Jazz

Gregory Groover Jr.
Old Knew
Criss Cross Jazz 1428

After completing his master’s degree at Berklee, the Boston-born saxophonist was able to teach there alongside one of his heroes, Walter Smith III, who then helped him assemble an all-star band for his 2024 Criss Cross debut, Lovabye. This time, we can hear again the chemistry between Groover and Blue Note vibraphone star Joel Ross that makes their virtuosic and intricate ensemble lines seem so effortless. The rest of the lineup is new but equally stellar, with pianist Paul Cornish joining bassist Harish Raghavan and drummer Kendrick Scott – both stalwarts of Smith’s ‘In Common’ project. With Smith again producing, and helped by a soft, almost cosy studio sound, it’s an album of warmth and joy. SH

Sound Quality: 90%

Espen Berg
The Kempen Concert
Kite Records K00001 (two LPs)

Though he’d made two solo albums earlier, it was with The Trondheim Concert in 2022 that the Norwegian pianist really began a series of fully improvised solo recordings. And here, in the lively acoustic of a German church, the piano sound is huge. Berg’s muscular virtuosity makes the most of a big Steinway’s bottom-end power in pieces that build and build, but there are lyrical moments too. Berg numbers his main pieces, as Jarrett did, and also adds a popular tune (an obliquely reworked ‘What A Wonderful World’) as a second encore. He is an astounding and masterful pianist, but with just seven tracks adding up to 84 minutes, be prepared for the long haul. SH

Sound Quality: 85%

Dave Holland, Norma Winstone, London Vocal Project
Vital Spark (Music Of Kenny Wheeler)
Edition Records EDN1288; LP: EDNLP1288 (two discs)

Some of the last music of the late great Canadian-born trumpeter and composer is realised in a loving tribute by artists who’d worked with him. Bassist Dave Holland was heard in many Wheeler projects, as was Norma Winstone, and Winstone, Pete Churchill’s London Vocal Project, Nikki Iles, Mark Lockheart and James Maddren all contributed to Wheeler’s epic Mirrors album in 2013. Here there are settings of familiar poems along with new lyrics by Winstone, while the LVP voices add a life-affirming dimension. If you don’t already know Wheeler’s music, you will want more after hearing this deeply felt celebration. SH

Sound Quality: 90%

Steve Lodder
2 Sorts Of 3
Sleeve Records SLV5020

British pianist, composer and arranger Steve Lodder might be best known for his work with saxophonist Andy Sheppard but he’s a master of many genres. He has also written many books, including one about Stevie Wonder’s classic albums. On half of 2 Sorts Of 3’s dozen tracks he’s heard plugged (into a Rhodes Mk 8 electric piano, with electric bassist/guitarist Dudley Phillips and drummer Nic France) and unplugged (on Yamaha piano with Freddie Jensen’s double-bass and the drums of Marius Rodrigues) on the others. Get past the opener, with its weird pulsing Rhodes sound, to find funk, fusion, Latin and contemporary influences and more in a varied keyboard feast. SH

Sound Quality: 80%