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Troy Collins' Lucky 13: Best New Releases of 2006

By Troy Collins
December 31, 2006
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Michaël Attias
Credo
Clean Feed Records

Joyously upbeat with excellent arrangements, adroit rhythmic interplay, and passionate improvisation, a stunning debut for saxophonist Michaël Attias' sextet.

Bridge 61
Journal
Atavistic

Bridge 61 is as fine an ensemble as any Ken Vandermark has organized, drifting between raucous intensity and austere neo-classicism.

Dave Burrell
Momentum
High Two Recordings

Legendary pianist Dave Burrell hones in on the jazz tradition with verve, delivering one of the finest statements of his career.

Kahil El'Zabar's Ritual Trio featuring Billy Bang
Big M: A Tribute To Malachi Favors
Delmark Records

Mixing deep Afro-centric grooves, jubilant funk vamps and serene ballads, percussionist Kahil El'Zabar leads a heartfelt memorial to the late bassist.

Frequency
Frequency
Thrill Jockey

A veritable supergroup, Frequency builds on its deep AACM heritage, making "Great Black Music, Ancient to the Future" more than just a slogan.

Billy Hart
Quartet
High Note Records

Drummer Billy Hart approaches the mainstream from an abstruse angle, yielding an unpredictably modern approach on this surprisingly subtle session.

Andrew Hill
Time Lines
Blue Note Records

Pianist Andrew Hill has lost none of his mettle over the decades. This session is not a footnote to a legendary discography, but an impressive highlight.

Jason Kao Hwang
Edge
Asian Improv Records

With subtle East Asian touches, violinist Jason Kao Hwang balances freewheeling improvisation with through-writing for an avant-garde thrill ride.

Kidd Jordan, Hamid Drake, William Parker
Palm Of Soul
AUM Fidelity Records

With steely determination and emotional resolve, Jordan, Parker and Drake have created a timeless album of understated, dark beauty.

Joe Lovano
Streams Of Expression
Blue Note Records

Saxophonist Joe Lovano links the past to the future on this conceptual tour de force, his most expansive and audacious album in years.

Joe Morris
Beautiful Existence
Clean Feed Records

Guitarist Joe Morris' singular talents have never been more evident than on this adventurous set of modal grooves, tender ballads and angular free bop.

Rashanim
Shalosh
Tzadik

Guitarist Jon Madof updates traditional Hassidic melodies with the infectious rhythms and riff-driven frenzy of rock music, from surf to metal.

String Trio Of New York
Frozen Ropes (with Oliver Lake)
Barking Hoop

An array of styles, intricate interplay and vibrant improvisation, this is a highpoint for the String Trio Of New York and saxophonist Oliver Lake.

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