2012 Top CD's 1st quarter

Catching up after the holidays. So here are 3 more that just don't quite make the cut, but are excellent records.

Dave Brubeck Quartet-Their Last Time Out.
Acquired: Gift
Rating: 89

Some sound quality issues, but this is the classic quartet. This group is one of those that got me into Jazz- a bit of a theme for this posting. I only wish this had Blue Rondo on it, but I guess they didn't play it that day. Eugene Wright comes off a bit boomy in the mix, but for a live recording of this vintage you have to give it some slack. If you have Time Out and Time Further Out, this side really shows the quartet playing some charts that you wouldn't have already. Great blowing by all through some standards as well as the tune they are most famous for. For Bass Players, Eugene's open solo at the beginning of "Set My People Free" is a highlight.

Toshiko Aikiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band- Mosaic Collection
Acquired: Label Website
Rating: 91

This is a 3 disc set that comprises Toshiko's early JVC/Japan sides- Kogun, Long Yellow Road, Tales of a Courtesan and Insights. The first time I ever heard a big band (that I wasn't in) was Northern Illinois under Ron Modell in '85. They opened with "Road Time Shuffle". I thought the world was coming to an end. I bought this 3 disc set just for that track. It's left a lasting impression. Toshiko's writing only got more meaning for me over the years. The lead trumpet on these sides is Bobby Shew. I got the opportunity to go out on the road with Bobby as a Freshman in college. Unfortunately all anybody wanted to talk about was playing with Steely Dan. I wish I was hip to these sides then. Toshiko doesn't get played as much as she should. The charts are just that hard. They start off all swinging in a Thad Jones kind of vibe, then the flutes piccolos and other assorted woodwinds get taken out. You need aces in every section to even think about trying her stuff. Which is too bad. Highly recommended big band. Not dated to my ears at all.

Keith Jarrett-Rio
Acquired: Gift
Rating 95

A double disc improvised piano disc could be like a root canal, no matter who the player is. And they can be pretty great too. I can't compare this to La Scala, as I don't have that side. But this concert in Rio is really happening. Keith uses the whole tonal spectrum from the angular stuff you'd expect to some moments of conventional beauty so moving even my wife digs it. Each track is different, and this is really a side you want to listen to complete. And yet the movements each stand alone. As usual for the ECM label, the sound is just as clear and full as can be. It's like being inside of the lid of the piano.