International Reviews

Here is a list of album reviews from the international press. Click on each one to read the full review. There is also a list of US reviews available. A selection of features and interviews can be found here.

REVIEWS FOR NEW STAGES (2026)

JAZZWISE (UK)

'Bassist Mark Wade leads his trio through an ambitious fusion of classical inspiration and modern jazz expression. Wade's tone is warmly resonant, anchoring the session with thoughtful virtuosic solos, while pianist Tim Harrison adds harmonic sophistication to drummer Scott Neumann's sensitive dynamics.'

JAZZ LIFE (JAPAN)

'The fifth album from Mark Wade—a veteran bassist active in both the jazz and classical realms for over thirty years—is a release that encapsulates his expansive musicality...Throughout the album, he elevates these varied musical flavors into a form of exquisite, deeply soulful jazz.'

JAZZ VIEWS (UK)

'With New Stages Wade is staking his claim to having one of the finest trios currently active and listening to this marvellous recording I am not inclined to disagree.'

THE WALKERS (JAPAN)

'The trio’s sound effortlessly transcends the boundaries of genre. The album vividly reflects the broad artistic vision and inquisitive spirit of Mark Wade—a bassist who has long garnered critical acclaim—creating a truly unique musical landscape for the trio..'

JAZZ BLUES EU (BELGUIM)

'What makes New Stages particularly compelling is its sense of movement—not just between tracks, but within them. Themes emerge, dissolve, and reconfigure, as if the trio is continually discovering new possibilities in real time.'

SOMETHING ELSE (UK)

'On New Stages, Mark Wade does what he does best: He redefines the bass as a lead instrument in modern jazz..'

UK VIBE (UK)

'Many of the classical themes are deployed as springboards for the trio’s original extemporisation. For me, a particular favourite is “Cakewalk,” where the familiar original melody is cleverly reinterpreted, even nodding to Thelonious Monk or Stan Tracey. “Iberia Part I and Part II are especially enjoyable, and it is a joy to hear how the familiar guitar cadenzas of “Concierto” are expertly reimagined for double bass.'

REVIEWS FOR TRUE STORIES (2022)

UK VIBE (UK)

'This is an album that should raise still further Mark Wade’s status as one of the preeminent musicians of his generation. If you don’t know his music, check out this album. You won’t be disappointed.'

JAZZMANIA (BEL)

'This fourth album by American Mark Wade will probably propel him among the preeminent double bass players/composers of the moment...True Stories is a success as ambitious as it is exceptional.'

WAY OUT WEST (JAPAN)

'Wade's Scott LaFaro-esque transcendental bass technique and supple, beautiful bass work explodes...an exhilarating work.'

COLOZINE (GER)

'True Stories is a modern jazz work inspired by a lifetime of listening - a leap forward, fueled by hindsight...the incredible lightness with which the three artists present a complex work is astounding.'

WINDOUT MAGZINE (ITALY)

'Mark wade is a genuine contemporary jazz star.'

LA HABITICION DEL JAZZ (SPAIN)

'The chemistry between the three musicians is total...reminds me of the Melhdau Trio'.

JAZZPORT (CZECH)

'It shows in full the musicality and inventive compositional style of double bassist Mark Wade, which is saturated with the legacy of Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and Igor Stravinsky.'

BLOG OF WILL (UK)

'With True Stories, Wade is back with the Trio and ready to inspire...reminds you of why you love this music.'

BABSKIM UCHEM (POL)

'The album presents a high level of performance...The pieces were written and played at a very high level, using a variable time signature, with very mature arrangements and incredible self-confidence.'

JAZZ FUN (GER)

'A very sonorous landscape, delicate and at the same time expressive and precise. Great album!'

KIND OF JAZZ (UK)

'The production on the album, by Wade himself, is excellent. I think it’s band’s strongest statement to date, and demonstrates Wade’s growing ambitions as a composer of some note.'

DANCING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE (UK)

'...my favourite track being the Charles Mingus-influenced ‘Song With Orange and Other Things – Part 1 and 2’. Although written by Wade, part 1 could be the greatest tune Mingus didn’t compose! The intrusive bowing, the conflicting music, it’s pure Mingus chaos but only a student of the great man could have pulled it off.'

