Abzu Looks
@abzulooks.bsky.social
Yes it's a pseudonym.
Mainly here to chat music, music making and books
South Coast NSW, Australia
I'm trying to be disciplined on the socials so posts, likes and replies may be irregular
Mainly here to chat music, music making and books
South Coast NSW, Australia
I'm trying to be disciplined on the socials so posts, likes and replies may be irregular
#nowplaying #newmusic #jazzsky
Notionally released Feb '26 but my CD arrived in the post today. Reid/ Halvorson/ Roebke/ Fujiwara all in killer form, lively and vibrant. All the individuality and quirkiness you expect but, like "3+3," really coherent and easy to connect with.
Notionally released Feb '26 but my CD arrived in the post today. Reid/ Halvorson/ Roebke/ Fujiwara all in killer form, lively and vibrant. All the individuality and quirkiness you expect but, like "3+3," really coherent and easy to connect with.
December 12, 2025 at 7:42 AM
#nowplaying #newmusic #jazzsky
Notionally released Feb '26 but my CD arrived in the post today. Reid/ Halvorson/ Roebke/ Fujiwara all in killer form, lively and vibrant. All the individuality and quirkiness you expect but, like "3+3," really coherent and easy to connect with.
Notionally released Feb '26 but my CD arrived in the post today. Reid/ Halvorson/ Roebke/ Fujiwara all in killer form, lively and vibrant. All the individuality and quirkiness you expect but, like "3+3," really coherent and easy to connect with.
#jpop Gen Hoshino's album "Gen" was a solid pop/soul effort, for me not every track landed but the great far outweighed the lesser and I enjoyed it a lot. Worth buying for "Mad Hope", "Comedy" and "Life" alone.
December 9, 2025 at 1:16 PM
#jpop Gen Hoshino's album "Gen" was a solid pop/soul effort, for me not every track landed but the great far outweighed the lesser and I enjoyed it a lot. Worth buying for "Mad Hope", "Comedy" and "Life" alone.
#nowplaying #jpop #newmusic
TOMOO - Dear Mysteries
New album from Japanese female pop singer/pianist/songwriter. Like the previous "Two Moons" a bit ballad heavy, but loads of great songs and real craft in the arrangements. I went for the 3 disc version with her fab Budokan concert.
TOMOO - Dear Mysteries
New album from Japanese female pop singer/pianist/songwriter. Like the previous "Two Moons" a bit ballad heavy, but loads of great songs and real craft in the arrangements. I went for the 3 disc version with her fab Budokan concert.
December 8, 2025 at 12:21 AM
#nowplaying #jpop #newmusic
TOMOO - Dear Mysteries
New album from Japanese female pop singer/pianist/songwriter. Like the previous "Two Moons" a bit ballad heavy, but loads of great songs and real craft in the arrangements. I went for the 3 disc version with her fab Budokan concert.
TOMOO - Dear Mysteries
New album from Japanese female pop singer/pianist/songwriter. Like the previous "Two Moons" a bit ballad heavy, but loads of great songs and real craft in the arrangements. I went for the 3 disc version with her fab Budokan concert.
#nowplaying #jazzsky
Colin Steele Quartet - The Blue Nile
Scottish quartet (trumpet/piano/bass/drums) and it's exactly what it says on the tin- jazz interpretations of the Blue Nile songbook. My fave track is my fave BN song- "Heatwave"; it's all quietly ingenious and sympathetic to the originals.
Colin Steele Quartet - The Blue Nile
Scottish quartet (trumpet/piano/bass/drums) and it's exactly what it says on the tin- jazz interpretations of the Blue Nile songbook. My fave track is my fave BN song- "Heatwave"; it's all quietly ingenious and sympathetic to the originals.
December 7, 2025 at 10:28 AM
#nowplaying #jazzsky
Colin Steele Quartet - The Blue Nile
Scottish quartet (trumpet/piano/bass/drums) and it's exactly what it says on the tin- jazz interpretations of the Blue Nile songbook. My fave track is my fave BN song- "Heatwave"; it's all quietly ingenious and sympathetic to the originals.
