J.M. RECOMMENDS
Mosaic Box Sets
Historical Albums of the Year
TOP JAZZ ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
Artist of the Month
Dexter Gordon
One of the outstanding tenor saxophonists in jazz history, and a major figure in bop known for his heavy doses of swing, Dexter Gordon had such a colorful and eventful life, including three separate comebacks, that his story would make a great Hollywood movie. He was easily the top tenor saxophonist to emerge during the bop era and possessed his own distinctive sound and created a large body of superior work. During his stay in Europe he was in peak form and Gordon's many SteepleChase recordings rank with the finest work of his career.
Label of the Month
EMANEM
Emanem, founded in 1974, features improvised music at its very best. Most feature total improvisation, but some use partly composed material. "Unadulterated New Music For People Who Like New Music Unadulterated" is its motto. It has become a prolific source of both new recordings and archival recordings, notably its extensive documentation of the work of Evan Parker (through PSI) and the Spontaneous Music Ensemble.
CD of the Month
Larry Young -In Paris: The ORTF Recordings
Never-before-released 1964-1965 studio and live recordings from jazz organist and pianist Larry Young, the first newly discovered Larry Young recordings in nearly 40 years. 'Larry Young in Paris - The ORTF Recordings' features repertoire later recorded and released on Larry Young's iconic Blue Note Albums.