ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2016
Another great year for the music with many superb new releases and a ressue programme that continues to serve as a reminder of the the history of jazz, and introduce a new generation to some of the past masters. Here is our selection of some of the essential albums of 2016.
CHRIS BABER
NEW RELEASES
John Martin – The Hidden Notes: spirit of adventure (F-IRE)
Samo Salamon Bassless Trio – Unity (Samo Records)
Barry Guy – The Blue Shroud (Intakt)
The Spike Orchestra – Cerebus: Masada book 2, book of angels volume 26 (Tzadik)
Hildegun Oiseth – Time is Coming (Losen)
Six in One – Subjects and Structures (Slam)
Hayden Powell – Circadian rhythm and blues (Periskop)
David Murray / Geri Allen / Terri Lynne Carrington – Reflection (Motema / Membrane)
Dinosaur – Together as One (Edition)
Neil Cowley Trio – Spacebound Apes (Hide Inside)
FROM THE VAULT / RE-ISSUES
John Coltrane Quartet – The Complete 1963 Copenhagen Concern (Solar)
Cecil Taylor – Complete Live at the cafe Montmartre (Solar)
Miles Davis Quartet with John Coltrane – the Legendary 1960 European tour (Solar)
Charles Mingus – The Complete Nat Hentoff Sessions (EJC)
Sonny Criss – Saturday Morning (Xanadu)
In terms of new releases, I have continued to enjoy the output of the Losen record label. There are several of their CDs that I could nominate but I have chosen Hildegun Oiseth as a representative of the adventurousness of this Norwegian label (which other label would have goat horn played in a jazz setting?), although the Michael Aadal Group’s Pomona would also be an excellent place to start listening to Losen’s output. I have picked several CDs where the musicians have been exploring the sounds of their instruments, e.g., John Martin’s saxophone, Hayden Powell’s trumpet and Samo Salamon’s guitar – not only do all three demonstrate interesting new ways of playing but (equally importantly) they do so in beautifully crafted jazz settings. In terms of pushing boundaries, the Six in One recording is a lively take on free jazz, while the David Murray set shows that even well established musicians can test themselves. I have a couple of bigger band projects on the list, Barry Guy, the Spike Orchestra, which shows excellent ensemble playing of some wonderfully intricate music. Finally, two great records from UK groups (Neil Cowley Trio, Dinosaur) will be records that will be on many Christmas lists and amply deserve their critical acclaim.
Of the reissues, I have gone for several Solar recordings which are pretty good value, always produce a decent quality sound and come with nicely packaged booklets, together with sets from Charles Mingus and Sonny Criss.
John Martin – The Hidden Notes: spirit of adventure (F-IRE)
Samo Salamon Bassless Trio – Unity (Samo Records)
Barry Guy – The Blue Shroud (Intakt)
The Spike Orchestra – Cerebus: Masada book 2, book of angels volume 26 (Tzadik)
Hildegun Oiseth – Time is Coming (Losen)
Six in One – Subjects and Structures (Slam)
Hayden Powell – Circadian rhythm and blues (Periskop)
David Murray / Geri Allen / Terri Lynne Carrington – Reflection (Motema / Membrane)
Dinosaur – Together as One (Edition)
Neil Cowley Trio – Spacebound Apes (Hide Inside)
FROM THE VAULT / RE-ISSUES
John Coltrane Quartet – The Complete 1963 Copenhagen Concern (Solar)
Cecil Taylor – Complete Live at the cafe Montmartre (Solar)
Miles Davis Quartet with John Coltrane – the Legendary 1960 European tour (Solar)
Charles Mingus – The Complete Nat Hentoff Sessions (EJC)
Sonny Criss – Saturday Morning (Xanadu)
In terms of new releases, I have continued to enjoy the output of the Losen record label. There are several of their CDs that I could nominate but I have chosen Hildegun Oiseth as a representative of the adventurousness of this Norwegian label (which other label would have goat horn played in a jazz setting?), although the Michael Aadal Group’s Pomona would also be an excellent place to start listening to Losen’s output. I have picked several CDs where the musicians have been exploring the sounds of their instruments, e.g., John Martin’s saxophone, Hayden Powell’s trumpet and Samo Salamon’s guitar – not only do all three demonstrate interesting new ways of playing but (equally importantly) they do so in beautifully crafted jazz settings. In terms of pushing boundaries, the Six in One recording is a lively take on free jazz, while the David Murray set shows that even well established musicians can test themselves. I have a couple of bigger band projects on the list, Barry Guy, the Spike Orchestra, which shows excellent ensemble playing of some wonderfully intricate music. Finally, two great records from UK groups (Neil Cowley Trio, Dinosaur) will be records that will be on many Christmas lists and amply deserve their critical acclaim.
