Marta Sanchez’s latest album, “Perpetual Void,” marks a significant milestone in her career as a pianist and composer. Following the success of her 2022 release, “SAAM (Spanish American Art Museum),” Sanchez ventures into new territory with her first trio album and debut on Intakt Records. As a seasoned member of the David Murray Quartet, “Perpetual Void” stands as Sanchez’s fifth album as a bandleader, showcasing her growth and versatility as an artist. The album’s genesis lies in Sanchez’s personal journey through a dark and challenging period, during which she grappled with existential que ..read more

The Royal Albert Hall has announced the eagerly awaited second season of its Late Night Jazz series for 2024. There is no doubt that the Royal Albert Hall stands as a major venue of cultural significance, having hosted an illustrious array of figures across its 152-year history, from Winston Churchill to The Beatles. Beyond its star-studded events, it has served as a catalyst for social change, from Suffragette rallies to Stonewall concerts. While its eccentric past includes unconventional uses like séances and bodybuilding contests, the Hall remains a beacon of artistic diversity, hosting 40 ..read more

Jazz trombonist, composer and musical director Laura Impallomeni is bringing her fresh and exciting sound to London Karamel Club on April 25th in partnership with Women in Jazz Media. Featuring Laura on trombone, Mei Kirby on piano and synths and Greg Sinclair on tenor sax, Laura will perform a mixture of some of her original compositions and her favourite standards alongside members of her quintet. Laura performed at last years ‘Maxine Gordon – Sophisticated Giants’ event’, an evening of celebration of the inspirational work of award-winning Arts Advocate, Jazz Historian, Archivist, Sc ..read more

London’s iconic PizzaExpress, has long been known in the UK jazz scene for more than pizzas – it’s a cultural hub that plays a central role in the London jazz world. In a groundbreaking move, PizzaExpress decided to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its successful record label, PX Records, in a way that symbolizes its commitment to music: by launching record stores within its iconic live music venues. These record stores, located in Soho, Holborn, and Chelsea, mark a new chapter in PizzaExpress’ musical journey, bringing fans closer to their favorite artists by offering vinyl and CDs from ..read more

Bassist, vocalist and composer Amy Gadiaga represents everything that is new and exciting in today’s jazz scene. Nominated last year as best newcomer by the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and signed by Jazz Re:Freshed, I have been thrilled to follow and support Amy’s work. Performing to a sold out and very excited audience at last years London Jazz Festival events, Amy not only demonstrates that she is one to watch but that she has arrived – and what an arrival! Born in Paris and based in London having completed her degree at the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of music and ..read more

Vocalist Gretchen Parlato and guitarist Lionel Loueke made their recording as a duo “Lean In” (Edition Records) in 2021, but like almost any other recording of that time, they were unable to tour or perform in public and its release was postponed; due to this, it could have almost gone by unnoticed with its eventual release in 2023, till it recently won a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album (2024). “Lean In” has already won “Best of Jazz 2023” in Jazz News Paris, and prior to this, the Bossa nova (Getz/Gilberto duo) influenced Parlato has also previously won numerous awards and Grammy ..read more

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra reunites with Japanese piano virtuoso Makoto Ozone for concerts in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Aberdeen Music Hall from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th May. For the Edinburgh and Glasgow concerts the SNJO and Ozone will join forces for the first time with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra to play George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in a new, extended orchestration by SNJO artistic director, saxophonist Tommy Smith. “This is a milestone in the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra’s near thirty-year career,” says Smith, who also re-orch ..read more

Vocalist, composer, and bandleader Annie Chen recently shared her stunning new album Guardians with the world. Born in Beijing, but now based in New York, Annie brings a beautifully inspired palette from around the world to her artistry, with influences such as Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln and the sounds of the Beijing Opera. A story teller like no other, her new album presents a clear vision and message. It was wonderful to catch up with Annie and explore her music. Congratulations on your fantastic new release Guardians! The inspiration for this album, I believe, came while you were wal ..read more

Neither absolute space nor absolute time exists however, space and time are interconnected rather than independent entities. This continuum mirrors well-executed music; they mutually influence each other and leave a lasting impact on the ears and synapses {that small pocket of space between two cells, where neurons can pass messages to communicate} of our brains. The academic pursuit of music, often influenced by conservatories and common with artists at the start of their careers, is heavily influenced by theory. Topics such as sight-reading, breath technique, physiological fundamentals, rhy ..read more

American Diary, released recently on Mons Records is the latest release featuring the music of composer Mia Brentano performed by pianist Benyamin Nuss and the German Film Orchestra conducted by Christian Köhler. The works included on the album are eclectic, stylistically reaching into the Classical, Jazz and Pop genres with a Cinematic feel acting as the overarching tie that holds the set together. The set comprises of 24 relatively short pieces all composed and orchestrated by Mia Brentano except for the classic from the Great American Songbook, “I Thought About You” by Jimmy Van Heusen, as ..read more