New Jazz Adds – 12/11/2018
New Jazz Adds – 12/11/2018
Ethan Ardelli – The Island Of Form (Toronto Arts Foundation): This is the first release as a leader for drummer / composer Ethan Ardelli. After finishing his degree from University of Toronto, he began his career and so was playing with jazz greats like Dewey Redman, Mark Turner, Mark Feldman, Jeremy Pelt, George Mraz, Mulgrew Miller and Greg Osby. He formed his own quartet in 2014 and this is his first release as a leader. The members of his quartet are Luis Deniz (alto sax), Chris Donnelly (piano) and Devon Henderson (bass). Ardelli composed all of the music for this release. Several of songs are somewhat free jazz, but not intensely so. The performances are engaging and often quite beautiful. Check it out for yourself. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Bill Banfield’s Imagine Orchestra – Imagine That (Jazz Urbane Recordings): Composer/arranger/multi-instrumentalist Bill Banfield has created a wonderful unit of players to bring his arrangements to life. The songs include such well known classics as “Summertime”, “My Funny Valentine”, “Seven Steps To Heaven” and “Come Sunday” and there are also several originals. This project used two orchestra’s, but I will not list the players because of space. This is a wonderful and fresh sounding recording. Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.
Pat Bianchi – In The Moment (Savant): Organist Pat Bianchi trained at Berklee School of Music (piano and organ) and eventually studied under Joey DeFrancesco. Though he began his career as a pianist, he eventually shifted to organ full time. He joined Lou Donaldson’s group in 2009. Since that time he has also played with Pat Martino and recorded six discs at a leader in his own right. Bianchi plays two originals on this disc and covers music spanning from Monk, Wayne Shorter and Chick Corea and others with his trio, featuring Paul Bollenback (guitar) and Byron Landham (drums) and special guests Peter Bernstein (guitar, 1 song), Carmen Intorre Jr (drums, 4 songs), Joe Locke (vibes, 3 songs), Kevin Mahogany (vocal, 1 song) and Pat Martino (guitar, 1 song). There is a lot of variety on this disc and the blend of guitars with the organ is particularly dynamic. Bianchi’s expansion of Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” is especially terrific. Click here and scroll down to listen to clips of the songs on this disc.
David Friesen – My Faith, My Life (Origin): Composer/bassist/pianist David Friesen has long been recognized as an outstanding jazz performer: “Once in a great while, a musician emerges with such authority and such seemingly effortless originality that his place in the front ranks of his instrument is unquestioned.” (Nat Hentoff; http://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82768). This new set will certainly re-affirm that comment. On disc one, Friesen proves the point in a stunning solo performance on bass. Disc 2 has him at the grand piano with an equally stunning set of sixteen originals for piano. Click here to listen to a sample of a song on each disc.
Giacomo Gates – G8S (9th Note): This most recent release from Giacomo Gates seems to be a mini offering of four songs: one original, “A Different Thing”; a nice scat/vocalese version of “Come Along With Me”; Gates’ remake of Louis Jordan’s “Hungry Man”, and the closer which truly represents his style and attitude, “Why Try To Change me Now”. He is certainly trying to keep this style alive! Click here to listen to samples of these songs.
Jack Gates – Ocean Blues (WhiteGates): Jack Gates is a guitarist, songwriter and arranger who has released eight discs during his career. He lives in Northern California and also teaches guitar. Gates has dedicated his playing to acoustic guitar and he plays beautifully. He has several accompanists on this disc, including Alan Hall (drums), Dan Feiszli (acoustic, electric bass), Sheldon Brown (alto sax, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute), Jeff Cressman (trombone) and Erik Jekabson (trumpet, flugelhorn). Jekabson also co-composed four songs with Gates. The variety of players bring wonderful freshness to the disc. Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.
