NEW FEATURE:
NO ONE ASKED MY OPINION, BUT…
By George W. Harris

I came up with a group of subjective lists of various categories that I think you will find fun, interesting, and infuriating. Take it in the spirit in which it is given.

First category”

NOLAN RYAN AWARD:

Jazz Musicians who seem to get better every year. The ones that are diseased played fantastically until they took their last breath.

1. Mark Murphy-his last few ballad albums are exquisite in their agony
2. Mel Torme-the fog got thicker every season
3. Tony Bennett-takes awhile to get going, but once there, he’s the best
4. David “Fathead” Newman-His last few discs are unbelievable, as were his gigs
5. Dave Brubeck-his touch is as delicate as Rubenstein’s on his latest discs
6. Sonny Rollins-does anyone roar any better?
7. Chico Hamilton-he’s putting out a ton of great stuff in his 80s.
8. Roy Haynes-what is it with octogenarian drummers?
9. Benny Carter-tone on trumpet and alto were perfect during his last gig in LA
10. Ahmad Jamal-unbelievable 50 years after “Poinciana.”
11. Hank Jones-putting out more stuff now than ever, and his disc with Gambarini is a classic
12. Frank Foster-winner of the Ben Webster award for best tone. Two great discs with Jones the past couple of years that blows away everyone under 70.