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My Top Ten Jazz Buys of 2006 (In alphabetical order)
By an Amazon.com customer
The Ultimate AdventureThe Ultimate Adventure by Chick Corea
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $1.82
I haven't been able to write a review for this one yet, it's been so difficult to find the words. It's intriguing, it's complex... it's the ultimate adventure!
SaudadesSaudades by Trio Beyond
Buy new: $25.98 / Used from: $13.94
I'm a huge John Scofield fan and bought this because of him. He's one part of this trio, recorded playing live in London back in 2004. With Jack DeJohnette on drums of course, and Larry Goldings on Hammond Organ and electric piano.
XX by Fourplay
Buy new: $8.98 / Used from: $3.95
Not their best to date but still jolly good fun.
SymphonicSymphonic
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $12.36
Saxophonist Yuri Honing gets the Vince Mendoza treatment. The results are spellbinding.
From This Moment OnFrom This Moment On by Diana Krall
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $3.43
Probably one of the most soothing voices in jazz at the moment. She has her detractors but who cares? Not me and - after months at the top of the Billboard jazz charts - neither, I suspect does she.
BraggtownBraggtown by Branford Marsalis
Buy new: $17.98 / Used from: $7.99
The whirlwind-like fast stuff just does my head in but the ballads are simply heavenly.
Out LouderOut Louder by Medeski Scofield Martin & Wood
Buy new: $15.98 / Used from: $4.98
Great album though while Mr Scofield has done a lot of good stuff in recent years, I'm really looking forward to his next proper solo album. We haven't had one of those since 2000's "Works For Me".
Metheny / MehldauMetheny / Mehldau by Pat Metheny
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $9.79
Two greats in their respective fields join heads - and the results are very nice indeed. This is Pt1 of a 2-part series, apparently. Pt2 is said to be due in 2007.
Half the Perfect WorldHalf the Perfect World by Madeleine Peyroux
Buy new: $13.99 / Used from: $4.62
My review was probably a bit harsh - though I still don't think it's as good as "Careless Love" - but it's grown on me somewhat and I'm glad I kept it.
UndergroundUnderground by Chris Potter
Buy new: $16.98 / Used from: $8.06
This tenor player never puts a foot wrong where I'm concerned and his 2006 album is of the high quality I've come to expect. With Wayne Kranz on guitar, Craig Taborn on Fender Rhodes and Nate Smith on drums. I haven't written a review for this CD either...