Released earlier this month, Latchin’s latest album, ‘The Man I Love,’ is his distinctive take on ten beautiful George and Ira Gershwin songs. True to form, while respecting the originals, he places his own indelible stamp on them, showing his characteristic impeccable style and sensitivity to the needs of each song.

Opening with ‘Summertime,’ Latchin’s delicate touch with the right hand is complemented by some tasteful but tasty chords from his left, the playful feeling augmented by some choice improvising as the tune progresses. Jeremy Brown’s double bass at around 3 minutes and the delightful swing add to the feeling of lightness.

Meanwhile ‘How Long Has This Been Going On?’ is restrained in tempo and perfectly rendered, as is ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’ which features some attractive brushwork from renowned NYC drummer Joe Farnsworth.

‘‘S Wonderful’ – arranged as a samba – opens with a pleasing, brief drums intro, segueing into some lovely piano excursions. A tasteful drum solo at around 3 minutes then skittering percussion in the fourth minute confirms just how able this trio are at making their adept music-making sound easeful.

The delightful ‘Embraceable You’ felt to this listener almost like an intermission, before the perky ‘They All Laughed’ picks up the bright mood again, with a bonus of a spotlight on Pelt’s engaging double bass.

The utterly gorgeous ‘Someone To Watch Over Me’ is handled superbly, whilst final tune, ‘I Got Rhythm’ ends back in playful mood.

This is a band that makes their expertise sound easy, the Gershwin a great fit for them. Although not a composer this jazz fan listens to often, this collection of arrangements is however so beautiful, I have no doubt I will be listening to it regularly.

So, yes, this fifth album of Latchin’s is most decidedly another winner.

Tour dates:

23 May 2025 – Haddo House, Aberdeenshire

24 May – Nairn Arts Centre

27 May – Watermill, Dorking

31 May – Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham

8 July 2025 – An Tobar, Mull

15 July – The Flavel, Dartmouth

16 July – Ashburton Arts

17 August – Bristol

3 October – Beacon Arts, Greenock

4 Oct – Stockbridge Church, Edinburgh

5 Oct, 3pm – Dunblane Cathedral

5 Oct, 7.30pm – Merchant House, Glasgow

25 Oct – The Bear Club, Luton

7 Nov – Leeds University

8 Nov – Zeffirelli’s, Ambleside

9 Nov – Seven Arts, Chapel Allerton

6 Feb 2026 – Steyning Jazz