Aurgasm

jazz // pop // chanson

The repertoire of Swedish singer-songwriter Fredrika Stahl consists of elegant jazz compositions and dreamy vocal textures. “Monumental Mismatch”, the opening track of Tributaries (2008), possesses this certain element of playfulness and simplicity that works so well with Fredrika’s flirtatious jazz approach. Accompanied by accordion and delicate piano arrangements, lyrical “Pourquoi Pas Moi” is a true homage to French chanson, while her yearning vocals bring to mind the critically acclaimed Lisa Ekdahl.

Gentle jazz for a wintry afternoon.
Fredrika Stahl - Monumental Mismatch
Fredrika Stahl - Pourquoi Pas Moi
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electro swing // gypsy django party

If you can judge a group by its influences, try these out: Django Reinhardt, Vitalic, Cab Calloway, Justice, Lionel Hampton, Daft Punk, Billie Holiday. The Paris-based group has been touring since they broke out at the Django Reinhardt Jazz Festival in 2007. They deliver an old gypsy swing, but through a very accessible and fresh dance music production. I hadn’t heard of them until they stole my ears at the Dour Festival in Belgium this summer.

Django Reinhardt is raving inside of a carnival tent.
Caravan Palace - Jolie Coquine
Caravan Palace - Star Scat
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vocal jazz // swing jazz

As the days become shorter and the nights get colder, I find myself immersed in smooth tasty retro swing and vocal jazz. Robin McKelle’s Modern Antique (2008) provides with that tasty kind of vibe that sounds so good while sipping warm apple cider. Indeed, Robin’s repertoire is “antique” — mostly songs from the 40’s to early 60’s, yet her approach is fresh. Her retro-big-band-swing interpretation of Steve Miller’s pop hit “Abracadabra” is an absolute gem. It’s so charming, inventive and sweetly flirtatious you wouldn’t recognize the original in it. Another favourite, “Go To Hell” (Nina Simone’s tune) features refined and stylish arrangements with Robin’s emotive and powerful phrasing.

Tasteful finger-snapping jazz.
Robin McKelle - Abracadabra
Robin McKelle - Go To Hell
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Orchestral // Jazz // Dark Ambient

Overtures creep towards you bearing ominous insight. A ravenous beast of symphonic scale lurks behind every measure; its teeth a menacing discord that devour your surroundings presence. Henryk Górecki could be leading The Cinematic Orchestra through such a place, yet the scourge of blaring horns and thunderous storms resemble unknown regions. This elegant, brooding ardor bleeds from The Netherlands as The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble; a project originating with Jason Köhnen and Gideon Kiers to recreate scores for classic movies like Nosferatu and Metropolis. Angelic offerings scarcely appear to cradle your stay, but whirlwind strings and industrial plight will have their say. Aching with beauty and purpose, Here Be Dragons is a story I do not want to unhold. A modern-day masterpiece.

Arrangements for Hallows’ eve.
The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble - Caravan!
The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble - Embers
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Downtempo // Jazz // Soul

Adam Scrimshire’s music fascinates me with a quality that I can best describe as being patient with the listener. As if built from maps referencing harmony’s emotions, this introspective and worldly odyssey flourishes with sublime enrapture and plush vitality. It’s spacious and grand, uplifting and cinematic, yet personally affective to the tune of something nestled deep inside. Along came the Devil one night… transpires awe, friendly accord and console; a beautiful achievement by a gracious music lover and maker.

Mellifluous embodiment of music.
Scrimshire - All Roads Lead You Home
Scrimshire - Springtime (with Claire Laurent)
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