Of the reissues, I have gone for several Solar recordings which are pretty good value, always produce a decent quality sound and come with nicely packaged booklets, together with sets from Charles Mingus and Sonny Criss.
ROY BOOTH
NEW RELEASES
Alan Barnes-One For Moll ( Woodville )
Alan Barnes / Dave O’Higgins and The Sax Section-Oh Gee! ( Woodville )
Scott Hamilton with Karin Krog-The Best Things In Life ( Stunt )
Becky Kilgore & Nicki Parrott-Two Songbirds Of A Feather ( Arbors Records )
Rebecca Kilgore-Moon shadow Dance ( Cherry Pie Music )
FROM THE VAULT / RE-ISSUES
Bill Holman-The Original Bill Holman Big Band ( Phono )
Johnny Hodges & Ben Webste3r )-Complete Fifties Recordings ( Phono )
Lenniie Niehaus-Complete Fifties Recordings (Phono )
Sackville All Stars-Saturday Night Function ( Sackville )
Sarah Vaughan At Rosy’s ( Resonance )
2016 has been a good year for new releases for my style of jazz, Alan Barnes’ Woodville label continues to release some outstanding albums. “One For Moll” is Alan’s alto only album for some years & “Oh Gee” displays both Alan’s & Dave O’Higgins arranging skills.
Rebecca Kilgore goes from strength to strength her album with Nicki Parrott is a triumph & on “Moonshadow Dance” she adds her own stamp on a collection of songs by two fairly little known writers.
After a lifetime of singing Karin Krog shows there is much to admire in her work & accompanied by Scott Hamilton this is one to savour.
Re-issues continue to be issued in abundance & there are some gems amongst them the Bill Holman is a welcome addition to his catalogue of outstanding big band music.
The Johnny Hodges-Ben Webster is sheer magic throughout & has had many plays since it was reviewed.
The Lennie Niehaus collection is a reminder of what a fine alto player he was before taking on arranging has his main occupation.
Sackville continue to turn out some fine music & anything which has Jim Galloway in the line-up is usually a guarantee.
The Sarah Vaughan is her at her best in a live performance with a trio a favourite combination.
Alan Barnes-One For Moll ( Woodville )
Alan Barnes / Dave O’Higgins and The Sax Section-Oh Gee! ( Woodville )
Scott Hamilton with Karin Krog-The Best Things In Life ( Stunt )
Becky Kilgore & Nicki Parrott-Two Songbirds Of A Feather ( Arbors Records )
Rebecca Kilgore-Moon shadow Dance ( Cherry Pie Music )
FROM THE VAULT / RE-ISSUES
Bill Holman-The Original Bill Holman Big Band ( Phono )
Johnny Hodges & Ben Webste3r )-Complete Fifties Recordings ( Phono )
Lenniie Niehaus-Complete Fifties Recordings (Phono )
Sackville All Stars-Saturday Night Function ( Sackville )
Sarah Vaughan At Rosy’s ( Resonance )
2016 has been a good year for new releases for my style of jazz, Alan Barnes’ Woodville label continues to release some outstanding albums. “One For Moll” is Alan’s alto only album for some years & “Oh Gee” displays both Alan’s & Dave O’Higgins arranging skills.
Rebecca Kilgore goes from strength to strength her album with Nicki Parrott is a triumph & on “Moonshadow Dance” she adds her own stamp on a collection of songs by two fairly little known writers.
After a lifetime of singing Karin Krog shows there is much to admire in her work & accompanied by Scott Hamilton this is one to savour.
Re-issues continue to be issued in abundance & there are some gems amongst them the Bill Holman is a welcome addition to his catalogue of outstanding big band music.
