Backyard
Artist: Roni Ben-Hur

Often one can judge the merits of a lesser-known player by the musicians he or she uses on their recordings. For this fine release from the Swiss TCB label, guitarist Roni Ben-Hur is joined by the immortal bop pianist Barry Harris, bassist Lisle Atkinson and drummer Leroy Williams for a set of delightful bop. Ben-Hur, who came to New York in the... Read More

Walking on Air
Artist: Herb Pomeroy

Although she is listed as co-leader for this CD, singer Donna Byrne is only on seven of the 12 selections. She sounds fine, although her cabaret-type ballad treatment of "I Have Dreamed" is a bit outside of jazz. While Byrne is at her best on "Lullaby In Rhythm" and "Ill Wind," the release is most noteworthy for the playing of Herb Pomeroy. The... Read More

Night and the Music
Artist: Judy Niemack

It is difficult not to be impressed by Judy Niemack, who has a very appealing voice with a wide range, the ability to express a wide range of emotions; plus, she swings, indulges in chance-taking improvisations, and writes her own lyrics to the melodies of jazz classics. On this well-conceived set, Niemack, who is joined by pianist Kenny Werner,... Read More

Sea Changes
Artist: Tommy Flanagan

It's easy to understand why Tommy Flanagan has been one of the most praised pianists over the '80s and '90s while listening to an excellent trio date such as this CD. With bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash, he features a number of songs with oceanic themes, including a tantalizing "How Deep Is the Ocean?," "I Cover the Waterfront,"... Read More

The Legendary Dial Masters, Vols. 1 & 2
Artist: Charlie Parker

There's no denying the weight of history on these tracks -- 14 out of 35 here are also on Rhino's two-CD Yardbird Suite: The Ultimate Collection. Several titles -- "Moose the Mooche," "Yardbird Suite," "Ornithology," "Relaxin' at Camarillo," "Klact-Oveeseds-Tene," "Scrapple from the Apple" -- have been written about so much they're part of the... Read More

Mingus, Monk & Mal
Artist: Judy Niemack
Footprints
Artist: April Aloisio
Community Score: 3.00

April Aloisio's third recording for the Southport label finds the singer covering three different areas of music: Brazilian (which is really her specialty), bop, and, surprisingly, fairly free-form jazz. The latter is heard on the brief but three-part "Sparrow Suite" (which also features Joanie Pallatto on vocals) and the closing "Light Fear."... Read More

A Minor Scramble
Artist: Mark Elf

Mark Elf's third self-produced CD is another gem. The guitarist's trio selections, with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Louis Nash, include a snappy miniature arrangement of "After You've Gone," a rarely heard ballad by Harold Arlen, "It Is Written in the Stars," and his bluesy original title track. Elf's guests include the young trumpet... Read More

Music Is Forever
Artist: Annie Ross

Annie Ross's first album in much too long is a look back at some of her best-known songs from the perspective of a still sassy 65-year-old. Accompanied by a top-flight jazz band including Mike Renzi on piano (Tommy Flanagan sits in on two tracks), Joe Beck on guitar, Peter Washington on bass, Louis Hayes on drums, Frank Wess on tenor and flute,... Read More

The Best of George Shearing (1955-1960)
Artist: George Shearing
Just Within
Artist: Jerry Bergonzi

Although this is a tenor-organ-drums trio, the music is much more advanced than typical soul-jazz. Tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi ranges style-wise from Joe Henderson on the first few selections to early John Coltrane on the later cuts. Organist Dan Wall shows more versatility than the usual Jimmy Smith-inspired organist, and drummer Adam... Read More