Of the three jazz all-rounders brought together by Kings Place for its eXplorations mini-series, Alex Wilson – composer, pianist and Latin Jazz evangelist – is the most idiosyncratic, and his gig was suitably individual. After opening with the second ever performance of his Concerto for Kora & Piano, the second half was split between Wilson’s… [Read more…]
January 16, 2012 by Catherine Marks
From January 26th – 28th Kings Place will play host to three jazz stars. Over three nights Jay Phelps, Soweto Kinch and Alex Wilson will each play their own concerts and also collaborate with each other on stage. Canadian-born Trumpeter Jay Phelps appears on the 26th to direct a suite for big band with special… [Read more…]
January 3, 2012 by Catherine Marks
A visit to the Neil Cowley Trio’s website at the moment is particularly worth the click as it currently features an excellent ‘making of’ video for their new album. The band rehearse, experiment and record in the studio, playing in a tight-knit formation, frequently interrupted by moments of insincerity. It’s a great introduction to this… [Read more…]
December 23, 2011 by Catherine Marks
I’ve always described Portico Quartet to others as being the jazz version of Radiohead, and I think this might be their Amnesiac album. I’ve been looking forward to the release of their eponymous third LP – keen to see how the change in band line-up and the move towards looping and electronics would alter their… [Read more…]
November 20, 2011 by Catherine Marks
“I don’t like jazz” is something that I hear a lot from fellow music enthusiasts who haven’t yet forayed into the world of jazz. Hearing this more and more recently, and having recently read Josh Jennings’ article ‘Rejuvenate Jazz Someone… Anyone’ on his excellent British Jazz Blog, I was prompted to put this article together.… [Read more…]
October 7, 2011 by Catherine Marks
Although this is Arun Ghosh’s second album, it’s actually his first with a full touring band. Since releasing his critically acclaimed debut Northern Namaste in 2008, Ghosh has built up a great reputation and even featured as cover star for Jazzwise last month. In his Jazzwise interview he revealed that the first album was recorded… [Read more…]
September 22, 2011 by Catherine Marks
As a massively respected artist on the jazz scene, Robert Mitchell’s latest release with his 3io has been much awaited. Mitchell is steadily building up a huge reputation. Aside from his own groups (3io and Panacea) he has also worked with Steve Coleman, Omar Puente, Courtney Pine and Matana Roberts amongst a glittering list of… [Read more…]
September 19, 2011 by Culture Capital
Gwyilm Simcock has the jazz world at his feet. Still on a high after his Mercury Prize nomination (although he didn’t win of course), critically acclaimed for his recording work and enjoying collaborations with a number of senior jazz figures, Simcock is reaping the rewards of his undeniable talent. Simcock’s an eloquent ambassador for his… [Read more…]
September 17, 2011 by Catherine Marks
All Or Nothing At All is newcomer Alexander Stewart’s debut album. A compilation of trads and pop covers, it covers all the bases for an accessible entry to the jazz scene. Stewart’s voice is strong and smooth, comfortingly wrapping around each lyric in the familiar songs, making this easy listening. But that’s not what makes… [Read more…]
September 2, 2011 by Catherine Marks
The Kena is perhaps not the most obvious choice as the lead instrument of a band. As a diatonic keyless Andean flute, its melodic possibilities are somewhat limited by its simple design. But it is this instrument that Mauricio Velasierra has spent the past decade mastering, even producing his own instruments to find the ‘perfect… [Read more…]
January 31, 2012 by Culture Capital
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