Luke Judge

• Originally published September 7, 2010 at 9:32 a.m., updated September 7, 2010 at 10:36 a.m.

The most anticipated recordings in the fall jazz season:

Danilo Perez: “Providencia” (Mack Ave-nue Records; newly released). The great Panamanian pianist, who long has based his career in the United States, partners with an international cast in his debut on Mack Avenue Records.

Vijay Iyer: “Solo” (ACT Music; newly released). Pianist Iyer galvanized listeners with his two previous ensemble recordings: “Histo-ricity” (2009) and “Tragicomic” (2008). This time, he ventures into the treacherous solo arena.

Chucho Valdes: “Chucho’s Steps” (Four Quarters Entertainment; newly released). A virtuoso of the highest order, Valdes leads his Afro-Cuban Messengers in paying homage to everyone from Jelly Roll Morton to Joe Zawinul to the Marsalis family.

Miles Davis: “The Genius of Miles Davis” (Sony; Sept. 14). At $1,199.99, this boxed set of 43 discs will be of interest to the most hardcore (and deep-pocketed) Davis fans.

Geof Bradfield: “African Flowers” Suite (Origin Records; Sept. 21). The saxophonist toured Africa in pianist Ryan Cohan’s band and articulates the experience in this extended work.

Greg Ward: “South Side Story” (19/8 Records; Sept. 28). Former Chicago saxophonist-composer Ward makes his recording debut as bandleader, with Fitted Shards ensemble.

Rudresh Mahanthappa: “Apex” (Pi Recordings; Sept. 28). In the last few years, Mahanthappa has achieved breakthroughs in applying South Indian cultural traditions to jazz (or vice versa). For this release, the alto saxophonist has gathered several formidable players, most notably alto saxophonist Bunky Green, plus pianist Jason Moran, bassist Francois Moutin and drummers Jack DeJohnette and Damion Reid.

Frank Sinatra: “Concert Collection” (Shout! Factory; Nov. 2). This seven-DVD set will include classic shows, aired from the 1950s to the ’80s, and never-before-released performances. Among the gems: the “A Man and His Music” series (with guests Ella Fitzgerald and Antonio Carlos Jobim) and “Sinatra: The Main Event.”

Cassandra Wilson: “Silver Pony” (Blue Note Records; Nov. 9). She’s arguably the world’s leading jazz vocalist – as well as one of the most original. For her newest recording, Wilson alternates standards such as “Lover Come Back to Me” and “St. James Infirmary” with originals such as “A Night in Seville” and “Silver Moon.” Guest artists include rapper Common and singer-songwriter John Legend.

(c) 2010, Chicago Tribune.

Visit the Chicago Tribune on the Internet at chicagotribune.com/.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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africa Teams alto saxophonist, jason moran, joe zawinul, mack avenue, marsalis family, vijay iyer

Civilians were caught up in the cross-fire during Thursday’s fighting

Clashes between Somali government forces and Islamist militants have killed at least 28 people and wounded about 60 in the capital Mogadishu.

The fighting appears to be the start of a government offensive using troops trained in Ethiopia, analysts say.

The government controls only a few parts of the country.

Backed by African Union troops, it is trying to quash al-Shabab – an al-Qaeda-inspired group that control much of southern Somalia.

As well as Ethiopia – which officially withdrew from Somalia’s conflict in early 2009 – Uganda is also believed to be training Somali soldiers ahead of the current offensive.

Meanwhile, the US – a key ally – has provided funding and logistical support.

Premature celebration?

Reports suggest the operation has been successful in taking back key districts in the north of Mogadishu – near the presidential palace – from the militants. However many civilians are thought to be among the dead.

“The Somali government forces advanced on the terrorists’ strongholds,” a government official told AFP on Thursday.

“They took control of several neighbourhoods which had been held by the rebels… There are several bodies strewn across the streets,” said the official, Colonel Ahmed Ibrahim.

The operation marks a reversal of fortunes for the transitional government of President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, says BBC Africa analyst Richard Hamilton.

But he adds that it is too early for the government to celebrate, as Somalia is still in effect a failed state. It has not had a functioning administration since 1991.

Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes in two decades of conflict that has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.

Al-Shabab and other Islamist insurgents have imposed a strict form of Sharia, or Islamic law, in areas they control.

africa Teams somali government, southern somalia