Latest stories
Barney Whittaker
Hailing from Warwickshire, Barney is a twenty-something musician with a burning passion for sounds that entice as well as grooves that swing. He undertook a BA English Language & Linguistics at King's College London, graduating in 2022. Having promoted jazz and folk artists and performers throughout the West Midlands and the Greater Manchester area, he now sings on Sundays in a church choir, plays double bass to anyone that’ll listen, and occasionally might bring out an Irish reel on the mandolin - but not without warning. He can also speak some French, if you ask nicely. Performing has dragged him from his humble beginnings in cosy local pubs to the prodigious stage of the Royal Albert Hall, and all the way back again. This is his first editorial role and he looks forward, with the help of everyone at Presto Music, to discovering the perfect beat.
-
Scandinavian Ice and American Fire: A Tale of Two Belongings
6th May 2025
The saxophonist's Blue Note debut honours the recording that introduced Keith Jarrett’s ‘European Quartet’ to the world in 1974. But how do the two stack up against each other today?
-
Evan Parker - The Heraclitean Two-Step etc.
5th Mar 2025
The saxophonist’s newly released 4-CD box set showcases three decades of recordings, blending past and present with his signature improvisational mastery, including a rare 1994 solo performance and fresh explorations inspired by Heraclitus' philosophy of constant change.
Featured product
The Heraclitean Two-Step, ect.
Evan Parker
-
Misha Mullov-Abbado on Effra
5th Feb 2025
The gifted double bassist, bandleader and composer joins us to discuss the release of his new sextet recording ‘Effra’, as he balances the new responsibilities of fatherhood.
-
Chick Corea - Children's Songs
3rd Feb 2025
In a moment of mid-career lucidity, the jazz fusion pioneer issued this unaccompanied statement of sweeping but deceptive simplicity.
-
Martin Hummel (1955-2025)
15th Jan 2025
The warmly influential business executive, who founded Ubuntu Music in 2015, has died aged 69.
-
Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner & Peter Bernstein - Solid Jackson
29th Nov 2024
The powerhouse New York-based frontline of Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner and Peter Bernstein reunites with bassist Larry Grenadier for the first time in 30 years, breaking bread and recovering old ground while paving the way for fresh explorations.
-
Charlie Parker - Bird in Kansas City
22nd Nov 2024
Consisting of several rare, unheard performances, the early Bird doesn’t only catch the worm on this archive release, but flaunts it. This is Bird captured in his key years, 1941–1951, these primordial recordings serving as a timely reminder that there really is nothing new under the sun.
Featured product
Bird in Kansas City
Charlie Parker (altosaxophone), Efferge Ware (guitar), Edward “Little Phil” Phillips (drumkit), Jay McShann (piano, orchestramember), Orville Minor (trumpet), Bernard Anderson (trombone), Harold Bruce (trombone), Joe Baird (trombone), Joe Coleman (vocalist), Harry Ferguson (tenorsaxophone), Bob Mabane (tenorsaxophone), Gene Ramey (bass), Gus Johnson (drumkit), John Jackson (altosaxophone)
More products from this article -
Brandon Sanders - The Tables Will Turn
8th Nov 2024
Returning for his second album in two years, New York-based drummer Brandon Sanders infuses new life into a compelling selection of jazz classics as he pays homage to his grandmother, who once ran a celebrated venue.
-
Immanuel Wilkins - Blues Blood
18th Oct 2024
The talented young saxophonist’s latest Blue Note album is his first to feature vocal guests, delving into themes of identity, culture and the African-American experience.
Featured product
Blues Blood
Immanuel Wilkins (altosaxophone, saxophone, vocalist, synthesizer), June McDoom (vocalist), Yaw Agyeman (vocalist), Ganavya (vocalist), Micah Thomas (piano, organ), Rick Rosato (bass), Kweku Sumbry (drumkit), Esi Sumbry (vocalist), Cécile McLorin Salvant (vocalist), Marvin Sewell (guitar), Chris Dave (drumkit)
More products from this article -
Samara Joy - Portrait
11th Oct 2024
With her most intimate collection of songs to date, the three-time Grammy Award-winning American chanteuse unveils a captivating new album that, for the first time, combines timeless standards with original songwriting.
