Song of the Day #5: Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band: Sinyayehu

 Song of the Day #5, July 2

Hailu Mergia & Dahlak Band: Sinyayehu

Jazz/Funk/Ethiopian Jazz

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0D5NnUFfC4&ab_channel=AwesomeTapesFromAfrica

Esbjörn Svensson Trio: From Gagarin's Point of View (1999) (Jazz)

Sleepy, peppy, dreamy, bright and occasionally dark. This album is an all-round, tight experience littered with different instrumental performances from each of its members. The pianos are sharp well-tailored to each song with subtly minimalist instrumentation.  





Jazz

Thundercat: It Is What It Is (2020) (Jazz-Funk, Neo Soul)

He has some charm and heart in this project, and the features are a nice addition considering his surgery vocals can get tiresome. The instrumentation is interesting but is hindered by the washed-out mixes leading to an intoxicating but often indistinct listening experience. 

Best Tracks: I Love Louis Cole, Dragonball Durag*, Fair Chance

C-

Jazz-Funk/Neo-Soul/Psychadelic

Jeff Parker: Suite for Max Brown (2020) (Jazz)

A tight mix of experimental Jazz renditions. Mixes of samples, lo-fi aesthetics and sleepy Nu Jazz songs litter this short, eclectic project. Though the feel is ultimately one of a crisp morning, many songs are not as damp and dreamy, approaching chaotic giving a well-varied but intriguing listen. The variability in songs all still manages to tie to the overall experience in an unintrusive manner allowing for an enjoyable project for anyone looking for experimental Jazz. 

Best Tracks: Build a Nest, Fusion Swirl, After the Rain, Gnarciss*, Max Brown

B+

Morning Vibes/Experimental Jazz/ Jazz Fusion/ Nu Jazz

Shabaka and the Ancestors: We Are Sent Here By History (2020) (Jazz)

Murky, dark, ritualistic jazz numbers are conjured on We Are Sent Here By History. Occasionally spooky and slightly sinister, the instrumentation from Shabaka and his ensemble remains rustic and organic. Though many songs are captivating at first, they do become too drawn out and quickly can lose flavour. The peppered incantations and chants are a nice exotic touch but can be frivolously used.

Best Tracks: Go My Heart Go To Heaven*, The Coming Of The Strange Ones, Finally The Man Cried

C+

Spooky Vibes/ Afro-Jazz/ Spiritual Jazz

King Krule: Man Alive! (2020) (Art-rock,Jazz-Punk,Post-Punk)

 Ballads of anguish and isolation. Haunting psychedelic attempts are woven in the songs whether it be the distorted, plucky, hellish guitars and the occasional saxophone usage or the ghoulish backing tracks and adlibs. Some songs are structured unique and memorable, while a few feel too wispy, wallowing in an excess of sadness and space. 

Best Tracks: Cellular, Stone Again*, Comet Face*, Perfecto Miserable, Alon Omen 3, Airport Antenatal Airplane 

B-

Art-Rock/ Jazz-Punk/ Post-Punk