In this episode, I will embark on a vibrant musical journey through the soul-stirring rhythms, grooves, and melodies of Brazil. From the samba-infused funk of Banda Black Rio’s “Expresso Madureira” to the hypnotic pulse of Airto’s “Tombo in 7/4,” this playlist celebrates the rich fusion of jazz, samba, and bossa nova that has captivated listeners around the world.

I will dive into the magnetic voices of Sandra de Sá and Miriam Makeba, groove to the playful swing of Trio Mocotó, and lose ourselves in the cinematic elegance of Lalo Schifrin’s “Bossa Nova em Nova York.” Experience the cosmic allure of Flora Purim alongside the timeless brilliance of Jorge Ben and Toquinho’s "Carolina Carol Bela."

Every track tells a story steeped in Brazilian culture, resilience, and joy.

So sit back, stream in, and let Jazz Matters take you on a soulful adventure as we explore some of Brazil’s rich musical tapestry.

This is Jazz Matters: Digs Brazil – where music truly matters.

Please Enjoy the Music I Love

Essential Info

Link to my blog supporting this mix - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/blogs/exploring-brazil-s-sonic-tapestry

Explore my Website and dive into Blogs, interviews Content, Music, Videos and Images - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com

Music free to stream - https://pod.co/nudirections

My Info - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/introducing-jazz-matters/introducing-ray

All social media links and more – https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/linkhub

Feel free to reach out to me using the contact form on my website. jazzmattersuk.com and I’ll respond no matter where you are.

Jazz Matters

Playlist

Airto - Andei (l Walked)

Banda Black Rio - Expresso Madureira

Miriam Makeba - Xica da Silva

Sandra De Så - Trem da Central

Trio Mocoto - Swinga Sambaby

Os Brazoes - Volks-Volkswagen Blue

Rosa Maria - Deixa Nao Deixa

Tenorio Jr. - Nebulosa

Lalo Schifrin - Bossa Nova Em Nova York

Jorge Ben, Toquinho - Carolina Carol Bela

Flora Purim - Moon Dreams

Dom Um Romao - Escravos de Jo

Deodato – Skyscrapers

Zé Roberto - Lotus 72D

Salinas - Tenha Fé, Pois Amanhä um Lindo Dia Vai Nascer

Airto - Tombo in 7/4

Sandra De Så - Olhos Coloridos

My Moments of 2024 is a selection of songs that have created special musical marks. 3 groups of artists have a very significant input this year. Fontaines DC, Kutiman and Ezra Collective have been my favourite artists for 2024.

I have not only included music from this current year as it is not the music made in one specific year the only one we pay attention and my criteria for this compilation of great tunes is what music has stopped me in my tracks and made an impact on me as a listener. Moments 2024 is definitely not background music.

The final song is an astonishing cover of the 1970s hit "Why Can't We Live Together" with a beautiful chorus of female singers chanting No More Wars, No More Wars. It makes a suitable final to a year of human tragedies inflicted through conflict finishes. You can say louder but never so beautifully stated. I hope the listener to Mestizo Sounds appreciate and enjoy Moments 2024.

Essential Information

Playlist:

1- Sunny - FONTAINES DC

2- Canoe - KUTIMAN

3- I will always try - GURU NILE and JOE YORKE

4- I’d rather go blind - THE FRIGHTNRS

5- Segla - ORCHESTRE POLY-RYTHMO DE COTONOU

6- Hear me cry - EZRA COLLECTIVE

7- Street is calling - EZRA COLLECTIVE (featuring MANIFEST and MOONCHILD SONELLY)

8- Better way to live - KNEECAP (featuring GRIAN CHATTEN)

9- Sundowner - FONTAINES DC

10- La mamá - REYNA TROPICAL

11- Miralas - MARUJA LIMON (APELIKA remix)

12- Breathe the love - KUTIMAN

13- God gave me feet for dancing - EZRA COLLECTIVE (featuring YAZMIN LAZEY)

14- My everything - KUTIMAN (featuring DEKEL)

15- Favourite - FONTAINES DC

16- Superkilen - SVANENBORG KARDYB

17- Give - CONOR CURLEY (FONTAINES DC remix)

18- Why can’t we live together - BUKKY LEO & BLACK EGYPT (SAO BENITEZ BV Dub)

Welcome to the Jazz Matters Oregon Special! In this episode, I delve deep into one of music’s most captivating genres, showcasing the enchanting soundscapes of the iconic jazz and world music ensemble, Oregon. You might find their unique sound a bit different from the usual, but what you’re about to experience is, without a doubt, some of the most exquisite music ever created.

For over five decades, Oregon has masterfully blended jazz, classical, and world music, crafting a sound that is distinctly their own. From the soothing echoes of "Icarus" to the evocative tones of "Beneath an Evening Sky," Oregon's music invites you into a realm of boundless creativity and emotion.

