Three modern jazz stars team up to deliver a great live tribute to both Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Herbie Hancock locks it down with his phenomenal piano playing, Michael Brecker displays true virtuosity with every solo (especially on Naima), and Roy Hargrove shows his own mastery with solid chops.

Grade: A.

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Woody Allen wrote and directed this wonderfully nuanced drama about a guy who finds himself in a rich family and falls for his brother-in-law’s fiancée. With Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Brian Cox, Scarlett Johansson, and Emily Mortimer starring, this picture was well-acted, engaging, and full of unexpected twists.

Grade: A-.

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This sequel to the classic science fiction thriller of the late 60s resolves the story of the space ship Discovery. The acting was decent, but the cinematography wasn’t great compared to other movies of the mid-80s. The ending seemed tacked on, but the rest of the drama was exciting.

Grade: B-.

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Roy Hargrove fronts his quintet in this live album. Most of the tunes are the original compositions of members of the ensemble, with a smattering of standards thrown in. The solo work here is solid, with lots of enjoyable interplay between Hargrove, Ron Blake (tenor saxophone), and Cyrus Chestnut (piano).

Grade: B.

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Bill Evans welcomes Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh to this session that features a couple of obscure songs and four familiar standards. The saxophonists show off their cool jazz chops and Bill Evans shines along with them. This beautiful album is always enjoyable and treats us to three bonus takes.

Grade: A-.

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This collection of standards was released 20 years after it was recorded. Chet Baker plays with a small group of musicians, welcomes vocalist Rachel Gould, and sings a version of the title track. This mellow set is relaxed and beautiful and the excellent playing makes this one well worth multiple listens.

Grade: B+.

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This unexpectedly entertaining documentary follows crossword editors and constructors through the building process of the New York Times crossword puzzles, shows us an obscure tournament full of hyper-intelligent people, and introduces us to celebrities who live for these puzzles. Full of clever humor, this is engaging and educational fun.

Grade: B+.

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Wallace Roney leads a talented group of musicians in a solid collection of standards. The solo work is pretty good and the tunes are choice. Mulgrew Miller, Gary Thomas, and Charnett Moffett lend their considerable talent. This is a good showcase of the talent of the young lions of jazz.

Grade: A-.

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Meryl Streep picks up a well-deserved Oscar nomination in this Australian crime drama about the disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain. Meryl plays the bereaved mother with her husband (Sam Neill) at her side. Streep’s acting was memorable, but the rest of the performances seem very amateurish and difficult to believe.

Grade: B-.

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Gerry Mulligan leads a large group in a revisit of Miles Davis’ groundbreaking Birth of the Cool, with mostly different stars and all the same charts. The tracks are longer and the musicians get more time to solo. With great substitutes and the original players, this is a great tribute.

Grade: A.

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