Ambrose Akinmusire at Ronnies

Why does public transport on Sundays suck? There is probably a good economic reason for it. Which meant that seeing this new jazz star was at a premium price for me. Well worth it though. Lower energy than the Christian Scott gig but loads of great soulful trumpet playing. Ambrose uses half valve settings a lot to bend notes. It really works due to his control and knowing where he is going with it. It is very much a part of his style of playing. Love his latest album - The Imagined Saviour as well as his previous album. Good interview with him in Jazzwise where he professes not to being a Christian but still having "spiritual" tendencies.

Mehliana - Taming The Dragon

Just bought this album and love it. Very reminiscent of prog rock. For mainstream fans this might not be the right choice of listening. I found it needs to be listened to on a decent system to get good clarity. On a cheap system it sounds scratchy and noisy. Mark Gulina is a fantastic drummer and really gives a driving pulse to the soarding organ. It's full on but that can be good. An album to imerse yourself into.