recommendations: December 2006 Archives

Steve Turre, Steve Turre, Keep Searchin' (High Note). The prolific trombonist in the J.J. Johnson tradition in yet another stimulating collection. He features two brilliant soloists, vibraharpist Stefon Harris and pianist Xavier Davis, and the fine drummer Dion Parson. Gerald Cannon and Peter Washington trade bass duties. Turre's "Reconciliation" with its satisfying harmonic resolution, is a highlight, and he proves thatin the hands of an inventive player, there is always room for one more "My Funny Valentine."

Kristin Korb, Why Can't You Behave (Double K). Korb sings even better than on her previous CD and does it while playing the bass superbly. The Ray Brown protégé's power and note choices would make the late master proud. Her treatment of Cole Porter's title tune is appropriately wry and saucy, her minor key approach to "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" deep and reflective, with a penetratingly bluesy bass solo. Llew Matthews is Korb's spare, harmonically resourceful pianist, Steve Barnes her discreet drummer. Trombonist Andy Martin and guitarist Larry Koonse shine as guest soloists.

Lee Wiley, West Of The Moon (Mosaic). One of the most tasteful, distinctive and emotionally profound singers of the 1930s and '40s, Wiley was less active in the '50s. By the time she died in 1975, she was all but forgotten by the public. Her admirers never forgot her, though. Fortunately, one of them is Mosaic's Michael Cuscuna, who saw to the reissue of this 1956 masterpiece. Wiley's collaboration with arranger Ralph Burns came fairly late in her career, but it's one of her best albums. There are no more effective versions than Wiley's of "This is New" and "Can't Get Out of This Mood."

Rufus Reid, Live In Vienna (MVD Visual). With Austrian pianist Fritz Pauer and fellow American John Hollenbeck on drums, Reid steps into the role of leader in this concert at the Vienna club Porgy And Bess. One of the most experienced and dependable sidemen in jazz, Reid demonstrates the musical wisdom and taste he has accumulated in decades with Art Farmer, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis and Freddie Hubbard, among others. Pauer, one of Europe's best jazz musicians, is likely to be a revelation to listeners elsewhere. Hollenbeck's balance of strength, speed and delicacy is on full display. Sound and visual quality are top notch. It is instructive to watch Reid use eye movements to cue his colleagues in this set of satisying music.