The cello, piano and poetry duo of Shirley Smart and Robert Mitchell have a new record Zeitgeist² out via Sheffield's Discus Music label on 28 January. Tracks are: 'Opals,' 'The First Note,' 'Anxieties,' 'Zeitgeist,' 'Klavierstück in A,' 'For Catherine,' 'Inner Sanctum,' 'A Son of Windrush Reflects' and 'Mind's Eye'. Upcoming dates include The Yard, Manchester on 24 January.
Robert Mitchell and Shirley Smart photo: Monika S. Jakubowska
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Whimsical in a good way this Petter Eldh celebration of the Swedish west coast. Experimental playful vocals from Sofia Jernberg, a cracking bass break-out line that you won't guess is coming, Gromit, and a relaxed hiphop-ish backbeat that masks just what an experimental beautifully voiced Django Bates-esque sound overall this is, the flute especially all cooked through nicely. 'Koma Kaprifol' is from the WeJazz Koma West release destined for March. The tunes mainly by bassist Eldh, Kit Downes pops up on piano and on drums it's Christian Lillinger to pick out a few names. Cellist Lucy Railton also appears. Railton has a residency coming up at Cafe Oto next year.
Koma West includes an arrangement of 1960s-era folk singer Fritz Sjöström's touching 'Närhet.'