Hanakiv, featuring Alabaster dePlume, No Words Left, Gondwana ***1/2

Shrouded in the holy minimalism of Arvo Pärt if not a believer nevertheless it's hard not to succumb to Stockholm Syndrome as you begin to wrestle yet again with the sound of modish saxist Alabaster dePlume improvising over the repetitive but …

Published: 28 Nov 2022. Updated: 16 months.

Shrouded in the holy minimalism of Arvo Pärt if not a believer nevertheless it's hard not to succumb to Stockholm Syndrome as you begin to wrestle yet again with the sound of modish saxist Alabaster dePlume improvising over the repetitive but compelling piano lines, as the current Heavyweight Moondog Champion of the UK jazz scene pirouettes around the piano line like Bez with a mouthpiece instead of any need for the maracas.

The key moment is at 1 minute 20 seconds when DePlume goes into wavering vibrato laden overdrive on the way to the next levitation. Complete newcomer Hanakiv's 'No Words Left’ is different to the Hania Rani approach - but re-listen to the beautiful Esja from three years ago. Because something inside so strong found in the wonderfully stark Estonian gracenote touches is also at play. For some listeners guessing the moves and perhaps quaking in trepidation Hanakiv like the Pole shares a moody Caffè Nero-like staring out-of-the-window Sleepless in Haggerston hate my life just drink coffee and eat pastries instead outcome. Another day at the dark satanic mills of the call centre ahead!

But fear not. 'No Words Left' is not at all as cosy and smug as listening to classic Ludovico Einaudi, oh my days. Seven minutes-plus of bliss to take the edge of yet another blue Monday ushers itself trilling to the quill of it all. A new star in the making putting ink to the nib is a perfect alternative instead. Photo: detail from the Gondwana artwork

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Benny Goodman swing star Louise Tobin dies at 104

Louise Tobin who has died in Texas aged 104 was first married to trumpeter and big band leader Harry James and later clarinettist Peanuts Hucko and in the singer's considerable heyday sang with Benny Goodman. She first alerted James to the voice of …

Published: 27 Nov 2022. Updated: 16 months.

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Louise Tobin who has died in Texas aged 104 was first married to trumpeter and big band leader Harry James and later clarinettist Peanuts Hucko and in the singer's considerable heyday sang with Benny Goodman. She first alerted James to the voice of Frank Sinatra who then went to find him and hired ol' blue eyes for his band beginning the then waiter's career.

Tobin later co-owned the Navarre club in Denver with Hucko who died 19 years ago.

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