[JPL] Top Picks 2008

[Jae Sinnett]

 Tis the time of the year...here are my top picks for 2008.
> Had to submit my list to local publications so it's a
> done deal. Lots of great releases this year and it's
> never easy coming up with a top ten but it's always fun
> and challenging putting one together. Thanks. 
> 
> 10. Frank Macchia - "Saxolollapalooza" -
> Cacophony, Inc - Peter Erskine is simply one of the most
> musical and perceptive drummers playing today. In my view he
> shapes and colors this recording in a way that only he
> could. It's a risk to to this type of project with no
> bass player and to a lesser degree, no chordal
> accompaniment, but the compositions and Peters drumming are
> texturally fulfilling and arranged smartly as to imply a
> rhythm section and not miss it.
> 
> 9. Derrick Gardner - "A Ride To the Other Side" -
> Owlstudios.com - Considering that I've known Derrick for
> years and had the opportunity to study with his father I can
> say this recording isn't surprising to me with it's
> extraordinary musicianship and direction. The high point for
> me is the writing. It reflects the history and his
> influences but also how those influences have shaped him.
> The compositions are also reflective of how he approaches
> his trumpet playing. Many times I've seen
> instrumentalists write material that's not conducive to
> THEIR playing. An odd thing really but it happens much. The
> compositional and improvisational balance here is as good as
> it gets. That's one of the main things I listen for with
> jazz recordings. A hard swinging and beautiful debut for
> Derrick. 
> 
> 8. Dave Holland Sextet - "Pass It On" - Dare 2
> Records - The most interesting thing for me with this
> recording is the playing of pianist Mulgrew Miller. He's
> in a musical environment that isn't usually expected
> with him and the interesting contrasts created as a result
> helps to bring this CD to life in a fresh and visionary way.
> Dave Holland is simply one of the great musicians of our
> time and the ever inventive Eric Harland continues to bring
> much to the proverbial musical table. 
> 
> 7. David Sanchez - "Cultural Survival" - Concord
> - A smart merging of his Latin roots with jazz. Rhythmically
> elastic and harmonically interesting and each composition
> moves forward and tells a wonderful story. The pacing in
> David's playing is now one of a veteran. He's more
> patience now and lets the composition shape his direction
> for soloing. Beautiful tone and line construction.
> 
> 6. Denise Donatelli - "What Lies Within" - Savant
> Records - Wow...what first caught my attention with this
> recording were the inventive arrangements. Then it
> was...hmmmm...as a vocalist, you would really have to have
> your poopoo together to be able to sing over them and that
> speaks volumes about her talent. Geoffrey Keezer simply out
> did himself with the charts. Thought provoking substitutions
> and meter variations that never once sacrificed the
> integrity of the songs. 
> 
> 5. Miguel Zenon - "Awake" - Marsalis Music -
> "Genius?" Perhaps. It would be interesting to see
> how someone would prove that he's not. Miguel's work
> challenges everything and presents the listener with a
> plethora of aural choices. You won't see his music at
> the top of the radio jazz charts or the billboard jazz top
> 10. Too deep. As a jazz educator I would tell every wanna be
> jazz student to listen to his music over and over again. To
> learn yes but to also have them shaking in their boots and
> recognizing the level of talent out here today. They'll
> be confronted with talent at this level and hopefully it
> will make them realize the work ethic needed to be a great
> artist. 
> 
> 4. Maceo Parker - "Roots & Grooves" - Heads
> Up - One of the things I've notice over the years with
> listening to as much music as I do as a programmer, is how
> thin the pulse of the American groove and swing has become.
> The soul that brings to life the "feel" of great
> American music is disappearing and that's because of
> what is being embraced by the younger generation and how
> it's being taught to them. If anyone needs a reminder as
> to what that should sound and feel like...listen to this
> recording. Then throw in the greatest jazz orchestra playing
> today with one of the best arrangers on the scene on top of
> that soul and ohhhhweeee! You also can't ignore the
> funkiest drummer playing today...Dennis Chambers... laying
> down a groove that is so phat that you would need to put it
> in weight watchers.      
> 
> 3. Aaron Parks - "Invisible Cinema" - Blue Note -
> I can listen to this recording and hear that Aaron had a
> specific concept in mind. I also hear how it reached his
> musical intentions. Superb writing with a sophisticated
> level of unpredictability. Once again the amazingly
> underrated Eric Harland helps to shape and take these
> compositions on a visionary rhythmic journey. Mike
> Moreno's guitar work here is brilliant. Not an easy feat
> for two chordal instrumentals working in an improvisational
> setting and not clashing. Reveals big ears and trust. 
> 
> 2. Bill Cunliffe - "The Blues and the Abstract Truth -
> Take 2" - Resonance Records - When I first saw the
> title of the recording I said...uh oh...but knowing the
> musician Bill is I was expecting to be pleasantly
> surprised...and I wasn't disappointed. Considering the
> historical status of "The Blues and the Abstract
> Truth" it's a risk for an artist to attempt a
> remake. Firstly, the original has some of the greatest jazz
> soloists ever. Secondly, the haunting minor blues
> masterpiece "Stolen Moments" is so etched in our
> minds that it's difficult to imagine something superior.
> What Bill has done is not superior but just as good in a
> different way. An amazing collection of modern conceptual
> changes to the originals. Bill's arrangements are so
> logical to the times that if the original were a seed and
> planted in 2008, "Take 2" would be the new result.
> 
> 
> 1. Joe Lovano - "Symphonica" - Blue Note Records
> - Well, the first word that comes to my mind when I think of
> this recording is... complete. A complete example of
> artistic mastery from every single perspective.
> Improvisation...writing...arranging...sound quality...
> production and presentation. This in my view is Lovano's
> masterpiece. If this one doesn't win a Grammy nothing
> should in this category. It's a pure pleasure listening
> to Joe play his horn on "Symphonica." I hear love
> and more love of the music, the people listening to
> him...the band supporting him...the man arranging for him
> and the fact that he is blessed with a gift that brings this
> music to life and puts joy in many hearts. That's what I
> hear in his playing. The veteran whose history is longer
> than his future at this point but the remaining future will
> be better than his history... if "Symphonica" is
> any indication. My top pick of 2008. 
> 
> Honorable, honorable mention...
> 1. Joe Locke - "Force Of Four" - Origin Records
> 2. Danilo Perez - "Across The Crystal Sea" -
> Emarcy
> 3. Avishai Cohen Trio - "Gently Disturbed" -
> Razdaz
> 4. Garaj Mahal - "Woot" - Owlstudios.com
> 5. Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band - "Act Your
> Age" - Immergent
> 6. Randy Brecker - "Randy In Brasil" - Mama
> 7. Taylor Eigsti - "Let It Come To You" - Concord
8. Pat Metheny Trio - "Day Trip" - Nonsuch