This week’s gig highlights include Sarah Jane Morris and Tony Remy performing in Brighton. Key UK jazz venues are listed, showcasing regular quality acts. Katya Gorrie trio celebrates jazz and blues roots. Up north the Leyburn Jazz Festival features various artists, including Zoe Gilby and Jim Mullen in a buzzing weekend of music.
The top avant-garde album we came across this year.
The Neil Cowley Trio, l-r: Rex Horan, Neil Cowley, Evan Jenkins Letting go of the pause button One of the
Most of the album consists of two suites: the 4-part ”Who We Are” suite commissioned by the pianist co-leader for the Rosendal Chamber Music Festival, a summertime affair set in a 17th century manor house in a remote western Norwegian setting; and a second formed of three chaconnes.
Strong originals, a nostalgic feel, consummate instrumentalism and great standards. Modern mainstreamer, jazz guitar nut, Mehldau spotter and Bernstein appreciator: who could ask for more? Not so much -esque is more – much as we admire faithful homage. But what counts is context, that step up curatorially, cloaked by vision.
One of the very best jazz vocals albums this year Wild is Love is US based singer Naama’s fourth album
The autumn release from ECM features chamber jazz with diverse European influences, highlighting French clarinettist Louis Sclavis. His serious, ascetic compositions paired with pianist Benjamin Moussay blend classical and jazz elements. Notable tracks showcase pristine piano lines and deep resonances, appealing to both genres’ fans. The album invites broader appreciation.
Dave O’Higgins on how in 2017 Luke Fowler and Dave O’Higgins discovered their shared love with him for Thelonious Monk’s music, resulting in a successful tour and recordings. They later formed the Monkin’ Around project, featuring different ensembles to reinterpret Monk’s compositions. The album showcases a diverse take on Monk’s work and highlights their creative process, leading to a tour promoting it.
photo: Olivia Da Costa Drummer and composer Alasdair Pennington, who hails from Oldham now based in London, gets us up
Pure arthouse So moving and quietly compelling ‘Le Calme au Château’ proves in its own unforced way. The best 3
Definitive post-Bobby McFerrin interpretations The Fly personnel includes pianist-keyboardist Shai Maestro, bassist Linda May Han Oh and drummer Nate Smith,
Capable of great things JD Allen is a unique player who travels that bit more deeply than most.
National Concert Hall gig on 11 March 25 A significant event for the Irish jazz scene next year is in
Shaken not stirred Along with Duke Ellington the music of Thelonious Monk is among the most recorded body of jazz
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