January 1, 2008 - As the year 2007 draws to an end it is time for a quick look back through my eyes and ears at my favorite Cds, and as with any year there have been some surprises as well as disappointments too. It has been a year that saw some major names pass on through the portal we call life to their next callings, names such as Michael Brecker, Oscar Peterson, Joe Zawinal, Max Roach, Bill Perry and legendary Jazz Producer Joel Dorn have all left us but not without leaving indelible impressions that we can only hope will leave a mark on the following generations of Jazz artists and fans. Now with 2008 upon us, we can look forward to new product from Steely Dan, Fourplay, Michael McDonald, Kenny G, Marcus Miller, Pat Metheny and possibly a new George Duke. 2007 has also seen major changes in the way we purchase and listen to our music and where we do so. It is much easier for those in non-urban areas to use the internet to purchase their favorite artists new Cds or download to their Ipod, as the local music store down the street has had to close plus the cost of gas is too high to afford a trip to the metro for that new music. Most chain store music departments do not even have a jazz section. Artists such as The Eagles, Loverboy, Collective Soul and Kenny G have signed with Wal-Mart, Target or Starbucks to release their new music bypassing the industry greed that was all too commonly found. Other groups have lost their label contracts and have no way of getting quality new tunes to the masses. Yes the music industry has changed and will have to continue to do so to meet the demands of listeners' like you and me. So here are my top 10 of 2007, and note not all titles are Jazz, because as the late Michael Brecker put it Rock Music is not the enemy but a viable musical option. As with any year-end list they are to showcase to those whom may not have heard the product while at the same time these discs found favorable repeated airplays and personal plays.

10. Eagles "Long Road Out Of Eden"
Expectations were extremely high for this release and I was only mildly impressed with disc 1, however disc 2 blew me away with the kind of writing I had hoped for from Henley, Frey, Walsh and Schmidt. Epic lyrical content dealing with heartache, egos, politics and human suffering plus vocal harmonies worthy of any of their previous studio albums made for an intense listening experience.

9. Spyro Gyra "Good To Go-Go"
Jay Beckenstein and band members' 26th studio release is a re-energized and more focused studio release than their last few releases. Always a knockout on the live stage they have captured that essence with island grooves, tasty saxophone and catchy guitar riffs that will leave you longing for that next summer vacation.

8. Saga "10,000 Days"
Legendary Canadian melodic rockers mark their 30th year (or 10,000 days) as a group with the final release featuring vocalist Michael Sadler. The disc is filled with Saga's trademark interplay between guitarist Ian Crichton and keyboardist Jim Gilmour and is a fitting end to Sadlers' tenure with the group, and to a band that never sold out and remained true to its' progrock fans.

7. Christ Botti "Italia"
One of the premiere trumpet players returns with a disc filled with surprises and memorable songs. Passion abounds in the country of Italy, and ably assisted by stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole and the late Dean Martin the Cd is passion filled art and some excellent ear candy for late night rendezvous' on a quiet Italian bistro.

6. Queen Latifah "Trav'lin Light"
As talented as Queen Latifah is on the big screen she may be even more impressive here on this superb showcase of tunes. Exercising vocal talents that will leave a lasting impression she moves effortlessly through selections of Blues, Broadway, Jazz and even Bossa Nova. Drawing on influences from Roberta Flack, Phoebe Snow and Ella Fitzgerald her performances are touching, classy, soulful….and lasting.

5. Rush "Snakes and Ladders"
I have always been a Rush fan and with their latest release they once again showcase what power rock trios are all about. Geddy, Alex and Neil's' music will last the ages.

4. Brian Hughes "Live"
Guitar virtuoso Brian Hughes takes time from his busy schedule to release his first live CD and the result is magnificent. Choosing tracks from 5 of his 6 studio releases the show is vibrant, intimate, soulful and passionate. The notes flow effortlessly and vibes of Montgomery, Benson and Metheny remind us of just how good Brian truly is at his art. We are eagerly awaiting a new studio release.

3. Pat Metheny / Brad Mehldau "Quartet"
You would expect and hope for greatness from two of the biggest names in Jazz today and on Quartet they deliver. Exacting solos and complimentary fills make for some atmospheric music that ranges from New Age to Contemporary to Classic Jazz and will be remembered by fans of both artists for a long time.

2. Keiko Matsui "Moyo"
The exquisite pianist Keiko Matsui delivers a Cd of pure emotive art. Highlighted by the track "When I Close My Eyes" which may be the Contemporary Jazz track of the year, the music is personal, precise, delicate and demanding of the listener. A Cd that works for any age or gender and will leave you fulfilled and grateful for the talents of this extremely tasteful Japanese composer and artist.

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