take5

Miles Smiles is one of those records that totally changed me, made me "understand." One can write a PhD thesis on William's non-time in-time drumming alone. Simply breathtaking. The "2nd quintet" was a firestorm of innovation.

Cassandra Wilson is great. No, not a pure jazz singer, but sure makes great music. Lizz Wright is the most impressive young jazz singer I've heard. She does lots of original songs and a smokin' version of Afro Blue. She comes from a gospel tradition so her voice is powerful, but real warm, too. Her fist album, Salt, is great. I also saw her this past weekend and she cooked!