Veronica Swift, Veronica Swift, Mack Avenue ****

Lively, spirited jazz vocals here from US singer Veronica Swift and something of a big cast of guests including tenor ace Troy Roberts adding to the core band who include pianist Adam Kipple, bassists Philip Norris and Alex Claffy, guitarist Chris …

Published: 26 Sep 2023. Updated: 2 months.

Lively, spirited jazz vocals here from US singer Veronica Swift and something of a big cast of guests including tenor ace Troy Roberts adding to the core band who include pianist Adam Kipple, bassists Philip Norris and Alex Claffy, guitarist Chris Whiteman and drummer Brian Viglione who all provide strong support. Highlights include a punkish take on 'Don't Rain On My Parade' that brings the album to a storming close. And with classical flourishes ('I'm Always Chasing Rainbows,' 'In the Moonlight') torch song passion ('I Am What I Am') funky motion on 'Closer,' the subtle Brazilian flavours of 'Chega de Saudade' and much much more, variety is never in doubt. A bravura, infectiously enjoyable, display that surely will raise the formidable Swift's profile still higher.

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Mire III, Island Song, CAM Jazz ****

A dreamy impressionist sound here from pianist Joona Toivanen, bassist Thomas Markusson and drummer Johan Björklund with strong originals and a gentle ruminative feel to it all. Toivanen reminds me of John Taylor a little and you get a certain …

Published: 25 Sep 2023. Updated: 2 months.

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A dreamy impressionist sound here from pianist Joona Toivanen, bassist Thomas Markusson and drummer Johan Björklund with strong originals and a gentle ruminative feel to it all. Toivanen reminds me of John Taylor a little and you get a certain wistful sensation from his piano lines strongly supported by Markusson and Björklund. Recorded last year at the Artesuono Recording Studio in Italy it's the sort of elegant European jazz that we take too much for granted. SG