The Vortex Website – Cheltenham Jazz Festival – Review

"Oriole, starting Sunday?s proceedings with another Jerwood Rising Stars gig, turned in one of the festival?s standout performances. Their music (written by leader/guitarist Jonny Phillips) is simply beautiful: deliciously easy on the ear, attractively lilting (utilising mainly South American gently wafting rhythms) yet frequently culminating in rousing climaxes exploiting the clear rapport between the admirably versatile saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and the sonorous cellist Ben Davis. Joined by the superb clarinettist Idris Rahman and plaintive singer Julia Biel for one number each, Oriole were utterly beguiling, their music immediately accessible but containing many understated felicities of touch and feel, and (given the exposure they deserve) they have the clear potential to reach audiences way beyond the confines of jazz.?