The pieces in this compilation were, for the most part, recorded over 18 months in Australia, but that information is almost unnecessary when it comes to appreciating Jazz Calls 2019. If anything, the beauty is in how borderless it is. From tinkering with traditional styles to introducing unexpected tones and elements from other genres, these songs—made by some of Australia’s most established jazz musicians alongside exciting up-and-comers—are somehow both innovative and timeless.
It all begins with “Things Ain’t,” a rumbling, ambling Kevin Hunt Trio original, jointly inspired by a 1793 Aboriginal chant, “Barrabul-la,” and Mercer Ellington’s 1942 standard “Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.” The compilation spreads into vast, varied terrains from there. Singing on “Alone Together” and “Sea Journey,” Amelia Evans’ slinky, scat-infused love songs evoke a smoky scene in some after-hours basement bar—you can practically smell the whiskey. Saxophonist Angela Davis’ tender rendition of Bill Frisell’s woozy “Pretty Flowers Were Made for Blooming” proves just how affecting and emotional slower, simpler jazz melodies can be. Slower still is “Kiri (Mist)”—by trumpeter Niran Dasika and Japanese pianist Sumire Kuribayashi, recorded live—which stretches from meditative and drone-like toward an ominous, noirish peak, more than 10 minutes later. Even the religious references are diverse; harmonized vocals and trombone take jazz to church on “Hymning to Myself,” by the trio Strong Cotton Socks, while Tal Cohen reimagines traditional Jewish music in the style of pianist Cedar Walton on “Cedar Meets the Jews.”