I’m one of these people that like to touch and see whatever music I’m playing. So I prefer cd’s and lp’s to downloads. I especially like them when I order them by mail or browse through one of those rapidly dwindling cd and record stores. Others I like to be surprised when I find them in a thrift store.

This week I’m playing a few recent acquisitions.

For me the highlight is a 9 1/2 minute rendition of Autumn Leaves by the great harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielmans, along with piano genius Fred Hersch.

Then there’s the amazing guitar of Wes Montgomery playing Four On Six (how did it get that title anyway?) with the Wynton Kelly Trio.

You’ll also hear John Pizzarelli with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Hank Mobley from Soul Station, Havana’s Roberto Fonseca, and trumpeter Chris Botti with Shawn Colvin,

One other highlight is from an album not yet released….but I’ve ordered my physical copy. In the meantime I had to make do with a download. It’s by pianist Noah Haidu, and it’s his standards trio’s version of A Beautiful Friendship.

Last but not least: two great Canadian cd’s. One is the new Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, The other is the great Edmonton saxophonist PJ Perry playing with legendary drummer Claude Ranger.

Some great music for your late Spring listening pleasure.

And next week: some artists who are touring this summer and will be at the Edmonton Jazz Festival.