Kjell Jansson Quartet - Zonk (2002)

“Zonk” is Kjell Jansson’s fourth album as leader, and consists of nine original compositions and Vernon Duke’s "I Can’t Get Started." It was recorded August, 2002 in concert at the Gerlesborg School of Fine Arts. The music is cleanly articulated but not without spontaneity or passion, and Jansson and his mates comprise a talented post-bop unit that acquits itself well on every number. Jansson’s compositions are more than window-dressing, serving as provocative springboards for lively and rewarding improvisation by each member of the group. There’s humor too, as on "Ant Steps," which Jansson describes as "an abbreviation of Coltrane’s ‘Giant Steps’." Tenor saxophonist Gilbert Holmström sits in for Trane. Holmström and drummer Rune Carlsson take a coffee break on "I Can’t Get Started" and "In the Shadow," a tribute to Duke Ellington’s legendary bassist Jimmy Blanton, where pianist Tommy Kotter plays counterpoint to Jansson’s resonant arco bass. Kjell says "I Can’t Get Started" has been a favorite song of his since he heard it performed by Charles Mingus. "Zonk" is a sixteen-bar blues theme, "Italian Wood" a groover whose title acknowledges its resemblance to the Beatles’ "Norwegian Wood." Jansson wrote the lovely "Morgon" (Morning), introduced by Kotter’s expressive piano, as an homage to nature; the groovy "Movin’ East" denotes the quartet’s move from its home in Gothenburg to a more rural location nearby. "Bassistic" is a thirty-two-bar blues composed from the bass rather than the piano, "For My Lady" an ardent love song to Jansson’s wife of more than thirty years. The quartet earns high marks for resourcefulness and craftsmanship, the album for its excellent sound and generous playing time. This is on a par with much of the contemporary small-group music being played in this country. ~ Extract by Jack Bowers, AAJ. 

Dragon Records, DRCD 384, 2002
Recorded 24th & 25th August, 2002 Live at the Gerlesborg School of Fine Arts, Sweden 

Musicians:
Kjell Jansson - Bass, Composer, Arranger
Gilbert Holmström - Tenor Sax (#1-3, 5-7,9,10)
Tommy Kotter - Piano
Rune Carlsson - Drums (#1-3,5-7,9,10)

Tracks:
01. Zonk {Kjell Jansson} (9:26)
02. Italian Wood {Kjell Jansson} (4:57)
03. The Pearl {Kjell Jansson} (7:19)
04. In The Shadow {Kjell Jansson} (2:21)
05. Ant Steps {Kjell Jansson} (5:18)
06. Morgon [Morning] {Kjell Jansson} (7:39)
07. Movin' East {Kjell Jansson} (8:03)
08. I Can't Get Started {Vernon Duke} (4:04)
09. Bassistic {Kjell Jansson} (7:49)
10. For My Lady {Kjell Jansson} (7:26) 

Total Time: 64:25 

Credits:
Producer, Mixing, Liner Notes - Kjell Jansson
Executive-Producer - Leif Collin
Engineer, Mixing - Åke Linton
Digital Mastering - Kenneth Svensson [Digitalfabriken]
Photography - Rolf Ohlson
Liner Notes [Translation] - Dave Castle

LINK

“Ant Steps”

Stefano D'Anna Quartet - Carousel (1998)

Here is even more music from the Sonny Rollins of Italian jazz. This is perhaps an unfair tag to put on tenor saxophonist Stefano D'Anna. The dub comes not from the fact that D'Anna plays so much like Rollins as much as it is his stature -- the manner in which he carries himself, solos, and leads a band. In this case it is guitarist Fabio Zeppetella, bassist Pietro Ciancaglini, and Roberto Gatto on drums. The band plays a solid program of D'Anna compositions that range from modern spires of post-bop intelligence ("Coolwalk," "Coasting") to romantic balladry that is so sweet only a master could pull it off without sounding maudlin ("La Valse," "Elena"), and D'Anna and his band make these tracks drip with taste, elegance, aplomb, and mid-tempo blues-outs that offer a deeper view into the inner workings of a quartet ("Carousel," "Seven Years," "Have a Nice Day"). Particularly fascinating is the interplay between D'Anna and Zeppetella, who is a very strong and imaginative soloist in his own right. The two rarely square off, but continually mark each other's paces and inspire to new heights the melodic nuances of D'Anna's harmonic construction. The set closes with "Southern Comfort," an eerie ballad of moody reserve and spatial intervals. It's a curious choice to close a recording in that it never really catches fire, but perhaps, sitting on the outer margins of his oeuvre, this is just what it's supposed to do, as guitar and saxophone trade long fours and the rhythm section just shimmies through the ever-changing meters. But it's a beautiful whisper, too -- one that is fragmented and silky at the same time. D'Anna, though fully mature as a saxophonist, is still, like Sonny Rollins, growing into his music and his sound. To be continued. ~ by Thom Jurek, AMG. 

