Natalia M. King - Bluezzin T'il Dawn (2016)

With her previous album Soulblazz, singer-guitarist Natalia M. King found her artistic niche, exploring the timeless realm where blues and jazz intersect. King navigates similar terrain on this follow-up release, and the results are even more impressive. The new album consists mostly of original love songs, some evoking Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday, while others are more contemporary and suggestive of Cassandra Wilson. An American who lives in France, King is backed here by a talented group of Paris-based musicians: trumpeter Ronald Baker, reed player Xavier Sibre, bassist Anders Ulrich, pianist Anthony Honnet and drummer Davy Honnet. This versatile combo marries trad jazz with bluesy post-bop, forging a simpatico complement to King’s impassioned singing. The opening track, “Traces in the Sand,” is an attention grabber. A sultry reminiscence about a lost relationship, the song gathers steam as King’s languid phrasing turns full-throated and the horns roar. “Insatiable” is a Nat Cole-like melody with a spirited chorus. A catchy spiritual with overdubbed background vocals, “You Came and Go” features Sibre’s expressive flute playing. Baker’s muted trumpet gives “Little Bit of Rain” a noir feeling as King’s poignant singing brings a touch of optimism to Fred Neil’s wistful lyrics. King is a seeker, both musically and personally. A Brooklyn native who studied medieval history, she traveled extensively across the United States before settling in Los Angeles and playing in a blues-rock band. On a whim, King decided to fly to Paris, where she busked in metro stations until French TV channel Canal+ made her the subject of a documentary. Thanks to her TV exposure, she was tapped to open for Diana Krall and subsequently landed a record deal. King sings the blues with genuine emotion. Her performance here is so heartfelt, it should earn her wider recognition in the United States, one of her chief goals as an artist. ~ Ed Kopp, jazziz.com. 

Challenge Records, CR 73421, 2016
Recorded 9th-11th November, 2015 at Floxx Studio, Montreuil, France 

Musicians:
Natalia M. King - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Vocals, Arranger
Ronald Baker - Trumpet
Xavier Sibre - Alto & Tenor Saxophones, Clarinet, Flute
Anthony Honnet - Piano
Anders Ulrich - Double Bass
Davy Honnet - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Traces In The Sand {Natalia M. King} (3:21)
2. Don't Explain {Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog, Jr.} (4:26)
3. Insatiable {Natalia M. King} (4:31)
4. This Time Around {Natalia M. King} (5:29)
5. Love You Madly {Natalia M. King} (4:11)
6. Baby Brand New {Paul Desmond, Natalia M. King} (6:38)
7. Pain It Black & Blue {Natalia M. King} (3:20)
8. You Came & Go {Natalia M. King} (5:05)
9. Little Bit Of Rain {Fred Neil} (3:29) 

Total Time: 40:32

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Natalia M. King
Executive Producer, A&R - Anne de Jong
Mixing & Mastering - Florent Beaucousin
Coordination - Boudewijn Hagemans
Photography - Mai Lucas
Design - Juan Carlos Villarroel
Liner Notes - Emmanuel Bourdier 

Album Teaser

Gijs Hendriks & Beaver Harris Quartet - Sound Compound (1986) [vinyl]

March '86 Beaver Harris was invited to Holland by Gijs Hendriks and Bert van Erk. They called upon him as being the ideal drummer for a concept reaching from strictly structured pieces to free collective improvisation from multiplied changes to open tonality from rock to polyrhythmics from ragtime to no time. Harris in his turn invited them for his tour in France. The Quartet was completed with Charles Loos and the combination found itself inspiring. Another phone. Bert calls me. The recording-session was done at Max Bolleman's Studio 44, Monster, Holland. The result of this is the album "Sound Compound" (yvp music 3009). We love what we are doing! ~ From ‌Liner Notes. 

