Shades of Jade

'Shades of Jade', a mature jazz album, with a classic, timeless feel, makes sense of the range of Marc Johnson's many musical experiences, and stresses his compositional skills. It also features one of the most melodically inventive pianists of modern jazz in the shape of Eliane Elias, this CD's other primary composer. Restlessly-inventive drummer Joey Baron rounds out the core trio; tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano adds his own inimitable shading and solos of profundity, and guitarist John Scofield, always an exciting player, renews acquaintances 20 years after recording on Johnson's classic, 'Bass Desires'.

Several standout tracks make 'Shades of Jade' one of the better ECM recordings of this year - easily up there with Manu Katche's excellent 'Neighbourhood' and the last couple of Tord Gustavsen Trio discs.