Marcus Printup, Emil Viklický Trio, Jazz na HradÄ• (Jazz at Prague Castle) (Multisonic). Trumpeter Printup spent a substantial part of the year touring Europe with pianist Viklický’s impressive group. They reached a peak of intensity in this concert introduced by Czech President Vaclav Klaus. Printup, Viklický, the astonishing bassist FrantiÅ¡ek UhlÃÅ™ and drummer Laco Tropp shine in extended performances of four Viklický compositions plus “Dolphin Dance” and “Body and Soul.”
Jon Hamar, Hereafter (Jon Hamar). Authority, power and lyricism from an impressive young bassist, with John Hansen and Dawn Clement sharing piano duties, Jon Wikan and Byron Vannoy alternating on drums. The CD includes John Lennon’s “Julia,” nicely arranged by Clement, and Astor Piazolla’s “Todo Fue,” but Hamar’s compositions predominate. It requires clarity of conception and execution to successfully open an album with an unaccompanied bass solo. Hamar has both. He gets your attention and keeps it.
Alexander String Quartet, Fragments, vol. 2: Shostakovich Quartets 8-15 (Foghorn Classics). In these demanding, rewarding last quartets by the Russian genius, the Alexanders exercise their considerable virtuosity without wearing technique on their sleeves. The flow and passion of their interpretations put this collection on a level with the best performances of what may well prove to be Shostakovich’s most enduring music.