The Johnny Hodges-Ben Webster is sheer magic throughout & has had many plays since it was reviewed.
The Lennie Niehaus collection is a reminder of what a fine alto player he was before taking on arranging has his main occupation.
Sackville continue to turn out some fine music & anything which has Jim Galloway in the line-up is usually a guarantee.
The Sarah Vaughan is her at her best in a live performance with a trio a favourite combination.
JIM BURLONG
NEW RELEASES
Royal Stockholm Symphony Orchestra - E. S. T. Symphony (ACT Records)
Tim Garland - One (Edition Records)
Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra - Time / Life (Impulse Records)
Nils Landgren with Janis Siegel - Some Other Time (ACT Records)
Laura Jurd's Dinosaur - Together As One (Edition Records)
Jasper Holby - Fellow Creatures (Edition Records)
Bill Laurance - Live At Union Chapel (Ground Up Records)
The Impossible Gentlemen - Let's Get Deluxe (Basho Music)
Dr Lonnie Smith - Evolution (Bluenote Records)
David Murray/Geri Allen/Terri Lyne Carrington - Perfection (Motema/Membrane Records)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Tubby Hayes & The Downbeat Big Band - Blues At The Manor (Acrobat Records)
Charles McPherson - Beautiful! (Xandu Master Edition)
John Coltrane - The Atlantic Years in Mono (Atlantic Records)
Sonny Rollins Trio - Live In Europe Complete Recordings (Essential Jazz Classics)
Joe Farrell - Skate Board Park (Xandu Records)
2016 has been another fine year for our music. Although there have been a number of excellent releases from the US, Europe and the UK have once more proven that they are now the creative center of contemporary jazz and continue to drive the art form forwards. Although only released in October the E. S. T tribute album has already received world wide acclaim with Hans Ek superbly converting the late Esbjorn Svensson's masterful compositions into the symphonic format. For the Brit's, Laura Jurd, now back with her core quartet, produced an highly engaging album, recalling the Miles Davis electro' classics of the late sixties. Saxophonist Tim Garland, who can now boast a world wide reputation in the music came up with the brilliant semi fusion offering "One" while top bass man Jasper Holby, recorded the forward looking "Fellow Creatures" for the increasingly prominent Edition Records label. The world wide success of Michael League's Brooklyn based Snarky Puppy has this year spawned a good number of albums led by various members of the band, the highlight being the Union Chapel recording by keyboard giant Bill Laurance.
There will always be a market for reissues and this year many of the best have been saxophone based. Acrobat Records reminded us of how great a bandleader Tubby Hayes was in addition to his masterful musicianship with a welcome re release of two live sessions at Scott's and the Beeb in 59/60. A monster six CD set in mono from Coltrane took us back to his Atlantic years, and "Beautiful! from ex Mingus alto man Charles McPherson, who sadly died this year, completely reflected it's title. Once again we have lost many greats of the music over the past twelve months including Paul Bley, Bob Cranshaw, Toots Thielemans and Mose Allison to name but a few, not to mention, in music generally the iconic figures of David Bowie and Leonard Cohen. However music and time move on any we can only await with bated breath, the events of 2017.
Royal Stockholm Symphony Orchestra - E. S. T. Symphony (ACT Records)
Tim Garland - One (Edition Records)
Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra - Time / Life (Impulse Records)
Nils Landgren with Janis Siegel - Some Other Time (ACT Records)
Laura Jurd's Dinosaur - Together As One (Edition Records)
Jasper Holby - Fellow Creatures (Edition Records)
Bill Laurance - Live At Union Chapel (Ground Up Records)
The Impossible Gentlemen - Let's Get Deluxe (Basho Music)
Dr Lonnie Smith - Evolution (Bluenote Records)
David Murray/Geri Allen/Terri Lyne Carrington - Perfection (Motema/Membrane Records)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Tubby Hayes & The Downbeat Big Band - Blues At The Manor (Acrobat Records)
Charles McPherson - Beautiful! (Xandu Master Edition)
John Coltrane - The Atlantic Years in Mono (Atlantic Records)
Sonny Rollins Trio - Live In Europe Complete Recordings (Essential Jazz Classics)
Joe Farrell - Skate Board Park (Xandu Records)
2016 has been another fine year for our music. Although there have been a number of excellent releases from the US, Europe and the UK have once more proven that they are now the creative center of contemporary jazz and continue to drive the art form forwards. Although only released in October the E. S. T tribute album has already received world wide acclaim with Hans Ek superbly converting the late Esbjorn Svensson's masterful compositions into the symphonic format. For the Brit's, Laura Jurd, now back with her core quartet, produced an highly engaging album, recalling the Miles Davis electro' classics of the late sixties. Saxophonist Tim Garland, who can now boast a world wide reputation in the music came up with the brilliant semi fusion offering "One" while top bass man Jasper Holby, recorded the forward looking "Fellow Creatures" for the increasingly prominent Edition Records label. The world wide success of Michael League's Brooklyn based Snarky Puppy has this year spawned a good number of albums led by various members of the band, the highlight being the Union Chapel recording by keyboard giant Bill Laurance.