Colin Steele Quartet - The Blue Nile
Scottish quartet (trumpet/piano/bass/drums) and it's exactly what it says on the tin- jazz interpretations of the Blue Nile songbook. My fave track is my fave BN song- "Heatwave"; it's all quietly ingenious and sympathetic to the originals.
#nowplaying #jazzsky #newmusic
The Dam Jawn feat. Jeremy Pelt - Triphasic
Always enjoys an alto/tenor/trumpet front line. Guitar/bass/drum section also very fine. Having recommended this yesterday, giving it another listen this morning. I still really like it.
The Dam Jawn feat. Jeremy Pelt - Triphasic
Always enjoys an alto/tenor/trumpet front line. Guitar/bass/drum section also very fine. Having recommended this yesterday, giving it another listen this morning. I still really like it.
December 6, 2025 at 2:29 AM
#nowplaying #jazzsky #newmusic
The Dam Jawn feat. Jeremy Pelt - Triphasic
Always enjoys an alto/tenor/trumpet front line. Guitar/bass/drum section also very fine. Having recommended this yesterday, giving it another listen this morning. I still really like it.
The Dam Jawn feat. Jeremy Pelt - Triphasic
Always enjoys an alto/tenor/trumpet front line. Guitar/bass/drum section also very fine. Having recommended this yesterday, giving it another listen this morning. I still really like it.
This one just out. It's terrific.
December 5, 2025 at 1:34 PM
This one just out. It's terrific.
Non fiction:
Louise Milligan - "Cardinal"
Your country is likely to have your own version of this book. Many countries will.
Some good news about the pope dying: George Pell is already dead, so there will be no rubbish about him being a possible replacement.
Louise Milligan - "Cardinal"
Your country is likely to have your own version of this book. Many countries will.
Some good news about the pope dying: George Pell is already dead, so there will be no rubbish about him being a possible replacement.
April 22, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Non fiction:
Louise Milligan - "Cardinal"
Your country is likely to have your own version of this book. Many countries will.
Some good news about the pope dying: George Pell is already dead, so there will be no rubbish about him being a possible replacement.
Louise Milligan - "Cardinal"
Your country is likely to have your own version of this book. Many countries will.
Some good news about the pope dying: George Pell is already dead, so there will be no rubbish about him being a possible replacement.
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Alec Orea - Concerto for Piano and Universe (2025)
Three tracks Alec on solo piano, two duo, one trio track,the bulk of the album a band featuring Alex Sipiagin (trumpet) and Will Vinson (alto sax). Rhythm section Sidiel Vieira & Ridrigo Digao Braz are excellent.
Alec Orea - Concerto for Piano and Universe (2025)
Three tracks Alec on solo piano, two duo, one trio track,the bulk of the album a band featuring Alex Sipiagin (trumpet) and Will Vinson (alto sax). Rhythm section Sidiel Vieira & Ridrigo Digao Braz are excellent.
January 19, 2025 at 11:57 AM
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Alec Orea - Concerto for Piano and Universe (2025)
Three tracks Alec on solo piano, two duo, one trio track,the bulk of the album a band featuring Alex Sipiagin (trumpet) and Will Vinson (alto sax). Rhythm section Sidiel Vieira & Ridrigo Digao Braz are excellent.
Alec Orea - Concerto for Piano and Universe (2025)
Three tracks Alec on solo piano, two duo, one trio track,the bulk of the album a band featuring Alex Sipiagin (trumpet) and Will Vinson (alto sax). Rhythm section Sidiel Vieira & Ridrigo Digao Braz are excellent.
#NowPlaying #jazzsky #NewMusic (ish)
Dayna Stephens - Closer Than We Think (2024)
Trying to listen through my 2024 jazz backlog. DS sounds great as ever, with a youngish band; Jong-kuk Kim, Kanoa Mendenhall (drums, bass) are very fine, Emmanuel Michael (guit) has a lovely Frisell-ish sound.
