Jazztimes has compiled their top 50 new releases and top 10 historical/reissue recordings of 2009 from year-end lists by theri critics. Seamus Blake Quarter "Live in Italy" is among on of the best album of the 2009.
Al Foster Quartet
A piece of the history of jazz, since, very young, in early ’70s he joined Miles Davis’ famous group, Al Foster is one of today most influential drummers, counted among the most sensitive and modern performers of the last decades. His inventiveness and powerful drive are provided for at best with the quartet that, since ’97, has seen Foster escorted by saxophonist Eli Degibri, pianist Kevin Hays and double-bass player Douglas Weiss, now to release “Love, Peace and Jazz!”, a unique live recording at Village Vanguard. Love, Peace and Jazz!
Joe Locke Quartet
Joe Locke is considered by many to be the most gifted vibraphonist of his generation. His international reputation as a player, composer, band leader and conceptualist has been further enhanced recently by the accolades he has received for the creative output of his touring and recording projects, namely his “4 Walls of Freedom” (voted one of the top ten CDs of 2003 by DownBeat magazine), and his work in the U.S. and Japan with the Joe Locke / Geoffrey Keezer Group. This unit’s live performance at the Ballard Jazz Festival in Seattle, was awarded the Earshot Jazz 2005 Golden Ear ...
Seamus Blake Quartet
To consider that saxplayer Seamus Blake was inclosed in the Downbeat Critics Poll as an “artist deserving of wider recognition”, that Pat Metheny described him as “the best tenor player I’ve heard in a couple of years” (JazzTimes April 1997), that John Scofield hired him for his Quiet Band, calling him “extraordinary, a total saxophonist” or that he placed 1st in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in February 2002, all that only attests a part of this very interesting musician’s course. London born – but Vancouver raised – saxophonist showcases a fluent phrasing both on tenor and soprano, forged during ...
Eddie Gomez Trio
Flanking pianist Bill Evans for eleven years and chosen by Charles Mingus to play on his latest recording “Me, Myself and Eye”: that would be enough to present double-bass player Edgardo “Eddie” Gomez from Puerto Rico. Supported by pianist Stefan Karlsson, mate of four recordings and several concerts, and drummer Nasheet Waits, Gomez provides for a jewel-case consisting of standards and original compositions, on a Cd with a particular title, Palermo, which states his fondness for this city, its spirits and moods. Palermo
Kevin Hays Trio
Pianist Kevin Hays is considered one of the most brilliant jazz musician of the scene, and he is a front artist at Jazz Eyes: following critically acclaimed "For Heaven’s Sake", his previous release with originals and standards, he now strikes back with his “melodic charms and sense of style” (The New Yorker), featuring longstanding companions Doug Weiss and Bill Stewart on the newest recording "You’ve Got a Friend", also available on LP, where the trio plays pop hits and jazz masters like Monk and Parker. You’ve Got a Friend For Heaven’s Sake
A piece of the history of jazz, since, very young, in early ’70s he joined Miles Davis’ famous group, Al Foster is one of today most influential drummers, counted among the most sensitive and modern performers of the last decades. His inventiveness and powerful drive are provided for at best with the quartet that, since ’97, has seen Foster escorted by saxophonist Eli Degibri, pianist Kevin Hays and double-bass player ...
Joe Locke is considered by many to be the most gifted vibraphonist of his generation. His international reputation as a player, composer, band leader and conceptualist has been further enhanced recently by the accolades he has received for the creative output of his touring and recording projects, namely his “4 Walls of Freedom” (voted one of the top ten CDs of 2003 by DownBeat magazine), and his work in the ...
To consider that saxplayer Seamus Blake was inclosed in the Downbeat Critics Poll as an “artist deserving of wider recognition”, that Pat Metheny described him as “the best tenor player I’ve heard in a couple of years” (JazzTimes April 1997), that John Scofield hired him for his Quiet Band, calling him “extraordinary, a total saxophonist” or that he placed 1st in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition in February 2002, all ...
Flanking pianist Bill Evans for eleven years and chosen by Charles Mingus to play on his latest recording “Me, Myself and Eye”: that would be enough to present double-bass player Edgardo “Eddie” Gomez from Puerto Rico. Supported by pianist Stefan Karlsson, mate of four recordings and several concerts, and drummer Nasheet Waits, Gomez provides for a jewel-case consisting of standards and original compositions, on a Cd with a particular title, ...
Pianist Kevin Hays is considered one of the most brilliant jazz musician of the scene, and he is a front artist at Jazz Eyes: following critically acclaimed "For Heaven’s Sake", his previous release with originals and standards, he now strikes back with his “melodic charms and sense of style” (The New Yorker), featuring longstanding companions Doug Weiss and Bill Stewart on the newest recording "You’ve Got a Friend", also available ...
