Jazz Hear and Now

Performer: Various Artists
Producer: Michael Cuscuna
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Liner Note Author: Bob Blumenthal. A sampler CD whose proceeds benefit Jazz Alliance International, this collection has a strong sampling of some of the biggest names in jazz of the early-21st century. Rather than being commercial tracks, the selections are mostly creative yet accessible in the modern mainstream. All of the music has been previously released elsewhere, so the set serves best as a good sampler for beginners wanting to explore the jazz scene circa 2004. Diana Krall ("Let's Fall in Love"),Nancy Wilson, Tony Bennett, Jane Monheit ("Cheek to Cheek"), and Cassandra Wilson all take vocals, and the instrumentals feature tenor-saxophonists Joshua Redman and Joe Lovano. Also here are Herbie Hancock's Directions in Music quintet; the Dave Holland Quintet, Brad Mehldau's trio; some solo piano by Bill Charlap, trumpeter Dave Douglas, pianist Kenny Werner, and Harry Connick Jr. ("Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead"). None of the selections are throwaways and the moods and style vary often enough to keep one's interest throughout. The final two numbers, Werner's "America the Beautiful" and Wilson's "This Land Is Your Land" (which also features violinist Regina Carter and banjoist B�la Fleck), are from a special Made in America concert. The main fault to the sampler is that the complete personnel is not given for the 14 selections, but the music is excellent. ~ Scott Yanow

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