ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2015
At the end of another year with many fine new releases and a wealth of reissues, find out what some of our reviewers have selected as the the best of 2015.
ROY BOOTH
NEW RELEASESHarry Allen / Jan Lundgren Quartet - Quietly There (Stunt Records)
Humphrey Lyttelton - Humphrey Lyttelton in Canada (Sackville Records)
Warren Vache Quintet - Remembering Benny Carter (Arbors Records)
Stockholm Voices - Come Rain or Come Shine (Do Music Records)
Eddie Toal - Always In My Heart (Beatson Cancer Charity)
Ken Peplowski / Alan Barnes - At the Watermill (Woodville Records)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Stan Getz Quartet - At Large - The Complete Studio Sessions (Essential Jazz Classics)
Frank Sinatra - Complete Studio Recordings with Tommy Dorsey (One Records)
Lars Gullin - Baritone Sax & Lars Gullin Swings - Complete Sessions (Phono Records)
Tina Brooks - Complete Sessions Master Takes (Phono Records)
Sarah Vaughan - Live In Tokyo (Domino Records)
There are far more New Releases this year than last that are interest to me. The Harry Allen allbum is notable for the work of pianist Jan Lundgren.
It is a bonus to have Humph working with musicians other than his own band which demonstrates what a fine player he was.
Stockholm Voices are a great find which hark back to the days of The Hi Los and The Four Freshmen.
The Eddie Toal reminds us that there is lots of talent out there outside of London.The Ken Peplowski / Alan Barnes album is a great pairing which gives lots of options with their multi skills.
Re-releases have appeared thick and fast over the past twelve months, it has been difficult to choose five but I think these five are the best of the bunch.The Stan Getz at Large is one of the best recordings of the period, he always appeared to be much more relaxed in Scandinavia.
The Sinatra / Dorsey recordings have often been overlooked in the past but apart from Sinatra’s fine vocals there is much to admire in the Dorsey band and Axel Stordahl arrangements.Over the years there has been a dearth of Lars Gullin recordings but recently there has been a number of issues and these are as good as any.
It is a bonus to have all the recordings under Tina Brooks recordings brought together in one issue.
It is always marvellous to have some more Sarah Vaughan available on CD and these in concert recordings show Sarah at her best.
Humphrey Lyttelton - Humphrey Lyttelton in Canada (Sackville Records)
Warren Vache Quintet - Remembering Benny Carter (Arbors Records)
Stockholm Voices - Come Rain or Come Shine (Do Music Records)
Eddie Toal - Always In My Heart (Beatson Cancer Charity)
Ken Peplowski / Alan Barnes - At the Watermill (Woodville Records)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Stan Getz Quartet - At Large - The Complete Studio Sessions (Essential Jazz Classics)
Frank Sinatra - Complete Studio Recordings with Tommy Dorsey (One Records)
Lars Gullin - Baritone Sax & Lars Gullin Swings - Complete Sessions (Phono Records)
Tina Brooks - Complete Sessions Master Takes (Phono Records)
Sarah Vaughan - Live In Tokyo (Domino Records)
There are far more New Releases this year than last that are interest to me. The Harry Allen allbum is notable for the work of pianist Jan Lundgren.
It is a bonus to have Humph working with musicians other than his own band which demonstrates what a fine player he was.
Stockholm Voices are a great find which hark back to the days of The Hi Los and The Four Freshmen.
The Eddie Toal reminds us that there is lots of talent out there outside of London.The Ken Peplowski / Alan Barnes album is a great pairing which gives lots of options with their multi skills.
Re-releases have appeared thick and fast over the past twelve months, it has been difficult to choose five but I think these five are the best of the bunch.The Stan Getz at Large is one of the best recordings of the period, he always appeared to be much more relaxed in Scandinavia.
The Sinatra / Dorsey recordings have often been overlooked in the past but apart from Sinatra’s fine vocals there is much to admire in the Dorsey band and Axel Stordahl arrangements.Over the years there has been a dearth of Lars Gullin recordings but recently there has been a number of issues and these are as good as any.
It is a bonus to have all the recordings under Tina Brooks recordings brought together in one issue.
It is always marvellous to have some more Sarah Vaughan available on CD and these in concert recordings show Sarah at her best.
