Friday, May 29, 2026

A SUN RA UPDATE FROM THE STRUT RECORD LABEL

The Heliocentrics, Marshall Allen, Knoel Scott Ft. Bilal: Nuclear War

Strut proudly presents Nuclear War, a powerful collaboration between UK collective The Heliocentrics, Sun Ra Arkestra legends Marshall Allen and Knoel Scott, and vocalist Bilal - issued on limited-edition “hazardous” orange and yellow vinyl exclusively for Record Store Day 2026.

The 4-track EP features a sinuous take on Ronnie Boykins’ ‘Angels And Demons At Play’ , originally recorded in 1960, a strident version of ‘Where Pathways Meet’ which was originally created for the much- loved Sun Ra Lanquidity album in 1978, and a dense and deep re- work of 1972’s ‘Astro Black’ featuring Bilal’s incredible otherworldly vocals. The title track ‘Nuclear War’ is re-worked into a cavernous groove featuring Heliocentrics vocalist Barbora Patkova.



Sun Ra: Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Strut proudly presents the first definitive expanded reissue of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Sun Ra’s 1977 session recorded at the Bluebird in Bloomington, Indiana, presented in a new 3LP vinyl set or across 2CD's.

The original LP version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow assembled a handful of clearly delineated tracks drawn from the flow of two complete concert recordings, re-arranged out of sequence. Strut’s new edition restores previously excised material and preserves more of the natural transitions between pieces, offering a fuller glimpse into the distinctive aesthetic of Sun Ra and his Arkestra.


AISLES

Chilean band Aisles continues unveiling new material ahead of the release of their sixth studio album, "IRRATIONALLY".

Their recent single, 'Took Me Years' is an energetic blend of progressive complexity, metal delivery, and pop immediacy.



ELTON DEAN & THE WRONG OBJECT BONUS TRACK

 "The Unbelievable Truth", an album by Elton Dean & The Wrong Object, has been re-released on Bandcamp with a 9-minute bonus track !

https://ugoki.bandcamp.com/album/the-unbelievable-truth


THE OPIUM OTILKA QUARTET PERFORMED TWO NEW PIECES BY CORRIE VAN BINSBERGEN

Two new pieces by Corrie van Binsbergen!

Opium Otilka Quartet - - - 'De Harmonie Der Scheuren' (C. van Binsbergen)


Opium Otilka Quartet - - - 'Voer Voor Struikrovers' (C. van Binsbergen)


Thursday, May 28, 2026

WELCOME TO THE JAZZ CLUB AT DE CASINO

De Casino is a music venue in the centre of Sint Niklaas, a nice little Belgian town.
September, October, and November, De Casino will host a number of jazz afternoons.

https://decasino.be/

Sunday afternoon at 16h00, there will be some great bands to enjoy / discover :



Wednesday, May 27, 2026

CHARLIE HADEN QUARTET WEST

Charlie Haden Quartet West: 'Hello My Lovely', from the "Haunted Heart" album.

 -- info: Jan van Kemenade

GIORGIO LIBERA - RED POWDER

  • Giorgio Libera: Red Powder
        (1998, cd, Switzerland, private release)

I mentioned Giorgio Libera's second album, "What's All This Noise For?", a little while ago.
In the meantime, I also got hold of his first album: "Red Powder", released on CD in 1998.

"Red Powder" is a wild, genre-bending ride. The record seamlessly mashes up jazz-fusion, blues, and progressive rock, while unmistakably wearing its primary influence—the eccentric, satirical genius of Frank Zappa—on its sleeve.
Across six sprawling tracks, Libera crafts a complex, kaleidoscopic musical journey. Opener "Red Powder" sets the stage with frenetic energy, quickly followed by the genre-splicing grooves of "Grease In Greece". The compositions are dense, often relying on jarring time signatures, intricate fretwork, and playful, unexpected detours.
While the music occasionally flirts with classical Indian music, orchestral motifs, and contemporary electronic sounds, the guitar is always front and center. It isn't an album for passive listening; rather, it’s a demanding and highly rewarding experience for those who appreciate avant-garde musicianship. If you are a fan of quirky, heavily arranged, zany instrumentals, this debut is a hidden gem.

Here's 'Grease in Greece':


MIQUEL ALVAREZ - MARTINETE A TRANE

Miquel Alvarez' "Martinete A Trane",
With Perico Sambeat on the saxophone !

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

TYLER BARTRAM EXAMINS 'ANDY'

Tyler Bartram, with Simon Prentis

-- info: Jan van Kemenade

ARTHUR BARROW RELEASES A NEW TRACK ON BANDCAMP

Arthur Barrow:
This is a composition that I started on about ten years ago. I thought it would be nice to write something that is a bit nostalgic for a change. Hope you like it.

credits
released May 26, 2026
Composed, recorded, mixed, and produced by Arthur Barrow.
Performed by Arthur Barrow with Tommy Mars on Hammond organ at the end of the tune.
Mastered by Bob Rice.