Jazz Reviews
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Branford Marsalis Quartet - Dedicated to You
18th Sep 2026by Matt Groom
Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves revisit the standards from John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman without attempting to recreate it. Reeves brings rhythmic freedom and poise, while Marsalis’s quartet balances spacious vocal arrangements with tougher instrumental pieces. Polished but never merely reverential, Dedicated to You honours Coltrane by allowing his music to support a distinct new partnership.
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Andy Sheppard - Salt Catchers
11th Sep 2026by Matt Groom
Andy Sheppard joins pianist Rita Marcotulli and bassist Michel Benita for the spacious, drummerless Salt Catchers. Sheppard’s lyrical saxophone melodies unfold through chamber-like interplay with Marcotulli’s adventurous harmonies and Benita’s supple pulse, ensuring this reflective ECM recording gradually reveals fresh detail with each attentive hearing.
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Stars Aligned - Frode Kjekstad Quartet
4th Sep 2026by Matt Groom
Norwegian guitarist Frode Kjekstad reunites with tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander for a lively set rooted in blues, hard bop and the classic Hammond-organ tradition. With Roy Powell and Frederik Villmow completing the quartet, Stars Aligned combines muscular soloing, close interplay and an unpretentious approach with the pleasure of swinging hard.
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Tuva Bergenheim - Skärgårdsjazz
28th Aug 2026by Matt Groom
Swedish drummer and composer Tuva Bergenheim’s debut, Skärgårdsjazz, draws on summers spent in the Stockholm archipelago. Blending contemporary jazz with pop, visa and Nordic folk, its songs balance warmth with melancholy. Emmalisa Hallander’s vocals and Per ‘Texas’ Johansson’s reeds help shape an assured, concise album rooted in place and memory.
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Windflower - Ayumi Tanaka
21st Aug 2026by Maddy Allison
Another ECM delight, with Ayumi Tanaka, Thomas Morgan and Thomas Strønen recorded together for the first time in a reflective and poignant trio project.
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Jon Batiste and Thelonious Monk
14th Aug 2026by Maddy Allison
The Grammy-winning pianist tackles the next composer in his transformational musical series: Thelonious Monk.
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Blue Shoes - Sigurður Flosason
7th Aug 2026by Maddy Allison
The Icelandic saxophonist blends Nordic jazz with a dose of the blues in his latest project, accompanied by his talented ensemble.
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Hull Suite Live - Zoe Rahman
31st Jul 2026by Maddy Allison
The remarkable pianist delivers once more in her live performance of the commissioned Hull Suite, captured from London’s Vortex jazz club.
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Live at Falkoner Theatre Copenhagen 6th February 1966 - Ella Fitzgerald
24th Jul 2026by Maddy Allison
A new unreleased recording from 1966 spotlights the First Lady of Song at a concert in Copenhagen, accompanied by the Duke Ellington Orchestra and Jimmy Jones Trio.
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Sometime Ago (Live in Germany 1972) - Chick Corea
17th Jul 2026by Maddy Allison
An archived recording from the legendary pianist is being released for the first time, capturing a live solo piano performance in Germany, 1972.
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Be Quiet – Nils Petter Molvær
10th Jul 2026by Maddy Allison
The latest album from the Norwegian trumpeter is a collaborative affair in this collection of recordings from around the globe, featuring a range of high-profile guests.
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The Myth We Choose - Nduduzo Makhathini
3rd Jul 2026by Maddy Allison
A deeply spiritual and richly collaborative release, The Myth We Choose finds the pianist and composer weaving jazz, Zulu philosophy, and fearless improvisation into one of his most compelling statements yet.
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Norma Winstone - A Timeless Place
26th Jun 2026by Maddy Allison
Jazz vocal genius Norma Winstone returns to present her latest album - an archived 1990 radio broadcast featuring sweeping orchestral arrangements from Steve Gray and the NDR Radiophilharmonie.
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Fred Hersch & Mick Goodrick - Feebles, Fables & Ferns
19th Jun 2026by Maddy Allison
A previously unreleased recording from the ECM archives chronicles a one-time session between the prolific pianist Fred Hersch and jazz guitarist Mick Goodrick.
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Slo-Mo Neon Luminate Hoverings - Mary Halvorson & Ambrose Akinmusire
12th Jun 2026by Maddy Allison
Two of the most pioneering improvisers of avant-garde jazz unite for the first time, releasing an album that builds on their shared approach to experimental improvisation.
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Poppy Ackroyd - Liminal
5th Jun 2026by Maddy Allison
Minimalist, cinematic, and classically-infused, Ackroyd returns with her violin/piano combo in her latest album Liminal.
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Avishai Cohen - Eternal Child
29th May 2026by Maddy Allison
The bassist presents his most ‘jazz’ album to date, and one that also serves a tribute to his mentor, Chick Corea.
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Joe Webb - Neath Beat
22nd May 2026by Maddy Allison
The exceptionally talented pianist makes a return with his latest album, reflecting on the sounds of his hometown, Neath, and his contemporary stride piano sound.
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Jasmine Myra - Where Light Settles
15th May 2026by Maddy Allison
Meditative, cinematic, and folk-infused, the UK saxophonist presents her third album showcasing luscious arrangements that feature strings, harp and vibraphone.
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Chris Potter - Alive With Ghosts Today
8th May 2026by Maddy Allison
The saxophonist traces the enigmatic narrative of abolitionist John Brown in his latest album, exploring a nuanced soundworld firmly rooted in America.