Tag Archives: Ambrose Akinmusire

Mixtape #179

02 January 2026

Led by trumpeter and musical director Axel Kaner-Lidstrom, London-based ten-piece collective Levitation Orchestra have been lighting up the UK jazz scene since their formation in 2018. Bringing together some of London’s most exciting young talents, their music blends orchestral sounds, cinematic landscapes, rhythmic experimentation, and fierce improvisation, channeling influences from the avant-garde traditions of Sun Ra and Alice Coltrane, classical giants like Stravinsky and Ravel, and the rich heritage of London’s soundsystem culture. With an ethos rooted in community, Levitation Orchestra thrive on collective composition, with each member contributing to a shared vision. Last November, they released their third album, Sanctuary, a buoyant, ebullient and triumphant record. So we're beyond excited to kick off the year with the fiery and exhilarating mix they put together for us, filled with tracks that reflect the diverse musical world they inhabit. Press play and enjoy the ride!

  1. Makaya McCraven – In These Times [International Anthem / Nonesuch / XL Recordings]
  2. Sun Ra & His Myth Science Arkestra – Fate In a Pleasant Mood [Impulse!]
  3. United Vibrations – I Know Who I Am [12tone C.I.C]
  4. Esperanza Spalding – Rest In Pleasure [Concord]
  5. Ambrose Akinmusire – MYanx . [Nonesuch]
  6. Kassa Overall – Ready To Ball [Warp]
  7. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Uno [Madlib Invazion]
  8. Christian Scott – Twin [Ropeadope / Lonestar Records]
  9. The Comet Is Coming – Start Running [Leaf]
  10. Human Resources – Desilu (U Edit) [Body Action Music]
  11. The Bug – Skeng [Hyperdub]

Mixtape #155

02 January 2024


A central figure of the contemporary UK jazz scene, young British tenor saxophonist Alex Hitchcock is a creative and visionary artist, with a prolific body of solo and collaborative work. Hitchcock excels as a bandleader, composer and performer in his ambitious recent album, Dream Band: Live in London, which was recorded live over three nights, each featuring a different band he brought together including bright sparks of the contemporary London scene, and for which he specifically composed original music. So with a new year upon us, we’re thrilled to unveil the magnificent mixtape he curated for us, encapsulating the influences at play in his own music. Press play and enjoy.

  1. Koma Saxo & Petter Eldh – Watten Koma [We Jazz]
  2. Patricia Brennan – Square Bimagic [Pyroclastic Records]
  3. Kirk Lightsey, Famodou Don Moye & Tibor Elekes – Heaven Dance [In+Out Records]
  4. Ambrose Akinmusire – Owl Song 1 [Nonesuch]
  5. Phronesis – Lipwash – Part II [Edition Records]
  6. Lucia Cadotsch – Speak Low [We Jazz]
  7. Eric Dolphy – Bee Vamp (Alternate Take) [Prestige]
  8. Maria Chiara Argirò – Beneath The Surface [Cavalo Records]
  9. Bheki Mseleku – Timelessness [Verve]
  10. Nina Simone – Lilac Wine [Philips]
  11. Jaki Byard – Bl + Wh = 88 [Soul Note]
  12. Samm Henshaw – Thoughts and Prayers [Dorm Seven]