Trumpeter Malachi Thompson used the unconventional spelling, Jaz, to distinguish real jazz from "smooth jazz". This 1991 recording was one of Thompson's most exciting CDs and features Carter Jefferson, tenor sax; Joe Ford, alto and soprano sax; Kirk Brown, piano; Harrison Bankhead, bass; Nasar Abadey, drums; Richad Lawrence, congas. Perhaps the excitement was a result of Malachi's at the time recent victory over a rare lymphoma cancer? (Previously deleted:7/1/07. Original release date:6/16/92) "The Jaz Life forwards a thoughtful, yet passionate take on the stylistic confluence that makes the '60s such a rich chapter in jazz's trumpet legacy. Hard-bop, soul-jazz, r&b, and modal meditations convivially coexist on this album." - 4 stars Down Beat.