There's nothing prehistoric about this set – as saxophonist James Carter's working here in an angular mode that's strikingly modern, despite the "classics" in the title! The tunes are all familiar ones, but they're recast by Carter with a deep tone on tenor, alto, and soprano sax – one that recalls the freshness of Sonny Rollins during his most creative period, but which also is recorded here with a bit more looseness and sense of freedom. The group are all players from Carter's Detroit scene – Craig Taborn on piano, Jaribu Shahid on bass, and Tani Tabaal on drums – and titles include "Oleo", "Out Of Nowhere", "Take The A Train", "Ask Me Now", "Sandu", and "Equinox". CD

A great set by this American organist – famous for her French recordings, of which this is one of the best! Rhoda's working here in a live setting – in a trio with Joe Thomas on tenor and flute, and Cornelius Kranenberg on drums – and the tracks have a much harder groove than work on some of her studio albums from the time, much more in the heavy soul jazz mode that she and Joe were using on their American recordings in the early 60s, with the benefit of longer space on the tracks (this was originally a double LP), giving Rhoda and Joe plenty of room to solo! Titles include "Bluesette", "Ain't No Use", "Lil Darlin", "Ca Va Mieux", "Equinox", and a funky remake of "Thank You For Lettin Me Be Myself", the Sly Stone classic! CD

Two tenor greats pay tribute to a host of other tenor greats – but with results that are quite different than you might expect! The album's hardly the type that just revisits familiar cliches from tenor giants of years past – and instead, the team of Houston Person and Teddy Edwards really bring a lot of themselves to the record – working through modes previously expressed by John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Dexter Gordon, and others – but all in ways that are more than solid enough to stand on their own. Of course, they've got some great help here in the rhythm section – Richard Wyands on piano, Peter Washington on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums – the latter two of whom we'd be happy to hear in anyone's company. Titles include "Equinox", "The Girl From Ipanema", "Body & Soul", "Talk Of The Town", "That's All", and "Out Of Nowhere". CD

A rare set from alto saxophonist Frank Morgan – captured live at the Jazz Standard! Frank carries the torch wonderfully from skills he honed in 50s bebop – working out a set with a sterling quartet setting featuring Curtis Lundy on bass, Billy Hart on drums, and standout effort from pianist Geroge Cables! The tunes run from measured and mellow, to some occasional charging solos and muscular riffing. 8 cuts, heavy on standards including "Georgia On My Mind", "Cherokee", "All Blues", "I Mean You", "Round Midnight", Equinox" and "Impressions". CD

Jean Toussaint on tenor sax, Jason Rebello on piano, Ray Drummond on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums. Titles include "Mr. PC", "Some Other Blues", "Naima", "Miles Mode", "Equinox", and "Central Park West". CD

One of the most beautiful albums we've ever heard from either player involved – a set that's a tremendous showcase for the alto and soprano work of Steve Wilson, and an open presentation of the drum genius of Lewis Nash! The record comes as a bit of a surprise – especially in contrast to some of Wilson's work in larger groups, which can be more structured and sometimes darker – and although we love when Nash can swing a quintet or a quartet, we're also wonderfully impressed at his presentation here in a looser format. The set feels very improvised along themes, but still has a sense of melody and swing – as the pair deliver very unique readings of tunes that include "Equinox", "Con Alma", "Chelsea Bridge", "Senor Blues", "Island Birdie", and "Freedom Jazz Dance". CD

Excellent work from Steve Coleman and his Five Elements group – just the sort of record that reminds us why Coleman's records for the past few decades have always been ones to catch! Steve works in this beautifully angular mode that seems to take some of the jazz changes from the downtown early 80s scene, and re-fuse them with new energy that's helped them make the journey to the 21st Century – kind of a newly-fresh approach to rhythmic expression, given a deeper soul. Jen Shyu adds some great vocals to the group – sometimes singing a mode you might her on 70s Strata East – sometimes hitting more adventurous notes, ala Jeanne Lee – and other instrumentation includes Coleman's alto, trumpet from Jonathan Finlayson, trombone from Tim Albright, bass from Thomas Morgan, and drums from Tyshawn Sorey. Titles include "Clouds", "Flos Ut Rosa Floruit", "Vernal Equinox 040320-0419", and "Beba". CD

A seminal session from 70s French synth maestro Jean-Michel Jarre – his 8-part "Equinoxe" suite, a great bit of electronics that was almost France's answer to Kraftwerk at the time! Jarre's style is a bit warmer and more focused on the melody – and the range of keyboards and synthesizers used on the album create a rich tapestry of sound that almost has a soundtrack-y feel at the best moments. CD