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SACD

Claire Martin with The Montpellier Cello Quartet – Time & Place (2014) [SACD / Linn Records – AKD 423]

adminSeptember 16, 2025 23 Views

Title: Claire Martin with The Montpellier Cello Quartet – Time & Place (2014)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Claire Martin has long been among the most versatile and wide-ranging of singers. Her latest venture, with the Quartet, is no exception. The listener marvels at Claire Martin’s ability and determination to create a wholly new pad of repertoire from zero.

‘Time and Place’ perfectly sums up Claire Martin’s jazz roots beginnings and the inventive, forward-thinking repertoire choices that have framed her enviable career. The majority of arrangements feature The Montpellier Cello Quartet, with whom Claire has developed a unique partnership since they first performed together in 2012. Together Claire and the quartet create a magical sound fusion of jazz-chamber music that encompasses new arrangements from an eclectic group of songwriters including Lennon & McCartney, George Gershwin, David Bowie and Thelonius Monk. With the connections borne of twenty-five years in the business Claire has commissioned imaginative new arrangements, including Joni Mitchell’s ‘Two Grey Rooms’ by renowned composer Mark Anthony Turnage. Pianist Joe Stilgoe guests on his own track ‘Lost For Words’ and delivers a distinctive arrangement of Lennon & McCartney’s ‘She’s Leaving Home’. There are also echoes of The Beatles’ ‘Eleanor Rigby’ on a new arrangement of David Bowie’s ‘The Man Who Sold The World’. Claire’s long-time partnership with Richard Rodney Bennett is acknowledged with both songwriting and arranging credits. ‘Early To Bed’ is quintessential Bennett and Claire gives a heartfelt performance. From album opener via Claire’s own hugely catchy arrangement of ‘Catch Me If You Can’ to the album closer, ‘Goodbye For Now’, ‘Time and Place’ sees Martin return with renewed vigour to pop-crossover territory, a trend she championed long before Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux made this style an accepted genre. Known as The First Lady of British Jazz, Claire Martin has previously won Best Vocalist at the British Jazz Awards on six separate occasions, an award she was nominated in 2013. Claire Martin has been a driving force behind the UK jazz scene for the past 25 years and in 2011 was appointed an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to music. The Montpellier Cello Quartet performs and inspires a truly eclectic range of music. They bring the rich, warm sound of four cellos to a diverse mixture of classical music, pop, tango and jazz, performing existing quartet repertoire alongside new works written for them by living composers.

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3 min read

SACD

Claire Martin – Too Darn Hot (2002) [SACD Reissue 2004] [SACD / Linn Records – AKD 243]

adminSeptember 16, 2025 22 Views

Title: Claire Martin – Too Darn Hot (2002) [SACD Reissue 2004]
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Claire Martin concentrates on her core jazz-based strengths, delivering pithy, worldly-wise lyrics with warmth and intelligence, interacting with a sparky, vigorous band. In 2004, Claire Martin’s bestselling album, ‘Too Darn Hot!’, has been re-issued on SACD. From an exciting new arrangement of Something’s Coming from Bernstein’s West Side Story, to Joni Mitchell’s Blue Motel Room arranged by jazz singer Ian Shaw, the album mixes jazz standards with new arrangements to create an original showcase for Claire’s clever musicality and superb vocals. Too Darn Hot! features an enviable line-up of some of Britain’s top jazz talents plus the Tapestry String Quartet.

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1 min read

SACD

Claire Martin – Secret Love (2004) [SACD / Linn Records – AKD 246]

adminSeptember 16, 2025 19 Views

Title: Claire Martin – Secret Love (2004)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Claire celebrates her jazz roots with a splendid line-up of some of Britain’s top jazz talents. Originally released in 2004 ‘Secret Love’ features Gareth Williams and Richard Rodney Bennett on piano, Laurence Cottle on bass, Clark Tracey on drums and Nigel Hitchcock on saxophone. Re-issued on CD in 2011 and in Studio Master quality in January 2007. Claire explores the classic songbook with a mature set of standards from Irving Berlin’s Cheek To Cheek to Bacharach and Costello’s God Give Me Strength, taking in Harold Arlen and Jimmy Van Heusen along the way.

