(new release) David Sanchez "Cultural Survival"

Wow! What a release. I have been looking for more music like this. Great straight-ahead jazz. Many great descriptive comments about the release on Amazon. Phil, pick this one up!

A new one added to the review pile:
Eldredge Jackson - Listening Pleasure
I admit I was very worried when I read the liner notes and saw that it's heavy on programming and only has a live drummer on a couple of tracks.
However, misgivings aside, I play everything at least once.
This one is a most pleasant surprise. It's soulful, smooth jazz, R&B, etc., but very nicely done. Wayman Tisdale produced it and appears on several tracks.
I don't find it sappy or cliche-ish at all.

I am currently enjoying these:

Jing Chi Live

Hemispheres by Turcio/Fierabracci/Rosenblatt

Made in Australia by Gambale/Fierabracci/Donati

Rewind That by Christian Scott

Impovisation by Machacek/Sipe/Garrison

Kim Pensyl - When Katie Smiles

Kim's return to piano and smooth jazz.

I am listening to Progressivity by Tunnels. Some of the music from that long CD is as good as it gets IMHO. Peace.

Pat Matheny. Wes Montgomery, Denny Jiosa,Pat Martino,Joe Sample.

Michael Lington - Heat. Sweets for your ears.

Steve Oliver - One Night Live

CD+DVD for only $8. Worth to buy.

The Rippingtons - Life in the Tropics
Pete Levin Band - Certified Organic
Larry Vuckovich Trio - High Wall
various - 40 Years, A Charlie Brown Christmas
Cal Tjader - Cuban Fantasy
Donny McCaslin Trio - Recommended Tools
Spyro Gyra - Wrapped in a Dream
Yellowjackets - Four Corners
Dan Cray Trio (live) - Over Here Over Heard

Among the new arrivals: Sean O'Bryan Smith - Tapestry
No disrespect toward trios intended, but it seems like every other new release I've gotten since mid summer was a trio of one kind or another. Not that there's anything wrong with that, it really is excellent music. But I'm more of a band man, thus my favor of groups like Spyro Gyra, Yellowjackets, Rippingtons. I can only hear so many piano/organ-bass-drum sets before my eyes start to gloss over. So when I heard the funky electric bass at the start of Sweet, the opening track of Sean's album, I was like - Yesssssssssss! A badly needed change of pace. I'm only to track 2, Fresh Cup, so far, but I'll say this is the kind of recording I want when it comes to "smooth" jazz. Catchy, perhaps, but not clicheish.

I have this one but hadn't listened yet. Glad to know it's pretty good.