A-Trane Präsentiert: – TC.Kylie x The Hourglass – «Re:birth» – Album Release Légère Recordings

TC.Kylie x The Hourglass «Re:birth» Album Release Légère Recordings The label on the box says “dynamic jazz fusion” and I’m pleased to say that the description does not lie. This is contemporary jazz that has a lovely mix of European and Asian influences (there are moments on Merry-Go-Round of Life that are reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli soundtrack), proving that jazz can be beautiful as well as entertaining. TC.KYLIE is a contemporary jazz artist blending modern jazz, gaming-inspired soundtracks and influences from Hong Kong, Japan and the UK TC KYLIE’s keyboard and synth keytar performances draw on Robert Glasper, Shaun Martin and Japan’s acid-jazz pioneers Fox Capture Plan and jizue, with Sega- and Nintendo-inspired textures and the cinematic palette of Studio Ghibli and Joe Hisaishi. Her debut instrumental album RE:birth, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, drew international attention across radio and jazz publications for its cinematic modern-jazz language. As a former journalist in Hong Kong’s major TV and radio outlets, she brings social awareness and a commitment to youth, female and Asian empowerment into her music. Her work has been recognised at the Toronto International Music Video Festival, the Japan Indies Music Awards and through consecutive Tone Music Award nominations. This whole album is a joy. It cries out for the best possible speakers that you can find because it’s immersive and requires no interruptions. The music is piano-centred but when the band kicks in, it’s a sonic equivalent of a sunrise or jet of warm air. This is a young band, extremely talented, that has hungrily eaten up all manner of influences from jazz, pop and classical music and the result is something very fresh and very good. My only complaint is that the album is over too soon. TC.KYLIE’s narrative is one of profound transition and Asian female empowerment. Formerly a prominent journalist for Hong Kong’s public broadcaster (RTHK), she applies a documentarian’s precision to her compositions. This evolution serves as a testament to artistic agency and well-being, establishing the stage as a sanctuary for cultural dialogue and personal resilience. Building on the international momentum of her debut EP, RE:birth, Kylie is currently in production for her cornerstone full-length album slated for late 2026. Inspired by the spirit of Hiromi Uehara, she maintains an uncompromising commitment to 96kHz audiophile-grade recordings. Currently embarking on her 2026 UK & Ireland tour, Kylie continues to bridge her storytelling depth with the raw emotional power of cinematic performance. Live Teaser YouTube TC.KYLIE – Keys／Synth Keytar Victor Wu – Flute／Alto Saxophone Natasha Petrović – Violin Indigo Pearce – Bass Karlos Hall – Drums TC Kylie Live Foto©Takuya Kuroda