Record Reviews

TINA MAY ~ A WING AND A PRAYER 33 134 (Barcode: 5020883336343) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 - 2006 Released: 2006 This is a wonderful album by British Jazz vocalist Tina MayFind albums by this artist, recorded in a minimalist setting with saxophonist / flautist Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist and pianist Nikki IlesFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, six of which were recorded in a studio and five were recorded live. Some of the tracks are duos with Sultzmann or Iles and others are trios, with both instrumentalists present, all arranged by Iles. Most of the tracks are standards, but two tracks (one by Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and another one by Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist) are originally instrumentals, with lyrics written by May. As stated on the album’s liner notes, all the songs are deeply personally emotional to May, which is plainly evident by the way she performs them, and the intimate setting is ideal to reveal the emotional depth. As a result, this particular album, one of quite a few May has recorded during her lifetime, is my favorite recording of hers. It is not only the most immediate experience, but I think it is the Jazziest one, where she is absolutely in the epicenter of the music, amicably and intelligently supported by the two great musicians, who do not take away any of the limelight, but manage to shine some of their own upon her. Tina’s tragic and way premature death of May in 2022 left a big empty space in British vocal Jazz, and the only consolation is her recorded legacy, mostly released on 33 RecordsFind albums on this label, which we can always return to, in hour of need. Overall, this is a beautiful vocal Jazz album, by a highly talented singer, which is full of great music as well as unusually deep emotions and brilliant instrumental work by two of Britain’s best instrumentalists. When times get really blue, this is one of the records I put on…

Updated: 28/01/2026Posted: 21/04/2025

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STAN TRACEY ORCHESTRA ~ THE DURHAM CONNECTION: DUKE ELLINGTON`S SACRED CONCERTS 33 049 (Barcode: 5020883330495) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2000 This is marvelous album by British Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Stan TraceyFind albums by this artist and his Orchestra, performing a selection from the sacred music composed by American pianist / composer / bandleader Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist. The orchestra includes the crème de la crème of the British Jazz scene with, among others, saxophonists Peter KingFind albums by this artist and Art ThemenFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, trombonist Malcolm GriffithsFind albums by this artist, bassist Andrew CleyndertFind albums by this artist and drummer Clark TraceyFind albums by this artist. The vocal parts are performed by the Durham Cathedral ChoirFind albums by this artist and additional vocalists, including Tina MayFind albums by this artist. The album presents seventeen tracks, all composed by Ellington. The recording of this album was inspired by the live concerts of Ellington’s sacred music by Tracey and his Orchestra, performed at the Durham Cathedral in 1990 and then again in 1993. This studio recording offers a slightly different lineup and selection of music from these concerts, but is obviously the same spiritual experience. The British version is somewhat different from the original music performed by Ellington and his Orchestra around the world, including a concert at Westminster Abbey, and definitely worth being examined by the avid Jazz enthusiasts. Overall, this is a great document not only of the British Jazz scene, but also of Tracey’s deep admiration of Duke Ellington and his music, and finally of the much lesser known facet of Ellington’s music, which is mostly unfamiliar to the Jazz listeners.

Updated: 28/01/2026Posted: 28/01/2026

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