There will always be a market for reissues and this year many of the best have been saxophone based. Acrobat Records reminded us of how great a bandleader Tubby Hayes was in addition to his masterful musicianship with a welcome re release of two live sessions at Scott's and the Beeb in 59/60. A monster six CD set in mono from Coltrane took us back to his Atlantic years, and "Beautiful! from ex Mingus alto man Charles McPherson, who sadly died this year, completely reflected it's title. Once again we have lost many greats of the music over the past twelve months including Paul Bley, Bob Cranshaw, Toots Thielemans and Mose Allison to name but a few, not to mention, in music generally the iconic figures of David Bowie and Leonard Cohen. However music and time move on any we can only await with bated breath, the events of 2017.
KEN CHEETHAM
NEW RELEASES
Ivo Perelman - The Art of the Improv Trio: Vol 1-6 (Leo Records)
Elisabeth Coudoux - Some Poems (Leo Records)
The Octopus - Subzo[o]ne (Leo Records)
Almut Kühne/Gebhard Ullmann/Achim Kaufmann - Marbrakeys (Leo Records)
Leonid Vintskevich - Under a Different Sky (SLAM)
Although some of these albums have not appeared until January's reviews, all were recorded and released in 2016.
1)-6) Ivo Perelman’s 6CD release ‘The Art of the Improv Trio’. These six albums are, for me, much more invigorating than anything else – I can listen to them in any order almost without ranking them preferentially. Should I be obliged to I would go for the Matt Maneri (Vol.2) then the Matthew Shipp (Vol.3) as my two favourites. Why? – The distinctive skill and artistry of Perelman himself and his continual new thinking, and the dynamism and responsiveness between all of the musicians.
7) Elisabeth Coudoux – ‘Some Poems’. Massive talent and hypnotic originality in her tentative concepts.
8) The Octopus – ‘Subzo[o]ne’. Beautifully delivered, free improvisation, performed live with immense grace and energy. Elisabeth Coudoux is in the mix again.
9) Almut Kühne/Gebhard Ullmann/Achim Kaufmann – ‘Marbrakeys’. Clear demonstration of voice as instrument and shows that music doesn’t depend on words or melodies. Unexpectedly experimental and creative.
10) Leonid Vintskevich – ‘Under a Different Sky’. I am very happy to include one from SLAM Records as their list of releases includes some very amazing music. Here is shameless passion at the piano in the execution of astounding imaginings. Echoed by the saxophone and held together by the rock-hard stability of the double bass. Exhilarating music.
Ivo Perelman - The Art of the Improv Trio: Vol 1-6 (Leo Records)
Elisabeth Coudoux - Some Poems (Leo Records)
The Octopus - Subzo[o]ne (Leo Records)
Almut Kühne/Gebhard Ullmann/Achim Kaufmann - Marbrakeys (Leo Records)
Leonid Vintskevich - Under a Different Sky (SLAM)
Although some of these albums have not appeared until January's reviews, all were recorded and released in 2016.
1)-6) Ivo Perelman’s 6CD release ‘The Art of the Improv Trio’. These six albums are, for me, much more invigorating than anything else – I can listen to them in any order almost without ranking them preferentially. Should I be obliged to I would go for the Matt Maneri (Vol.2) then the Matthew Shipp (Vol.3) as my two favourites. Why? – The distinctive skill and artistry of Perelman himself and his continual new thinking, and the dynamism and responsiveness between all of the musicians.
