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)
Article comments
1 - Chris
your review of Carla Bley was wrong.
She's the world's best composer.
Try
European Tour (1977)