Splasc(H) Records, CDH 666.2, 1998
Recorded 16th & 17th February, 1998 at Coltempo Studio, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Stefano D'Anna - Tenor Sax
Fabio Zeppetella - Guitar
Pietro Ciancaglini - Bass
Roberto Gatto - Drums

Tracks:
1. Carousel (7:21)
2. Coolwalk (6:07)
3. Elena (8:35)
4. Coasting (7:08)
5. Seven Years (6:51)
6. Have A Nice Day (6:09)
7. La Valse (7:41)
8. Southern Comfort (5:33) 

All compositions by Stefano D'Anna 

Total Time: 55:28 

Credits:
Producer - Associazione "Macchina di Suoni" for Splasc(h) Records
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Simone Ciammarughi
Graphic Design - Luigi Naro
Cover Art - Peppo Spagnoli
Photography - Antonio Siragusa, Mauro D'Agati, Roberto Randazzo
Liner Notes - Davide Ielmini

LINK

Seven Years

Hans Ulrik, Steve Swallow, Jonas Johansen - Tin Pan Aliens (2005)

Europeans Hans Ulrik and drummer Jonas Johansen joined forces with veteran bassist Steve Swallow to produce Tin Pan Aliens. They mesh easily with one another, bringing out the best in one another's compositions. Swallow, who has written a number of songs that have been recorded by other musicians, contributed the gentle waltz "Willow" and the turbocharged "Euripedes' Pants," the latter highlighted by Ulrik's most impassioned playing of the date. Ulrik's frenetic bop vehicle "Beeps" is a fairly standard reworking of "I Got Rhythm" changes and "Beams" is a lyrical ballad. Johansen composed "Mosse," which is set up in waltz time and features the drummer, along with the catchy calypso "It Will All Get Better," which showcases the bassist extensively. This is an enjoyable disc that never falls into a predictable pattern. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Stunt Records, STUCD 05022, 2005
Recorded 27th & 28th October, 2004 at Mox Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Hans Ulrik - Tenor Saxophone
Steve Swallow - Bass, Bass Guitar
Jonas Johansen - Drums, Pandeiro

Tracks:
01. Mosse {Jonas Johansen} (4:21)
02. Willow {Steve Swallow} (3:19)
03. Beeps {Hans Ulrik} (3:34)
04. It Will All Get Better {Jonas Johansen} (4:18)
05. Sleeping Mistakes {Jonas Johansen} (5:22)
06. Soup! {Steve Swallow} (3:15)
07. Nuts! {Steve Swallow} (4:23)
08. Beams {Hans Ulrik} (3:54)
09. Done {Hans Ulrik} (4:42)
10. Beads {Hans Ulrik} (3:49)
11. Euripides' Pants {Steve Swallow} (4:11)
12. Father {Hans Ulrik} (4:50) 

Total Time: 50:04 

Credits:
Executive-Producer - Peter Littauer
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Jesper Bo Nielsen
Photography - Thomas Grøndahl
Cover, Design - Paul Wilson 

Euripides' Pants

Willis Jackson - Smoking With Willis (1965) [re-rip]

'Smoking with Willis' is a soul jazz album by American tenor saxophonist Willis Jackson, recorded in 1965 and released on the Cadet Records label. The album features Jackson leading a sextet with an organ-driven rhythm section, blending two original compositions "Doin' the Mudcat" and "Goose Pimples" with The Beatles covers "And I Love Her," "Yesterday," "A Hard Day's Night", alongside standards "Broadway" and "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)" in a groovy, mid-1960s soul jazz style that emphasizes playful saxophone solos and tight ensemble interplay. Musically, it showcases Jackson's proficiency on tenor saxophone within a compact group featuring organist Butch Cornell, guitarist Vincent Corrao, trumpeter Franklyn Robinson, bassist Bob Bushnell, and drummer David Niskanan, all under the production supervision of Esmond Edwards. The album captures the vibrant soul jazz scene of the era, with its infectious rhythms and accessible interpretations. The jazz idiom of "smoking" describes Willis' fiery, energetic performances that captivated audiences. By incorporating organ combos, 'Smoking with Willis' evokes the gritty, repetitive grooves typical of soul jazz, blending earthy melodies with a rhythmic punch that appealed to both jazz enthusiasts and broader listeners seeking an upbeat, soulful fare. ~ Extract from grokipedia.com. 

Cadet Records, LPS-763, 1965
Recorded November, 1965 at A&R Recording Studios, Studio D, New York City 

Musicians:
Willis Jackson - Tenor Saxophone
Franklyn Robinson - Trumpet
Butch Cornell - Organ
Vincent Corrao - Guitar
Bob Bushnell - Bass
David Niskanan - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Doin' The Mudcat {David C. Randolph, Willis Jackson} (4:16)
A2. And I Love Her {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (4:34)
A3. Goose Pimples {David C. Randolph, Willis Jackson} (4:38)
A4. Yesterday {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (3:13)
B1. Broadway {Bill Bird, Henry Woode, Teddy McCrae} (6:51)
B2. Who Can I Turn To [When Nobody Needs Me] {Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse} (4:44)
B3. A Hard Day's Night {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (5:37) 

Total Time: 33:53 

Credits:
Producer, Supervisor, Design [Cover], Photography - Esmond Edwards

LINK

Goose Pimples

Hikari Ichihara - Stardust (2007)

This is the third album by Hikari Ichihara, one of the hottest trumpeters in the jazz world. Continuing from the previous album, this time Hikari Ichihara recorded in a session with famous musicians representing New York. The album expresses the world of straight-ahead jazz. The selection of 9 songs includes many well-known standards and 2 of her own compositions that sound like standards. All songs were arranged by Hikari Ichihara. ~ cdjapan.co.jp. 