7) Elisabeth Coudoux – ‘Some Poems’. Massive talent and hypnotic originality in her tentative concepts.
8) The Octopus – ‘Subzo[o]ne’. Beautifully delivered, free improvisation, performed live with immense grace and energy. Elisabeth Coudoux is in the mix again.
9) Almut Kühne/Gebhard Ullmann/Achim Kaufmann – ‘Marbrakeys’. Clear demonstration of voice as instrument and shows that music doesn’t depend on words or melodies. Unexpectedly experimental and creative.
10) Leonid Vintskevich – ‘Under a Different Sky’. I am very happy to include one from SLAM Records as their list of releases includes some very amazing music. Here is shameless passion at the piano in the execution of astounding imaginings. Echoed by the saxophone and held together by the rock-hard stability of the double bass. Exhilarating music.
EUAN DIXON
NEW RELEASES
John Scofield – Past Present (Impulse)
John Scofield – Country for Old Men (Impulse)
Brad Mehldau Trio – Blues and Ballads (Nonesuch)
Joshua Redman and Brad Mehldau – Nearness (Nonesuch)
Impossible Gentlemen – Let’s Get De-Luxe (Basho)
Tim Garland -One (Edition Records)
Jane Ira Bloom – Early Americans (Outline)
Richie Cole – Pittsburgh (Richie Cole Presents)
Richie Cole – Have Yourself an `Alto Madness` Christmas (Richie Cole Presents)
From the Vault/Re-issues
Clifford Brown/Max Roach All-Stars – Best Coast Jazz (Fresh Sounds)
Chet Baker and Bud Shank – The James Dean Story (Fresh Sounds)
Lennie Niehaus – Complete Fifties Recordings (Phono)
Bill Holman – The Original Bill Holman Big Band (Phono)
Chet Baker – Live in London (Ubuntu Music)
Having been out of circulation as a reviewer for most of 2016 my opportunity to hear new releases has been limited. If my list appears a bit `samey` it’s because half of it is drawn from personal purchases thus reflecting my partisan interests so I hope `money where the mouth is` integrity will make up for the lack of variety. The big event of the year was the return of John Scofield’s quartet with Joe Lovano in a simulating set that sustained the inventiveness of the group’s earlier Blue Note sessions. Brad Mehldau and his trio made a welcome return to the recording studio with one his most likeable and accessible sessions to date and promptly followed it with a vigorous and exploratory duo workout with top tenor man, Joshua Redman whilst on the home front, The Impossible Gentlemen applied another coat of gloss to their already impeccable brand of transatlantic fusion and Tim Garland came on strong with some his heaviest sounds yet. Christmas albums aren’t usually accorded Album of the Year status but in the hands of talented jazzman like Richie Cole any old theme can be made to transcend its familiar context and can become a sound for all seasons. Anyway, not enough has been heard of Richie in recent years so grab it while it’s there.
On the re-issue front my selection is drawn from recordings I know from earlier releases and have owned for many years; discs that should simply never be out of the catalogue and should be heaped with praise whenever they make a re-appearance. The Chet Baker Live in London session is, of course, a new issue rescued from an obscure source and brilliantly restored against all odds proving, once again, that Chet was playing arrestingly eloquent music right up to the end of his life.