Join me as I celebrate the incredible talents of Ralph Towner, Paul McCandless, Glen Moore, and Mark Walker. Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering Oregon for the first time, this special episode promises to be an unforgettable sonic adventure

Essential info

Link to my blog supporting this mix - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/blogs/exploring-the-boundaries-of-jazz-a-deep-dive-into-the-music-of-oregon

Explore my Website and dive into Blogs, interviews Content, Music, Videos and Images - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com

Music free to stream - https://pod.co/nudirections

My Info - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/introducing-jazz-matters/introducing-ray

All social media links and more – https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/linkhub

Feel free to reach out to me using the contact form on my website. jazzmattersuk.com and I’ll respond no matter where you are.

Enjoy the Music I Love

Jazz Matters

Playlist

Green and Golden

The Water is Wide

As She sleeps

Beneath an Evening Sky

Take Heart

Spanish Stairs

Hop-To-It

1000 Kilometers

Duende

Bibo Babo

Creeper

Dolomiti Dance

Yellow Bell

Exploring the Boundaries of Modern Jazz: A Journey Through 17 Tracks of Innovation

Welcome to my selected playlist, a journey through the jazz universe's boundless creativity and emotional depth. This playlist is full of musical gems, each with its unique brilliance, and uncovering its rich traditions while glimpsing the future possibilities of the genre. Join me to unpack these selections, celebrating the artistry that makes them essential listening for seasoned jazz aficionados and curious newcomers alike. Let’s dive in and discover what makes these pieces resonate so profoundly.

Enjoy the Music I Love

Jazz Matters

Helpful Info

Link to my blog supporting this Podcast – https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/blogs/jazz-matters-november-show

Explore my Website and dive into Blogs, interviews Content, Music, Videos and Images - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com

Music free to stream - https://pod.co/nudirections

My Info - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/introducing-jazz-matters/introducing-ray

All social media links and more – https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/linkhub

Feel free to reach out to me using the contact form on my website. jazzmattersuk.com and I’ll respond no matter where you are.

Playlist

Snarky Puppy - Fuel City

Bill Laurance, The Untold Orchestra - The Good Things – Live

Marc Mac Presents Visioneers – Heather

Espen Eriksen Trio & Andy Sheppard – Anthem

Geoffrey Keezer – Tomorrow

Johnathan Blake - Homeward Bound (For Ana Grace)

Khan Jamal - The Known Unknown

Terri Lyne Carrington, Ravi Coltrane, Elena Pinderhughes - Respected Destroyer

Nduduzo Makhathini – Unonkanyamba

Zach Brock - The Last Song

Miles Davis, David Sanborn - Portia [1986]

Held By Trees - In the Trees

Butcher Brown - Sticky July

Florian Hoefner Group – Elements

Sam Newsome – When You See the Light

Art Hirahara - Zero Hour

Peter Erskine Trio To Love Again

A Sonic Journey through Japanese Jazz!

Just last week, I realized it’s been way too long since I shared a mix that dives into the rich, eclectic world of Japanese jazz. So here we are with my latest playlist, Jazz Matters Digs Japan, featuring an irresistible selection of tracks that capture the spirit and energy of Japan’s jazz scene. This collection is packed with music I love, spanning everything from cool grooves and fusion beats to the boundary-pushing experimental sounds that make Japan’s jazz unique.

Whether you're a long-time jazz aficionado or new to the scene, this mix is designed to transport you straight to the bustling jazz clubs and hidden vinyl bars of Tokyo, where each artist brings their own flavour to the genre. Here’s what’s playing on my mix – Do dig in and vibe out:

Essential Info

Link to my blog supporting this mix - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/blogs/jazz-matters-digs-japan

Explore my Website and dive into Blogs, interviews Content, Music, Videos and Images - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com

Music free to stream - https://pod.co/nudirections

My Info - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/introducing-jazz-matters/introducing-ray

All social media links and more – https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/linkhub

Please feel free to reach out to me using the contact form on my website. jazzmattersuk.com and I’ll respond no matter where you are.

Enjoy the Music I Love

Playlist

Anchor - Live ver – toconoma

JABBERLOOP – continuum

H ZETTRIO - Dancing in the mood

Gecko&Tokage Parade - clockwork

Keiko Matsui - Steps On The Globe

Calmera - ver. 2.0

PRIMITIVE ART ORCHESTRA - Blue Mist

BimBomBam Orchestra - From the cradle

Gecko&Tokage Parade - Nica's Dream

Hiroshi Suzuki – Kuro To Shire

SLEEP WALKER - Brotherhood - Marc Marc Dirty Jazz Remix

Hatsukoi no Akuma -Dance With The Devil

Masayoshi Takanaka - AN INSATIABLE HIGH

Nautilus - Virtual Insanity

Welcome to my November Jazz Mix, everyone. After a few difficult months following the passing of my father, I found myself distanced from music. Losing that spark, that musical "mojo," was something I didn’t expect, but thanks to the incredible support and messages from all of you, I’ve rediscovered my connection to the music I love. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me through a challenging time.

