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Imperfect Bread: Imperfect Bread

by Neil Duggan
Imperfect Bread were formed in 2021 and, combining the traditions of British singer-songwriters with Dutch free jazz, they have created an unusual sonic landscape. After spending time honing their sound, performing throughout the Netherlands and winning awards, they have in 2024 released their debut album. This features nine tracks with music and lyrics written by British ...
Chantal Acda: Silently Held

by Neil Duggan
Somewhere near the point where jazz, Americana and alt-folk meet, Belgian singer-songwriter Chantal Acda can be found. She has carved out a distinctive sound using a restricted and intimate sonic landscape crafted to enhance her vocal delivery. Her voice is soft and breathy with a fragile edge, and she delivers her lyrics with an intense focus. ...
Superlocrian: Hills & Valleys

by Neil Duggan
Based in South West England, Superlocrian is an acoustic septet specialising in chamber jazz. Presumably named after the altered scale, they are led by trumpeter Sam Massey, the main composer and musical director. Their debut album, Hills & Valleys, a blend of five originals and three cover versions, features a neat blend of woodwind and brass. ...
Gianmarco Ferri: On The Scene

by Neil Duggan
It is an interesting idea to pair a young, gifted guitarist just starting their career with a well-known jazz pianist. The guitarist in question is Italian Gianmarco Ferri. Following auditions, he won consecutive scholarships to attend Berklee College of Music, where he graduated with honours in 2022. Pianist David Kikoski is another graduate of Berklee. He ...
Strictly Smokin' Big Band: Strictly Smokin' & Friends

by Neil Duggan
They can be stuffy and old-fashioned. That is the view that many, especially the younger demographic, have about big bands. Making serious headway into changing those perceptions is Michael Lamb. He is the main composer, arranger and trumpeter for the Strictly Smokin' Big Band. He set up the band in 2003 and they have steadily developed ...
Meg Okura & Kevin Hays: Lingering

by Neil Duggan
Jazz albums that feature violin-piano duets are uncommon. With two instruments, the musicians need to synchronise at a deep level and if successful, they can elevate their performance and the listening experience from good to great. To achieve this they need to be receptive to every move the other makes. Each musician needs to be adept ...
Vasilis Xenopoulos Paul Edis Quartet: Feels Like Home

by Neil Duggan
The various meanings of home are the themes behind Feels Like Home--somewhere to belong to, a place to rejoin loved ones, a birthplace. This is the second album from Vasilis Xenopoulos and Paul Edis. They began playing together 20 years ago, when they both relocated to London to study. It follows on from A Narrow Escape ...
Tim Garland: Moment Of Departure

by Neil Duggan
For Tim Garland, the title, Moment of Departure, describes the dive into the fresh unknown as improvisors, leaving the solid ground of what has been composed." Many of the tracks were inspired by the free-flowing artwork of Turkish painter Esra Kizir Gokcen. Her own migrant narrative provides the alternative meaning for the title. This ...
Federico Chiarofonte: Underbrush

by Neil Duggan
Underbrush is the first project led by drummer and composer Federico Chiarofonte. The title is appropriate as it alludes to the undergrowth from which biological forms emerge, as well as a secure space where concepts can flourish. Those natural world elements are also reflected in many of the track titles, all eight of which were composed ...
Maurizio Minardi: Invisible

by Neil Duggan
Success, if it is attained, comes quickly to only a small minority of musicians. Being in the right place at the right time is often a major factor. Others have a longer journey, one that involves a gradual refinement of their craft over a range of projects. It may take more time, but those experiences can ...