Let's talk jazz

June 23, 2025 by David Vousden in Jazz, Jazz Rock, Soul, Fusion

In the first of an occasional series, we’re going to talk jazz as we share a quartet of jazz recommendations that we feel will appeal to seasoned veterans of the genre and newer listeners on a voyage of discovery. As a genre, jazz seems impenetrable to many, but not unlike Americana (an obvious RGM favourite), jazz is a many-headed beast that rewards exploration. As I’ve said previously, I don’t claim to be an expert on the subject, but I do find much to enjoy. I’ll admit that, occasionally, I do get scared by oddly cacophonous time signatures, but that’s all part of the fun, or so I’m told. So let’s take a listen to a few examples of upcoming releases that highlight the range of the genre, including a new live release from a jazz legend and a trio that are a bit of a favourite here at Red Guitar Music despite their lack of a guitarist (yes, I have to admit a guitarist isn’t always required when the musicians are this good).

Caravan announce 37 Disc Deluxe Box Set for August 20th 2021 Release

May 27, 2021 by David Vousden in Box Set, Prog Rock, Jazz Rock, Psych, Folk

August 20th will see the release of a mammoth limited edition (2500) 37 disc set from English progressive rock act Caravan. The members of Caravan were at the centre of what would become known as the Canterbury scene. Canterbury in Kent proved to be a hotbed of musical activity in the 1960s and produced a host of artists who would enjoy success in the years that followed including Steve Hillage, Kevin Ayers and Robert Wyatt. Despite all these well-known artists, it’s Caravan that has become synonymous with the Canterbury scene via their sound which incorporated elements of progressive rock, jazz, pop, folk and psych.

Santana IV due April 15th reunites classic 1973 band members.

March 21, 2016 by David Vousden in AOR, Blues, Classic Rock, Jazz Rock

The rumoured reunion of the classic 1973 version of Santana is about to come to fruition with the release of Santana IV and a tour to follow. The 2016 band features Carlos Santana, Gregg Rolie, Neal Schon, Michael Schrieve and Michael Carabello and continues the sound of their first three albums, which many fans still consider to be their classic period. Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie would leave Santana in 1973 and go on to form Journey which Schon leads to this day. The full press release follows…

Progressive psych quintet Jouis to release 'Dojo' November 3rd

September 16, 2014 by David Vousden in Jazz Rock, psych, prog

Jouis (jhew-ee) have a myriad number of musical influences with elements of Jazz, psychedelia, progressive rock and folk present in their songs. To capture these influences and create the correct vibe ‘Dojo” was recorded live to tape using a combination of analogue and digital recording techniques. The band recorded the album in the studio they built in a previously abandoned office space. It was then mixed by Phil Brown (Zero 7, John Martyn, Bombay Bicycle Club) at The Engine Room in London.

Frank Zappa - Apostrophe(') 40th Anniversary Vinyl Reissue.

September 09, 2014 by David Vousden in Jazz Rock

2014 marks the 40th anniversary of ‘Apostrophe (‘)’ by Frank Zappa and to mark the event The Zappa Family Trust / Universal is to reissue the album on 180-gram audiophile vinyl cut directly from the original quarter-inch stereo analogue master tapes. The album has been remastered for vinyl by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering and is manufactured for the world by the highly regarded Pallas Group in Germany.