YVP Music, yvp music 3009, 1988
Recorded March, 1986 at Studio 44, Monster, Holland 

Musicians:
Gijs Hendriks - Alto, Soprano, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones
Beaver Harris - Drums
Charles Loos - Piano
Bert Van Erk - Double Bass 

Tracks:
A1. In A Friendly Way (10:10)
A2. Brasilien Song (5:17)
A3. Groovin'on (7:11)
B1. Tribute To Michael (7:13)
B2. Esbres (6:27)
B3. Deeboojah (8:20) 

All Compositions by Gijs Hendriks 

Total Time: 44:38 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - York von Prittwitz Und Gaffron
Executive-Producer - Konrad Baeschlin, Wolfram M. Burgert
Recording Engineer - Max Bolleman
Photography - Luc Lévêque
Cover Design - Michael Koehler

Phil Woods & Space Jazz Trio - Phil's Mood (1990)

Phil Woods has made many fine recordings for Philology, the Italian label named in his honor, and this one is no exception. He's backed by the Space Jazz Trio, anchored by the fine pianist Enrico Pieranunzi (who wrote nine of the 11 compositions heard here) and also featuring bassist Enzo Pietropaoli (who contributed the two takes of "Upstairs") and drummer Alfred Kramer. Woods' potent alto brings out the best in the pianist's strong post-bop charts, especially the driving "New Lands," the lyrical ballad "Chet," and the bittersweet waltz "Hindsight," which features Woods' hypnotic clarinet. ~ by Ken Dryden, Amazon.com. 

Philology Records, W 27.2, 1990
Recorded 15th November, 1988 at Soundvideocat Studios, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Phil Woods - Alto Saxophone, Clarinet
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano
Enzo Pietropaoli - Bass
Alfred Kramer - Drums 

Tracks:
01. New Lands [Take 2] {Pieranunzi} (6:07)
02. Night Bird [Take 1] {Pieranunzi} (6:34)
03. Chet {Pieranunzi} (6:38)
04. Phil's Mood {Pieranunzi} (5:58)
05. Blue Ballad {Pieranunzi} (6:34)
06. Upstairs [Take 2] {Pietropaoli} (4:18)
07. Hindsight {Pieranunzi} (6:31)
08. New Lands [Take 1] {Pieranunzi} (4:39)
09. Upstairs [Take 1] {Pietropaoli} (4:46)
10. New Lands [Take 3] {Pieranunzi} (5:50)
11. Night Bird [Take 2] {Pieranunzi} (7:01) 

Total Time: 65:00 

Credits:
Producer - Paolo Piangiarelli
Photography - Carlo Pieroni
Graphics - Maria Virginia Piangiarelli
Liner Notes - Richard Palmer

Geri Allen - Twylight (1989)

Geri Allen's fifth recording overall, and second effort that features both acoustic and electric instruments, is a stunning display in merging basic natural and spiritual ideas with jazz, funk, soul, space, and tribal elements. Sticking with Metro-Detroit friends like drummer Tani Tabbal, bassist Jaribu Shahid, and percussionist Sadiq Bey and Eli Fountain, Allen's role as a musical sorceress was never more pronounced and uniquely realized. The music, part of her self-dubbed "Black Pool Project," is altogether punctuated by multi-ethnic percussion, while liquid, mercurial, and elusive modal melodies, extended by the fresh harmonic pianistics of Allen, sends this brand of jazz into a third dimension. Tracks like the funky, angular "Shadow Series" have an Asian flavor spiced by her feline synthesizer lines, "Wood" is slowed, very mysterious, and cave-dweller like, "Little Wind" darker and wispy, while "Black Pools" is a circus siren's song, wonderfully macabre and even bizarre. The definitive composition, "A Place of Power," has a memorable piano line plus Allen's brilliant solo sneaking around a light calypso funk expertly rendered by Tabbal. Equally outstanding in a different light, "Dream Time" perfectly represents its sequential title, as quirky, jumpy hooks with a surreal harmonic foundation allows for many layers of subtle rhythms from the percussionists, all cemented by the modal bass of Shahid. Then there's "When Kabuya Dances," a signature song for Allen, as her peaceful, thematic, reverent piano introduction speeds into full-flight fancy, and a kinetic pulse that is magnificent beyond compare. "Skin" showcases a repeat, off-minor theme, "Stop the World" is pure electronica and percussive, while the title track reflects the inexplicable daily shift of light to dark. This is a stunningly beautiful recording marking a distinct progression for Allen, and her complete awareness of the world at large. It might take several listenings to get used to, but the ultimate reward of this high artistic achievement is limitless, as are the possibilities of human endeavor on this Earth. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG. 

