Brad Mehldau and Britten Sinfonia review – jazz virtuoso finds greater focus in first concerto
A classical work by the polymath jazz improvisor seems like a natural career move for the gifted pianist
Vein/Norrbotten Big Band: Symphonic Bop review – jump-cut trio’s crossover tour de force
Charismatic Vein join much-feted Norrbotten Big Band for a set of dizzying mashups that will be great live
Branford Marsalis Quartet: The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul review – intuitive classic jazz
There aren’t many things in and around music that Branford Marsalis hasn’t done. He’s performed saxophone concertos with symphony orchestras, led the band on America’s favourite late-night TV show, toured with Sting, and made albums with everyone from Harry Connick … Continue reading
Nubya Garcia review – history-making jazz in a London accent
The uncompromising and intense tenor saxophonist is leading the first generation of British jazz artists making post-American music
The Comet Is Coming: Trust in the Life Force of the Deep Mystery review – hardcore jazz
Like many determined futurists, London trio the Comet Is Coming have a foot firmly in the past. Their 2016 debut, Mercury-nominated Channel the Spirits, paid homage to the “cosmic jazz” of Sun Ra and John and Alice Coltrane, an influence … Continue reading
Javier Girotto Trio: Tango Nuevo Revisited review – doing it their way
Tango and jazz have much in common. They emerged from the low dives of port cities (Buenos Aires and New Orleans respectively) towards the end of the 19th century. Over the years, both went through changes, growing sophisticated and somewhat … Continue reading
Theon Cross: Fyah review – extraordinary tuba sounds
Despite boasting the gravitas of tectonic plates rubbing together, the tuba is not usually a lead instrument. Fyah, though, is tuba don Theon Cross’s debut solo album. The Sons of Kemet tubist alternates between rhythm and lead, and when he’s … Continue reading
Cassie Kinoshi’s SEED Ensemble: Driftglass review – young jazz from old souls
Composer Kinoshi is at home with a 10-piece ensemble of young talent, fusing African, Caribbean, dance grooves and 60s Blue Note
Joe Armon-Jones review – drawing the shapes of jazz to come
Part of London’s vibrant younger jazz scene, the keyboardist showcases flawless technique and spirited singing
Mike Westbrook Orchestra: Catania review – some enchanted evenings
A poignant moment, with Brexit looming, to contemplate this vivid example of what was possible 27 years ago. In July 1992, jazz composer Mike Westbrook, with 24 musicians, plus crew and guests, flew to Catania, Sicily, for a three-evening festival … Continue reading
Angel Bat Dawid: The Oracle review – reverb-drenched messages from an afterlife
Informed by opera and jazz, the clarinettist and composer’s first release has a futuristic, spectral quality
Grace & Danger: A Celebration of John Martyn review – torrid tribute from Paul Weller and friends
This jewel from Celtic Connections marked 10 years since the death of jazz-folk visionary John Martyn. It was a reminder of his raw, potent talent
Jazz Goes Mod review – choice cuts from early 60s Soho
(Rhythm and Blues)
Laura Mvula and Black Voices review – impressive, gutsy tribute to life-changing women
The Mobo-winning star joined forces with family to exquisitely harmonise in songs by Nina Simone, Sweet Honey in the Rock and Mvula herself