Out here in Japan I am going through some of the old requests; here is one:
Recommendations re new jazz recordings
I have a few:
1. Anything by Brad Mehldau; he is a very subtle pianist, broadly in the mold of Bill Evans. Start with his CD with Pat Metheny.
2. Saudades, by Trio Beyond. Excellent guitar work on every cut; bluesy, lots of organ.
3. Pakistani Pomade, by Alexander von Schlippenbach; the sort of jazz that hurts most people’s ears.
4. Ramasuri, by Max Nagl. An exhilarating blast, with strong overtones of Klezmer.
Those are my favorites from the last two years or so. What do you all recommend?
Try almost anything by Joe Lovano. “I’m all for you” came out a few years ago, but it’s a good start.
I’ve got your jazz-funk covered: Soulive’s Turn it Out. Schleigho’s Continent. Medeski Martin and Wood w/ or w/o John Scofield. The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey is also spectacular.
First, run, don’t walk, to get the Brad Mehldau Trio’s new live 2-CD set. It’s worth it just for the covers of “Wonderwall” and “Black Hole Sun.”
Seconding Tim, the Tomasz Stanko Quartet’s “Suspended Night” CD has been getting major play on my iPod lately.
Another ECM group, Nik Bartsch’s Ronin, sounds like what Philip Glass would sound like if he played jazz instead of classical. It’s cool, smooth, and, more to the point, minimalist. Two CDs to get: “Stoa” and “Holon.”
Among new, up-and-coming vocalists, I’m currently in love with Melody Gardot and singer/bassist Esperanza Spalding. Both have new CDs out.
On the fusion side of things, try guitarist Al DiMeola’s “Consequences of Chaos,” which came out in 2006, the same year I saw him in concert three times.
big fan of the maria schneider jazz orchestra, “sky blue”.
My fav: Herbie Hancock’s – River the Joni letters. Jazzier interpretations of Joni’s Mitchell’s pop tunes. Wayne Shorter’s brilliant economy of notes and Herbie’s harmonic expansion add depth and color without obscuring the vocal melodies. I agree that any Brad Meldau is good listening.
I strongly concur– Tomasz Stanko Quartet is not to be missed. For a different flavor try Ben Allison (Peace Pipe or Man Sized Safe)
Well, since you’re in Japan, you should check out the work of pianist Satoko Fujii. She has many different bands. My favorite is her trio with drummer Jim Black and bassist Mark Dresser. I like to characterize her playing as a precision clock being thrown down mountain. There are passages of composition and passages of chaos, but even in the chaos there is an impressive exactitude.
Leaving Japan, I highly recommend the works of saxophonist Tim Berne. His “Bloodcount” band is probably his most well known, and I love them. They create long works that magically transform from free improvisation to stunningly original composition and back. “Unwound” and the three Paris Concert discs are stunning. But perhaps a more accessible introduction to his style would be one of his newer bands, like Hard Cell (with Tom Rainey on drums and Craig Taborn on piano). Try their “Feign”. See http://www.screwgunrecords.com for more info.
The latest Vandermark 5 CD, “Beat Reader,” is one of their best discs ever.
Somewhat less well known, but also emerging from the Vandermark-inspired Chicago scene is a disc by Keefe Jackson’s Fast Citizens called “Ready Everyday.” I really like the way Jackson writes music, and he has some crack musicians working with him.
I could go on, but then what would I write about if I start my own blog one day?
Anything by Allan Holdsworth–period.
I’m surprised that nobody has mentioned Bill Charlap or Fred Hersch. For my money, they are two of the most interesting jazz pianists on the contemporary scene.
I like Saudades — of course if you dig that kind of thing the original guitarist is pretty awesome too! In particular his work with Shakti. And if you _do_ like Sco then the new one (This meets That) is great.
Mehldau is a god, but I’m curious with “start with the Metheny collaboration.” It’s good, mind you. But start with his trio work. His last two are incredible.
Frisell’s been on a tear the past many years, all good. Same for Dave Douglas!
Just got a new Andrew Hill which was lovely…
I disagree that Mehldau is a subtle pianist. He is an overtly lyrical and often sentimental player.
David Torn’s Prezans should be on the list.
Berlin Serengeti album by Radio Citizen
Whisper Not – By Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack de Johnette
truly a mindblowing jazz experience.
If you want something cool, young and original there’s the quickly-defunct Flattstreet. You can download it all too: http://www.flattstreet.ca/flatt/Main.php?page=music&album=1
Praful, “One Day Deep” if you like some world influence in your jazz.
are you still reading comments to posts this old?
if so then check out connie crothers quartet “music is a place” from last year.
If you have to buy some iro zeny, please come to our company.
It is enlightening!
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