Minor Music, MM 801014, 1989
Verve Records, 841 152-2, 1989
Recorded at Sound Ideas Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Geri Allen - Piano, Synthesizer (#2,4-8,11)
Jaribu Shahid - Acoustic Bass (#1-4,6-9,11)
Tani Tabbal - Drums (#1,3,6-9,11)
Sadiq Bey - Congas (#1,9), Djembe (#6), Percussion (#4,7,8,11)
Eli Fountain - Percussion (#7,8,11)
Clarice Taylor Bell - Vocals (#2,11) 

Tracks:
01. When Kabuya Dances (8:43)
02. Shadow Series (6:08)
03. Skin (1:45)
04. A Place Of Power (4:12)
05. Twylight (1:15)
06. Stop The World (4:08)
07. Wood (2:36)
08. Little Wind (4:26)
09. Dream Time (3:45)
10. Blue [Series II] (4:12)
11. Black Pools (4:29) 

All Compositions by Geri Allen 

Total Time: 45:43 

Credits:
Producer - Geri Allen
Engineer - Jon Rosenberg 

Info: https://www.jazzdisco.org/geri-allen/discography/

Enrico Pieranunzi Trio - Multiple Choice, Vol. 6 (2000)

Multiple Choice is now the 6th CD that Enrico Pieranunzi and his trio present on yvp. And again, it is a prime example of interactive music-making at the highest level! Pieranunzi has chosen two exquisite companions: The Genoa-born bassist Piero Leveratto has been working with Pieranunzi for over ten years and has proven himself here as a sensitive companion and highly virtuoso soloist alike. Drummer Marcello Di Leonardo is a new addition, whose sensitive playing provides the right basis for the master's pianistic excursions. The title "Multiple Choice" expresses the intention of the trio on this CD. Bill Evans, Pieranunzi's great teacher, once said that jazz asks "how" and not "what".And so the Enrico Pieranunzi Trio did not set a fixed musical language for this recording, but set the goal of playing the most open and best music that the three of them are capable of. And so, according to the title "Multiple Choice", there is modal jazz next to free forms, melodic ballads next to Latin-influenced numbers, all held together by a common musical language. ~ enricopieranunzi.it. [Translated From German]. 

YVP Music, yvp music 3079 CD, 2000
Recorded 20th March, 2000 at Platinum One Studio, Studio 2, Zürich, Switzerland 

Musicians:
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano
Piero Leveratto - Bass
Marcello Di Leonardo - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Improline {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:34)
02. Blue Improline {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:18)
03. Dee Song {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:44)
04. Improline 2 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:46)
05. Improline 4 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (1:22)
06. Improline 3 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:02)
07. The Common Element {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:26)
08. December Waltz {Stefania Tallini} (6:06)
09. Myriads {Piero Leveratto} (3:44)
10. Improline 5 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:22)
11. Love’s Language {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:38)
12. Improline 6 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:11)
13. Morning Song For Stefì {Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:40)
14. Cancion Del Dia {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:30)
15. One Lone Star {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:30)
16. Multiple Choice {Enrico Pieranunzi} (3:00) 

Total Time: 55:01 

Credits:
Producer - Peter Bürli [Radio DRS 2]
Producer, Design [Cover] - York v. Prittwitz [yvp music]
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Martin Pearson
Photo - Paolo Soriani
Liner Notes - Enrico Pieranunzi 

Here's a unique CD; a compilation of compositions by the then working Enrico Pieranunzi Trio in 2000, recorded in Switzerland and produced by Radio DRS 2. The disc comprises of 16 tracks, the majority of them penned by Enrico himself. For his latest trio formation, he brings together bassist Piero Leveratto and drummer Marcello Di Leonardo. As per usual Enrico weaves his magic and truly asserts his authority as a master pianist and composer of modern jazz. Regardless of his continental background he is revered throughout the world and it's not an overstatement to say that all his works are of the highest quality bringing joy to many an older or newer jazz audience/s.

