Two stars of international jazz, an amazing orchestra, a truly fresh repertoire and outstanding arrangements developed for a unique event to take place: the meeting of Antonio Sanchez on drums, Vince Mendoza as conductor and arranger and the WDR Big Band. Two invaluable CDs packed with everything you may dream)when you are about to listen to such a stellar Big Band that is conducted by a genius like Mendoza and plays music by an undisputed giant like Sanchez.

With "Arias in Blue", the Bastian Walcher Quartet, together with soprano Cathrin Lange, presents an album that transcends the boundaries of musical genres. The spectrum ranges from original compositions in the style of the 1930s to new arrangements of well-known baroque arias by Bach, Rachmaninoff and Handel, paired with an electro-chill sound.

"En Rymd av Färg" is well-written and ditto arranged jazz music in the larger format with nice themes and sounds, fantastic performances and a voice "to die for". The songs were written with the big band members in mind. It is noticeable in the end result which is really good, modern big band music with sterling solos by, among others, Alberto Pinton on baritone saxophone, Christer Olofsson on trombone, magnificent Stefan Wingefors on piano and not least Karolina's sharpened soprano saxophone. More of this in the future thanks!" (Andreas Backelund LIRA)

For the Dreamers is an album by Simon Group Lasky, released by Ubuntu Music. This captivating collection of music showcases the exceptional talent and creativity of the group, taking listeners on a mesmerizing journey through various musical landscapes.

In the Land of Hi-Fi with Julian Cannonball Adderley is the fourth album by jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, and his third released on the EmArcy label, featuring a nonet (six horns, three rhythm) with Nat Adderley, Jerome Richardson, Ernie Royal, Bobby Byrne, Jimmy Cleveland, Danny Bank, Junior Mance, Keter Betts, and Charles "Specs" Wright.

On Heartland Radio, the four-time Grammy-nominated composer and saxophonist Remy Le Boeuf finds inspiration in the ever-shifting soundscape of the great American road trip. Through seven tracks of stunning ingenuity and intimacy, Le Boeuf’s large ensemble Assembly of Shadows melds modern jazz language and classical textures with ideas and emotions gleaned from pop radio. Echoes of indie rock, R&B, dance-pop, alternative, and EDM infuse breathtaking orchestral harmony, nimble ensemble interplay and masterful solos — including those by the bandleader, whose crystalline alto work exhibits a depth of understanding that only the music’s composer could attain.

Manteca" is one of the earliest foundational tunes of Afro-Cuban jazz. Co-written by Dizzy Gillespie, Chano Pozo and Gil Fuller in 1947, it is among the most famous of Gillespie's recordings (along with the earlier "A Night in Tunisia") and is "one of the most important records ever made in the United States", according to Gary Giddins of The Village Voice. "Manteca" is the first tune rhythmically based on the clave to become a jazz standard.

Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of composer/arranger/instrumentalist Martin Sjöstedt & Stockholm Jazz Orchestra, for the release of a major big band project of original and interpreted compositions.

At the head of a breathtaking jazz orchestra, Christophe Dal Sasso revisits "Le Carnaval des animaux" by Camille Saint-Saëns. With the exception of a few pieces (Le Cygne, Aquarium), this work is characterized by humor and lightness, perhaps even mockery and irony. Under the fertile pen of one of France's greatest jazz orchestrators and arrangers, the text of the 14 movements remains faithful to the original. The work of arrangement and re-orchestration opens up areas of improvisation for outstanding soloists such as David El-Malek, Sophie Alour, Thomas Savy, Pierre de Bethmann and Julien Alour. This adaptation nonetheless lends a more moving, even introspective character to certain pieces. The rhythm of piano, double bass and drums plunges us into a whirlwind of swing, with all the animals dancing merrily away. How joyful! How beautiful is "Le Carnajazz des Animaux"!

As live, late-1970s Sun Ra albums go, Somewhere Over the Rainbow is a cut above. It's similar to and contemporaneous with The Soul Vibrations of Man and Taking a Chance on Chances, two live sets also issued on Saturn in 1977 (and available in our remastered digital catalog).

A new horizon pioneered by New Hard, led by Toshiyuki Miyama, one of Japan’s leading big bands. Four songs written by rare composers and arrangers such as Masahiko Sato, Hiroshi Takami, Norio Maeda, and Kozaburo Yamaki, based on classical Japanese themes such as “Mujou,” “Heian Period Prostitute,” “Soul,” and “Sumo.” With a sharp and enthusiastic performance that ranges from free jazz to jazz rock, the group carefully depicts “old Japan.” This is one of the most quintessential examples of Japanese big band jazz.

New Herd and genius arranger and composer Masahiko Sato cooked up this spiritual work of Japanese big band magic over half a century ago but its sound still resonates today. It's a violent mix of styles that has become a cult classic with its fiery brew of alto and baritone sax, big drums and bass, wild guitars and trumpets, trombones and piano.

The small island of Cholao is intriguing. What forgotten writings mention it? Both musicians and senior leaders of the archipelago, the members of the Cholao National Orchestra are the latest ambassadors of the musical folklore of the republic of the sun. The music of Cholao, with heady melodies and carnival rhythms, is imbued with the happy melancholy of great festive days.

A soaringly joyous album from British trumpeter Kenny Wheeler – one that has him leading a larger group in a style that resonates with similar projects of the time from artists like Mike Westbrook or Michael Gibbs!

For several years now, due to the global situation, our society has been collectively required not only to leave the usual paths, but also to break new ground in many areas. This includes creativity and new ways of thinking. We are also becoming more and more aware that these challenging times are holding up a mirror to our society and are also pressuring and changing our interpersonal space. Cohesion seems more fragile than ever, but what does that do to each and every one of us?