Stardust is the critically acclaimed third studio album by Japanese jazz trumpeter and vocalist Hikari Ichihara, released in May 2007. Recorded in New York, the album is considered her breakthrough work, showcasing her skill in both arranging standards and composing original pieces. Ichihara is backed by a highly regarded group of New York-based musicians: pianist Adam Birnbaum, bassist George Mraz and drummer Victor Lewis with added guests: alto sax & flautist Aaron Heick and tenorist Wayne Escoffery. 

After Beat/Pony Canyon Inc., PCCY-60006, 2007
Recorded in New York City 

Musicians:
Hikari Ichihara - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Aaron Heick - Alto Sax, Flute (#1,2,7)
Wayne Escoffery - Tenor Sax (#1,7)
Adam Birnbaum - Piano
George Mraz - Bass
Victor Lewis - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Blue Minor {Sonny Clark} (6:40)
2. Stardust {Hoagy Carmichael, Mitchell Parish} (5:27)
3. When You Wish Upon A Star {Leigh Harline, Ned Washington} (5:31)
4. Skylark {Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer} (7:06)
5. Flashback {Hikari Ichihara} (5:36)
6. I'll Wait For You [The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg] {Michel Legrand} (5:42)
7. Smile {Charlie Chaplin} (8:05)
8. I Remember Clifford {Benny Golson} (6:20)
9. And They Lived Happily Ever After {Hikari Ichihara} (6:05) 

Total Time: 55:36 

Credits:
Producer - Hikari Ichihara
Executive-Producer - Mitsuo Shimano, Yuzo Watanabe

LINK

Blue Minor

Red Rodney - Home Free (1979) [vinyl]

From 1976-79, trumpeter Red Rodney recorded three LPs with altoist Richie Cole that otherwise mostly used different lineups of musicians. This excellent outing (which also includes tenor saxophonist David Schnitter, pianist Barry Harris, bassist George Duvivier and drummer Leroy Williams) has a bit of a jam session feel to it. Cole contributed "Starburst" and "Red Rodney Rides Again"; the trio plays Rodney's "Helene," and the full group romps on "Out of Nowhere," "All the Things You Are" and "Bluebird." By 1977, Rodney's chops were back in prime form, and his mastery of bebop (along with the colorful Cole's) is obvious in these recordings. Worth searching for. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide. 

"Home Free" is a jazz album by American bebop trumpeter Red Rodney, recorded in late 1977 and released by Muse Records in 1979. The record captures Rodney during a highly creative period between 1976 and 1979 when he frequently collaborated with alto saxophonist Richie Cole. According to reviews on AllMusic, Rodney's technical skills were back in prime form for this session, delivering an excellent showcase of masterful bebop. The album has a spontaneous, high-energy jam-session feel across its tracks. ~ AI Overview. 

Muse Records, MR 5135, 1979
Recorded 19th December, 1977 at CI Recording Studio New York City 

Musicians:
Red Rodney - Trumpet
Richie Cole - Alto Saxophone
David Schnitter - Tenor Saxophone
Barry Harris - Piano
George Duvivier - Bass
Leroy Williams - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Starburst {Richie Cole} (5:41)
2. Out Of Nowhere {Johnny Green} (6:17)
3. All The Things You Are {Jerome Kern} (9:16)
4. Red Rodney Rides Again {Richie Cole} (5:53)
5. Helene {Red Rodney} (5:35)
6. Bluebird {Charlie Parker} (9:35) 

Total Time: 42:17 

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Engineer - Chuck Irwin
Album Design - Mark Kaplan
Photography - Charles Reilly
Lacquer Cut - Joe Brescio 

Red Rodney Rides Again

Fumio Karashima Quintet - Avanti (1988)

Here we have one of Fumio Karashima’s earlier albums, where he assembles a dynamic quintet that features a powerful two-saxophone lineup and arranged entirely by the group. All selections on the album were composed by the leader and Japanese pianist Fumio Karashima, with the exception of the classic jazz standard 'Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk. The other players include saxophonists Toshihiko Inoue and Masahiro Fujioka, bassist Ikuo Sakurai and drummer Shingo Okudaira. Essentially it is a highly polished album meticulously recorded [DR15] with all tracks played exceptionally well. Recommended! 

Polydor Records, H33P-20287, 1988
Recorded in September 1988 at Studio Key-Stone, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Fumio Karashima - Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes]
Toshihiko Inoue - Soprano Sax, Tenor Sax
Masahiro Fujioka - Soprano Sax, Alto Sax
Ikuo Sakurai - Double Bass
Shingo Okudaira - Drums

Tracks:
1. Avanti {Fumio Karashima} (5:54)
2. Greeting {Fumio Karashima} (7:48)
3. Quiet Moment {Fumio Karashima} (7:21)
4. One For Him {Fumio Karashima} (11:31)
5. Ivory Coast {Fumio Karashima} (6:20)
6. 'Round Midnight {Thelonious Monk} (5:20)
7. I Wish You Were Near {Fumio Karashima} (4:45) 

Total Time: 49:01 

Credits:
Producer - Fumio Karashima, Masa Marumo
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Teruaki Kitagawa
Assistant Engineer - Masatsuna Chubachi
Technician [Piano Tuner] - Mikio Watanabe
Management - Jiro Shinagawa
Design - Akihiro Yasuda

LINK

Avanti [Live]

