The Printmakers, led by pianist Nikki Iles and vocalist Norma Winstone, have been playing live together for several years, so although this is their debut release, what you get is a well-honed repertoire (some originals from the two principles plus tunes from Ralph Towner, Joni Mitchell and others) played with delicacy and precision by a sextet that is constantly listening and communicating.
The feminine aspect is still lamentably rare in the display-oriented world of jazz, but Iles and Winstone bring out something unusual in their fellow musicians, including saxophonist Mark Lockheart and guitarist Mike Walker.
And while clearly not obliged to represent either gender, The Printmakers look in a new, folk-inflected direction, even as they address themselves to the heart of the jazz tradition.