JIM BURLONG
NEW RELEASES
Joey Alexander - My Favourite Things (Moteman Records)
Liane Carroll - Seaside (Linn)
Michael Janish - Paradigm Shift (Whirlwind)
John Harle - Hockney-Music From The Film (Sospoir Noir)
Laura Jurd - Human Spirit (Chaos Collective)
Ivo Neame - Strata (Whirlwind)
The Printmakers - Westerly (Basho Records)
Cæcilie Norby & Lars Danielson - Just The Two Of Us (Act)
Michael Gibbs & The MDR Big Band - In My View (Cunieform Records)
Chick Corea Trio - Trilogy (Concord)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Vince Guaraldi Trio - Cast Your Fate To The Wind-Jazz Impressions Of Black Orpheus (Essential Jazz Classics)
Johnny Hartman - The Complete Bethlehem Sessions (Essential Jazz Classics)
Charles Mingus - The Complete Bremen Concert (Domino Records)
Miles Davis - Miles Davis At Newport 1955-1975 Bootleg Series Vol 4 (Columbia Legacy)
Sonny Rollins - The Bridge (Essential Jazz Classics)
Although we have lost jazz greats such as Mark Murphy, Phil Woods and Ornette Coleman, generally speaking 2015 has been a great year for our music particularly in the UK. There have been superb British recordings reviewed in the magazine and six of these have made my top ten. Established stars like Nikki Isles, Norma Winstone and Mark Lockheart continue their refreshing contributions with The Printmakers, while every album that includes pianist Ivo Neame always offers something new. Laura Jurd picks up jazz accolades and rewards for fun, although seeming to change the name of her band(s) on an almost monthly basis. John Harle gave us his inspired interpretation on the Hockney film and Michael Janish made a great impact in the clubs and produced a great album with Paradigm Shift. However, top of the British pile for me was Liane Carroll's Seaside, a vocal album of incredible wit, contrast and sincerity.
My top of the bill overall has to be pre-teenage superstar, the Indonesian piano player Joey Alexander, with his debut offering 'My Favourite Things'. His take on some of the great jazz standards was nothing less than incredible . It will be more than interesting to see where his enormous talent takes him. The re-issues speak for themselves, with the Vince Guaraldi offering, giving us the opportunity to re-access what a great player he was, whilst Johnny Hartman reminded us that he had much more to offer than just his famous Coltrane collaboration. A second listen to giants such as Mingus, Miles and Sonny are of course always welcome.
Joey Alexander - My Favourite Things (Moteman Records)
Liane Carroll - Seaside (Linn)
Michael Janish - Paradigm Shift (Whirlwind)
John Harle - Hockney-Music From The Film (Sospoir Noir)
Laura Jurd - Human Spirit (Chaos Collective)
Ivo Neame - Strata (Whirlwind)
The Printmakers - Westerly (Basho Records)
Cæcilie Norby & Lars Danielson - Just The Two Of Us (Act)
Michael Gibbs & The MDR Big Band - In My View (Cunieform Records)
Chick Corea Trio - Trilogy (Concord)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Vince Guaraldi Trio - Cast Your Fate To The Wind-Jazz Impressions Of Black Orpheus (Essential Jazz Classics)
Johnny Hartman - The Complete Bethlehem Sessions (Essential Jazz Classics)
Charles Mingus - The Complete Bremen Concert (Domino Records)
Miles Davis - Miles Davis At Newport 1955-1975 Bootleg Series Vol 4 (Columbia Legacy)
Sonny Rollins - The Bridge (Essential Jazz Classics)
Although we have lost jazz greats such as Mark Murphy, Phil Woods and Ornette Coleman, generally speaking 2015 has been a great year for our music particularly in the UK. There have been superb British recordings reviewed in the magazine and six of these have made my top ten. Established stars like Nikki Isles, Norma Winstone and Mark Lockheart continue their refreshing contributions with The Printmakers, while every album that includes pianist Ivo Neame always offers something new. Laura Jurd picks up jazz accolades and rewards for fun, although seeming to change the name of her band(s) on an almost monthly basis. John Harle gave us his inspired interpretation on the Hockney film and Michael Janish made a great impact in the clubs and produced a great album with Paradigm Shift. However, top of the British pile for me was Liane Carroll's Seaside, a vocal album of incredible wit, contrast and sincerity.
