Album Reviews

Starting with a rip-off of Van Halen's Jump, this album, though well executed, feels slightly forced. While tracks such as a Head First, Hunt, Shiny and Warm, all stand up as solid electronic dance tracks, they don't offer the exhilarating ride Goldfrapp traditionally provides. Tracks such as I Wanna Life are tinny and joyless, and don't reflect the deep talents which made Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory famous. It's formulaic, competent and bound to be popular, but it doesn't have a thrilling, original edge. SO

Laura Marling: I Speak Because I Can (EMI B00303FNME) (10.99)

The 20-year-old, who has established herself in the London folk scene in the past few years, released an amazing debut. With so much expectation for her follow-up, she doesn't let her fans down.

With perhaps a more traditional folk sound, it still delivers

heart-breaking vocals with simple instrumentation. It may

not be as commercially successful as her debut, but it shows a more mature sound. PW

Duke Ellington: Festival Session (Poll Winners Records) (9.99)

Here's the Duke in 1959, recreating in the studio the programme he had toured at that year's jazz festivals, and mighty fine it is. The orchestra is on scintillating form throughout, especially on the three-part Idiom '59, with its rocking middle section. For the rest, Ellington showcases his roster of inimitable soloists – trumpeter Clark Terry on Perdido, tenorman paul Gonsalves on Copout, altoist Johnny Hodges on Things Ain't What They Used to Be, and just about everybody else on Jam With Sam. Not a dull moment anywhere. AV

Abdullah Ibrahim: Bombella (Intuition) (12.99)

The Ellington influence looms large on this excellent new CD from the veteran pianist and composer, a selection of whose favourites are given the orchestral treatment by the splendid WDR Big Band from Germany. Arranger Steve Gray evokes the spirit of Ellington on Song For Sathima, Excursions, Bombella and For Lawrence Brown. The band is faultless, and performs with joyousness and pinpoint ensemble work. Ibrahim sounds like he's enjoying himself, and his piano playing is as percussive and heartfelt as ever. AV

Elgar: Cockaigne/Cello Concerto/Sea Pictures EMI 9 65932 (2 discs 37.99)

The three most iconic Elgar performances placed on disc are here gathered together. Jacqueline Du Pre's personal account forever changed our view of the Cello Concerto, the sadness and nostalgia brings a radiant intensity to her technically superb playing. By contrast, Janet Baker's Sea Pictures is outgoing and thrilling, the close of the work spine-tingling on every hearing. Add the London Symphony in their golden heyday and that greatest of all Elgarians, John Barbirolli, and this is an indispensable reissue . DD

Elgar: The Crown of India/Marches Chandos CHAN 10570 (12.99)

Written in celebration of the hold that Britain once held over India, the masque, The Crown of India was composed to mark the creation of the city of Delhi. With the complete score lost, it has largely been orchestrated from a surviving piano part by Anthony Payne to form part of the 2007 Elgar celebrations. It is long with much spoken text, the BBC Philharmonic and Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus, conducted by Andrew Davis, performing as if it were a great work, the orchestra adding the Imperial, Coronation and Empire marches. Stunning sound quality. DD