This week we start by going back to 1985 to enjoy Tommy Whittle and Alan Barnes teaming up on the remastered Straight Eight, blending experience and youth with vibrant energy, and from there we zip both back and forward in time with Emily Remler’s Cookin' At the Queens: Live in Las Vegas (1984 & 1988), which captures her live brilliance and stands as a poignant reminder of her talent. Erik Palmberg’s Faces offers introspective, melodic jazz, while Nik Bärtsch’s Spin grooves with minimalist patterns and subtle indie-rock influences. Rounding out the selection, John-Paul Muir’s Home Now blends jazz and classical finesse in a deeply thoughtful and expressive album.
Straight Eight
Tommy Whittle and Alan Barne
Straight Eight from 1985 marked the debut release of the Miles Music label, pairing veteran saxophonist Tommy Whittle with rising star Alan Barnes. Featuring Alec Dankworth, Mick Pyne, and Alan Jackson, the session blends youth and experience. This CD remaster adds four bonus tracks, including tributes to Scott LaFaro and alternate takes of "Blues for Ronnie's."
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 96 kHz, 24 bit)
Faces
Erik Palmberg
Erik Palmberg's Faces is a contemporary jazz gem, balancing introspection and vibrancy. The Swedish trumpeter leads with lyrical precision, blending effortlessly with rich piano voicings, subtle bass, and nuanced drumming. Each track offers a cinematic mood, showcasing Palmberg's sensitivity and modern tone. A refined, melodic, and deeply emotive listening experience.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 16 bit)
Spin
Nik Baertsch's Ronin
Spin is the 9th release by Nik Baertsch's Ronin, featuring new bassist Jeremias Keller alongside founding members Baertsch, Kaspar Rast, and Sha. This album blends new compositions like "Modul 63" and "Modul 66" with reinterpreted classics. The band's signature groove remains, now enriched with indie, post-rock, and ambient pop influences. Recorded live, Spin captures Ronin’s evolving sound, emphasising intricate details and subtle micro-phrasings.
Available format: CD
Home Now
John-Paul Muir
John-Paul Muir's Home Now offers a thoughtful mix of classical and jazz elements, characterized by delicate phrasing and a clear sense of structure. The album's introspective tone invites close listening, as Muir balances technical control with emotional subtlety, crafting pieces that resonate with quiet depth and understated beauty.
Available format: CD
