Topical: No less than 12 hours ago, I picked up an old record of Miles Davis' "Birth of the Cool". I have yet to re-install my combination record/cassette tape/cd player to give it a listen, but I will you my opinions of it in short order and a recommendation to be aware of the classic album, if warranted. (I think I'll love it, but that has yet to be determined)
I also like Brubeck's Quartet, so I guess you need no comments on his
Time Out work.
I recently come across a sort of new jazz/otaku sound by this underground band recalling works by the honored composer/producer Yoko Kanno. I have found Japanese-revivalist Jazzists to be very critical of their take on the subject, most meticulous yet conscious enough to produce such beautifully-orchestrated works. Beside that digression, this hip-hop group looks to recreate that sound for this generation to appreciate.
Rayzd: Just Fade Away
http://cdbaby.com/cd/rayzd2 (you can preview the entire cd in its entirety by choosing the playlists to the right for dial-up or broadband)