Pianist Esbjorn Svensson's death in a diving accident robbed jazz of one of its brightest talents and makes this new release his epitaph. It's sad to think there'll be no more from him, because Leucocyte is among his best work – inventive and spontaneous performances that possess tremendous energy. Much of the music is as informed by rock riffs as it is by jazz improvisation, but it was Svensson's gift to make it work. There is lyricism here as well, on performances such as Still, where Svensson's pensive lines find perfect accord with bassist Dan Berglunnd and drummer Magnus Ostrom. AV


Geoff Simkins Trio: Conversation (Symbol) (£13.99)

This is a thoughtful exchange of ideas between three excellent musicians. The cool-sounding alto of Simkins is complemented beautifully by bassist Simon Woolf and guitarist Dave Cliff on a programme of originals and tunes from the unhackneyed end of the jazz repertoire. All three are players with a talent for melodic improvisation, and Simkins' graceful solos on his own The Moon and the Rabbit and John Lewis' Django are lovely. Cliff is one of our finest guitarists, and his work throughout is impeccable. Woolf is a model of discreet support. AV


Vaughan Williams: String Quartets. (Naxos, 8.555300) (£5.99)

The first movement of Vaughan Williams's Phantasy Quintet is as poised, intense and lyrically English as a Purcell Fantasy. Those
who don't know this lovingly crafted and lovely work should remedy that with this release to mark the 50th anniversary of the composer's death. Exceptional performances by the Maggini Quartet of the Ravel-influenced First String Quartet, suffused with verve and joy, and the more sombre but no less moving second complete a memorable recording. RC


Mahler Songs. (Phoenix, CD 105) (£12.99)

Conductor Gary Bertini's career flourished more strongly in the opera pit and concert stage than in the recording studio. The
release of live performances from the early 1990s with the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra, however, underlines just how
fine a musician he was. The clarity of line and delicacy of detail
in the Lieder eines fahreden Gesellen, Kindertotenlieder and
Des Knaben Wunderhorn is remarkable from an orchestra in superb form. The soloists Thomas Quasthoff and Hakan Haegard add to the lustre. RC