JD Allen: Grace

Jay Bellerose | Lizz Wright | Kenny Banks Sr | David Pitch | Marvin Sewell

Another courageous step into the future by the tenor saxophonist, who is rapidly becoming one of the most eloquent and...

Reviewed by Tony Hall in issue: October/2017

Donald Byrd: Byrd With Strings

Doug Watkins | Ray Santisi | Donald Byrd | Jimmy Zitano

Though not yet an innovator, Donald Byrd accurately reflected the mood of the time during which these recordings took place....

Reviewed by Roy Carr in issue: August/2013

Various Artists: London Is The Place For Me 5 And 6: Afro-Cubism, Calypso, High Life, Mento, Jazz

Dizzy Reece | Lord Kitchener | Mighty Terror | Buddy Pip | Eric Hayden | Ginger Johnson | Mona Baptiste | Lord Invader | Rhythm Brothers | Lord Beginner

The previous four volumes of this quite joyous series were so good that it’s hard to imagine how they could...

Reviewed by Kevin Le Gendre in issue: August/2013

Larry Coryell: The Lift

Lumpy | Matt Montgomery | Larry Coryell | Chester Thompson

For his third Wide Hive release Coryell continues to plough his much visited power rock furrow. While his last outing...

Reviewed by Andy Robson in issue: August/2013

Terje Rypdal: Melodic Warrior

Sebastian Perlowski | The Hilliard Ensemble, | Terje Rypdal | Bruckner Orchestra Linz | Dennis Russell Davies | Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestra

Actually two epic orchestral works, either of which would stand as a major release. Melodic Warrior is a breathtaking fusion...

Reviewed by Andy Robson in issue: August/2013

Louis Armstrong: Musical Autobiography Vol.1 and 2

Despite the claim that this is “remastered for probably the finest ever sound quality” this Avid reissue (with two bonus...

Reviewed by Alyn Shipton in issue: August/2013

Ralph Alessi and Fred Hersch: Only Many

Ralph Alessi | Fred Hersch

Pianist Fred Hersch and trumpeter Ralph Alessi are long time collaborators and both regularly perform in a duo setting. Here...

Reviewed by Selwyn Harris in issue: August/2013

Chet Baker: Chet is Back

Originally on RCA, this 1962 set was recorded in Rome shortly after Chet left jail, and long regarded as among...

Reviewed by Alyn Shipton in issue: August/2013

Marlene Ver Planck: Ballads… Mostly

An accomplished veteran in the standards-singing business, and her generous, soothing vocal is backed by guests Houston Person and Jay...

Reviewed by Selwyn Harris in issue: August/2013

Ntjam Rosie: At The Back Of Beyond

The Magic Strings | Ntjam Rosie | Tjaco Oostdijk | Jorn ten Hoopen | Peter Delannoye | Alexander Van Popta | Jorn Ten Hoopen | Alexander van Popta | Reinier Bas | Florian Sperzel

According to established protocol, jazz has composers, and soul music songwriters. Yet the link between the two is melody, and...

Reviewed by Kevin Le Gendre in issue: August/2013