We’ve just learned that Jazzman, the leading jazz publication in France, has named Dave Douglas’ Meaning & Mystery the “2006 Jazz Album of the Year.” WOW! Another reason to love France. As if great wine weren’t enough. But seriously, this is a wonderful honor for Dave, his Quintet and Greenleaf Music. We might have seen it coming when back in July five of the magazine’s reviewers gave the album a “CHOC” designation in their initial reviews. “CHOC” is the highest possible rating Jazzman gives out. 5 “CHOC” reviews at one time has never happened before in the magazine’s history.

Congratulations to Dave, Donny, Clarence, Uri and James.