Enrico Pieranunzi, Marc Johnson, Joey Baron - Current Conditions (2003)

More tunes from the Pieranunzi-Johnson-Baron trio, to caress your ears. The trio's magic hits home again and heads straight for your soul, tickling it with new original compositions by Enrico, Marc, and Joey. Pure pleasure. 

“I once described Thelonious Monk's original recording of 'Ruby My Dear' as 'sentiment without sentimentality'. Enrico Pieranunzi's playing and compositions have that same quality in their own way. No doubt he is both a romantic and a deep thinker. The combination of heart and mind is a most valuable amalgam in any art form. The blend is mixed differently by each individual. Pieranunzi's is a heady brew whose aromatic essences draw you in. They make you think. More so, they make you feel." ~ Ira Gitler, CamJazz.com. 

C.A.M. Jazz, CAMJ 7756-2, 2003
Recorded 28th November, 2001 Live at Sala B, RadioRai, Rome, Italy 

Personnel:
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano, Arranger
Marc Johnson - Double Bass
Joey Baron - Drums 

Tracks:
01. How Can You Not? {Enrico Pieranunzi} (6:21)
02. Alle Rive Lontane {Enrico Pieranunzi} (8:03)
03. Ravel's Walk {Marc Johnson} (5:16)
04. Illusions Market {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:31)
05. Simul {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:02)
06. Night After Night {Enrico Pieranunzi} (7:27)
07. Joey's Magic Tricks {Joey Baron, Marc Johnson, Enrico Pieranunzi} (2:52)
08. When You Look At Me {Enrico Pieranunzi} (7:44)
09. What's Really Going On {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:08)
10. If Only For A Time {Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:59)
11. Trio Reflections {Joey Baron, Marc Johnson, Enrico Pieranunzi} (5:00)
12. Broken Time {Joey Baron} (6:03) 

Total Time: 70:32

Credits:
Artistic Producer - Ermanno Basso
Engineer - Rita Franceschini, Roberto Rossi
Mixdown Engineer - Luciani Torani
Mixing Assistant - Damiano Antinori
Mastering - Danilo Rossi
Photography - Alessia Calvani 

Compelling Synergy
-----------------
Intimately recorded and imported live trio persuasively performs diverse post-bop powered by Pieranunzi's personal approach which sounds neither derivative nor intellectual. ~ IRate, 5 Stars, Amazon.com.

Gerald Albright - New Beginnings (2006)

Make no mistake; Gerald Albright has chops - serious chops - not to mention strong improvisational skills (on both tenor and alto sax) and a healthy amount of gritty, down-home soulfulness. But having a lot of positive attributes and actually making the most of them are two different things - and while the saxman has excelled at times, he has also delivered his share of forgettable, knee-jerk fluff. Drawing on both soul-jazz and smooth jazz, New Beginnings is a mixed bag, but is still one of his more worthwhile commercial outings. There are some weak tracks, to be sure, but when Albright lets loose, New Beginnings becomes a treat that brings to mind Grover Washington, Jr. and early Ronnie Laws. Albright really soars on a gospel-drenched performance of Hoagy Carmichael's "Georgia on My Mind," and he has some enjoyably funky moments on "Big Shoes" and "We Got the Groove" (both of which keyboardist Jeff Lorber co-wrote with the saxman) as well as the title track (which features Patrice Rushen on acoustic piano). This 2006 release has more pluses than minuses. ~ Extract by Alex Henderson, AMG. 