My top of the bill overall has to be pre-teenage superstar, the Indonesian piano player Joey Alexander, with his debut offering 'My Favourite Things'. His take on some of the great jazz standards was nothing less than incredible . It will be more than interesting to see where his enormous talent takes him. The re-issues speak for themselves, with the Vince Guaraldi offering, giving us the opportunity to re-access what a great player he was, whilst Johnny Hartman reminded us that he had much more to offer than just his famous Coltrane collaboration. A second listen to giants such as Mingus, Miles and Sonny are of course always welcome.
KEN CHEETHAM
NEW RELEASES
Lukas Ligeti - Imaginary Images (Leo Records)
Ivo Perelman - Reverie (Leo Records)
Erika Dagnino - Sides
Tubby Hayes - New Edition
OxJaMs Trio: Suite of Dreams (SLAM)
The Spirit Farm (Leo Records)
Triologos - Trace di Canti
Ivo Perelman - Callas (Leo Records)
SWQ - Ramble
I haven't put any order by preference on it, because it became too difficult, so it's ordered by date of appearance on the Jazz Views site. I could listen to any of these in any sequence at any time without argument I hope that others may find them equally interesting and equally good.
Lukas Ligeti - Imaginary Images (Leo Records)
Ivo Perelman - Reverie (Leo Records)
Erika Dagnino - Sides
Tubby Hayes - New Edition
OxJaMs Trio: Suite of Dreams (SLAM)
The Spirit Farm (Leo Records)
Triologos - Trace di Canti
Ivo Perelman - Callas (Leo Records)
SWQ - Ramble
I haven't put any order by preference on it, because it became too difficult, so it's ordered by date of appearance on the Jazz Views site. I could listen to any of these in any sequence at any time without argument I hope that others may find them equally interesting and equally good.
EUAN DIXON
NEW RELEASES
Verneri Pohjola - Bullhorn (Edition Records)
Avishai Cohen Trio - From Darkness (Azdzaz Records)
Burak Bedikyan - Leap of Faith (Steeplechase Records, LookOut Series)
Samuel Blaser Quartet - Spring Rain (Whirlwind Recordings)
Robin Jones' Latin Underground - Seven Stops To Heaven (Slam Records)
The Cookers - time and time again (Motema Records)
Aaron Irwin - Ordinary Lives (Fresh Sounds New Talent)
Steve Gadd Band - 70 Strong (BFM JAZZ)
Oran Etkin - Gathering Light (Motema Records)
Martin Speake & Douglas Finch - Sound Clouds (Pumpkin Records)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Gerry Mulligan, Paul Desmond & The Dave Brubeck Trio - The Complete 1972 Berlin Concert (Domino Records)
Kenny Clarke – Plays the Arrangements of Andre Hodeir, Christian Chevallier, Pierre Michelot and Francy Boland (Fresh Sound Records)
Chet Baker Quartet featuring Russ Freeman) - Cool Baker Vols. 1 & 2 (Essential Jazz Classics)
Tubby Hayes - New Edition: Rare Radio Recordings 1958 -62 (Acrobat Records)
Zoot Sims - Zoot Sims at Ronnie Scott’s 1961 (The Complete Recordings) (Acrobat Records)
My new issues list this year reflects the wonderful diversity and international spread of the contemporary jazz scene with music that meets all aesthetic criteria whilst my re-issues selection resurrects not to be forgotten classics and mines veritable gems from the darkest corners of hidden archives.
Verneri Pohjola - Bullhorn (Edition Records)
Avishai Cohen Trio - From Darkness (Azdzaz Records)
Burak Bedikyan - Leap of Faith (Steeplechase Records, LookOut Series)
Samuel Blaser Quartet - Spring Rain (Whirlwind Recordings)
Robin Jones' Latin Underground - Seven Stops To Heaven (Slam Records)
The Cookers - time and time again (Motema Records)
Aaron Irwin - Ordinary Lives (Fresh Sounds New Talent)
Steve Gadd Band - 70 Strong (BFM JAZZ)
Oran Etkin - Gathering Light (Motema Records)
Martin Speake & Douglas Finch - Sound Clouds (Pumpkin Records)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Gerry Mulligan, Paul Desmond & The Dave Brubeck Trio - The Complete 1972 Berlin Concert (Domino Records)
Kenny Clarke – Plays the Arrangements of Andre Hodeir, Christian Chevallier, Pierre Michelot and Francy Boland (Fresh Sound Records)
Chet Baker Quartet featuring Russ Freeman) - Cool Baker Vols. 1 & 2 (Essential Jazz Classics)
Tubby Hayes - New Edition: Rare Radio Recordings 1958 -62 (Acrobat Records)
Zoot Sims - Zoot Sims at Ronnie Scott’s 1961 (The Complete Recordings) (Acrobat Records)
My new issues list this year reflects the wonderful diversity and international spread of the contemporary jazz scene with music that meets all aesthetic criteria whilst my re-issues selection resurrects not to be forgotten classics and mines veritable gems from the darkest corners of hidden archives.
