Nighthawks - Paris Dakar (2025) [Hi-Res]

Initially formed as a duo by Martino and Winterschladen, the group was mistakenly classified as "lounge jazz," a label soon replaced by "nu-jazz." The soft, embracing quality of the Nighthawks sound remains present on Paris Dakar, as Vapor Bega demonstrates. Yet this warmth now stands alongside a clear desire for full-band interplay. The West Africa-inspired Manu Dibango arises from pure group improvisation and also tells the story of Martino's journey to Dakar years ago while composing a soundtrack. Guitarist Dominic Miller (Sting) joins in with the band in the mysteriously soaring song Young. Taken as a whole, Paris Dakar appeals to the imagination. Its 11 tracks can easily be heard as musical stages of the rally that gives the album its name, the band never insists on interpretations like this. Instead, they encourage listeners to trust their intuition, letting their own images emerge from the finely woven interplay of sounds and rhythms. Setting impulses for movement has always been central to the Nighthawks, who stem from Hamburg and Cologne. And since water, like music, is a global connector, the album cover photo was taken at a symbolic location: The Strait of Gibraltar, where Europe and Africa almost touch - seperated by just a few miles of the Atlantic ocean. The connecting spirit of Nighthawks compositions brings together what belongs together in both art and life: Memories, experiences, and cherished influences that shape the present and future of music. Herb Alpert, with his eternally youthful Tijuana Brass, waves warmly into the world of Paris Dakar, embodying an openhearted jazz era. Nighthawks, with Paris Dakar, affirm with generosity and openness just how innovative and adaptable their music remains.