"Narratives" named #1 Top Jazz Album of 2011 by The Redwood Jazz Alliance

1. Narratives - Steven Lugerner Septet (self-released) —  The other half of the double-album debut by this talented young multi-reedist,These Are the Words, features some stellar sidemen (Darren Johnston, Myra Melford, Matt Wilson) playing knotty compositions that draw from the Torah. We like this half even better. With his working septet of Brooklyn-based up-and-comers, Lugerner weaves a tapestry of deep introspection and soaring lyricism. An outstanding debut.

2. Perpetual Motion - Donny McCaslin (Greenleaf Music)

3. When the Heart Emerges Glistening - Ambrose Akinmusire (Blue Note)

4. Action-Refraction - Ben Allison (Palmetto)

5. Black Lace Freudian Slip - Rene Marie (Motéma Music)

6. Aurora*,* Verneri Pohjola (ACT Music)

7. 40 Acres and a Burro, Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra (Zoho Music)

8. Lake Superior, Tunnel Six (OA2)

9. Milestone, Adam Cruz (Sunnyside)

10. Graylen Epicenter,David Binney (Mythology)

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