BET On Jazz Presents
Jazz Now
(NARM – 2001)
by Sidney Bechet-Mandela
There are 14 very obvious reasons why this disc should be in the library of all of our readers, but besides 14 great tracks, the bare bone price of this compilation, which samples some of the hottest new jazz albums, is almost ridiculous. This is a sampler that doesn’t discriminate, straight-ahead jazz, vocal music, smooth jazz and contemporary jazz are all represented. There are even some adventurers, like drummer Leon Parker and pianist Uli Lenz, both of whom some may consider on the edge of the avant-garde.
Vocally, Flora Purim and Jane Monheit are the highlights, while guitar lovers will love the tracks by Pat Martino and banjo player Bela Fleck. And three of the most intense of the young sax stars, Chris Potter, T.K. Blue and Eric Alexander also contribute a hot track from each of their new albums.