Brigitte Beraha is one of the UKs most unique and distinctive vocalists. Her music incorporates jazz, Latin and classical music combined with an interest in electronics.

Beraha is a fearless improviser and in addition to working as solo artist and a frequent collaborator with other like-minded musicians, also leads her own group, Lucid Dreamers who release their third album, Teasing Reflections this week.

In reflecting on her own musical influences, Brigitte has selected the following as ten of her favourite albums:

  1. “Bach – Pierre Cochereau aux grandes argues de notre Dame de Paris”

I still remember when I first heard this when I was 18, submerged in cans in the immensity and power of this incredible sound. The opening ‘Fantaisie’ is to me still, one of the most powerful and emotive pieces of music that I have ever heard. I couldn’t believe it was Bach I was listening to, as it sounded so contemporary. This particular version played by Cochereau digs into every single note and straight into my brain and heart cells, whatever that means. I wish I had been at Notre Dame when this was recorded! Bach is the one, and Cochereau stretches the writing to its limits. The rest of the album (such as the amazing Passacaille et Fugue) is also really worth listening to.

  1. Ches Smith “The Bell”

I love the purity of this, and the sense of space created throughout. There is an unease and elegance about the music which I love, including Mat Maneri’s sound and improvisational approach. I love the patience and slow build of the music throughout this album and everyone’s contributions, a real masterclass. This album was the catalyst for starting my own band Lucid Dreamers. Even though it doesn’t sound anything like it, a lot of the initial writing and concept was influenced by what I heard on this album.

  1. Django Bates “Quiet Nights”

I think this is an absolute masterpiece. I get taken by this album’s soundworld from the very start and how each track seems connected to each other. One of these albums that I had on repeat for a long time and come back to time and time again. I love the musicality, emotion and humour that emanates from each player. So many moments to chose from, but “Solitude” is an absolute gem of a rendition.

  1. Wayne Shorter “Native Dancer”

This is the dream album for me, with two of my heroes Wayne Shorter and Milton Nascimento coming together. Poignant songs and singing, soulful saxophone playing and a dream band. Ponta De Areia is an amazing opener which becomes an ear worm. All the tracks are incredible, but ‘Tarde’ for example is I think one of the most poignant ballads ever written (Milton’s voice is filled with so much emotion), with gorgeous playing by Herbie (such sensitive accompaniment) and out of this world solos and contributions by Wayne. An album I have cherished for many years, so it was amazing to get the opportunity to perform it at the beginning of this year at St Martins in the Fields with Tim Garland and Jason Rebello to celebrate its 50 year anniversary!

  1. Kenny Wheeler ‘Music for Large & Small Ensembles’

I can’t not include this seminal album on here. I think it’s through this album that I first discovered Norma Winstone and Kenny Wheeler. Amazing writing, beautiful singing and playing from so many legends of British jazz and beyond. I also had the amazing opportunity to perform the ‘Sweet Time Suite’ with Kenny which was a dream come true and since then got to sing it throughout the years with various ensemble, pretending to be Norma for the day! I’d never heard anything like it before and a consolidation of the realisation that I could also use my voice as an instrument, be part of the band rather than always having to front it, which suits my character better.

  1. Sidsel Endresen & Bugge Wesseltoft “Out Here in There”

I could chose so many other albums by Sidsel, I am a big fan. I love the sound of this album and the closeness, rawness and clarity of Sidsel Endresen’s voice and Bugge’s playing and processing. This is both really accessible and ‘’out there’ music which is quite difficult to realise. Sidsel’s voice is so emotive, unique and honest and I think this particular album is beautifully paced, a brilliant introduction to her successful collaborations and showcases how original and special an artist she is.

  1. Elis & Tom

Again two of my favourite artists coming together. I could listen to this all day long. Elis Regina had an unequalled sense of mystery and otherworldliness to her singing and performing. This recording features beautiful Jobim tunes and arrangements with an amazing band. Elis & Tom singing “Aguas De Março” (where she gets the giggles) has to be one of the most joyful performances of all time.

  1. ‘Neruda’ by Luciana Souza

Inspirational musical settings of some of Pablo Neruda’s poems by Luciana, who also successfully incorporates music by the Catalan composer Mompou. The literary and ‘classical’ elements never feel gimmicky but are an integral part of the album, and the music is exquisitely performed by Luciana and Edward Simon. Having been a fan of Luciana’s for a long time, it’s been amazing being mentored by her through my “By the Cobbled Path” solo album and beyond.

  1. Refuge Trio

I have to include an album with Theo Bleckmann, who incidentally also mentored me through ‘By the Cobbled Path’. His voice is gorgeous and he is a whizz at using it with electronics. I also marvel at how eclectic he is in his projects, no stylistic boundaries which I love (such with his work with Meredith Monk). This album is him joining forces with the incredible Gary Versace and John Hollenbeck (whose album “The Blessing” I could have easily chosen as another one of my favourite album”.) This is an album I get lost in, so beautiful and inventive throughout.

  1. ‘Why do You Cry’ Anita Wardell / Liam Noble

I stumbled upon this album at HMV in London when I first started seriously getting into jazz. I was blown away by it, both by Anita’s delivery and vocal improvisation and Liam’s supportive yet truly original accompaniment on standards, I’d never heard anything like it. I remember thinking “this is what I want to do!” Goes without saying that I transcribed everything from that album and what a joy to be able to hear them both in different settings after that for years to come! (And be taught by Anita as well, she is an amazing teacher too).

Teasing Reflections by Brigitte Beraha & Lucid Dreamers is released on 12th September.
Click here to read our review.

Brigitte Beraha & Lucid Dreamers album launch is at The Vortex on 24th September 2025

More live dates can be found at brigitteberaha.com/live