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The Ensemble Al-Salaam - The Sojourner [Strata East/P-Vine, 2020] joyous music-making

As someone lucky enough to have got my hands on a copy I have to say buy it! It's a marvellous listen that wears its complexity lightly. Anyone with ears open to composition and improvisation seamlessly intertwined will enjoy this. There's some good tunes too (as always with Alex's music)! And especially if you're an Evan Parker fan then don't think twice. Album of the year so far Yes, I was trying to work out how that happened, easing after first lockdown I guess

Aha! Well that makes me even more happy with them then

I came across three Discogs sellers the other day that had added statements that they were not now shipping to UK. No explanations but they are the first three examples I've come across in 10+ years. I was under the impression that Johnson's deal meant no extra costs on imports from EU but added paperwork may well deter sellers or become apparent in higher costs Sorry...I know

"frictionless trade"...

Yes, that's it. They mentioned in another thread recently about coming out as trans

That's truly dreadful. Glad to hear they're safe. Might we consider changing the thread titles to something that highlights a board member requires our assistance?

That's a great shame. Love the Center of the World recordings

Such a tease... it better be the Savoy

Last month I watched a stream of a performance of his Josephine Baker piece 'Perle Noire', astonishing and moving. I hope it gets recorded. I've only ever seen him live once with the Steve Lehman Octet. The Vortex nearly didn't have any walls left at the end of the evening. One of a very few artists whose albums I buy without much thought. Never not interesting and more often than not very good indeed. As always Steve, I envy you that experience.

Because charlieboy enjoys it and can afford to? I don't see anyone being forced to join in... I don't understand it, way above my paygrade but each to their own.

They are trustworthy and it's very unusual for their listings to be out of date. Happened once in over 15 years to me so that really is bad luck. They can be slower than others on shipping sometimes but hey always get there in the end. I hope you find a copy Pim

Can't ignore such recommendations from you and soulpope. Copy just ordered.

I haven't followed the blog as assiduously as others or as I should have but I've dipped in most months and have found it a fascinating read. Thanks for all your hard work even if it is a labour of love. This thread has been great too for other recommendations that have merged out of the discussion.

No extras, straight repro of the original sleeve with Charles Fox's notes.

Arman Ratip - The Spy From Istanbul [Mad About Music, 2020] Nicely done reissue. Great music, completely new to me but I tend to regard Charig as a guarantor of quality.

Yesterday, Roland Kirk's Verve/Limelight Recordings on Mosaic

That's a great one

Don't know how I forgot Dino Saluzzi whose recent 'Albores' is a quiet masterpiece

I agree about Stanko, definitely. Also, everything by Anouar Brahem is of a consistently high standard. Louis Sclavis has hit a rich seam too. Other artists that have released strong albums are Misha Alperin, John Surman, Stefano Battaglia, Enrico Rava, Christian Wallumrod, Markku Ounaskari, Francois Couturier, Tim Berne, Michael Formanek, Giovanni Guidi and I could easily go on. Any drop off for me has been in the last five years or so

Great shame but what a legacy

Happy New Year to everyone! May music be the healing force for you all in 2021

Joe Chapman 'I'll be your everything'. Such a super compilation. Thanks ever so much for bringing to my attention

My first time listening to this following this post. Billy Cee and Ruby Wilson 'Bluer than blue'!!!

When I ordered this from them at the time of release I had issues with PayPal. HJ informed me it's because of Ali's name (some discussion of this elsewhere at the time). They have a very easy solution but I can't quite remember what it is - probably asking you to PayPal funds to them directly, I think. As Rabshakeh suggestions an email should do it. At least the lorry backlog us cleared now 🙄