There was an absurd amount of great jazz available this year. My rough list was much longer than this result, but I feel confident that, well...Ok, I don't feel confident about anything. Still, if you check out any of these albums, you won't be disappointed.
11) Theo Bleckmann & Ben Monder - At Night
There are some traditional jazz guitar/vocal duos out there (Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass) , and then there's Bleckmann & Monder. You've never heard anything like this before. Trust me.
10) Andy Milne & Gregoire Maret - Scenarios
A piano and harmonica duo that can deliver romance as well as 'out' structures.
9) Pat Metheny & Brad Mehldau - Metheny Mehldau Quartet
Somehow, I never got around to reviewing this album. While it won't knock you over the head with jazz chops, the music does show that Metheny and Mehldau could be long lost brothers.
8) Jerry Granelli & V16 - The Sonic Temple
Collective improvisation of the highest order.
7) Jackie Terrasson - Mirror
Terrasson's channels Thelonius, makes some funny noises, and does true jazz justice with some terrific jazzified covers of pop tunes.
6) Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette - My Foolish Heart (Live at Montreux)
It's a wonderful thing, The Trio. Even when they revisit some pretty well-worn material, everything seems completely fresh and new.
5) Bruce Hornsby - Camp Meeting
Ever since hearing the title track from "Harbor Lights," it became apparent to me that Hornsby had the chops for jazz. Camp Meeting, which features Hornsby alongside Jack Dejohnette and Christian McBride, was the proof.
(Friday Morning Listen for August 10th)
4) Robin Eubanks & EB3 - Live, Vol. 1
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Article comments
1 - Michael J. West
Wow, GREAT list! I missed some of these reviews the first time out and I'm kicking myself now - and going back and reading them.
Good choices though! Four of your 10 are on my Top 20 list, coming next week to a Jazz Workshop near you.
2 - Pico
Thanks for reminding me about the Granelli, I've got to get that one.
The Groundtruther was a CD I left off my lists with much reluctance. Your full review of it with all the aliens from outer space metaphors in it is bang on.
Prezens at #1, what can I say except...I agree!
3 - Mark Saleski
...and i spelled it right! (i think)
4 - Tom Johnson
Ah, man, I have really got to check out that Hornsby album. I keep thinking of it, then forgetting to pick it up. What little I've heard, I know I've missed out.
And, yeah, Prezens absolutely deserves that spot.