Fredrik Kronkvist - On The Move (2017)

For this album Fredrik assembles a quartet consisting of correspondingly resourceful players, that include pianist Martin Sjöstedt, bassist Amin Salim and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. These four decidedly capable musicians execute eleven fiery original compositions by Kronkvist. 'On The Move' is a newly created ‘urban music’ style in which the four skilled members come together to provide an example of what it can sound like if the usual brass-plus-accompaniment formula is shelved. What we now call jazz is linked together with that of a collective improvisational music from many cultures. This is explicit, as in the small "Laid-Back Move", and "Tyner's Island" that borrows dance rhythms from the Caribbean. Kronkvist makes extensive use of his soprano saxophone, and with it, arguably, he accomplishes an even more exquisite tone than with the alto. "Levitation" is a number where Hutchinson displays his prowess. "Abstract Move" is another mini-tune, as is the jazz-rock flavoured "Next Move" that closes the album. 'On The Move' the listener is treated to a kind of modal defined suite, built on a series of long and short phrases or themes, moves in which harmonics are often repeated. 'On The Move', is another Fredrik Kronkvist album which will stand the test of time as valuable example of modern creative jazz. 

Connective Records, CTV36538, 2017
Recorded 15th October, 2015 at The Village Recor4ding, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Fredrik Kronkvist - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Martin Sjöstedt - Piano
Ameen Saleem - Bass
Gregory Hutchinson - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Epic Takedown (5:29)
02. Essential (7:33)
03. Letting Go (6:47)
04. Laid-Back Move (0:38)
05. The Healer (5:15)
06. Tyner's Island (3:38)
07. Glowing (4:08)
08. Abstract Move (1:00)
09. Morning Star (4:00)
10. Levitation (4:10)
11. Next Move (0:48) 

All compositions by Fredrik Kronvist 

Total Time: 43:29 

Credits:
Producer - Fredrik Kronkvist
Executive Producer - Mirian Aida
Recording Engineer - Thomas Vang
Mixing & Mastering - Anders Wall [Wallofsound]
Cover Design - Cronographics
Cover Photos - Sten Hnssons, Torben Waldorff

LINK

Glowing

Junko Onishi Trio - Live At The Village Vanguard (1994)

This is a memorable set. When pianist Junko Onishi performs songs from the likes of Charles Mingus ("So Long Eric"), John Lewis ("Concorde"), and Ornette Coleman ("Congeniality"), she interprets each of the tunes as much as possible within the intent and style of its composer. "So Long Eric," although performed by her trio, gives one the impression at times that several horns are soloing together; in addition, polyrhythms are utilized part of the time, Ornette's "Congeniality" has a strong pulse but fairly free improvising, while "Concorde" sounds both distinguished and full of blues feeling, like John Lewis himself. Onishi's exploration of "Blue Skies" uplifts the warhorse through the use of colorful vamps and an altered melody, she takes the slow ballad "Darn That Dream" as a medium-tempo stomp, and her original, "How Long Has This Been Goin' On," is brooding but not downbeat and swings hard without losing its serious nature. There is not a weak selection in the bunch and the interplay between Onishi, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley is quite impressive. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Somethin' Else Records, TOCJ-5570, 1994
Recorded 6th-8th May, 1994 at Village Vanguard, New York, NY 

Musicians:
Junko Onishi - Piano
Reginald Veal - Bass
Herlin Riley - Drums 

Tracks:
1. So Long Eric {Charles Mingus} (8:27)
2. Blue Skies {Irving Berlin} (9:16)
3. Concorde {John Lewis} (6:32)
4. How Long Has This Been Goin' On {Junko Onishi} (10:45)
5. Darn That Dream {Eddie DeLange, James Van Heusen} (6:31)
6. Congeniality {Ornette Coleman} (14:02) 

Total Time: 55:35 

Credits:
Producer - Junko Onishi
Executive Producer - Hitoshi Namekata
Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Brian Kingman, Mark Shane
Engineer, Mixing - Masuzo Iida
Mastering - Yoshio Okazaki
Art Direction - Kaoru Taku

Link

Darn That Dream

Hino-Kikuchi Quintet - Counter Current (2007)

A groundbreaking work and extreme art that challenges the frivolous and superficial state of society, created by two legendary figures!! In 2007, a new legend emerges for Terumasa Hino and Masaaki Kikuchi. Both are leading Japanese artists and close friends who share a deep trust in each other as musicians, and now they join forces once again. They recorded the "Hino-Kikuchi Quintet" in 1968 and have continued to collaborate on each other's works since, but this is their first joint production as a co-led quintet in 12 years since their 1995 reunion album (which won the gold prize at Swing Journal's Jazz Disc Awards). They relentlessly explore the secrets of improvisation with ultra-hardcore, authentic jazz, making a significant impact on the scene. Stripped down and honed to perfection, the interplay is exquisite. Not a single note is wasted, and an overwhelmingly high-level musical dialogue intertwines with breathtaking beauty. Amidst the tranquility, the inherent vitality and dynamism of jazz overflow, and Motian's seasoned drumming and the support of the two young musicians shine through. Its worldview, the antithesis of simplicity and accessibility, is truly worthy of being called a "controversial work," and while seemingly difficult to understand, it quietly heals the soul deep within the listener. Even if it becomes a "countercurrent" against the easily swayed trends of the times...the ultimate art of seekers who seek the essence of music is born here. ~ cdjapan.co.jp. [Translated From Japanese] 

