Troy Collins' Lucky 13: Best New Releases of 2006
Michaël AttiasCredo
Clean Feed Records
Joyously upbeat with excellent arrangements, adroit rhythmic interplay, and passionate improvisation, a stunning debut for saxophonist Michaël Attias' sextet.
Bridge 61Journal
Atavistic
Bridge 61 is as fine an ensemble as any Ken Vandermark has organized, drifting between raucous intensity and austere neo-classicism.
Dave BurrellMomentum
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 BangBig 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.
FrequencyFrequency
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 HartQuartet
High Note Records
Drummer Billy Hart approaches the mainstream from an abstruse angle, yielding an unpredictably modern approach on this surprisingly subtle session.
Andrew HillTime 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 HwangEdge
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 ParkerPalm 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 LovanoStreams 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 MorrisBeautiful 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.
RashanimShalosh
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 YorkFrozen 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.
