Trevor Stark

Tracy Stark’s newest CD, Shades of Beautiful:?The Tracy Stark Songbook, is proof that this multi-award-winning, busy lady is much more than a skilled piano partner who is a great arranger. She is an accomplished songwriter who deserves more recognition. In his liner notes, James Gavin quotes Stark: “… Cabaret used to be a genre: the Great American Songbook, show tunes, standards. In the present world, I see it as a giant umbrella of any genre, as long as you can create a sense of intimacy.” Mission accomplished. Those words describe a CD that is sure to make a mark. It’s an intimate album for sure and it touches several genres with intelligence and great style.

On Ditty Blei, Icelandic guitarist Hilmar Jensson and an acoustic quintet perform his challenging compositions, imbuing them with a rhythmic flair and melodic and harmonic interest that balances offbeat grooves and improvisational freedom, rock extraversion and jazz discipline. Intricate counterpoint from the horns, abrasive guitar solos, constantly shifting metres and time-bending percussive commentary complete the picture. Stark yet tender emotional underpinning engages the listener as Jensson lays out his vision of jazz present and jazz future.

Ivo Neame’s twisting grooves and harmonic ingenuity have helped establish his distinct voice in international contemporary jazz. The celebrated Phronesis pianist returns to Whirlwind for Glimpses of Truth, a powerful artistic statement marking the first time Neame’s big band compositions have been committed to disc. Neame’s most assured body of work to date will undoubtedly be remembered as one of this period’s most impressive artistic achievements.