Bob Mintzer / Canyon Cove
Premier tenor saxophonist's latest studio recording is a swinging and sophisticated organ trio outing with Peter Erskine (ds) and Larry Goldings (Hammond B-3)! Released by Teruo Nakamura's Cheetah Records. (Rec. 2009)

Lisa Wahlandt / Stay A While
German jazz singer's first CD from the esteemed Enja Records is full of surprising jazz treatments of rock and pop tunes including "Kiss" (Prince) and "Light My Fire" (The Doors). Tastefully backed by Trio ELF led by pianist Walter Lang! (Rec. 2009)

Gary Burton & Makoto Ozone / Virtuosi [SHM-CD]
Superior-sounding SHM-CD reissue of an important duo album which was nominated for the 2002 GRAMMY Best Classical Crossover Album! Vibraphonist Burton and pianist Ozone interpret classical music pieces with flair and imagination! (Rec. 2001)

Natsuki Kido & Daisuke Suzuki - The Duo / Seasons
An unlikely acoustic guitar duo of Japanese jazz and classical guitarists takes you to a journey through the four seasons, performing well-known songs and attractive originals. A beautiful album especially for fans of acoustic guitars! (Rec. 2009)

Jack Lee & Bob James / Botero
East and West meets Fourplay! Korean guitarst Jack Lee and American superstar keyboardist create a wonderful fusion of sophisticated and urban, contemporary jazz! With Nathan East (b) and Lewis Pragasam (ds). (Rec. 2009)

Erena Terakubo / North Bird
Swing Journal Gold Disc! A stunning debut CD of a 17-years-old Japanese alto saxophonist, recorded in New York with Kenny Barron (p), Christian McBride (b), Lee Pearson (ds) and Peter Bernstein (g). This is by far the best new-release jazz CD I've heard so far in 2010!! (Rec. 2010)