The "Rhapsody in Blue" or perhaps "American in Paris" of the 21st Century. Metheny invites non-jazz devotees to meet him halfway for over an hour of urban jazz incorporating minimalism, virtuosic solos, soaring jazz riffs & an "orchestral suite" feel.

Minimalism meets jazz improv with very pleasing results

Such an expressive saxophone player & a true legend who's playing gets better with age.

Garbarek's always been bursting with ideas (jazz, folk, chants etc etc) & finally saw fit to release a double disc with his Tenor plaintive, lilting & rarely abrasive. "Legend of the Seven Dreams" is a strong alternative if you only want a single disc.

No, "River/Joni Letters" is NOT the definitive Herbie album - search out his back catalogue & uncover many delights starting with this one including the classic title track & "Dolphin Dance"

Generally acknowledged as the best jazz trio pianist around, this melodious & heartfelt set shows off Jarrett as a highly engaging solo pianist too. For more improvised Jarrett try either the Koln or Paris Concert cd's.

Essential as last & best expression of the original Oregon lineup with Tablas & Sitars as well as more traditional jazz instruments.

Possibly the best jazz quintet ever!

A classic from the Trumpeter who also brought the Flugelhorn into the Jazz mainstream

The best guitar jazz trio record ever with McBride & Sanchez just as stellar as the leader

Tough choice as Abercrombie's albums are quite diverse & generally excellent (although not as "virtuosic" as a Metheny or Scofield). The opening track "Etherregae" is an outstanding fusion of jazz & reggae. Other Abercrombie album buys would be "November" (featuring accompanying organ) & "Class Trip" (with accompanying Violin)

Marsalis is a legendary Trumpet player & Composer(Grammy & Pullitzer Prize Winner). This disc in particular displays his compositional skills at their finest.

Along with Marsalis, the most consistent Jazz Trumpeter of the current era, albeit a little more "spacey"

Joe Locke aside, Burton is the outstanding Vibraphonist of our generation. This album also showcases the relatively unkown Scot Tommy Smith on saxophone

Two of the most underrated jazz musicians around join forces on a soulful, passionate disc

Modern, vibrant sax & trumpet composition & playing by the Cohen siblings (Anat, Avishai & Yuval).

Exquisite album from a fine ECM Pianist with each track compelling listening. It's a rare artist who can truly engender a sense of both good and evil in the one piece.

Alan Pasqua has really developed as a Pianist; this Trio outing displays his perfect chord choices & timing along with precise, sympathetic drumming from Erskine & gorgeous tone from the recently departed Dave Carpenter

Zorn is such a prolific composer (more so than as a performer) that it's very, very hard to pick his absolute "best". This is a double album, featuring various combinations of 8 top musicians (loosely collectively known as "Masada" & this Jewish Folk/Jazz music is truly a delight

Another great Trumpet Player who's style borrows liberally from Miles oeuvre.