Jane Ira Bloom: ‘Light from a Person’

One of my favourite sax players - Jane Ira Bloom - has another new release, and it was impossible not to review it. This is a delightful new recording, together with David Friedman on vibes and Ken Filiano on bass.

The brightness of Bright Bars is inescapable, with these three fine, fine players beginning this collection of ten original tunes with dexterity and subtlety.

Light From a Person was written and recorded for the discerning audience to enjoy in surround sound. At least put your headphones on to enjoy the distinctive clarity that perfectly captures the playing.

This album is modern jazz compositions and improvisations played with aplomb, especially on tracks like Van Gogh and the rhythmically complex Airspace.

Ending Light From a Person, the title track is exquisite, with the melody shared by soprano sax and vibraphone, interspersed with gently lyrical individual solos.

I have been lucky enough to interview Jane for Harmonious World, first in 2021 alone, then again in 2021 with Allison Miller. Our most recent conversation followed the release of the absolutely intoxicating Songs in Space in July 2025. If you want to find out more about this most extraordinary sax player, please do listen to those conversations - she's a fascinating musician. I also reviewed her album ‘once like a spark’ in December 2025.

‘Light From a Person’ by Jane Ira Bloom is available now