Articles by Thomas Fletcher
Betty Accorsi Quartet: The Cutty Sark Suite
by Thomas Fletcher
Saxophonist and talented composer Betty Accorsi has released her debut album, The Cutty Sark Suite, inspired by the ship's journey travelling from China to London. The four tracks, averaging seven-and-a-half-minutes, were all recorded at Goldsmiths Music Studios, in affiliation with the university which Accorsi attended, studying for a master's degree in music. Prior to this, the Italian-born musician enrolled at the Conservatoire G. Verdi in Milan where she primarily focused on performing classical repertoire. She then moved to England to ...
read moreRoy Hargrove: In Harmony
by Thomas Fletcher
Roy Hargrove is a trumpeter often affiliated with styles of music beyond jazz including hip-hop and soul. In addition, Mulgrew Miller is character that has always proven his versatile piano playing. However, this album is a melting pot of well-loved standards and compositions written by an array of influences. In Harmony presents previously unreleased live recordings by these two from Merkin Hall, New York City (2006) and Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania (2007). Both musicians, who left to ...
read moreSam Braysher Trio: Dance Little Lady, Dance Little Man
by Thomas Fletcher
It was back in 2017 when we were first introduced to Sam Braysher with his debut release Golden Earrings (Fresh Sound New Talent), performed alongside pianist, Michael Kanan and featuring a collection of reinterpreted songs from the Great American Songbook. Braysher is now following his own footsteps by releasing a trio album with a similar theme. The London-based alto saxophonist sees himself line up with Catalan percussionist Jorge Rossy, most recognisable for his spell with the Brad Mehldau ...
read moreClare Foster: Kumbhaka
by Thomas Fletcher
Clare Foster is a multi-talented musician who sings, composes and, along the way, educates. Born in England, she learnt the clarinet and began listening to jazz at the age of five courtesy of her father and recently said in an interview, “he still doesn't believe there's any jazz after 1932!" Foster's inspiration for this album has emerged from her interests in Latin American rhythms but also her passion for the American songbook. “I'll Remember April," the ninth track ...
read moreHans Ulrik & Anders Mogensen: The Meeting with Steve Swallow
by Thomas Fletcher
The partnership between Danish saxophonist Hans Ulrik and American bassist Steve Swallow can be traced back to the late '90s when they toured Europe and recorded three albums including Tin Pan Aliens (Stunt Records, 2005). Meanwhile drummer Anders Mogensen's collaboration with Swallow also began in the '90s, his busy calendar saw him perform alongside musicians such as Jerry Bergonzi and Walt Weiskopf. The final member in this meeting is guitarist and fellow Dane, Niclas Knudsen. Having performed with familiar names ...
read moreJimmy Heath: Love Letter
by Thomas Fletcher
Often nicknamed “Little Bird," Jimmy Heath began on the alto saxophone acquiring this informal title by dedicating his studies to Charlie Parker and his wee stature. Although not a familiar name to many outside of the devoted jazz community, Heath would go on to pursue a remarkable 76-year career sadly passing away in January, 2020. A fabled musician to many tenor players, Heath presents us with his final testament, a collection of formative ballads. Enhancing the already prolific ...
read moreMarcin Wasilewski Trio, Joe Lovano: Arctic Riff
by Thomas Fletcher
The Marcin Wasilewski Trio is amongst the most evident and high-profile jazz groups that roam the Polish scene. Celebrating their twenty-fifth anniversary playing together only last year, the ensemble is widely renowned for challenging the piano trio and broadening its sound. Having collaborated with luminary wind players such as Jan Garbarek, Arthur Blythe and John Surman, the trio have now set their aspirations on performing with fellow ECM giant, Joe Lovano. Lovano made his debut with the record label back ...
read moreStéphane Spira, Giovanni Mirabassi: Improkofiev
by Thomas Fletcher
Dwelling on previous influences and past concepts to construct a fresh approach to an idea is a common approach in jazz. The title of this album indicates a pathway into the art of giving classical repertoire some jazz characteristics. Introduced to Prokofiev around 2005 by a Turkish jazz presenter and radio host, Stéphane Spira was fascinated by the Russian composer's dense and rich harmonies. “As soon as I heard the Violin Concerto," says Spira, “I was struck by ...
read moreSophia Smith: Elevation
by Thomas Fletcher
Initially from St. Thomas but now based in Toronto, Canada, saxophonist, composer and educator Sophia Smith has formed her own modern jazz ensemble, The Sophia Smith Quartet, showcasing her original compositions. Her work has been compared to that of saxophonists Kenny Garrett and Chris Potter, and guitarist Pat Metheny. This album reflects her recent experience within the Toronto music scene. In addition to her own quartet, Smith is a member of the Dennis Kwok Jazz Orchestra and the Backtrack Band. ...
read moreBack At The Chicken Shack
by Thomas Fletcher
Back At The Chicken Shack celebrates 60 years since its recording date at the Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs. The same session produced Midnight Special (Blue Note, 1961), though Back At The Chicken Shack would have to wait three years for its release. The label's co-founder, Alfred Lion, later revealed that the healthy sales of this album, alongside many others from Jimmy Smith, kept the record company afloat. The album features, at the time, a youthful but ...
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