Reviews
Picking out a range of the essentials
Jake Richter, Listen to the Birds, Endectomorph ***1/2
New from a young American drummer who casts an introspective spell in his writing and whose knowing touch is influenced by Jeff...
Christian Dillingham, Halcyon, Greenleaf Music ***1/2
The Haden-esque Halcyon, dedicated to American bassist Christian Dillingham's late father, blends Americana, country and jazz strands. It's a bewitching blend. Highlights...
Aaron Parks, Little Big III, Blue Note ****
A lot of heart from Aaron Parks and Little Big who have delivered one of the year's most compelling jazz releases.
Svaneborg Kardyb, Superkilen, Gondwana ***1/2
Svaneborg Kardyb offer a contemplative blend of Scandi jazz with their latest Superkilen that showcases simplicity and melodic charm.
Essential jazz gigs + the Monday playlist
Recommended gigs steppin' out and 10 great tracks to start your week
13 jazz tribes
We explore various social groups within the jazz community, emphasizing the diversity of jazz listeners and participants. Groups include clubsters, musos and...
Today’s playlist
Each day we choose a representative list of top new jazz tracks. Our approach is to offer a cross section of what's...
Joris Teepe, Don Braden, At Pizza Express Live – in London, PX Records ***1/2
This live album features saxophonist Don Braden and left-handed double bassist Joris Teepe, showcasing compositions like 'The Chicken' and 'Nardis.' Braden's flute...
Run the Gauntlet: A Bold Step in Jazz Innovation
The top avant-garde album we came across this year.
Neil Cowley – return of the trio
The Neil Cowley Trio, l-r: Rex Horan, Neil Cowley, Evan Jenkins Letting go of the pause button One of the biggest reunions...
Marius Neset, Leif Ove Andsnes, Who We Are, Simax Classics ****
Most of the album consists of two suites: the 4-part ''Who We Are'' suite commissioned by the pianist co-leader for the Rosendal...
Peter Bernstein, Better Angels, Smoke Sessions ****
Strong originals, a nostalgic feel, consummate instrumentalism and great standards. Modern mainstreamer, jazz guitar nut, Mehldau spotter and Bernstein appreciator: who could...
Louis Sclavis, Benjamin Moussay, Unfolding, ECM ****
The autumn release from ECM features chamber jazz with diverse European influences, highlighting French clarinettist Louis Sclavis. His serious, ascetic compositions paired...
Michael Mayo, Fly, Mack Avenue/Artistry Music **** recommended
Definitive post-Bobby McFerrin interpretations The Fly personnel includes pianist-keyboardist Shai Maestro, bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Nate Smith, the on-screen...
JD Allen, The Dark, the Light, the Grey and the Colorful, Savant ***1/2
Capable of great things JD Allen is a unique player who travels that bit more deeply than most.
Monkin’ Around, 4 in 1, Ubuntu ****
Shaken not stirred Along with Duke Ellington the music of Thelonious Monk is among the most recorded body of jazz composition anywhere...
Composition is a way out of the cul-de-sac, an exit from the grind, futureproofed for the long game2 January 2026
Live review: James Allsopp + Rebecka Edlund and Tom Step's Van-Ventures, Vortex, Dalston8 November 2025
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