Henry Franklin, Jazz is Dead 014, Jazz is Dead ****

The laconic feel on 'The Griot' is one of the tracks of octogenarian bassist Henry Franklin's Jazz is Dead recording we warm to most. But there's plenty of choice as the 'Grazing In The Grass' Masekelian amplifies that feeling throughout an album …

Published: 6 Sep 2022. Updated: 19 months.

The laconic feel on 'The Griot' is one of the tracks of octogenarian bassist Henry Franklin's Jazz is Dead recording we warm to most.

But there's plenty of choice as the 'Grazing In The Grass' Masekelian amplifies that feeling throughout an album that is so laidback it is horizontal and the glorious meshing of string and horn textures and exhilarating sax runs illuminate throughout. The ensemble sound is embued with an antique classic finish and easy dexterity. With Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad at the helm for the signature rhythm section house sound turbo charging so many Jazz is Dead releases the Franklin livery is Savile Row quality. 'People's Revolution' taps directly into the Skipper's Black Jazz label 1970s prime. And for mobility and quick flick of tempo up or down the Jazz is Dead sound is full of vigour and head bobbing badinage. Henry Franklin, top. Photo: Spotify

Out on 16 September

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Audio takeover - mirror on the scene: jazz clubs need support

Our latest post in the audio takeover series. As we stagger back from Covid the future for jazz clubs is uncertain. Fundraisers like the DIY initiative by Nigel Price are helping but the big corporates could do a whole lot more but seemingly won't.

Published: 6 Sep 2022. Updated: 19 months.

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Our latest post in the audio takeover series. As we stagger back from Covid the future for jazz clubs is uncertain. Fundraisers like the DIY initiative by Nigel Price are helping but the big corporates could do a whole lot more but seemingly won't.

Mirror mirror - a newly lit and spruced up booth in the Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho, top