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1 min read

SACD

Claire Martin & Richard Rodney Bennett – Witchcraft (2011) [SACD / Linn Records – AKD 359]

adminSeptember 16, 2025 20 Views

Title: Claire Martin & Richard Rodney Bennett – Witchcraft (2011)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Since their first meeting in Glasgow in the early 1990s, singer Claire Martin and composer/pianist Richard Rodney Bennett have been what Martin calls ‘firm friends’, their relationship cemented by a common interest in the subtleties of songwriting and jazz singing. Witchcraft is the result of their dynamic collaboration. On this album, they perform as a (delightfully informal but consistently musicianly) duo, her intimate, deceptively unfussy vocal style perfectly complemented by his flawlessly eloquent piano. Their material is all mined from the Cy Coleman songbook. Together, this collection weaves together the opposing talents of the sultry jazz sensation Claire Martin and the polished, savvy keyboard skills and compositional insight of Richard Rodney Bennett. Martin’s strength as one of the best interpreters of the Great American Songbook shines through in this recording. The smoky elegance of her vocal sculpts itself around the smooth flowing textures of the piano accompaniment and the occasional vocal repartee of Bennett. The result of this established partnership is mesmerising music that takes you back to a wonderful and simpler time of yesteryear.

It’s hard to believe that it was almost six years ago that they first got together. It seemed so unlikely at the time, this song-and-piano partnership between a notably feisty jazz vocalist and an esteemed composer. But now it’s accepted that their albums and shows set the standard for classic interpretations of popular songs. This time the work of Cy Coleman gets the treatment – touching, clever, beautifully poised and deceptively casual-sounding. Despite the huge success of songs such as the title number, Coleman’s name is the least well‑known of the great songwriters. This classy selection should help to put that right.

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2 min read

SACD

Claire Martin and Richard Rodney Bennett – When Lights Are Low (2005) [SACD / Linn Records – AKD 260]

adminSeptember 16, 2025 20 Views

Title: Claire Martin and Richard Rodney Bennett – When Lights Are Low (2005)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Following their two previous duo albums, ‘When Lights Are Low’ and ‘Witchcraft’, ‘Say It Isn’t So’ presents a final third chapter in the remarkable musical partnership of Claire Martin and the late Richard Rodney Bennett.

One of the most delightful collaborations in vocal jazz, that of Britain’s pre-eminent female vocalist Claire Martin and chameleonic British composer-arranger-pianist-sometime-vocalist Richard Rodney Bennett, ended with Bennett’s death last December at age 76. A year and a half prior, Martin and Bennett had played to SRO crowds at the Algonquin’s now-dismantled Oak Room, saluting Irving Berlin with a show titled ‘A Couple of Swells’. Two months later, the pair laid down 14 Berlin tunes for what would turn out to be their third and final shared disc. As always, Bennett’s lilting arrangements and refined accompaniment are perfectly tailored to Martin’s smoky warmth. As always, her subtle imagination is enchanting, particularly on a breezy Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me and an inspired blending of Get Thee Behind Me Satan with I Got Lost in His Arms. As a balladeer Martin remains nonpareil, her bruised Better Luck Next Time and What’ll I do flawlessly rendered. Bennett’s rumbling, gravel-pitted talk-sing still captivates as he travels alone across four tracks, mirroring Fred Astaire’s suavity on Change Partners and jauntily navigating He Ain’t Got Rhythm. In their nightclub act, as on previous albums, Martin and Bennett often sang duets. Here they team just once, waiting until the final track to cosily share Waiting at the End of the Road, an ode to heaven-bound fulfilment that proves a fitting finale for their divine union.

