Kurt Elling - Nightmoves
Chick Corea Elektric Band - Inside Out
Yellowjackets - Time Squared
The Rippingtons - 20th Anniversary
Jaco Pastorius Big Band - The Word Is Out
Sax and the City (various female artists)
Janis Siegel - A Thousand Beautiful Things
Vince Guaraldi - A Boy Named Charlie Brown
Boney James/Rick Braun - Shake It Up
Andy Narell - The Passage

I love Chic Corea's inside out. Great album. I'm watching a 2 disc DVD of vocalist Toscha Comeaux Live at WSRE-TV's(PBS)40th Anniverary reception & 19th annual Wine & Food Classic in Pensacola, Florida. It was a fun event to play, and it came out better than we thought. The songlist is as follows:
If This is Love(original, latin)
Sunday in New York(original, swing)
Love For Sale
My Funny Valentine(duet of guitar, vocal)
Slow Boat to China(swing)
Ms. Celie's Blues
Georgia
Honey Suckle Rose
God Bless the Child(gospel,jazz,funk)
Route 66
Give Me One Reason
Killing Me Softly(bossa nova)
Kansas City
WSRE-TV is waiting to hear from Zenith Records for permission to televise the reception due to the two original tunes.

Among others............

Lettuce-Outta Here
Kurt Rosenwinkel-Deep Song
David Garfield-Giving Back
Stanley Clarke-The Toys Of Men
Hemispheres
Overproof-3 Guys Walk Into A Bar
Brian Auger-Search Party
Jimsaku-Navel

+ a bunch of bass player cd's.

I bought a few more Crusaders albums on New Year's Day: "Southern Comfort" (1974), "The Good And Bad Times" (1986), and "Life In The Modern World" (1988). The last two came first and they bring back memories of the local forecasts on The Weather Channel in the mid to late '80s.

Here's a few I've been listening to this past week:

Chick Corea - Past, Present & Futures
Gary Burton/Pat Metheny - Reunion
Metheny Mehldau - Quartet
Jacques Loussier Trio - Plays Bach & More
Nils - Ready To Play
Chuck Loeb - Presence
Michael Brecker - Pilgrimage
MSM Schmidt - Transit
Turning Point - A Thousand Stories
Mindi Abair - Life Less Ordinary (minus the vocals)

Woody-
thanks for restarting us here....those long threads are great, but hard to navigate sometimes.

Actually, so far as jazz goes, haven't been listening to all that much....

Ken Navarro- Meeting Place, and of course the link he's posted for us to preview a song from his newest upcoming CD. I call it the 26/8 song, not sure what the official title is or if there is one yet. Very well crafted stuff, and so not smooth.

Spyro Gyra- Good to GoGo, Road Scholars, and Three Wishes. All great CDs.

After getting 50 bucks in iTunes gifts, I had intended to spend some on some new jazz artists, but nobody really stood out to me, at least from what I sampled. I did spend most of it on CCM (contemporary christian) and actually got some music videos, a couple of Dream Theater ones, also.
Maybe I'll check again, there's still some money to be spent, and of course I can't just let it sit there

Oh yeah, dug out my old Return to Forever "No Mystery" album over the holidays. Wow. I SO hope they come near here on the reunion tour.

Later
TY

You're welcome, Tony.
If you need some suggestions, here's a few I've reviewed over the past year. Pick a song, any song; you can't go wrong. Stars are those I found to be very pleasant surprises
* Carolyn Leonhart and Wayne Escoffery - If Dreams Come True
* Abigail Riccards - When the Night Is New
Billy Taylor and Gerry Mulligan - Live at MCG
Stanley Clarke - The Toys of Men
* Linda Ciofalo - Sun Set
* Tain and the Ebonix - Folk's Songs
Michael Buble - Call Me Irresponsible
Lisa Hilton - New York Sessions
Mark Weinstein - Con Alma
Billy Gibson Band - Southern Livin'
Charlie Wood - Lucky
Hiroshima - Little Tokyo
* Chris Washburne and the Syotos Band - Land of Nod
Arturo Sandoval - Rumba Palace
Steve Khan - Borrowed Time
* Toru Dodo - Dodo 3
Maynard Ferguson - The One and Only Maynard Ferguson
Rob Fried - Windsong
John Pizzarelli - Dear Mr. Sinatra
* Karen Blixt - Spin This
Justin Hayford - It All Belongs to You
Lee Ritenour - Smoke 'n' Mirrors
Tierney Sutton Band - On the Other Side
Kurt Elling - Nightmoves
* Times 4 - Relations
Andy Narell - Tatoom: Music for Steel Orchestra
Joe Zawinul - Brown Street

There are others, but those are the ones you haven't mentioned that I think are so good, through and through, that you'll be happy with any song you pick - assuming you don't want the entire album.

Vital Information - "Vitalization" (this band fricken' SMOKES!!)
Bill Bruford - "One of a Kind"
Bruce Hornsby - "Camp Meeting"
Bela Fleck - "Live Art"
Dave Weckl - "Multiplicity"
Antonio Sanchez - "Migration"
Pete Townshend - "All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes"

I have this and I agree!

vital information is great on recordings.... and I'm sorry to say this, not that great live.

They're all fantastic musicians individually, but the show I saw last year was disorganized and disappointing. A lot of reliance on Tom Coster and essentially - jamming to fill a 70 minute show. I guess I'm too accustomed to Dave Weckl's shows....

Well. At least they weren't using looped ambient samples like when I saw John Scofield.

just spent the remainder of my iTunes gift card on Chieli Minucci's Sweet Surrender yesterday. Very cool, it'll take a few listens to grasp it all, but there's a good mix of styles and melodies on this one.
A couple tunes are clearly Special Efx, and of course are very good, and there's a rocker or two. 11 of the 14 tunes are over 5 minutes, so this is a lot of music for the money.

Likin' Astral Cats and Mystical right now.

Kat maybe you can record him and Ken doing some Allman Bros very soon

I generally refer to Vital Information as one of my favorite bands. However, I do not like Vitalization quite as well as their last three before it. I prefer Gambale on guitar. To each his/her own. Peace.

I have been listening to my three Soulive CDs ( Doin' Something, Turn It Out, and Soulive) since I read on their message board that they have gotten rid of their singer and have gone back to the original trio. To me that was good news. Peace.