John Scofield – Past Present (Impulse)
John Scofield – Country for Old Men (Impulse)
Brad Mehldau Trio – Blues and Ballads (Nonesuch)
Joshua Redman and Brad Mehldau – Nearness (Nonesuch)
Impossible Gentlemen – Let’s Get De-Luxe (Basho)
Tim Garland -One (Edition Records)
Jane Ira Bloom – Early Americans (Outline)
Richie Cole – Pittsburgh (Richie Cole Presents)
Richie Cole – Have Yourself an `Alto Madness` Christmas (Richie Cole Presents)
From the Vault/Re-issues
Clifford Brown/Max Roach All-Stars – Best Coast Jazz (Fresh Sounds)
Chet Baker and Bud Shank – The James Dean Story (Fresh Sounds)
Lennie Niehaus – Complete Fifties Recordings (Phono)
Bill Holman – The Original Bill Holman Big Band (Phono)
Chet Baker – Live in London (Ubuntu Music)
Having been out of circulation as a reviewer for most of 2016 my opportunity to hear new releases has been limited. If my list appears a bit `samey` it’s because half of it is drawn from personal purchases thus reflecting my partisan interests so I hope `money where the mouth is` integrity will make up for the lack of variety. The big event of the year was the return of John Scofield’s quartet with Joe Lovano in a simulating set that sustained the inventiveness of the group’s earlier Blue Note sessions. Brad Mehldau and his trio made a welcome return to the recording studio with one his most likeable and accessible sessions to date and promptly followed it with a vigorous and exploratory duo workout with top tenor man, Joshua Redman whilst on the home front, The Impossible Gentlemen applied another coat of gloss to their already impeccable brand of transatlantic fusion and Tim Garland came on strong with some his heaviest sounds yet. Christmas albums aren’t usually accorded Album of the Year status but in the hands of talented jazzman like Richie Cole any old theme can be made to transcend its familiar context and can become a sound for all seasons. Anyway, not enough has been heard of Richie in recent years so grab it while it’s there.
On the re-issue front my selection is drawn from recordings I know from earlier releases and have owned for many years; discs that should simply never be out of the catalogue and should be heaped with praise whenever they make a re-appearance. The Chet Baker Live in London session is, of course, a new issue rescued from an obscure source and brilliantly restored against all odds proving, once again, that Chet was playing arrestingly eloquent music right up to the end of his life.
JACK KENNY
NEW RELEASES
Thad Jones Mel Lewis - All My Yesterdays (Resonance Records)
Maria Schneider - Thompson Fields (artistShare)
Sonny Rollins - Holding The Stage (Doxy Okeh)
Carla Bley - Andando el Tiempo (ECM)
Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra - Time/Life (Impulse)
Dave Brubeck - Complete Storyville (Essential Jazz Classics)
Duke Ellington - Rotterdam (Storyville)
Chet Baker - Live in London (Ubuntu Music)
Charlie Parker - Unheard Bird (Verve)
FROM THE VAULT / RE-ISSUES
Max Roach Clifford Brown - Best Coast Jazz.(Fresh Sound)
Tubby Hayes - The Downbeat Big Band (Acrobat)
Count Basie - Live At The Crescendo (Phono)
Back Door (BGO)
Sonny Rollins - Live In Europe (Essential Jazz Classics)
Charles Mingus - The Complete 1960 Hentoff Sessions (Essential Jazz Classics)
The complete Brubeck Storyville recordings are remarkable for the contribution of Paul Desmond: poise, beauty and sheer invention are here in abundance. The Basie band is at its late peak : sheer exhilaration. Sonny Rollins contains to bludgeon his way through his material, a magnificent survivor. Each year now adds to the Tubby Hayes archive, reminding us of his artistry. The Back Door phenomenon is still remarkable for two reasons: it was important at the time; it is almost forgotten now. Maria Schneider continues to create great music. The Mingus Hentoff sides should be on everybody's shelves. Carla Bley is a global treasure, every release adds to her lustre.
Thad Jones Mel Lewis - All My Yesterdays (Resonance Records)
Maria Schneider - Thompson Fields (artistShare)
Sonny Rollins - Holding The Stage (Doxy Okeh)
Carla Bley - Andando el Tiempo (ECM)
Charlie Haden Liberation Music Orchestra - Time/Life (Impulse)
Dave Brubeck - Complete Storyville (Essential Jazz Classics)
Duke Ellington - Rotterdam (Storyville)
Chet Baker - Live in London (Ubuntu Music)
Charlie Parker - Unheard Bird (Verve)
FROM THE VAULT / RE-ISSUES
Max Roach Clifford Brown - Best Coast Jazz.(Fresh Sound)
Tubby Hayes - The Downbeat Big Band (Acrobat)
Count Basie - Live At The Crescendo (Phono)
Back Door (BGO)
Sonny Rollins - Live In Europe (Essential Jazz Classics)
Charles Mingus - The Complete 1960 Hentoff Sessions (Essential Jazz Classics)
The complete Brubeck Storyville recordings are remarkable for the contribution of Paul Desmond: poise, beauty and sheer invention are here in abundance. The Basie band is at its late peak : sheer exhilaration. Sonny Rollins contains to bludgeon his way through his material, a magnificent survivor. Each year now adds to the Tubby Hayes archive, reminding us of his artistry. The Back Door phenomenon is still remarkable for two reasons: it was important at the time; it is almost forgotten now. Maria Schneider continues to create great music. The Mingus Hentoff sides should be on everybody's shelves. Carla Bley is a global treasure, every release adds to her lustre.
