During the month of May , the 2 most exciting jazz labels of the moment will take over AB’s (jazz)Club. 

On Tuesday 14 May, Lefto presents 3 exciting Brussels jazz acts from the stables of All Things Sdban.

bodies

Brussels ensemble that experiments with sax and synths and has absorbed influences from the likes of Bendik Giske, Bonobo, Nubya Garcia and Bomba Estereo. Their track on Jazz Cats 3 certainly has us particularly curious and wanting more.

Ciao Kennedy

Brussels quintet that is – quite rightly – described as “an instrumental journey through post-rock, electro, and jazz”. Musically, they nod to STUFF., ECHT!, Badbadnotgood and drummer Mark Guiliana.

Azmari

Azmari – established in Brussels in 2015 – balances between ethio-groove and afrobeat, eastern sounds, dub and frenzied rhythms. On the latest and second album Maelström, their influences are clear to hear: from Okay Temiz, Heliocentrics, Whitefield Brothers, Surprise chef, Antibalas to Sons of Kemet. Live? Always a party!

International Anthem presents Bex Burch + Ruth Goller + Ibelisse Ferragutti on May 29

The most interesting (out there) jazz label of recent years is without a doubt the Chicago-based International Anthem. Chicago Reader aptly captured the label’s essence: “International Anthem brings punk idealism to progressive jazz.” A comparison with groundbreaking 1960s label Impulse! is never far removed: top-notch productions, cutting-edge music and distinctive, classy graphic design. No coincidence then that inspiring artists from their stable have already appeared on stage at AB: folks like Tom Skinner, Angel Bat Dawid, Irreversible Entanglements, Jaimie Branch, Makaya McCraven, Anteloper, Alabaster DePlume, Jeff Parker and Ben LaMar Gay.

Bex Burch

English Berlin-based percussionist Bex Burch is known for her unique fusion of jazz, postpunk and minimalism centred around the sound of her gyil or Ghanese xylophone.  

Goller's 'Skylla'

Italian-born bassist Ruth Goller finds herself at “the punkier end of London’s jazz and improv scene”. She’s already played together with the likes of Melt Yourself Down, Sons of Kemet and Alabaster DePlume.  

Ibelisse guardia ferragutti & frank rosaly w/ special guest ben lamar gay

Frank Rosaly and Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti share their musical and ancestral roots within the Latin-American diaspora of Bolivia, Brazil and Puerto Rico. On their debut MESTIZX they pay deep homage to their origins. 

By the way, we kick off the Jazz Month tonight with the UK's most swinging bandleader: Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra!