Norma Winstone – Gilles Peterson presents Norma Winstone live at Maida Vale (2026)

Norma Winstone, a towering figure in British jazz with a career spanning over five decades, has once again demonstrated her enduring artistry with a live-in-studio recording presented by Gilles Peterson. The album, recorded at London's Maida Vale studios, brings together a handpicked group of musicians who reimagine selections from her extensive catalog, highlighting both her historical significance and continued creative vitality.

Widely regarded as the grand dame of British jazz vocals, Winstone’s influence permeates modern jazz through her expansive discography and collaborations. Over the years, she has worked alongside notable British jazz artists such as Michael Garrick, the late John Taylor—her former husband—Kenny Wheeler, Barbara Thompson, Kit Downes, and Dave Holland. This latest recording emerges from a partnership between celebrated UK DJ Gilles Peterson and the BBE record label, known for its eclectic and quality-driven projects.

The session features five tracks that span Winstone’s career, performed by a group of musicians both familiar and fresh to her sound. Among them are her sons, Alex Taylor on vocals and Leo Taylor on drums, lending a family dimension to the project. The ensemble also includes distinguished players such as tuba virtuoso Oren Marshall, saxophonist Mark Lockheart of Polar Bear fame, and pianist Elliot Galvin, formerly of Sons of Kemet. This combination crafts a sonic palette that balances reverence for tradition with inventive improvisation.

The opening piece, “Edge of Time,” originally the title track of Winstone’s 1972 debut album, receives a dynamic reinterpretation. The new arrangement begins with a complex interplay of horns, piano, drums, and vocals that gradually coalesce into a hypnotic groove underpinned by a minor-key piano vamp. This fresh take underscores Winstone’s vocal flexibility as she navigates between abstract expressionism and modal jazz frameworks.

Continuing the retrospective journey, “Azimuth” revisits the work of the trio Azimuth, formed in the late 1970s by Winstone, John Taylor, and Kenny Wheeler. The live version recorded here expands on the original ECM material with spacious and exploratory textures. Winstone’s voice is integrated as a component of the ensemble rather than a traditional lead, engaging in a dialog with Galvin’s synthesizer and Lockheart’s saxophone, while subtle percussion enhances the atmospheric quality.

The album also includes “The Tunnel” and “Siren Song,” both compositions by John Taylor that originally appeared on the Azimuth debut. “The Tunnel” is notably more ethereal and condensed than its studio predecessor, with minimalist synthesizer motifs framing the interplay between vocals, tuba, and saxophone. Meanwhile, “Siren Song” extends slightly beyond its initial length, featuring Winstone and Alex Taylor chanting repetitive phrases over a foundation of piano, tuba, and drums, crafting a meditative and sublime soundscape.

The closing track, “2081,” originally from Taylor’s 2015 posthumous release, features much of the same core group, including Winstone’s sons and Oren Marshall. The composition weaves through modern jazz idioms with Lockheart’s lyrical saxophone and Galvin’s enchanting piano solo providing both momentum and subtlety. Winstone’s backing vocals add a gauzy texture as the ensemble navigates shifting rhythmic and harmonic terrains, blending elements of post-bop and funk-inflected drumming.

This project captures Norma Winstone’s remarkable ability to adapt and evolve while honoring the depth of her past work. At nearly 85 years old, her voice retains its elasticity and emotive power, making this live album not only a testament to her legacy but also a vibrant statement of ongoing artistic exploration. The collaboration with Gilles Peterson and BBE situates the recording within a contemporary context, inviting new audiences to engage with the rich history and innovation of British jazz.

Though brief at just under half an hour, the album’s concentrated program offers a compelling snapshot of Winstone’s career milestones and her continuing relevance. The musicianship displayed by the ensemble highlights the intergenerational ties within the British jazz scene, demonstrating how tradition and experimentation coexist in this live setting.

Details regarding the album’s wider release and distribution remain limited at present. However, Gilles Peterson’s involvement and the choice of Maida Vale—the BBC’s iconic recording venue—underscore the project’s significance within the UK jazz landscape. This recording adds a distinctive chapter to Norma Winstone’s discography, reaffirming her status as a vital and inspiring figure in contemporary jazz.