Album Reviews

Courtney Pine – Europa (Destin-E Records) £12.99: This excellent new CD is probably the best work that Pine has put on record so far. It’s a scintillating collection in which the great catalyst of contemporary British jazz explores the history of Europe, and it’s packed with memorable themes, diverse musical influences and some first-rate playing, not least from the leader who unusually sticks to bass clarinet throughout. A supporting roster of very bright talents, notably pianist Zoe Rahman and violinist Omar Puente, are right on the money. Europa is a cohesive, ambitious and fully realised triumph for Pine. AV

Manuel Rocheman – The Touch of Your Lips (Naive) £12.99: Rocheman is a very fine French pianist who’s delivered some quality records in recent years. Here’s another one, a tribute to one of his heroes, Bill Evans, and it’s very enjoyable. Rocheman makes no attempt to ape the Evans manner, being a busier and more jagged player, but he evokes the song-like quality that the great man brought to his music, on standards like We Will Meet Again and Send in the Clowns, as well as a clutch of thoughtful originals.AV

Dvorak – Cello Concertos/Silent Woods/Rondo (Supraphon SU 4034-2 2CDs) £15.99: You have to return to Pierre Fournier’s legendary 1948 recording of Dvorak’s Cello Concerto to find one to equal the elegance of this new release from the young Czech soloist, Tomas Jamnik. Without affectation, technically superb, and redolent in tonal beauty, he simply lets the music speak for itself. Those words equally apply to the seldom heard early concerto, just as extensive and full of enjoyable melody. The Prague Radio Symphony are excellent partners in gorgeous recorded sound. DD

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Taneyev – String Quartets Nos. 2 & 4 (Naxos 8.572421) £5.99: Prevented from appearing in Leeds by bungling at passport control, the American-based Carpe Diem String Quartet feature their concert programme in this new release. The mentor of Rachmaninov, Glier and Scriabin, Sergey Taneyev’s music was refined and of a musically serious disposition that rejected overt musical brilliance. These strongly lyrical quartets date from the late 19th century, and find admirable performers whose warm tonal qualities ideally complement the music. DD

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