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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #GreatDebutAlbums #MusicSky Britain's finest jazz vocalist Claire Martin's 1992 debut album "The Waiting Game". Her masterful way with ballads stood out straight away but the uptempo numbers, with a great band including guitarist Jim Mullen and Clark Tracey on drums, are superb.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #EuropeanJazz My thanks to @westsideofthings.bsky.social for alerting me to the ACT label. Diving into their catalogue I've bought this super live album by pianist Bill Laurance & the WDR Big Band. Meaty jazz.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

#Music #NowPlaying This is a favourite album from the early 80s, full of great songs passionately performed. Paul Brady is under many people's radar but is a superb writer whose songs have been covered by many including Bonnie Raitt and Santana.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

#NowPlaying #WomenOfJazz #JazzSky #Jazz Jackie Allen has long been a favourite of mine with many enjoyable CDs. An assured singer with real jazz chops, this CD contains gorgeous versions of "Teach Me A Song" and "Never Let Me Go".

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Agnieszka @agniesz.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

#Photography #JazzPhotography 📷 Art Kane A Great Day in Harlem, taken on this day, 1958

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

#ClassicalMusicSky #Radio #Music Those ultra-quiet moments on BBC Radio 3 when you think it's gone off and tell Alexa to turn up the volume just as the 96-piece orchestra floors it. 😲

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

#Books #BookSky #NowReading #Music The healing power of music is explored by journalist Ed Vulliamy. In the scorched rubble of the Balkan War, horrors beyond description, a colleague tells him how to stay sane: "When in doubt, Beethoven". Baez, Beatles and Hendrix as the music of resistance.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #NowPlaying Paolo Fresu has become a real favourite of mine. If you're not familiar, this is an excellent introduction to his music.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #NowPlaying I've posted my love of this album before followed by a tsunami of apathy. Still, here goes: It's as close to perfect as any duet album can get. Warren Vaché is on top form, his trumpet/flugelhorn a gorgeously elegant partner to Bill Charlap's usual masterclass. So there!

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #Music #NowPlaying Good grief, this is an album and a half. Every time I play it I pick up some detail I'd previously missed. Roy Hargrove is in superlative form, the record hits every shade from elegant to ferocious. Jazz, life affirming in every crotchet.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #MusicSky Norwegian jazz singer Silje Nergaard is something of a favourite of mine. She's collaborated with an A list of musicians including Pat Metheny, Tord Gustavson and Vince Mendoza. These are two excellent examples of her catalogue.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

#BookSky #Books This is not just a masterclass in storytelling but a moving study of the controlling power of memory. Friendship, love and the quest for redemption unroll over 700 pages. Anyone who tries to write coherently will be awed by Ms Yanagihara's skill.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

#TV #FrenchLife #FranceSky We're very much enjoying "L'Été 36" on Netflix. An intriguing and extremely lavish production set in the city of Nice just before WW2. An exemplary cast play out a murder mystery with great performances all round.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

#Jazz #BigBandJazz #JazzSky Vince Mendoza voices his bands with a particular warmth and power. This is a favourite, the WDR Big Band plus the great Peter Erskine on drums. It opens with Miles' "All Blues".

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

#Jazz #JazzSky #NowPlaying This album combines the quintessentially French accordion of Richard Galliano with the maestro Charlie Haden's supernatural ability to adapt, absorb and complement everyone he played with. A joyous record.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

#SingerSongwriter #MusicSky Shawn Colvin is among the most talented songwriters of her generation. These three albums in particular are absolute corkers, not a weak track or filler among them.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

#Jazz #JazzMusic #JazzSky #Quote Duke Ellington was once interviewed on BBC TV in the UK. He was asked how he manages to keep an orchestra together and under control when there are so many competing egos and personalities among the musicians. "I give them money", he replied 👍

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #MusicSky #NowPlaying 'Jazz with strings' albums can be unsatisfying although Stan Getz ("Focus") and Art Pepper ("Winter Moon") made exceptions. The Swiss flugelhorn master Franco Ambrosetti has made two beauties, both featuring John Scofield, Peter Erskine and Alan Broadbent.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

#NowPlaying #RockSky #Music #70sRock After Free, Paul Kossoff formed Back Street Crawler. Following his early death the band shortened their name and with new guitarist Geoff Whitehorn released this excellent album in 1977. It's a favourite of mine, one of those solid records, always pleasurable.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #Jazz #JazzMusic #JazzSky A real late night gem. Billy May, Gerry Mulligan, Shelly Manne, an exquisite duet with Sarah Vaughan, another with Mel Tormé. Possibly more important to Barry Manilow than to his regular audience, the album was said to have been recorded in a single take.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #NowPlaying #StaceyKent Sung entirely in French, a superbly (and typically) elegant album from Ms Kent. I've seen her in concert several times, most recently in Bordeaux a few years ago. Always a class act in partnership with husband the brilliant Jim Tomlinson.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

#ClassicslMusicSky Those ultra-quiet moments on BBC Radio 3 when you think it's gone off and tell Alexa to turn up the volume just as the 96-piece orchestra floors it. 😲

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #NowPlaying #NowPlaying #JazzSky #JazzMusic André Hodeir is a fairly obscure figure today. A classical violinist from Paris, he fell in love with jazz and worked with several luminaries including Donald Byrd. On this enjoyable album the great Kenny Clarke pays tribute.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

#books #booksky This is a cracker of a story, rooted in real history. Joseph O'Connor thrillingly relates the tale of occupied Rome during WW2 and a courageous group led by a Vatican priest, creating an escape line for refugees and Allied airmen.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #NowPlaying I've been playing this a lot recently. It's one of those trio albums which perfectly accompanies a late dinner with a good red wine while never being merely background music. Every couple of mouthfuls I stop and think, "man, what a gorgeous phrase that was".

