Rickie Lee Jones – Pieces of Treasure (BMG Modern Recordings 5053887762. Album review by Richard Lee) The American Songbook has long been mined by artists from across the spectrum. Four years after […]
Rickie Lee Jones – ‘Pieces of Treasure’
Samuel Blaser: ‘Routes’
Samuel Blaser: Routes (ENJA Yellowbird YEB7835. Album review by Tony Dudley-Evans) Contemporary jazz often incorporates elements from other black music genres, e.g. hip hop, drum and bass and Afrobeat, but reggae and […]
Liam Noble writes about the Concord ‘Live At Maybeck Recital Hall’ series. (Part 4 of 4: ‘Simple Pleasures’)
Between 1989 and 1995, Concord Records produced 42 solo piano recitals, all recorded in Maybeck Recital Hall in Berkeley in California. Each recital featured a different jazz pianist; the series eventually consisted of 42 CDs. The entire […]
The Stan Tracey Quartet: ‘Jazz Suite inspired by Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood (Resteamed, LP, rec. 1965)
The Stan Tracey Quartet: Jazz Suite inspired by Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood (Resteamed RSJLP001LP. Album review by Phil Johnson) This very welcome LP reissue of a canonical classic of British jazz […]
Mammal Hands at Norwich Arts Centre
Mammal Hands (Norwich Arts Centre. 3 May 2023. Review by John Arnett) This concert represented a triumphant and celebratory return to home turf for Norwich trio Mammal Hands, showcasing their sixth and […]
Birthday Greetings to Paul Dunmall at 70
Friends and colleagues wish saxophonist Paul Dunmall a happy seventieth birthday, today, 6 May 2023, when there is also, apparently, a coronation going on…. James Allsopp: Happy birthday Paul, thanks for 25 […]
Asher Gamedze – ‘Turbulence and Pulse’
Asher Gamedze – Turbulence and Pulse (International Anthem IARC0057. CD/vinyl/download. Album review by Jon Turney) South African drummer and activist Asher Gamedze strives to unite his activism and his music-making. So this […]
Ten Ahmad Jamal Tracks I Can’t Do Without – by Nick Tomalin
In the latest of our series where musicians consider idols or formative influences, Nick Tomalin writes about his favourite tracks by pianist Ahmad Jamal, who died on 16th April 2023 aged 92. […]
Phil Bancroft (album ‘Degrees of Freedom’ and new artist-led music platform Myriad Streams launched today)
Saxophonist /composer/educator Phil Bancroft, born in London and now based in Midlothian has been called a “A significant figure in the ascent of the Scottish new-jazz scene” (Guardian). He made his mark […]
Kenny Wheeler: ‘Gnu High’ and Nana Vasconcelos: ‘Saudades’ (ECM Luminessence Series)
Kenny Wheeler: Gnu High rec. 1975 and Nana Vasconcelos: Saudades rec. 1979 (ECM Luminessence Series (on vinyl). Double review by Phil Johnson) ECM’s new Luminessence series of audiophile vinyl releases from their […]
Caius Williams: ‘Thread’ and solo bass at Trinity Laban
Caius Williams ‘Thread’ and solo bass (Trinity Laban. 26 April 2023. Review by Oliver Weindling) ‘Thread’ is a single long piece composed by bassist Caius Williams, who is nearing completion of his […]
Michael Feinberg – ‘Blues Variant’ (also live at Vortex 26 May)
Michael Feinberg, Dave Liebman, Nasheet Waits, Leo Genovese & Noah Preminger (Criss Cross Jazz 1413 – album review by Charles Rees) 35-year-old American bassist Michael Feinberg has been active as a leader […]
Tony Dudley Evans and the Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Tony Dudley-Evans had just turned 80, and has taken the decision that it is time for him to step back from active involvement in the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Peter Slavid reflects… Tony […]
Paal Nilssen-Love’s Circus at Cheltenham Jazz Fest 2023
Paal Nilssen-Love’s Circus (Parabola Arts Centre. 30 April 2023. Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Review by Peter Slavid) Paal Nilssen-Love is one of the outstanding improvising drummers of his generation, appearing on countless albums […]
Black Top with Xhosa Cole at 2023 Cheltenham Jazz Fest
Black Top with Xhosa Cole (Parabola Arts Centre. 29 April. Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Review by Peter Slavid) Black Top is the improvising duo of Pat Thomas on piano and effects, with Orphy […]
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