For me, my favourite CD of 2011 was Walter Smith III album "III" which featured a crack ensemble including Jason Moran, Eric Harland and the faboulous Ambrose Akinmusire. This came out on te label Criss Cross which , I believe, is a Dutch label which effectively produces a roster of recordings by younger talent that is emerging on the scene as well as the likes of David Binney in their more "mainstream jazz " mode. Pouring over the back catalogue, the label seems to be presenting itself almost as a contemporary version of the old Blues Notes but recasting the music very much in a contemporary vein. There appear to be no pandering to popular tastes or current trends which is something I very much admire. To paraphrase Dave Merrington on the local football commentary, it is just good , honest jazz.
Last week I got hold of the album by Russian trumpeter Alex Sipiagin called "Destinations unknown" which doesn't quite hit you between the eyes like the Smith disc but yields more with each listen. Sipiagin is a really lyrical player and it is great to hear him in his own group and outside the context of big bands led by the likes of George Gruntz or Dave Holland. The line-up similarly includes the excellent Eric Harland as well as a superbe sax team of David Binney and Chris Potter who are both in fabulous form. The tear up "chase" on "Fast forward" is worth the money alone as it is rare to hear this kind of intensity in a studio performance. The wild card in the group is pianist Craig Taborn who adds a nice edge to the group.
Next up will be David Binney's "Barefooted town" which has goit some great reviews and sound brilliant judging by the clips.
I am fascinated by this label and wondered if anyone else had checked out the music on their 20-odd years worth of back issues ? Hugely impressed.
Last week I got hold of the album by Russian trumpeter Alex Sipiagin called "Destinations unknown" which doesn't quite hit you between the eyes like the Smith disc but yields more with each listen. Sipiagin is a really lyrical player and it is great to hear him in his own group and outside the context of big bands led by the likes of George Gruntz or Dave Holland. The line-up similarly includes the excellent Eric Harland as well as a superbe sax team of David Binney and Chris Potter who are both in fabulous form. The tear up "chase" on "Fast forward" is worth the money alone as it is rare to hear this kind of intensity in a studio performance. The wild card in the group is pianist Craig Taborn who adds a nice edge to the group.
Next up will be David Binney's "Barefooted town" which has goit some great reviews and sound brilliant judging by the clips.
I am fascinated by this label and wondered if anyone else had checked out the music on their 20-odd years worth of back issues ? Hugely impressed.
[/IMG]
Comment