Reviews
Picking out a range of the essentials
Alex Koo, Blame It On My Chromosomes, W.E.R.F. Records **** recommended
An original vision. Catchy tunes, crunching chords pianist Alex Koo punches above his weight. Here's how.
Micheal Murray’s Colourfield, Rounded Nature, ZenneZ Records ***
Irish saxist Micheal Murray impresses as an instrumentalist. But the material on Rounded Nature isn't varied enough.
Track of the Week: Hetta Falzon’s ‘Sobering’ ****
Intimacy and an original sense of gracious reflection resound, in this very lyrically strong song of tenderness from Hetta Falzon.
Ambrose Akinmusire, Honey From a Winter Stone, Nonesuch ***
Adventurous but far too sprawling - the latest from trumpeter composer Ambrose Akinmusire.
David Ferris Septet, Sketches, Stoney Lane ***1/2
A well chosen Carousel cover is part of the blend that so immeasurably ups the profile of on the rise pianist David...
Hans Luchs, The Spell Is Broken, Fresh Sound New Talent ***1/2
Ideas to burn from on-the-up guitarist Hans Luchs. He's not out to lunch. But the recipe works. Our hunch - something's cooking.
Marianne Solivan, Break’s Over, Imani **** recommended
Lyrically persuasive, tonally sagacious
Andrew Rathbun, Lost In The Shadows, SteepleChase ***
A version of Joe Chambers' 'Hopscotch' is one of the stand out tracks on this latest from Wayne Shorter influenced saxophonist Andrew...
Steve Johns, Mythology, SteepleChase ***1/2
Unpretentious from Steve Johns. Joris Teepe too is tip top. And Monte Croft like a vintage sherry tipple sho'nuff such an old...
Callum Allardice, Elementa, Earshift Music ***1/2
Elegiac jazz-rock from the heart delivered by Callum Allardice and his highly empathetic quartet
Robin Verheyen, Liftoff, InnerVoice Jazz **** recommended
Robin Verheyen can make the saxophone speak. His originals make sense and the trio's strong version of 'Over the Rainbow' is very...
John Zorn, The Bagatelles vol. 1 – Mary Halvorson Quartet, Tzadik ****
Guitar duelling is part of the Bagatelles appeal
Macha Gharibian, Phenomenal Women, Rue Bleue Meredith Records ***1/2
Maya Angelou inspired - the genre melting latest from singer-songwriter Macha Gharibian
GIG OF 2025, Live review – Ian Shaw and Dana Masters, Pizza Express Jazz Club, London ****
The latest show in Ian Shaw's Pizza Express Jazz Club residency featuring guest singer Dana Masters proved a very collaborative performance, the...
Terje Gewelt, Then and Now, Resonant Music **** recommended
''Tears and fears and feeling proud'' - A wonderful Karin Krog version of Joni Mitchell classic 'Both Sides Now' stands out on...
Oh People, Part-Time Elegance, April ***
A certain acoustic alchemy from pre bebop loving Danish quintet old souls Oh People is an active ingredient.
Track of the Week: OMW by Taber Gable
Vamps to die for, shades of Bob James and the Pat Metheny Group in the blend. Aching for a new Robert Glasper...
Krokofant, 6, Is It Jazz? ***
No one is pining for the fjords. Krokofant are only a spitting distance away after all. 6 isn't at all hush laden...
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