Ronin Arkestra

★★★★ Sonkei ALBERT’S FAVOURITES. CD/DL/LP Spiritual jazz and experimental electronica prove blissful bedfellows on this Tokyo supergroup’s debut. Corralling players from Cro-Magnon, Root Soul, Sleepwalker and Kyoto Jazz Massive, Mark de Clive-Lowe’s detailed, lush soundscapes allow plenty of room for improvisation amid the soaring horns and piano-driven melodies. Held down by the energetic doubletime accents and vagabond beats of WONK drummer Hikaru Arata, Sonkei bristles with spirit and energy. AC