Glasgow-based trombonist and producer Liam Shortall, performing under the name Corto.alto, has released his second album, further expanding his innovative approach to jazz fusion. Following his 2023 Mercury Prize-nominated debut, Bad With Names, Shortall continues to challenge conventional jazz norms by blending traditional jazz elements with contemporary genres such as hip-hop, electronic music, and alternative soul.

The new album, released on the Ninja Tune label, builds on the experimental foundation of his earlier work while exploring broader stylistic territories. The opening track, sharing the album’s title, features sweeping string harmonies reminiscent of Bad With Names’ introduction, providing a familiar point of reference for listeners. Another track, "Don’t Listen," uses mid-tempo funk grooves to bridge his previous sound and new sonic explorations.

However, much of the record departs from Shortall’s earlier style. Tracks like "April" combine alternative soul influences with fingerpicked guitar, breakbeat drumming, and vocals by guest artist Anaiis, creating a textured and layered soundscape. "Noblehill," featuring folk singer-songwriter Jacob Alon, introduces a more introspective, folk-inflected tone, while "Whodis" incorporates trap rhythms that emphasize a head-nodding pulse. The album also fuses global rhythms, with "Go" blending Brazilian baile funk and Afrobeat basslines.

Despite the diverse range of influences and styles, Shortall’s detailed production approach ties the album’s elements together into a coherent whole. His use of jazz instrumentation alongside digitally layered arrangements and programmed beats forms a dynamic and energetic sound that reflects the potential directions of future jazz expression.

The album represents a continuing effort by Shortall to defy jazz stereotypes, favoring compositional structure and genre hybridity over traditional improvisation and swing patterns. As such, it stands as an example of how modern jazz artists are reimagining the genre through innovative production and cross-genre fusion.