Where ambient music makes a fine accompaniment for meditation or an evening of calm, even a long journey for many of us, it occasionally lacks that humanity or soul to give it a little more meaning and intention. In this case, you get the best of both worlds.
Jazz
ShadowHood has written a classic and somewhat vintage-style song, one that’s refreshing to listen to right now – nothing fancy is needed, nothing unnecessary, no filler – just natural songwriting and musicianship. Worth a listen, particularly for those who are loved up this Valentine’s week.
The music is far from simple, on the contrary – it’s complex and unpredictable; it’s jazz with grit, with sadness and unsettling energy, and it captivates in being this.
Where the experimental aspect has given the piece character and allowed it to stand out, those essential musical building blocks within present a clear knowledge of what works in composition, so there just as many addictive and satisfying riffs and flickers of colour as there are instances of the unexpected.
Bembry’s free-flowing lyricism offers hints of Jason Mraz or John Butler, his thoughts pour through by means of everything from the words to the musical riffs, the stops and the starts.
Shawn Phillips’ latest album offers a series of compelling stories and profound ideas by means of a musically masterful array of soundscapes. Phillips’ presents some brilliant melodies and an overall warm and full aura as this playlist pours through.
The Live Sessions is music for music’s sake, and if mainstream culture has made you forget what that sounds like, Torelli and the Fuse are here to remind you.
Impressive, enjoyable from start to finish. It’s so great to have music play that feels ‘Christmassy’ but that isn’t compiled of the same two-dozen songs we hear every year.
Bolder Range Operators give a timeless winter classic a smooth jazz makeover and a whole new organic groove with this release.
If you’re searching for a playlist this winter that feels seasonal – brings warmth, calm, togetherness – but that doesn’t quite line up with the big-band, vocal-driven feel of the majority of releases, Winter Romance is easily worth a look.
Grinded Grin hold nothing back and refuse to adhere to expectation or industry standards with this aptly-titled album Reset. Taking their time to craft uniquely ambient soundscapes around the listener, the band offer an original fusion of various musical angles and genres.
Where Michael Bublé has quite famously re-delivered this genre to the masses in recent years, he did so with a certain softness – Doug Ferony offers it up with weight and a seductively raspy finish.