Bastard Jazz, the label itself, has always been know as eclectic / underground in the electronic, funk, soul, hip-hop, reggae since its inception so here's an album that more than fits in with it's 'Simularca' - Eric Demuro is going to stand out this year!
We had a taster of this album with the single 'Ara Macao' / 'Freedom Layers (Pilchard Rounds)' (see review HERE) but this six track version by Eric Demuro is a great way to celebrate the label's 25th year.
The Venice based bass player who focuses on "groove, experimental and electronic music" is more evidence of their open-minded approach that's very much jazz-funk (and more) as the Italian OST jazz-library gets a injection of "elastic bass lines, warm Rhodes textures, and loose, patient percussion" on 'Freedom Layers (Pilchard Rounds)' and the dream state of 'Dreamstream'.
And 'Railroad Ties' (Ed. we love anything that is trains based at YATM) keeps us on the edge of dreams and transport systems as the longest track on the album excels with flute, vibes, keys, percussuion and low-slung space funk from rain forest regions. This Latin flute gang vibe gets further amplified on 'Backlash Off The Grid' and the opener 'Ara Macao', featuring Fanni Zahár (flute) as a percussive Steve Reich vs. Lonnie Liston Smith with marimba that's as much jazz-dance as headphone.
We're told, the album was "Developed between New York and Berlin, Demuro’s approach draws from formal study in New York, time spent working with Swiss pianist Nik Bärtsch, and years immersed in Berlin’s Gifted Culture collective, where his studio practice took shape. Recent collaborations, including experimental electronic work alongside James K and projects connected to Ed Longo’s productions, reflect a background shaped through releases with labels such as SUED, Cosmic Romance Records, and others. The result is an intimate and cinematic debut anchored by bass as its guiding voice".
The closing track, 'Hau' is like a Bill Laswell twist to what's gone on before - possibly in the NY subway but apart from that (or possibly in addition), you can also add Bob James and Lalo Schrifin into the mix, it's that good!
Artist: Eric Demuro
Title:Simulacra
Release date: 5th June, 2025
Label : Bastard Jazz Recordings
Catalog Number : BJLP54
Format: Vinyl (pre-order) / Digital / Bandcamp
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