S. Victor Aaron picks the best of 2015’s modern and mainstream jazz albums, including John Scofield, Matthew Shipp, Antonio Sanchez and others.
‘Three Times Three’ is the Antonio Sanchez showcase album that leaves no doubts as to his vast abilities as leader, composer and — not least — elite drummer.
Brian Landrus took a step back into tradition for ‘The Deep Below’ with Lonnie Plaxico and Billy Hart — albeit on his own terms — and made a reconnect with the roots that had always anchored his playing.
Pixel had from the get-go developed their own, appealing engaging personality they’ve could have churned out forever. ‘Golden Years’ retains that spirit while reaching out a little beyond it.
Robin Eubanks’s ‘More Than What Meets The Ear’ might be just what big band jazz needs to get revitalized for the 21st century.
‘Messin’ With Mister T’ is Dave Stryker’s grand show of appreciation for his former boss, and it only makes us miss tenor sax giant Stanley Turrentine even more.
No other project may better capture the complex life of Frank Sinatra, born 100 years ago on Dec. 12, 1915, than HBO’s new film ‘Sinatra: All or Nothing at All.’
With his composing pen, leadership and guitar, Scott DuBois has painted a Monet with ‘Winter Light’.
With a kindred soul in Nicolas Moreaux as Jeremy Udden’s musical partner, ‘Belleville Project’ is a record made by two people but one, prolific mind.
Frank Sinatra would enter a studio again only a handful of times after ‘Trilogy’ arrived 35 years ago. None produced more timeless results than this.
