Winter Mist
Artist: Don Thompson

Not content to merely be an expert pianist, bassist and drummer, Don Thompson sticks exclusively to vibes on this CD reissue; he is one of the few musicians who could overdub a tribute to the Modern Jazz Quartet by himself. Joined by some of Canada's finest musicians (guitarist Reg Schwager, bassist Pat Collins and drummer Barry Elmes), Thompson... Read More

Breath of Brazil
Artist: Joanne Brackeen

For Joanne Brackeen, this was an unusual record. The brilliant post-bop pianist performs three originals, plus a variety of Brazilian songs (including some by Jobim, Ivan Lins, Gilberto Gil and Egberto Gismonti) with her longtime bassist Eddie Gomez and two Brazilian musicians, drummer Duduka Da Fonseca and percussionist Waltinho Anastacio.... Read More

Impending Bloom
Artist: Nancy King

Despite the album graphics (which depict a woman, a horse, and a fish in the late stages of pregnancy) and the title cut (which deals with a horse in labor), the bulk of this set has nothing to do with childbirth. It does contain more than its share of superb jazz singing by Nancy King; strong interplay between King and bassist Glen Moore; and... Read More

Inside Out
Artist: Chick Corea's Elektric Band
Community Score: 5.00

Chick Corea's Elektric Band was always a well-intergrated unit, featuring passionate solos from the rockish guitarist Frank Gambale and the R&Bish saxophonist Eric Marienthal in addition to major statements from the distinctive leader who utilized a battery of keyboards yet remained quite recognizable. With John Patitucci (arguably jazz's top... Read More

Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Vol. 26 (Bill Mays at Maybeck)
Artist: Bill Mays

Bill Mays gets a rare opportunity to record a full CD unaccompanied on his entry in the renowned Maybeck Recital Hall series. He mixes together swing standards with a few more selections. Mays' brilliant rendition of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" (which starts and ends with a very impressionistic fantasy, making one wonder if its... Read More

One for Junior
Artist: Sheila Jordan

This CD is a real gem. Singers Sheila Jordan and Mark Murphy both possess unusual and immediately recognizable voices and are among the top jazz improvisers around. On a typically intelligent and chancetaking program there are many highlights including a humorous conversation between hipsters on "Where or When," a couple of ballad medleys and... Read More

I'll Close My Eyes
Artist: Mark Murphy

Mark Murphy's string of recordings for Muse were among the most rewarding of his career. His eccentric improvising is an acquired taste worth gaining. On this outing (put out on CD in 1994), Murphy is joined by a septet that includes trumpeter Claudio Roditi, guitarist John Basile, keyboardist Cliff Carter, pianist Pat Rebillot, bassist Dave... Read More

Light Blue
Artist: Larry Goldings