Anyone who thinks all the great jazz players are in the past simply isn’t paying attention. From a saxophonist who channels some of the greats to a little-known Norwegian improv group, here are 10 of 2007’s best.
1. David S. Ware Quartet, “Renunciation” Aum Fidelity
I’ve always admired Ware because I’ve heard the history of the jazz saxophone in his sound. Certainly, John Coltrane and Albert Ayler emanate from his blustery tenor, but as last year’s collection of ballads demonstrated, Ben Webster’s in there too. This live date is Ware at his most powerful, and there are echoes of gospel and blues in his old school avant-garde presentation. And Ware’s group is at its pinnacle. The sheer force of its sound can be devastating, but ultimately blissful as well.
2. Charles Tolliver Big Band, “With Love” Blue Note/Mosiac
Tolliver has been deserving of greater recognition for decades, and this well-financed big label date was the major label jazz surprise of the year. The trumpeter sails above an all-star aggregation packed with old collaborators and a few young stars who probably learned something from the experience.
3. Alvin Batiste, “Marsalis Music Honors Alvin Batiste” Marsalis Music
The New Orleans virtuoso clarinetist released only a few recordings under his name during the course of his long life. This was a dazzling, high-spirited display of his chops and compositional skills. He died just a few weeks after its release.
4. David Murray Black Saint Quartet, “Sacred Ground” Justin Time
Murray is so committed to his improvisational art that he’s never made a subpar disc, and this tenor sax showcase benefits from the added attractions of vocals from Cassandra Wilson and lyrics by the great poet Ishmael Reed. It’s a perfect introduction to one of the most inventive contemporary players.
5. Keith Jarrett/Gary Peacock/Jack DeJohnette, “My Foolish Heart” ECM
While Jarrett is awe-inspiring as a solo performer, conjuring up spirits and entire orchestras with his piano, I slightly prefer his trio work, which reins him in gracefully and keeps him focused on the songcraft at hand. Bassist Peacock and drummer DeJohnette are long-time colleagues, and their empathy is apparent on this double disc collection of standards and should-be standards recorded in 2001 but finally being released this year.
6. Joshua Redman, “Back East” Nonesuch
Storming through old Sonny Rollins territory and paying his respects to his late father, Dewey (whose final recordings serve as the discs’ epilogue), Redman, an exhibitionistic saxophonist, has never made a recording this heartfelt or as seemingly effortless.
7. Supersilent, “8” Rune Grammofon
It’s been said that this mysterious, spacey Norwegian improv group never rehearses before they record, and that may or may not be true. Still, there’s nothing else like their intense brand of stark, electronically altered inquiries into the nature of creativity. For the adventurous, it’s worth seeking out.
8. Kenny Werner, “Lawn Chair Society” Blue Note
I don’t know why this pianist’s beguiling collection of witty tunes (and wittier playing, especially from top trumpeter Dave Douglas) went unnoticed, but I’ve returned to it several times since its release early in the year.
9. The Fred Hess Band, “In the Grotto” Alison
One of jazz composition’s best-kept secrets resides and works in the Denver area. Hess, a saxophonist, recruits long time co-conspirator Ron Miles on trumpet and swinging drummer Matt Wilson to explore the possibilities of Hess’ kind of Monkish/sort of Ornette-ish ideas. “Grotto” is just one example of the abundance of worldly talent along the Front Range.
10. David Torn, “Prezens” ECM
Guitarist Torn released a moody fusion mini-masterpiece that open-minded rock fans might find enticing.
Bret Saunders writes about jazz for The Denver Post. Saunders is host of the “KBCO Morning Show,” 5:30-10 a.m. weekdays at 97.3-FM. His e-mail address is Bret Saunders bret_saunders@hotmail.com
