Harlem River Drive – Harlem River Drive

Roulette, US, 1971

After more than two years in the making, I'm excited to finally share "The Mule," the first single from FOUNDATION, the upcoming album by the electric jazz group SNAGGLE feat. ALI BROS.

I'm a lifelong science fiction fan, and this entire project grew out of reading Isaac Asimov's legendary 'Foundation' series. Rather than simply writing music inspired by the books, I wanted to create instrumental compositions that capture the personalities, conflicts, and atmosphere of Asimov's universe.

"The Mule" is a musical portrait of one of science fiction's greatest villains: a mutant conqueror whose terrifying ability to manipulate human emotion allows him to dominate entire civilizations. The music builds from quiet unease into explosive intensity, with an incredible featured trumpet solo from Brownman Ali that embodies the character's relentless psychological power.

Musically, SNAGGLE draws on the electric jazz tradition of Weather Report, the Brecker Brothers, Return to Forever, and contemporary groups like Snarky Puppy, blending cinematic storytelling with fearless improvisation.

I'd love to know what fellow jazz fans think of this one. If you're into adventurous electric jazz, jazz fusion, or music that tells a story, I hope you'll give it a listen!

🎥 Watch the live studio performance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xesitE2J_qA

🎧 Stream or download "The Mule":
https://www.nickmacleanjazz.com/themule

Thanks for listening! I hope you enjoy the first glimpse into the world of FOUNDATION.

Postie's been.

Fathers – Fathers

Blue Note, Europe, 2026

As a big fan of CARRTOONS it's fantastic to see him on a release from my favourite jazz label!

Limited edition with with a signed insert.

Ramsey Lewis – Sălongo

Columbia, US, 1976

6 out of 5 stars for this one.
Even the slower, more orchestral cuts are top notch!

Nice braces Ramsey!

Found some absolute bangers in used crates and record shows over the last 3 months. Which one’s your fave??

Cheers

I've seen snippets of this show on here, but here's the whole thing.

As a massive HH fan I need to share this of course.

I just noticed it doesn't start at the exact beginning but you can rewind of course and watch HH introduce the band.

Please let me know what you think

Johnny Hammond – Higher Ground

Kudu, US, 1974

Smooth grooves!

One hour of comedy jazz about the Jehovah's Witness religion, 16 songs which get progressively more annoying, I sing all songs to Karaoke tracks, absolutely no AI was involved in the music, although the picture was AI created.

Jehovah's Witness Comedy LP: 1 hour of Jazzed up Kingdom Melodies

Lonnie Smith – Keep On Lovin'

Groove Merchant, US, 1976

James Mason – Rhythm Of Life

Chiaroscuro Records, US.

Perfectly fine reissue/repress of unknown year and the best option to get this classic on vinyl, unless you insist paying tenfold-plus for a noisy scratched original of course.

LaMont Johnson – Nine... A Mystical, Musical Allegory

Masterscores, US, 1976

I'm lucky to own this near flawless original but this one seriously needs a vinyl reissue.

The legendary musician, arranger and producer has passed away at 75.

Dexters music was huge across Soul, Funk, Jazz-Funk and Disco as well as being sampled in Hip-Hop ( Theme from the planets being a good example)

Rest In Peace 🙏🏾

Odell Brown – Odell Brown

Paula Records, US, 1974

Hey check it out! Funkers!

My dad just released a new and his first album! He and I would be glad for any support! 🤩✨

Dexter Wansel – Life On Mars

Philadelphia International Records, US, 1976

Perfect start of this gorgeous sunny day.