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2 min read

SACD

Claire Martin – Perfect Alibi (2000) [Reissue 2008] [SACD / Linn Records AKD 316]

adminSeptember 16, 2025 19 Views

Title: Claire Martin – Perfect Alibi (2000) [Reissue 2008]
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

With 1998’s Take My Heart, Claire Martin made the transition from jazz to pop, and the British singer continues in a pop-oriented direction on Perfect Alibi. Even if you have a very liberal definition of jazz, this late-1999/early-2000 recording shouldn’t be considered jazz; Perfect Alibi is a pop album, although it’s a pop album with jazz, R&B, and rock references. Not surprisingly, many of England’s jazz enthusiasts are critical of Martin’s pop albums, she was among the most exciting and interesting young jazz vocalists of the 1990s, and they were sorry to see a talented improviser steering clear of improvisation. But from a pop standpoint, Perfect Alibi has a lot going for it. Martin doesn’t improvise on this album, although her performances of Jimi Hendrix’s “Up From the Skies,” the Rascals’ “How Can I Be Sure?,” and other rock and pop songs do have a personal quality. The jazz-oriented Martin of The Waiting Game and Old Boyfriends would have found a way to turn the Stylistics’ “People Make the World Go Round,” Al Kooper’s “More Than You’ll Ever Know,” and Todd Rundgren’s “Wailing Wall” into improvisatory cool jazz. The pop-oriented Martin of Perfect Alibi, however, personalizes those familiar songs without getting into improvisation. As far as Martin’s pop output goes, Take My Heart is a slightly stronger album. But Perfect Alibi is generally likable, although the jazz lovers of 1999 and 2000 hoped that she would get back to recording jazz.

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2 min read

SACD

Claire Martin & Kenny Barron – Too Much In Love To Care (2012) [SACD / Linn Records – AKR 390]

adminSeptember 16, 2025 18 Views

Title: Claire Martin & Kenny Barron – Too Much In Love To Care (2012)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + DSF DSD64 + Hi-Res FLAC

Too Much in Love to Care’ is Claire Martin’s first US studio recording for fifteen years and guest stars Kenny Barron, ‘one of the top jazz pianists in the world’ (LA Times). It was named ‘Best New Album’ at the 2013 British Jazz Awards.

