Who to look out for in 2012 is put under the microscope by a range of leading tastemakers in the current issue of Jazzwise. Here’s a little snippet.

Stuart Nicholson, Jazzwise

“Pianist Pablo Held from Germany still just 24 is already regarded in his homeland as a major talent and much is expected of him in the coming years. So watch out for this guy, his performances at the 2011 Köln Jazz Festival were top draw.”

John Fordham, The Guardian

“The Flashmob quartet (with guitarist Ryan Williams, Fringe Magnetic trumpeter Rory Simmons, bassist Will Collier and drummer Nick Smalley) formed four years ago, but its current F-IRE label debut should widen the audience for its mix of lyrical jazz and taut contemporary rhythms. Trinity College-trained vocalist Emily Saunders is a very classy improvisational act on 21st century Latin-jazz – Peyroux meets Parlato, with a lot of personal quirks thrown in.”

Mike Hobart, Financial Times

“Sam Leak’s Aquarium for moulding disparate influences into coherence and showcasing saxophonist James Allsopp’s oblique melodies and multiphonics. Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire for his risk and flair.”

Mike Chadwick, Jazz FM

“Quite simple the Beats & Pieces Big Band (above) from Manchester led by Take Five participant Ben Cottrell are the most exciting outfit I’ve seen and heard for a long time. I’m expecting them to blow up in 2012 after the release of their incredible Live At The Band On The Wall EP and their impending album.”

Jack Massarik, Evening Standard

“Piano wizard Benet McLean to eventually break through, and 18-year-old trumpeter Jackson Mathod, discovered by Julian Joseph, is here to stay.”

Jon Newey, Jazzwise

“The latest Leeds College of Music young lion now baring his teeth is the exquisitely named saxophonist Riley Stone-Lonergan, a Coltrane and Liebman-inspired hotshot who’s developing a sinewy soul-splattered sound of his own. And to shake up those long winter nights seek out the Splitter Orchester, a Berlin-based 24 piece free improvisers ensemble who transport you to unexpected places. Their aim is to make music never heard before. ’Nuff said!”

For the full Looking Ahead list pick up your copy of Jazzwise at selected branches of WH Smith, local newsagents and specialist record stores