Before we sail into this month's cascade of events, let's take a moment to go behind the scenes. All About Jazz has sprawled to a level of depth and diversity we could only have imagined when the site got off the ground in 1996.

At the dawn of 2002, AAJ features over 15,000 pages of archival material--a tribute and testament to the people who send in their words and pictures every month. Our contributors, now numbering close to 300, get involved for one simple reason: they are passionate about the music. We do this because we love it, plain and simple. And if you are curious, creative, or enthusiastic, we think you'll love it too.

The beginning of the new year is a perfect time to reflect on the twelve months gone by. Our Editors Choice Awards reflect the combined opinions of the staff at All About Jazz. The ten recordings on this list represent the very best music that 2001 had to offer--led by a sublime Keith Jarrett trio disc, Inside Out. In addition, we've got pointers for the best reissue, historical issue, and a handful of indie recordings which garnered underground acclaim. Not to be outdone, individual critics have assembled their own lists; and the Big Guy offers his Publishers Choice Awards as well. Check 'em out.

Two writers went the extra mile this month to forge connections in the world of jazz. Asim Memon's Exotic Ivories feature looks at two pianists who have recently fused hard bop with international rhythms. This trend signals a healthy respect by jazz players for the deep traditions of Asian, African, and Latin American percussion. Marshall Bowden takes a historical tack in his Late Night Thoughts column, looking back into the early careers of tenor saxophonist Illinois Jacquet and impresario Norman Granz (who went on to found Verve Records). The intersection of these two men's careers tells an interesting story.

The bookworms came out in full force this month as well. Kyle Simpler gives the definitive word on two books: Jam, a light-hearted novel about jazz ambition; and The Music of Billy Strayhorn, an in-depth examination of the influential composer/arranger's musical ideas. Michael Bailey turns inward with his thoughts on a pair of books entitled Best Music Writing, each reflecting a broad range of interests and approaches. And Jason West gets down to the nuts and bolts with Metaphors for the Musician, a perspective on jazz piano "designed for life-long learning."

In December we unveiled a new site redesign which makes it easier to find what you want at All About Jazz. A month later, we've taken the remodeling process several steps further. We're now posting Daily News and Artist Birthdays on the home page. We've also revamped the Record Label, Radio Station, Jazz Club and History of Jazz Time Line sections, and will roll them out next week.

Those are the highlights for January. Of course, you'll probably want to check out our CD and concert reviews, interviews, and columns--as well as the new poetry section. Take your time. You've got a whole month before we unfurl a new banner. In the meantime, we'll be busy gathering more ideas, images, and opinions about jazz. All for one simple reason:

Because we love the music.

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