With musical inspirations like Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter, it is no surprise Claire Martin would succeed as a jazz singer. At twenty-one she fronted a quartet and was signed to Scottish label, Linn. Her debut, The Waiting Game was The Times album of the year and immediately put her among the elite of English jazz singers. Soon after the release of the album, she opened for Tony Bennett (who has become a huge fan) at the Glasgow International Jazz festival. Her pristine vocals and intuitive feel for melodic interpretation shaped her musical vision. Subsequent albums brought the attention of the American music culture, when she recorded a live album at Ronnie Scott’s legendary nightclub. Overall Martin has made thirteen records with Linn Records, collaborating with Martin Taylor, John Martin, Stephane Grappelli, Mark Nightingale, Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Jim Mullen and Nigel Hitchcock. Many of these projects have contained popular modern music and songs of The American Songbook. Ms. Martin has been appointed Officer Of The Order Of The British Empire (O.B.E), in addition she is a co-presenter for Jazz Line Up on BBC Radio 3. Claire Martin’s latest album is a collection of vintage American standards. She has decided to record with piano legend, Kenny Barron. Barron has an extensive career with harmonious jazz arrangement. Backed by Peter Washington (bass), Kenny Washington (drums) and Steve Wilson (saxophone, flute), the band is fully capable of propelling Martin’s talent into American Songbook respectability. Opening the set is a surprising version of the eclectic “Too Much In Love To Care” (apparently unrecorded since Carmen McRae in 1954). Martin’s breezy, sophisticated phrasing is impeccable. The latin-fused quintet (with a jaunty flute by Steve Wilson) swings effortlessly. The singer has always enjoyed a special chemistry with pianists. On the Gershwin classic, “Embraceable You”, she gets to perform a duo with one of the best interpreters of romantic music, Kenny Barron. His playing is concise (almost Basie-like) and lyrical. With a slight up tempo, Martin singing is artistic, reminiscent of her hero, Ella Fitzgerald. Even on a song covered by nearly everyone (“Time After Time”), her take is fresh and vibrant. Barron executes a finger-snapping elegance that shines. Demonstrating a bluesy nuance, “How Long Has This Been Going On” is wistful. Bassist Peter Washington joins with an intricate solo on double bass. Martin possesses all of the requisite elements of jazz singing, including flawless elocution, excellent timing and an ability to intermingle her vocal tones with the ensemble. The band is superb, especially on the saucy cover of “Lazy Afternoon”. Kenny Washington’s drumming is masterful and anchors the stylish, jazzy vibe. The arrangements are never dull. “I Only Have Eyes For You” adopts a gentle swing groove and reinvents itself. There is also a warm familiarity with the material as evidenced by the slow-burning, “I’m Glad There Is You”. Martin injects emotional poignancy, but not excessively. The finale (“Too Late Now”) reunites her with Barron in a heartfelt ballad. Too Much In Love To Care is a superlative album. From the stylistic, “cool” jazz of the quartet to the assured, versatile singing, all of the pieces fit intuitively. The SACD Stereo sound is powerful and engineered with crisp tonality and warmth. The detailed mixing of Martin’s velvet voice and outstanding diction is amazingly clear and distinctive. The separation is first class and uncluttered.

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4 min read

SACD

Claire Martin – He Never Mentioned Love (2007) [SACD / Linn Records – AKD 295]

adminSeptember 16, 2025 16 Views

Title: Claire Martin – He Never Mentioned Love (2007)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Claire Martin returns with this stylish tribute to the late and legendary American songstress Shirley Horn. “He Never Mentioned Love” sees the UK’s finest jazz singer investigate songs memorably performed by her greatest influence.

American singer and pianist Shirley Horn was one of Claire Martin’s greatest influences. In He Never Mentioned Love, Claire’s first album since Shirley died at the end of 2005, she pays homage with a set of songs from Shirley’s repertoire. To demonstrate what’s so great about The Heartache Queen, Claire sings her praises through her own piece – ‘’Slowly But Shirley’’. The ‘silent spaces’ she admired in Shirley’s performances have been assimilated into Claire’s singing style, particularly in her version of ‘’The Sun Died’’, helped along by Gerard Presencer’s aching trumpet solo. In the quietest moments here and in the title track, every smile and every frown is audible in Claire’s luscious voice. Though this selection of songs is mainly slow – in tribute to Horn, who was renowned for performing at drop-dead tempos – Claire’s wonderful sense of dynamics and story-telling still shine through. She’s threatening and needy in ’’If You Go’’, passionate in ‘’Forget Me’’ and pragmatic in ‘’Trav’llin’ Light”. Once again, Claire draws together an enviable collection of top UK jazz musicians, which means exciting solos and fresh arrangements. A mixture of trio, bass-voice duo and voice-guitar duo keeps things intriguing, and this is certainly no tribute band. The producer is bandleader Laurence Cottle, who plays a stunning solo on ‘’You’re Nearer’’, his electric bass speaking through the gruffest low notes and singing through the high ones. Gerard Presencer’s broken altissimo notes have a Kenny Wheeler sound to them, and Nigel Hitchcock’s sax storms through ‘’Slowly But Shirley’’. The Gareth Williams–Cottle-Clark Tracey trio get things swinging whenever they can, especially in ‘’All Night Long’’ where everyone lets rip against a jagged time signature. Claire’s long-time cohort on the guitar, Jim Mullen, also features. He gets his teeth into the feisty ‘’LA Breakdown’’, as Claire’s fractured phrases and belting finale turn this hard-driving bluesy waltz into the ultimate drama. He Never Mentioned Love may be a chance for Claire Martin to remember Shirley Horn, but the sheer individuality that she brings to these songs shows that this is more than a tribute album. Shirley’s passed the flame to Claire, who’s using it to light fireworks. Go girl!

