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Dan McClenaghan' s 2007 Top Ten

By Dan McClenaghan
December 26, 2007
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A wonderful year for this music we call jazz. Here's the ten that I couldn't get off the CD player in 2007.

Sky Blue
Maria Schneider Orchestra
ArtistShare

Maria Schneider is in a class of her own in the large ensemble category—in a class of her own as an artist. This music is magnificent!

My Foolish Heart
Keith Jarrett/Gary Peacock/ Jack DeJohnette
ECM Records

The "Standards Trio" in top form Live at Montreux, serving up their own distinctive take on some time-tested classics along with some energetic Fats Waller stride.

Portology
Lee Konitz-Ohad Talmor Big Band
Omnitone Records

Alto legend Lee Konitz in front of a big band conducted and arranged by Ohad Talmor—a teaming that brings the Gil Evans/Miles Davis collaborations to mind.

Essence of Green
Ron Di Salvio
Origin Records

A fresh and vibrant nod to Miles Davis' Kind of Blue (Columbia Records, 1959) with Jimmy Cobb, who played on the original, in the drummer's chair.

A Long Story
Anat Fort
ECM Records

Simply beautiful, spacious/adventurous sounds by Israeli-born pianist Anat Fort. The inimitable Paul Motion is on the drums.

Shopping For Your Heart
Jeff Baker
OA2 Records

This is the Idaho-based vocalist's third CD. His artistry has grown stronger and more assured with each outing; and this one is a gem.

Tenorist
Jerry Bergonzi
Savant Records

Tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi teamed with guitarist John Abercrombie makes for a modern sometimes edgy sound, for a great sax and a rhythm section outing.

Boneyard
Jim McNeely/Kelly Sill/Joel Spencer
Origin Records

Pianist Jim McNeely is best known for his work with large ensembles, but his teaming with bassist Kelly Sill and drummer Joel Spencer is a stellar mainstream piano trio outing.

New York Trio Recordings Vol. 2: Voices
Marc Copland
Pirouet Records

Marc Copland's piano approach holds a beautiful fluid abstraction. Paul Motian on drums.

Floratone
Frisell/Chamberlain/Townsend/Tucker
Blue Note Records

Guitarist Bill Frisell wrapped in a bunch of production for a big, dense sound.

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