Mixtape #179

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 #164


Mahuki is the creation of Czech-born, Edinburgh-based guitar virtuoso and composer Honza Kourimsky, who’s one of the most exciting talents to emerge on the Scottish jazz scene. Last month Mahuki released his new album, Gratitude, an intricate and stunning fusion record stemming from his personal experiences and musical upbringing, deftly navigating influences from contemporary jazz and Eastern European folk music to progressive funk and rock. We asked Honza to put together a mixtape with some of the artists and bands that have inspired him and we're thrilled to unveil the splendid mix he sent us. Enjoy!

  1. TC & The Groove Family – Tio [Worm Discs]
  2. Christian Scott – Twin [Ropeadope / Lonestar Records]
  3. Jazzanova – Caravelle [Compost Records]
  4. Ezra Collective – Space is the Place [Enter The Jungle Records]
  5. Mahuki – Warrior Path [Bridge The Gap]
  6. Kneebody – Drum Battle [Motéma]
  7. All Day Breakfast Cafe – What if Nile Rodgers and Fela Kuti Were Friends [Jelly's Jams]
  8. The Funky Knuckles – Barbosa [GroundUP Music]
  9. Kamasi Washington – Humility [Young Turks]