Lauren Henderson – Riptide (Brontosaurus): “Lauren Henderson is a jazz, Latin jazz, soul and fusion vocalist. A recording artist and composer from Massachusetts, Henderson’s Caribbean and Latin Heritage are central themes in her original music….Lauren’s eclectic vocal influences spread across genres. Her Afro-Latin influence aids her in producing a distinct yet versatile sound. Lauren’s diverse musical background is rooted in jazz and has been influenced by artists like Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, Anita O’Day, Chris Connor, Julie London, Sarah Vaughan, Astrud Gilberto, Omara Portuondo, and many others.” (https://www.laurenhendersonmusic.com/about.html) Henderson is accompanied by Chris Pattishall (piano, Rhodes, Wurlitzer, synthesizer, mellotron), Eric England (bass) and Joe Saylor (drums, percussion). All songs on this disc are originals. Be prepared to fall under her spell. The performances are thoroughly tantalizing. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Matt Kane – The Other Side Of The Story (Bounce Step): Drummer/composer Matt Kane offers his fourth release and it is his first release with all original material. Kane lists his heroes and influences as “Herbie Hancock and Pat Metheny, but also hip-hop pioneers Rakim and Tribe called Quest, Brazilian masters Milton Nascimento and Toninho Horta, R&B great Stevie Wonder, and African trailblazer Fela Kuti.” (https://www.mattkanemusic.com/bio.html) At the same time, he sets his sights on creating his own music representing now. In addition to playing drums and composing, Kane also plays guitar. The other players are Vic Juris (acoustic & electric guitar), Peter Schlamb (vibes), Klaus Mueller (piano, Fender Rhodes) and Mark Peterson (bass). The sound certainly shows connections to Hancock and Metheny, but it is also quite fresh. If the style appeals to you, do not miss this disc! Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Sheila Landis & Rick Matle – Walkin’ After Midnight (SheLan): Vocalist /songwriter /arranger / percussionist / kazoo player Sheila Landis and joined forces with Rick Matle (guitar, bass) in 1990 and they have released several discs since that time. This disc includes five studio recordings including an original Landis-Matle composition entitled “Something Wonderful” and their wonderful treatment of a poem by Maya Angelou, entitled “Phenomenal Woman (Inner Mystery)”, as well as an unusual treatment of “Walking After Midnight” and familiar takes of Louis Jordan’s “Knock Me A Kiss” and Duke Ellington’s “I Ain’t Got Nothin’ But The Blues”. The second half of the disc is live and covers Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing”, an interesting take on “Fever”, and a terrific performance of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing”. She also a created a“sound-word collage” entitled “Jimi Poem: Bold As Love”. Landis closes with another original entitled “Kazoo Who?”. This is an infectious collection that dares to take risks to honor the music. Landis and Matle reach out into the hip zone to bring us a new appreciation of the material and the gift that is jazz. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Joe Locke – Subtle Disguise (Origin): “For several years now vibraphonist/composer/bandleader Joe Locke has had two musical purposes: one, to speak in a vernacular which reaches people, and two, to continue challenging himself as a player, writer and arranger.” (https://subtledisguise.joelocke.com/) Locke (vibes, piano) composed seven of the nine songs on offer and leads his own group Jim Ride (piano, Fender Rhodes, synths), Lorin Cohen (bass) and Samvel Sarkisyan (drums, cymbals) but also flatly states that without guest players Raul Midon (vocal and guitar on Dylan’s “Who Killed Davey Moore” and vocal on Blind Willie Johnson’s “Motherless Children”, Adam Rogers (guitar four songs), David Binney (alto sax four songs) and Alina Engibaryan (vocal on “A Little More Each Day”) the disc would not be nearly as successful as it is. There is a good bit of variety on this disc and a lot of feeling. Click here and scroll several slides until you see a picture which will allow you to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Los Pleneros de la 21 – Live At Pregones (Truth Revolution Recording): “Founded in 1983 by National Heritage Fellow, Juan Gutiérrez, Los Pleneros de la 21 (“LP21”) is a non-profit community based organization and music ensemble located in the heart of El Barrio (Spanish Harlem) in New York City. Los Pleneros de la 21 is dedicated to fostering awareness, appreciation