Concord Records, PKD-8540-2, 2006
Castle Oaks Studio, Calabasa, California
JHL Sound, Pacific Palisades, California
Riverphlo Studio, Anaheim, California
KAR Studio, Sherman Oaks, California
Dacrib Studio, Los Angeles, California 

Personnel: [See Text for Details]
Gerald Albright - Alto, Tenor & Baritone Saxophones, Flute, Bass Guitar, Drum Programming
Jeff Lorber - Keyboards, Drum Programming, Guitar
Chuckii Booker - Keyboards, Drum Programming, Backing Vocals
Rex Rideout - Keyboards, Drum Programming
Patrice Rushen - Acoustic Piano
Luther "Mano" Hanes - Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Tracy Carter - Keyboards
Chris Botti - Trumpet
John "Jubu" Smith - Guitar
Ricky Watford - Guitar
Paul Jackson Jr. - Guitar
Darrell Crooks - Guitar
Melvin Davis - Bass Guitar
Teddy Campbell - Drums
Tony Moore - Drums
Walter Scott & Wallace Scott - Vocals 

Tracks:
01. We Got The Groove {Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber} (4:07)
02. New Beginnings {Gerald Albright} (5:10)
03. Deep Into My Soul {Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber} (4:04)
04. And The Beat Goes On {Sylvers III, Preston Shockley, Shelby} (4:36)
05. Georgia On My Mind {Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorrell} (5:23)
06. Take Your Time {Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber} (4:35)
07. I Want Somebody {Chuckii Booker, Gerald Albright} (4:28)
08. You Are My Love {Gerald Albright, Luther "Mano" Hanes} (5:15)
09. Last But Not Least {Gerald Albright} (4:38)
10. I Need You {Chuckii Booker, Gerald Albright} (3:53)
11. Big Shoes {Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber, Marlon McClain} (5:09)
12. Georgia On My Mind [Reprise] {Hoagy Carmichael, Stuart Gorrell} (3:52) 

Total Time: 55:19

Credits:
Producer (#2,5,9,12), Engineer (#1,3,4,6,7,9-11), Arranger (#2,5,9,12) - Gerald Albright
Producer, Arranger (#1,3,6,11), Engineer (#1,3,6,11) - Jeff Lorber
Producer, Engineer, Arranger - Chuckii Booker (#7,10)
Producer, Engineer, Arranger - Rex Rideout (#4)
Producer, Arranger - Luther "Mano" Hanes (#8)
Executive-Producer - Andi Howard, Mark Wexler
Engineer - Anthony Jeffries (#2,5,12), Dave Rideau (#1,3,6,11), Tracy Carter (#9)
Arranger - Tracy Carter (#2,5,9,12)
Art Direction - MAD Design/Photography, Sonny Mediana
Photography - Carl Studna
Liner Notes - Phil Collins

Azar Lawrence - Shadow Dancing (1985) [vinyl]

Saxophonist Azar Lawrence (born 1952) needs little introduction, as a young musical prodigy he was lovingly tutored by his mother, who taught music and led their church choir. At age 5, he played violin in the Los Angeles Junior Symphony, then viola, but his ears were turned to the saxophone at age 13. Azar spent his teen years immersed in jazz at the home of his best friend, none other than the late Reggie Golson, son of the great composer/arranger/saxophonist, Bennie Golson. From then on it was jazz, jazz and more jazz! Azar Lawrence began his jazz career at the renowned Dorsey High School Jazz Workshop. After high school he played in Horace Tapscott's 'Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra' and started performing in the Los Angeles club circuit. He soon found himself playing with the Ike & Tina Turner band, the Watts 103rd Street Band and War. At the age of 19, Azar joined John Coltrane's drummer Elvin Jones for over 3 years before being invited by McCoy Tyner to join his quartet (an alchemy that lasted for 5 exuberant years). During his tenure with Tyner, he also recorded with Miles Davis on the album Dark Magus at the famed Carnegie Hall. Upon leaving Tyner, Azar Lawrence recorded his own projects on Prestige Records, including Bridge Into The New Age (1974), Summer Solstice (1975) and People Moving (1976). After these three albums it would take over a decade before Mr. Lawrence would record another solo album (Shadow Dancing, released in 1985). Azar went on to record/write and perform with luminaries such as Freddie Hubbard, Busta Rhymes, Roberta Flack, The Headhunters and Mulatu Astatke. His sensational collaborations of the period included writing and performing on Earth Wind & Fire's highly acclaimed platinum album, Powerlight, and on Marvin Gaye's Grammy award winning, Hear My Dear. Azar Lawrence's work was sampled by renowned artists/acts from the likes of Madlib, Cypress Hill... and many others. In the early 2000s, Lawrence surged back onto the jazz scene and continues to electrify audiences with outstanding original compositions and chart hitting albums. His band, The Azar Lawrence Experience (TALE) appears with as many as eight musicians who sizzle to the sounds of Azar's powerful compositions, as well as songs from the Coltrane songbook. To this day TALE dedicates itself to sharing a lifetime of Azar Lawrence's music, art and spirituality with global audiences. On the album Shadow Dancing (released in 1985), which we are proudly presenting you today, you can hear the musical versatility only an artist like Azar Lawrence can deliver. Next to his trademark jazz sound, this album is filled with funk, soul and boogie influences. If you're looking for THE perfect mix of synth filled boogie & jazz-funk where the Sax takes the center stage... then this is a highly recommended gem for your record collection (and a must-have for seekers of rare grooves). ~ MainstVinyl.com. 

