What's new and cool in jazz music?

January 9, 2004 8:50 AM

Hey, youse Jazzholes: I'm in need of some cool jazz (not 'lite' jazz or muzak) with a muted trumpet; brushes on the snare are optional but nice. Something that feels Kind of Blue, maybe a sultry Near Myth (with a horn instead of Bill Smith.) What's cool and new with jazz anyway? Sure, I love the Bad Plus, but I keep going back to the old stuff...
posted by Shane to Media & Arts (10 answers total)

Not sure if it's exactly what you're looking for, but Chris Botti is very good (I certainly wouldn't classify him as "lite jazz").
posted by rushmc at 9:25 AM on January 9, 2004

Response by poster: T'anks rush, and anyone who might comment later...
posted by Shane at 11:27 AM on January 9, 2004

Yesterday's New Quintet (which is really Madlib in disguise) and the Chicago Underground Quartet/Trio/Duo are two of my "modern" faves.
posted by badstone at 11:36 AM on January 9, 2004

I highly recommend Tomasz Stanko (all of his records are excellent; here's a review of The Soul of Things) and the guy he started with, Krzysztof Komeda (a pianist/composer who was one of the giants of European jazz and died tragically young; Astigmatic is the masterpiece, with Stanko's lonesome trumpet sound the highlight). You might also check out Dave Douglas, one of today's most exciting and original trumpeters, who's incorporated every style imaginable, including flamenco and Balkan (Charms of the Night Sky would be a good place to start).
posted by languagehat at 11:46 AM on January 9, 2004

I second the shout out for Dave Douglas. He plays trumpet in Masada, my fave contemporary jazz band. Though they don't sound anything like what you are asking for, their music is amazing. If your record store has a listening booth, grab Alef and give it a listen (though I'd recommend skipping the first track on first listen). Masada released over 15 albums in 7 years (a number of them doubles) and they're all stellar.
posted by dobbs at 12:54 PM on January 9, 2004

Second the recommendation for Masada (a cross between klezmer and Ornette Coleman, if you want some idea of their sound). And I'd recommend Live in Jerusalem if you decide they're your cup of tea—those guys tear up the joint!
posted by languagehat at 5:26 PM on January 9, 2004

hey thanks for the stanko and komeda recommendations, languagehat.
posted by juv3nal at 11:41 PM on January 9, 2004

Definitely check out Tom Harrell. I just heard him on the Philip Catherine album I Remember You. Very restrained, haunting, and some of the most melodic improvising I've heard recently.
posted by Phatty Lumpkin at 3:41 AM on January 10, 2004

Yes! How could I forget Tom Harrell? I've seen him twice at the Vanguard and have a bunch of his records. I'm going to recommend Live at the Village Vanguard and Art of Rhythm (which gets extra points for not being led by a guy named Art), but I doubt you'll be disappointed by any of them.

I love this thread.
posted by languagehat at 8:42 AM on January 10, 2004

Response by poster: Thanks, all! Excellent suggestions, and I'm due for some new CDs...
posted by Shane at 8:45 AM on January 10, 2004