Sony Records Int'l, SICP 10070, 2007
Recorded 9th & 10th June, 2007 at Avatar Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Terumasa Hino - Trumpet
Masabumi Kikuchi - Piano
Michael Attias - Alto Sax
Thomas Morgan - Bass
Paul Motian - Drums 

Tracks:
1. J.L.L. [Ver.1] (9:32)
2. Sky Over Rain Forest (9:09)
3. Blue In Yellow [For Mark Rothko] (3:00)
4. Misery On The Hudson (8:51)
5. Making The Elephant Run [Ver.1] (12:10)
6. Making The Elephant Run [Ver.2] (5:30)
7. J.L.L. [Ver.2] (10:43) 

All compositions by Terumasa Hino, Masabumi Kikuchi 

Total Time: 59:12

LINK

(Full Album)

Rosario Giuliani Quartet - Flashing Lights (1998)

Here we have one of Rosario Giuliani's earlier albums, produced by Paolo Piangiarelli and released in 1998 on the Italian Philology Records label. For this album Rosario assembles an all-Italian quartet comprising of himself playing both alto and soprano saxophones, pianist Pietro Lussu, bassist Joseph Lepore and drummer Lorenzo Tucci. Together they romp through eleven tunes, seven original compositions by Rosario, two by Joseph Lepore, one by Pietro Lussu and the remainder by Enrico Pieranunzi. Overall, it is an enthralling and very entertaining discourse of post-bop jazz. 

Philology Records, W. 128.2, 1998

Musicians:
Rosario Giuliani - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Pietro Lussu - Piano
Joseph Lepore - Bass
Lorenzo Tucci - Drums

Tracks:
01. To John {Rosario Giuliani} (6:24)
02. Dicembre {Rosario Giuliani} (7:11)
03. Sphere's {Joseph Lepore} (7:48)
04. Hindsight {Enrico Pieranunzi} (7:44)
05. Puzzle {Joseph Lepore} (8:15)
06. Love For My Mother {Rosario Giuliani} (5:39)
07. Flashing Light {Rosario Giuliani} (4:34)
08. My Flower {Rosario Giuliani} (5:27)
09. Dark Beauty {Pietro Lussu} (4:33)
10. Other Times {Rosario Giuliani} (8:28)
11. Coffee Shop {Rosario Giuliani} (4:04) 

Total Time: 70:11

LINK

Flashing Light

Dezron Douglas Quintet - Live At Smalls (2012)

The album captures a performance by the Dezron Douglas Quintet, recorded live at Smalls Jazz Club in Greenwich Village, NYC, over two sessions in late March, 2012. Bassist Dezron Douglas is joined by trumpeter Josh Evans, tenorist Stacy Dillard, pianist David Bryant and drummer Willie Jones III. Dezron showcases three of his own tunes (The Puppet, Let's Ride, Power Of One) plus one by David Bryant (Nita). The remaining two compositions are jazz standards penned by Barry Harris (Bish Bash Bop) and Gigi Gryce (Minority). Like most of the concerts at Smalls they are inspirational and dynamic, whereby all players involved excel creating some wonderful jazz. 

SmallsLIVE Records, SL0028, 2012
Recorded 23rd, 24th March, 2012 Live at Smalls Jazz Club, New York City 

Musicians:
Dezron Douglas - Bass
Josh Evans - Trumpet
Stacy Dillard - Tenor Sax
David Bryant - Piano
Willie Jones III - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Bish Bash Bop {Barry Harris} (10:36)
2. The Puppet {Dezron Douglas} (10:33)
3. Let's Ride {Dezron Douglas} (9:49)
4. Nita {David Bryant} (5:31)
5. Minority {Gigi Gryce} (13:08)
6. Power Of One {Dezron Douglas} (9:03) 

Total Time: 58:35 

Credits:
Producer, Mixing Engineer - Ben Rubin
Executive Producer, Producer, Liner Notes - Spike Wilner
Engineer - Geoff Countryman, Tyler McDiarmid
Mastering Engineer - Gene Paul
Photography, Design - Michelle Watt
Liner Notes - Dezron Douglas

LINK

Nita

Jun Miyake - Jun! (2003)

Discovered by legendary jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino, Miyake began his career as a jazz musician after studying at the Berklee College of Music. For this 2003 album Japanese saxophonist and flautist Jun Miyake assembles a quartet utilising fellow Japanese musicians; guitarist Satoshi Inoue, bassist Yosuke Inoue and drummer Taro Koyama. Together they interpret eight well-known jazz standards and one of Jun's own compositions. It is a tight unit and Jun clearly showcases his abilities on both sax and flute, backed firmly by the other players whom also get to shine. In all, there is a lot to enjoy here.

Jun Miyake is a highly versatile Japanese composer and multi-instrumentalist, widely acclaimed for his "hybrid sound" that seamlessly blends jazz, classical, electronic, and world music. ~ roughtrade.com.

