2008 Holiday Picks

The Remedy features some of the most influential and cutting edge music on the jazz scene today. Rosenwinkel and Mark Turner are a dynamic duo, and this double disc live album captures them at their best. The pieces are intricate and cover a range of moods, and the solos are virtuosic and brimming with energy. This is a must-have for the modern jazz fan.

Aaron Parks melds a variety of influences on his Blue Note debut, from rock to Eastern European folk music. His playing is simple and assured, and he substitutes clarity of emotional expression for flashiness. His compositions are stimulating and appealing, accessible to a broad audience.

If Less is More...Nothing is Everything is beautifully pure and simple - Kate McGarry's refreshing contribution to the contemporary pool of vocal jazz projects.

Sonny Rollins’ Roadshows Vol. 1 captures seven live performances of the Saxophone Colossus between 1980 and 2007. The tracks, which were chosen by Rollins himself, are part of an effort to document highlights from his numerous tours in the last three decades. Roadshows Vol. 1 contains remarkable playing that demonstrates the results of Rollins’ evolution from a hard bop saxophonist to a truly unique voice.

'Loverly' features vocal veteran Cassandra Wilson's re-inventions of jazz standards. She melds jazz with soul and world music vibes, creating an intensely emotional album.

Greg Osby's debut release on his label Inner Circle Music, this CD features the veteran alto saxophonist at the height of his unique powers. Its unpredictable beats and swirling melodies make 9 Levels one of the most colorful and exciting albums of 2008.

Rudresh Mahanthappa joins Carnatic saxophonist Kadri Gopalnath to create an unprecedented style. Kinsmen fuses jazz harmonies with melodies and rhythms based on Indian classical music. Both Mahanthappa and Golpanath improvise with a jubilant spirit ignited by the brilliant discoveries uncovered during this experimental collaboration.

This four-disc box set contains rare recordings and interviews with Charlie Parker, capturing the master saxophonist during the music's transition from swing to bebop. This is a great gift for Charlie Parker fans or jazz history buffs.

This 1961 live album was reissued this year in the latest installment of the Keepnews Collection on Concord Records. Bill Evans set the course for the piano trio, and the playing on this classic record is just as fresh today as it was almost 50 years ago.

Miguel Zenón, who was award both the MacArthur Grant and a Guggenheim fellowship this year, gets better with every recording. 'Awake' features intricate and rhythmically innovative pieces that never lose hold of emotion and expression.