Best Albums of 2011: Daniel Levin

JazzWrap revisit a great year of discoveries in 2011.

Daniel Levin (cello)

Inner Landscape (Clean Feed; 2011)

Releasing three records in a year made my decision extremely difficult as to what to choose from cellist, Daniel Levin, growing catalog. But after some intense listening and probably even closing my eyes and pointing, I finally decided on Inner Landscape. A solo work divided into six suites (if you don't mind me calling it that) that are expansive, challenging and entertaining.

Levin's great skill comes in creating a sound that is not only enveloping but it explodes your original theories of what the cello can do. His performances on record and live are beyond both jazz and classical. Inner Landscape is an improvised masterpiece but burst with undulated patterns and themes. You should expect the unexpected when taking this journey. "Landscape 3" might be the only piece that is calming to uninitiated but this is an album that demands you attention to the detail.

Inner Landscape was Daniel Levin's first solo cello album after a series of duos, trios and ensemble sessions. It's great to hear what his world sounds like all on his own.

Best Albums of 2011: Sunna Gunnlaugs

JazzWrap revisits a great year of discoveries in 2011.

Sunna Gunnlaugs (piano)

Long Pair Bond (self produced;2011)

Scott McLemore (drums)

Thorgrimur Jonsson (bass)

On Sunna's seventh album, Long Pair Bond, she really steps into her own. Her language has always been very intimate. But within this trio setting she has writing material that is well suited for the format. There are also a few numbers written by others (including drummer, McLemore).

The intimacy and calm that Long Pair Bond has a chamber like quality to it that could easily be place along side Keith Jarrett or Fred Hersch. But there is also the vitality in her work that shines for me, as evident on "Autumnalia" and an older number "Crab Cannon."

As an independent artist, Gunnalaugs has the liberty of writing, produced and recording when and what she pleases. I think this allows the really artist's personality to shine through. I discussed in our original piece on Long Pair Bond about the unique process on how this record was being produced. It's an interesting venture for musicians who have solid and devoted base. It's not for everyone but it is worth looking at. And in today's music/economic environment, not a bad idea at all.

On the musical side, after continually listens over the last month, I really have to repeat, Long Pair Bond is phenomenal.

Best Albums of 2011: Tomasz Licak & Artur Tuznik

JazzWrap revisits a great year of discoveries in 2011.

Tomasz Licak (sax) & Artur Tuznik (piano)

Quintet (Blackout Music; 2011)

Andreas Lang (bass)

Anders Mogensen (drums)

Tomasz Dabrowski (trumpet)

In a similar fashion to The Fowser/Gillece Quintet, Tomasz Licak and Artur Tuznik debut a new group this year with the simple title, Quintet. It's has all the traditional elements of a modern jazz record but with nice balance of hard bop and a few refreshing breaks in improvisation. Licak's horn is bold and well rounded. While Tuznik adds soft melodies when needed and an almost McCoy Tyner-esque rhythm. 

The group can definitely swing ("Uwaga"), caress a note ("Nardis") and even set the flame ("Hobbit"). Early into the session, "Rainman" provides a nice glimpse into the bond this group have develop as Lang and Mogensen move things along at groovy but sweet pattern. 

The Polish/Danish quintet wrap and number of influences but still come out with something fresh and rewarding. The are American effects at play but Licak and Tuznik are developing their own voice. And that voice should hopefully expand beyond Poland and across Europe and hopefully stateside some time soon. We hope. Read More> Quintet is an excellent contemporary record and real must listen in 2011.


As always, many thanks to Maciej at Polish Jazz blog for turning me on to Licak and Tuznik.

Best Albums of 2011: Behn Gillece & Ken Fowser

JazzWrap revisits a great year of discoveries in 2011.

Ken Fower (sax)

Behn Gillece (vibes)

Duotone (Posi-Tone Records; 2011)

Donald Vega (piano)

Willie Jones (drums)

David Wong (bass)

Of all our favourites we might discussion this week, Ken Fowser and Behn Gillece's Duotone is probably the one album that could be universally accepted by both jazz new comers and hardcore listeners.


Duotone is like a good club night out. It's smokin' at the right moments ("Overcooked" and "Back To Back"), gently ("In Twilight") and even playful ("One For G"). But outside of setting the mood, Gillece and Fowser grown as musicians and writers. The music on their third album is tighter, well balanced and executed brilliantly by everyone in the quintet.

Gillece and Fowser have made a name for themselves in the New York scene by playing frequently at a number of smaller clubs. This is a duo will definitely be around for a while and if you ever wanted a great contemporary hard bop jazz record, you absolutely can't go wrong with Duotone. Check out our full discussion on Duotone from a earlier in the summer.

The following video was done David Rapoport.