Review: Saiga Tracks - Introducing Saiga Tracks (Bridge The Gap)

A hell of an introduction, Saiga Tracks have arrived!

When Mike Anning (sax) joined forces with trumpeter and composter Josh Short, there's the fusion in the making so add to these two, Mike Anning (sax), James Copus (trumpet), Brazilian trombonist Joabe Reis and LOX on drums and featureing Kyle Drakard's "fusion-esque" guitar.

May not be household names now, but if I know anything about 70s inspired jazz-fusion from the Yellow Jackets to the much missed and tragic loss of Roy Hargroves RH Factor and throw in some Butcher Brown featuring Nicholas Payton, you're going to gain attention like the drum solo on 'Track 5'!

But this is no 'one track' release as 'Detroit' sets us up for the horn frontal attack, think Tower Of Power' in a citiy night scape as McLaughlin/Metheny jazz-funker.  Having these guys grown up listening to Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Miles and Herbie?  'Mewwija' certainly sounds like it but not in a 'student' way as there's definitely a sense of their own style groove; in case you were wondering, 'Mewwija' is a name for the Maltese peninsula where Valetta is situated: strategic you would agree.

But that's not the only landmark track here, Jaco's bassline gets a nod on 'Coastal Highway' and whilst the synths take us along the Pacific coast, the trombone solo really suits this set-up that's not been seen on these shores since Raul de Souza passed. 

Take a breather with 'Groove, Changes' and the Payton inspired 'Numbers' before that 'Track 5' hits us over the head again. 

All the usual suspects will be supporting this one like Jazz on 3, BBC Radio 6's Gilles Peterson, Jazz FM and more plus the adventurous DJ jazz dance types.

Artist: Saiga Tracks 

Title: Introducing Saiga Tracks 

Release date: 14th November, 2025

Label : Bridge The Gap

Catalog Number : TBC

Format: Dgital / Bandcamp