JACK KENNY
NEW RELEASES
Mike Gibbs and NDR Big Band - In My View (Cuneiform Records)
Loose Tubes - Arriving (Lost Marble)
Sonny Rollins - Complete Live At The Village Gate 1962 (Solar Records)
Gilad Atzmon - Whistle Blower (Whistle Blower)
Sun Ra Marshall Allen - In the Orbit of Ra (Stunt/Art Yard)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Miles Davis - Miles Davis At Newport 1955 to 1975 (Bootleg Series Vol 4) (Sony/Columbia)
Erroll Garner - Complete Concert By The Sea (Columbia Legacy)
Charles Mingus - The Complete Bremen Concert (Domino Records)
Duke Ellington - Ellington Uptown, Liberian Suite, Masterpieces by Ellington (Essential Jazz Classics)
Miles Davis - Ascenseur A pour l’échafaud (Dream Covers)
The Sonny Rollins recorded in 1962 at the Village Gate has not been issued before and tells us a great deal more about the great man. The Mike Gibbs album, not one of his best, but everything by him deserves support. Great to have Loose Tubes back even for a short time. The Erroll Garner is just sheer pleasure. The Mingus album recorded on his European tour with his greatest band is a must. The Miles music for the Louis Malle film is vastly under-rated.
Mike Gibbs and NDR Big Band - In My View (Cuneiform Records)
Loose Tubes - Arriving (Lost Marble)
Sonny Rollins - Complete Live At The Village Gate 1962 (Solar Records)
Gilad Atzmon - Whistle Blower (Whistle Blower)
Sun Ra Marshall Allen - In the Orbit of Ra (Stunt/Art Yard)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Miles Davis - Miles Davis At Newport 1955 to 1975 (Bootleg Series Vol 4) (Sony/Columbia)
Erroll Garner - Complete Concert By The Sea (Columbia Legacy)
Charles Mingus - The Complete Bremen Concert (Domino Records)
Duke Ellington - Ellington Uptown, Liberian Suite, Masterpieces by Ellington (Essential Jazz Classics)
Miles Davis - Ascenseur A pour l’échafaud (Dream Covers)
The Sonny Rollins recorded in 1962 at the Village Gate has not been issued before and tells us a great deal more about the great man. The Mike Gibbs album, not one of his best, but everything by him deserves support. Great to have Loose Tubes back even for a short time. The Erroll Garner is just sheer pleasure. The Mingus album recorded on his European tour with his greatest band is a must. The Miles music for the Louis Malle film is vastly under-rated.
NICK LEA
NEW RELEASES
Julian Argüelles - Tetra & Let it Be Told (Whirlwind Recordings / Basho Records)
Liane Carroll - Seaside (Linn)
Elina Duni - Dallëndyshe (ECM)
Loose Tubes - Arriving (Lost Marble)
Tina May Meets Enrico Pieranunzi - Home Is Where The Heart Is (33 Records)
Roberto Ottaviano - Forgotten Matches: The Worlds of Steve Lacy (Dodicilune)
The Printmakers - Westerly (Basho Records)
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra & Makoto Ozone - Jeunehomme: Mozart Piano Concerto No: 9 K-271 (Spartacus Records)
Andy Sheppard Quartet - Surrounded By Sea (ECM)
Third Reel - Many More Days (ECM)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Clifford Brown & Sonny Rollins - Plus Four & At Basin Street (Masterworks)
Miles Davis - Miles Davis At Newport 1955 to 1975 (Bootleg Series Vol 4) (Sony/Columbia)
Miles Davis - Ascenseur A pour l’échafaud (Dream Covers)
Thelonious Monk - Thelonious Monk Trio (Essential Jazz Classics)
Sonny Rollins - The Bridge (Essential Jazz Classics)
As you can see my selection is not in order of preference but alphabetical order by artist, and again some difficult decisions had to be made as many fine releases do not get a mention here. So much so that I'm sure many will spot that I have actually included eleven new releases when including two albums by Julian Argüelles, and justifying my decision to do so as I have picked eleven albums but by ten different artists or groups. Vocalists have featured strongly in my selection this year, with Elina Duni's superb Dallëndyshe giving much pleasure. ECM Records have been at the heart of my listening for much of the year, and I could easily have picked another half dozen or so from the albums I have reviewed in the last 12 months.