NICK LEA
NEW RELEASES
Nik Bärtsch's Mobile - Continuum
Jane Ira Bloom - Early Americans (Outline Records)
Geoff Eales - Transience (Fuzzy Moon Records)
Keith Jarrett - A Multitude Of Angels (ECM)
Claire Martin & Ray Gelato - We've Got A World That Swings (Linn Records)
John Martin - The Hidden Notes: Spirit of Adventure (F-Ire Records)
Trygve Seim - Rumi Songs (ECM)
Tommy Smith / BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra - Modern Jacobite (Spartacus Records)
Clare Teal Accompanied By The Hallé Orchestra - Twelve O'Clock Tales (MUD Records)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
John Abercrombie - The First Quartet (ECM)
Louis Armstrong - Complete Hot Five & Hot Seven (Essential Jazz Classics)
John Coltrane - The Atlantic Years-In Mono (Atlantic Records)
Peter Erskine Trio - As It Was (ECM)
Sonny Rollins Trio - Live in Europe 1959 Complete Recordings (Essential Jazz Classics)
Another year with plenty of great music to enjoy, and as usual my selection is listed alphabetically. The standout albums for me, and the first to hit my Album of the Year list was Tommy Smith's Modern Jacobite and Rumi Songs by Trygve Seim, two very different records that have made a huge impact on me, both on first and then subsequent hearings.
ECM has once again been a big part of my listening over the last twelve months, and I could easily have filled my choices from their 2016 releases. However, I have resisted this temptation in the interest of diversity, and my final selection is made of some superb albums that I have returned to time and time again.
I have not listened to many re-issues this year, which I hope to rectify in 2017.
Nik Bärtsch's Mobile - Continuum
Jane Ira Bloom - Early Americans (Outline Records)
Geoff Eales - Transience (Fuzzy Moon Records)
Keith Jarrett - A Multitude Of Angels (ECM)
Claire Martin & Ray Gelato - We've Got A World That Swings (Linn Records)
John Martin - The Hidden Notes: Spirit of Adventure (F-Ire Records)
Trygve Seim - Rumi Songs (ECM)
Tommy Smith / BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra - Modern Jacobite (Spartacus Records)
Clare Teal Accompanied By The Hallé Orchestra - Twelve O'Clock Tales (MUD Records)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
John Abercrombie - The First Quartet (ECM)
Louis Armstrong - Complete Hot Five & Hot Seven (Essential Jazz Classics)
John Coltrane - The Atlantic Years-In Mono (Atlantic Records)
Peter Erskine Trio - As It Was (ECM)
Sonny Rollins Trio - Live in Europe 1959 Complete Recordings (Essential Jazz Classics)
Another year with plenty of great music to enjoy, and as usual my selection is listed alphabetically. The standout albums for me, and the first to hit my Album of the Year list was Tommy Smith's Modern Jacobite and Rumi Songs by Trygve Seim, two very different records that have made a huge impact on me, both on first and then subsequent hearings.
ECM has once again been a big part of my listening over the last twelve months, and I could easily have filled my choices from their 2016 releases. However, I have resisted this temptation in the interest of diversity, and my final selection is made of some superb albums that I have returned to time and time again.
I have not listened to many re-issues this year, which I hope to rectify in 2017.
