While DDBB has been keeping the New Orleans brass band flame burning since 1977, here they top themselves with, of all things, a funeral record. Of course, a traditional New Orleans funeral is a celebration of both joy and sorrow for a life well lived - and there is no shortage of life on this record. One of a kind record.
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Junk Magic Craig Taborn 2004 [Thirsty Ear]
Another in fringe label Thirsty Ear's fine 'Blue Series', this album surprised many who thought pianist/composer Craig Taborn was destined to tread a more conventional path. The record ranges from dark ambience to avant-electronica funk, with Mat Maneri's viola helping to bring it all together. For adventurous listeners.
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Vietnam: Reflections Billy Bang 2005 [Justin Time]
The follow-up to 2001's superb Vietnam: The Aftermath is a mesmerising hard bop excursion into the depths of violinist Billy Bang's soul. Occasionally spiced with the cultural influence of traditional Vietnamese music, this record also features Henry Threadgill on flute. A real surprise package that should win more than a few fans.
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7 Black Butterflies Drew Gress 2005 [Koch]
Downtown New York avant-garde bassist Drew Gress is in top form on this, his third outing as a leader. It is an all-original set featuring the likes of trumpeter Ralph Alessi, pianist Craig Taborn and altoist Tim Berne in support. Gress gives his bass a workout on the hard boppish 'Bright Idea', while elsewhere creativity abounds.
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Garden of Eden Paul Motian Band 2006 [ECM]
At 75 drummer Paul Motian is still sounding decidedly fresh, here utilising two saxophonists and three guitarists to reinvent some bop by the likes of Mingus, Monk and Parker. There is plenty of new stuff on offer too, with the ensemble managing to combine typically reflective ECM soundscapes with occasional dabs of sheer creativity.
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Saudades Trio Beyond 2006 [ECM]
Drummer Jack DeJohnette conceived the Trio Beyond project in order to pay homage to the fusion pioneering Tony Williams' Lifetime. With organist Larry Goldings and guitarist John Scofield as recruits, this two-disc set catalogues the group's 2004 London concert and is as far out and funky as one might expect from such a lineup.
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New Monastery Nels Cline 2006 [Cryptogramophone]
Take the lead guitarist from rock band Wilco, add an Ornette Coleman disciple, toss in a few unique individuals and you get a kind of Andrew Hill salad. Cline says that this is not a conventional tribute record, but rather, "It is a view - one view - into the music of Andrew Hill, an artist whose music has continued to change and expand its parameters."
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Sky Blue Maria Schneider Orchestra 2007 [ArtistShare]
Schneider has gone from strength to strength in recent years… never compromising, fiercely independent and eminently listenable. This album scored Grammy nominations for both the orchestra and the breathtaking 'Cerulean Skies'. Artistic integrity is maintained with four of the five compositions receiving prestigious commissions.
