Sarantis Thano

From one of the most nominated, most in demand artists and winner of 'Best New Artist' 2010 American Contemporary Jazz Awards, comes this revealing portrait of a young lady that has captured the attention and imaginations of fans and critics alike. With three nods, Best New Artist, Best Female Artist, Best Brass Player at this year's Contemporary Jazz Awards the accolades continue. Painted with a broad musical brush, Unscripted'doesn t play by the rules and captures the essence of the deep connection she has with her instrument as she delivers a scintillating palate of moods and flavors worthy a feast for the ears, yet one which will move the heart.

NBA star Wayman Tisdale is nearly as imposing a figure on bass as he is on the basketball court, popping and slapping out driving funk grooves with muscle, and hitting the holes and soloing with grace and creativity. These talents are in evidence on In the Zone (MoJazz 314530696; 67:30), but in the context of overly glossy, mostly boring compositions ranging from cold and electronic (“These Feelings”) to slowed-to-a-standstill dull (a would-be boudoir take on Seals & Crofts’ “Summer Breeze”). There are some notable departures from the formula funk-lite, however, like “Washington High,” which gets its spark and punch from underlying Hammond B3 and Tisdale’s bass leads. Another highlight, the acoustic-textured “No Me Without You” is Zone’s sparsest arrangement, giving Tisdale a chance to sing out in resonant bass tones.