Chris Minh Doky, LETTERS

[Sam Sherry]

Just got Letters off EMusic. It's a 1991 album with Chris playing and writing, brother Niels on piano, Randy Brecker, Adam Nussbaum and more.

Very tasty, commercial modern jazz in the better sense of the word -- not "smooth", definitely in the jazz tradition but acknowledging that the 70s and 80s actually did occur and produced valuable developments in that tradition. If (like me) you like Brian Bromberg's acoustic discs but (unlike me) you think he's a little over-the-top you might find a home here.

[DownLow]

Thank you for the reccomendation. It's really a shame he doesn't get more run in the US. His playing is incredible and I love his recorded sound as well.

I have heard his album "Listen Up" and really like a lot of it. Trouble is, I look around online to buy more of his works, most are imports, and sometimes tough to get.

I think I understand what you mean by "commercial jazz -- not smooth" and the comparison to Bromberg's acoustic discs is fair.

When I listen to Chris Minh Doky or Bromberg it can sometimes be a bit too "processed" for my ear. Too "studio"? Too "perfect"? Not sure what the right term is, but I like to hear some frayed edges in my jazz. It reminds me that it's being played by human beings that are pushing their boundaries.

Anyway, the musicianship is incredible and I'm going to check out Letters. I went out to Chris's Myspace page and listened to some selections from his 2007 disc Nomad Diaries. There's a techno vibe to it, but give it a chance. There are some cool tracks there.

[Chad Michael]

I am surprised that there is only one thread about this guy. His intonation, tone, and taste are wonderful.