flute melodies⢠to captivating piano compositions, these albums offer a⢠fresh outlook on the genre, blending customary sounds with modern innovation. â Here are four artists youâ need to know.
Ludivine Issambourg: “If You Knew”
Four years after âher acclaimed âtribute to Hubert âLaws, French⣠flautist âLudivine Issambourg returns withâ Above the âLaws, a testament â¤to her improvisational prowess. âHer collaboration with⣠artist chassol on “If âYou Knew” is particularly noteworthy. â “Carried by the colors and the lyrical flightsâ of the flute, âoften â¤in unison â˘with theâ keyboards, brings the music to an â˘almost mystical experience,” â¤describes one critic. Issambourg’s long breaths, rhythmic phrasing, and sculpted chromaticisms create a luminous and âunforgettable â˘listeningâ experience.
For more on â˘Chassol, check out this related article: â Chassol, the pianist who harmonizes reality
orson â˘Claeys: “W.A.R.”
At just 25,Belgian pianist Orson Claeys is making a significant impact â¤with his debut EP,Odyssey to Self. â His arrangements are sophisticated, and his compositions demonstrate a depth beyond his years. The âŁtrack “W.A.R.” (“Where⢠ancestors Rest”) is a poignant ode toâ hisâ grandfather, seamlessly blending jazz with the oriental sounds of the oud. “the melodic richness of this beautiful introduction to the Arabic instrument, joined⢠by the piano and reinforced by the melancholic countersongs of the trumpet, demonstrates all its finesse in â¤the choice of textures,” notes one reviewer.Claeys â˘is definately an artist to watch.
edward Perraud: “Celestial Lights”
Edward Perraud, a highly respected drummer âand composer on the French â¤jazz scene, displays the quiet confidence of a master craftsman in his new trio album, From Shadow to Dawn. This album, featuring Arnault Cuisinier on double bass and Bruno Angelini on piano, exploresâ the theme of light through a masterful use of silence and âspace.”Master of blanks and silences, alsoâ photographer, Edward âPerraud turns into a conjurer,” one critic observes. The trio’s embrace of emptiness and brilliance creates a truly captivating listening experience.
For more new jazz releases, check out: ⤠La â˘Chica & â˘El Duende, Charlotte Planchou, Mangane, Oded Tzur: our playlist of new fall jazz releases
Manon Mullener:⣠“Xchel”
Swiss pianist Manon Mullener is a rising⤠star, preparing to release her new quintetâ album,â Stories, recorded⤠in New York next spring. Her track “Xchel,”⣠a preview of the album, showcases her inspiration from her travels. ⢔In Xchel, name of the goddess of the moon, he is âŁa taxi driver in the Yucatan who goes back up the âtree of his Mayan⢠genealogy,” describes⤠a review.While rooted in Latin â˘jazz,â Mullener’s music transcends geographical boundaries,⤠offering a â¤unique and captivating sound.
These are just a â¤few of⤠the exciting new jazz releases emerging from⢠Europe. Keep an eye out for these artists âandâ discover the vibrant sounds shaping the future of jazz.
Emerging Artists to Watch: Manon Mullener âand Macha Gharibian
The US music scene is always buzzing⣠with fresh âtalent, and 2025 promises to be no exception. Two artists, Manon âMullener and Macha Gharibian, areâ poised âto capture the hearts â¤of American listeners with their unique sounds and compelling stories.
Manon â˘Mullener: A Storyteller’s Song
Manon Mullener’s upcoming album, “Stories,” set for release in Spring 2025, promises a captivating journey â˘through sound. While details⤠remain scarce,early âŁwhispers suggest a collection of deeply personal and evocative pieces. Her âability⤠to weave intricate musical tapestries, while simultaneously demonstrating a knack for subtle self-expression, is âalready generating significant âbuzz.
mullener’s music is described as a testament to her skill in crafting complex compositions, yet her⣠artistry also âreveals a capacity for delicate liberation from those very structures. This duality promises a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Manon Mullener,⢠“Stories”. Released Spring 2025.
