BEST CDs. BEST RECORDINGS: JAZZ                                                                               By Maximillien de Lafayette, Syndicated Columnist

 And it is so evident in the way she composes, performs, teaches and talks about jazz. For Bailey, a person needs to know his or her history, and nothing in life comes from nothing. Sheryl explains that when we  understand how jazz was created, developed and  has evolved sentimentally, socially, melodically, rhythmically, musically, harmonically, politically and spiritually, we began to feel and sense the immense beauty and wealth of this great American musical heritage. And those guitarists who love jazz, their  playing will take on a new musical wealth, richness and inner beauty. If you want to excel, to become one with jazz and to master  jazz guitar,  you got to learn from this genius diva. Get her books. Read them. And to add an extra dimension to your learning, buy her CDs too. You will have the complete picture. "BULL'S EYES" is a gem. A masterpiece. A monumental musical creativity. No jazz library, discotheque or collection is complete without it. Buy it. You will treasure it for years to come. And if you believe in immortality, this CD will be your music companion for centuries. Maestra Bailey, you are the best. Two thumbs up!

Photo: Richard Bona Band: Richard Bona, Gilmar Gomes and Sheryl Bailey 2004.
 

Photo: Sheryl with Guitar Builder,
Rick McCurdy presenting her with  "A NEW GUITAR!"

POP MUSIC

JANN ARDEN Love Is The Only Soldier (Universal) Jann Arden's seventh album, self-produced and recorded in her basement, is an attractive showcase of the best the Calgary-bred singer has to offer. The songs, mining variations on a light-pop vein, are solidly crafted and tastefully arranged. And a handful of them, including "Four Feet Deep" and the title track, are not only commercially viable enough to merit radio consideration but are better than most of the middlebrow fodder that makes it on to the airwaves. Most consistently impressive is Arden's versatile singing. Whether whispery ("When You Left Me") or fraught with yearning ("Ruby Red"), her voice always carries the ring of conviction.-Vit Wagner