Balladeer

Matt Ulery - Mannerist (Woolgathering Records)

I like this album, too - a nice "by-product" of Bruce Webers excellent 1988 documentary. Besides: The cover is one of the rare pics where the late Chet really looks like a cool cat!

Brandee Younger - Somewhere Different (Impulse)

Joao Donato was the torch bearer of sophisticated Brazilian Samba groove. Ravishing group playing on classics like Amazonas, Lugar Comum, Brisa do Mar, Sambolero, and A Ra. His gorgeous recordings are countless. Donato has been one of the last giants of MPB. One of my all-time favourites remains his piano recital "O Piano de Joao Donato" from 2007. Obrigado pela música, Joao!

Aaron Parks - Little Big (Ropeadope)

Ron Miles - Rainbow Sign (Blue Note)

Matthias Schriefl, Nils Wülker, Julian Wasserfuhr

Samuel Blaser - Routes (Enja)

Thanks for your considerations, rostasi. Of course you are right, strictly speaking it is not a "return". And musically I can understand your reservations. Yet I find this albums hippiesque nostalgic vibe quite charming. I like both, old and new songs. IMO it´s already one of the remarkable albums of this year if only for its jazz-rock retro sound and my admiration for those artists involved.

Soft Machine - Other Doors (Dyad Records)

Julia Bullock - Walking in the Dark (Nonesuch)

Soft Machine "Open Doors" any comments?

Jean-Marc Foltz (cl, bcl) & Stéphan Oliva (p) - Indigo (Vision Fugitive) French chamber Ellingtonia - restrained, sublime and hauntingly beautiful - highly recommended!

Diana Krall - Why shoud I care (from: When I look in your eyes, Verve)

Wow, what a find! In Germany Gitte Haenning has been popular as a sort of Schlager-Chanteuse. I like this cool Dane, too. I know that earlier in her career she sang jazz but never heard a record such as this 1969 album with arrangements by Francy Boland. How is it?

A Musical Portrait of the American Southwest - Music of Dominic Dousa (Blue Griffin) Stephen Nordstrom (viola) & Dominic Dousa (piano)

Stephen Riley - My Romance (Steeplechase)

Les Paul and his trio 1944-45 - After you´ve gone (Audiophile)

Nils Mönkemeyer - In dunklen Träumen (Sony)

Uncovered Mermen - Pinguin Moschner & Joe Sachse play the music of Jimi Hendrix (JazzHaus) Coverversions with tuba and guitar - great fun while cleaning the apartment!

"Over and Over" - Wee Willie Walker & The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra" (from: Not in my Lifetime) Long live Southern Soul!

Somehow "if you could read my mind" had been among those songs that accompanied my youth. Johnny Cash covered this great song with a moving version on the fifth album of his American Recording Series. RIP

Massimiliano Rolff - Adventures on Magia (Challenge Records)

Kandace Springs - The Women who raised me (Blue Note)

Rich Perry - Mood (Steeplechase)