What makes a good live jazz album?
There isn’t a definition. But I can show you one eminently eligible candidate.
This week’s podcast + track of the week
The latest marlbank podcast reflects on Gary Crosby and Cherise at the new London outpost of the Blue Note
Malou Oheix wins the Hancock
A starry, starry night in Paris saw French singer Malou Oheix crowned Hancock winner
Finn Carter, Finding Home, Whirlwind **** recommended
Remember exactly where you are and how you felt when you first heard these remarkable sounds
Sarah Heneghan, Tiny Sacred Gaps ***
Modesty and reserve speak volumes in this pared back recording
Sharp Little Bones, Step Up! Get Down! Full Beam Music ***
Originals that tap a certain reflectiveness
Rahsaan Barber, Eternal, Jazz Music City Records ***1/2
More-ish straightahead listening borne out of loss transformed into light
Gary Crosby Quartet featuring Cherise Adams-Burnett + Maddy Coombs trio, Blue Note, London ****
A first visit to the new London Blue Note
Michael Kanan, Horacio Fumero and Guillem Arnedo, The Sweetest Sounds, Fresh Sound ***
A pleasantly swinging mainstream piano trio rendering of some classic tunes plus a few originals
Jo Harrop, Love Now Pay Later, Lateralize ***1/2
A soul diversion for Jo Harrop unearths some obscure, simmering northern soul friendly fare
Christ-Stéphane Boizi, As The Spirit Leads, Banger Factory **** recommended
What a debut - new in the marlbank choice for top UK releases in 2026
JD Allen, Söwt, Savant **** recommended
A big change in JD Allen's style as the deep jazz saxophonist goes gnawa
Gustav Lundgren, Plays Coltrane, Prisma Music ***1/2
No sax shock. But the concept isn't in hock to anything too gimmicky.
Zawinul Legacy Band 3.0, Live At Grafenegg, Ropeadope ***1/2
Compositions that are built to last played by players who are closer to the source than most
Ekep Nkwelle, Caged Bird, Mack Avenue ***
The route to the rootsier thread among the album choices is more direct
You must be logged in to post a comment.