Album Reviews

A Scandinavian antidote to the winter lethargy, the Swedish-based Norwegian songstress showcases sparse beauty laced with surprising warmth on this release. Opening track Wear It Like A Crown provides an early showcase for an enchanting voice which sparkles still further on the jaw-dropping Dead On My Feet. Intelligent and occasionally uncomfortable lyrics add to Karijord's appeal on an album which deserves to find a wider audience than seems likely. TW

Cyrus Chestnut: Journeys (Jazz Legacy Productions) 12.99

Chestnut's big-hearted piano playing is one of the most reliable pleasures on the contemporary scene, and he doesn't disappoint on this fine new CD. It finds him back at the head of a trio after a series of solo recordings, and in excellent form, especially on a joyously swinging reading of Rodger's and Hart's Lover. There is an undercurrent of soulfulness in everything he plays, and the support he gets from bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer Neal Smith is exemplary. AV

Yotam: Resonance (Jazz Legacy Productions) 12.99

Yotam Silberstein is an Israeli guitarist who may not be a familiar name, but a player well worth checking out. He's a fleet and fluid stylist rooted in bop but with an obvious affection for Brazilian and West Indian influences. His straight-ahead prowess is well to the fore on Two Bass Hit and Daahoud, and there's an appealing Latin outsing on McDavid. The fine bass and drums team of Christian McBride and Greg Hutchinson add to the success of a classy record. AV

Walton: Cello Concerto. Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No.1 (Signum SIGCD 0220) 12.99

Jamie Walton's performances of the two great 20th century cello concertos will probably be the only ones you will ever want. Technically they are remarkable, his reading of the Shostakovich full of anger tempered by sadness, the Philharmonia aiding and abetting his every move. The premiere recording of the 1975 revised and "happier" finale, the disc includes both versions. It is every bit as extraordinary, the depth of insight and intuitive pacing unequalled on disc. The sound quality has high impact and infinite detail. DD

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos 3 & 4 (EMI 6 40516 2) 13.99

There is certainly no lack of high-voltage virtuosity in Leif Ove Andsnes's account of the Third concerto, but rarely has the work also sounded so poetic as he knits together its many and various moods in a way that even surpasses the composer. Yet it is his vivacious, fresh and fleet-fingered Fourth that you must not miss. He has formed an ideal partnership with conductor, Antonio Pappano, and the London Symphony is in sparkling form. Stunning sound quality. DD