Misha Mullov-Abbado, Dream Circus

Certainly one of the most talented bassists to have emerged on the UK jazz scene in many years Misha Mullov-Abbado's Dream Circus is his most convincing and enjoyable album so far. And it's not just about chops although his technique is world class. The tunes, often cloaked in a bittersweet sometimes slightly 1950s type pastoral nostalgia, are very strong and allow a talented ensemble [James Davison - trumpet & flugelhorn; Matthew Herd - alto saxophone; Sam Rapley - tenor saxophone; Liam Dunachie - piano & Hammond organ; Scott Chapman - drums] to stretch out.

The arranging has a John Dankworth-like elegance and the horns especially are beautifully written for and the charts find both space for soloing and for ensemble development. Produced in Denmark by bassist Jasper Høiby this is a fine achievement. SG

Out on Edition. Misha Mullov-Abbado photo via Bandcamp

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A giant of free improvisation, pianist Keith Tippett has died aged 72. The news was posted on his official Facebook page although no further details were given. Tippett emerged on the London scene in the late 1960s with his sextet and most notably his 50-piece ensemble Centipede. He collaborated with the South African exiles the Blue Notes and influential groups he was associated with includes Ovary Lodge, the group that also included his wife Julie Tippetts. He also appeared on several albums by King Crimson.