New Jazz Adds – 10/2/2017
New Jazz Adds – 10/2/2017
Jeff Bradfield – Birdhoused (Cellar Live): Jeff Bradfield is an accomplished composer and tenor saxophonist who has recorded on numerous recordings, including six as a leader. He wrote five of the nine cuts on this disc and is supported by Marquis Hill (trumpet), Joel Adams (trombone), Nick Mazzarrella (alto sax), Clark Somme’s (bass) and Dana Hall (drums, percussion). This is a live performance with a bop foundation, strong horns and nice flow. Click here to listen to a sample of the title song on this disc.
Francesco Buzzurro & Richard Smith – Heart Of The Emigrants (Self-produced): This guitar duo features Francesco Buzzurro playing classical and nylon string arch top guitar and Richard Smith playing Paul Reed Smith electric lightly amplified. They composed the bulk of the songs on this disc and cover Bo Merrill’s “Mambo Italiano”, John Newton’s “Amazing Grace” and Lennon/McCartney’s “Day Tripper”. The sound is lovely throughout and the variety of styles is very appealing. Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.
Bill Charlap Trio – Uptown Downtown (Impulse): Pianist Bill Charlap presents his fantastically beautiful piano skills on this collection of nine jazz and pop standards, including Gerry Mulligan’s “Curtains”, Rodgers and Hart’s “There’s A Small Hotel”, Ellington, Mills and Parish’s “Sophisticated Lady”and a beautiful version of Stephen Sondheim’s “Uptown, Downtown”. His touch is a gentle as a breeze and at other times wonderfully jaunty. Charlap is supported by Peter Washington (bass) and Kenny Washington (drums) and they suit his style magnificently. The sound is always wonderful and Charlap’s touch and style is unique. Click here to listen to his jaunty side on “Uptown, Downtown”.
Chicago Afrobeat Project – What Goes Up (Self-produced): Fifteen years ago “…a group of Chicago musicians sharing a common interest in West African rhythms met to jam in a West side artist loft on Chicago’s Lake Street. Quickly they realized that mixing Afrobeat with Chicago house, indie rock, hip-hop, or jazz opened new avenues for experimentation.” (http://chicagoafrobeatproject.com/) Since that time, the group has released four discs and formed a partnership with drummer Tony Allen. Musicians include Kevin Ford (keys, synths), David Clines (guitar), Garrick Smith (bari sax), Angelo Garcia (tenor sax), Danjuma Gaskin (percussion), Xavier Galdon (trombone), Parris Fleming (trumpet), Geoff Shell and Luc Parcell trading off on bass, and vocalists Akenya Noname, Chance the Rapper), JC Brooks, Kiara Lanier, Legit (aka Chance the Rapper), Ugochi, Oranmiyan and Rico Sisney/Maggie Vagle (Sidewalk Chalk). Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Bill Cunliffe – BACHanalia (Metro): Pianist Bill Cunliffe has taken a fresh look at jazz interpretations of classical music and it is an exciting and inviting program. The pieces presented are “Solfeggietto” (CPE Bach), “Sleepers Wake” and “Goldberg Contraption” (JS Bach); and “Piano Concerto No. 3, 1st Movement” (Prokofiev); some popular classics: “Blame It On My Youth” (Levant-Heyman); “The Three-Cornered Hat” (Manuel de Falla); and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” (Porter). There’s also a Cunliffe original. In addition to Cunliff (piano), the shifting set of players include Bob McChesney, Ido Meshulam and Andy Martin (trombone), Denise Donatelli (vocals), Bob Sheppard (soprano sax), Rob Lockart and Jeff Elwood (tenor sax), Larry Koonse (guitar), Joe La Barbera (drums), Alex Frank (bass), and Terrell Stafford and John Papenbrook (trumpet). Everything is transformed and compellingly rich. Click here and scroll down to listen to the songs on this disc.
