Pat Metheny Jazz Piano Solos

The two bassists, possessing very different playing styles, would create a unique character for the record-a strong, rich and aggressive patina, seldom heard elsewhere. Recorded in 2009, in Athens and Connecticut, the CD brings together many of Greece's finest jazz and classical musicians-including alto saxophonist Takis Paterelis and trombonist Antonis Andreou-while starring such international heavyweights as drummer Dave Weckl, guitarist Frank Gambale, keyboardist Mitch Forman and saxophonist Tony Lakatos.

Dave Holland's quintets and big bands have set a new high standard for modern mainstream and progressive jazz since the late '90s. While not a new assertion, and considering his entire body of work, Holland has time and time again proven his compositional theorems as valid, accessible, ever interesting, and especially memorable. Using a sextet, upright bassist Holland sets the bar even higher, adding the always tasteful pianist Mulgrew Miller and a four-horn front line that is relentless. This group continues to define jazz perfectly in the 21st century.

Lyle Mays' second solo album ventures even further afield than his acclaimed first record, into areas not associated with Mays nor his employer Pat Metheny. This time, the personnel list is far more varied, with several guest luminaries from the world of jazz-rock, as well as a big band and full chamber orchestra on some selections. Again, the main thrust of the album is bound up in a lengthy suite with new age atmospheric elements, juxtaposing fleet Brazilian grooves with a chamber orchestra, voluble Mays piano solos, and electronic interpolations by Mays and Frisell reminiscent of early classical electronic music.

Over the course of his career – from his run with the Brecker Brothers to various stints as a hired gun for everyone from Gil Evans and David Sanborn to Miles Davis – Hiram Bullock has earned a reputation as a bona fide guitar hero. Known best as a giant of jazz fusion, Bullock has been developing his skills as a songwriter all along. "Too Funky 2 Ignore" demonstrates just how accomplished he has become at the craft. Features special guests Randy Brecker, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Will Lee and other favorites

On Sanctuary drummer/composer Matt Slocum unleashes lovely, inspiring missives that could compel you to imagine a world in which peace, kindness and solace prevail – his music comes from an unsullied place, where the music is all that matters. And, he has a sound! An inviting, burnished sound as pure and effervescent as water streaming from high peaks that reveals itself as much through his compositional output as it does through his choices behind the drums.