Vanishing Voices

This is a fascinating collaboration between lyrical Italian jazz improvisers Paolo Fresu and Daniele di Bonaventura and the transfixing voices of A Filetta from Corsica. A Filetta, prize-winning vocal ensemble, internationally renowned as the standard-bearers of Corsican polyphony, make their ECM debut here. The appealing combination of sound-colours and idioms adds up to `Sketches of Corsica'. As the improvisers approach this regional music of universal appeal, Fresu's pensive, romantic trumpet inevitably brings Milesian associations to mind, and the ingenious bandoneon of di Bonaventura implies `chamber music' and `folk music' in every breath of the bellows.

From a celebrated environmental journalist, the riveting exploration of sea level rise along the West Coast through human stories and ecological dramas.

Based in the humid indie-rock haven of Athens, Georgia, Kenosha Kid has supplied the world with their own unique blend of modern-jazz-meets-college-radio for over a decade. In 2004, after several weeks study and improvisation at the Banff Centre for the Arts, bandleader Dan Nettles emerged with a flame of inspiration, a host of new collaborators and an invigorated sense of purpose: Build a scene, write for people you know, and listen to your creative heart regardless of music idiom. Returning to Athens, Nettles did just that, which became the beginning of Kenosha Kid.

Mike Batt’s long and varied career is celebrated on his new Penultimate Collection double album, with tracks highlighting his work as performer, composer, arranger and key British musical figure – but especially as performer.Not only does it feature Batt’s original solo material – including his international solo hits – but also his own versions of songs he wrote for other artists. The Closest Thing To Crazy, Bright Eyes, A Winter’s Tale, Caravan Song and I Feel Like Buddy Holly are given Mike’s own distinctive treatment, alongside his orchestral works, and contributions from Colin Blunstone, Bonnie Tyler and Family’s Roger Chapman.