Jaiman Crunk - Encounters (2012)

With a vast line-up of some of the greatest names in jazz performing a diverse and ambitious set of original compositions, composer and guitarist Jaiman Crunk presents an auspicious debut recording. Tied together by Crunk's compositions, his choice to have, for instance, multiple bass players - including Ron Carter, John Patitucci, and Buster Williams - had less to do with star power and solo voices, but more how they would shape each piece they performed on. Even with the brilliant and distinctive voices of Randy Brecker, Ernie Watts, Wallace Roney, Andy Narell, Take 6, and musicians from the Seattle Symphony, Crunk has managed to weave them seamlessly into what is ultimately, a very personal statement.