Enjoying a lot of great stuff lately:

1. "Signals" - Wayne Krantz [Enja, 1990]
2. "It's Time" - Michael Buble [Reprise 2005]
3. "Call Me Irresponsible" - Michael Buble [Reprise, 2007]
4. "Metro Express" - Metro [Marsis Jazz, 2007]
5. "Sound Bites" - Jim McNeely w/ the Stockholm Jazz band & Dick Oats [Dragon, 1997]
6. "Choices" - Brian Bromberg [A440 Music, 2004]
7. "Secret Story" - Pat Metheny [Remastered on Nonesuch, 2007]
8. "Nightcap" - Marilyn Scott [Prana Entertainment, 2004]
9. "Blues Etude" - Oscar Peterson Trio [Polygram, 1965]
10. "Possibilities" - Herbie Hanc-ock [Vector, 2005]
11. "Lonely Star" - Chet Baker

Justin Hayford - It All Belongs to You
Terrence Brewer - The Calling (Vols. 1 and 2)
David Joel Quartet - Live at Chris'
Lee Ritenour - Smoke and Mirrors
New York Voices - A Day Like This
The Tierney Sutton Band - On the Other Side
The Puppini Sisters - Betcha Bottom Dollar
Maynard Ferguson - Carnival
Spyro Gyra - Incognito

Alper Yilmaz - Clashes
Nathan Eklund Group - The Crooked Line

GRP Digital Sampler - On the Cutting Edge
Crusaders - Street Life
Woody Witt Quintet - Square Peg, Round Hole
Lee Ritenour - Overtime
Philip Bailey - Soul on Jazz
Marlon Jordan, featuring Stephanie Jordan - You Don't Know What Love Is
The Dave Brubeck Quartet - London Flat, London Sharp
Gabriela Anders - Last Tango in Rio
Benoit / Freeman 2

Lately it's been:

1. "Soul Grooves" - Paul Bollenback [Challenge, 1999]
2. "Stan Getz & Bob Brookmeyer" - Stan and Bob [Verve, 1961]
3. "Setting Standards-New York Sessions" - Keith Jarrett Trio (Vol.,I, II, III) [ECM reissue Jan. 2008 Originally released 1983]
4. "Imagine" - Eva Cassidy [Blixstreet, 2002]
5. "Primal Tracks" - Tribal Tech [Bluemoon, 1994]
6. "Eye of the Beholder" - Chick Corea's Elektric Band [GRP, 1988]
7. "Big Shot" - Astral Project [APR, 2002]
8. "Dog Party" - Scott Henderson [Mesa, 1994]
9. "Like Minds" - Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Roy Haynes, Dave Holland [Concord, 1998]
10. "Handpicked" - Marilyn Scott [Prana Entertainment, 2005]
11. "A New Kind of Blue" - Randy Brecker, Chuck Loeb, Andy Snitzer, Mike Ricchiutti, Vic Lewis, David Finck [G.org, 2003]
12. "Run For Your Life" - Yellowjackets [GRP, 1994]
13. "Camp Meeting" - Bruce Hornsby [Sony/BMG, 2007]
14. "New York, New Sound" - Gerald Wilson Orchestra [Mack Avenue, 2003]
15. "A Hot Night In Paris" - Phil Collins Big Band [Atlantic, 1999]
16. "Some Skunk Funk" - Michael & Randy Brecker w/the WDR Big Band [BHM, 2005
17. "Brain" - Hiromi [Telarc Jazz, 2004]
18. "Unforgettable" - Natalie Cole [Elektra Entertainment, 1991]
19. "Gershwin's World" - Herbie Hanc-ock [Verve, 1998]
20. "Letter From Home" Pat Metheny Group [Nonesuch reissue, 2006]
21. "Still Life (Talking) - Pat Metheny Group [Nonesuch reissue, 2006]
22. "One More Once" - Michel Camilo Big Band [Columbia, 1994]
23. "Sound Bites" - Jim McNeely w/the Stockholm Big Band and special guest Dick Oatts on saxophone [Dragon Records, 1997]

Hey, Phil, wasn't Some Skunk Funk incredible?
It doesn't get much better than that. And these performances with the WDR Big Band - Zawinul, and now Maceo Parker - just blow me away.

I would love to see and hear WDR with McCoy Tyner!

Yeah, Markus. That's a powerful program in the making.

Hey guys . . .

Haven't heard the WDR Big Band with Maco Parker yet. I will look on iTunes today and have a listen.

Former "Count Basie" and "Airmen of Note" arranger, Sammy Nestico, has done a couple of really good releases with another big band from Germany--the SWR Big Band. The are "Basie Cally Sammy" and "No Time Like the Present" on the Hanssler Classics label and released in 2005.

I also just found another very nice big band CD involving pianist Jim McNeeley, saxophonist Dick Oatts playing with the "Stockholm Jazz Orchestra." This CD is titled "Sound Bites" and was released in 1997 on the Dragon Records label if any of you are interested.

Big band jazz has always been a love of mine and I doubt I will ever get enough of the space a big band environment provides for musician interaction and improvisation. And it seems as if there is a growing abundance of modern big bands putting out some truly wonderful stuff [i.e., Gordon Goodwin, Gerald Wilson, Jaco Pastorius Tribute band directd by Peter Graves, Wayne Bergeron, Frank Capp Juggernaut, etc.].

And Marcus . . .

What do you know about the "SWR" big band?

Woody . . .

Funny you mentioned the Maceo Parker release with the WDR Big Band.

When I walked into the studio this morning to do my show, in my mail slot was a 2-CD set from the Heads Up people, "Roots & Grooves," featuring Maceo and this band.

I will give it a listen this morning and have some cuts ready to air this Friday AM.

Thanks for the heads up (?)

Spun the new Maceo Parker/WDR CD on today's show. The release has a real nice "feel" and as usual the WDR band just flat out swings. I will never get enough of this kind of stuff.

Yellowjackets - Yellowjackets, Altered State
Weather Report - Heavy Weather
Various - A Night Out in New Orleans
Moreira Project - The Journey
Reuben Rogers - The Things I Am
Maynard Ferguson - Hot
Hiroshima - Another Place
Randy Brecker w/Michael Brecker - Some Skunk Funk
The Best of Paquito D'Rivera
Spyro Gyra - City Kids

Hey Phil, I've always loved the way Paul Bollenbeck plays. His voicings are incredible. I'm gettin' flashbacks now when I used to get to sit in with him on a jam session back in the 80's at Takoma Station in DC. As a matter of fact, he and Vinnie Valentino would play duets there that were so beautiful.

