Most read piece on marlbank in 2024: Kiss Me, Kate dir. Bartlett Sher, Barbican Theatre ****

A first night music theatre review of a new London production of Kiss Me Kate run…

Etienne Manchon Trio, ‘Road Trip,’ Kiwi Production

Track of the Week

Dr Linley Hamilton made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours

Boost for the Northern Ireland jazz scene

Andy Wheelock WHEE3Trio, In the Wheelhouse, OA2 Records ***1/2

Shades of Gilfema, tunes by US drummer Andy Wheelock impressing once again after his album with…

Klaus Gesing, Ana Pilat, Latvian Radio Big Band, Song and Dance, Challenge ***

A deft way with melancholia in empathetically arranged settings of work by German reeds master Klaus…

Album of the Year

An album that might make you see the world through different eyes.

Rainer Brüninghaus, Freigeweht, ECM ***1/2

It makes sense particularly at such a retrospective time of the year to look back. Missed…

Maik Krahl, The Magic of Consistency, Challenge Records ***1/2

Maik Krahl decidedly keeps it real

Album of the Week: Claudio Filippini Trio, Live Al Gabez 2004, CAM Jazz

A live gem from Italy

Track of the Week: Misha Mullov-Abbado, Nanban (Ubuntu)

Tonalities wrapped in warmth

Merry Christmas

A Bobby ''Blue'' Bland Christmas

Beckles Balladry Resonates

Rising star alto saxist Reiss Ellis Beckles' debut doesn't disappoint

Track of the year

Melodic chamber jazz at its finest

Ari Hoenig Trio, Tea for Three, Fresh Sound New Talent ****

Textbook pared back jazz drumming from Ari Hoenig and his fine trio.

Tom Smith’s ‘A Year in the Life’ streams

The UK big band renaissance moves up a gear

Nate Radley, Say It’s So, SteepleChase ***1/2

Pastoral vision and a pristine melodic grasp.

Renee Rosnes, Crossing Paths, Smoke Sessions ****

Album of the Week - Brazilian sumptuousness with the great pianist Renee Rosnes joined by Brazilian…

Track of the Week: Anthony Joseph, Tony (Heavenly Sweetness) ****

The Anthony Joseph lead-off track from Rowing Up River To Get Our Names Back is a…