nb albums selected are led by a “continental” European. Jazz musicians from elsewhere – including the UK, Ireland [also Europeans of course – but we have separate lists for each] & the US – may be, and often are, on the albums.
1/ Chris Minh Doky & The Nomads, New Beginnings, Red Dot Music
2/ Gabi Hartmann, La Femme Aux Yeux de Sel, Sony Masterworks
3/ Alex Koo, Blame It On My Chromosomes, W.E.R.F. Records
4/Julia Hülsmann Quartet, Under the Surface, ECM
5/Wolfgang Muthspiel, Tokyo, ECM
6/ Robin Verheyen, Liftoff, InnerVoice Jazz
7/Eleonora Strino Quartet, Matilde, CAM Jazz
8/Lukas DeRungs, Wake, Berthold
9/Tim Vermeulen Quartet, Tales of a Six Cornered Snowflake, No Label
10/Kasper Rietkerk, The Happy Worrier, Kasper Rietkerk Records
recent articles
Biréli Lagrène, Elegant People, PeeWee! ****
Swinging French guitar icon Biréli Lagrène does not disappoint with his best album in simply years. Its sentimental insouciance and savoir faire are something of a revelation that may cure any lingering feeling, dear reader, you might possess of jadedness. Listening shakes off such languour.
James Kitchman, Floating Sky, No label ***
Pristine pastoralism informs the latest quartet release by English guitarist James Kitchman.
Stacey Kent, A Time For Love, Naïve Records ****
Quiet and reflective from one of the greatest classic jazz singers of our times. The Jim Tomlinson co-write with Cliff Goldmacher ‘What Goodbye Is For’ appeals most to me.
