New Music Friday: Enji, Pink Martini and More
Each week, Babylon Radio brings you a handpicked selection of new music, spotlighting new and upcoming albums, overlooked gems, and fresh singles. Expect a wide range of sounds from around the world and across genres, with a special focus on unique artistry and multicultural collaborations. This week’s roundup includes new music by Mongolian-born, Munich-based artist Enji, genre-crossing little orchestra Pink Martini, and more.
Arve Henriksen, Trygve Seim, Anders Jormin and Markku Ounaskari, Arcanum (ECM)
Release date: May 2
Arcanum is a new album featuring a quartet of distinguished Nordic jazz musicians, including Arve Henriksen on trumpet, Trygve Seim on saxophone, Anders Jormin on bass, and Markku Ounaskari on drums. While the four have collaborated in various configurations over the years, Arcanum marks their first full-length recording as a quartet, and showcases a blend of original compositions, alongside a Finnish traditional piece, and an arrangement of Ornette Coleman’s “What Reason Could I Give.” The music, produced by ECM’s founder Manfred Eicher, is characterised by graceful collective improvisations, lyrical solos, and sensitive group interactions, reflecting the group’s deep musical rapport.
Enji, Sonor (Squama)
Release date: May 2
Mongolian-born, Munich-based artist Enji has released her fourth album, Sonor, which marks a significant evolution in her musical journey by blending traditional Mongolian folk with jazz, funk, and introspective ballads. Delving into themes of identity, cultural duality, and personal growth, the record reflects Enji’s experiences navigating life between Mongolia and Germany, through her unique voice and emotive storytelling. Sonor is also enriched by collaboration with renowned artists like Elias Stemeseder, Robert Landfermann, Julian Sartorius, and Paul Brändle, contributing to the full-length’s rich, nuanced sound.
The Head and the Heart, Aperture (Verve Forecast)
Release date: May 9
American indie folk band The Head and the Heart return to a more DIY, collaborative approach on their first self-produced album, and sixth album overall, which will be released on May 9. Aperture aims to recapture the energy of the group’s raw energy and chemistry of their early years, as they reclaim their creative control. Reflecting their commitment to evolving while staying true to their roots, Aperture channels a renewed sense of urgency, emotional honesty, and even punk energy, exploring themes of hope, agency, and presence in the face of personal struggles and societal challenges.
Joseph Chester, Au Revoir Tristesse (Bohemia)
Release date: June 13
Following the success of his 2023 album Lucia, his musical portrait of Lucia Joyce, Irish composer and musician Joseph Chester deepens his exploration of classical guitar on his new album, Au Revoir Tristesse. Commissioned by Axis Ballymun and the Arts Council of Ireland, the record presents his suite of five original pieces for classical guitar inspired by Françoise Sagan’s iconic 1954 novel Bonjour Tristesse and unfolds as a lyrical exploration on melancholy, nature, and solitude. The album release announcement is accompanied by the release of its lead single, “Une soie, énervante et douce,” which you can listen to via the player below.
Pink Martini, Bella Ciao (Heinz)
Release date: May 12
Little orchestra Pink Martini, known for crossing over several styles including classical, Latin, traditional pop, and jazz, have shared a bold reimagining of “Bella Ciao,” the Italian anti-fascist anthem. Bandleader Thomas Lauderdale chose the song as a timely expression of defiance in light of current events, envisioning it as a modern protest anthem. Featuring long-time Pink Martini vocalist Storm Large, the song, which you can listen to via the player below, also serves as the title track to the band’s upcoming EP, which will be released on May 14, and is released on the year of their 30th anniversary, which they will also celebrate with a world tour.
