Alien Left Hand is a graceful and often surprising piano-based work that will further enhance the reputation of Janette Mason. Mason is one of UK jazz's well-kept secrets: a pianist, arranger and composer, she has worked as a musical director for artists as diverse as Oasis and Robert Wyatt.

Alien Left Hand – named after a neurological disorder where one hand has a mind of its own – is her second album, the follow-up to 2005's Din And Tonic. Working with Dudley Philips on bass, Josh Gunta on drums, Julian Siegel on sax, Tom Arthurs on trumpet and Lea DeLaria on vocals, it is a confident and assured work.

Mason's arrangement skills are exemplary. Nothing here is over-egged, and all solos economically underline the players' talents.... Read the entire review >