MOOZART (ITALY)

'Seductive and captivating...its circular soul leaves the desire to listen to the eight songs all over again.'

SIMPLY JAZZ TALK (UK)

'Like so much of what has gone before it, ‘At The Sunside’ is full of tonal variation, light and shade, and textured playing. There is an understated energy about this number provided by this tight-knit trio.'

REVIEWS FOR SONGS FROM ISOLATION (2020)

COLOZINE (GER)

'I think this idea is so wonderful, because in this way we, who are isolated from live concerts, become part of the emotional world of an excellent jazz musician.'

JAZZ VIEWS (UK)

'This is a complete project...not only is his music thoughtfully arranged and put together, but it tells a narrative which the listener understands even if they have not read a press release.'

DANCING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE (UK)

'Mark Wade is a double bassist who sits alongside the modern great players such as Christian McBride, Avishai Cohen and Esperanza Spalding... it’s true to say that Wade has expanded what the bass is truly capable of.'

MOOZART (ITALY)

'First and foremost, Wade amazed me with is ability to create five tracks from parts played on only the acoustic and electric bass...the experiment of a solo album for this artist is a success'

HISS AND HUM (UK)

'Wade explores an incredible variety of textures through the five performances...In the right hands, both the electric and acoustic bass can sing pretty melodies, create a dazzling array of sounds and be emotionally expressive. Fortunately, Mark Wade has the right hands.'

KIND OF JAZZ (UK)

'Songs From Isolation is a fun, innovative response to the situation we all face. Mark has always been a fine composer, as his albums testify, but the added visual element works well, particularly at a time where the opportunities for live performance are so limited..'

SIMPLY JAZZ TALK (UK)

'Songs From Isolation is a concise album that delivers five well written tracks that show how a good solo bass player can hold a listener’s attention across one album.'

Moving Day Inernational Reviews

REVIEWS FOR MOVING DAY (2018)

Jazz un EU 2018

LONGPLAY (POLAND)

2018

'All three musicians on Moving Day form a trio of unusual strength and extraordinary power, possessing their own musical dialect. In every piece we see the uncanny bond of coherence and an almost telepathic understanding between the artists...a formation with a potential comparable only with the most perfect ensembles in jazz history...a perfect album!'

JAZZ IN EUROPE

2018

'Mark's respect for Jazz along with an understanding of musical dialogue and how different aspects affect people, means that in his music there is a humanity and attention to detail...His approach now is more singular, more based on realism yet with still that important touch of the abstract which is a signature of many great musicians...one of the key bass players of the time.'

THE MUSIC AND MYTH

2020

'The dynamic nature of life, with its implicit emotional transitions, is rendered through colorful, sophisticated compositions combining tight musicianship, a broad melodic range and expertly-timed rhythmic shifts that maintain an animated pace throughout...Everything is perfectly thought-out, from the changes in time-signature that keep the listener engaged, to the balance and symmetry in the musicians’ interplay.'

REPORTAGEN (GER)

2019

'A recording at a very high level of three exceptional musicians - an album which receives an unconditional recommendation...Never boring, never abstract but always lyrical, singing.

SOMETHING ELSE (UK)

2018

'Moving Day reaffirms why Wade was voted as one of the Top 10 bass players by DownBeat readers...Mark Wade’s bass solo stands out, as it makes a single vocal-like stand which is simply mesmerizing...The band dances in shadow and light here with convincing power and grace.'

COLOZINE MAGAZIN (GERMANY)

2018

'The grooves of this album reflect excellent jazz that pairs up with harmonious musical interaction...The 3 musicians are technically excellent, but what makes the album special is the unbelievable interaction of the three jazz musicians. 'Wide Open' swings BIG TIME - the rhythm pushed forward by Wade's upright bass playing and the wonderful piano harmonies that are companied by a swing latin jazz feel in various different tempos of 3/4, 4/4 and 7/4. Wonderful fresh and sensitive modern jazz with the 'New York' feel...they take a huge step forward with this recording and set new standards.'

KIND OF JAZZ (UK)

2018

'An album that goes from upbeat to utterly romantic tonalities, Moving Day marks a further stage in Wade and his Trio’s evolvement. This is not just a second album, it is a second chapter in a book that promises to surprise, move and make one ponder on men and how beautiful life can be! Jazz at its best.'

