With Eddie Henderson on trumpet. CD

An album that begins with a drumbreak, then features electric piano from George Cables – all at a level that almost feels like Eddie Henderson has gone back to those sublime funky years of the mid 70s! Back in the day, the trumpeter's spacious approach to jazz funk really marked the start of a new era for the music – and since that time, Henderson's only gotten better and better in an acoustic setting too – really developing strongly since his initial appearance on spiritual sessions for others, with a range of expression that's on full display here! The album moves from the electric start to more acoustic modes – sometimes swinging, sometimes intimate – and Cables is a superb accompanist throughout, on both electric and acoustic keys – in a group that also features Donald Harrison on alto, Gerald Cannon on bass, and Lenny White on drums. Titles include "Totem Pole", "Scorpio Rising", "Why Not", "It Never Entered My Mind", "I Am Going To Miss You My Darling", and "Freedom Jazz Dance". CD

Steve Slagle on alto saxophone and flute, Joe Lovano on tenor and soprano saxophone, Joe Lovano, Gerald Cannon on bass, Roman Diaz on congas, and Bill Stewart on drums. CD

An album that begins with a drumbreak, then features electric piano from George Cables – all at a level that almost feels like Eddie Henderson has gone back to those sublime funky years of the mid 70s! Back in the day, the trumpeter's spacious approach to jazz funk really marked the start of a new era for the music – and since that time, Henderson's only gotten better and better in an acoustic setting too – really developing strongly since his initial appearance on spiritual sessions for others, with a range of expression that's on full display here! The album moves from the electric start to more acoustic modes – sometimes swinging, sometimes intimate – and Cables is a superb accompanist throughout, on both electric and acoustic keys – in a group that also features Donald Harrison on alto, Gerald Cannon on bass, and Lenny White on drums. Titles include "Scorpio Rising", "Why Not", "It Never Entered My Mind", "I Am Going To Miss You My Darling", and "Freedom Jazz Dance". LP, Vinyl record album

Features Hargrove on trumpet, Sherman Irby on alto, Larry Willis on piano, Gerald Cannon on bass, and Willie Jones on drums – backed by a string section with arrangements by Hargrove, Willis, and Cedar Walton! CD

A long-overdue return as a leader for tenor genius Ralph Moore – an artist who first blew us away when he appeared on the scene in the 80s, but who hasn't gotten this sort of time in the spotlight in many many years! The passage of time hasn't dimmed Ralph's genius at all – as the record bursts forward with the kind of joyous colors and tones that always made us such big fans – and which, in a way, made Moore's appearance on the scene almost a tenor equivalent to the work of Bobby Watson on alto – a whole new voice for a new generation – straight ahead, but filled with positive energy and a very strong spirit – such that he always seems to play with a warmth and soul that really sets him apart. The group here is superb – a quartet with Eric Reed on piano, Gerald Cannon on bass, and Willie Jones III on drums – the last of whom deserves a huge "thanks" for producing the record and getting Ralph back out in the lead. Titles include the Moore originals "Donny", "Three Score", "Blues Alliance", and "623 C Street" – and Reed tunes "Carol", "Another Time", and "Una Mujer Muy Elegante". CD

One of our favorite records ever from trombonist Steve Davis – a live date recorded at Smalls, and one that lets him stretch out a lot more than most of his studio albums! The setting is wonderful – an open-ended, easygoing quintet with great piano from Larry Willis – and a groove that is a nice change from some of the tighter modes that Davis often hits with his One For All compadres. As a result, Steve really takes some nice chances on the solos – and shows a range of his horn that impresses us even more than usual – and heck, we already think he's a great player! Altoist Mike DiRubbo brings a nice edge to the proceedings with some great solo work of his own – and the rest of the group features Gerald Cannon on bass and Willie Jones III on drums. Titles include "Spirit Waltz", "Nature Boy/To Wisdom The Prize", and "Daydream/Outro". CD

An album that begins with a drumbreak, then features electric piano from George Cables – all at a level that almost feels like Eddie Henderson has gone back to those sublime funky years of the mid 70s! Back in the day, the trumpeter's spacious approach to jazz funk really marked the start of a new era for the music – and since that time, Henderson's only gotten better and better in an acoustic setting too – really developing strongly since his initial appearance on spiritual sessions for others, with a range of expression that's on full display here! The album moves from the electric start to more acoustic modes – sometimes swinging, sometimes intimate – and Cables is a superb accompanist throughout, on both electric and acoustic keys – in a group that also features Donald Harrison on alto, Gerald Cannon on bass, and Lenny White on drums. Titles include "Totem Pole", "Scorpio Rising", "Why Not", "It Never Entered My Mind", "I Am Going To Miss You My Darling", and "Freedom Jazz Dance". CD

Tremendous blowing from tenorman Sherman Irby – an alto player who can swing soulfully one minute, then hit these great modern lines the next – a wonderful blend that comes through beautifully in this sweet session for Blue Note! The album's got a title that makes you think it might be a hokey, retro soul jazz set – but instead, it's got a great deal of complexity – with none of the cliches you might expect from a soul food title, especially in the 90s. Most of the set is pretty stripped down – with Gerald Cannon on bass and Clifford Barbaro on drums – but one track adds in guest trumpet from Roy Hargrove and piano from James Hart – and a few others feature Ed Cherry on guitar. Titles include "Bama", "Lake Tuscaloosa", "Too High", "Passage Of Time", "Aunt Dorothy", "Call To Order", and "Away From Home". CD

A great straight set from this top-shelf trombonist – done at the same relaxed, stretched-out level of some of the other excellent albums on the Smoke Sessions label – no tricks, no gimmicks, just a great demonstration of Steve Turre's strengths as a leader, and his always-sharp ability to solo! The group features Bruce Williams on soprano and alto sax, and Xavier Davis on piano – and rhythm is from Gerald Cannon on bass and the great Willie Jones III on drums – the latter of whom keeps things moving with just the right crackle on the groovers, but lets Cannon gently shape the mellower cuts with his bass. Turre's horn sounds wonderfully mellifluous – and Williams often steps back a bit to let the leader shine first, before swooping in for his own strong solos. Titles include "Trayvon's Blues", "Nangadef", "Spiritman/All Blues", "Bu", "Peace", and "Funky Thing". CD

Nancy Wilson remakes American classics of the 20th century – taking a host of tunes from Gershwin, Ellington, Arlen, Porter, and Berlin – and remaking them in her sophisti-soul style of the 60s! She's got plenty of great help on the sessions – with arrangers that include Gerald Wilson, Jimmy Jones, and Billy May – plus accompaniment from players that include Cannonball Adderley, Hank Jones, and George Shearing. The collection features a total of 44 tracks in all – and titles include "Supper Time", "Sleepin Bee", "Secret Love", "My Ship", "Dearly Beloved", "Sophisticated Lady", "You Don't Know What Love Is", "All Of You", "Bewitched", "The More I See You", "Never Will I Marry", "This Time The Dream's On Me", "Prelude To A Kiss", and "By Myself". CD