Dayna Stephens - Closer Than We Think (2024)
Trying to listen through my 2024 jazz backlog. DS sounds great as ever, with a youngish band; Jong-kuk Kim, Kanoa Mendenhall (drums, bass) are very fine, Emmanuel Michael (guit) has a lovely Frisell-ish sound.
January 13, 2025 at 12:03 PM
#NowPlaying #jazzsky #NewMusic (ish)
Dayna Stephens - Closer Than We Think (2024)
Trying to listen through my 2024 jazz backlog. DS sounds great as ever, with a youngish band; Jong-kuk Kim, Kanoa Mendenhall (drums, bass) are very fine, Emmanuel Michael (guit) has a lovely Frisell-ish sound.
Dayna Stephens - Closer Than We Think (2024)
Trying to listen through my 2024 jazz backlog. DS sounds great as ever, with a youngish band; Jong-kuk Kim, Kanoa Mendenhall (drums, bass) are very fine, Emmanuel Michael (guit) has a lovely Frisell-ish sound.
#NowPlaying #jazzsky
Soraya - Soraya (2024)
Giving this another spin. Band led by Kento Tsubosaka (keys) and Kurena Ishikawa (bass/ vocals). I love this album, great songs, great playing. Fans of Norah Jones should give it a listen.
Soraya - Soraya (2024)
Giving this another spin. Band led by Kento Tsubosaka (keys) and Kurena Ishikawa (bass/ vocals). I love this album, great songs, great playing. Fans of Norah Jones should give it a listen.
January 12, 2025 at 12:18 PM
#NowPlaying #jazzsky
Soraya - Soraya (2024)
Giving this another spin. Band led by Kento Tsubosaka (keys) and Kurena Ishikawa (bass/ vocals). I love this album, great songs, great playing. Fans of Norah Jones should give it a listen.
Soraya - Soraya (2024)
Giving this another spin. Band led by Kento Tsubosaka (keys) and Kurena Ishikawa (bass/ vocals). I love this album, great songs, great playing. Fans of Norah Jones should give it a listen.
So for various reasons I was looking up drug approvals on the FDA website, and in the entry for 16th December I found this. I hate to think what disease could be so bad that shoving explosive material up your backside is the cure.
December 23, 2024 at 2:46 PM
So for various reasons I was looking up drug approvals on the FDA website, and in the entry for 16th December I found this. I hate to think what disease could be so bad that shoving explosive material up your backside is the cure.
Strong Lady Penelope vibes with this one.
December 22, 2024 at 1:21 AM
Strong Lady Penelope vibes with this one.
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #jazzsky
Jenny Scheinman - All Species Parade (2024)
Killer rhythm section (Tony Scherr/ Kenny Wollesen). Great guitar: Bill Frisell's on it- joined by Julian Lage or Nels Cline on a few tracks. But JS (violin/ composition) and pianist Carmen Staaf are revelatory. Sublime.
Jenny Scheinman - All Species Parade (2024)
Killer rhythm section (Tony Scherr/ Kenny Wollesen). Great guitar: Bill Frisell's on it- joined by Julian Lage or Nels Cline on a few tracks. But JS (violin/ composition) and pianist Carmen Staaf are revelatory. Sublime.
December 20, 2024 at 1:27 PM
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #jazzsky
Jenny Scheinman - All Species Parade (2024)
Killer rhythm section (Tony Scherr/ Kenny Wollesen). Great guitar: Bill Frisell's on it- joined by Julian Lage or Nels Cline on a few tracks. But JS (violin/ composition) and pianist Carmen Staaf are revelatory. Sublime.
Jenny Scheinman - All Species Parade (2024)
Killer rhythm section (Tony Scherr/ Kenny Wollesen). Great guitar: Bill Frisell's on it- joined by Julian Lage or Nels Cline on a few tracks. But JS (violin/ composition) and pianist Carmen Staaf are revelatory. Sublime.