Bob Ferrel’s Jazztopian Dream – Bob Ferrel’s Jazztopian Dream (Self-produced): Veteran trombonist Bob Ferrel has played in the Duke Ellington Orchestra under Mercer Ellington for 40 years. He has also performed with Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson and Johnny Hartman among others. This disc appears to be his first as a leader and includes vocals and instrumentals such as oldies like “My Secret Love” and “Don’t Go To Strangers”, blues like “Every Day I Have The Blues”, Charlie Parker’s “Yardbird Suite”, McCoy Tyner’s “Inner Glimpse” and an original by Ferrel himself entitled “Soul Bop”. Musicians include Vinnie Cutro and and Rob Henke (trumpet); Joe Ford (alto sax); Frank Elmo (alto, tenor sax); Roy Nicolosi (alto, tenor, bari sax, trumpet); Sharp Radway and Hector davila (piano); Daryl Johns and Ruben Rodriguez (bass); Steve Johns (drums); Frank Valdes (Latin percussion) and vocalist Dwight West. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Julian Gerstin Sextet – The One Who Makes You Happy (Self-produced): Percussionist/composer Julian Gertin is a forty year veteran specializing in music of the Caribbean mixed with jazz and a “taste” the music of the Balkans. He has performed in may other musical styles as well, but this disc represents his personal center. Gerstin composed all of the set on this disc and is joined in performance by Anna Patton (clarinet), Don Anderson (trumpet, flugelhorn), Eugene Uman (piano, kord keyboard), Wes Brown (bass), and Ben James (drums). The Caribbean style is central but it is significantly tempered by the jazz influence. This is the sextet’s first release. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on the disc.
Tom Harrell – Moving Picture (HighNote): Tom Harrell (trumpet, flugelhorn, composer) has slimmed down to a quartet on this set which, of course, gives him plenty of soloing space to the delight of the listener. His tone is often mellow and enticing. He is accompanied by Danny Grissett (piano), Gonna Okegwo (bass) and Adam Cruz (drums), making for a smoothly flowing quartet and disc. The interaction between Harrell and Grissett is especially nice on “Vibrer”, a flowing and melodic rhythm piece. All ten pieces were composed by Harrell as well. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Bruce Harris – Beginnings (Positone): “One of the five young jazz players you should know.” Wynton Marsalis (Ebony Magazine). Harris was blown away by the trumpet playing he heard in Spike Lee’s “Mo’ Better Blues”, performed by Terence Blanchard for Denzel Washington who starred in the film. The variety on this disc is terrific. Harris composed three selections and also plays compositions from Harold Arlen, Horace Silver, Bud Powell and Prince. The players include Dmitry Baevsky (alto sax), Frank Basile (bari sax), Andy Farber, Grant Stewart and Jerry Weldon (tenor sax), Michael Weiss (piano), Clovis Nicolas (bass) and Pete van Nostrand (drums), with the sax players shifting in and out from one section to another. That adds really nice variety to the disc. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Hazelrigg Brothers – Songs We Like (Self-produced): The Hazelrigg Brothers, George on piano and Geoff on bass, are actually a trio with the support of John O’Reilly Jr (drums). The brothers explain that they developed through the classical tradition but have sought a different mode of expression. Songs We Like is exactly that: two classical pieces and seven rock songs performed in a style that is unique. Each number is given a complete reimagining by the trio, who will often introduce a new song at a rehearsal or gig. “We start playing the song by what we can remember of it, without really analyzing it,” says Geoff. “Later, we will determine what parts we got wrong and make adjustments. We continuously make improvements, so they’re always in an evolutionary state. This way, we don’t get caught up in the details; we foster the essence of the tune without dwelling on the style points.” (http://hazelriggbrothers.com/wp/) The rock songs include Jethro Tull’s “Living In The Past”, Jimi Hendrix’ “If 6 Was 9”, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant’s “Ten Years Gone” and “What Is And What Should Never Be”, as well as Bartok’s “Evening In The Country”, among others. The results are quite unique: listening before reading the jacket, I found that I was hearing “new” songs, but noticed that there were familiar segments that were both familiar yet transformed in a compelling manner. The music is beautiful and very cool. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of songs on this disc.