THE MUSIC BETWEEN ME & YOU (FRANCE)

2018

'In the world of stars, It's difficult to be in the shadow of Charlie Haden, Dave Holland, Mirouslav Vitous, Eberhard Weber, etc. You should put the name of Mark Wade in this prestigious list.'

LA HABITACION DEL JAZZ (SPAIN)

2017

'More than two years ago, Mark Wade published his first album Event Horizon. At that time, we said to expect good things from this trio. Wade's new album Moving Day confirms the forecasts. In this disc, the three components of the trio, Wade, Harrison and Neumann, show a clear empathy with one another that increases, if possible, in this new work from their last one...The music of Wade and his companions flows like the water of a river, the chemistry between the three is total.'

ARCHAIC POP (SWEEDEN)

2018

'All across the album, there is an economy of notes shared equally, regarding the sound as well as the space level. It is a real delight to have the 3 instruments so perfectly equalized which gives each member in the trio a perfectly audible singular voice, while strongly unified. The compositions showcase a complicity and a mutual respect. It favors a parsimonious use of notes, playing on space left to each other, appearing crystal clear.'

BASS, MY FEVER (ITALY)

2018

'Wade gives voice to an elastic, elegant, and nimble sound...An ideal walk through the beauty, sobriety, and pleasure that excellent music communicates, beyond any rules or conventions, without thinking too much. The Mark Wade Trio - with this album, Moving Day – has been able to catch the warmest and brightest of moments.'

JAZZ CONVENTION (ITALY)

2018

'Experience and adherence to the language of jazz. Mark Wade wisely distills the treasure contained in the jazz tradition and, in particular, in the historical story of the trio...The golden rule of the trio piano is interplay. Mark Wade, Tim Harrison and Scott Neumann always proceed in a connected way.'

JAZZ LIFE (JAPAN)

2018

'This second work by his trio is an ambitious album where a fine ensemble plays a wide range of musical ideas throughout. The whole album is full of creativity. Tracks 1, 3, and 7 are originals with a rich lyrical style. Track 4 has a number of complicated intersecting meters that creates a mysterious sensation of swing.'

JAZZ-FUN (GERMANY)

2018

'Moving Day is jazz that will touch the soul of every jazz lover's inner 'Blue Note'. Mark Wade's lyrical narrative style evokes memories of masterpieces by the greatest jazz legends with one foot rooted in the past while looking far forward to the future.'

JAZZ VIEWS (UK)

2018

'Each of the tunes has its own melodic bass line and these drive the music with swing and verve...There is strong playing here by all members of the trio and some well crafted compositions. A real gem of a recording.'

HISS & HUM (UK)

2018

'Wade’s bass is recorded with a warm and full sound which allows the listener to see into the soul of the instrument. An incredibly capable technician on the bass, Wade’s playing covers the range of the instrument ...throughout the album he solos with a horn-like agility.'

SIMPLY JAZZ TALK (UK)

2019

'The time Mark Wade gave to considering how this album should be presented is time very well spent. Moving Day is a well constructed, well written, well played album that has a musical impact and I for one am keen to hear more from this artist and trio.'

BLOG OF WILL (UK)

2018

'The tone, dynamics and sheer fluidity are a joy. The interplay with his bandmates is also a thing of wonder. Making a piano trio (or should this be a bass trio?) sound fresh in such a saturated market is quite an achievement...this is an album that rewards repeated listening.'

MIKE COLLINS (UK)

2018

'The first thing that grabs the ears is the gorgeous bass sound...The album has direct, melodic and grooving pieces alongside more impressionistic and evocative episodes, as well as digging into the jazz canon...This is a very satisfying listen, the writing and playing making this a trio sound in the fullest sense; it’s thoroughly recommended.'

REVIEWS FOR EVENT HORIZON (2015)

Colozine

UK Vibe

A Slice of Jazz

La Habitacion del Jazz

Kind Of Jazz

Mike Collins

Distritojazz

COLOZINE MAGAZIN (GERMANY)

2015

“The first time I listened to the album it stunned me. Mark, Tim, and Scott enrich the art of the jazz trio with a brilliant new component. Mark Wade comes across as a genius instrumentalist but this New Yorker has also written all the material for the album…Event Horizon is modern jazz in the best manner. It’s clear, it’s structured, it’s played to the point. It’s a piece of art and love. Without exaggeration, this is a modern jazz album that I haven’t heard in a long time…the trio convinces because the unified and refined stories that Mark is telling with his compositions are amazing…the musicality is purely impressive.”