What'sNew Records, WNCJ-2121, 2003

Musicians:
Jun Miyake - Tenor Sax, Flute
Satoshi Inoue - Guitar
Yosuke Inoue - Bass
Taro Koyama - Drums

Tracks:
1. Sugar {Stanley Turrentine} (4:45)
2. There Will Never Be Another You {H. Warren, M. Gordon} (4:21)
3. Blue Bossa {Kenny Dorham} (3:02)
4. You Don't Know What Love Is {Don Raye, Gene DePaul} (6:46)
5. Darn That Dream {Jimmy Van Heusen, Eddie DeLange} (6:01)
6. Jun! {Jun Miyake} (2:28)
7. Day Of Wine And Roses {Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer} (4:18)
8. Just Friends {John Klenner, Sam Lewis} (4:43)
9. Sunny {Bobby Hebb} (4:59)

Total Time: 41:25

LINK

Sugar

Sean Jones - Kaleidoscope (2007)

Trumpeter Sean Jones emphasizes various vocalist friends for his fourth recording as a leader. His previous CDs have leaned toward a more produced pop-oriented approach within a definite modern jazz framework, and this effort leans toward a balance of combining those elements without being overtly commercialized. The first eight cuts all feature the singers, the most effective being rising star Gretchen Parlato. Her beautiful voice levitates Kendrick Scott's ballad composition "Journey," done on his debut CD, receiving a different, less expansive treatment, while the sunny swing waltz "It's Just a Matter of Time" has Parlato and Sachal Vasandani swapping opposing transposed crowded vocal lines. Parlato is special; please pay attention to her in the future. Even more impressive are two spiritualistic pieces, reminiscent of the recent work by pianist Robert Glasper. The opener, "Allison," drips with emotion, informed by the lovely piano playing of Orrin Evans, slight Latin spice, and the wordless vocals of J.D. Walter, while "Esperanto" (not sung in Esperanto) has Carolyn Perteete's siren-song singing, pristine as morning dew. At this point one barely notices the trumpet player, until you hear four consecutive instrumentals. "Say Brah" is a cooking typical neo-bopper, "Blak Music" a less clichéd hard bopper, the title track a more modern near-fusion Fender Rhodes-infused piece, and "The Sluice" revealing Jones as a singsongy Lee Morgan/Freddie Hubbard-influenced Young Lion. The pacing and programming of this recording could have been more effectively revisited; it feels like block formatting. It is another fine, not yet definitive musical effort from Jones, easily a Top Ten rising star of contemporary jazz trumpet. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG. 

Mack Avenue, MAC 1037, 2007
Recorded at:
Audible Images, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Avatar Studio, New York, NY
Dirtysoap Studios, New York, NY 

Musicians:
Sean Jones - Trumpet (#2,4,5,7-13), Flugelhorn (#1,3,6)
Antoine Drye - Trumpet (#5)
Brian Hogans - Alto Sax (#5,9-12), Flute (#1,7,8), Rhodes (#1)
Walter Smith III - Tenor Sax (#5,9-12)
Tia Fuller - Flute (#1)
Orrin Evans - Piano (#1-3,6-10,12), Rhodes (#4,5,11)
Alton Merrill - Keyboards (#4,13), Organ (#5), Rhodes (#5), Piano (#13)
Luques Curtis - Acoustic Bass (#2,3,7-13), Bass (#1,6), Percussion (#1)
Mike Boone - Electric Bass (#4,5)
Obed Calvaire - Drums (#1-13), Percussion (#1)
Jay Ashby - Percussion (#1)
Gretchen Parlato - Percussion (#2), Vocals (#2,7,8)
J.D. Walter - Vocals (#1,3,5), Arranger
Kim Burrell - Vocals (#4,13)
Carolyn Perteete - Vocals (#6)
Sachal Vasandani - Vocals (#7,8)

Tracks:
01. Allison {Sean Jones} (6:48)
02. Journey {Kendrick Scott, Gretchen Parlato} (5:19)
03. Never Let Me Go {Ray Evans, Jay Livingston} (4:48)
04. I Come To Thee {Orrin Evans, Tiffany Jones, Heidi Martin} (6:28)
05. So Wonderful {J.D. Walter} (5:53)
06. Esperanto {Vince Mendoza, Kurt Elling} (6:13)
07. It's Just A Matter Of Time [Intro] {Ron Westray} (0:50)
08. It's Just A Matter Of Time {Ron Westray} (6:18)
09. Say Brah {Walter Smith III} (5:56)
10. Blak Music {Brian Hogans} (6:33)
11. Kaleidoscope {Walter Smith III} (5:03)
12. The Sluice {Orrin Evans} (6:40)
13. You're The Reason {Alton Merrill} (6:34) 

Total Time: 73:31 

Credits:
Producer, Audio Production - Al Pryor
Producer, Audio Production, Vocal Producer - Orrin Evans
Producer, Director, Creative Services Coordinator - Maria Ehrenreich
Production Assistant, Production Coordination - Will Wakefield
Audio Production, Engineer, Audio Engineer, Vocal Producer - Antoine Drye
Audio Engineer, Audio Production, Engineer, Vocal Producer - Donald Edwards
Audio Engineer, Engineer - James Farber, Jay Dudt, Dave Stoller, Hollis Greathouse
Audio Engineer, Assistant Engineer - Anthony Rutolo, Brian Montgomery
Mastering Engineer - Doug Sax, Sangwook "Sunny" Nam
Photography - Frank Stewart

LINK

The Sluice

Sean Jones - Eternal Journey (2004)

