Home About Articles Contact Blog

Articles, Reviews and Interviews

Behind The Pen: A Writer’s Journey with Sandra Booker – Jazz in Europe

The world of jazz (and music) journalism is a competitive struggle at times, particularly for women looking to break the mould and find a name for themselves in a historically male-dominated industry. Despite this, plenty of women have successfully navigated their writing and journalistic careers, embarking on different paths and timelines to get where they want to be. Women in Jazz Media have been exploring the stories and experiences of several female music writers, who have been transforming
Jazz Views •

Rebecca Nash – Redefining Element 78

This enticing and unpredictable album sees British pianist-composer Rebecca Nash embarking on new musical territory, spotlighting her distinct compositional voice and identity. This 8-track suite explores structures of sound and science; Nash was inspired by John O’Gallagher’s work on tone rows and sought to investigate how this approach could be adapted to the atomic numbers of six rare metals. Commissioned by the Bristol Jazz Festival, the album features John O’Gallagher on alto saxophone, Ja
Bad Taste Reviews •

The Inquiry into Misogyny in the Music Industry

"No-one should have to choose between a career and their personal safety." In December of 2022, I received an email from my colleague at encouraging me to be part of an inquiry into misogyny in music by the . The inquiry wishes to investigate the diverse accounts of misogyny from within the industry, live music, and educational sectors. The committee reached out to women across the music genre spectrum, of all ages, ethnicities, and professional rankings. Of course, as someone who has just grad

CD Review: Rosina Bullen, ‘Painting A Picture’ – Jazz in Europe

UK-born and New York-based singer-songwriter Rosina Bullen has re-entered the jazz scene as an independent artist, debuting her new EP Painting a Picture. Along with her rich musical education, Bullen’s compositional inspirations come from an eclectic range of music, giving her a unique and refreshing outlook on songwriting. The album spotlights Bullen’s love for poetry and storytelling, brought to life through orchestral arrangements by David Swan. The 6- track EP takes the listener on a meand

Behind the Pen: A Writer’s Journey with Paulette Jackson – Jazz in Europe

The world of jazz (and music) journalism is a competitive struggle at times, particularly for women looking to break the mould and find a name for themselves in a historically male-dominated industry. Despite this, there are plenty of women who have successfully navigated their writing and journalistic careers, embarking on different paths and timelines to get where they want to be. Women in Jazz Media have been exploring the stories and experiences of several female music writers, who have been
Jazz Views •

The Grace Fox Big Band - Eleven O’ Seven

This album is a sensational example of how the younger generation is rejuvenating the jazz scene today. 19-year-old Grace Fox takes on the traditional sounds of the big-band era and combines them with modern instrumental technology and incredibly complex arrangements. The young student brought together 17 female musicians across America (who had a growing social media presence) and founded The Grace Fox Big Band. Fox was struggling with the gender disparity that was present both within a univer
Jazz Views •

Esther Bennett: Home Is Definitely Where the Art Is!

Esther Bennett is renowned and respected in the UK jazz scene, known for her charismatic and quirky performance style and distinctive vocal spark. Her newest release touches on her Birmingham roots, as well as her family connections and musical inspirations. After listening to this compilation of jazz standards, spoken word and original compositions, I felt drawn to ask her more about her overall creative process and what led her to take her chosen artistic route… Firstly, what led you to start

Laura Impallomeni at the EFG London Jazz Festival – Jazz in Europe

London-based trombonist and composer, Laura Impallomeni is set to take the stage at this year’s EFG London Jazz Festival alongside Women in Jazz Media. Anticipating her exhilarating performance with her own quintet, I wanted to have a chat and get more of an idea of the kind of music she would be playing, along with how her musical journey has led her to this impressive point in her career… Firstly, how does it feel to be performing at the London Jazz Festival? I’m so excited and honoured to b
Jazz Views •

