Art Blakey - Kyoto (1964)

Art Blakey - Kyoto (1964)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 210MB

OJC

Allmusic:
Reissued on Fantasy's OJC series, this album finds Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers paying tribute to Japan (where they had toured to great acclaim) on two selections, featuring Art Blakey's cousin as a vocalist on "Wellington's Blues" (a real rarity in The Jazz Messengers' discography) and debuting Curtis Fuller's "The High Priest." With trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, tenorman Wayne Shorter and trombonist Fuller in fine form, this is one of literally dozens of recommended Jazz Messengers recordings.

Tracks
-1. "The High Priest" - Fuller - 5:55
-2. "Never Never Land" - Comden, Green, Styne - 5:50
-3. "Wellington's Blues" - Blakey - 5:03
-4. "Nihon Bashi" - Watanabe - 8:30
-5. "Kyoto" - Hubbard - 7:03

Personnel
* Bass – Reggie Workman
* Drums – Art Blakey
* Piano – Cedar Walton
* Tenor Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
* Trombone – Curtis Fuller
* Trumpet – Freddie Hubbard
* Vocals – Wellington Blakey (tracks: 3)

sample & buy: Kyoto

London, Sklamberg, Caine - Nigunim (1998)

London, Sklamberg, Caine - Nigunim (1998)

jazz, avantgarde, klezmer | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 285MB

Savoy

Allmusic:
An excellent album of nigunim -- Hasidic melodies traditionally composed by Jewish spiritual leaders for Sabbath and holidays -- from the Gerer, Lubavitch, and Belzer (all European) traditions. The musicians here are not only klezmer revivalists, but also accomplished jazz and classical musicians. The trio consists of trumpeter Frank London, pianist Uri Caine, and the classic Hasidic stylings of vocalist Lorin Sklamberg, with a guest appearance by organist Brian Mitchell, and all present add keyboard work at some point on harmonium, Fender Rhodes, etc. Nigunim opens with "Eyli Ato," a nostalgic, classically sung rendition of a melody composed by an Alter Lubavitcher Rebbe (a Lubavitch Elder Rabbi) for singing Psalms 118:28. Other tunes from the Lubavitch tradition: the longing-filled, nearly melancholic "Esn Est Zikh," during which Uri Caine's piano at times brings to mind Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata"; and "Tsomo Lekho Nafshi," which opens with a warm trumpet solo filled with promise for the song that's about to unfold, after which the piano and accordion come in with a simple looping melody as London uses his mute, the piano solos over the top, then Sklamberg belts out in Middle Eastern-like bending moans. The "Gerer Medley" is a festive and upbeat tune composed for the meal following the Havdalah, or night service marking the end of Sabbath. Nigunim have long drawn from secular, as well as religious, sources, incorporating them into the Jewish tradition by giving them distinctly Jewish musical traits. Thus, the soul gospel stylings of the closing track, "Tayere Brider," during which Mitchell adds the anointed handclaps of his Hammond B-3. Nigunim is an excellent album for those who already know and own nigunim recordings, and for those who don't yet, but are open to enjoying incredible Jewish music from inspired musicians.

Tracks
-01. "Eyli Ato" - 3:59
-02. "Belzer Medley" - 6:14
-03. "Mipney Ma / Peysakh Nign" - 6:24
-04. "Gerer Medley" - 5:19
-05. "Esn Est Zikh" - 3:38
-06. "Nign Leshabes Veyontev" - 9:23
-07. "Tsomo Lekho Nafshi" - 7:09
-08. "Zkhor Dovor" - 3:04
-09. "Avrom Ben Shmuel" - 4:40
-10. "Tayere Brider" - 4:14

Personnel
* Frank London - Trumpet, Harmonium, Organ, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes]
* Uri Caine - Piano, Harmonium, Organ [Hammond B3], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes]
* Lorin Sklamberg - vocals, accordion, harmonium

sample & buy: Nigunim

Roy Haynes with Booker Evin - Cracklin' (1963)

Roy Haynes with Booker Evin - Cracklin' (1963)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 255MB

OJC

Allmusic:
Most of drummer Roy Haynes' dates as a leader put the focus on a star soloist. For this CD reissue, Haynes is joined by pianist Ronnie Mathews, bassist Larry Ridley, and the great tenor Booker Ervin. Ervin's unique sound, soulful yet very advanced, is well showcased on "Under Paris Skies" and originals by Mathews, Haynes, and Randy Weston ("Sketch of Melba"), along with his own "Scoochie."