#NowPlaying
Shuta Hasunuma - Unpeople (2023)
Electronics/glitch I suppose, with vaguely ambient leanings. Occasional guests mix things up (Keigo Oyamada, Jeff Parker and great to hear KOM_I on a track), and there's a good variety of sonics across the album.
Shuta Hasunuma - Unpeople (2023)
Electronics/glitch I suppose, with vaguely ambient leanings. Occasional guests mix things up (Keigo Oyamada, Jeff Parker and great to hear KOM_I on a track), and there's a good variety of sonics across the album.
December 17, 2024 at 2:20 AM
#NowPlaying
Shuta Hasunuma - Unpeople (2023)
Electronics/glitch I suppose, with vaguely ambient leanings. Occasional guests mix things up (Keigo Oyamada, Jeff Parker and great to hear KOM_I on a track), and there's a good variety of sonics across the album.
Shuta Hasunuma - Unpeople (2023)
Electronics/glitch I suppose, with vaguely ambient leanings. Occasional guests mix things up (Keigo Oyamada, Jeff Parker and great to hear KOM_I on a track), and there's a good variety of sonics across the album.
#Jazzsky #NowPlaying #NewMusic
Brad Shepik/ Human Activity: Dream of the Possible (2024)
Interesting textures on this: Shepik on guitar and a few other string things, piano/bass/drums&percussion but then also violin. It has an expansive worldy/folk vibe, very much a hidden gem of the year.
Brad Shepik/ Human Activity: Dream of the Possible (2024)
Interesting textures on this: Shepik on guitar and a few other string things, piano/bass/drums&percussion but then also violin. It has an expansive worldy/folk vibe, very much a hidden gem of the year.
December 13, 2024 at 9:38 AM
#Jazzsky #NowPlaying #NewMusic
Brad Shepik/ Human Activity: Dream of the Possible (2024)
Interesting textures on this: Shepik on guitar and a few other string things, piano/bass/drums&percussion but then also violin. It has an expansive worldy/folk vibe, very much a hidden gem of the year.
Brad Shepik/ Human Activity: Dream of the Possible (2024)
Interesting textures on this: Shepik on guitar and a few other string things, piano/bass/drums&percussion but then also violin. It has an expansive worldy/folk vibe, very much a hidden gem of the year.
#NowPlaying #JazzSky
Soraya - Soraya (2024)
Keyboardist Kento Tsubosaka and bassist/singer Kurena Ishikawa released this album which has gorgeous songs and lovely arrangement and performances. I love Ishikawa's vocals and harmonies; fans of Norah Jones should listen. Fave track "ルーシー" ("Lucy")
Soraya - Soraya (2024)
Keyboardist Kento Tsubosaka and bassist/singer Kurena Ishikawa released this album which has gorgeous songs and lovely arrangement and performances. I love Ishikawa's vocals and harmonies; fans of Norah Jones should listen. Fave track "ルーシー" ("Lucy")
December 5, 2024 at 11:07 PM
#NowPlaying #JazzSky
Soraya - Soraya (2024)
Keyboardist Kento Tsubosaka and bassist/singer Kurena Ishikawa released this album which has gorgeous songs and lovely arrangement and performances. I love Ishikawa's vocals and harmonies; fans of Norah Jones should listen. Fave track "ルーシー" ("Lucy")
Soraya - Soraya (2024)
Keyboardist Kento Tsubosaka and bassist/singer Kurena Ishikawa released this album which has gorgeous songs and lovely arrangement and performances. I love Ishikawa's vocals and harmonies; fans of Norah Jones should listen. Fave track "ルーシー" ("Lucy")
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #Jazzsky
Ben Wendel - Understory (2024)
Quartet album with first class players - Gerald Clayton, Linda May Han Oh, Obed Calvaire. Live- at the Village Vanguard what's more- with great variety in the set list and playing. like any good live album, makes you wish you were there
Ben Wendel - Understory (2024)
Quartet album with first class players - Gerald Clayton, Linda May Han Oh, Obed Calvaire. Live- at the Village Vanguard what's more- with great variety in the set list and playing. like any good live album, makes you wish you were there
December 5, 2024 at 8:33 AM
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #Jazzsky
Ben Wendel - Understory (2024)
Quartet album with first class players - Gerald Clayton, Linda May Han Oh, Obed Calvaire. Live- at the Village Vanguard what's more- with great variety in the set list and playing. like any good live album, makes you wish you were there
Ben Wendel - Understory (2024)
Quartet album with first class players - Gerald Clayton, Linda May Han Oh, Obed Calvaire. Live- at the Village Vanguard what's more- with great variety in the set list and playing. like any good live album, makes you wish you were there
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Tomin - A Willed and Conscious Balance (2024)
Interesting textures (mostly two wind/ horn, two cellos, keys, bass, drums), and the compositions- short cyclic themes- have a "loop" vibe. Concise running time but still sounds loose and expansive.