Esther Bennett- Home is Where the Art Is

Esther Bennett is known as ‘one of the jazz scene’s most experienced, highly respected and widely loved vocalists.’ She began her impressive career as a saxophonist studying in London but turned to singing when she struggled to keep up with the instrumentalists around her. Bennett followed her calling, and since has become one of the most in-demand vocalists on the London jazz scene, and nationally. After several memorable releases and projects that explore Bennett’s range of abilities and influ
Jazzfuel •

Iconic Female Drummers - Women In Jazz

Women in jazz may have been under-represented in the history books, but things are quite rightly changing. In this article, writer Isabel Marquez highlights a selection of the best female drummers, both from past eras and the modern jazz scene. Of course, the list could go on, so feel free to use the comments section at the end! The drums are one of the main instruments that exist under clear gender stereotypes and categorization. Compared to the number of women who take up the drums, the she

All-Female Ensembles & Their Importance in Today’s Jazz Scene – Jazz in Europe

The growing number of all-female ensembles in today’s jazz world is something that has been greatly admired by many female (and male) musicians in the business. The overwhelming success of groups like ‘Nérija’, ‘The MOSAIC Project’, ‘The DIVA Orchestra’, ‘Maqueque’, Monika Herzig’s ‘Sheroes’ and ‘Artemis’ is a giant step forward for women in jazz. Of course, being able to see women playing together and becoming successful as a female unit is extremely exciting, but various musicians have also la

Women in Jazz Media at The EFG London Jazz Festival 2022 – Jazz in Europe

It is once again the time of year when jazz lovers and observers everywhere are preparing for the excitement of the EFG London Jazz Festival. This November, from the 17th to the 20th, Women in Jazz Media are putting on several unmissable events, in partnership with the Jazz Views ‘Women Who Inspire‘ series, which are sure to delight all those who attend. Women in Jazz Media are a Parliamentary Jazz Award-winning organisation that thrives to ensure diversity and equality in today’s jazz world, up
Jazzfuel •

Female Trumpet Players - An Essential Listening Guide

Across the spectrum of musical instruments, it’s perhaps female brass players who have been most under-represented in jazz history. In this article, writer Isabel Marquez looks at a selection of iconic female trumpet players, old and new, for your listening collections. The trumpet has long been considered an instrument with masculine connotations. Its distinct militaristic tradition, for example, put the instrument in the hands of the men who went to war, while women stayed at home. Furtherm
boot-music •

"I couldn’t escape from my own story. So, I wrote it down" - An interview W/ Daniella Binyamin

Singer-songwriter Daniella Binyamin has been writing songs for as long as she can remember, with it becoming a way to calibrate the chaos in her mind and heart. From Sweden and the Middle East, Binyamin comes from two worlds, in some ways, becoming more whole when writing her music. After writing songs for the likes of Zara Larsson and Lukas Graham, Binyamin released her debut single ‘Grand Hotel’, which was well-received by both the press and her audience. From this, her releases have become mo

Mélanie Centenero: An eclectic combination of science and jazz… – Jazz in Europe

French drummer Mélanie Centenero is set to launch her solo career with her multi-faceted debut album: Théorie de l’Ensemble. With its colourful musicality, thrilling fusions and poetic melodies, the album connects us with Centenero’s musical journey, from biophysics to jazz. Her refreshing sonic palette explores various stories and emotions, which I was keen to learn more about in conversation with her… When did you first realise jazz drumming was what you wanted to do? I guess I never really

CD Review: Onwards, Asha Parkinson’s Kalpadruma – Jazz in Europe

The Kalpadruma Collective was founded in 2017 by Asha Parkinson, an up-and-coming young musician and composer looking to cross genre boundaries and diversify the styles of jazz she grew up playing. A source of great inspiration for the group can be linked to the concept of ‘Kalpadruma’ itself; a mythological and divine tree which grants all life’s desires. The collective explores connections between Arabic, Turkish, Indian, contemporary classical and jazz music, collaborating with the likes of
Load More