The Week In Listen(ed) 18/5-24/5/26
An absolute masterpiece of a record from percussionist and composer Djalma Corrêa. Blending Latin jazz, samba, MPB, psychedelia, field recordings, spoken word, ethereal chanting, percussion, strings, flutes, and more beyond my descriptive powers. This album an experience that can only be understood through listening.
Listen: Banjílografo
Joy is like the Rain - Medical Mission Sisters - Gospel/Folk, USA, 1966
Recorded in 1965/66, and rereleased on digital in 2021, this collection of songs expresses joy through music, whilst managing to not sound overly like traditional religious music (partly in thanks to Sister Rachel and her tablas). Reminds me of Sister Irene O’Connor, without quite as much of her unconscious psychedelia.
Listen: Howl, My Soul
House of Lovers Volume Two - Various Artistes - Ska, Jamaica, 1991
This 1991 release from Rupie Edward’s Music label collects various tracks produced by the legendary Jamaican producer and singer, including songs, alongside his own recordings, by The Ethiopians, The Tellers, Donny Dobson and more. Highlights include Green Guava Jelly and Give Me the Right (feat. a great melodica performance by Joe White).
Listen: Green Guava Jelly
MPBC - Nivaldo Ornelas - MPB, Brazil, 1978
This 1978 album from Brazilian saxophonist and arranger Nivaldo Ornelas the first listen of my weeks discovery of the Música Popular Brasiliera Contemporânea (MPBC) label. Gentle saxophone and flute solos lead the compositions, with children’s choral vocals and marching drums weaving through to create a textured soundtrack to a jungle dreamscape.
Listen: Sorrisos De Uma Criança
Afro-harping - Dorothy Ashby - Soul-jazz, USA, 1968
An incredible jazz harpist, Dorthy Ashby played the instrument in a way that opened it up to an audience who did not take it seriously. This album brilliantly swings through bebop, funk, soul and beyond, weaving through her own harp solos, flute, African percussion and more.
Listen: Come Live With Me
I Hate You Like I Hate The Police EP - Lost Legion - Punk, USA, 2023
Four great tracks in nine minutes from Chicago’s Lost Legion. Oi punk, with a slightly soft, melodic lean, particularly to the vocals, with guitar solos and witty lyricisms aplenty.
Listen: Dancing Alone on a Monday Night
Split single - Sympos/Lost Legion - Punk, Ireland/USA 2025
Two tracks each from Waterford’s own Sympos along with the aforementioned band out of Chicago. Both bands seemingly bringing the best out of each other, storming out of the gate on their respective sides with wildly enjoyable punk tunes.
Listen: Stuck In One Place/Antisocial
Atabasca - Atabasca - Jazz-funk, Italy, 2026
Psychedelic, groovy music from Italy. Blending jazz-funk, afrobeat, psychedelia and cinematic influences seamlessly together, this album flows smoothly through 43 minutes, evoking imagery of desert scapes and tundras. Could soundtrack a Tarantino movie.
Listen: Hell Dorado
Os Filhos De Villa - Amilton Godoy & Gabriel Grossi - Latin Jazz, Brazil, 2026
The second collaboration between legendary pianist Godoy and virtuoso chromatic harmonica player Grossi in honour of composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. With this record the pair examine the influence on contemporary music by Villa-Lobos, with two original compositions amongst these examinations. This album intertwines the two instruments with the casual ease only greats can achieve, and results in a wonderful contemporary Latin jazz record.
Listen: Batida Diferente
Radio
The Numero Group - If I May - NTS 21/5/2026
Great episode from the eminent Chicago based label and long-time NTS hosts, blending shoe gaze, experimental and ambient. Focusing largely on the Michiganian due Loveliescrushing, this episode serves as a great intro to the band, filling out with a few other great tracks by The Album leaf, and closing with a beautiful new song by Kate Bollinger. Great relaxing listen from one of the best and most eclectic labels in the US.