Macha Gharibian: A Lunar Journey⤠throughâ Sound
Macha Gharibian,a pianist,singer,and composer of Armenian descent,has already made aâ name for⣠herself with her 2020 album,”Joy ascension.” Based in New York City but⣠with Parisian sensibilities, Gharibian’s music is a captivating blend of cultures and genres.Herâ velvet voice and genre-bendingâ approach have earned her a dedicated following.
Her upcoming fourth album,⤠“Phenomenal Women,” scheduled for release on â˘January 24th, promises to be her mostâ ambitious yet. Theâ album⤠explores aâ sonic landscape thatâ seamlessly blends oriental jazz,⢠neoclassical â¤influences, and a touch of rebellious pop. the single,”Fly over the moon,”â a refined and ethereal âballad,offers a glimpse into the poetic and empowering themes that permeate the entire record.
Macha Gharibian,â “Phenomenal Women.” Released January 24.
Fresh Sounds from Across âthe Pond: New European Jazz Releases You Needâ to Hear
The European jazz scene is alive with talent, and several âexciting new releases are making waves. From soulful flute melodies to captivating âpiano compositions, these albums offer a fresh outlook on the genre, blending classic sounds with modern innovation.â Here are four artists you need to know.
An⤠Interview with Dr.Alban LaFayette, Senior Editor, âworld-today-news.com, andâ Ilaria Belloni, Jazz Critic and Professor âŁat the Paris Conservatoire
Dr. LaFayette: Today we’re delighted to⤠have Dr. Ilaria Belloni join us to discuss some of the most intriguing new releases â¤in European jazz. âDr. belloni, thank you for sharing your expertise with us.
Dr. Belloni: It’s my pleasure, Dr. LaFayette. European jazz is truly experiencing a âvibrant renaissance, and it’s exciting to witness the creative âŁenergy of these young artists.
Dr. LaFayette: Let’s start with Ludivine Issambourg. Her album Above the Laws â has generated quite a buzz. Can you tell us what’s so special aboutâ her sound?
Dr. âŁBelloni: Issambourg is a remarkableâ flautist âwith an exceptional command of improvisation. Herâ collaboration with artist Chassol on the track “If You knew” is a standout. The way she utilizes long breaths and rhythmic phrasing, combined with Chassol’s unique harmonic palate, creates an almost mystical atmosphere. It’s a truly luminous listening experience.
Dr. LaFayette: That’s captivating. And what about Orson claeys? He’s quite young, isn’t he?
Dr.Belloni: ⤠Yes, he’s only 25, but his âdebut EP Odyssey â¤to Self demonstrates an âŁunbelievable maturity. His arrangements are sophisticated, and⣠his compositions display a depth beyond his years. In “W.A.R.,” he pays homage to his grandfather,⤠seamlessly blending jazz with the oud, an Arabic lute. It’s a poignant and beautifully crafted piece.
dr.LaFayette: That blend of cultures is certainly â¤interesting. Moving on to Edward Perraud,a more âestablished name inâ Frenchâ jazz,his trio album From Shadow⤠to Dawn seems to be receiving a lot of praise.
Dr.Belloni: ⢠Perraud âis a master craftsman. This album explores the theme of light through a masterful â¤use of silence andâ space.It’s a minimalist approach, and yet⢠it’s incredibly powerful.
Dr. LaFayette: An intriguing approach.
Dr. Belloni: precisely. In a world of âconstant noise,â Perraud’s music âinvites us to pause and listen to the âbeauty of what’s unsaid.
Dr.LaFayette: And we have Manon Mullener.
Dr. Belloni: Mullener is a fantastic pianist with a unique global perspective. Her track “Xchel” is a gorgeous example of⤠her ability to blend Latin jazz influences with her own personal experiences.
Dr. LaFayette: It sounds â¤like a⤠truly captivating mix!
Dr. Belloni: Absolutely. it’s clear that Mullener is a rising star, and her upcoming album Stories is definitely one to look forward to.
Dr.LaFayette: Well,Dr. Belloni, thank you so much â¤for sharing yourâ insights into these exciting new voices in European jazz. We’ve all been treated to âa fascinating glimpse into a scene that is clearly flourishing.
Dr. Belloni: My pleasure, Dr. LaFayette. It’s been a delight to âdiscuss these phenomenal artists.
