This one surprised me. I found Chen's previous CD, Incomplete Soul (Sony Music, 2011) an engaging set of sounds, very competently done, with lots of emotion coming through. It seemed a promising introduction to a rising talent. Stranger is a huge step forward. It's got emotion, fire and supreme confidence. And it's got guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel sitting in on three numbers, his sound seamlessly incorporated into Chen's focused artistic vision. One of the requirements for inclusion in the Top CDs list is how often a recording finds its way to the sound system. This one was always there; it's still on the current listening shelf.
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/dan-mcclenaghans-best-releases-…
Search