Jeremy Siskind - Songs Of Rebirth - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

When it comes to musical material, a nexus between quality and reception is never a sure thing. Some choice compositions and performances receive their flowers while others slide into relative obscurity. Off the Charts takes an inspired set list of lesser-known works by the likes of Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson, Charles Lloyd, Chick Corea and others and brings them back into their well-deserved spotlight. Delving into the past calls for a cast attuned to the present, and Richard Baratta has assembled an incredible lineup. Pianist David Kikoski comes with his own brand of kinetic energy, bassist John Patitucci serves as the backbone of the band, tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi brings his signature sound to the fore, and percussionist Paul Rossman proves to be a vibrant colorist and rhythmic collaborator. Together, with Baratta spurring them on, this crew brings out the best in this superb selection of inspired music.

On his new album Rebirth, Billy Childs reaches back to the start of his almost astoundingly varied musical experience-leading a small jazz band of state-of-the-art musicians with his piano playing. An accomplished symphonic writer, he has also amassed a career's worth of jazz originals that can swing hard, dazzle with intricacy, touch you with direct simplicity, or mesmerize with crystalline lyricism. He has the ability to equally distill the harmonic and rhythmic languages of classical music and jazz into his playing. InchYou're hearing something on this album that I love doing but that I haven't done a lot of lately having musical conversations as a member of a group. That's what I love.Inch

25-year-old trumpeter Jeremy Pelt has garnered notice for his superb charts and professionalism since landing in New York four years ago. InchInsight,Inch his Criss Cross debut, demonstrates that he's also a composer with a point of view. Helping him articulate it are a take-no-prisoners ensemble of New York's finest callers, all 30-and-under, with the exception of veteran drum avatar Ralph Peterson. Features tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene, alto saxophonist Myron Walden, pianist Rick German son and bassist Vincente Archer.