UK VIBE (UK)

2016

"US bassist Mark Wade triumphs with his debut album Event Horizon – 9 tracks of pure elegant and innovative jazz...Wade’s tracks are immersed in originality and complexity. The opening one, for example, “Jump for Joy,” has a melodic tone to it, a ballad-like one, but stays true to its aim: it makes the listener listen! Event Horizon is just this, a powerful vortex full of talent and musicality where one cannot escape, but is pulled into...Event Horizon, the debut album par excellence!"

JAZZ IN EUROPE (EU)

2016

"Right through this album Wade, whose compositions these are, shines as a player, composer, and bandsman. What Wade understands is the essence of musical colours and textures and, even without horns, there is a fullness and fluidity to this album – and that is down to the composition...the use of the bass not just to accompany the piano, but at times as a solo instrument makes for far more diversity then many trio works. The understanding and inclusion of different textures is clear and this makes for a rich, deep, and luxurious sense of completion to the landscape of the music. Mark Wade and his trio, I would not mind betting, are going to be around the music scene for a long time."

JAZZCONTRASTEN (NL)

2015

"The album Event Horizon of the Mark Wade Trio is a joy to listen to. Bassist Mark Wade, drummer Scott Neumann and pianist Tim Harrison deliver a splendid album. The rhythm section guides you through tight and sometimes surprising twists and turns along with first-rate jazz melodies."

A SLICE OF JAZZ

ON-AIR REVIEW (UK)

2016

"The compositions themselves are all impressive - you can hear a really strong grip over both melody and harmony…I think that Wade has already developed a mature style clearly influenced by all the big names he's played with over the years. His feel for thematic movement is very impressive. The way he can develop fairly simple ideas into complex things really comes through on several of the tracks on the album. Wade is impressive as a player too. In the ensemble he is always keeping interest and is good in conversation with his bandmates. And he is also a very adept soloist, often weaving long rows of thought out in thematically pleasing lines…I think event horizon is an impressive album from an artist who has now made a big name for himself in his native New York and increasingly more so worldwide…I thoroughly enjoyed the album."

LA HABITACION DEL JAZZ (SPAIN)

2016

"There is great harmony between the three musicians having spent years together and it shows as much during the energetic moments of this album, of which there are many, and with the most melodic moments, which also abound. The artists communicate musically as equals. The album opens with a waltz that lets us see what the rest will be: a perfect combination between three musicians..Freedom is present as the trio transmits tension or tenderness. They make jazz in a modern and groundbreaking style or more conventional, all depending on the track and sometimes this dichotomy is exercised within the same track. The trio's first album is already a force to be reckoned with in the current jazz scene."

KIND OF JAZZ (UK)

2015

"New York bass player Mark Wade impresses with his debut recording...there’s much to admire on this album, from Wade’s lovely tone and crisp playing, the superb support from both Harrison and Neumann, and the distinctive, original compositions. The playing on Event Horizon is of the highest calibre, and the album is well worth checking out."

MIKE COLLINS (UK)

2016

"A gem of a trio album...Eight of the nine tracks are Wade's originals and his artfully crafted, spacious compositions conjure grooves and textures that make a big sound without cluttering it...This doesn’t sound like a debut. Mark Wade’s Trio make committed, emotional music with a distinctive flavour. This one has got stuck in my playlist over the last month or so. Check it out."

VENTO AZUL (JAPAN)

2015

"Playing in the vein of famous bassists Scott Lafaro and John Pattitucci, Wade's solid and thrilling bass work leads the trio. They are a modern sounding piano trio that have great chemistry together, responding quickly to each other's musical ideas."

DISTRITOJAZZ (SPAIN)

2016

"Wade plays jazz with a classical sound that nevertheless contains personal touches, harmonies, and complex twists without flaws that give quality to his music...Throughout the recording you see the total interaction between three equals that provide different points of view to Wade's compositions. This is a great album filled with quality jazz that deserves our attention."

