Bill Frisell and Thomas Morgan: Epistrophy review – revelatory double act

Every seasoned jazz listener knows Thelonious Monk’s Epistrophy, a jazz classic that’s been around for ever. Here, Bill Frisell (guitar) and Thomas Morgan (double bass) begin with what sounds like isolated random notes. The notes become melodic fragments that gradually … Continue reading →

Laurence Pike: Holy Spring review – cosmic drum trips

(The Leaf Label)

Cheltenham jazz festival review – hotel bar jams and otherworldy trips

Legends including Joshua Redman and Sérgio Mendes are on strong form, but the festival relaxes to allow the dynamism of London’s young jazz scene to shine

Jim Snidero: Waves of Calm review – revelatory alto sax

How wrong can you be? Until now, based on very little evidence, I had Jim Snidero figured simply as a technically brilliant American saxophonist in a crowded field. Having listened to these eight pieces, especially the title number and three … Continue reading →

Ezra Collective: You Can’t Steal My Joy review – celebration of jazz’s diversity

(Enter the Jungle)

Ishmael Ensemble: A State of Flow review – Bristol native’s classy, clubby astral meld

Combining genres from jazz to minimalism with a great city’s musical heritage, without resorting to pastiche, is no mean feat

Steam Down Orchestra review – jazz collective share the spirit

Born out of a weekly jam session, this furiously energetic band of musicians step on to a bigger stage to showcase the British jazz renaissance

4 Wheel Drive review – jolting AOR from jazz supergroup

The highlight is an unorthodox take on Lady Madonna, while pianist Michael Wollny makes for an energising wild card

Herlin Riley: Perpetual Optimism review – good-natured ease, brilliantly done

(Mack Avenue)

Norah Jones: Begin Again review – confident off-the-cuff collection

(Blue Note)Seven tracks made last year in impromptu recordings with the likes of Jeff Tweedy and Thomas Bartlett shows Jones is an artist at her ease

Aki Takase/Japanic: Thema Prima review – vivacious, genre-vaulting jazz adventures

(BMC)Recorded in Budapest for her 70th birthday, Takase’s new album fields catchy hooks, improv, raw noise and cryptic vocals in indefatigable style

Gabriel Latchin Trio: The Moon and I review – light-touch bebop with love

(Alys Jazz)

Hailu Mergia review – Ethio-jazz legend’s story is better than his show

Mergia’s nimble fingers are dizzying, but an overly robust rhythm section and staid staging make this less thrilling than it should be

The Matthew Herbert Brexit Big Band: The State Between Us review – spacious political elegy

Herbert’s mournful album aims to portray Britain in relation to the EU – yet it lacks focus

Roger Beaujolais Italian Trio: Barba Lunga review – all the magic of mallets

In his early career, Roger Beaujolais played mainly in pop and jump-jive bands. Since their music was very loud, and his instrument is the gentle vibraphone, he had to settle for an electronic version to make himself heard. We’re lucky … Continue reading →