Tomin - A Willed and Conscious Balance (2024)
Interesting textures (mostly two wind/ horn, two cellos, keys, bass, drums), and the compositions- short cyclic themes- have a "loop" vibe. Concise running time but still sounds loose and expansive.
December 5, 2024 at 7:29 AM
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Tomin - A Willed and Conscious Balance (2024)
Interesting textures (mostly two wind/ horn, two cellos, keys, bass, drums), and the compositions- short cyclic themes- have a "loop" vibe. Concise running time but still sounds loose and expansive.
Tomin - A Willed and Conscious Balance (2024)
Interesting textures (mostly two wind/ horn, two cellos, keys, bass, drums), and the compositions- short cyclic themes- have a "loop" vibe. Concise running time but still sounds loose and expansive.
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Miki Yamanaka - Chance (2024)
All covers on this new album- great choice of material too- and this time no fourth voice, just the trio. Everyone has plenty to say, though. There's a sense of wit and fun about the whole thing, it's a joy to listen to.
Miki Yamanaka - Chance (2024)
All covers on this new album- great choice of material too- and this time no fourth voice, just the trio. Everyone has plenty to say, though. There's a sense of wit and fun about the whole thing, it's a joy to listen to.
November 27, 2024 at 5:31 AM
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Miki Yamanaka - Chance (2024)
All covers on this new album- great choice of material too- and this time no fourth voice, just the trio. Everyone has plenty to say, though. There's a sense of wit and fun about the whole thing, it's a joy to listen to.
Miki Yamanaka - Chance (2024)
All covers on this new album- great choice of material too- and this time no fourth voice, just the trio. Everyone has plenty to say, though. There's a sense of wit and fun about the whole thing, it's a joy to listen to.
Would also strongly recommend the earlier album "Aziza" which has these two along with Eric Harland and Chris Potter.
November 26, 2024 at 3:28 AM
Would also strongly recommend the earlier album "Aziza" which has these two along with Eric Harland and Chris Potter.
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Lionel Loueke & David Holland - United (2024)
I'm a fan of both LL and DH and this didn't disappoint. Fairly mellow, LL writes the originals and there are some vocals and I guess a few overdubs? But there's still plenty where it's just the two vibing.
Lionel Loueke & David Holland - United (2024)
I'm a fan of both LL and DH and this didn't disappoint. Fairly mellow, LL writes the originals and there are some vocals and I guess a few overdubs? But there's still plenty where it's just the two vibing.
November 26, 2024 at 3:28 AM
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Lionel Loueke & David Holland - United (2024)
I'm a fan of both LL and DH and this didn't disappoint. Fairly mellow, LL writes the originals and there are some vocals and I guess a few overdubs? But there's still plenty where it's just the two vibing.
Lionel Loueke & David Holland - United (2024)
I'm a fan of both LL and DH and this didn't disappoint. Fairly mellow, LL writes the originals and there are some vocals and I guess a few overdubs? But there's still plenty where it's just the two vibing.
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Elephant9 - Mythical River (2024)
Given the concise-ish running time, the tracks don't feel rushed, they just lope along. Good contrast between groove/ composed and energetic/laid back. I'm always a fan of keyboardists who say, look we can do distortion too...
