Jazzanova - The Pool (2LP) [Sonar Kollektiv]

Format: 2x12" 180g vinyl in gatefold sleeve + download code.
CAT: SK350LP

Jazzanova proudly announce that their forthcoming full-length album The Pool will be released via their very own Sonar Kollektiv imprint on June 29, 2018. It is their most mature and musical record to date and features a great cast of talented collaborators including Jamie Cullum, Ben Westbeech, Pete Josef, Rachel Sermanni, Olivier St Louis, Paul Randolph and many more.

They may not have released an album in the last decade, but that doesn't mean Jazzanova have disappeared from the map. On the contrary, Alex Barck, Claas Brieler, Axel Reinemer, Jürgen von Knoblauch and Stefan Leisering have been focusing on a wide variety of projects, as well as becoming fathers. From running their JRS studio and handling A&R for new talent for their Jazzanova label, to producing for other artists and, of course, continuing to present their unique live shows around the world, they are as immersed in music as ever.

Although none of the members have an academic musical background, the new album is the most mature, musical and accomplished of their career. It features numerous guests who bring their distinctive flavors, but it maintains a clear Jazzanova identity: a combination of neo-soul, jazz, indie and pop songwriting, along with their particular talent for sampling and their great prowess with instruments ranging from synths and piano to vibraphones, trombone, flugelhorn and guitar. The Pool was born from several informal jam sessions and playful hours in the studio. There is no rigid concept governing it, but the album flows from one track to another, blending synthesized sounds, samples and real instrumentation to paint a colorful and utterly captivating sonic picture.

This, Jazzanova's most sophisticated album, begins with the shadowy atmosphere and broken beats of “Now (L.O.V.E. and You & I - Part 2)” featuring Oddisee, before the melancholic chords and nostalgic voice of Rachel Sermanni in “Rain Makes The River” sweep you away. The intensity lightens with Pete Josef's upbeat soul style on “Follow Your Feet,” followed by the sunny hip hop of “No 9” featuring KPTN, who delivers solid verses over crisp live drums. “Sincere,” with Noah Slee, is a vibrant blend of synthetic textures, driving beats and swinging percussion, while “Slow Rise” dives into an introspective mood thanks to David Lemaitre's poignant and intimate voice.

The emotionally charged piano of “Let’s Live Well” is deeply tender, before Jamie Cullum’s soaring vocals take you to a brighter place. “Everything I Wanted,” with Charlotte OC, is a dynamic storm of drums, trombones and percussion, pierced by crystal-clear vocals that bring real emotion. Olivier St Louis delivers modern, elegant soul on the propulsive “Heatwave,” and regular collaborator Paul Randolph adds a vulnerable voice over the bright chords of “It’s Beautiful.” The closing comes with the breezy, luminous coastal feel of “I’m Still Here,” featuring Edward Vanzet, and the carefree, infectious pop of “Summer Keeps On Passing Me By,” with Ben Westbeech, completing a beautiful journey that naturally takes you through different moods and grooves. Each track leaves a deep impression and stays with you long after it ends.

The Pool is an album that proves Jazzanova continue to create by their own rules, and marks the beginning of an important new chapter in their long and distinguished career.