Fred Hersch – (open book) (Palmetto): This is pianist Fred Hersch’s fourteenth release, most of which have been solo performances. Three of the seven songs here are originals and the remaining four were composed by Benny Golson, A.C. Jobim, Thelonious Monk and Sadik Hakim and Billy Joel. Hersch describes his art: “I have been playing jazz for more than forty years. Today, I find that the best state of mind to be in when I sit down at the piano is “let’s see what happens”. I have discovered that jazz is not nearly as much about playing what you know, but musically going to those places you have never been before.” His results are exquisite. Hersch’s students have included Brad Mehldau and Ethan Iverson. Jason Moran describes Hersch: “Fred at the piano is like LeBron James on the basketball court. He’s perfection.” Fans of great piano should search for this release immediately! Click here to listen to the longest and most adventurous track on this disc.
Lauren Kinhan – A Sleepin’ Bee (Dotted i): Vocalist Lauren Kinhan offers a tribute to Nancy Wilson, inspired in particular by Wilson’s collaboration with Cannonball Adderley in 1961. Kinhan has several discs to her credit and is noted as a jazz singer and improviser, but on this release she honors the singer while demonstrating her own vocal style. The songs range from George Shearing and Milt Raskin’s “Let’s Live Again” and Mel Torme and Robert Wells’ “Born To Be Blue” to Buddy Johnson’s “Save Your Love For Me” and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Happy Talk”. Kinhan’s style is unique. Instrumental support is provided by Andy Ezrin (piano), Matt Penman (bass), Jared Schonig (drums) and Ingrid Jensen (trumpet). Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
The Dave Kline Band – Shifting Borders (Self-produced): The Dave Kline Band is based in Washington, DC. Electric and acoustic violinist and acoustic guitarist Dave Kline is the leader with Fernando Mojica (electric and acoustic guitar) and Jon Laine (drums, percussion) completing the group. This disc also features guest performers Cheikh Ndoye (electric NYBW bass, piccolo bass), Dan Paul (keys), Lynn Veronneau (vocals) and Emmanuel Trifilio (bandonean). They are a world/fusion band which plays on the level of such older fusion groups as Mahavishnu Orchestra. There is power and fury and beauty across the disc. An absolute must for anyone who enjoys world fusion music. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Wynton Marsalis / Jazz At The Lincoln Center Orchestra – Handful Of Keys (Blue Engine): These recordings are drawn from the 2016-17 Concert Season of the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. They cover songs composed as early as 1927 (“Jingles” – James P. Johnson) and Benny Carter’s 1931 arrangement of “All Of Me” to compositions by McCoy Tyler, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson and Wynton Kelly and beyond. The Orchestra celebrates “100 years of Jazz” and features pianists Joey Alexander (13 years old!), Helen Sung, Isaish J. Thompson, Myra Melford, and 89 year old Dick Hyman! The Orchestra itself features Sherman Irby, Ted Nash, Victor Goines, Walter Blanding and Paul Nedzella (reeds); Kenny Rampton, Marcus Printup, Wynton Marsalis and Greg Gilbert (trumpets); Vincent Gardner, Chris Crenshaw and Elliot Mason (trombones); and Dan Nimmer (piano), Carlos Henriquez (bass) and Ali Jackson (drums). Amazing throughout! Click here and scroll down to listen to samples from this disc.
Josh Nelson – The Sky Remains (Origin): This disc is composer/piano/keyboard player/singer Josh Nelson’s second release as a leader and it is his ode to Los Angeles – it’s hard times, it’s good times, it’s diverse and eclectic architectural styles, the Tiki connection, and the fantastic parks. Nelson wrote or co-wrote all but three of the songs on the disc. Participating musicians are Anthony Wilson (guitar, vocal); Kathleen Grace and Lillian Sengpiehl (vocals); Josh Johnson (alto sax, flute); Chris Lawrence (trumpet, flugelhorn); Brian Walsh (B-flat and bass clarinet); Larry Goldings (B3); Alex Boneham (bass); Dan Schnelle (drums); and Aaron Safety (percussion). It’s a love letter of sorts, but also unveils sad or tragic moments as well. Click here to listen to a sample from the disc.
Johnny O’Neal – In The Moment (Smoke Sessions): Pianist/singer/composer Johnny O’Neal has been performing a variety of jazz styles for 40+ years. He plays piano on all but one song and he sings that song (Trav’lin’ Light”). He composed five of the cuts, including a wonderful tribute entitled “Sweet Monk”. Supporting musicians include Ben Rubens (bass) and Itay Morchi (drums) with Roy Hargrove (trumpet on five songs) and Grant Stewart (tenor sax on four). O’Neal has a light melodically spoken vocal technique and has great facility on the keys. Click here for an introduction to the disc by Johnny O’Neal.
