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.