Linn Records signed Claire Martin in 1991 following a performance at the Glasgow Jazz Festival. It was the start of a special relationship which has seen her develop an international reputation as an artist of the highest calibre, securing five British / BBC Jazz awards along the way.
Martin's arrival on the global jazz scene was explosive and her development, for such a young vocalist, remarkable. Critics and audiences alike were enthused by her fresh approach, imaginative repertoire and stunning live shows, sparking comparisons with Peggy Lee.
Now, twelve albums later, we present a celebration of the early studio recordings. Witness the beginnings of a wonderful career, the work of an inspirational talent and, above all, the voice of a truly great jazz singer.
"The Waiting Game" (1992)
Jazz Times: A gifted interpreter of songs, with a wonderful sense of repertoire.
Hi-Fi News & Record Review: Linn can be proud of this one... the Glasgow sound-kings now launch another star jazz singer.
Jazz Journal: This album confirms her reputation and shows her to be a major addition to the British jazz scene... blessed not only with a wonderful voice but also the rare ability to use it with style, intelligence and wit.
The Wire: It's no exaggeration to say that Claire Martin is the most phenomenal vocal talent yet to appear on the British jazz scene.
"Devil May Care" (1993)
Jazz On CD: She displays a growing maturity and confidence, a wonderful sensuous voice and a fine sense of timing and phrasing. Claire Martin is a star in the making.
Music Week: This is perhaps even more impressive than Martin's Linn debut... recommended.
The Scotsman: This is the kind of jazz instrument that stuns audiences into breathless silence.
Mail On Sunday: She breathes musicality into every note, and, as her voice matures it has begun to gain a bluesy, soulful depth.
"Old Boyfriends" (1994)
Gramophone: She has a soft, husky voice, good intonation and a superb band.
The Times: Claire Martin has already climbed to a well-deserved place on the topmost rung of British jazz.
The Guardian: Claire Martin, who imparts light and shade to songs even at the slowest of tempos without sounding tricksy or losing her naturalness, is in very good shape, and this largely ballad-angled set of classy lesser-known songs is her best record.
USA Today: [She has] impeccable taste, phrasing and a mesmerizing ability to inhabit lyrics.
Jazz Journal: She is a world class singer and is already laying substantial claim to being a permanent member of the hierarchy.
Daily Telegraph: Really good singers are the least common species in the jazz jungle. However, it is beginning to look very much as if this country has produced one of these paragons in Claire Martin.
"Make This City Ours" (1997)
The Observer: The album has a vitality essential to jazz.
Daily Telegraph: No matter what the song, Claire Martin creates a consistent, distinctive atmosphere... it suggests, as does all her work, that, already very good,she is getting better and better.
The Jazz Rag: This excellent new CD represents Claire Martin's latest step towards international recognition.
The Sunday Times: A voice of pure quality.
Blues And Soul: Claire's vocals are just breathtaking...Claire Martin, for my money, is by far the best jazz singer to have emerged on these shores for some time
