Myele Manzanza - "Family Dynamics" / "Itaru's Phone Booth"

I don't think I've ever done this before, but I'm going to include two tracks from the same record on this post instead of singling one out.

While I enjoyed 2016's OnePointOne release from Kiwi drummer/composer Myele Manzanza, I never posted about it. But because he's on the ever-reliable (and award-winning) First Word Records, I've kept an ear open for what he's up to. A Love Requited drops today and was one of the first things I listened to this morning. The album starts strong, but it's in the beginning of the second-quarter that things REALLY start to cook. "Family Dynamics" is the cleanup hitter and deserving of that spot in the batting order because it swings for the fences. Pianist Matthew Sheens - who has worked with First Word's Ross McHenry, has some lovely, deft runs on this track and Jake Baxendale's alto-sax just comes alive after minute two.



That's immediately followed up by "Itaru's Phone Booth," which is a lovely, restrained number that pulls the pace back a touch without losing any of the album's momentum.



Do yourself a favor and give A Love Requited a full listen over this long weekend.

Ross McHenry - "The Outsiders Part 3"

YESSSSSSS.

Opened up my email to discover an update from Bandcamp that Ross McHenry is set to follow-up Child of Somebody with The Outsiders, due out November 10 on First Word Records.

Only the one track streaming so far, but it's another sweet slice of jazz from the Australian multi-instrumentalist. I'm definitely keen to hear it in the context of the three part suite in the middle of the record. Love the way this one builds.

Ross McHenry - "Sketch"

There's only one track out from Ross McHenry's new album Child of Somebody, but I don't need to hear more than "Sketch" to know it's gonna be another stunner. I've written about the Aussie auteur in the past, and if he keeps making music, I'll keep beating the drum for all of you to listen to it!

Ross McHenry - Prayers EP

Say your prayers! And thank your stars. But act fast because this PWYC EP from Ross McHenry (whose Distant Oceans LP is boss) is only available until Christmas Day.