The Intersection: Skalpel

The Intersection is a new feature on JazzWrap that looks at artists that blend jazz with electronica (a tradition pioneered by none other than Miles Davis on such classic recordings as On the Corner).

This week's focus is Skalpel.

Sounding a little bit like label mates The Cinematic Orchestra, the Polish DJ/production duo known as Skalpel has made no secret of its affection for smoky '60s/'70s jazz.

On the group's eponymous Ninja Tune debut, Marcin Cichy and Igor Pudlo deliver an atmospheric 4-deck mix of obscure samples and breaks re-imagined for the 21st century. It's a well-crafted cut-n-paste homage to a legendary era of Polish jazz.

Skalpel's second album, Konfusion, blends nu-jazz groove production with old school musicianship, creating a vibe so cool it will appeal to beatheads and neo beatniks alike. Forgive the hyperbole. Just trust that the deep bass lines, hypnotic rhythms and cut-n-paste cinematic atmospherics make this a highly compelling listen. Plus, it's nice to know that these guys are celebrities in Poland, which means there's hope for modern music after all.

Konfusion comes with a bonus CD of remixes of tracks from Skalpel's eponymous debut, but at a regular single CD price. Among the remixers are Quantic, Backini and the Amalgamation of Soundz.

Next week: Jaga Jazzist

Charles Lloyd: The Dream Weaver

Charles Lloyd (saxophone, b. 1938)

Charles Lloyd is the epitome of jazz stalwart. He began his leadership during the height of the rock/political revolution in the late 60s. He forged an incredible partnership with fellow jazz giants Keith Jarrett (piano) and Jack DeJohnette (drums) to make a string of fantastic, complex and yet accessible albums including Dream Weaver (Atlantic) and Forest Flower (Atlantic). While these releases show only a brief Coltrane influence it would be almost two decades before he would record fully again.

Charles Lloyd took a brief hiatus from recording (briefly returning with Michael Petrucciani) and in 1989 began his now long-standing relationship with ECM Records with his debut album aptly titled Fish Out Of Water (ECM). It would be at this point that the Coltrane spectre would bloom. Lloyd's music would become dark and melodic but with an atmosphere that draws the listener into a new and highly dynamic world.

One of my favourite Charles Lloyd sessions is his second ECM album Notes From Big Sur. Notes From Big Sur is dominated by emotion and spiritualism that is very reminiscent of latter John Coltrane. But unlike many of Coltrane's late releases that would have spun into improvisational sessions, Notes From Big Sur keeps the listener engaged and waiting on every chord. Charles Lloyd has recorded eleven more album since, all of which are excellent. His current quartet features Jason Moran (piano), Eric Harland (drums) and Reuben Rogers (bass), and their latest work Rabe De Nube (ECM) is another stellar performance worth a listen, enough if you aren't an avid jazz fan.

Emotion, space and rhythm are the qualities that help one transcend on their journey through music. Let Charles Lloyd be your guide.

Tune in Today at 11 a.m.

Kristopher Spencer, author of Film and Television Scores, 1950-1979, and JazzWrap contributor, will discuss crime jazz soundtracks with Scott Greenberg, host of WGWG radio's "Debts No Honest Man Can Pay". They'll play selections by Alex North, Henry Mancini, Elmer Bernstein, Lalo Schifrin, Quincy Jones and more.

The show starts @ 10am EST.
The interrogation begins @ 11am EST.

Listen online @ www.wgwg.org.

Jazz For The Young At Heart

Nicky The Jazz Cat

It's great when you're entire family can enjoy in your passion. If you have kids and you've had enough of Laurie Berkner and the rest of the preschool favourites (although I do dig Laurie Berkner) maybe you should turn your kids in the direction of a great jazz compilation. Nicky The Jazz Cat is an excellent collection of jazz tunes that are perfect for day and nighttime listens. Unlike the plethora of classical sleepy time discs, Nicky The Jazz Cat comes with a great book that tells the story (in words and pictures) of Nicky as he meets the jazz legends (Gerry Mulligan, Lena Horn, Lionel Hampton and more) on his musical journey.

The music and book flow incredibly well and its a great way to teach your kids about some of the legends of jazz. Nicky The Jazz Cat may not be immediate fan favourite for those you without kids, but those of you with kids looking for something to change the musical routine will be disappointed if you don't pick up this book and CD's. Surprisingly a lot of fun and educational for all (parents check it out: Nicky The Jazz Cat).