Album Review: THE VERY BEST OF CONCORD JAZZ by Various Artists
Released in 2012, The Very Best of Concord Jazz is a delightful compilation that showcases the rich tapestry of jazz from Europe under the Concord Music Group label. It’s not just another "best of" collection; it feels more like an invitation to rediscover what makes jazz timeless. The album spans decades of talent and brings together some standout performances, though it occasionally stumbles into overly familiar territory.
One track that sticks with you is “So Danco Samba,” performed by Eliane Elias. This piece grabs your attention right away—not because it reinvents the wheel but because Elias’ piano work flows so effortlessly. Her touch on the keys dances between playful and deeply soulful, making it impossible not to tap your foot or hum along. You can almost picture her sitting at the piano, completely lost in the moment. It’s one of those tracks where you think, “Yeah, this is why people fall in love with jazz.”
Another gem is “Cantaloupe Island” by Dianne Reeves. If there’s one word for this rendition, it’s smooth—but not in a boring way. Reeves’ voice glides over the rhythm section like butter melting on warm bread (excuse the cheesy metaphor). What stands out here isn’t just her vocal prowess but how she plays with timing, stretching notes just enough to keep things interesting. By the end, you’re left wondering if she somehow bottled up all the cool vibes and poured them into this recording.
Sure, the album has its moments where it leans a bit too heavily on nostalgia, but let’s be real—it’s hard not to enjoy these songs when they’re done this well. Listening through, you get the sense that Concord wasn’t trying to reinvent jazz here—they were celebrating it. And honestly? That’s perfectly okay.
Here’s the thing about compilations like this: they remind us that jazz isn’t just music—it’s conversation, emotion, and history rolled into one. As much as I wanted to critique something harshly, I found myself hitting replay instead. Maybe that says more about me than the album, but hey, good art does that sometimes. Now excuse me while I go listen to “So Danco Samba” again—this time with better speakers.