Featured product
Portrait
Samara Joy (vocalist), Jason Charos (trumpet, flugelhorn, recordingarranger), David Mason (altosaxophone, flute, recordingarranger), Kendric McCallister (tenorsaxophone, recordingarranger), Donavan Austin (trombone, recordingarranger), Conor Rohrer (piano), Felix Moseholm (bass), Evan Sherman (drumkit, recordingarranger)
More products from this article -
Art Blakey - Moanin'
3rd Oct 2024
The passing of saxophonist Benny Golson, who was the last surviving musician to play on Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers’ iconic recording Moanin’ in 1958, invites us to reflect on his masterful role in shaping the group’s timeless sound.
-
Neil Cowley on soul music, going viral, and his evolving creative journey
26th Sep 2024
After exploring solo piano and electronic music, British bandleader Neil Cowley came to a deeper understanding of the human connection within his jazz trio. Now, he reflects on reforming the group after a seven-year break.
-
Pat Metheny - MoonDial
26th Jul 2024
A warm and inviting solo recording from the great American guitarist sets his latest album apart from anything released in his career so far.
-
A “Sassy” Centenary of Sarah Vaughan
24th Jul 2024
Get to know the Divine One and the singers bringing her legacy to life before a televised Proms celebration airs this weekend.
Featured product
The Divine One – A Centenary Tribute: Her 50 Finest (1944-1962)
Sarah Vaughan (vocals), Dizzy Gillespie & his All-Star Quintet, Dizzy Gillespie & his Orchestra, Dizzy Gillespie & his Septet, John Kirby & his Orchestra, Georgie Auld & his Orchestra, Tadd Dameron & his Orchestra, George Treadwell & his Orchestra, Teddy Wilson & his Octet, Teddy Wilson & his Quartet, Ted Dale & his Orchestra, Richard Maltby & his String Orchestra, Jimmy Jones & his Quartet, Earl Rodgers & his Choir, Hugo Winterhalter & his Orchestra, Joe Lippman & his Orchestra, George Treadwell & his Allstars, Norman Leyden & his Orchestra, Mitch Miller & his Orchestra, Sarah Vaughan & her Trio, Hugo Peretti & his Orchestra, Ernie Wilkins & his Sextet, Hugo Peretti & his Orchestra & Chorus, Hal Mooney & His Orchestra, Ray Ellis & his Orchestra & Chorus, Quincy Jones & his Orchestra, The Count Basie Orchestra, Belford C. Hendricks & his Orchestra & Chorus, Joe Reisman & his Orchestra
More products from this article -
Toumani Diabaté (1965-2024)
22nd Jul 2024
The Malian kora player, known for his expertly led cross-cultural collaborations, has died aged 58.
-
Tomasz Stańko Quartet - September Night
19th Jul 2024
This unreleased live recording from the late Polish trumpet master is a contemplative piece that captures the serene and reflective atmosphere of an autumn evening.
-
Jazz New Release Round-Up - 19th July 2024
19th Jul 2024
An experimental American master's heart-softening trio, West London's freshest electro-acoustic sound, Norway's leading jazz singer finds herself in an intimate setting, the uplifting new ensemble from a UK jazz veteran and a Russian-American saxman's impressive band of close-knit comrades...
-
Jazz @ The BBC Proms 2024!
18th Jul 2024
Jazz fans are in for a treat this season, with a niche selection of international talent making its way to the Royal Albert Hall just in time for the summer.
Featured product
Poor Boy: Songs Of Nick Drake
Aiko Shimada, Bill Horist, Kate Hammett-Vaughan, Chris Gestrin, Simon Fisk, Jason Michas, Robin Holcomb, Veda Hille, François Houle, Danielle Hébert, François Houle 5, Mike Dumovich, Friendly Science Orchestra, Sam Mickens, Mount Analog, Jesse Sykes, Ian Moore, Eyvind Kang
More products from this article -
Mark Guiliana, The Sound of One Man Drumming
17th Jul 2024
As his first full-length solo recording is released, we retrace the steps that led the Grammy-nominated drummer and percussionist to his current chameleonic glory.
-
Steven Nichols on His Jazz Revelations
15th Jul 2024
Inspired by a newly awakened faith, the young British trumpeter takes us through his debut album of sacred syncopations, divine melodies and celestial swing.
