Though based in Auckland, the prolific Rattle records label has an inspired roster of Jazz and Classical artists with Wellington connections. More recently,  Simon Sweetman posted an article on Stuff, called the ‘The Brilliance of Rattle,’ an affectionate tribute to Rattle’s music of the year, but also Wellington-connected artists and recent works by Jonathan Crayford, The Jac and former Muttonbird guitarist and composer David Long.

Here’s a quick extract showing Simon’s genuine and unabashed enthusiasm for all things Rattle following an earlier article on Henry Wong Doe’s Landscape Preludes:

But I realised that just posting about that album doesn’t do Rattle justice. Not when this year they’ve also released the new album from Jonathan Crayford, a masterpiece, his finest work I believe. And that’s saying something given the breadth of Crayford’s talent. There have been local jazz releases from Dog and The Jac (worth hearing) and a new one from Hipflask (I’m yet to review that, but on first listen it’s another great addition to the Rattle imprint). And then late last year there were the soundtracks to White Lies from John Psathas and the Ed Hillary doc by David long (one of my favourite albums from last year). This is music that lasts – that exists irrelevant of trends, due to the passion and talent of the people on the disc and those working behind the scenes (at Rattle).

Check out the links above in Simon’s excellent article for CD copies of the titles in our music collection or click here for most of the Rattle titles in our collection. To access most of Rattle’s music catalogue for free just go to our streaming music website Alexander Music Online , log in with card number and surname and enjoy!