Wonderful!

By far the best jazz album of the year, the Deep Blue Organ Trio pays tribute to Stevie Wonder with, Wonderful! (Origin Records). A jazz perspective on the soul-pop legend, this is no smooth elevator jazz record. Its organ filled brilliance and over all maturity is a radiant homage done very tastefully. It would be absurd to even consider another Wonder tribute to take place when this one takes the cake. The cuts such as "Tell Me Something Good" and "Golden Lady" are accessible and improvised at their highest regard. "My Cheri Amour", perhaps the most popular track on the album, is done at a slower tempo while keeping in touch with its romantic nature. The performances on Wonderful! live up to its title and is a great expression from the jazz world that the importance of Stevie Wonder, who was more of a pop icon, made quite an impression and impact.