Tracks
-1. "Scoochie" - 5:49
-2. "Dorian" - 6:45
-3. "Sketch of Melba" - 7:35
-4. "Honeydew" - 3:42
-5. "Under Paris Skies" - 7:36
-6. "Bad News Blues" - 6:50
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on April 10, 1963. Originally released on Prestige/New Jazz (8286). Includes liner notes by Ira Gitler.

Personnel
* Roy Haynes (drums)
* Booker Ervin (tenor saxophone)
* Ronnie Mathews (piano)
* Larry Ridley (bass)

sample & buy: Cracklin

Bill Frisell - Sign Of Life: Music For 858 Quartet (2011)

Bill Frisell - Sign Of Life: Music For 858 Quartet (2011)

jazz, avantgarde | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 285MB

Savoy

Allmusic:
After a five-year hiatus, Bill Frisell's 858 Quartet recorded their second offering. Their elliptical debut, Richter 858, was produced by poet David Breskin (who also helmed the sessions for Nels Cline's Dirty Baby), and accompanied an exhibition by German artist Gerhard Richter. The music on Sign of Life: Music for 858 Quartet was loosely composed by Frisell, and took shape in group rehearsals. 858's other members include violinist Jenny Scheinman, violist Eyvind Kang, and cellist Hank Roberts. Recorded at Fantasy Studios in San Francisco and produced by Lee Townsend, the 17 selections on this set feel very organic. The album opens with Americana-tinged themes in the two-part "It's a Long Story" that nod to country, folk, and even Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" in its melody. "Old Times" hints at bluegrass, blues, and ragtime, but because of the complex interplay between the four players, reaches far past them into a music that is 858's own. "Friend of Mine" is another two-part tune; that said, where a pastoral theme is suggested in part one, a more mischievous one responds in the second some eight tracks later. Elsewhere, improvised classical motifs, jazz modes, and folk and other roots musics shimmer through these compositions, sometimes simultaneously and often spontaneously. The haunted yet restrained "Painter," which clocks in at under two minutes, is a modal sketch immediately followed by an equally brief, slightly dissonant pointillistic exercise in counterpoint called "Teacher." "All the People, All the Time" returns to more accessible and resonant territory but, as gentle as it is, it's full of quiet surprises and unexpected twists. For all of its space and economical phrasing, "Village" is downright cartoon spooky, and "Suitcase in My Hand," which jaunts along in a striding, near reel, is transformed by Scheinman playing country-style fiddle, though the rhythmic signature never changes. "Sixty Four," with its pulsing time and repetitive, slightly shifting harmonic line, feels -- but not quite sounds -- like something Philip Glass might have written if he had a sense of humor, and is the only place on the record where Frisell lets somewhat ragged sonic edges into his playing. Sign of Life is a curious, quirky, and deceptively low-key affair that is musically labyrinthine and ambitious; it's full of gorgeous spaces, textures, utterly instinctive interplay, and unexpected delight.

Tracks
-01. "I'ts a Long Story, Pt. 1" - 2:40
-02. "Old Times" - 4:59
-03. "Sign of Life" - 2:49
-04. "Friend of Mine, Pt. 1" - 5:48
-05. "Wonderland" - 3:18
-06. "It's a Long Story, Pt. 2" - 6:32
-07. "Mother Daughter" - 2:20
-08. "Youngster" - 3:01
-09. "Recollection" - 2:54
-10. "Suitcase in My Hand" - 2:22
-11. "Sixty Four" - 3:52
-12. "Friend of Mine, Pt. 2" - 1:49
-13. "Painter" - 1:14
-14. "Teacher" - 1:28
-15. "All the People, All the Time" - 2:05
-16. "Village" - 4:20
-17. "As It Should Be" - 1:52
all compositions by Bill Frisell

Personnel
Bill Frisell: - guitar
Jenny Scheinman - violin
Eyvind Kang -  viola
Hank Roberts - cello

sample & buy: Sign Of Life, Music For 858 Quartet

John Surman - Free and Equal (2001)

John Surman - Free and Equal (2001)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 355MB

ECM 2003

Allmusic:
Free and Equal finds its place somewhere between John Surman's past collaborations with Jack DeJohnette and his Brass Project with composer Peter Warren. Less atmospheric than the duos with the drummer and less jazzy than the latter, it still bears the inimitable stamp of the British reed player. It harks back to his pastoral and even medieval leanings and his arranging skills certainly capture the spotlight, his lyrical and often fragile compositions soaring with incredible grace. Compared to his Warren collaboration, Surman chooses a different approach, since his brass section is not comprised of seasoned jazz musicians. London Brass are primarily a classical chamber music ensemble, although some of the group's members clearly show an understanding of the jazz idiom and improvisation. As a result, the leader goes for a more collective and cohesive sound. The brass ensemble often serves the same purpose as a choir, and Surman's beautiful voicings for its various sections surely benefit from that. DeJohnette appears comfortable in this setting. He is allowed on some occasions to turn up the heat, although his main role remains as a colorist. Ultimately, the album does a fine job of documenting another facet of Surman's writing for brass instruments and provides for a beautiful aural experience.