and understanding of the richness and vitality of Puerto Rican artistic traditions of African descent and Creole, as well as to promote their further development.” (https://www.losplenerosdela21.org/about-us/mission) The group features Juan J. Guitierrez “Juango” (percussion, chorus), Camilo Molina (music director, percussion, vocals, chorus), Julia Guitierrez-Rivera (percussion, chorus, dance), Nelson Matthew Gonzales (percussion, dance), Nicholas Laboy (percussion, chorus), Gabriel Lugo (percussion), Karenly Nieves (vocals, chorus), Flaco Navaja (vocals, chorus), Zacci Curtis (piano), Alex Ayala (bass), Ivan Renta (tenor and soprano sax), Hommy Ramos (trombone) and guests Alexander LaSalle (vocals on one song) and Pablo Mayor (guest piano on one song). Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Thomas Marriott – Romance Language (Origin): Trumpeter Thomas Marriott (trumpet, flugelhorn) leads a quintet in demonstrating how beautiful and moving the “romance language” of jazz, pop and standards can be. He is supported by Joe Locke (vibes, drum programming, composer of “Forgiveness” and “Alibi Room”, arranger of three); Ryan Cohan (piano, Fender Rhodes, programming, composer of “Kampala Moon”, arranger of five); Jeff Johnson (bass) and John Bishop (drums). Selections not listed above were drawn from compositions by Stephen Sondheim, Pat Metheny, Bobby Hutcherson, Harold Arlen and Randy Newman. This is a beautiful and infectious program from beginning to end. This is his eleventh release as a leader. Fans of Miles’ cool sides will definitely dig this. Click here to listen to samples of two songs on this disc.
Frank Morgan & George Cables – Montreal Memories (HighNote): Two exquisite musicians: saxophonist Frank Morgan and pianist George Cables! Could any duo be better? Both are steeped in jazz as is amply demonstrated in their interpretations of “A Night In Tunisia” and “‘Round Midnight” or a standard like “”All The Things You Are”. They transform songs by Charlie Parker, Wayne Shorter or Dizzy Gillespie and share choice songs of their own, such as Morgan’s “”Blues For Rosalinda” and Cables’ “Helen’s Song” and “Lullabye”. These performances are as good as any duo set in jazz. They were recorded in 1989. Beautiful or quirky, this is jamming and exquisite jazz! Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Jack Mouse Group – Intimate Adversary (Tall Grass): “Jazz drummer Jack Mouse began playing at the early age of four, and by his late teens was already performing with such musical greats as Tex Beneke, Buddy Morrow, and Red Norvo. Upon graduating from college, he spent three years as featured soloist with the “Falconaires,“ the official jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force Academy.” Since then he has performed with numerous jazz players including Stan Kenton, Clark Terry, Herb Ellis, James Moody, Randy Brecker, Billy Taylor, Kenny Burrell, and Jon Faddis. He created the Jack Mouse Group in 2012, featuring Scott Robinson (tenor sax), John McLean (guitar), Art Davis (trumpet, flugelhorn) and Bob Bowman (bass) and they are still together. Mouse composed all but one song here and he co-wrote that song with Robinson and Bowman. They cover several styles across the disc, making this highly entertaining disc throughout. Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.
Chris Pasin – Ornettiquette (Planet Arts): Veteran trumpet player Chris Pasin continues his exposure of the music of Ornette Coleman, including a number of bridges or entrees for the curious or faint of heart. While the music stretches beyond the boundaries of mainstream music, Pasin pushes the edges so that it is more accessible. In addition to Pasin, the band includes Karl Berger (vibes, piano), Ingrid Sertso (vocals), Harvey Sorgen (drums), Michael Bisio (bass) and Adam Siegel (alto sax). Pasin wrote two of the songs on this disc and the remainder are Coleman’s, with the exception of the additional of lyrics to “Ghosts” and “Lonely Woman” by Sertso. The lyrics are rather unique and very interesting. If you’re interested in access to the outside, this is one potential pathway. