Claire Martin - He Never Mentioned Love - Evening Standard

Shirley Horn, who was renowned for her velvet voice, hip piano work and ultra-laidback tempos, is Claire Martin's favourite singer. Backed by the cream of UK talent, including pianist Gareth Williams, bass-guitarist Laurence Cottle, altoist Nigel Hitchcock and flugelhornist Gerard Presencer, she restrains her usual vocal exuberance for a relaxed set of dedicated Hornucopia, including All Night Long, Slow Time and a new tribute number, Slowly But Shirley, which I think would have made a better album title.

Ev'rything Must Change includes a sublime guitar solo from another guest, Jim Mullen, who has never sounded better. He's also featured on LA Breakdown a track which demonstrates the poised phrasing and smoky tone that make Ms Martin our most sophisticated jazz singer.