Speaking of Vinnie Valentino, I need to get some of his stuff for th Library here at the radio station. Any recommendations?

I've always enjoyed the work of Bollenback and Joey DeFrancesco together as well. The Defrancesco family is a pretty large one. A few years ago I went to Philly to see the JazzTimes Super Band that featured Joey D on B3, Randy Brecker on trumpet, Bob Berg on tenor, and Dennis Chambers on drums. The DeFrancesco clan and friends were there occupying nearly an entire row of seats in the row in front of me and getting into Joey's B3 work at the Keswick Theatre. It was a great evening of jazz and my wife and I got to meet and speak with a number of these talented people.

The Jaco Pastorius Big Band - Word of Mouth Revisited
Veronica Martel - The Art of Intimacy
Gumbi Ortiz - Miami
The George Benson Collection
Diane Schuur and B.B. King - Heart to Heart
David Sanborn - Close-Up
Keith Newton - Feelin' Groovy
Craig Yaremko - Sync
Chris Botti - Night Sessions
George Duke - After Hours
Fattburger - All Natural Ingredients

Just received a couple of releases that are very good:

1. "Something For You" - Eliane Elias [Blue Note, 2008] Ms. Elias is in top form on this one billed as "Eliane Elias Sings & Plays Bill Evans."

2. "Cannon Re-Loaded" - Tom Scott [Concord, 2008] Tom plays alto sax throughout this one and is joined by Terrance Blanchard on trumpet, George Duke, piano & Fender Rhodes; Steve Gadd on drums, Nancy wilson on vocals; Marcus Miller and Dave Carpenter on bass.

3. "Day Trip" - Pat Metheny Trio [Nonesuch, 2008] Pat is joined by Christian McBride on bass and Antonio Sanchez, on drums. This trio did a show locally in October. Unfortunately, I was in Georgia when it played our area. But when I returned to work at the College, I was approached by a woman I've known for years who told me that she and her husband to see Pat's trio. Now she has never been a jazz fan beyond Kenny G, yet she told me that both her and her husband thought it was the most incredible concert they had ever seen. It reaffirms to me that Pat's music appeals to music lovers beyond the imaginary boundaries we erect. I would never have imagined that this woman would have enjoyed this straight-ahead concert.

I wanted to clue you guys in on an incredible vocalist out of the UK by the name of Claire Martin. I'm currently waiting for three of her CD's to arrive ["Waiting Game," "Make This City Ours," and "Offbeat: Live At Ronnie Scott's]. I was absolutely blown away by this gal. She's never really received much recognition in this country and that's a shame. She actually has put out a number of CD's and has been recording since the early 1990's on into today.

Listen to this gal and you'll be a fan for life.

Maynard Ferguson - It's My Time
Horace Silver - Paris Blues
Joyce Cooling - Keeping Cool
Jacintha Goes to Hollywood
Jeff Huddleston & Blue Boss - Cool Drink
*Jeff, last checked he was in New York, but he's the son of a longtime band director here named Roy P. Huddleston. Jeff plays saxophones and flute. This is a self-produced project.
Spyro Gyra - Access All Areas
various - Smooth Africa II: Exploring the Soul

I've been listening to:

Pat Metheny - Day Trip ... really like it!
Brad Mehldau Trio - Day Is Done
Tord Gustaveson Trio - Being There
Lee Ritenour - Alive in L.A. and Festival
Bill Evans - Starfish & The Moon
Bob James - Grand Piano Canyon
Grady Nichols - Sophistication
Chick Corea - Past, Present and Futures
Chuck Loeb - Presence

Keyboardist/pianist Mitch Forman has graciously sent me a collection of releases from Metro and his own solo efforts for our station's jazz library. Among them is a release that is so good that I can't understand how I never became aware of its existence. It's title and some others I've recently received follow:

1. "Patience" - Mitch Forman Trio [Sanctuary, 2000] Features two trio personnel makeups: Trio #1 has Mitch on piano; Dave Carpenter on acoustic bass and Joel Taylor on drums. On Trio #2 Jerry Watts Jr. on electric bass and Brad Dutz on percussion join Mitch again on piano.

2. "The Waiting Game" - Claire Martin [Linn Records, 1992]. You have to hear this gal to appreciate a truly great jazz vocalist. She's from the UK and it's hard to believe she's received virtually no exposure in this country.

3. "Make This City Ours" - Claire Martin [Linn Records, 1997] This is another excellent effort by this glorious vocalist. She is backed on this release by Gareth Williams on piano, Peter Washington on bass, Greg Hutchinson on drums, Antonio Hart on alto sax and Gerard Presencer on flugelhorn and trumpet.

Selections from Mitch Forman's "Patience" and Claire Martin's "The Waiting Game" releases will be featured on tomorrow's (Friday 6:00-8:00am EST) "Catching the Sun" broadcast. On Monday the Claire Martin release "Make This City Ours" will be featured on the show.

Claire Martin's North American distributor for Linn Records is "Honest Entertainment" in Nashville, Tennessee (info@onemusic.com).

Dave Brubeck Quartet - 25th Anniversary Edition
David Sanborn - Closer, The Best of David Sanborn
Kenny Garrett - Tri-ology
David Benoit - Every Step of the Way
Maceo Parker - Roots & Grooves
Eliane Elias - Everything I Love
Hiroshima - Hiroshima

I like your taste in music!

Two must-haves if you like a lotta rock flavor in your instrumental music:

Neil Larsen - Orbit. I am just totally in love with this project with Robben Ford and Jimmy Haslip. It was recorded live in studio and sounds like you're sitting on the front row. It covers too much territory to verbalize but it's simply amazing. Plus, for those of us who loved "Jungle Fever," "High Gear," and the Full Moon and Larsen-Feiten albums there are new takes on some favorite songs from those plus new material. Larsen has been touring with Gregg Allman a lot and its got that same driving, churning keyboard undercurrent w heavy doses of B3 and Rhodes plus lots of moments of sheer beauty when he plays acoustic piano.