Elephant9 - Mythical River (2024)
Given the concise-ish running time, the tracks don't feel rushed, they just lope along. Good contrast between groove/ composed and energetic/laid back. I'm always a fan of keyboardists who say, look we can do distortion too...
November 26, 2024 at 2:13 AM
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Elephant9 - Mythical River (2024)
Given the concise-ish running time, the tracks don't feel rushed, they just lope along. Good contrast between groove/ composed and energetic/laid back. I'm always a fan of keyboardists who say, look we can do distortion too...
Elephant9 - Mythical River (2024)
Given the concise-ish running time, the tracks don't feel rushed, they just lope along. Good contrast between groove/ composed and energetic/laid back. I'm always a fan of keyboardists who say, look we can do distortion too...
#A-Haydn-A-Day
So I'm going to do my best to play along but will feel no guilt/shame if I miss a few days and have to catch up.
My default set will be the Hogwood AAM one as that's the one I own, I'll be looking at other people's suggestions for performances with interest.
So I'm going to do my best to play along but will feel no guilt/shame if I miss a few days and have to catch up.
My default set will be the Hogwood AAM one as that's the one I own, I'll be looking at other people's suggestions for performances with interest.
November 23, 2024 at 8:44 AM
#A-Haydn-A-Day
So I'm going to do my best to play along but will feel no guilt/shame if I miss a few days and have to catch up.
My default set will be the Hogwood AAM one as that's the one I own, I'll be looking at other people's suggestions for performances with interest.
So I'm going to do my best to play along but will feel no guilt/shame if I miss a few days and have to catch up.
My default set will be the Hogwood AAM one as that's the one I own, I'll be looking at other people's suggestions for performances with interest.
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #japan
Bialystocks - Songs for the Cryptids (2024)
Intelligent pop/rock with proper songwriting; I loved their last album Quicksand too. Pushing my luck giving it a #JazzSky tag, but they're playing the Japan Montreux jazzfest, so if Herbie name-checks them you know why.
Bialystocks - Songs for the Cryptids (2024)
Intelligent pop/rock with proper songwriting; I loved their last album Quicksand too. Pushing my luck giving it a #JazzSky tag, but they're playing the Japan Montreux jazzfest, so if Herbie name-checks them you know why.
November 21, 2024 at 12:20 PM
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #japan
Bialystocks - Songs for the Cryptids (2024)
Intelligent pop/rock with proper songwriting; I loved their last album Quicksand too. Pushing my luck giving it a #JazzSky tag, but they're playing the Japan Montreux jazzfest, so if Herbie name-checks them you know why.
Bialystocks - Songs for the Cryptids (2024)
Intelligent pop/rock with proper songwriting; I loved their last album Quicksand too. Pushing my luck giving it a #JazzSky tag, but they're playing the Japan Montreux jazzfest, so if Herbie name-checks them you know why.
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Neil Swainson Sextet - Here For A While (2024)
All originals here, NS' horn arrangements have an old school vibe and that's no complaint- and the horns blend really well. I'm a big RR fan, and she's great, but so are NS (bass) and QD (drums). Like this a lot.
Neil Swainson Sextet - Here For A While (2024)
All originals here, NS' horn arrangements have an old school vibe and that's no complaint- and the horns blend really well. I'm a big RR fan, and she's great, but so are NS (bass) and QD (drums). Like this a lot.
November 21, 2024 at 11:47 AM
#NowPlaying #NewMusic #JazzSky
Neil Swainson Sextet - Here For A While (2024)
All originals here, NS' horn arrangements have an old school vibe and that's no complaint- and the horns blend really well. I'm a big RR fan, and she's great, but so are NS (bass) and QD (drums). Like this a lot.
Neil Swainson Sextet - Here For A While (2024)
All originals here, NS' horn arrangements have an old school vibe and that's no complaint- and the horns blend really well. I'm a big RR fan, and she's great, but so are NS (bass) and QD (drums). Like this a lot.