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Marcus Persiani – Urban Fictions (Truth Revolution Recording): Veteran pianist/composer Marcus Persiani offers a new take on his musical practices of the past. “Marking a sizable step into new territory, Marcus Persiani’s upcoming album ‘Urban Fictions’ is closer to his musical aspirations than ever before. A major leap in his musical language, this collection of standards and original compositions paints a more intimate, personal portrait of Persiani’s practiced piano playing. Contrasted against his playing history with Latin greats from Mario Bauza to Willie Colon, the musical manifestations Marcus has made for “Urban Fictions” are a striking shift in style.” With Mario Bauza, the band was the instrument. In “Urban Fictions” there’s ample cohesion, but it’s clear that each instrument stands on its own in the composition… I try to be more melodic […] Try to think of the melody.” (http://truthrevolutionrecords.com/news/marcus-persiani-rewrites-reality-with-urban-fictions) The players on this disc include Persiani in a trio setting with Curtis Lundy (bass) and Emmanuel Harold (drums) on three songs and shifting to a quartet with Keyon Harrold (trumpet), Rahsaan Carter (bass) and Emmanuel Harold (drums) on four with the addition of vocalist TC III on Monk’s “Hackensack”. The disc swings and has a healthy serving of cool. Click to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Spin Cycle – Assorted Colors (Sound Footing): Co-leaders Scott Neumann (drums) and Tom Christensen (tenor, soprano sax) offer five original compositions each and Christensen adds his own arrangement of Cole Porter’s “It’s All Right With Me” to create a wonderful set. Pete McCann (guitars) and Phil Palombi (bass) complete this terrific quartet. The variety is really fine and the interplay between Christensen and McCann is especially fantastic! While there are a few moments for slowing down, the group mostly hums right along with the drive of the spin cycle. So fine throughout! Smooth, clean and terrific! Click here to listen to two songs from this disc.
Jay Thomas with the Oliver Groenewald Newnet – I Always Know (Origin): Jay Thomas (trumpet, flugelhorn, alto, tenor and soprano sax) has joined up with the Oliver Groenewald Newnet to celebrate the great ballads created by such giants as Duke Ellington (Blue Serge), Billy Strayhorn (Ballad For The Very Tired And Very Sad Lotus Eaters), Lee Morgan (Yama) and Dexter Gordon (Ernie’s Tune) among others. Some of the songs are quite well known, but others are somewhat more obscure. Groenewald arranged all but one of the songs for this release. In addition to Thomas, the players are Groenewald (trumpet, flugelhorn), Brad Allison (lead trumpet, flugelhorn), Dan Marcus (trombone, flugabone), Travis Ranney (alto sax, flute, clarinet), Pete Gallio (tenor sax, flute), Greg Sinabaldi (bari sax, bass clarinet), John Hansen (piano), Michael Glynn (bass) and Adam Kessler (drums). Though the sound is familiar, the new arrangements are fresh. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Piet Verbist Quartet – Suite Reunion (Origin): Bassist Piet Verbist began his study in classical music in his homeland Belgium. After graduating from Brussels Conservatory in 1994, he began lessons with Dave Holland. Since then he has performed in venues around the world and has taught for a number of years. He also has several recordings to his credit. On this release, Verbist is accompanied by Bart Borremans (tenor sax), Bram Weuters (piano) and Dre Pallemaerts (drums) with Wim Eggermont replacing Pallemaerts on two songs. The disc is smooth and swinging throughout. The overall sound is reminiscent of cool jazz of the fifties with a larger world view. Click here to listen to samples of the first two tracks on this disc.
Ben Wendel – The Seasons (Motema): “The idea and goal of “The Seasons” was a simple one: 12 original pieces dedicated to 12 musicians I deeply admire, released over 12 months. Though this ended up being one of the most challenging and complex projects I’ve ever attempted, it also turned out to be one of the most rewarding. The impetus for this work came through one of my favorite classical composers. I fell in love with a set of twelve piano pieces written by Tchaikovsky called “The Seasons” – each piece was written for a different month in 1876 and at the time published in a music magazine.” (https://www.benwendel.com/theseasons/) That, at least, was the beginning. Wendel eventually decided to follow in that path by performing and “publishing” his renditions on video, but at this time with a guest. Click here and scroll down to listen to duo versions of the seasons. It wasn’t until this year that he decided to record and release “The Seasons” on disc, only this time as a quintet! The group features Wendel (sax, bassoon, EFX), Aaron Parks (piano), Gilad Hekselman (guitar), Matt Brewer (bass) and Eric Harland (drums). Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the current version.
Kopasetically,
Professor Bebop
