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Publisher's Top Picks for 2004
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2004 was a productive one as we introduced several new columns, features, and systems (we call them "centers"). It was a pedal-to-the-metal-bring-on-the-stress kind of year that saw us launch the Jazz Musician Center, the Contributor Center, the Upcoming Releases Center, the Article & CD Review Centers, AAJ Live Content & RSS, the "Near You" box (which provides a quick link to local Jazz Clubs); and just prior to the holidays, the AAJ Store and the Visual Arts Center.
Not all my time was spent "head down" developing new systems and maintaining the site. I was privileged to hear several outstanding releases in the past twelve months and have distilled my master list to a very special eighteen.
I'm always on the lookout for sleepers and this year I was rewarded in the early summer with Moacir Santos's Ouro Negro an epic 2-disc set. Those not familiar with Mr. Santos's work (I wasn't) should investigate.
Now, I don't receive every new jazz release, but I do receive enough to formulate a list of winners that I'd recommend without hesitation.
The CDs listed below represent the crème de la crème of my 2004 listening experience. I even tossed in a handful of honorable mentions for good measure.
Not all my time was spent "head down" developing new systems and maintaining the site. I was privileged to hear several outstanding releases in the past twelve months and have distilled my master list to a very special eighteen.
I'm always on the lookout for sleepers and this year I was rewarded in the early summer with Moacir Santos's Ouro Negro an epic 2-disc set. Those not familiar with Mr. Santos's work (I wasn't) should investigate.
Now, I don't receive every new jazz release, but I do receive enough to formulate a list of winners that I'd recommend without hesitation.
The CDs listed below represent the crème de la crème of my 2004 listening experience. I even tossed in a handful of honorable mentions for good measure.
- Steven Bernstein Diaspora Hollywood (Tzadik)
- Jim Black Habyor (Winter & Winter)
- Vinicius Cantu'ria Horse and Fish (Bar None)
- Bill Carrothers Armistice 1918 (Sketch)
- Dave Douglas Strange Liberation (Bluebird)
- E.S.T. Seven Days of Falling (215 Music)
- Charlie Haden Land of the Sun (Verve)
- Matt Jorgensen Hope (Origin)
- Branford Marsalis Eternal (Marsalis Music)
- Enrico Rava Easy Living (ECM)
- Sangha Quartet Fear Of Roaming (Fresh Sound)
- Moacir Santos Ouro Negro (Adventure Music)
- Ted Sirota Breeding Resistance (Delmark)
- Skalpel Skalpel (Ninja Tune)
- Omar Sosa Mulatos (Ot' Records)
- Trio Mundo Rides Again (ZOHO Music)
- Vandermark Five Elements of Style... (Atavistic)
- Jacob Young Evening Falls (ECM)