Spiritual+jazz+series

The biggest volume so far in the Spiritual Jazz series from Jazzman Records – and maybe the best as well! This fantastic collection looks at the huge legacy of spiritual jazz that flowed from the Japanese scene in the postwar years – sounds that had their initial expression around the same time that the modal jazz of Miles and Coltrane was bursting forth in the US, but which also too so many twists and turns of its own – with some very strong influences along the way from Japanese folk and culture! Much of this music was initially restricted only to release on Japanese labels – and even later, as some of the artists attained fame, the global circulation of their music only happened with more commercial recordings.

Esoteric, Modal and Progressive Jazz inspired by Islam 1957 - 1988. Songs ancient and divine - the seventh volume of our acclaimed Spiritual Jazz series examines the influence and impact of Islam on four decades of jazz innovation.

The Blue Note Record label needs little introduction. Musically, graphically and sonically iconic, the label created and defined the golden age of modern jazz on record. Founded in 1939 by German émigré Alfred Lion, the label's roster of artists is a litany of giants – Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Horace Silver, Lee Morgan, Art Blakey, Lee Morgan, Herbie Hancock and many more. With peerless musicians in the grooves, the legendary Rudy Van Gelder behind the boards, and graphic design genius Reid Miles creating emblematic artwork for every release, Blue Note – 'the Cadillac of the jazz lines' – was outstanding in every way.

Many artists achieve greatness but very few produce work that is so moving it's considered sacred. Whether you choose to call them hymns, psalms or spirituals, their songs are a healing force for troubled times. We feel close to these prophets, in recognition of their uncommon labours. It is as if they have given all of themselves, body and soul, through music.

Various Artists - Spiritual Jazz, Vol 2: Esoteric, Modal and Deep European Jazz 1960-78 (2012) {Jazzman Records JMANCD 046}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 490 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 187 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 45 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1960-78, 2012 Jazzman Records | ‎JMANCD 046
Jazz / Spiritual Jazz / Modal Jazz / Soul Jazz / Deep Jazz

As the ‘60s progressed, cultural and political revolutions occurred both in the US and in Europe. Jazz was both a victim and a saviour, with radical developments in the music occurring in both continents. In the US, artists took control of their own musical destiny as small labels broke away from the mainstream, expressing new and creative visions of freedom and peace against a backdrop of civil unrest, repression and war. Be sure to check the first volume of this series, Spiritual Jazz.

Various Artists - Spiritual Jazz, Vol. 5: Around The World 1961-1979 (2014) {Jazzman ‎JMANCD 067}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 444 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 188 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 23 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1961-79, 2014 Jazzman Records | ‎JMANCD 067
Jazz / Spiritual Jazz / Modal Jazz / Progressive Jazz

Until it was swept aside by the pop explosion of the 1960s, jazz was the most popular modern sound on earth. From the New World and the Caribbean to Africa, across the Soviet Bloc and the British Empire to the Far East, jazz music was embraced, adopted, played and enjoyed.

Various Artists - Spiritual Jazz, Vol 3: Modal, Esoteric and Ethereal Jazz from The European Underground (1963-1972) (2012) {Jazzman ‎JMANCD 050}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 448 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 185 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 48 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1963-72, 2012 Jazzman Records | ‎JMANCD 050
Jazz / Spiritual Jazz / Modal Jazz / Continental Jazz

At the end of the ‘50s, Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue heralded the revelatory arrival of modal jazz. As the vibrations of these giant steps resonated across the world, European jazz musicians reassessed their bearings and began to steer a new course. Across the continent they sent roots down into the rich soil of the European folk and Christian liturgical traditions, extended their music along ancient routes of communication and trade to the Middle East, and reached across the crumbling ramparts of the European empires to the music of Asia Africa and Latin America.

Various Artists - Spiritual Jazz, Vol. 4: Americans In Europe 1963-1979 (2013) {2CD Set Jazzman ‎JMANCD 057}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 792 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 302 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 25 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1963-79, 2013 Jazzman Records | ‎JMANCD 057
Jazz / Spiritual Jazz / Modal Jazz / Progressive Jazz

It's well known that throughout the 20th century, fed up with poor working conditions and racism in their home country, many American jazz musicians chose to leave the US in order to live and work in Europe. What's less well known is how their music developed and evolved during their time on the continent, and how the experience of being a musician in Europe was to shape their lives.

In our latest chapter of Spiritual Jazz, we return to the source – the Impulse! label, and the monumental influence of its most prominent artist, John Coltrane.

Various Artists - Spiritual Jazz, Vol 1: Esoteric, Modal & Deep Jazz From the Underground 1968-77 (2008) {Jazzman ‎JMANCD 020}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 487 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 181 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 48 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1968-77, 2008 Jazzman Records | ‎JMANCD 020
Jazz / Spiritual Jazz / Modal Jazz / Soul Jazz / Deep Jazz

Existing completely under the critical radar and largely ignored or unknown by music fans and critics alike, most of the musicians featured in this album won't be familiar to even the most seasoned jazz aficionado. But in this era of musical apathy, where so many music junkies look to the past for their musical fix, we have re-discovered hidden, obscure and esoteric jazz musicians who looked to the four corners of the earth - and beyond - for inspiration.