Peter Erskine and the JAM Music Lab All-Stars ft. Danny Grissett, Bernstein in Vienna, Origin ****

Here's a swinging, tone perfect, small jazz group live version of some of the gems from the Leonard Bernstein catalogue powered by Weather Report drummer Peter Erskine and beautifully arranged by pianist Danny Grissett - interesting touches include using harmonica (Bertl Mayer) as lead voice on 'I Feel Pretty'. Drummers check out Erskine's masterful touches on 'It's Love'. Great too to hear swinging guitarist Andreas Varady in this context - he makes 'Lonely Town' come alive. The whole album was recorded live at the Funkhaus in Vienna in October 2021.

Out on 19 January. 'Somewhere' is streaming ahead of the full album release

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Intimacy is a big factor on Elles in the pared back setting the iconic South Korean singer Youn Sun Nah finds in the arrangements of this classic female-centred songbook album in duo with pianist Jon Cowherd. Another big factor is familiarity because the songs are so instantly so - 'Feeling Good,' 'My Funny Valentine,' 'Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child,' 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' and so much more. That last aspect frustrated me a bit but I have always liked the singer's voice and it's the voice rather than the song that is most vital with her. In the wake of the Laufey phenomenon of the last few years gen Z jazz newcomers who like the Laufey voice certainly will find a similar spirit and even a soul mate here. Cowherd is ideal - I liked his role most on the cover of Jefferson Airplane's 'White Rabbit.' SG

Out on 26 January

Daily jazz blog, Marlbank

Peter Erskine and the JAM Music Lab All-Stars ft. Danny Grissett, Bernstein in Vienna, Origin ****

Youn Sun Nah, Elles, Warner Music Arts ***1/2