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #MusicSky Difficult for musicians to find something new with Gershwin but this album is a delight. Bill Charles, that most versatile of pianists, in the great company of Phil Woods, Nicholas Payton and Washingtons, Peter and Kenny. Top notch.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

#ClassicalMusic I was in the Jazz/Classical section of a small record shop years ago, looking for a particular Stephan Grappelli recording. As often happens, the disc playing in the shop caught my ear. I was captivated by its haunting elegance and bought it (plus the Grappelli, obviously!).

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #MusicSky Here's one I often turn to for its no-fuss trio performance. Lover Man, Take Five and Oleo are standouts but the whole features exuberant playing from Patrice Rushen, Leon Ndugu Chancler and the great Stanley Clarke.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz #MusicSky #NowPlaying The jazz world lost Don Grolnick at the shockingly young age of 48. The London Concerts album is a fitting tribute to the great pianist backed by an all-star band.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

#JazzSky #Jazz I find I listen more to European jazz these days. The renowned Dutch trumpet/flugelhorn player Ack van Rooyen was active right up to his death in 2021 at age 91. This is a straight-ahead swinger of a live album with German tenor saxophonist Paul Heller and a super rhythm section.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

#JazzSky #Jazz #StephaneGrappelli I have many Grappelli records but this remains a favourite. The British pianist Alan Clare was the perfect accompanist on these duets. In particular, every second of "The Nearness Of You" is utter perfection from both men. A glorious album.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

#MusicSky #TicketStubs Many years ago I framed a selection of my old concert memorabilia. So many memories. . .

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

#JazzSky #Music Dave Arch is chiefly known for his superb live band on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. But his own "Coming Home" album is excellent. Check out the polyrhythms here: youtu.be/eJPG86gL3pk?...

youtu.be

'More Air' from 'Coming Home' by Dave Arch

YouTube video by Dave Arch

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 25/12/2025

#ChristmasJazz #JazzSky #Jazz #MusicSky Xmas morning traditions: A glass of something fizzy and great jazz. Cheers, everyone!

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Once again this year I have enjoyed the BlueSky community, its responses and comments, its laughs and recommendations. Whatever Christmas means for you, I wish everybody a peaceful one. Joyeux Noël.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

#ChrisRea #MusicSky I guess many of us have a particular album which helped us to navigate when the road became uncertain and our step faltered. This was mine. Chris Rea will always hold a revered place in my heart and mind.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

#JazzSky #PatMetheny #CharlieHaden I have long loved this Jimmy Webb song and have several vocal recordings, my favourite being the Norwegian jazz singer Silje Nergaard. But this Metheny/Haden version is so hauntingly emotional it seems to add another aspect to the tune. youtu.be/8cnSs9JXj-k?...

youtu.be

The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress

YouTube video by Pat Metheny - Topic

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

#JazzSky #JazzGuitar #Jazz 'Virtuoso' doesn't quite do justice to Martin Taylor at the best of times but here he excels himself. And they say we men can't multitask! youtu.be/JuyXON2aqZA?...

youtu.be

The Four Martins - Martin Taylor - Kwame Kiko

YouTube video by tubemeikel

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

#JazzSky #Jazz #PianoJazz #AndrePrevin Probably my favourite piano trio recording. Previn in scintillating form, playful and swinging, with faultless support from Leroy Vinegar and Shelly Manne. For me, a desert island disc, it's note-perfect. youtu.be/Iah4bcx7CM0?...

youtu.be

Andre Previn _ On the Street Where You Live (1956)

YouTube video by Jazz & more음악 다큐 보실래요?

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

#NickDrake #Music Such a wonderful, heartfelt version of one of Nick Drake's best songs. Kirsty Almeida does it, and him, justice. A superb performance with terrific accompaniment. youtu.be/xNUVZwotp6w?...

youtu.be

Kirsty Almeida..- - - " CELLO SONG " HQ

YouTube video by buzz834

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

#GuitarSky #GreatGuitarSolos When great guitar solos are discussed, "Stairway", "Comfortably Numb" etc are rightly revered. However, this has always dropped my jaw in appreciation. Eric Johnson on "Minstrel Gigolo" from Christopher Cross's eponymous debut album. Glorious. youtu.be/qXpSFtwarPM?...

youtu.be

Christopher Cross - Minstrel Gigolo (Official Lyric Video)

YouTube video by Christopher Cross

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

#JazzSky #Jazz #JazzMusic Alex Tassel is one of my favourite trumpeters. I've posted on some of his other albums before but this one is another emphatically enjoyable record. Elegant and swinging as always.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

#Music #FolkMusic #MaryChapinCarpenter #JulieFowlis Probably my favourite 2025 release. Three individual voices and talents produced this thoughtful, contemplative album. The always wonderful Mary Chapin Carpenter with Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart, a hypnotically beautiful record.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

#JazzSky #Jazz #Music This is one of those albums which suggests not only the thoughtful, serious approach of the musicians but also that they had a hell of a lot of fun making it.

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Mr Natural @neilmatheson66.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Happy 84th birthday, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Paul Simon. 🎂

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

#Music #JazzSky #Jazz I've posted this album before but listening to it each time feels like being embraced by the innermost thoughts of the maestro Anouar Brahem. Supported by virtuoso German cellist Anja Lechner and British jazzers Dave Holland and Django Bates, it's a truly affecting listen.

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Brian White @brian36170.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

#JazzSky #JazzMusic #Jazz If big band jazz is your thing, you can't go wrong with this 2025 release from the much admired Mark Masters. As you'd expect, it swings like crazy. Veteran saxophonist Billy Harper leads.

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