British transplant Jamie Lidell is most well-known for his remarkably expressive voice and his genre-blending work within funk, electronic and neo-soul. But his new project, Places of Unknowing, explores minimalist and orchestral arrangements, allowing Lidell’s voice to stretch and swoon in a way only hinted at on previous releases. As you can see from his handpicked, annotated playlist, his love for classical, jazz and even Krautrock runs deep and is deeply connected to the new album.
“Blue Nile” Alice Coltrane
Generous music from the soul. Feminine flights and the most delightful way to travel. I will always love Alice Coltrane. You can really feel the hands, feel the humanity bursting forth. It’s just heavenly.
“Messe de Requiem: Introït and Kyrie” Alfred Desenclos, Christopher Woodward, The Choir of King’s College London
Reminds me of my Mother. She is a wonderful singer and still takes part in huge concerts in the UK where she sings Verde, Beethoven and some big big stuff. This particular track is sheer beauty. If you don’t get goosebumps listening to this, we will never be friends. It’s that simple. Voice, organ, space, power, majesty, simplicity.
“Debussy: Images – Book 1, L. 110: 1. Reflets dans l’eau” Seong-Jin Cho
Yes, I’m a musical romantic. I find this rendition so tender, and clear. I wish I could play like this. Not fast and furious, just all feeling. All color. Debussy and Ravel. Did I mention I’m a sucker for the romance? Ha
“Gewiß” Roedelius
I’ve become somewhat obsessed with this man’s work. He’s STILL playing at 92. I was introduced to his music by my friend and big time album collaborator Rob Burger. At first I didn’t get it. After some deep listening and a return to headphone listening it all made sense to say the least. For a spell recently this solo Roedelius is all I would listen to. It’s not looping. It’s all hand made and hand played. Layered on a simple 2 track recorder with a Farfisa organ and piano, an echo, a tremolo a phaser and musical invention. The more hypnotic side of things without sequencing. A bridge between worlds.
“Once upon a summertime” Miles Davis, Gil Evans
Just unrepeatable. The collaboration I love so much Gil and Miles! Those big voicings and Miles so peerlessly delivering the melody. Like a Sketches of Spain out take only not forgotten.
“Messe de Nostre Dame: Agnus Dei” Guillaume de Machaut
Voices surround you and become one. The lack of vibrato is shocking and incredibe. The singers are just remarkable. The recording is perfect. The arrangement is sublime. Haunting time travel in 5D
“Planet Earth” Sun Ra
The ultimate guide to the low ways of interstellar freedom. Shaman and true alchemist. SUN RA! I have spent countless hours of life surrounded by this music. There is SO much of it!!! Thank God.
“Bel Air” Can
Beauty of a Can track. Just the perfect trip. The calm come up, the excitement of it all, that unmistakable freedom and fearlessness they had to explore. Like sonic scuba. I mean I could have picked something from Tago Mago but somehow Bel Air just became my track. Yeah, Can are the best. Just the best band.