Tag Archives: Nina Simone

Mixtape #171

01 May 2025


We’re kicking off May with a stellar mixtape from Joan Arnau Pàmies, the brilliant Catalan composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose fearless approach to sound knows no bounds. His work stretches across genres and forms, including free improvisation, electroacoustic music, avant-pop, contemporary classical, jazz, ambient and beyond. Over his 15-year career, Pàmies has set himself apart as a dynamic and versatile artist, defying genre constraints and cultivating a unique musical voice within an open, exploratory creative space. Last month, Pàmies released Guidelines/Fonaments, a deeply personal, immersive and spellbinding album. We’re thrilled to have him at the helm of this month’s mix, offering a glimpse into the influences and sonic realms that fuel his boundless creativity. Press play and enjoy!

  1. Harold Budd and Brian Eno – First Light [Editions EG / Polydor]
  2. Vangelis – Blade Runner Blues [EastWest]
  3. Steve Reich and Pat Metheny – Electric Counterpoint: III. Fast [Nonesuch]
  4. Brian Ferneyhough and the Arditti String Quartet – Adagissimo [Disques Montaigne]
  5. Ludwig van Beethoven and Alfred Brendel – Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat Major, Op. 110. I. Moderato cantabile, molto espressivo [Brilliant Classics]
  6. Brad Mehldau Trio – Unrequited [Warner Bros. Records]
  7. Charlie Parker – Donna Lee [Savoy Records]
  8. Nina Simone – I Wish I knew How It Would Feel to Be Free [RCA Victor]
  9. Alanis Morissette – Hand in My Pocket [Maverick / Reprise Records]
  10. Passengers and Luciano Pavarotti – Miss Sarajevo [Island Records]
  11. Alva Noto – Xerrox Topia [Noton]
  12. Ryuichi Sakamoto – Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence [Virgin]

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]

Mixtape #64

07 July 2015

This month's mixtape is curated by the one and only Waterstrider. Earlier this year, the Oakland based quintet released Nowhere Now, one of those rare albums in which pretty much every single song is an instant hit. Their distinctive sound, with unforgettable gliding vocals, intricate guitars and infectious grooves merges many genres in such a tight unit that we thought a mixtape would help unravel the wide array of their influences. Turns out, you can also boogie to it.


More…

Mixtape #49

01 April 2014

Earlier this year, we were stunned by the new album from Bristolian quartet Get The Blessing. They won us over with their wonderful blend of sounds drawing from jazz to pop and electronica. So this month we've asked them to put together our mixtape and even though they were busy (and still are) touring Europe, they obliged. And we're sure glad they did, press play already!

More…

Mixtape #47

01 February 2014

We love Esmerine. Their heartfelt, adventurous, and majestic compositions are filled with beauty. Their latest release, Dalmak, made it in our Album Picks 2013, so needless to say we're more than a little excited to present the mixtape they've put together for us this month. Pack your boots and get ready for a round-the-world musical trip. And for the first time on Cast the Dice, the mixtape includes special cameo appearances from a blue jay and a raven!

More…

Mixtape #34

12 January 2013

au-au-au.com
We have never been shy about our love for Portland based outfit AU, whose album Both Lights was an absolute favourite of ours in 2012. So it's with a wide grin that we unwrap this month's mixtape, straight from AU's prodigious mastermind Luke Wyland, who takes us on a wild perusal of his music collection, from his latest findings to his old time favourites.


More…