First posted on Mark Is Cranky:

It was a very good year in the jazz/instrumental music world. So many choices, so many sounds. You can't go wrong with anything from the following list. Trust me.

• Spring Heel Jack - The Sweetness of Water

  Over-the-top great collective improvisation. Evan Parker shines.

  (Original Blogcritics review here)

  
  

• Marilyn Crispell - Storyteller

  Airy piano melodicisms from my current queen of the jazz piano.

  (Original Blogcritics review here)

  
  

• Arto Lindsay - Salt

  Lindsay is a tough one to categorize. This is as much pop as it is jazz. What it is is sultry 'n slinky.

  
  

• Matthew Shipp - Harmony & Abyss

  A Jazz ensemble cavorts with Flam the electronics wizard.

  (Original Blogcritics review here)

  
  

• Jarrett, Peacock, DeJohnette - The Out-of-Towners

  I didn't want to impart any order to this list but I must say that this particular record spent more time in my player than any other. Easily some of the best music ever made by this trio.

  (Original Blogcritics review here)

  
  

• Carla Bley - The Lost Chords

  Bley's group spins an early childhood musical memory into sheer magic.

  (Original Blogcritics review here)

  
  

• Stephan Micus - Life

  A Zen koan becomes a musical story.

  (Original Blogcritics review here)

  
  

• Craig Taborn - Junk Magic

  If you want to know why I'm so high on the Thirsty Ear Blue Series, look no further than this mind-expanding record.

  (Original Blogcritics review here)

  
  

• Patricia Barber - Live: A Fortnight In France

  Barber playing live with the Verse touring ensemble. Nobody today takes subtlety to such a level.

  
  

• John Scofield Trio- EnRoute

  It's tough to go wrong with Scofield, Steve Swallow and Bill Stewart.

  (Original Blogcritics review here)