JAZZFLITS (NL)

2016

"When I listen to 'Event Horizon', the impressive debut of bassist and composer Mark Wade, it is the space in the compositions and the dialogue that touch me. Wade writes melodically and dynamically, discreetly and expressively, but perhaps the most fascinating in his music is the space it creates. And that space creates a listening dialogue. Fascinating! Repeated listening shows how creative this process is, how Mark Wade takes you to a horizon, how he motivates his trio. Making music in a trio is about the inability to hide and the need to speak out and to engage in dialogue. Wade encourages his trio and the listener to step into that dialogue. Would that be typical for bass players? It's just a question, but Mark Wade does help in finding an answer!"

JAZZISM (NL)

2016

"Despite the traditional format, it is immediately apparent that the bassist stands out for his solo work in the sonic landscape of the music. Without introducing this at the expense of the balance in this post bop trio, Wade’s presence nuances the group game. In addition, the trio as a whole demonstrates a rhythmic relaxation that is reserved for only the best piano trios. It is executed at a high level, with the versatile, elegant lyricism of the leader standing out.

JAZZ VIEWS (UK)

2015

"If you like Jazz trios then you should seriously consider listening to this album. From the opening track ‘Jump for Joy’ to the humour of the last track ‘If I Only Had a Brain’ this is a bright and often uplifting recording. The interplay between the three instruments is never dull and manages to be honest while steering clear of pretention. ‘Event Horizon’ is suggestive of new possibilities emerging within what you might think of as a well-established format."

JAZZ LIFE (JAPAN)

2015

"This great album shows Wade's variety and range of talent...Wade shows a very inspiring touch on 'Singsong'. 'Valley and Stream' has a classical feel, showing a lyrical and dynamic spirit."

MAJAZZINE (SPAIN)

2015

"A great album, with magnificent compositions and musicians that demonstrate their greatness though their excellent performance. It is also an excellent record whose recording, editing and mastering pays attention to detail and dynamic timbral qualities of each instrument. Strongly recommended."

BLUE BLUE NEON GLOW (UK)

2016

"Where Wade and his Trio excel is in the extraordinary sense of space and openness that they bring to their music...something that you can hear on the collection’s killer track the appropriately named “Apogee”...ballad “Cold Spring” pulls off the same trick in a more straight ahead context – Wade’s soulful bass is to the fore, and Harrison adds a certain tenderness and gentle melancholy with a thoughtful solo. Event Horizon is an album of restrained, well played music with an inherent good taste."

BASSZENTRUM (GERMANY)

2016

"The bandleader has quite a few bass solos on his album that he executes in a very virtous style, for example 'Singsong'. But also his musicians, pianist Tim Harrison and drummer Scott Neumann, are worth mentioning. All three of them together are not only great soloists but also know their roles as team players. All of the songs are part of the traditional jazz periphery of modern jazz and include high level of musicianship. The whole album has a very natural sound - the bass is very upfront in the mix and the sound landscape of his music breathes and has a lot of air. Wade considers his album as a starting point for his solo career – a start well done!"

ACCESS ALL AREAS MUSIC (UK)

2015

"Swinging and inventive...an adventurous journey which has unexpected twists and a curious edge at which something exciting happens. His trio has succeeded in creating a compelling debut album that’s rich, harmonic and a little bit eccentric."

THE WALKERS (JAPAN)

2016

"Wade's debut includes great tracks such as 'Jump for Joy', 'Apogee', and 'Cold Spring'. His solo parts are never too showy and his trio plays with a well-balanced sound. Their version of Harold Arlen's 'If I Only Had A Brain' is a wonderful track!"

DJ AJA (UK)

2016

"This album cuts across the boundaries that jazz has created within it's own genre. It beautifully fuses mainstream and nu-jazz with a defined leftfield slant in my humble opinion. The album has a 3 ringed complexity within the artist interaction that melds true genius. It is a truly impressive debut!!!"

HI FI (POLAND)

2017

"Event Horizon is an album full of surprising changes in meter and harmony. It is also a portion of exquisitely played American jazz...In their playing we will see not only their creativity, but also the perfect match of the ensemble in its coexistence with the rest of the composition. The concept behind music seems to be that of a unified organism."

DJ Aja