As evident by the album's title, the notion of appreciation - and of course 'gratitude' - serves as the driving narrative throughout the latest release from the Søren Bebe Trio. And as a collective that have gone on to warrant a whopping nine albums to their name since forming in 2007, it's certainly an understandable emotion for the Scandinavian trio to express. Comprised of pianist Søren Bebe, bassist Kasper Tagel and drummer Knut Finsrud, the trio can further boast having performed at esteemed festivals and venues around the world including having graced stages across Europe and the UK, the US, South Korea and Hong Kong. Featuring a mix of original compositions alongside notable covers - which still maintain the theme of gratitude (like the inclusion of Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes') - the album proves as exquisite as listeners have now come to expect from the long-standing trio. The music is beautifully performed and affectionately calls to mind being inside on a deftly cold winter night whether with the company of another or the luxury of nostalgic introspection. A final note has to go to the album's endearing cover artwork which captures so much of the album's essence and intention.
'Heights Prospection' marks the debut full-length release from saxophonist Alain Métrailler, unveiling his new album through Unit Records. With projects by Marton Juhasz, YongLee & The Doltang and Yumi Ito, Unit's all-encompassing approach to contemporary jazz serves as a wonderful partner to Métrailler's ambitious ideals. Having grown up in Switzerland, Métrailler moved to New York in 2019 to study at The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music where he would ultimately stay for a further six years. While honing his skills in that time, Métrailler's 'Heights Prospection' proves to be a fascinating concoction born of European jazz and jazz born of the unbridled allure of New York City. From jazz legends to contemporary luminaries, New York's infectious city life gives an unparalleled perspective on jazz that impacts Métrailler's music in delightful ways. And while the indelible imprint of New York jazz resonates throughout the album, courtesy of its roll-call of city-based artists including pianist Elias Stemeseder, double-bassist Chris Tordini and drummer Eric McPherson. In a further delicious slice of artistic irony, 'Heights Prospection' can further boast the inclusion of another Swiss-born, New York resident in Grégoire Maret who guests - harmonica in hand - on 'Flight of the Humble Being'.
Since Human Being Human debuted in 2022 with 'Equals', the Danish trio have consistently displayed an elegant sensitivity within their music that sees them confidently explore what it is to be human. Across their three album releases to date, double-bassist Torben Bjørnskov, pianist Esben Tjalve and drummer Frederik Bülow have tackled themes exploring our impact in relation to the world around us, our impact as individuals as we strive to connect with others and have even explored the notion of our death and the impact our own legacies leave behind us long after our passing. 'Being' continues within the trio's critical assessments and this time find themselves in the esteemed company of US saxophonist Chris Cheek. An established solo artist in his own right, with releases dating back to the late-90s, Cheek has also proved himself a versatile and dynamic collaborator gracing over one hundred albums as a collaborator for Luciana Souza, Brad Mehldau and Seamus Blake. And Cheek serves as the perfect accomplice for 'Being' as he seamlessly adopts the trio's self-reflective sensibilities and plunders deep into the nature of Human Being Human's musical and introspective explorations. While the compassionate interplay between Bjørnskov, Tjalve and Bülow have helped to define their sound and approach to working, it's a wonderful thing to see Cheek adapt to the group's existing dynamic so effectively. With the saxophone also adding a captivating new dimension to the Human Being Human aesthetic, Cheek has presented himself as integral to the album's cohesion which is a testament to his own sensibilities.
In reference to the tram that would carry them both to and from rehearsals for this very project, Chris Bestwick and Anthony Barilla unveil their debut collaborative EP under the guise, tram 92. Having connected in Brussels last year, guitarist Bestwick - who we herald for his work alongside Graeme Flowers for Archie the Goldfish - further boasts a resume that has seen him perform alongside revered names including James Taylor and Ali Slimani as well as creating music as part of the Finnish collective Timeforsoul, not to mention his releases as a solo artist in his own right. Multi-instrumentalist and multi-disciplinary artist Barilla boasts a similarly impressive catalogue with as one-half of Merel & Tony as well as collaborations with Lisa D'Amour and Suzan-Lori Parks and an extensive array of theatre work to his name. 're:connections' pairs Bestwick's guitar and production alongside Barilla who helms accordion duties for the project: released through the UK's Funkiwala Records, the EP showcases some bold compositions that are expertly layered with Bestwick's understated drum patterns which pull the seemingly disparate elements snugly together.
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