Perhaps no surprises in my choice of reissues, but all feature timeless music that retains a freshness more than half a century after they were recorded.
Julian Argüelles - Tetra & Let it Be Told (Whirlwind Recordings / Basho Records)
Liane Carroll - Seaside (Linn)
Elina Duni - Dallëndyshe (ECM)
Loose Tubes - Arriving (Lost Marble)
Tina May Meets Enrico Pieranunzi - Home Is Where The Heart Is (33 Records)
Roberto Ottaviano - Forgotten Matches: The Worlds of Steve Lacy (Dodicilune)
The Printmakers - Westerly (Basho Records)
Scottish National Jazz Orchestra & Makoto Ozone - Jeunehomme: Mozart Piano Concerto No: 9 K-271 (Spartacus Records)
Andy Sheppard Quartet - Surrounded By Sea (ECM)
Third Reel - Many More Days (ECM)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Clifford Brown & Sonny Rollins - Plus Four & At Basin Street (Masterworks)
Miles Davis - Miles Davis At Newport 1955 to 1975 (Bootleg Series Vol 4) (Sony/Columbia)
Miles Davis - Ascenseur A pour l’échafaud (Dream Covers)
Thelonious Monk - Thelonious Monk Trio (Essential Jazz Classics)
Sonny Rollins - The Bridge (Essential Jazz Classics)
As you can see my selection is not in order of preference but alphabetical order by artist, and again some difficult decisions had to be made as many fine releases do not get a mention here. So much so that I'm sure many will spot that I have actually included eleven new releases when including two albums by Julian Argüelles, and justifying my decision to do so as I have picked eleven albums but by ten different artists or groups. Vocalists have featured strongly in my selection this year, with Elina Duni's superb Dallëndyshe giving much pleasure. ECM Records have been at the heart of my listening for much of the year, and I could easily have picked another half dozen or so from the albums I have reviewed in the last 12 months.
Perhaps no surprises in my choice of reissues, but all feature timeless music that retains a freshness more than half a century after they were recorded.
JOHN STEVENSON
NEW RELEASES
COURTNEY PINE - Song - The Ballad Book (Destine-E)
DENNIS ROLLINS VELOCITY TRIO - Symbiosis (DRV)
CASSANDRA WILSON - Coming forth by Day (Legacy)
KAMASI WASHINGTON - The Epic (Brainfeeder)
STEVE GADD BAND - 70 Strong (BFM Jazz)
TROY ROBERTS - Secret Rhymes (Inner Circle)
LIONEL LOUEKE - Gaia (Blue Note)
BRUNO HEINEN & KRISTIAN BORRING - Postcard to Bill Evans (Babel)
IBRAHIM MAALOUF - Kalthoum (Impulse)
SULLIVAN FOORTNER - Aria (Impulse)
LORI BELL - Brooklyn Dreaming (Lori Bell)
TERENCE BLANCHARD - Breathless (Blue Note)
SAMUEL TORRES GROUP - Forced Displacement (Zoho)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Billie Holiday, The Complete Commodore Recordings (Essential Jazz Classics)
Al Cohn and Billy Mitchell, Night Flight to Dakar + Xanadu in Africa (Xanadu)
Sonny Clark, The Art of the Trio (Phono)
Bob Brookmeyer Quartet, Blues Hot & Cold/7 X Wilder (Lonehill)
Overall, 2015 will be characterized as yielding a very impressive volume of recordings with many striking instrumental voices coming to greater prominence, such as Kamasi Washington. The year also saw influences from Africa and the Middle East making a stronger imprint on the jazz tradition, with notable efforts from Beninois guitarist Lionel Loueke and Lebanese quarter-tone trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf. Jazz recordings from the vaults have been no less spectacular; the Sonny Clark reissue comes as a boon to those needing to pay attention to one of the undisputed masters of the jazz piano.