And Metro-Express, which some have said is too mellow in spots (compared to the live one it is but that's a different story) but it really isn't. It's textural in parts in a Metheny-ish way.

Some I've ben enjoying lately are:

1. "Elevado" - Astral Project [Compass, 1998]
2. "Some Other Time" - Diane Schuur [Concord, 2008]
3. "Live In London" - Diane Schuur [GR2 Classics, 2006]
4. "Chatterbox" - Jeff Richman & Mitchel Forman
5. "Live At the Blue Note" - Eldar
6. "Interplay" - John Coltrane [Prestige 5-CD Set, 2008]
7. "Live At the London Palladium" - Ted Heath Big Band [London, 1953]
8. "Swing Session" - Ted Heath Big Band [London, 1954]
9. "Bags Meets Wes" - Milt Jackson & Wes Montgomery [Keepnews Collection, Concord, 2008]
10. "Only the Lonely" - Frank Sinatra [Capitol, 1958]

AA - Out of nowhere - kinda mezmerizing...

I like that!

Shifting Sands Quartet - Darkest Rose
Klobas Kesecker Ensemble - No Gravity
Maynard Ferguson - Hollywood
The Very Best of Diana Krall
various - Jazz Like You've Never Heard It Before
Philip Bailey - Dreams
Spyro Gyra - Alternating Currents
Big Bands and Classic Jazz Vol. 1
Diane Schuur - Some Other Time
Yellowjackets - Dreamland

I am listening to an album I downloaded from CD Baby by Cameron Mizell called Life Is Loud, which is quite "Soulive" like. I am digging it. Peace.

Rippingtons - Moonlighting
Dizzy Gillespie - Bebop Professor
Peter Erskine, Tim Hagans & The Norbotten Big Band - Worth the Wait
Spyro Gyra - Breakout
Shapes - The Last Farewell
various - Big Bands and Classic Jazz Vol. 2
Joe Williams - Having the Blues Under European Sky
Raya Yarbrough - Raya Yarbrough
Alan Pasqua, Dave Carpenter and Peter Erskine - The Standards

I reviewed Shapes' The Big Picture about three years ago. Through one of the members, I got a copy of The Last Farewell. The core group is:
Roger Burns - keyboards, vibes and marimba
Michael Higgins - guitars
Tollak Olstead - harmonicas
Andy Suzuki - saxophones, flutes and clarinets
Dean Taba - acoustic bass
Michael Barsimanto - drums
Guests on this album include Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, and the Yellowjackets' Russell Ferrante and Jimmy Haslip. I think Jimmy was the main bassist on The Big Picture, and he produced this album.
It's a very good, unique sound - especially the way Tollak plays the harmonica.

The Jaki Byard Quartet with Joe Farrell - The Last from Lennie's
Mick Rossi - One Block from Planet Earth
Eric Marienthal - Got You Covered
Wertico - StereoNucleosis
various - Big Bands and Classic Jazz Vol. 3
Spyro Gyra - Stories Without Words
Duke Ellington - Ken Burns Jazz
Victor Wooten - Palmystery
Jon Zeeman - Zeeland
Maynard Ferguson - Storm
Lea Delaria - Double Standards
James Silberstein - Express Lane

Some music that I've been enjoying lately would be:

1. "Three Wishes" - Spyro Gyra [GRP, 1992]
2. "We Live Here" - Pat Metheny Group [Geffen, 1995]
3. "Walking Tall" - Eric Marienthal [i.e. Music, 1998]
4. "Curves Ahead" - The Rippingtons [GRP, 1991]
5. "Great Composers of Jazz" - David Benoit [Vertical Jazz, 2000]
6. "Fields & Strings" - Brandon Fields [Paras, 1998]
7. "For Ella" - Patti Austin & WDR Orchestra [Concord, 2002]
8. "Make This City Ours" - Claire Martin [Honest, 1997]
9. "All For You" - Diana Krall Trio [Verve, 1996]
10. "Styne & Mine" - Christian Jacob [Wilder Jazz, 2003]
11. "New York Rendez-vous" - Didier Lockwood [JMS, 1996]
12. "A Day Like This" - New York Voices [MCG Jazz, 2007]
13. "Parallel Universe" - Pat Metheny & the Heath Brothers [Starburst, 2001]
14. "Joey Calderazzo" - Joey Calderazzo [Columbia, 2000]
15. "Some Other Time" - Diane Schuur [Concord, 2008]
16. "Two Blocks From the edge" - Michael Brecker [Impulse, 1998]
17. "Roots & Grooves" - Maceo Parker & WDR Orchestra [Heads Up, 2008]
18. "Something Else" - Cannonball Adderley [Blue Note, 1958 (remastered 1998)]
19. "Rit's House" - Lee Ritenour [GRP, 2002]
20. "Bags Meets Wes" - MIlt Jackson & Wes Montgomery [Rivreside, 1961]
21. "In the Moment" - Bob Mintzer Quartet [Art of Life, 2007]
22. "The Artistry of Art Pepper" - Art Pepper Nonet [Capitol, 1957]
23. "Altered State" - Yellowjackets [Heads Up, 2005]
24. "Cannon Re-Loaded" - Tom Scott [Concord, 2008]
25. "The Third Man" - Stefano Bollani & Enrico Rava [ECM, 2008]

Rippingtons - Kilimanjaro
Gerald Albright - New Beginnings
various - Big Bands and Classic Jazz Vol. 4 (last of a set)
Bob James - Ivory Coast
Natalie Cole - Ask a Woman Who Knows
Spyro Gyra - Rites of Summer

... and a couple I wouldn't normally include here
Steely Dan - Alive in America (many of their studio recordings are jazzlike, so it's only fitting that these live arrangements be mentioned)
Billy Joel - 52nd Street (if only because of Freddie Hubbard's solo on Zanzibar)

Wishful Thinking by Wishful Thinking

Think Spyro Gyra, but no Jay Beckenstein....I know, I know, but it works!!!!

And Michael Brecker endorsed this record on the back cover.

On Wishful Thinking;s second release, "Think Again" the even recorded an orgiginal "Mike and Randy Leave For Pluto"!!!

Alot of weird stop and start time changes in that one!!

Am also listening to the live PMG recording from about 10 years ago!!

Paul

Just received and am enjoying the latest from the Caribbean Jazz Project, "Afro Bop Alliance" on the Heads Up label.