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3 min read

SACD

Claire Martin – A Modern Art (2009) [SACD / Linn Records – AKD 340]

adminSeptember 16, 2025 14 Views

Title: Claire Martin – A Modern Art (2009)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Is jazz still a modern art? It’s a hundred years old, after all, and some performers and fans seem to ignore everything written after 1940. But as far as the work of Claire Martin is concerned the question has only one answer. Apart from being one of the finest singers on the current scene, Martin is constantly searching for new writers and new ways to interpret them, ensuring that her own approach to music stays resolutely in the present. A Modern Art, her thirteenth album, is an eclectic recording that showcases her talents and those of a superb collection of backing musicians-it’s possibly the best album of her career to date, which is saying something.

For her new record, A Modern Art, Claire Martin decided that she wanted to explore more modern contemporary songs that generally fall outside the confines of the Great American Songbook. She chose songs that define her as a modern jazz singer, from the likes of Michael Franks and Donald Fagen, as well as from relative newcomers Pat Coleman and Colin Lazzerini, Mark Winkler and New York Voices vocalist Lauren Kinhan, with a couple of originals thrown in for good measure. While probably mostly unfamiliar to jazz audiences, many of these songs are filled with snappy and clever lyrics and melodies that, given the right treatment, deserve to be heard alongside the classics, proving that jazz is indeed a modern art form. As usual, her smoky-sweet alto voice is the perfect vehicle for delivery of this bag of chestnuts and quirky goodies, and many of the songs are filled with a capricious mix of off-the-wall humor and occasional melancholy. The end result is a remarkably enjoyable new album, easily confirming Claire Martin’s place as First Lady of British Jazz. Her cohorts on this album include many of the usual suspects, including the incomparable Gareth Williams, who graces virtually every song with his extraordinary pianisms. Producer and bassist Laurence Cottle provides an exceptional foundation to all the proceedings with his superb playing and he co-wrote the two Claire Martin originals here, ‘A Modern Art’ and ‘Edge Ways’. The album kicks off with an updated, totally swinging take on the Rodgers and Hart classic ‘Everything I’ve Got Belongs To You’ one of only two standards that appear on the disc. Listen here for some burning hot alto sax work by Nigel Hitchcock – Claire Martin definitely surrounds herself with some amazingly talented musicians! Next up is one of two clever and humorous songs by Pat Coleman and Colin Lazzerini, ‘So Twentieth Century’ which Claire Martin has an amazing way of swingingly delivering to cunning effect. The other, ‘Totally’ is a hilarious and skillful take on the lexicography of modern music with a sophisticated kind of ‘valley girl’ twist. ‘Lowercase’ is a clever survey of life in typographical terms, and includes another really sweet sax fill in the middle. Another hilarious cover is the Cy Coleman standard ‘Everybody Today Is Turning On’ which rings so true, it could have been taken from today’s headlines, instead of from the Broadway musical of thirty years ago! The SACD sound quality, as usual from Linn, is superb. The disc offers a kind of modified stage perspective; Claire Martin’s voice is firmly anchored front and center (as it should be), but there’s enough going on in the surrounds to easily make one feel immersed in the proceedings. Hats off to Linn Records for continuing to support the SACD format; they’re one of the handful of ‘specialty’ labels, along with Mobile Fidelity, Chesky and Analogue Productions that are releasing music on SACD in genres other than classical. Don’t get me wrong – I love classical music, it’s just that there’s a heck of a lot of other styles of music out there that deserve to be heard in high resolution too! This clever and entertaining disc gets four stars – very highly recommended!

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4 min read