Power Forward
Artist: Wayman Tisdale

At this point, Wayman Tisdale was better known as a one of the NBA's tough power forwards, a position often described as the equivalent to hockey's enforcer, but on the jazz tip Tisdale's silky smooth and a purveyor of mature romanticism. He's not a virtuoso on any of the instruments he plays (yet) -- bass guitar, keyboards, or the synthesizer... Read More

A Little Sweeter
Artist: Jeffrey Smith

Jeffery Smith, whose career was helped by Shirley Horn, is a warm and expressive baritone singer who is a little reminiscent of Johnny Hartman and Billy Eckstine. On this set (his first major-label recording and second overall), he is assisted by an all-star crew: pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Ray Drummond, drummer Ben Riley and occasionally... Read More

Open Sky
Artist: Richard Stoltzman

Again working with pianist/arranger Bill Douglas, Richard Stoltzman concentrates on moving classical music into new age territory on Open Sky. It's not that different from his average release, but it does have a more meditative quality which is quite appealing. ~ Rodney Batdorf, All Music Guide Read More

Standards My Way
Artist: Kimiko Itoh
Got My Mental
Artist: Steve Khan
Community Score: 10.00

Got My Mental is a satisfying trio date with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Jack DeJohnette, and a nice complement to Let's Call This, Khan's 1991 trio album with Ron Carter and Al Foster. As on the earlier outing, Khan includes only one original tune, focusing instead on challenging material by eminent post-bop figures. Wayne Shorter and... Read More

Lip Service
Artist: Joel Helleny

Although he works steadily in the New York area, trombonist Joel Helleny is not as well-known as one would expect from the talent he shows on this CD (released in 1997). With the assistance of a quietly supportive rhythm section comprised of pianist Richard Wyands, guitarist Ray Macchiarola, bassist Murray Wall and drummer Leroy Williams,... Read More

Children of the Light
Artist: Rodney Whitaker

For his debut as leader, Whitaker takes center stage on several melodies and solos frequently. His playing is well-rounded in every respect, and he has a supple, sleek, strong tone. His core group for this outing consists of James Carter (tenor sax), Cassius Richmond (flute), Wallace Roney and Nicholas Payton (trumpet), Cyrus Chestnut (piano),... Read More

Birdman
Artist: Mujician

Recording again after a two-year interval, and again in front of a small live audience, Mujician offers more of its unique style of wide-ranging collective improvisation. This CD consists of three long, diffuse pieces, with one just under 30 minutes and another just over that length. On the somewhat austere and abstract title piece, Paul Dunmall... Read More

Michel Legrand Album
Artist: Trotter Trio

The Trotter Trio pays tribute to Michel Legrand's large body of film themes with The Michel Legrand Album. Comprised of such classic songs as "What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life," "How Do You Keep the Music Playing," and "Pieces of Dreams," the record is a lush, affectionate salute to one of the cinema's greatest composers and is a... Read More

Doky Brothers
Artist: Doky Brothers
Community Score: 10.00

This release sounds contemporary in spots due to the prominence and virtuosity of bassist Chris Minh Doky (who sometimes shares in the melody statements), two appearances by Michael and Randy Brecker, the fact that the flavor of Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock (along with Oscar Peterson and Vince Guaraldi) can be heard in pianist Niels Lan Doky's... Read More

Standards, Vol. 2
Artist: Keith Jarrett