The Jazz Picks
by Brian DiedrickBlossom Dearie
Blossom DearieIf Billie Holiday — the voice of autumn — could make ‘Blue Skies’ sound sorrowful, then Blossom Dearie could probably turn ‘Good Morning Heartache’ into a giddy schoolgirl’s frolic. There’s a reason three of the tracks on the relentlessly sunny chanteuse’s self-titled album contain the word "spring."
Suggested Tracks: ‘They Say It’s Spring’, ‘It Might As Well be Spring’
Koop
Waltz for KoopIs it jazz? Is it electronica? Does it really matter when half the tracks on the album make you lie back, close your eyes, and think of Jean Seberg hurrying across Paris to meet Belmondo? Now that’s the very face of spring.
Suggested Tracks: ‘Waltz for Koop’, ‘Summer Sun’
Sonny Rollins
The BridgeDoes the greatest living saxophone player still slip out to practice on the Williamsburg Bridge like he used to? Strolling across the bridge on a model spring day, it’s easy to imagine he might. When you’re out for a walk this month, try the title track on your iPod.
Suggested Tracks ‘You Do Something to Me’, ‘The Bridge’
Oscar Peterson Trio
Turning an old Rogers and Hammerstein warhorse into a swinging standard is a pretty standard jazz-trade trick. Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, Ed Thigpen’s treatment of the South Pacific potboiler ‘Younger than Springtime’ might well be the how-to manual. From maudlin to carefree in just under six minutes…
Younger Than Springtime (Verve Jazz Masters 16)Ahmad Jamal
Cross Country Tour: 1958-1961
If lugubrious problem drinking is getting to be your favorite spring activity, cut back and try a little light-hearted, happy imbibing. Mr. Jamal’s light touch serves as a nice accompaniment.
Suggested Tracks ‘The Party’s Over’, ‘Poinciana’
