"Gourmet Jazz" is a fantastic new 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" (AKD 165).
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" (AKD 239).
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" (AKD 196).
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" (AKD 246).
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" (AKD 090).
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 Gramophone
A Case of You by Ian Shaw is from the album "Drawn To All Things" (AKD 276).
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" (AKD 191).
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" (AKD 202).
Since forming her first quartet in the early 1990s, Tina May’s astonishing vocal ability and hypnotic stage presence have 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" (AKD 057).
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" (AKD 124).
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" (AKD 034).
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" (AKD 277).
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" (AKD 260).
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" (AKD 022).
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" (AKD 259).
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" (AKD 230).
Britain’s foremost chansonnier and song-stylist, Barb is one of Europe’s finest interpreters of contemporary song. Acclaimed for expertly deconstructing the works of Brel, Presley and Dylan, Barb Jungr is an experience that, once heard, is never forgotten.
An art-song sensibility tinged with cultured R&B The Sunday Times