Tracks
-1. "Preamble" - 4:11
-2. "Groundwork" - 9:33
-3. "Sea Change" - 10:14
-4. "Back and Forth" - 11:51
-5. "Fire" - 6:47
-6. "Debased Line" - 5:02
-7. "In the Shadow" - 6:56
-8. "Free and Equal" - 8:47
-9. "Epilogue" - 3:42
All compositions by John Surman
Recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, London in June 2001.

Personnel
* John Surman — soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass clarinet
* Jack DeJohnette — drums, piano
* London Brass — trumpet, flugelhorn, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba

sample & buy: Free and Equal

James Moody - Return From Overbrook (1956 & 58)

James Moody - Return From Overbrook  (1956 & 58)

Last Train from Overbrook (1958) & Flute 'n the Blues (1956)

jazz | 2lp on 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 310MB

Chess GRD-810

Allmusic:
Two of James Moody's better albums from the 1950's are reissued in full on this single Chess CD: Last Train From Overbrook and Flute 'N The Blues. The former session features Moody (on tenor, alto and flute) backed by ten horns and a four-piece rhythm section on a variety of strong straightahead material (including the title cut, "What's New," "Tico-Tico" and "The Moody One") while the latter is a septet outing that also has solos by trumpeter Johnny Coles, trombonist William Shepherd and baritonist Pee Wee Moore along with three memorable vocals from Eddie Jefferson. Recommended.

Tracks
-01. "Last Train from Overbrook" - Moody - 3:03
-02. "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" - Bloom, Koehler - 2:31
-03. "Why Don't You?" - Pate - 2:23
-04. "I'm Free (A.K.A. What's New?)" - Haggart - 3:28
-05. "Tico-Tico" - Abreu, Drake, Oliveira - 1:41
-06. "There She Goes" - Gilmore, Moody - 2:22
-07. "All the Things You Are" - Hammerstein, Kern - 2:05
-08. "Brother Yusef" - Pate - 3:07
-09. "Yvonne" - Pate - 3:41
-10. "The Moody One" - Pate - 3:26
-11. "Flute 'n the Blues" - Boyd, Moody - 4:06
-12. "Birdland Story" - Jefferson, Moody - 2:31
-13. "It Could Happen to You" - Burke, VanHeusen - 2:41
-14. "I Cover the Waterfront" - Green, Heyman - 2:42
-15. "Body and Soul" - Eyton, Green, Heyman, Sour - 4:22
-16. "Breaking the Blues" - Acea - 3:19
-17. "Parker's Mood" - Jefferson, Parker - 3:21
-18. "Easy Living" - Rainger, Robin - 3:51
-19. "Boo's Tune" - Pleasant - 3:43
-20. "Richard's Blues" - Moody, Newboldt, Torres - 4:38

sample & buy: Return From Overbrook

Hampton Hawes - I'm All Smiles (1966)

Hampton Hawes - I'm All Smiles (1966)

jazz | 1cd | eac-flac-cue-log-cover | 255MB

OJC

Allmusic:
Pianist Hampton Hawes led a trio during the 1960s and '70s that remained popular without compromising its sound or musical integrity. His phrasing and voicings could entice or amaze, and he displays great range, rhythmic vitality, and harmonic excellence during the five selections featured on this 1966 live date now reissued on CD. Hawes moves from the Afro-Latin feel of "Manha de Carnaval" to the brilliant chordal exposition on "Spring Is Here" and "The Shadow of Your Smile," before concluding with a flourish on "Searchin." Hawes is backed by wonderful bassist Red Mitchell and steady drummer Donald Bailey, who had both been with him for over a decade. They are not just a cohesive unit, but an intuitive team, maintaining a communication with him that is amazing even within a genre that demands it.

Tracks
-1. "I'm All Smiles" - Leonard, Martin - 7:25
-2. "Manha de Carnaval" - Bonfa, Maria - 5:25
-3. "Spring Is Here" - Hart, Rodgers - 5:04
-4. "The Shadow of Your Smile" - Mandel, Webster - 9:55
-5. "Searchin'" - Collins, Hawes, Leiber, Stoller… - 10:22

Personnel
* Hampton Hawes - piano
* Red Mitchell - bass
* Donald Bayley - drums

sample & buy: I'm All Smiles