Getting into Jazz, Part 2

Contemporary Instrumental Jazz

In my previous post, we looked at classic instrumental jazz that would make good entryways into the world of Jazz music.  As we move into the more contemporary Jazz scene, choosing music become a little more subjective.  These albums have not been tested by time like the previous list.  We can't say for sure which music will truly have that enduring quality that we know exists in that music produced in the 50's and 60's.  The Jazz 100 website has a list of what they call "new breed" jazz, and that can be very helpful, but there's a lot of great music that just hasn't made it onto that list yet.

So here is a list of contemporary Jazz albums that I believe not only is great music but also makes for good entryways into the world of contemporary Jazz:

1. Roy Hargrove, Emergence (2009), Nothing Serious (2006) or Earfood (2008). Roy Hargrove is probably my favorite new Jazz artist, all three of these albums are a fine introduction to contemporary Jazz music.  Emergence is his first big band album he has made, and the other two are both straight up Jazz albums.  All of them truly enjoyable.

2. James Carter, Present Tense (2008). James Carter may be the best saxophone and woodwind player of this generation.  Much of his material is rather challenging, especially live.  However, this CD is very accessible to people new to Jazz music.

3. Aaron Parks, Invisible Cinema (2008). Aaron Parks is one of the more promising young Jazz pianists around today, getting his break playing with Terence Blanchard.  His compositions at first listen are very understated, but as one listens more to his music, it becomes all the more interesting.

4. Bennie Maupin, Early Reflections (2008) or Penumbra (2006). Maupin's music is very relaxing, so much so you may think of it as background music, but don't.  Sit in your living room and turn your stereo on loud.  Some of his compositions are rather free-form in nature, but Early Reflections will envelop you in its beauty nonetheless.

5. Wynton Marsalis, Standards and Ballads (2007). Wynton Marsalis rejuvinated Jazz in the 80's, and he continues to be an influential force in Jazz today.  Standards and Ballads is a relaxing and romantic CD that has both warmth and sincerity.

6. Avishai Cohen, Colors (2000) or Gently Disturbed (2008). Avishai Cohen is an Israeli bassist whose compositions frequently make use of eastern traditions, and his music truly captivating.  Turn up the bass as Gently Disturbed takes the piano trio to new heights.

7. Branford Marsalis, Eternal (2004). Marsalis writes, "All of the songs reflect the idea that there is beauty in sadness."  This is a CD of beautiful ballads composed either by him or by members of his band.

8. Michael Brecker, Pilgrimage (2007). This is Michael Brecker's final album before he died of cancer.  He knew it would be his last, so he poured his heart and soul into it, and it shows.

9. Ramona Borthwick, A New Leaf (2006). She is a virtual unknown in the Jazz world.  I found her only because Esperanza Spalding sings on two tracks on this album, and I loved those songs.  Borthwick has a unique style to her piano playing with which I am truly fascinated.  I thought about moving this higher on my list, but it may be hard to find, so I left it here.

10. Anton Schwartz, The Slow Lane (2000), Radiant Blue (2006) or When Music Calls (1998).All  of Schwartz's albums are beautifully crafted, and Schwartz's saxophone is a pleasure to hear.  Like Ramona Borthwick, he is not terribly well known, so his albums may be more difficult to come by.