marlbank

Alexander Claffy, Alive in Philadelphia, Vol. 1 (At Chris’ Jazz Cafe), Cellar Music ****

Leaps out of the speakers: what a very happening live album from a stellar US band playing a Coltrane tune you rarely hear on a record these days among other gems. Includes formidable sax playing from Seamus Blake and Jaleel Shaw.

Paul Carrack, For One Night Only – Live in London, Carrack UK ***1/2

"Say it loud, say it clear: You can listen as well as you hear" - a joy as so often from Paul Carrack jazzed up with some still game Germans and a cracking choir later delivering a touching communal experience of a treatment of 'The Living Years.’

Steve White trio, Soul Drums: The Jazz Sessions Vol. 1, Acid Jazz ****

One for the Modfather fan in your life, toned down welly delivered at an arm’s length hell for leather jazz distance, direct from a valuable Weller fella and estimable chums.

Track of the Week: Angel – Marvin Muoneké, Alex Webb & the Copasetics ****

Tonight Marvin sings in Soho duetting with Down for the Count's Lydia Bell

Lady Blackbird and Chris Seefried at the 100 Club in 2021

10 reasons why clubs are miles better for sheer experience and everything else

The unique combination of intimacy, atmosphere and musical freedom found in jazz clubs offers an experience that's hard to beat. The connection between musicians and audience, the rich history and the sheer joy of discovering new talent in a cosy setting make jazz clubs an essential part of the musical landscape.

Stefano Bollani All Stars, Tutta Vita Live, Ponderosa ***1/2

Sprawling and as so often with the ever puckish Italian pianist Stefano Bollani riotously creative. While it's not up there with his greatest work like Joy In Spite of Everything or his mighty Zappa homage Sheik Yer Zappa, nevertheless Tutta Vita Live is still worth a spin.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, We The People, Blue Engine **** recommended

State of the art big band jazz couched in Ellingtonia and the classic traditions of jazz as reimagined by an orchestra that is an institution in America and globally renowned.

Alexander Claffy photo via Cellar Music on Bandcamp

Harvie S, Bright Dawn, Origin ***1/2

Originals and a super cover of Chick Corea's 'Humpty Dumpty' work well. For the jazz double bass lover in your life.

Aubrey Johnson photo - via Greenleaf on Bandcamp

Aubrey Johnson, The Lively Air, Greenleaf *****

Keeper of the Lyle Mays flame and more - so much more so remarkably - new from singer-composer Aubrey Johnson.

Jasper Somsen, Carsten Lindholm, Jan Gunnar Hoff, Human Vibe, Challenge ****

Delicious Eurojazz from this sensitive trio. While Dutch bass master Jasper Somsen's album featuring Dutch guitarist Anton Goudsmit released last year also appeals Human Vibe is even better especially for the inclusion of a brace of Vince Mendoza tunes.

Joshua Burnside, It’s Not Going to Be Okay, Nettwerk ****

Quite the homespun folk masterpiece from the widely regarded Northern Irish folk musician on his most heartfelt and humane album yet.

Noa Levy and Paul Edis Trio, Portrait in Evans, Dot Time Records **** recommended

Unveiling their swinging new "modern jazz" album together inspired by the hugely influential Miles Davis Kind of Blue pianist Bill Evans, Noa Levy and Paul Edis go on an English road trip this spring.

Sarah Jane Morris, The Sisterhood 2, Fallen Angel ***1/2

Eminently listenable. The most jazz relevant track is the convincing Amy Winehouse tribute 'The Edge Is Where The Magic Is Found' - as the lyrics have it: "the urchin with the razzmatazz."

The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is to host a Dutch jazz strand this summer

A chance to sample a range of top new Dutch jazz talent is an attractive opportunity this summer in Edinburgh.

Tina Carr: Moon Over Mildmay ***1/2

A delightful sense of saudade, classic movie noir and more from singer Tina Carr whose lyrics also fit in seamlessly.

Introducing Kind of Now new soon from Gregory Hutchinson

A Miles Davis centennial spring is in store. 'Orbits' from a must hear new tribute album streaming proves a fillip for the senses introducing Kind of Now. It's the work of Gregory Hutchinson and a stellar collection of mainly US jazzers.

Michael Buckley Quartet and Hayley Kavanagh to play the 2026 Kildare Jazz Festival

The Newbridge festival in March books one of Ireland's biggest jazz stars for its annual Kildare jazz gathering. Highlights include an appearance by said icon of the scene Michael Buckley and his Quartet, Origin Story and the quintet of Venezuelan guitarist Orlando Molina. Buckley delivered one of his best albums in years recently, the formidable Ebb and Flow.

Hetta Falzon, Henrietta, Last Recordings on Earth ****

The extended version of 'Sobering' with its rococo introduction and exquisite melody is one of many highlights on an EP that counts as an album and is far more than a demo.