CD Round Up: Quercus/Wako/McCormack/Simkins/Baptiste/Latchin/Malija

I have been steadily listening and reviewing a few CDs for London Jazz News over the last few months (other distractions notwithstanding) – more than I thought looking back.  Here’s a round up.  The obvious thought is how much great music is being produced,  how varied it is and how much it deserves  proper attention (as well as being good for the heart and soul!).  The latter is a slightly coded mea culpa apology to slow response/ digestion time  for new offerings that come my way.

I’ve also noticed that four of the seven are trios, three of which are drumless.  Is a new trend quietly emerging? Here’s the list/ round up (oldest first). Clink on the links to see full review on London Jazz News

Quercus – Nightfall.  The latest offering on ECM from jazz-folk crossover trio of Tabor/Ballamy/Warren. Review here.

Wako & Oslo Strings – Modes for all Eternity.  A Norwegian quartet  and string trio thread a line through improv, through composed and jazzy pieces.  Review here.

Andrew McCormack – Graviton.  The pianist explores more groove based/ electronica based turf with a stellar band including Shabaka Hutchings and Eska.  Review here.

Geoff Simkins – In A Quiet Way.  The Brighton based altoist weaves a bit of deeply jazzy magic with pianist Nikki Iles and bass legend Dave Green. Review here.

Denys Baptiste – Late Trane. The British tenor man’s tribute to and exploration of Coltrane’s latter years output. Review here.

Gabriel Latchin – Introducing Gabriel Latchin. Debut release from (not-so) new-comer Latchin. A swinging trio out of the classic mould. Review here.

Malija – Instinct.  Another (drumless) trio, this time of Lockeart/ Noble/ Høiby. There’s plenty of melody, groove and imagination to spare. Review here.