Sounds that span a range of styles across classic big band and the contemporary mainstream

'I'll Remember April'

There's a gorgeous big band and strings arrangement of the Gene DePaul, Pat Johnston and Don Raye 1940s classic 'I'll Remember April' first recorded by Woody Herman and by Charlie Parker on the classic Charlie Parker With Strings (1950, Mercury) featured on the upcoming SWR Big Band, Magnus Lindgren & John Beasley with Joe Lovano release Bird Lives out on the German ACT label next week. The SWR big band personnel also features Chris Potter, Miguel Zenón and Tia Fuller.

'Up'

Out next week try the charming, lyrically strong 'Up' a tuneful original from the sleeplessness-themed studio album Friends With Monsters (Whirlwind) new from Nishla Smith. A Manchester-based Australian the singer sounds on this track oh like Stacey Kent at first blush veering over to the realm of Yael Naim and 'New Soul' territory. Smith's tour with trumpeter Aaron Wood, pianist Richard Jones, double bassist Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley and drummer Johnny Hunter reaches Ronnie Scott's tonight.

'Northern Sail'

German drummer Mareike Wiening impressed us on Live at Bird's Eye Basel and 'Northern Sail' from Future Memories on Greenleaf Music released on 12 November again finds pianist Glenn Zaleski significant in the dreamy sound as is guitarist Alex Goodman. The deliciously bittersweet contribution of tenor saxophonist Rich Perry is also significant. Certainly Wiening is a fine composer and goes from strength to strength.

Nishla Smith, top. Photo: press