Sean Jones makes a splash into the pool of jazz trumpet players with this debut recording. At 25 years old, Jones has a sound that's reminiscent of other modern trumpeters in the vein of Marcus Printup, Nicholas Payton, and Roy Hargrove. A teacher and student pursuing a doctorate at Duquesne University, his musical credits include names such as Jon Faddis, Joe Lovano, and the Gerald Wilson Orchestra. Though Jones is considerably new on the block, Eternal Journey benefits from a stellar group of musicians which includes Ralph Peterson, Mulgrew Miller, Orrin Evans, and newcomer Tia Fuller, who contributes impressively on saxophone and flute. Veteran Charles Fambrough rounds out the set of musicians with solid bass work. The eleven compositions include five written by Jones, two by Fuller, and four standards. Jones has a controlled and sparkling sound that is evident on the opening up-tempo piece "Gullyism" with rapid solos. He also performs with poise on the mellow title "Eternal Journey" with the addition of Fuller’s lovely flute work. Things do get interesting on "The Serpent" with its circuitous syncopation and urban-styled flair. The veterans perform as expected with Peterson’s all-encompassing drum work and Miller and Evans shining on piano. On "The Last Minute" the art of hard bop is shown in full effect as everyone glows with intense performances. Jones plays like a veteran and brings to mind another seasoned trumpeter, Terence Blanchard, on the soulful "95 South." On an interesting interpretation of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," Jones completely shines in terms of composition and harmony as he makes his own statement on the classic. While seasoned listeners may find little new on Eternal Journey, they will be treated to some well executed music and the revelation that Jones is a skilled player with presence and potential. ~ by Mark F. Turner, All About Jazz. 

Mack Avenue, MAC 1016, 2004
Recorded 16th & 17th October, 2003 at Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Sean Jones - Trumpet, Arranger
Tia Fuller - Alto & Soprano Sax, Flute
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Orrin Evans - Piano
Charles Fambrough - Bass
Ralph Peterson - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Gullyism {Tia Fuller} (5:46)
02. Eternal Journey {Tia Fuller} (6:24)
03. John {Sean Jones} (7:02)
04. The Serpent {Sean Jones} (7:12)
05. You Are My Everything {Mort Dixon, Harry Warren, Joseph Young} (5:44)
06. God Bless The Child {Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog, Jr.} (5:37)
07. At the Last Minute {Sean Jones} (5:41)
08. Searching {Sean Jones} (6:50)
09. Over The Rainbow {Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg} (9:42)
10. 95 South {Sean Jones} (4:36)
11. The Very Thought Of You {Ray Noble} (4:10) 

Total Time: 68:50

Credits:
Producer - Al Pryor
Executive Producer, Liner Notes - Gretchen Carhartt
Mixing Engineer - Jim Anderson
Mastering Engineer - Greg Calbi
Assistant Engineer - Max Ross, Ross Petersen
Production Assistant - Will Wakefield
Liner Notes - Scott Yanow

LINK

Eternal Journey

Sean Jones - Roots (2006)

This is Jones’ second Mack Avenue album ably produced by Al Pryor exploring historical jazz implications. Gemini was his homage to, and exorcism of, Miles Davis’ influence, both acoustic and electric. Roots explores the jazz connection to the church, and the devotional heft of gospel music. The CD follows a definite arc, beginning with a short a cappella traditional hymn and ending with a trumpet-piano duet on a spiritual. In between, Jones plays in quartet, quintet (mining soul-jazz) and trio (churchy organ and drums) contexts, in a repertoire of new and classic jazz and gospel tunes. Ellington’s “Come Sunday” is exquisite, Jones’ trumpet solo indelible. Pianist Orrin Evans is the most impressive of a fine group of supporting players. But this album is most winning as a warm, heartfelt, all-of-a-piece jazz mood of faith and creativity. ~ Extract by George Kanzler, JazzTimes.com. 

Mack Avenue, MAC 1031, 2006
Recorded in 2006 at Avatar Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Sean Jones - Trumpet
Tia Fuller - Alto Sax (#2,4,8,11,12)
Orrin Evans - Piano, Electric Piano (#2-6,8-11)
Eddie Howard - Piano, Organ (#7,12,13)
Luques Curtis - Bass (#2-6,8-11)
Obed Calvaire - Drums (#2-4,6,8,11)
Jerome Jennings - Drums (#5,7,9,10,12) 

Tracks:
01. Children's Hymn {Traditional} (1:34)
02. Roots {Sean Jones} (7:12)
03. Divine Inspiration {Tim Green} (6:46)
04. God's Gift (Obed Calvaire} (7:03)
05. Come Sunday {Duke Ellington} (7:05)
06. Lift Every Voice {James Weldon Johnson} (8:03)
07. Offering Time {Sean Jones} (1:43)
08. Conversations {Orrin Evans} (5:11)
09. El Soul {Ali Jackson} (5:19)
10. Puddin' Time (Brad Leali} (5:03)
11. What We Have {Sean Jones} (8:00)
12. John 3-16 {Brad Leali} (5:35)
13. I Need Thee {Traditional} (5:01) 

Total Time: 73:38 

Credits:
Producer - Al Pryor
Executive Producer - Gretchen Valade
Engineer, Mixing - Don Murray
Mastering - Doug Sax

LINK

Roots

Willis Jackson - Gentle Gator (1995)