I’m kicking off this mix with Remy La Boeuf’s "Minnesota, WI." I know I’ve played it before, but it’s a piece that resonates deeply with me – a perfect opener that sets the tone with its melodic richness and rhythmic energy.

As I presented this playlist, I found myself returning to Oregon’s "Creeper," which, once again, reminded me just how unique and influential Oregon's work has been in jazz fusion. It inspired me to start planning a special feature on Oregon, which I hope to release before Christmas. Keep an eye out for it!

In the meantime, I've also got a blog accompanying this mix, where you’ll find insights on each track and some reflections on the journey that brought this set together. You can check it out on my website, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

So, settle in, relax, and let’s enjoy this mix together. Thanks for listening, and I hope this brings as much joy to you as it did for me while putting it together.

Essential Info

Link to my blog supporting this mix - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/blogs/november-jazz-mix-a-journey-through-loss-renewal-and-rediscovery

Explore my Website and dive into Blogs, interviews Content, Music, Videos and Images - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com

Music free to stream - https://pod.co/nudirections

My Info - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/introducing-jazz-matters/introducing-ray

All social media links and more – https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/linkhub

Feel free to reach out through the contact form on my website. https://www.jazzmattersuk.com and I’ll respond no matter where you are.

HER is a new show by Mestizo Sounds, featuring an eclectic music compilation that captures the essence of modern times from a diverse female perspective.

Essential Info

Website and dive into Blogs, interviews Content, Music, Videos and Images - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com

Music free to stream - https://pod.co/nudirections

All social media links and more – https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/linkhub

Email - jazzmattersuk@gmail.com

PLAYLIST

1- Cranes in the sky - SOLANGE (American)

2- This time around - JESSICA PRATT (American)

3- Saga - HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF (Puerto Rican-American)

4- Co-star - AMAARAE (GHANAIAN-AMERICAN)

5- Lo siento - REYNA TROPICAL (Mexican-American)

6- N.Y.C.A.W - GWENNO (Cornish/Welsh-British)

7- Wandering mind - CAOILFHIONN ROSE (Irish/English/British)

8- Mohabbat - AROOJ AFTAB (Pakistani-American)

9- Doesn’t matter - MESKEREEM MEES (Ethiopian-Belgian)

10- Daylight matters - CATE LE BON (Welsh-British)

11- Uma história de Ifá - VIRGINIA RODRIGUES (Brazilian)

12- No fun/party - KARA JACKSON (American)

13- In your head - NILÜFER YANIA (Turkish-Barbadian-Irish-British)

14- Sete - FATOUMATA DIAWARA (Malian)

For as long as I can remember, I've been captivated by the rich interplay between West African Latin music and its counterparts in the Americas, particularly in Cuba. This cross-pollination of styles and rhythms—where ancestral African traditions collided with and transformed the vibrant sounds of Latin America—has produced some of the world's most thrilling and soulful music.

In this medley, I'll take you on a musical journey that blurs the borders between continents. I’ll kick things off with a track steeped in the rhythms of African Latin music and bring it full circle with a powerful Cuban piece, the birthplace of so much of this genre’s evolution. The challenge? You’ll have to guess which side of the Atlantic each selection hails from.

By blending the lines between continents, these tracks will reveal how deeply connected the musical DNA of Africa and the Latin world truly is. Let the music speak, and let it surprise you.

Please enjoy the music I love

Essential Info

Link to my blog supporting this show - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/blogs/cameroon-to-cuba

Explore my Website and dive into Blogs, interviews Content, Music, Videos and Images - https://www.jazzmattersuk.com

Music free to stream - https://pod.co/nudirections

My Info - https://www.raysinfo.org

All social media links and more – https://www.jazzmattersuk.com/linkhub

Email - jazzmattersuk@gmail.com

Playlist

Pape Fall - African Salsa

Mama Badema Sissoko – Safiatou

Chocolate - Ritmo De Mi Son

Balla Tounkara - Le monde est fou

Tam Tam 2000 - Me vuelvo Guajiro

Ernest Chico Alvarez – Val'Carretero

Gnonnas Pedro - Yiri Yiri Boum

Laba Sosseh - Son Soneate

Manu Dibango - Bessoka Version courte

Sonlokos - Rumba Con Sabor a Melao

Tshala Muana - Lekela Muadi

Monte Adentro - Igualito Que Tu

Le Sahel – Jammo

Alune Wade, Harold L6pez-Nussa – Aminata

Buena Vista Social Club - Chan Chan