Listening suggestions...

Breathtaking pieces, by the very 'special' composer Carlo Gesualdo (1566-1613). He just broke down the barriers of harmony - I can't imagine how those pieces were recieved by the public of the time. In fact it is safe to say now that Gesualdo composed most of his music for himself. I remember asking one of my university teachers if Gesualdo was in control of what he was doing, or if he was just a 'mad scientist' - and he told me: 'You know, Gesualdo was a mad man!' Gesualdo’s

My favorite album from Björk. It skillfully blends electronics and strings, creating a rich and compelling soundscape. The writing and arrangements are consistently strong, drawing on Trip Hop and Drum & Bass, while showcasing Björk’s distinctive voice and melodic sensibility. Some tracks explore particularly intriguing harmonic textures, adding depth and subtle complexity. The string arrangements feel both lush and spacious, evoking an atmosphere that resonates with the vast

My favorite from Yes. I really love Fragile, Close to the Edge and Relayer, but The Yes Album has something unique for me. It's more raw, and naive. It still sounds fresh to my ears, even after all these years. It has an 'indie' sound and feel that I just love. Great playing and arrangements, and of course Jon Anderson's voice is just amazing. According to Steve Howe, who had just joined Yes at that point, this is just before the guys in the band got a bit 'too big for their

A game changer... I think there is a before and an after 'Music for Large & Small Ensembles'. Wonderful tunes and arrangements, and also lots of great solos... There's of course Kenny, but also JT on piano, the wonderful voice of Norma Winstone, Dave Holland, Peter Erskine, John Abercrombie, Stan Sulzmann... A BIG 'must listen'. For me Kenny is the Ennio Morricone of jazz; his compositions are full of melodic and harmonic gems. He created a unique form of modern jazz, that

I remember when I first heard the opening track - 'Three Sheets to the Wind' - I had never heard anybody play like this. It still amazes me. The playing, the writing... The whole musical concept is so singular, and beautiful... Holdsworth was in a world of his own. He didn't like this record very much ( he didn't get along with the producer, Ted Templeman, and he didn't like the final mix ), but I never understood why, it's a wonderful record. Great performances also by Jef

A ' power trio ' playing post punk-prog-rock mixed with jazz and expertimental music... I just love that record. Great rhythm section (Joe Lally & Brendan Canty - ex Fugazi ) that support the guitar explorations of Anthony Pirog. I've been following Anthony since his album Palo Colorado Dream in 2014. He has a refreshing approach; I find his music and playing very inspiring, and he's also a very skillful user of effects pedals. Check out also their second album, ' Anthropoco

I was fortunate to study with Jan at Concordia University. Among many things, he introduced me to the music of Kenny Wheeler (we played a few of Kenny's tunes in the big band). This album is undoubtedly one of my desert-island picks. A mix of jazz improvisation, with classical and meditative passages. Wonderful music. The sound of the piano is just awesome. I always put this album on as everyone settles in before my Musical Stylistic class begins. My favotite tracks on the al

The first album from Wynton, and a favorite of mine. Great energy everywhere on that record. Nice tunes, and really great playing. A modern approach to tradition—deeply rooted in the language of the music while looking forward at the same time. All-star line up of musicians: Kenny Kirkland, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, just to name a few. I was fortunate to study Jazz History at university with Andrew Homzy, an outstanding teacher, and in class we often discusse

I've always been a big fan of Peter Erskine's feel and sound, and his name appears on many albums that I love. This is his first solo effort. Great line up of musicians here: Randy & Mike Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Mike Manieri, Don Grolnick, Kenny Kirkland, Eddie Gomez, Don Alias... Wow! I really listenend a lot to this one. Lots of great playing. My favorite tracks on the album: Leroy Street, E.S.P. & Coyote Blues. J'ai toujours adoré le 'feel' et le son de Peter Erskine. Ceci

Wonderful album, by maestro Paul Motian, both in the sound and in the overall vibe. 3 guitars ( Jacob Bro, Steve Cardenas, Ben Monder ), 2 saxes, plus bass and drums. Classic ECM sound (beautiful...). A repertoire of jazz classics and lovely original tunes. My favorite tracks on the album: Pithecanthropus Erectus, Mesmer & Mumbo Jumbo . Merveilleux album, de maestro Paul Motian, tant par le son que par l’ambiance générale. Trois guitares ( Jacob Bro, Steve Cardenas, Ben Mond

The best Tribal Tech album IMO... Great playing, writing, and arranging by Scott Henderson, and great playing by the whole band also. Electric fusion, but with acoustic piano and percussions, which make the album sound a bit timeless. Some arrangements have a nice Weather Report vibe to them. This is just before Scott went to work for Chick. A good example of an 80's fusion album that aged very well. My favorite tracks on the album: Punkin Head & Big Fun . Le meilleur albu

A hidden gem. A great album, but not that well known, featuring stellar playing by Tom Harrell, Larry Schneider and Gerry Bergonzi. Great compositions and arrangements by pianist Richard Sussman. Great palying also by Mike Richmond (double bass) and Jeff Williams (drums). I play this album to my students when talking about the developpement and evolution of 'modern' jazz. The music draws on a wide range of influences, from free jazz and modal improvisation to fusion-style gro