This homage to legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt finds saxophonist Carter in peak form. Carter is hailed by many as the most important jazz artist to emerge since Wynton Marsalis. With a violinist and two guitarists adding some gypsy authenticity, this will probably turn out to be a fairly unique album in Carter's catalogue.
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Perceptual Brian Blade Fellowship 2000 [Blue Note]
A progressive group effort from Blade's Fellowship ensemble - with the drummer showing he has learned plenty from playing with non-jazz artists like Seal, Emmylou Harris and Bob Dylan. The album spans a range of styles and there is an occasional hint of Blade's Louisiana roots. Keyboardist Jon Cowhred shares compositional duties.
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Nocturne Charlie Haden 2000 [Verve/Gitanes]
Haden continues to explore his interest in Cuban music on this somewhat sombre set of haunting ballads. Cuban pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba adds an authentic touch to the five boleros on the record, while tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano proves the perfect foil on his appearances. Guitarist Pat Metheny also sits in for one track.
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Last Option 8 Bold Souls 2000 [Thrill Jockey]
Coming out of Chicago's AACM artistic community tenor Edward Wilkerson Jr never quite got the attention he deserved. The 8 Bold Souls outfit came together in the mid-80s as a platform for Wilkerson's compositions, recording only sporadically up to this fine effort from 2000. Topnotch avant-garde well worth seeking out.
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Everybody's Mouth's a Book Henry Threadgill & Make a Move 2001 [Pi Recordings]
Yet another noted product of Chicago's avant-garde AACM artistic community, Threadgill broke a five year recording hiatus with this typically electric/eclectic effort from his sometimes band Make a Move. An all-original set featuring Threadgill on alto and flute, capably supported by guitarist Brandon Ross and bassist Stomu Takeishi.
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Birds of a Feather: A Tribute to Charlie Parker Roy Haynes 2001 [Dreyfus]
Veteran drummer Haynes fronts a star-studded quintet in this tribute to Charlie Parker, with whom he played around a half-century ago. There is no rocket science here - just good straightahead bop played by the likes of Kenny Garrett, Roy Hargrove and Dave Holland. Features a good mix of Parker standards and obscurities.
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Dear Louis Nicholas Payton 2001 [Verve]
A shining light among young trumpeters, Payton is right at home New Orleans-style on this wonderful tribute to Louis Armstrong. Dr John and Dianne Reeves occasionally help out on vocals as Payton rips through a stirring set of thirteen Satchmo classics. It's all great fun and leaves little doubt that the new horn in town is here for keeps.
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Soul of Things Tomasz Stańko Quartet 2002 [ECM]
Polish quartet led by evergreen trumpeter Stańko, who at 60 proves that his rave critical reviews in recent years are well-deserved. The young support crew displays an intuitive grasp of the melancholic ECM sound, while at the same time injecting some healthy doses of laid-back swing into the mix. ECM followers can't miss with this one.
