Generally speaking, this would have been a really lousy year for me; it has been made bright through music and the friendships that music can provide. I attended and reported on some wonderful festivals and concerts this year. I reviewed some great recordings, some not so great and some with potential that will improve with time, practice and perseverance.
Below is a list of my top 10 recordings for 2006, they are in no particular order:
From The Heart – Hilario Duran and his Latin Jazz Big Band
Start to finish, a killer CD — with some of my favourite musicians participating.
> go to report
A Lot of Love – Live! – Reggie Washington
Excellent grooves with joyful playing by a spectacular cast.
> go to review
Beyond The Wall – Kenny Garrett
One of the most exciting players around, great music on this CD, very spiritual, this should be a Grammy winner or at least a Grammy nominee.
Here – Eric Reed
One of my favourite pianists, always a treat, live or recorded.
The Word Is Out – Jaco Pastorius Big Band
If you like big bands that can funk it up to some excellent compositions, check this one out, great arrangements, great playing by a talented band.
Live In Tokyo, At The Blue Note – Mingus Big Band
A high energy tribute band playing Mingus proud, good, clean, uplifting fun.
At This Time – Kollage
A live tribute concert to Art Blakey with some inspirational playing by two of Toronto’s young lions, read my review for details.
> go to review
You Don’t Know Me – Marcus Belgrave
Joyful, spirited, great songs, great musicians, what’s not to like.
> go to review
Horace-Scope – Horace Silver
A 2006 Blue Note re-release, I missed it in 1960, Blue Mitchell, Horace Silver, Junior Cook, Gene Taylor and Roy Brooks — amazing stuff.
All The Things We Still Can Be – Jacob Varmus
If this was on a major label it would be a Grammy contender, excellent trumpet/cornet player with a beautiful full round tone, just needs to focus on instrument and leave the singing to Mr. Baker.
> go to review
Notable: Melissa Stylianou Sliding Down, Dione Taylor I love Being Here With You, Roberto Magris Il Belo Del Jazz, Ernesto Cervini Here, Thelonious Monk Live in ‘66, the list could go on, there was a lot of good music to be sampled.
My top ten are just that, what appealed to me, ringing true to my musical soul at a moment in time. Any one wondering why my reviews of some of the CDs listed are not to be found; I only review CDs that I’m requested or offered to review, many of my favourites were purchased. On occasion if I really feel the need, I will make the request to an artist or management to send me a CD that needs to be reviewed.
