BBC Jazz Awards 2006

Yes, it's that time of year when both the grizzled veterans and bright young things of the UK jazz scene start making space on their mantlepieces in anticipation ofa BBC Jazz Award. And again, here's the soundtrack album, featuring all the hopeful nominees.

If nothing else, this compilation shows what a broad church the British jazz scene is (some might say it's too broad, particularly if there's room in it for Jools Holland).There's everything here from classy takes on the American Songbook to punk-tinged fusion, straightahead hard bop and even a spot of free improv. Names include the familiar (John Taylor, Clare Teal, Alan Barnes, er, Jools Holland) and the less so (Polly Gibbons, Fulborn Teversham, Ronnie Rae).

Of course, even those blessed with ultra-catholic taste are unlikely to love everything here.But if you want an intelligently compiled snapshot of the state of British Jazz in 2006, this is the album for you...