I’m focusing on only 3 CDs this week,  one released early in 2016, one released late in 2016 and one released somewhere in the middle. And, they are Julien Wilson‘s ‘This Narrow Isthmus‘, Dan Barnett‘s ‘Walkin’ Shoes‘ and the Idea of North‘s ‘Ballads‘.

Most of us I’m sure are familiar with Julien’s work, he is a prolific composer and recording artist, a constant performer and touring musician, and a winner of a number of awards. He has released as a leader or co leader 14 recordings since 1997, the last 3 how own label Lionsharecordings, established in 2013 that has recently received an APRA Art Music Award for excellence in Jazz for recording. I’ll be playing 2 or 3 tracks from’This Narrow Isthmus‘.

Dan Barnett is a trombone player and singer who is in constant demand. He has played and sung in a number of bands, but his focus now is on his own Big Jazz Band. The most concise way to describe Dan’s work is to quote respected music writer for The Australian newspaper Kevin Jones who says “Dan Barnett is a natural band leader with the personality and charisma to charm the most demanding of audiences. Add his talents as a fine, swinging vocalist and excellent trombone player and you have the complete package… one of the most satisfying sounds in Australian music”. Dan’s most recent recording that I will be playing tracks from this week is called ‘Walkin’ Shoes‘ taken from the classic tune of the bop era written by Gerry Mulligan.

The Idea of North are a most remarkable 4 voice acappella group, 2 guys, 2 gals, with a beautiful blended sound. They perform, tour and record constantly and this latest recording is just called ‘Ballads‘.

The program will open with a beautiful ballad of Julien Wilson called Rainman.