The hidden pleasures of 2007: jazz, anyone?

And no, we’re not just talking about any number of archive-dredging reissues that happen every year -- though many of these can be welcome. Jazz as a whole is still alive and moving forward in the 21st century; it just takes a little more digging to find the evidence. The double album from Ken Vandermark’s grimy and bass-heavy new project Powerhouse Sound was one of the top releases of the year, featuring contributions from Tortoise’s John Herndon and Jeff Parker on compositions dedicated to such non-typical luminaries as Hank Shocklee and the Stooges. Also keep an eye out for His Name Is Alive’s gorgeous and contemplative tribute to saxophonist Marion Brown, “Sweet Earth Flower,” a shocking contrast to singer-songwriter Warn Defever’s usual slowcore-leaning fare, with a little help from members of Nomo. Both are great ways to expand one’s listening palette, and all without ever getting caught in a "quiet storm, soft and warm." --Chris Barton