Brian Payne

1 month ago | jazzjournal.co.uk | Brian Payne

James Baldwin (1924-1987) is considered by many to be one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Born into poverty in Harlem, New York, he became an activist and broke new ground with his exploration of racial and social issues in works such as Go Tell It On The Mountain, Notes Of A Native Son And The Fire Next Time. His short story Sonny’s Blues was published in 1957.

2 months ago | jazzjournal.co.uk | Brian Payne

This double CD was recorded at last year’s Scarborough Jazz Festival. CD1 runs to 71.45 minutes, opening with Al Morrison’s Blues Experience and their superb rendition of Cream’s Sunshine Of Your Love. It’s followed by Family Band with Tom Rivieré’s composition, Life’s Work. Then Elaine Delmar sings Gershwin’s Embraceable You backed by Barry Green (p), Simon Thorpe (b) and Bobby Worth (d).

Jan 4, 2025 | jazzjournal.co.uk | Brian Payne

Harken! is the fourth album from Threeway, the drumless jazz trio comprising Steve Waterman (t, flh), Steve Lodder (p, org) and leader Ben Crosland (elb). It follows Conversations (2005), Songs Of The Year (2009) and Looking Forward, Looking Back (2013). The release, recorded in December 2023, marks the 20th anniversary of the trio’s formation. It features John Etheridge, guest guitarist and longtime friend of the band, who plays on six of the 12 tracks.

Dec 2, 2024 | jazzjournal.co.uk | Brian Payne

Welsh born, New Orleans-based chanteuse Judith Owen has just released her 15th album. Backed by her 17-piece J.O. Big Band, she delivers a diverse and upbeat collection of Christmas songs of the swinging, secular sort. If you’re after traditional Christmas carols don’t look here.

Nov 9, 2024 | jazzjournal.co.uk | Brian Payne

Swedish swing-based trombonist and trumpeter Gunhild Carling is a talented composer who plays flute, harmonica, banjo, ukelele, piano, harp, violin, cello, bagpipes, theremin and drums as well. She sings and dances too. She appears regularly at New York’s Birdland Jazz Club, can play three trumpets at once and has performed for the King of Sweden. All 11 compositions on Jazz Is My Lifestyle are Carling originals delivered in 1920s/30s hot jazz and 1940s big-band styles.