This week, I have a playlist for you that stretches across continents and moods, a rich tapestry of sound that celebrates both discovery and the familiar warmth of timeless artistry.

I open with a gem from Russia — "Case" by the Ilugdin Trio, a striking piece that caught me completely off guard in the best way. Dmitry Ilugdin and his trio lay down something deeply melodic, harmonically rich, and full of understated elegance. A real find.

Next, I tip my hat to one of my all-time favourite voices in jazz, the ever-cool Patricia Barber. Her track "This Town" is a reminder of why she remains a singular force — cerebral, sultry, and effortlessly hip.

Further into the mix, you’ll find some fresh and fiery ensemble work from Clélya Abraham and company, the hypnotic grooves of Sean Khan with jazz legend Peter King and the luminous Heidi Vogel, and a cinematic journey courtesy of the Espen Berg Trio, joined by the haunting trumpet of Mathias Eick on "Vintermørke."

And then there's "Eberhard" — a poignant, sprawling tribute by the late, great Lyle Mays. For those who, like me, hold the Pat Metheny Group close to the heart, this is a moving reminder of Lyle’s genius. His musical voice was — and remains — one of the most emotionally intelligent in modern jazz.

I close with some adventurous sounds: the genre-bending "El Momento" by Sly5thAve & Roberto Verastegui, the dreamy textures of Rahill’s "Futbol," and an experimental nugget from Drift Lab that plays like a sonic science project in the best sense.

This playlist is full of surprises, beauty, groove, and soul — the kind of mix that makes you feel like the world’s a little more connected through sound.

So wherever you're tuning in — just press play and let the music take you.

Thanks for listening.

Much love,

Jazz Matters

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Playlist:

• Ilugdin Trio (Dmitry Ilugdin, Victor Shestak, Petr Ivishin) – Case
• Patricia Barber – This Town
• Clélya Abraham, Samuel F’hima, Tilo Bertholo, Antonin Fresson – M.A. Style
• Sean Khan, Peter King, Heidi Vogel – Azawala
• Espen Berg Trio (feat. Mathias Eick) – Vintermørke
• Sly5thAve & Roberto Verastegui – El Momento
• Rahill – Futbol
• Lyle Mays – Eberhard
• Drift Lab – Japanese Experiment