“2019 presented jazz lovers with an embarrassment of riches: releases that were either superbly conceived and executed in the tradition, upholding its finest values, or else that took a risk, and impressed with their sincerity and integrity. As examples of the former, we can at least mention outstanding releases from Quentin Collins, Nigel Price, John Turville, Rob Luft and Dave O’Higgins, Paul Booth, Jean Toussaint and newcomers Gabriel Latchin and Mark Kavuma: for examples of the latter, an embarrassment of riches: who could choose between Neríja, Seed Ensemble, Sarah Tandy, Binker Golding, Theon Cross, Duncan Eagles, Preston Glasgow Lowe, Alex Hitchcock, Miguel Gorodi, Andrew McCormack, and Brighton’s own Anöna Trio, to name only a few? Let’s be thankful for the labels such as Ubuntu, Whirlwind, Fresh Sound New Talent, Jazz Re:Freshed, Gearbox and Ropeadope that are prepared to risk their time and money to bring us these treasures.”
—Eddie Myer
