Gnawa-inspired jazz, Sun Ra reworks, and resurfaced soul hits

Gilles selects freshly released music from around the globe, including a track from jazz saxophonist JD Allen’s new album Söwt, inspired by Moroccan gnawa, a jungle rework of a classic cover of Sounds of Blackness' Optimistic, and the latest recording from the Lithuanian guitarist Brockenchord. Plus, Gilles celebrates the iconic R&B singer and songwriter Freddie Jackson, who recently passed away.

Elsewhere in the show, we hear from Marc Hollander from Aksak Maboul about their forthcoming album, blending Kosmische Musik, jazz, and experimental sounds; and singer Jimetta Rose tells us about her new album MettaSun, a collection of reworks of her favourite compositions by Sun Ra.

Produced by Reduced Listening for BBC Radio 6 Music.