It's billed as the CJP's music charted for a big band. And on several of the pieces a big band is evident. However, on quite a few of the arrangements you don't get a real "big band" feel. Instead you'd swear a much smaller group was in the recording studio that day. Any opinions on this release?

Regardless, I like the music and the soloists are first class thoughout. My only complaint would be that the session would have benefitted by a couple of original compositions & arrangements suited to CJP's big band Latin style.

Phil, please explain what you meant. What do you think is lacking here: Original songs? Big band sound? Latin style?
I'm no expert, but it seems all those elements are here.
Dave Samuels wrote five of the songs. Since Rendezvous is the only one I have on a Dave Samuels solo release, I assume the rest were written for CJP. Plus, he arranged all but Soul Sauce for the new album. So I'm totally not getting the "original compositions & arrangements" part of that.
As to the big band Latin sound, there's a 13-piece horn section, which covers the "big band" portion. And isn't Afro Bop Alliance a Latin-style band?
What am I missing?

Woody . . .

All the pieces on this release have been done on other CJP releases by the various CJP groups Dave Samuels has put together since 1995 with, I believe the lone exception being "Soul Sauce" [my favorite on the CD]. A couple of new compositions unique to this release would have added to its appeal.

Now that the Heads Up label is under the Concord Music Group umbrella, will CJP releases be on Heads Up rather than Concord Picante? I've often wondered how these sub-labels work under these larger enterprises.

Understood. You wanted a couple of new songs. The other stuff had me confused. Thanks for clarifying.

Spyro Gyra - Point of View
The Essence of Maynard Ferguson
Fourplay - Yes, Please; 4
Sakesho - We Want You to Say ...
Avery Sharpe - Legends & Mentors
Weather Report - Mr. Gone
Caribbean Jazz Project - Afro Bop Alliance

Miles Davis - Live Around the World
Cameron Mizell - Life is Loud
Big Organ Trio
Greg Vail - e motion
Kombo - The Big Blast !
Spyro Gyra - Good to Go Go

Neil Larson - Orbit .... good stuff!
Denny Jiosa - his new "Dreams Like This" and his older "Jazzberry Pie"
Pat Metheny Trio - Day Trip

I am planning to buy Pat Metheny's Day Trip as soon as I can get to Barnes and Noble. Peace.

Jessy J - Tequila Moon
Spyro Gyra - Fast Forward
The Rippingtons - Tourist in Paradise

Spyro Gyra - Collections, Three Wishes
Maynard Ferguson - Verve Jazz Masters 52
Vince Guaraldi - The Charlie Brown Suite & Other Favorites
The Marsalis Family - Jazz Celebration
Joe Sample - Rainbow Seeker
Tierney Sutton - I'm With the Band
Deodato - Prelude
The Puppini Sisters - The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo
Jean Jacque Milteau - Memphis
Kathy Kosins - Mood Swings
Marlene Rosenberg - Pieces of ...
Carol Welsman - The Language of Love
Ithamara Koorax - Serenade in Blue

Some recent ones I've enjoyed are:

1. "Deconstructed" - Steve Swallow [ECM, 1997]
2. "Jack Nimitz & Friends - Yesterday & Today" - Jack Nimitz [Fresh Sound, 2008]
3. "Old School, New Lessons" - Bob Mintzer Orchestra w/Kurt Elling & Yellowjackets]
4. "In Blue" - Karrin Allyson [Concord, 2002]
5. "Holon" - Nik Bartsch's Ronin [ECM, 2008]
6. "Digital Duke" - Duke Ellington [GRP, 1987]
7. "Twin Tenors" - Bob Mintzer w/Michael Brecker [Novus, 1993]
8. "34th N Lex" - Randy Brecker [ESC, 2005]
9. "Shades" - Yellowjackets [MCA Records, 1986]
10. "West Side Story" - Dave Grusin [N2K, 1997]

Thanks for the heads up Markus. Waiting for my copy and been anticipating this one for some time.

Just got Ken Navarro's latest, "The Grace of Summer Light." Very nice release. Very Metheny-esque in flavor but excellent in its own right.

Another great release just received from ECM is Steve Swallow's "Deconstructed" done in 1997 and featuring a great group [Swallow on electric bass, Ryan Kisor on trumpet, Chris Potter on tenor, Mick Goodrick on guitar and Adam Nussbaum on drums]. It's the best I've ever heard from Swallow.

Both releases can be highly recommended and will be featured on my Wednesday AM show.

Phil-
ever since Ken's "The Grace Of Summer Light" landed in my mailbox, I've been playing it. In fact, as far as jazz goes, it's probably all I have played lately....very hard to turn that one off, the more I hear it the more I enjoy it.

Recent jazz plays (but not much): Spyro Gyra's Deep End and Good to Go Go. Have also done the youtube thing to watch SG vids, seeing Joel R doing Para Ti Latino is just amazing....love that tune.

As for "real" jazz, haven't listened to much in a long time....may be time to break out the old Horace Silver vinyl.

Or, maybe I can just listen to your show, that's probably easier and a better idea!

TonyY

Spyro Gyra - Three Wishes
Maynard Ferguson - Live in San Francisco
Herbie Mann - Jasil Brazz
David Sanborn - Backstreet
John Coltrane - A Love Supreme
Gerald Veasley - Live at the Jazz Base!

Bassix . . .

I know where you're coming from on Ken's latest. The compositions are the finest he's done in my opinion.

Thanks Tony and Phil - very nice to read your comments. And Phil, the compositions are the thing I am most proud of on 'The Grace of Summer Lights" so I especially grateful for your good words about that!

Anyway, my current listening list...

Dejohnette, Holland, Hancock, Metheny in Concert DVD
Joni Mitchell - Shadows and Light DVD w/Jaco, Brecker, Lyle, etc.
Grant Green - Street of Dreams
Billy Childs - I've Known Rivers
Bobby McFerrin - Spontaneous Inventions

Right now on this fine Saturday morning, I am listening to the Pat Metheny Trio CD Day Trip . And I am counting down the days until the new Yellowjackets CD comes out. Peace.

