Gourmet Jazz

'Gourmet Jazz' is a fantastic compilation album which draws from Linn's considerable back catalogue of jazz recordings. Spanning three decades, the disc includes material - both rare and familiar - from some of the very finest talents in jazz music.

Once the opening track sets the scene, you'll be led into a flavoursome blend of up-tempo classic favourites, mood-setting soundscapes, soulful singing and wonderful musicianship performed by great vocalists and sizzling instrumentalists.

'Holding Back' by Perfect Houseplants is from the album "New Folk Songs".
Featuring four of the UK's leading jazz musicians and composers – Mark Lockheart, Huw Warren, Dudley Philips and Martin France – Perfect Houseplants have a reputation as one of the most innovative and challenging groups to have emerged in recent years. This band are close to becoming a national treasure. Mojo

'Jeepers Creepers' by Sarah Moule is from the album "Something's Gotta Give".
One of Britain's most exciting new jazz talents, Sarah has recorded two critically-acclaimed albums for Linn including work with lyricist Fran Landesman and composer Simon Wallace.
A sweet, beguiling voice and a cool delivery. Jazzwise

'Giant Steps' by Clark Tracey is from the album "Stability").
One of the sharpest drummers in UK jazz, Clark is the son of pianist Stan Tracey with some 25 years experience touring and appearances on over 80 albums.
If Blakey has a UK equivalent, it is fellow drummer Clark Tracey. The Independent

'Get Happy' by Claire Martin is from the album "Secret Love".
Five times BBC Jazz Award Winner, Claire has recorded eleven albums for Linn Records and is widely acknowledged as the first lady of British Jazz.
Not only the finest female British jazz singer of her generation but possibly of all time. Jazz Times

'Chillin' With Oscar' by Martin Taylor is from the album "Gypsy".
Internationally recognised as Britain's greatest jazz guitarist, Martin has recorded albums for Linn with violinist Stephane Grappelli and guitar-picker Chet Atkins. He was appointed MBE in 2002 "For Services to Music”.
Deliberation, elegance and musical intelligence. The Gramphone

'A Case of You' by Ian Shaw is from the album "Drawn To All Things".
BBC Jazz Vocalist of the Year 2004 and nominee for the same award in 2006, Ian has recorded his debut album for Linn Records – a reworking of the Joni Mitchell songbook – to wide critical acclaim.
An eye-watering vocal range and bucketloads of soul. BBCi

'JT's Symmetrical Scale' by Martin Speake is from the album "Hullabloo".
Saxophonist Martin Speake plays with cool lucidity and invention and continues to perform with the finest jazz musicians globally.
Martin Speake is not just a distinctive improviser but a striking composer too. The Scotsman

'Come Fly With Me' by Tina May is from the album "I'll Take Romance" .
Since forming her first quartet in the early 1990s, Tina May's astonishing vocal ability and hypnotic stage presence has won her worldwide acclaim. Tina's version of this classic song is recognisable as the theme music to the ITV series 'Airline'.
It is difficult to know where to start praising this beautiful piece of work. The Observer

'All True Man' by Hue & Cry is from the album "Jazz Not Jazz".
Worldwide pop success has since been followed by two well-received jazz-based recordings with Linn Records and a loyal following for the brothers Pat and Greg Kane.
One of the most successful jazz-pop collaborations since Wayne Shorter played on Steely Dan's 'Aja. The Sunday Times

'Daybreak' by Tommy Smith is from the "Tommy Smith Box Set".
Leading saxophonist Tommy Smith is an internationally recognised soloist and bandleader as well as musical director of The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and his own elite Youth Jazz Orchestra.
A master of mood and lyricism… exquisite on all counts. BBC Music Magazine

'As Time Goes By' by Ray Gelato Giants is from the album "The Full Flavour").
Conjuring up the spirit of great jazz showmen like Lionel Hampton and Louis Prima, this hugely entertaining live band enjoy continued popularity on the jazz and festival circuit across Europe.
A joyous celebration of the bygone days of jump, jive and swing. Rhythm Magazine

'Hop Skip' by Haftor Medboe Group is from the album "In Perpetuity".
A spellbinding and international quartet featuring members from four different homelands. With a truly unique blend of jazz, strings and technology this is music that pushes boundaries but retains undoubted warmth and personality.
This combo sits happily in the same contemporary bag as the Bad Plus, Bill Frisell, and Esbjorn Svensson. The Scotsman

'World Weary' by Richard Rodney Bennett is from the album "When Lights Are Low".
Equally renowned in the worlds of jazz, film and classical music, Sir Richard's career makes impressive reading. His album recorded with Claire Martin reflects his jazz side, finely tuned during countless residencies in New York.
Style does not go out of style * * * * The Daily Telegraph

'I Thought About You' by Stephane Grappelli is from the album "Reunion".
The legendary self-taught French jazz violinist had a lively elegant style which captivated audiences for more than half a century. He performed on recordings with Oscar Peterson, Jean-Luc Ponty, Paul Simon and Pink Floyd. His death on December 1, 1997 left a gap in music that is unlikely to ever be filled, and certainly never to be bettered.

'Where Are You?' by Carol Kidd is from the album "The Very Best of Carol Kidd".
To many of her fans and critics alike, Carol Kidd is up there with the jazz greats. She has received favourable comparisons with Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee and continues to win fans the world over.
Carol Kidd is the best kept secret of British jazz. Frank Sinatra

'I'll Be Your Baby Tonight' by Barb Jungr is from the album "Every Grain of Sand".