marlbank

Blair/Huber, In a New Order, Leit *****

EPs are not for everyone. But never mind the width and feel the quality. Rather than dad dance disconsolately in the dark blamelessly oblivious to their existence as you despair at the state of the dancefloor Blair/Huber are a tonic. They are over playing Alice's SJQ (formerly Servant Jazz Quarters) in Dalston in April.

Sarah Jane Morris, The Sisterhood 2, Fallen Angel ***1/2

Eminently listenable. The most jazz relevant track is the convincing Amy Winehouse tribute 'The Edge Is Where The Magic Is Found' - as the lyrics have it: "the urchin with the razzmatazz."

The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is to host a Dutch jazz strand this summer

A chance to sample a range of top new Dutch jazz talent is an attractive opportunity this summer in Edinburgh.

Tina Carr: Moon Over Mildmay **** recommended

A delightful sense of saudade, classic movie noir and more from singer Tina Carr whose lyrics also fit in seamlessly.

Introducing Kind of Now new soon from Gregory Hutchinson

A Miles Davis centennial spring is in store. 'Orbits' from a must hear new tribute album streaming proves a fillip for the senses introducing Kind of Now. It's the work of Gregory Hutchinson and a stellar collection of mainly US jazzers.

Michael Buckley Quartet and Hayley Kavanagh to play the 2026 Kildare Jazz Festival

The Newbridge festival in March books one of Ireland's biggest jazz stars for its annual Kildare jazz gathering. Highlights include an appearance by said icon of the scene Michael Buckley and his Quartet, Origin Story and the quintet of Venezuelan guitarist Orlando Molina. Buckley delivered one of his best albums in years recently, the formidable Ebb and Flow.

Hetta Falzon, Henrietta, Last Recordings on Earth ****

The extended version of 'Sobering' with its rococo introduction and exquisite melody is one of many highlights on an EP that counts as an album and is far more than a demo.

Mark Turner, Patternmaster, ECM ****

Bass rich quartet studio sounds from tender modernist the poet of the saxophone, Mark Turner. The American tangles up in blue meaningfully with trumpeter Jason Palmer in the top lines.

Edgar Knecht, Colours of Europe, GLM ***1/2

'Beautiful Countries' stands out - it's a gem of a tune on this delightful chamber jazz outing shaped around piano & modular synth, accordion, double bass and drums.

A tomb with a view

A safely long dead inventor of the saxophone is ripe to be praised. The neglect of the accident prone pretty famous to be fair Belgian’s tomb is properly causing dismay in this evocative piece. Pity, and the irony is inescapable, that The Times is less keen on running album reviews of new jazz, overnight reviews of top live performances, or meaty features on the topic much. It's a different kind of neglect of the living that’s just as parlous.

John Hart, New Mantra, SteepleChase **** recommended

The new mantra is the same as the old one. Strum and hum along. Pleasurable originals, Monk, Leonard Bernstein and a whole lot more.

Julian Joseph, Voyage of the Faithful, Rivetation Records *****

An event release. A giant of British jazz piano returns with a bangingly swinging trio exhibition, on what is blindingly obviously a milestone recording.