Recordings of jazz singers and big bands are always risky, particularly if the singer is rooted in small ensemble settings.  Diana Krall comes through with flying colors on this disc with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Her singing is bold, her phrasing is tight, and the arrangements strike the right balance between vocalist and band. It's great to hear Krall back in her element, once again taking on the Great American Songbook.

Featured track - "From This Moment On"

This is a bass player's record, no doubt about it. Bromberg plays his 300 year old acoustic bass with abandon and high speed, mixing solo pieces with a variety of standards in a trio setting with pianist Randy Waldman and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. State of the art production, too (One of the few current acoustic jazz recordings that doesn't sound like it was recorded in 1959).  His solos with the trio are riveting. 

Featured track - "I Remember April"

Don Byron is one of the most creative musicians around; each new disc brings a new story, a new flavor. This time, Byron goes funky and plays almost exclusively saxophone, in a fun and tight musical tribute to 60's R&B icon, Junior Walker.  Get your dancin' shoes on!

Featured track - "Hewbie Steps Out"

This band is slowly turning into the 21st century version of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Harper's deft drumming abilities blend with eclectic and energetic material (Charlie Parker, blues, Afro-Carribean, a piece with the didgeridoo), and the band totally cooks. The end result is outstanding jazz; fresh, dynamic and entertaining.

Featured track - "Segment"

I describe this disc as "Back to The Future Jazz". Trumpeter Bernstein and his New York-based big band, tackle the music of Prince, Stevie Wonder, Lennon/McCartney, King Curtis,  and the Grateful Dead, and do it in the style of 1920's and 30's "Territorial bands". Bernstein got the idea for the concept while working with film director Robert Altman on the film "Kansas City".  The tunes are hillariously cool and lots of fun.

Featured track - "Soul Serenade"

A sweet and mellow collection. Chestnut's melodic gospel-driven signature piano style is easy and fluid; he dances and weaves his way through a set of originals and standards. The disc also features some nice playing from guitarist Russell Malone.

Featured track - "Baby Girl's Strut"

Karrin steps out a bit with lyricist Chris Caswell, as they successfully take some classic jazz standards (Wayne Shorter's Footprints, Dizzy Gillespie's Con Alma among others) and add a lyrical spin to them. She also swings in several duets with Jon Hendricks and Nancy King.  Throw in a solid backup band, Allyson's unique knack for singing a song, and you've got a worthwhile effort.

Featured track - "Something Worth Waiting For"

This 21 year old is taking no prisoners; his style is accessible, smart, precise. It doesn't hurt to have a rhythm section of Christian McBride and Lewis Nash, either. Just check out the material: "Giant Steps"; the theme from "The Sopranos"; "Love For Sale", Bjork's "I've Seen It All"; a take on Mussorgsky's "Promenade"; "Freedom Jazz Dance". Eigsti puts a cool spin on each of these tunes. If he is an example of the "future of jazz", I think we're in good shape.

Featured track - "Love For Sale"

Dr. Smith has been in a major groove mode with his Hammond B3, ever since he broke in the mid 60's as the groovemaster behind the early recordings of George Benson and Lou Donaldson.  The dude is still on a roll with his best recording in many a year. Backed up by a stellar small band (Peter Bernstein, Alison Miller, Matt Balitsaris), the doctor keeps it funky with a set of originals, jazz standards (Bemsha Swing, Freedom Jazz Dance), and cool pop fare (Marvin Gaye's "Trouble Man", Willow Weep For Me).

Featured track - "Jungle Soul"

This disc has to be the most sophisticated "remix/mashup" project ever put together. Two dead guys, back together for a big-time collaboration. Actually, it's a blend of vocal tracks from a 1972 Ray Charles concert in Europe, mixed with precise arrangements by the current incarnation of the Count Basie Band. Give the producers credit for an elaborate production. All in all, Ray sounds great, but the arrangements are simply adequate.  Can't help but think this will go down as a clever novelty record at best. Still worth a listen for Ray fans.

Featured track - "What A Beautiful Morning"

John Coltrane - Fearless Leader (6 CDs)- Prestige

Here are the complete recordings on Prestige Records that Coltrane produced as a leader, during sessions recorded in 1957 and 1958. It would be a mistake to think that these are "early" Coltrane recordings; by this time, he had already carved out his unique voice on the instrument: his performances are fully realized here. Just keep in mind that "A Love Supreme" was only a few years away.

Featured track - "Come Rain or Come Shine"