Foraying into teh jazz landscape of 2026 with a narrative from the mid-1980s might seem like a gamble for engaging readers,yet it was during this vibrant decade that Iain Ballamy,an insightful young saxophonist emerging from the UK jazz scene,first captured my attention.His latest solo project, Riversphere, showcases a dynamic lineup and innovative concepts that explain his enduring presence in the industry for over four decades.
During their twenties, Ballamy collaborated frequently with pianist/composer Django Bates as two innovative spirits who respected traditional jazz while playfully reinventing it. They were pivotal figures in a talented generation of UK musicians who produced some of the moast exciting European jazz during the late ’80s and ’90s—most notably through their groundbreaking ensemble Loose tubes,which blended styles ranging from classic swing to vaudeville,improvisation,and avant-garde rock; often inspiring spontaneous dancing among audiences.
The concept behind Riversphere draws parallels between rivers’ intertwining paths and the fluidity of musical creation across genres and individual contributions while blurring lines between composition and improvisation. Ballamy’s masterfully crafted saxophone sound leads an exceptional quartet featuring guitarist Rob Luft—whose atmospheric style is reminiscent of Bill Frisell—alongside bassist Conor chaplin and drummer Corrie Dick. Additionally, both Laura Jurd’s empathetic trumpet playing and Ballamy’s promising son Charlie contribute to three tracks on this album—including its beautifully harmonized closing piece titled As Time Passes.
The opening track Harmonique sees horns alongside guitar transition from folk-inspired melodies to bold sonic explorations; simultaneously occurring Unresolved features delicate guitar riffs intertwined with extended saxophone notes over gently shifting drum rhythms. Frisell’s ethereal Exceptional Meeting presents languid tenor phrases floating amidst bright guitar tones while two heartfelt renditions of Chico buarque/Jobim classics reflect both Ballamy’s passion for Latin jazz as well as Luft’s adeptness as both a tone poet and agile post-bop musician. Excitingly enough, Volume Two is already underway—a thrilling prospect set to release later this year.
New Releases This Month
This month also features notable releases including keyboardist Craig Taborn alongside renowned reeds player Henry Threadgill as well as trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire collaborating with double bassist Thomas Morgan on Around You Is a Wooded field (Loveland). In this project, Morgan primarily utilizes his own virtual creations that mimic sounds akin to lutes or zithers; although captivating in its soundscape design compared to Morgan’s bass creativity itself sometimes appears constrained within these dialogues.Tom Ollendorff‘s Where in the World (New Sound Novel Capacity), though creatively enhances this talented young UK guitarist’s finely tuned trio featuring American piano virtuoso Aaron Parks through rapid-paced hard-bop grooves coupled with intricate melodies—all penned by Ollendorff himself—and inventive improvisational sections throughout each track! Lastly but certainly not least—the late great UK pianist John Taylor‘s Tramonto (ECM)—marks an exciting release showcasing live recordings by his remarkable trio from back in ’02 featuring Marc Johnson on bass along with Joey Baron on drums who previously recorded Taylor’s iconic ECM studio album Rosslyn during that same year!