Keith Jarrett: Whisper Not (ECM, 2CDs)
One of the great jazz trios captured live in Paris last year, playing with irresistible warmth, excitement and lyric imagination. This is Jarrett with bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette in the familiar but still unjaded - at least in their hands - standards territory. Sublime performances include a euphorically grooving What Is This Thing Called Love, superbly rethought interpretations of Strayhorn's impressionistic Chelsea Bridge and Monk's equally atmospheric Round Midnight, exhilarating romps on Groovin' High, Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams, Conception and the latin Poinciana, all underlining the trio's awesome range and command. One of the records of the year.
John Wadham: Drums And Friends (Livia)
First time on CD for the only album Wadham made as leader is a reminder of how good a drummer he is and how fresh his collaborations with Louis Stewart and the brilliant flautist, Brian Dunning, remain 22 years on. Four tracks feature Wadham with Dunning and bassist Frank Hess - the occasional uncertainties of the bass line faze neither - two more are duos with Stewart, with drums and guitar joined by bassist Martin Walshe for a further track. It's the material with Stewart that stands out; an absorbingly inventive free piece and striking forays on Lazy After- noon and Footprints are gorgeous examples of the great guitarist's art, with Wadham impeccably supportive.