corto.alto – SOME SMALL FORTUNE (2026)

Emerging from Glasgow’s vibrant jazz circuit, corto.alto—fronted by Liam Shortall—has rapidly evolved into one of the UK’s compelling contemporary jazz voices. Over recent years, Shortall has transitioned from informal jam sessions in his home to commanding international stages, receiving critical acclaim that includes a Mercury Prize nomination.

This ascent culminated with the 2023 release of Bad with Names, an album that solidified corto.alto’s reputation and featured collaborations with long-standing bandmates Graham Costello and Fergus McCreadie. The record’s success broadened their reach, leading to extensive touring and heightened anticipation around future projects.

In 2026, the project takes a significant leap with the release of SOME SMALL FORTUNE, issued through the well-regarded independent label Ninja Tune. This partnership marks a strategic step for corto.alto, aligning their expansive sound with a label known for championing innovative and genre-defying artists.

SOME SMALL FORTUNE is notable not only for its musical breadth but also for its visual presentation. The album’s artwork draws from a collection of childhood photographs of Shortall, creating a tactile collage that mirrors the eclectic and personal nature of the music contained within its 15 tracks.

Musically, the album traverses a broad sonic spectrum. Tracks like THIEF juxtapose classical violin arrangements with glitch-infused electronic percussion, illustrating corto.alto’s commitment to blending traditional jazz elements with modern production techniques. This fusion points toward an ongoing dialogue between the past and the present within Shortall’s work.

Further extending the classical motifs, OMNI features subtle vocal performances from fellow Glaswegian Terra Kin, adding a delicate layer that complements the intricate instrumental backdrop. This collaboration underscores corto.alto’s connection to Glasgow’s wider creative community and hints at the collaborative spirit driving the project.

Another standout piece, DON’T LISTEN, captures the raw energy characteristic of corto.alto’s live performances. The track’s dynamic instrumentation—highlighting trombones, rapid-fire drumming, and evocative sirens—showcases the project’s ability to translate the immediacy of stage presence into recorded form.

While SOME SMALL FORTUNE carries the weight of expectation following prior accolades, Shortall’s approach allows the music itself to dictate the narrative. The album’s varied compositions and thoughtful arrangements demonstrate a maturity and confidence that suggest corto.alto is poised to further cement their influence within the UK jazz scene.

Details on the wider ensemble involved and additional guest musicians remain limited at this time. However, the existing partnerships and Shortall’s clear artistic vision suggest a continued trajectory of innovation and exploration.

As corto.alto navigates the pressures of heightened visibility and an evolving soundscape, SOME SMALL FORTUNE stands as a testament to Shortall’s dedication to pushing jazz boundaries without sacrificing emotional resonance or technical nuance. The record not only honors his Glasgow roots but also signals an artist increasingly comfortable operating on a global stage.

With this release, corto.alto confirms their place among the foremost voices redefining jazz for a new generation, balancing homage and originality. The coming months will likely reveal how SOME SMALL FORTUNE resonates with listeners worldwide and further shapes the contours of contemporary jazz.