Best jazz either purchased or released in 2001

As good as The Water is Wide is, and it is, Hyperion For Higgins refuses to take a back seat, particularly after repeated listenings. This is a fabulous CD, especially given the songs are ostensibly outtakes from the "Water" sessions. An oldie that's new to me and ranks as my best purchase for 2001 is Leroy Vinnegar "Walking The Basses". The thing smokes. Danke JT. The title escapes me, but the new Eric Reed is frighteningly good, right out of the gate. Biggest surprise of the year.

IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT (FACD 006)
A tribute to Julie Lodon, features Doreen Smith(vocal)

This from a small canadian label, probably one of my reference CD due to the quality of the recording. Excellent jazz and just a perfect soft cd that "layers" the instruments...

Highly recommended !
http://www.fidelioaudio.com/en/eprod.htm

I third Blues dream. In fcat the new one by Bill Frisell is also equally or better: 'Bill Frisell with Dave Holland and elvin jones' . This is off the subject but Bob Dylan's new Love and theft is really good. I refused to stop inbetween. I heard Cyprus Chestnuts new at Tower listening station and that thing Rocks. Have to pick it up.

Cacahito for Latin jazz and Philadelphia Experiement for some funk, and the Hawk in Hi Fi for classic.

Thanks, everyone, for your excellent and wide-ranging responses. So far, I've used up BOTH my gift certificates. I got about 13 of the recommendations I received here. So far, without having listened to them all, I esp. love Charles Lloyd, someone I had never heard of before; Joey Baron (GREAT!!); John Scofield; Dave Holland; Oscar Peterson meets Ben Webster; Charlie Hayden; and David Murray. Each of these discs bears repeated listening. I'm really enjoying each one! Yesterday (Sunday) was a great day for jazz listening and I got through about 9 of the CDs I've recently purchased. Again, thanks to all who responded w/such thoughtful recommendations.