Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify.
When an iconic pianist like Chick Corea gets together with such modern masters as bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade, it comes as no surprise that the music they make is magical. Their 2014 live set, “Trilogy,” earned universal acclaim and a pair of Grammy Awards. When the three virtuosos reunited for another world tour, the results were captured for posterity and the highlights are now collected on the long-awaited follow-up, “Trilogy 2.” The material spans a range of inspirations, from American Songbook standards to jazz classics, reaching back into Chick’s own catalogue as well as that of some of his most renowned collaborators, including Miles Davis and Joe Henderson.
“Patchwork” continues Steve Khan’s constantly inventive Latin interpretations of the jazz repertoire, culled from some of the most revered composers in the genre, and places Khan in a class all his own, not only as a guitarist but as an arranger and producer as well. Compositions by Thelonious Monk, Ornette Coleman, Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson, Keith Jarrett and others combine to create a strong guitar-oriented Latin jazz record with traditional roots yet completely modern, colored by bursts of fusion and progressive jazz influences. Superb guest performances from Randy Brecker and Bob Mintzer highlight the disc.
Also this week, French violinist and guitarist Dorado Schmitt, considered a godfather-like figure on the international gypsy-jazz scene, continues to represent the art form with “Clair de Lune”;
and vocalist Alexis Cole presents a collection of Disney love songs on “Someday My Prince Will Come,” featuring the acclaimed pianist Fred Hersch and premier drummer Matt Wilson.
German-born, Toronto-based pianist Florian Hoefner dips into the folk and country music genres for inspiration for his new trio release, “First Spring”.