Best of 2007.(sound recordings)(Sound recording review)

Ruby Braff and the Flying Pizzarellis, "C'est Magnifique" (Arbors)--Guitars always brought out the best in the cornettist, who died in 2003, and on this, his final studio recording, he was joined by both Bucky and John Pizzarelli. Braff's warm, velvety sound and knack for melodious improvisation are evident throughout the album.

Freddy Cole, "Music Maestro Please" (HighNote)--Cole, the younger brother of Nat (King) Cole, is the most assured of old-school singers, but even he benefits from the expert support of a great piano trio. That is just what Bill Charlap's ensemble delivers, complementing Cole's relaxed swing and heart-on-his-sleeve expressiveness.

Marty Ehrlich and Myra Melford, "Spark" (Palmetto)--On their second duet recording, the new-jazz veterans Ehrlich (on saxophone and clarinet) and Melford (on piano) continue to make beautifully thorny music together. Lyrical, eclectic, and adventurous, "Spark" documents a winning and, one hopes evolving, partnership.

Herbie Hancock, "River: The Joni Letters" (Verve)--Herbie loves Joni Mitchell, but he's also got a soft spot for the saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Both giants get their due on this intriguing and often inspired experiment in recontextualizing Mitchell's work. A guest appearance by Mitchell herself, Hancock's accommodating playing, and Shorter's solos are highlights.

Keith Jarrett/Gary Peacock/Jack DeJohnette, "My Foolish Heart: Live at Montreux" (ECM)--It's the unexpected moments, including delightful romps through Fats Waller's "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Ain't Misbehavin'," that help this 2001 performance stand out from other exceptional Jarrett trio recordings. There are also beautiful takes on ballads, including the title track.

Charles Mingus Sextet, "Cornell 1964" (Blue Note)--It's tough to go wrong when it comes to live recordings of the Mingus ...