I've been checkin' out Youtube clips of Billy Cobham and snipets of Ken Burns' video novel "The History of Jazz". The Cobham clips are:

Cobham, DiMeola, Corea live- Spain
Cobham w/George Duke live-Rush Hour
Cobham w/Horace Silver live in 1968

Dave Weckl Band - Multiplicity and Synergy
Yellowjackets - Run for your Life
Mindi Abair - Stars
MSM Schmidt - Transit
Pat Metheny - Day Trip
Neil Larson - Orbit
Dave Styker Quintet - The Greeting
Steve Oliver - 3D

Wow! Guess it's been awhile since I checked this site! Everything's changed!

Hello, jazzy people!

Donnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Welcome back.
I so hope this is a sign that you'll check on us regularly.

Ada Rovatti - Airbop
Joe Williams & Friends - Carmen McRae, Cat Anderson, Thad Jones Band
David Benoit - Shaken, Not Stirred
Eliane Elias - Kissed by Nature
Nat King Cole - Vol. 2
Wayne Shorter - Alegria
Spyro Gyra - Dreams Beyond Control
Najee - Najee Plays Songs from the Key of Life
Grover Washington Jr. - Then and Now
The Puppini Sisters - The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo
The Rippingtons - Curves Ahead

Incognito - Tales From The Beach

Today I received the Heads Up 8 collection/sampler CDs. I am in the process of making the second anthology of tunes I like. These are two great CDs! So I am listening to the second CD as I make it. Peace.

Enjoying:

1. "Both Worlds" - Michel Petrucciani (Dreyfus, 1998]
2. "Let It Come To You" - Taylor Eigsti (Concord, 2008]
3. "Life Cycle" - Yellowjackets w/Mike Stern [Heads Up, 2008]
4. "Deconstructed" - Steve Swallow [ECM, 1997}
5. "Muted Miles" - Miles Davis (Prestige, 1956-1957, remastered 2008, released by Concord Music Group]
6. "In Tribute" - Diane Schuur [GRP, 1992]
7. "The Meeting Place" - Ken Navarro [Positive Music, 2006]

Lin Rountree - Sumthin Good (Pre-manufactured studio version)

I hope to get the final copy in 2 weeks

Yellowjackets - Lifecycle
Steps Ahead - Vibe
Taylor Eigsti - Let It Come To You
Mitchel Forman - Mr. Clean
Denny Jiosa - Dreams Like This

And while I'm at it, Donna - good to see you drop in again!

Right now ... Gambale/Donati/Fierabracci Made in Australia ... what a smokin' fusion CD!

I've been checkin' out an ol' college buddy of mine, drummer Eric Valentine with Jonathan Butler live in South Africa.

Tobias Gebb & Trio West - An Upper West Side Story
Eden Brent - Mississippi Number One
Hans Glawischnig - Panorama
Yellowjackets - Lifecycle
Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra - Song for Chico
Maynard Ferguson - High Voltage
Spyro Gyra - Love & Other Obsessions
Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band - Dizzy's Business
Kirk Whalum - The Gospel According to Jazz, Vol. II
James Carter - Live at Baker's Keyboard Lounge

Lately it's been:

1. "The Way Up" - Pat Metheny Group (Nonesuch)
2. "Spin This" - Karen Blixt (HI-Fi Records)
3. "Muted Miles" - Miles Davis Quintet (Prestige)
4. "Two Blocks From the Edge" - Michael Brecker (Impulse)
5. "Footprints" - Karrin Allyson
6. "Jacky Terrasson" - Jacky Terrasson (Blue Note)
7. "The Word Is Out" - Jaco Pastorius Tribute Big Band (Heads Up)
8. "Soul Grooves" - Paul Bollenback (Challenge)
9. "Ellington Uptown" - Duke Ellington (Columbia)
10. "Blues & the Abstract Truth" - Oliver Nelson (Impulse)

I got Return to Forever'sThe Anthology for Fathers Day. I have not heard most of these tunes for many years. It is rather like meeting up with a long-lost friend. Plus, the sound quality is great. Peace.

Jean-Luc Ponty Live, 1976, released 1979. Love Casey Schurelle and Ralph Armstrong.

Dean Brown-Here. Monster musicians and great music. My ol' buddy Poogie Bell is slammin'!!

Youtube clip of Herbie H., Buster Williams, and Al Foster live. Gorgeous musical textures and colors.

This week I've listened to the following:

1. "Esperanza" - Esperanza Spalding (Heads Up 2008)
2. "Impressions" - Claudio Roditi (Groovin' High 2007)
3. "Interplay" - John Coltrane (Interplay Box-Set Sampler on Prestige, 2007)
4. "Paint the World" - Chick Corea Elektric Band II (GRP 1993)
5. "Schuman Nature" - Tom Schuman (JazzBridge, 2003)
6. "Nick @ Night" - Nicholas Payton Quintet (Verve)
7. "Parallel Universe" - Pat Metheny & the Heath Brothers (Starburst, 2001)
8. "Phoenix 90" - Didier Lockwood (JMS, 1990)

Ellis Marsalis Quarter - An Open Letter to Thelonious
Clairdee - Destination Moon
Arturo Sandoval - Trumpet Evolution
Marcus Miller - M2
Gabriela Anders - Wanting
Al Di Meola - Consequence of Chaos
Spyro Gyra - Heart of the Night
Rippingtons - Carnival
Stan Getz - Getz Plays Jobim: The Girl from Ipanema

Ernest Ranglin - Surfin'
Gerald Albright - Sax for Stax
Joshua Bayer - Lines and Grooves
Esperanza Spalding - Esperanza
Bob James - Urban Flamingo
Salongo - Salongo
Richard Bona - Munia/The Tale
various - The Swing Collection
Spyro Gyra - 20/20

Maceo Parker-Roots and Groove Live with The WDR Big Band

Man, Dennis Chambers Nuff said.

Right now I am listening to Greg Vail's CD e Motion . Peace.

Mark Weinstein - Straight, No Chaser

I've been having a David Benoit festival from my Ipod. Brought out the oldies like Shadows, Shaken Not Stirred and Urban Daydreams. Forgot how much I like those!

