Each month Peter Batten recommends a recording that jazz fans may wish to add to their personal library.

    In the summer of 2011 Claire Martin was in New York for a very special recording session. She decided to take the opportunity to put together an album of great standard songs. To this end she was able to call on the support of pianist Kenny Barron. Over the last 40 years Kenny has gradually succeeded the great Hank Jones as the most versatile jazz pianist. 

    Claire was also able to recruit the members of Bill Charlap’s trio: Peter Washington on bass and Kenny Washington on drums, while Phil Wilson joined her for some numbers on alto sax and flute. 

    The results are stunning. Starting with the confident Latin rhythms of the title song, Claire and her musicians combine with exceptional sympathy. Listen to Claire and Kenny on Embraceable You or the superb trio work on I’m Glad There is You. This is jazz singing and jazz playing of the highest class.

[Too Much in Love to Care- Clare Martin sings with Kenny Barron, is on Linn CD AKD 390]