Standards, Vol.1
Keith Jarrett Trio
1983 [ECM]

The first Standards volume from Jarrett's 1980s trio is representative of the melodic improvisation most have come to expect from this fine jazz pianist. The album's title is misleading in that the record makes few if any concessions to commercial demands. Bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette are again very reliable.

The Voice
Bobby McFerrin
1984 [Elektra/Nonesuch]

With McFerrin singing unaccompanied in pure virtuoso style, this aptly-named record was always going to be a little bit different. For those looking to experience remarkable vocal range and versatility in a mostly-jazz setting, there is simply nothing that compares. Yes… it really is only one man singing, despite what your ears may tell you.

Water From An Ancient Well
Abdullah Ibrahim
1985 [Tiptoe]

South African pianist/composer who has also recorded under the name Dollar Brand. Made by Ibrahim's seven-piece band Ekaya - Water is billed as a mix of African folk and Ellington. The record consists of eight stirring originals and features alto saxophonist Carlos Ward in some marvellous interplay with his band leader. Topnotch world jazz.

Black Codes (From the Underground)
Wynton Marsalis
1985 [Columbia]

This early effort by the leader of the "Young Lions" acoustic jazz movement has Marsalis' group emulating the late-60s Miles Davis Quintet. With brother Branford backing up on sax and the very handy Jeff 'Tain' Watts on drums, Codes finds Marsalis at his most adventurous before moving closer to the mainstream in the 1990s.

Plays Duke Ellington
World Saxophone Quartet
1986 [Elektra/Nonesuch]

A highly inventive band, WSQ broke through a commercial barrier of sorts with this intriguing amalgamation of free jazz and Ellington/Strayhorn compositions. The group's penchant for the avant-garde doesn't necessarily go out the window - it just takes a back seat to the rhythm and melody required to do justice to these tunes.

Michael Brecker
Michael Brecker
1987 [Impulse!]

A tenor of some note, Brecker started out as a studio musician before teaming with his brother Randy to form a popular funk group in the mid-70s. This is a terrific post-bop quintet date featuring guitarist Pat Metheny and the Charlie Haden/Jack DeJohnette rhythm section in support. Brecker's later work can be classified as crossover jazz.

Power Of Three
Michel Petrucciani
1986 [Blue Note]

Despite being afflicted with glass bones disease Petrucciani managed to establish himself as one of contemporary jazz's premier pianists. Recorded live at the 1986 Montreux Jazz Festival, Petrucciani teams with guitarist Jim Hall for two exquisite duets. Saxophonist Wayne Shorter joins in on three numbers - the rest being pure Petrucciani.

Carmen Sings Monk
Carmen McRae
1988 [Novus]

A heartfelt memorial project dedicated to close friend Thelonious Monk. A pianist of note in her own right, McRae handles the complex vocal arrangements with true style. Tenor Charlie Rouse is the other standout performer and Jon Hendricks takes up the challenge of writing words for the more intricate compositions contained within.