Gentle Gator is a compilation album by American jazz saxophonist Willis "Gator" Jackson, released in 1995 by Prestige Records. The album showcases the "mellow" side of Jackson, who was primarily known as a high-energy "honker" and rhythm and blues tenor man. The collection features recordings from 1961 and 1962, focusing on "deep soul ballads" and "caressing blue ballads". It includes tracks originally released on his Prestige albums like In My Solitude (Moodsville, Vol. 17), Really Groovin' (Prestige 7196), Neopolitan Nights (Prestige 7264) and Shuckin' (Prestige 7260). Jackson is joined by notable sidemen including pianists Tommy Flanagan and Richard Wyands, guitarists Kenny Burrell and Bucky Pizzarelli, bassists Peck Morrison and Wendell Marshall, Drummers Mickey Roker and Gus Johnson, conga player Juan Amalbert, along with a myriad of other fine musicians. Overall, this album captures Jackson's ability to render "ravishing" and "enchanted" balladry. 

Prestige Records, PRCD-24158-2, 1995
Recorded 11th April, 1961 (#1,2,4,10-12) [My Solitude]
Recorded 10th January, 1961 (#3,6-8) [Really Groovin']
Recorded 19th December, 1962 (#5) [Neopolitan Nights]
Recorded 30th October, 1962 (#9) [Shuckin'] 

Musicians:
Willis Jackson - Tenor Sax
Richard Wyands - Piano (#1,2,4,10-12)
Jimmy Neeley - Piano (#3,6-8)
Gildo Mahones - Piano (#5)
Tommy Flanagan - Piano (#9)
Bucky Pizzarelli - Guitar (#5)
Kenny Burrell - Guitar (#9)
Peck Morrison - Bass (#1,2,4,10-12)
Wendell Marshall - Bass (#3,6-8)
George Tucker - Bass (#5)
Eddie Calhoun - Bass (#9)
Mickey Roker - Drums (#1,2,4,10-12)
Gus Johnson - Drums (#3,6-8)
Bobby Donaldson - Drums (#5)
Roy Haynes - Drums (#9)
Juan Amalbert - Congas (#3,6-9)
Montego Joe - Congas (#5), Percussion (#9)
Jose Paulo - Percussion (#9) 

Tracks:
01. Solitude {Duke Ellington, Eddie Delange, Irving Mills} (5:04)
02. Estrellita {Manuel María Ponce Cuéllar} (4:10)
03. Girl Of My Dreams {Sunny Clapp} (6:36)
04. It Never Entered My Mind {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (4:01)
05. Al Di La {Carlo Donida} (4:46)
06. Careless Love {Traditional} (4:24)
07. I Remember Clifford {Benny Golson} (3:48)
08. Again {Dorcas Cochran, Lionel Newman} (4:05)
09. Amor {Gabriel Ruiz, Ricardo Lopez Mendez} (7:48)
10. Nancy [With The Laughing Face] {Jimmy Van Heusen, Phil Silvers} (5:22)
11. Home {Geoffrey Clarkson, Harry Clarkson, Peter Van Steeden} (5:10)
12. They Didn't Believe Me {Jerome Kern, Michael E. Rourke} (3:37) 

Total Time: 58:51 

Credits:
Supervisor - Esmond Edwards (#1-4,6-8,10-12)
Supervisor - Ozzie Cadena (#5,9)
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Digital Remastering - Phil De Lancie
Compilation, Liner Notes - Bob Porter
Art Direction - Phil Carroll
Liner Notes - Sidney Falco

LINK

It Never Entered My Mind

Fabio Morgera - Colors (2000)

“Colors” is a 2002 jazz concept album by Italian trumpeter and composer Fabio Morgera, released on the Red Records label. The album for approximately 73 minutes explores the artistic relationship between sounds and visual hues based on eleven of Morgera's original tunes, each titled after a specific colour. For this album Fabio brings together the talents of trombonist Steve Turre, tenorist J.D. Allen, pianists James Hurt and Joe Rybczyk Jr., bassist Eric Revis and drummer Alvester Garnett. Musically, the album is rooted in post-bop and contemporary jazz, that features a hard-boppish trumpet technique and elegant phrasing inspired by another trumpet great Woody Shaw. Overall, this early album truly showcases Fabio's expertise on both trumpet and flugelhorn and his ability to write unique compositions. Its appeal is especially enhanced by the team of exceptional players, namely Steve Turre and J.D. Allen, whom are drawn into this captivating project. 

Red Records, RR 123295 - 2, 2002
Recorded 5th-6th March, 2000 at Studio 900 in New York 

Musicians:
Fabio Morgera - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Steve Turre - Trombone (#1,2,4-6,9,10)
J.D. Allen - Tenor Saxophone
James Hurt - Piano (#1,4,7,9)
Joe Rybczyk Jr. - Piano (#2,3,5,6,8,10,11)
Eric Revis - Bass
Alvester Garnett - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Yellow (6:27)
02. Red (7:42)
03. Blue (5:04)
04. Black (7:16)
05. White (6:15)
06. Grey (6:40)
07. Purple (8:33)
08. Green (8:28)
09. Brown (6:43)
10. Orange (8:43)
11. Pink (2:00) 

All Compositions by Fabio Morgera 

Total Time: 73:57 

Credits:
Producer - Fabio Morgera
Executive-Producer - Sergio Veschi
Recording - Hiro Sanada
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi

LINK

Promo