Matthew Von Doran - In this Present Moment (I love this one!)
Dave Weckl Band - Perpetual Motion
Joshua Redman & Elastic Band - Momemtum
Mike Stern - These Times
Jeff Lorber - He Had A Hat

Big Organ Trio

David Benoit Fuzzy Logic (got it at a pawn shop for $2)

Justo Almario Count Me In

The Rippingtons Sahara

Jeff Lorber He had a Hat

Nate Harasim - Love's Taken Over
S.M.V. - Thunder
Vibes Alive - After Hours

Rippingtons - Live in L.A.
Spyro Gyra - The Best of Spyro Gyra: The First Ten Years
Hiromi's Sonicbloom - Beyond Standards
David Benoit - Heroes
Tim Hagans - Alone Together
Duduka Da Fonseca - Samba Jazz Fantasia
Antonio Hart - It's All Good

I am listening to the three CD I got in the mail today from CD Baby:

James Ranka - God Is Cool

Pat Coil - True North

Ray Lyon - Figures of the True

Reviews will be forthcoming after I hear them a few more times. Peace.

Robert Harris - City Lights

Spyro Gyra - Road Scholars
The Roy Hargrove Quintet - Earfood
Harmonious Wail - Resist Temptation
Eric Marienthal - Street Dance
David Sanborn - Here and Gone
Steve Allee Trio - Dragonfly

Andre Delano - My So Fine

Smooth Jazz in a special way.

Would you believe Vince Guaraldi? I had a 15% discount I needed to use up at Barnes & Noble. So, I bought "The Charlie Brown Suite & Other Favorites," which was released five years ago. The CD featured tracks that had never been released before.
Outside of that, I've been all over the place; from John Favicchia to Bob James, Spyro Gyra to Ken Navarro.
And I'm seriously considering buying Jay Soto's and Michael Manson's latest albums.

Do it. Both albums are worth a buy.

Airborne - Winds Of Change

I am listening to one of my two Boney James anthologies. Out of all his non-Christmas albums, I like 32 tunes, so I made two antholgies with 16 tunes each. All of these have real drums or at least sound like it. Peace.

I'm listening to the latest release (8 years since the last one) from Brian Blade Fellowship Band "Season of Change."

If you liked the last one you'd like this one. No searing solos with electrifying chops. The egos are all in check. It's more subdude but one of those theme records where you hear similar melodys pop back up in other tracks, refrains, etc. Very beautiful and creative melodys. The 12 min title track is especially spectacular. Nice release....

Karen Blixt-Faith Baby Faith
Miles Davis-Pharaoh's Dance
John Coltrane-Lazy Bird

I have been listenig to my two new CDs:

Dave Koz Off the Beaten Path I really like this one. I really like his Christmas CD A Smooth Jazz Christmas, so I knew he can make a good CD. So now I finally found it.

Kenny G Live This is the first time I have really heard him. I like it. Is his studio stuff as good?

Peace and good will.

Ummm. Ummm.

Joe Johnson - Afterparty

Party music at its best.

Here's some I'm enjoying and using on my show:

1. "But Beautiful" - Bill Evans Trio w/Stan Getz (Milestone, 1996)
2. "Modern Antique" - Robin McKelle (Cheap Lullaby, 2008)
3. "Magnet" - Pamela Luss (Savant, 2008)
4. "Basie & Beyond" - Quincy Jones-Sammy Nestico Orchestra (Qwest, 2000)
5. "Another Mind" - Hiromi (Telarc Jazz, 2003)
6. "A Day Like This" - New York Voices (MCG Jazz, 2007)
7. "Freddie Freeloader" - Jon Hendricks (Denon, 1990) Features vocalese music with Al Jarreau, George Benson and Bobby McFerron joining Hendricks. Very nice.
8. "Here & Gone" - David Sanborn (Decca, 2008)
9. "The Pacific Years" - Chet Baker (Pacific Jazz 4-CD Set, 1953-58)
10. "Currents" - Wolfert Brederode Quartet (ECM, 2008)

Rippingtons - Sahara
Kilauea - Tropical Pleasures
Spyro Gyra - Got the Magic
David Benoit - Here's to You Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years
Diana Krall - The Look of Love

Fourplay - Energy

... of course.

Take 6 - The Standard

Take 6 are singing ... jazz (!).

Bill Cantrall - Axiom
Adam Niewood - Epic Journey (2 discs)

Normally, when I get stuff for review, it doesn't make my "listening to now" list until after the review is written and I've put it in my rotation. But these two really stand out, so forgive me the advance plug.
Niewood has about 2 hours of original songs with a small ensemble that shows a lot of versatility.
Cantrall's disc is just over an hour with 8 originals and 2 standards. This is my favorite kind of jazz - when a trumpet or trombone and a sax share the melody either in unison or harmony. In this case, we have a trumpet, a trombone, a tenor and an alto - sometimes all at once. Yes, there are solos, but when it comes to straight jazz, I'm happiest when a tenor or alto sax is paired with a trumpet or trombone for the leads. There's just something about that blend.

I'm enjoying:

1. "Funky Gene's" - Gene Harris Quartet (Concord, 19940
2. "Appearing Nightly" - Carla Bley Big Band (ECM, 2008)
3. "Cantando" - Bobo Stenson Trio (ECM, 2008)
4. "Earfood" - Roy Hargrove Quintet (Universal Jazz, 2008)
5. "Here's To the Ladies" - Tony Bennett (Columbia, 1995)
6. "Think Tank" - Pat Martino Quintet (Blue Note, 2003)
7. "Sings the George & Ira Gershwin Songbook" - Ella Fitzgerald (Verve 3-CD Set, 1959)
8. "RTF-The Anthology" - Return To Forever (Concord, 2008)
9. "Monterey Jazz Festival 50th Annivesary Allstars" - Terence Blanchard/Nnenna Freelon/James Moody/Benny Green (Concord, 2008)
10. "Rudy Van Gelder Remasters Sampler" - Miles Davis/John Coltrane/Modern Jazz Quartet/Red Garland Trio/Sonny Criss (Concord, 2008)

Rippingtons - Brave New World
Incognito - Tales from the Beach
Maynard Ferguson - M.F. Horn 2 and The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson
The Steve Elmer Trio - Fire Down Below
Spyro Gyra - In Modern Times
Benny Goodman - Golden Hits
Chuchito Valdes Jr. - Encantado (w/Laksar Reese)

Jazz, well, not much lately....been working too much, and what time I have free to listen to music has been in preparation for Sunday services.