EDDIE MYER
NEW RELEASES
Ashley Henry - 5ive (Jazz Re:freshed)
Andreas Canniere - The Darkening Blue (Whirlwind)
Nigel Thomas - Hidden (Pathway Records)
Peter Fraize - Facts & Figures Union Records)
Paul Richards Trio - Episodes (self released)
Jason Palmer & Cedric Hanriot - City Of Poets (Whirlwind)
Richard Poole/Marilyn Crispell/Gary Peacock - In Motion (Intakt Records)
Jim Rattigan’s Pavilion - Strong Tea (Pavillon Records)
Nigel Price Organ Trio - Heads and Tales *Whirlwind)
Julian Lage - Arclight (Mack Avenue)
Tori Freestone - El Barranco (Whirlwind)
Kamasi Washington - The Epic (P & C Brainfeeder)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Chet Baker - Live In London (Ubuntu Music)
Louis Smith - The Essential (Phono)
There’s so much great jazz coming out from all across the world that I’ve restricted myself to albums I’ve reviewed personally this year, in the hope of pointing some more listeners towards them. Kamasi Washington’s record is the exception - whatever you may think of his bombastic re-take on Pharoah Sanders, the sheer chutzpah of this record, and the impact it’s had beyond the usual jazz circuit, is ...well.... epic. For the rest, the variety on offer shows how alive and well are the many strands of jazz. The refined, high-concept Canniere and Palmer/Hanriot recordings showcase some top players from the UK and USA to mutual benefit. The Poole/Crispell/Peacock album is a nice partner for Tori Freestone’s El Barranco - both demonstrate a freedom and adventurousness that takes full advantage of the wide-open trio format without surrendering a grip on melody. Nigel Thomas, Peter Fraize and Paul Richards all demonstrate how much sheer talent can be found if you search a little beyond the limelight - all three records are a delight in their own very diverse ways. Ashley Henry is a piano talent to watch out for in 2017 - he wowed the packed audience at Brighton’s Verdict club with his performance as part of New Generation Jazz program. Finally, Nigel Price and Julian Lage show how much creative life still resides in the guitar trio, be it organ or bass centered!
Reissues are both by trumpeters - Chet’s album is really a re-discovery, and spotlights some great UK players as a bonus, and the Louis Smith is a treat of peerless hard bop from the generation who played it the best.
Ashley Henry - 5ive (Jazz Re:freshed)
Andreas Canniere - The Darkening Blue (Whirlwind)
Nigel Thomas - Hidden (Pathway Records)
Peter Fraize - Facts & Figures Union Records)
Paul Richards Trio - Episodes (self released)
Jason Palmer & Cedric Hanriot - City Of Poets (Whirlwind)
Richard Poole/Marilyn Crispell/Gary Peacock - In Motion (Intakt Records)
Jim Rattigan’s Pavilion - Strong Tea (Pavillon Records)
Nigel Price Organ Trio - Heads and Tales *Whirlwind)
Julian Lage - Arclight (Mack Avenue)
Tori Freestone - El Barranco (Whirlwind)
Kamasi Washington - The Epic (P & C Brainfeeder)
FROM THE VAULTS / REISSUES
Chet Baker - Live In London (Ubuntu Music)
Louis Smith - The Essential (Phono)
There’s so much great jazz coming out from all across the world that I’ve restricted myself to albums I’ve reviewed personally this year, in the hope of pointing some more listeners towards them. Kamasi Washington’s record is the exception - whatever you may think of his bombastic re-take on Pharoah Sanders, the sheer chutzpah of this record, and the impact it’s had beyond the usual jazz circuit, is ...well.... epic. For the rest, the variety on offer shows how alive and well are the many strands of jazz. The refined, high-concept Canniere and Palmer/Hanriot recordings showcase some top players from the UK and USA to mutual benefit. The Poole/Crispell/Peacock album is a nice partner for Tori Freestone’s El Barranco - both demonstrate a freedom and adventurousness that takes full advantage of the wide-open trio format without surrendering a grip on melody. Nigel Thomas, Peter Fraize and Paul Richards all demonstrate how much sheer talent can be found if you search a little beyond the limelight - all three records are a delight in their own very diverse ways. Ashley Henry is a piano talent to watch out for in 2017 - he wowed the packed audience at Brighton’s Verdict club with his performance as part of New Generation Jazz program. Finally, Nigel Price and Julian Lage show how much creative life still resides in the guitar trio, be it organ or bass centered!
Reissues are both by trumpeters - Chet’s album is really a re-discovery, and spotlights some great UK players as a bonus, and the Louis Smith is a treat of peerless hard bop from the generation who played it the best.
