Putumayo Presents: Jazz Around the World CD

By, Varios Jazz may have been born in the United States, but it didn't take long for it to find its way to every corner of the globe, and for remarkable artists to emanate from dozens of other nations. Too bad they're not here, on Putumayo's well-intentioned but ultimately disappointing collection. Jazz Around the World can't hope to be the definitive statement on contemporary international jazz at only 11 tracks, and it doesn't cover nearly enough geography (no Asian artists are represented). More to the point, though, its idea of jazz is a music that never quite swings, has never heard of bop or anything since, and aims more at the dinner-music set than serious jazz fans. Africa claims four of the 11 tracks collected here, among them "Open the Door," by the CD's most prominent artist, Hugh Masekela. Teaming up with vocalist Malaika, Masekela slips into an easy funk groove, and while his trumpet solo never really catches fire, it's a strong and sensual one. The Kora Jazz Trio combines