Today, I'll make time for listening to a few though...I'm due for a change of pace.
Playlist will be:

Ken Navarro- Grace of Summer Light and Meeting Place
Spyro Gyra- will dig back a bit and spin Road Scholars.
Rippingtons- 20

with Kat's recent pics of Steve Lukather to my left while I post, maybe have to toss on some Toto and the Larry Carlton/Steve L shred fest from Japan.

TonyY

Taj Mahal - Maestro
Shilts - Jigsaw Life

David Sanborn sat in with the "CBS Orchestra" during Monday night's Late Show With David Letterman, and promoted his Here and Gone CD.

De'Nate' - Reminisce

Jimmy Demers - Dream A Little

Smooth Jazz or Pop, who cares. Just good music.

So it's okay to include Jessica Simpson, Rob Thomas and John Mayer in this thread, right?

MOre that I'm enjoying:

1. "Let's Set the Record Straight" - Tom Coster (JVC, 1993)
2. "I Wish You Love" - Janis Siegel (Telarc, 2002)
3. "Three Wishes" - Spyro Gyra (GRP, 1992)
4. "Black Coffee" - Peggy Lee (Verve Master Edition,2004, originally released in 1953)
5. "Frank Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim" - (Reprise, 1967)
6. "Stan Getz & Bob Brookmeyer" - (Verve, 1961)
7. "Reality Check" - Tribal Tech (Bluemoon, 1995)
8. "OffRamp" - Pat Metheny Group (ECM, 1982)
9. "The Jazz Singers" - Smithsonian Jazz (1998)
10. "We Live Here" - Pat Metheny Group (Geffen, 1995)

Jazzwriter: Jimmy Demers is taged as Pop / Contemporary Jazz artist. His album Dream A Little is described as a collection of 13 classic songs that blend his unique adult contemporary and smooth jazz sound.

Honit sois qui mal y pense.

Cool. I guess I misunderstood the "who cares" portion of the message.

Some additional selections:

1. "In Flight" - George Benson (Warner Bros., 1976 reissued 2007)
2. "Midwest Shuffle" - Bobby Watson & Horizon (Columbia, 1994)
3. "Blame It On My Youth" - Matt Belsante (Green Hill, 2008)
4. "The Very Thought of You" - Nicole Henry (Banister Records, 2008)
5. "What's Inside" - New York Voices (GRP, 1993)
6. "No Sweat" - Gary Willis (Alchemy Records, 1996)
7. "My Foolish Heart" - Keith Jarrett Trio (ECM 2-CD Set, 2007)
8. "Something Else Again" - Johnny Richards Orchestra (Bethlehem, 1956)
9. "The Dynamic Duo" - Jimmy Smith & Wes Montgomery w/Oliver Nelson Orchestra (Verve Master Edition, 1997 reissue of 1966 LP)
10. "Revelation" - Gerry Mulligan & Lee Konitz (Blue Note, 1953 & 1957)

On The Rocks - a real Matt Marshak!

My latest purchase:

1. "Symphonica" - Joe Lovano w/WDR-Rudfunk Orchestra [Blue Note, 2008]

George Duke should perform with the WDR-BIG Band too. Its my dream. Searchin'

Just received:

1. "Claire Martin: The Early Years Anthology" - Claire Martin (Linn Records, 2008) ... Ever since I first heard this incredible jazz singer, it's hard to imagine how she ever escaped notice in the U.S. This anthology includes four CD's of her work with Linn since the 1990's. CD1 is "The Waiting Game" 1992, CD2 "Devil May Care" 1993, CD3 "Old Boyfriends" 1994, and CD4 "Make This City Ours" 1997.

Check her out. This gal simply swings!

I am listening to the new Fourplay CD Energy. Peace and Goodwill.

Spyro Gyra - A Night Before Christmas

Contemporary Jazz goes Christmas. For your joy and relaxation.

Peace on earth

Rippingtons - Black Diamond
Marc McDonald - It Doesn't End Here
Maynard Ferguson - M.F. Horn 3, M.F. Horn 4 & 5 Live at Jimmy's
George Colligan - Runaway
Bill Cantrall - Axiom
John Pizzarelli - With a Song in My Heart (songs of Richard Rodgers)
Fourplay - Energy
Spyro Gyra - A Night Before Christmas, Original Cinema
B.B. King - One Kind Favor
Robin McKelle - Introducing Robin McKelle
Yellowjackets - Yellowjackets

Jeff Lorber - Heard That is available now. Really fine quality (typical Lorber).

I have it. It's a very funky effort. Track 1 is killer! I like this one way more than his last effort! Not that 'He Had A Hat' was a bad effort.

The last one was more on the jazzy side. This is a return to smooth jazz and R&B (thanks to Rex Rideout).

Todd Coolman - Perfect Strangers.

Just got two fine releases:

1. "Act Your Age" - Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band (Immergent, 2008).

2. "Swing Out" - Bob Mintzer Orchestra (MCG Jazz, 2008)

Both will enhance anyone's music collection.

I just got Hemispheres by Phil Turcio, Ric Fierabracci, and Joel Rosenblatt, and I am listening to it for the first time. So far I really like it. It is nice to hear Joel's drumming again, and I always enjoy Ric Fierabracci's bass playing.

On Saturday I bought Rewind That by Christian Scott. Man! Is that a great CD! It will take me a while to digest that one.

I also recently downloaded Energy by Fourplay, which I also like quite a bit. So I have been listening to that a lot too.

Peace and goodwill.

Quincey Jones - Back On The Block. One of my all time favorites.

Take 6 on Weeb Doin It, one of their best a cappella songs.

I picked up David Sanborn's Closer CD -- not exactly current, but enjoyable. He used a more traditional sound with keyboards, accoustic bass, and his sax. I usually think of Sanborn as putting out electric jazz music. This one was a bit of a surprise.

I have that one and really like it. It is contemporary without being watered down jazz. Some of the tunes are really good too. Peace and goodwill.

Tommy Emmanuel - Center Stage. One of the best guitar players I ever heard.

various - Savoy on Central Ave. (2 discs)
The Best of Fourplay
various - 40 Years, A Charlie Brown Christmas
Matthew Van Doran - In This Present Moment
Bill Moring & Way Out East - Spaces in Time
The Rippingtons - Topaz
Spyro Gyra - The Deep End

(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.

Freddie Fox - Feelin' It. Exeptionel good smooth jazz beginning with track 3.

Another incoming jewel:
Giovanni Moltoni - 3
very nice