Reviews
Picking out a range of the essentials
Kokoroko, Tuff Times Never Last, Brownswood ***1/2
One of UK jazz's biggest crossover acts in recent years - the Kokoroko angle is sheer positivity sketched out by shimmering horn...
Paul Morvan, Dedicated, Fresh Sound New Talent ***
Pieces of Silver, Thad Jones, Bird and more from French scene drummer Paul Morvan - take Art.
Jerry Bergonzi, Blue DNA, AMM ****
A really rewarding evening listen. Romantic, classy, a bit mournful in places Blue DNA proves subdued but elegant from American master Jerry Bergonzi...
Irish jazz scene invigorated by Tom Caraher
Incendiary debut from the saxophonist
Alain Jean-Marie and Mario Canonge, Con Alma, Aztec-Musique ****
Two pianists with Caribbean roots effortlessly chart the links between music from the islands and American jazz.
Sharon Mansur, Trigger, ACT ***
Extroverted stuff from keyboardist Sharon Mansur but maybe it's too prog for your average jazz fan.
Tony Tixier, Poems Never End, Whirlwind ***1/2
Originals, Thelonious Monk and Alain Jean-Marie material plus guest spots from Logan Richardson and Seamus Blake enhance the Tony Tixier reflectiveness.
Vladimir Kostadinovic, Iris, Criss Cross Jazz ***1/2
Pulsating hard bop played by a starry band
Vocals highlight of the week discovering Sinne Eeg and Jacob Christoffersen’s Shikiori
Danish duo caught compellingly live in Japan. A fresh treatment of 'Don't Be So Blue' is the pick of the originals plus 'Cold'...
John Zorn, Fantasma: lllusions from a Surrealist Mirror, Tzadik **** recommended
Vibes flavours, rhythmical adventure and dazzling virtuosity are part of the rewarding recipe.
Marcello Carelli, First Impressions, Cellar Music ***1/2
Bouncing bass, a slice of Joe Hen, mint Mintzer & swinging drums. The sound of Marcello Carelli is worth getting to know.
Elijah Jeffery & Eddie Gripper, Elijah Jeffery & Eddie Gripper, No Label ***1/2
An aural calling card of an alert for anyone into finding new UK jazz vocals talent.
Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon, Come As You Are, Sounds of Crenshaw/Empire ***
Highlights include 'Circle of Love' featuring Robert Glasper, the crossover gospel tune 'Not Like That,' the romantic title track and production values of...
Ben Markley, Tell the Truth, OA2 ***1/2
The sort of sound any self respecting fan would pay good money to hear in a proper jazz club that respects the music.
Pasquale Grasso, Solo Be-Bop!, Sony Music Masterworks **** recommended
Vintage bliss from the Italian guitarist known for his work with Samara Joy.
Joshua Redman, Words Fall Short, Blue Note **** recommended
Album of the Week. And it's a much more starkly thought provoking album than Joshua Redman's preceding Blue Note release.
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