Album Reviews

Kinch's increasingly powerful presence on the British scene will be reinforced by this ambitious and passionate project, which is a musical take on modern slavery. Jazz as social commentary is full of pitfalls, but Kinch pulls it off, weaving some strong compositions and blistering alto playing into a soundscape that includes samples, horn ensembles and gospel flavours that reach back to 19th century work songs. It's often furious music that won't be to everyone's taste, but plainly comes from Kinch's heart. AV

Jan Garbarek: Officium Novum (ECM) 13.99

The combination of Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek and the voices of the Hilliard Ensemble produced two big-selling albums in the '90s, and this reunion demonstrates that the magic of their collaboration remains potent. The programme is more ambitious than the early-music repertoire of the earlier albums, embracing works for the church and from across Europe, and it is often mesmerising. There is a hypnotic quality about Garbarek's often solemn playing against the glory of the voices, creating music that defies category. AV

Respighi: Concerto in Modo Misolido. Ondine, ODE 1165-2. 12.99

Plainchant meets romanticism? Respighi explores the apparent paradox to satisfying effect in his piano concerto in the Mixolydian mode. The opening theme with its sober chanting line soon turns more impassioned and succeeding movements offer lush harmony and melting lyricism. Soloist Olli Mustonen brings this neglected score to vivid life and enjoys a stellar accompaniment from the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra under Sakari Oramo. The Fountains of Rome also receives an atmospheric performance. DD

Cedric Tiberghien: Chopin, Mazurkas. Harmonia mundi, HMC 902073. 13.99

Can a be successful recital be built from Chopin Mazurkas? The young French pianist, Tiberghien, certainly has enough technical and imaginative resource to avoid monotony. A natural fluency and subtle dynamic control help to sustain the interest. While he coaxes the Op17 No5 to melancholy life, the dramatic dottings of Op7 No1 find a more dramatic expression. The recording is close and detailed, exactly right for this impressive enterprise. DD