Mario Pavone / Dialect Trio – Chrome (Playscape Recordings): Veteran bassist/composer Mario Pavone has been playing on the edge of bop and mainstream jazz for most of his career. He has played with Paul Bley, Bill Dixon, and Thomas Chapin and co-led ensembles with Anthony Braxton, Wadada Leo Smith, Marty Ehrlich, and Michael Musillami. His current group features Matt Mitchell (piano) and Tyshawn Sorey (drums) and he wrote or co-write all of the songs on this disc. There are some very lovely inside passages in this set, but he still makes frequent moves toward the edge melodically and rhythmically. It’s edgy but not difficult music. I regret I am unable to find any samples from this disc.
Kermit Ruffins & Irvin Mayfield – A Beautiful World (Basin Street): Nobody knows how to electrify the dancing and partying instinct like New Orleans musicians! It only takes a matter of seconds to fire up the second line stepping and inspiring your funkiness. This sampler certainly illustrates that reality. Led by Kermit Ruffins (trumpet, vocals) and Irvin Mayfield (trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals, keys) and a host of New Orleans’ finest, including Cyril Neville (vocals), George Porter Jr (bass), Jason Marsalis (keys, percussion, vocal), an appearance by the Rebirth Brass Band, John Boutte and Wendell Pierce (vocals) and many more too numerous to list here, the listener is captured and celebration is underway in mere seconds. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of some of the songs on this disc.
Leon Russell – On A Distant Shore (Palmetto): Leon Russell died 10 months ago after a recording and performing career that began in 1959. This disc contains three remakes of older songs and thirteen previously unrecorded originals. Several of the songs are given a lush musical background which Russell loved despite the relative dissonance between his craggy voice and lush backgrounds. Musicians backing Russell are Sugaree Noel Bridges, Coco Bridges and Mark Lambert (backing vocals); Larry Hall and Tony Harrell (keys); Gregg Morrow (drums); Drew Lambert, Mike Brignardello (bass); Andre Reiss, Chris Leuzinger, Mark Lambert, and Larry Hall (guitar) with Ray Goren on “Black and White”; Russ Pahl (steel guitar); and Russell on keys, bass, vocals. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
The Jim Self / John Chiodini Duo – Floating In Winter (Basset Hound Music): Jim Self (tuba, fluba) and John Chiodini (guitars) offer their duets of various pop, Latin, and jazz songs. The set also includes one original composition by each of the performers. It’s a mellow and melodious affair throughout. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Woody Shaw & Louis Hayes – The Tour, Volume Two (HighNote): This disc is a recording of live performances in Germany and Austria in March and April, 1976. In addition to Woody Shaw (trumpet) and Louis Haynes (drums), the group included Ronnie Matthews (piano), Stafford James (piano) and Junior Cook (tenor sax), who is replaced by Rene McLean on “Some Other Blues” and was recorded in Munich. The group is in terrific form and glides along with swing and fire. The remainder of the songs on this set are “All The Things You Are”, “Night In Tunisia”, “‘Round Midnight”, “Invitation” and “What’s New”. A solid set in all respects. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Joe Smith & The Spicy Pickles – Gin & Moonlight (Cuttin’) : Joe Smith and company bring back the rag and swing eras with a dozen jivin’ tunes that include compositions by WC Handy; Irving Mills, Eddie DeLange and Will Hudson and Count Basie as well as new tunes from Smith and others that will domino some hep cats and bluesers’ acts as well. In addition to Smith (trumpet, vocals), the players include Decker Babcock (trombone); Andrew Vogt (tenor, bari sax, clarinet); James Isaac (tenor, bari sax); Greg Ruby (guitar); Braxton Kahn (drums); Gary Sloan (bass); Jeff Barnhart (piano); and Jessy Carolina (vocals), with cameos by Cara Griffith (vocal on “Lullabye Of The Leaves”) and Luke Smith (guitar on two songs). Click here and scroll down to listen to the songs on this disc.
Kopasetically,
Professor Bebop
