Christ-Stéphane Boizi, As The Spirit Leads, Banger Factory **** recommended
What a debut - new in the marlbank choice for top UK releases in 2026
Gustav Lundgren, Plays Coltrane, Prisma Music ***1/2
No sax shock. But the concept isn't in hock to anything too gimmicky.
Zawinul Legacy Band 3.0, Live At Grafenegg, Ropeadope ***1/2
Compositions that are built to last played by players who are closer to the source than most
Ekep Nkwelle, Caged Bird, Mack Avenue ***
The route to the rootsier thread among the album choices is more direct
Joe Block hits the album of the week spot, a new podcast and Another Day is track of the week
A piano player on the rise, the latest podcast and there's a song waiting to be born in track of the week
Moisés P. Sánchez, Where Light Begins, Fresh Sound ***1/2
Rhapsodic piano at the heart of a vibrant release. One stand out track is dedicated to Lyle Mays
Espen Eriksen Trio, Almost There, Runne Grammofon ***1/2
A bit too brief but it is pure balm. And someone should write words to the very beautiful 'Another Day'
Linda May Han Oh & Melissa Aldana, Beneath Lifted Skies, Biophilia ***1/2
Deep duetting into bebop. But the originals and improv blended in are just as interesting.
Birmingham Jazz hits the nifty 50s
A promoted scene that continues to punch far above its weight
Pete Roth Trio, Group Chat, Winterfold/ Cherry Red **** recommended
I'm looking forward to seeing this band at Magy's Farm
Asaf Yuria, In Light of a New Moon, Jojo ***1/2
One for every lover of the sound of Mr Beautiful
Chris Cheek, Dear Paul: Chris Cheek, Zach Radwine and Bob Deboo Play Music By Paul Motian, Fresh Sound ****
A certain curatorial wisdom at play
Chucho Valdés, Uncut, InnerJazz/InnerCat *****
AfroCuban jazz piano doesn't get any better than this
- Christ-Stéphane Boizi, As The Spirit Leads, Banger Factory **** recommended
- Gustav Lundgren, Plays Coltrane, Prisma Music ***1/2
- Zawinul Legacy Band 3.0, Live At Grafenegg, Ropeadope ***1/2
- Ekep Nkwelle, Caged Bird, Mack Avenue ***
- Scott Flanigan to relocate Scott’s Jazz Club to a more central Belfast location
- Joe Block hits the album of the week spot, a new podcast and Another Day is track of the week
- Moisés P. Sánchez, Where Light Begins, Fresh Sound ***1/2
- Espen Eriksen Trio, Almost There, Runne Grammofon ***1/2
- Linda May Han Oh & Melissa Aldana, Beneath Lifted Skies, Biophilia ***1/2
- Lizz Wright and Kenny Banks Sr, Nearness, Blues & Greens/Candid Records ****
- Birmingham Jazz hits the nifty 50s
- The very best jazz vocals of 2026
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