Best CD's of 2011, ROund 1, part 5

So where was I? Got it

Kira Small and Bryan Beller, Live at the White House (2011-Artists Website)

v.

Guillermo Klein-Live in Barcelona (2004-Jazz Record Mart)

Two very strong sides. Kira Small will go on to the next round.

This is my first introduction to Klein's music after hearing good things. Very strong writing, but not all of it is his. Con Brasil Ardernto-Fuga X is probably my favorite track. Post-millenial big band writing that doesn't forget to have some melody. Highly Recommended

Brian Patti-Live in Concert (no date-Promo)

v

Mel Lewis-The Complete Thad Jones, disc 2 (date inaccurate-Jazz Record Mart)

Will go with Mel Lewis Here. Brian is a Chicago area clarinet player I had the fortune to work with earlier this year. I don't know the players he recorded this side with, but it is a solid all-arounder. My only comment is the song forms are shortened. A typical AABA form is played ABA which takes some getting used to. Given the overal run time, I wonder if this CD is intended more as a demo disc. Well done readings of familiar music. There are some combo tunes that close the record that are my favorite tracks.

John Coltrane-My Favorite Things (1961-Borders carcass pick)

v

Brussels Jazz Orchestra-Naked in the Cosmos (2002-iTunes)

Trane. Hands down. Picked up the Brussels Jazz Orchestra to hear a chart I was going to play. Mercifully we scratched the chart. This is post millenial big band that has no accessible melody. Each compostion has several sections but do not relate to each other or build well in my ear. But that Kenny Werner for you. Tracks "All That" and "Sasumi" are decent enough. Of course, I had to buy the whole CD to get the one recording I needed to hear.

More to come. Gotta reload some discs since their metadata is all fouled up.