James Hudson – Tomorrow (James Hudson Music. CD review by Mark McKergow) Young British vocalist James Hudson arrives on the recording scene with this polished and exuberant collection of standards, smartly arranged and […]
James Hudson – ‘Tomorrow’
Mark McKergow (reflections on writing his 100th piece for LJN)
Mark McKergow has been contributing reviews to London Jazz News since 2014, and we recently published his 100th piece. Here, Mark looks back on some of his personal highlights, and also reflects […]
Jim Rattigan – ‘When’
Jim Rattigan – When(Three World Records TWR0005. CD review by Mark McKergow) French horn virtuoso Jim Rattigan bridges the genres of scored music and jazz with this delightful collection of tunes for jazz quartet […]
Brian Kellock Trio (BK3) – “Think About It!”
Brian Kellock Trio (BK3) – Think About It! (Thick Records. Digital download review by Mark McKergow) Versatile pianist Brian Kellock gets the band back together on this fizzing trio recording, displaying a huge range and […]
Calabashed – “Behold A Black Wave”
Calabashed – Behold A Black Wave (Purple City PURP004 vinyl/download. EP review by Mark McKergow) Eclectic London project Calabashed present an ear-catching set of soundscapes on their debut EP including harp, saxophone and […]
James Copus – “Dusk”
James Copus – Dusk (Ubuntu Music UBU0058. CD review by Mark McKergow) At just 25 years of age, trumpeter James Copus has rapidly been making a name for himself on the London jazz scene. A graduate […]
Article XI – “Live in Newcastle”
Article XI – Live in Newcastle (Discus 89CD/DL. CD review by Mark McKergow) Guitarist Anton Hunter’s eleven-strong ensemble is captured in a performance which shows impressive interweaving of compositions and group improvisation, wonderful […]
Bukky Leo Quartet ft. Clifford Jarvis – “Evolution”
Bukky Leo Quartet ft. Clifford Jarvis – Evolution (Drift Recordings. CD review by Mark McKergow) This storming set sees American drum legend Clifford Jarvis team up with saxophonist Bukky Leo, pianist Jonathan Gee and bassist Pete Kubryk Townsend in […]
In Lockdown with…. saxophonist Giacomo Smith
Saxophonist and clarinettist Giacomo Smith is a leading light in Kansas Smitty’s House Band, the era-spanning talented musicians based around their eponymous bar in Hackney’s Broadway Market. The group have quickly built […]
Various artists – “To The Jazz Bar With Love”
Various artists – To The Jazz Bar With Love (The Jazz Bar, Edinburgh. Digital album review by Mark McKergow) The Jazz Bar, hub of the music in Scotland’s capital is, like every […]
Ali Affleck – “To The Jazz Bar With Love” CD collection release
Ali Affleck is a self-confessed ‘vintage vocalist’ specialising in powerful performances of early jazz songs and styles. She was voted Best Jazz Vocalist by the Scottish Jazz Federation in 2014. Ali has […]
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Niall Greig Fulton – “Planet Wave” in Edinburgh
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra with Niall Greig Fulton – Planet Wave (Queens Hall Edinburgh, 21 February 2020. Review by Mark McKergow) The SNJO re-stretched their musical boundaries with this emphatic performance of […]
Daniel Casimir and Tess Hirst – “These Days”
Daniel Casimir and Tess Hirst – These Days (jazz re:freshed jrf0019: CD review by Mark McKergow) Bassist Daniel Casimir and vocalist Tess Hirst hit a very jazz high spot with their debut […]
Jazzmeia Horn/Scottish National Jazz Orchestra at Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Jazzmeia Horn/Scottish National Jazz Orchestra – The Artistry of Jazzmeia Horn (Usher Hall, Edinburgh. 24 November 2019. Review by Mark McKergow) Jazz vocalist extraordinary Jazzmeia Horn raised the roof of Edinburgh’s Usher […]
The Calum Gourlay Quartet – New Ears
The Calum Gourlay Quartet – New Ears (Ubuntu Music UBU0043. CD review by Mark McKergow) Composer, band leader and double bass virtuoso Calum Gourlay reinforces his place as one of the UK’s […]
