Bud Powell shines on this nice set of his original compositions from a single recording session in 1958. His sound is unique and he lays back on the tempo, giving ample time to show off his talented rhythm section. His improvisational chops are amazing and so are his compositional abilities.

Grade: A-.

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A magnificent compilation packed full of some of the greatest names in jazz history, this set of classic recordings from the early 60s pays tribute to the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, the father of the bossa nova. Every song here is a beautiful revelation, perfectly played by incredible talent.

Grade: A+.

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This soundtrack for a documentary about a cappella vocal groups has a few tracks from choice artists, like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Persuasions, Take 6, True Image and the Mint Juleps. Some of the tunes have limited appeal, but most of them are nice renditions of unaccompanied blues and soul.

Grade: B-.

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Hassan, a Muslim student, is arrested and tortured by the CIA. After he’s released, he joins a group who are plotting to attack Grand Central Station with suicide bombers. This controversial picture is heart-stoppingly realistic and both an indictment of the American government and the lure of religious fundamentalism.

Grade: B+.

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Imelda Staunton plays a working class British woman who is incredibly sweet to everyone around her and has a secret life as an amateur abortionist. Her incredibly fluent and absolutely believable acting performance resulted in an Oscar nomination. A solid script and good supporting players make this an excellent rental.

Grade: B.

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John Coltrane leads two quintets in this compilation from a pair of recording sessions in the late 50s, joined by personnel like Freddie Hubbard, Red Garland, Wilbur Harden, and others. The four tracks here are enjoyable hard bop renditions of standards, featuring great solos and ensemble chemistry from all the musicians.

Grade: B+.

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This reissue of a 1959 album entitled East of the Sun features a tight, mellow quartet helmed by Paul Desmond’s unmistakable alto saxophone. Jim Hall joins in on guitar, along with a talented rhythm section anchored by Percy Heath and Connie Kay. Beautiful renditions of familiar standards make this unforgettable.

Grade: A-.

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James Franco portrays the iconic James Dean in a Golden Globe-winning performance in this made-for-television biopic. A talented cast of character actors brings this turmoiled story to life. The script is very well-written and the picture lends greater understanding of a tragically short-lived movie star.

Grade: B+.

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The legendary Tito Puente fronts a talented Latin jazz band in this wonderfully enjoyable set of tunes from various sources. The mambo feel permeates every track, the solo work by the horn players and percussionists alike is superb, and the tropical rhythms make this album a pleasurable head-nodding experience.

Grade: A.

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Lee Morgan joins forces with Joe Henderson, Billy Higgins, Ronnie Mathews, and Victor Sproles on this fine date from the mid-60s. The music is good, as one might expect, and the musicians play well off each other. While satisfying, there are more important sides from both Morgan and Henderson.

Grade: B.

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