Top CD's of 2011 Round 3

So working my way down to a Top 7. These are the discs that just didn't make the cut.

Boston-Boston. Still are record I just can't get tired of. If I'm ever in a rock band, this is how it should sound. But let's be honest, this record is from 76, and it's not like I never heard it until this year. If you have to buy a major label re-release this year, buy Boston.

Geoff Keezer-Falling Up. Really strong material, great players. The song "Featherfall" is just beautiful on so many levels. This record has everything from Lord of the Rings music by Howard Shore, to Bach and just about everything in between. Since it's still head to head, it just lost out to Goat Rodeo Sessions by Yo Yo Ma. This is one to search out and play for people who "Don't Like Jazz". Or BAM as the case may be.

We weed out the remaining Smithsonian Jazz Anthology discs in this round, in favor of fresher releases. The collection is outstanding though, and the liner notes got absolutely freaking ROBBED by the Grammy voters.

John Coltrane-My Favorite Things. Another excellent album hits the curb based on it not being exactly new, or new to me. Though a long Coltrane solo is something I need to be in the mood for, and I guess I wasn't on the re-listening for round three. Great stuff, but I could have done with the tracks being slightly shorter. Opinions are like...

Tedeschi Trucks Band-Revelator. Just an incredible record, but going up against another great current record. I would like to have heard more from the horns on this (may have mentioned that before). "Until You Remember" is just a powerful track. "Learn How To Love" gets honorable mention for "S. Q." Stank Quotient. Go buy this and play it for people who think R&B is the same thing as Urban Contemporary drum-machine no-low-end baloney.

Howard Levy-Tonight and Tomorrow. Fantastic straight ahead contemporary jazz playing. Trio takes or trio plus harmonica. I'm still not sure if Howard played piano first or the harmonica first. While Howard will always be known for his harp playing, the piano playing on this side is just great. "Chorino" is just a beautiful Brazilian jazz piece. All the writing on this side is just first rate.

That brings me down to 7 sides...