COURTNEY PINE - Song - The Ballad Book (Destine-E)
DENNIS ROLLINS VELOCITY TRIO - Symbiosis (DRV)
CASSANDRA WILSON - Coming forth by Day (Legacy)
KAMASI WASHINGTON - The Epic (Brainfeeder)
STEVE GADD BAND - 70 Strong (BFM Jazz)
TROY ROBERTS - Secret Rhymes (Inner Circle)
LIONEL LOUEKE - Gaia (Blue Note)
BRUNO HEINEN & KRISTIAN BORRING - Postcard to Bill Evans (Babel)
IBRAHIM MAALOUF - Kalthoum (Impulse)
SULLIVAN FOORTNER - Aria (Impulse)
LORI BELL - Brooklyn Dreaming (Lori Bell)
TERENCE BLANCHARD - Breathless (Blue Note)
SAMUEL TORRES GROUP - Forced Displacement (Zoho)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Billie Holiday, The Complete Commodore Recordings (Essential Jazz Classics)
Al Cohn and Billy Mitchell, Night Flight to Dakar + Xanadu in Africa (Xanadu)
Sonny Clark, The Art of the Trio (Phono)
Bob Brookmeyer Quartet, Blues Hot & Cold/7 X Wilder (Lonehill)
Overall, 2015 will be characterized as yielding a very impressive volume of recordings with many striking instrumental voices coming to greater prominence, such as Kamasi Washington. The year also saw influences from Africa and the Middle East making a stronger imprint on the jazz tradition, with notable efforts from Beninois guitarist Lionel Loueke and Lebanese quarter-tone trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf. Jazz recordings from the vaults have been no less spectacular; the Sonny Clark reissue comes as a boon to those needing to pay attention to one of the undisputed masters of the jazz piano.
NICK STEVENSON
NEW RELEASES
Kamasi Washington -The Epic (P&C Brainfeeder)
Courtney Pine - Song (The Ballad Book) (Destin-E Records)
Julian Arguelles - Tetra (Whirlwind Recordings)
Andy Sheppard Quartet - Surrounded by Sea (ECM)
Richard Baker Quintet - Lunology (Self Released)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
John Coltrane - Golden Disc
Sonny Rollins - The Bridge (Essential Jazz Classics)
2015 was clearly a good year for new and experimental jazz music. Much of the music I listened to live and on record tried to push the boundaries. Most of the gigs I went to were in the East Midlands where Get the Blessing, Marius Neset, Julian Arguelles, Courtney Pine and Zoe Rahman stood out. In this era of cuts I was worried that some of the venues would not survive (they have’nt) but have been interested to see new venues emerge as the live jazz scene reinvented itself. There are now more free gigs to go to with sometimes unexpectedly large audiences. Some of the great live music however did not always turn into a good recording. If jazz remains (for me) a live experience then it remains an enormous challenge to capture this in the studio. The main exceptions to this rule being Julian Arguelles and Courtney Pine who will no doubt many others will mention in other posts.
Kamasi Washington -The Epic (P&C Brainfeeder)
Courtney Pine - Song (The Ballad Book) (Destin-E Records)
Julian Arguelles - Tetra (Whirlwind Recordings)
Andy Sheppard Quartet - Surrounded by Sea (ECM)
Richard Baker Quintet - Lunology (Self Released)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
John Coltrane - Golden Disc
Sonny Rollins - The Bridge (Essential Jazz Classics)
2015 was clearly a good year for new and experimental jazz music. Much of the music I listened to live and on record tried to push the boundaries. Most of the gigs I went to were in the East Midlands where Get the Blessing, Marius Neset, Julian Arguelles, Courtney Pine and Zoe Rahman stood out. In this era of cuts I was worried that some of the venues would not survive (they have’nt) but have been interested to see new venues emerge as the live jazz scene reinvented itself. There are now more free gigs to go to with sometimes unexpectedly large audiences. Some of the great live music however did not always turn into a good recording. If jazz remains (for me) a live experience then it remains an enormous challenge to capture this in the studio. The main exceptions to this rule being Julian Arguelles and Courtney Pine who will no doubt many others will mention in other posts.