Riza Records, RRL 85-101, 1985
Tidal Waves Music, TWM76, 2021
Recorded and Mixed at Gatoons Recording Studios, California 

Musicians:
Azar Lawrence - Reeds, Backing Vocals
Greg Cook - Keyboards, Guitar, Bass
Denzell Miller Jr., Joel Gaines - Keyboards
Leo Nocentelli, Marlowe Henderson - Guitar
James Gadson - Drums
Fred Johnson - Drum Programming [Lyndrum]
Eddie "Bongo" Brown, Eric McKain - Percussion
Coco Evans - Vocals (#A1,B1), Backing Vocals
Orin Waters, Roy Galloway - Backing Vocals 

Tracks:
A1. Magic In The Night {Azar Lawrence, Greg Cook} (3:52)
A2. Shadow Dancing {Azar Lawrence, Greg Cook} (5:33)
A3. Inside Stuff {B. Parrish} (2:47)
A4. One More Time {Fugino} (7:41)
B1. Your Love Is Keeping Me Alive {Azar Lawrence, Greg Cook} (3:38)
B2. Keep It Hot {Azar Lawrence, Greg Cook} (4:59)
B3. Singapore Nights {Azar Lawrence, Fugino} (5:11)
B4. Interlude {Azar Lawrence, Greg Cook} (2:53) 

Total Time: 36:39

Credits:
Producer - Azar Lawrence
Co-producer - Greg Cook (#A2,B2)
Executive-Producer - Dr. Riza Jardan
Engineer - Reggie Dozier
Engineer [Assistant] - Nikki Bowden
Mastering - Jeff Sanders
Art Direction, Design – Duval Lewis
Photography [Cover] - David Ogborne

Winard Harper - Come Into The Light (2003)

There's certainly been no shortage of artistic statements about the September 11 attacks and their aftermath, and there'll no doubt be more. Few of those are as concise or as engaging as the one made by master drummer Winard Harper and his sextet on Come Into the Light. "911" is but one of the gems on this uncompromisingly excellent live recording (the first at Cecil Brooks III's New Jersey club). Saxophonist Brian Horton sets the tone on his brief introduction, which Harper follows up even more ominously, paving the way for trumpeter Patrick Rickman to launch a blistering attack of his own. Thereafter, the music represents the bedlam and uncertainty that followed the historic day's cataclysm, with both Horton and pianist Jeb Patton weaving tortured cries into Harper's authoritative trap breaks. While Harper is unquestionably the leader, the CD's feel is truly collaborative throughout, from compositional credits-"911" is Rickman's, Horton submits the funky "Specimen A" and Patton provides the Tommy Flanagan tribute "T.F."-to the seamless interplay on the Latin-bop workout "Float Like a Butterfly" and the Tadd Dameron staple "If You Could See Me Now." Another classic, "Corner Pocket," gets a similar treatment, with Horton and Patton again trading quicksilver expressions, all behind another fluid opening solo by Rickman. The rest of the rhythm section-bassist Ameen Saleem and percussionist Alioune Faye-help Harper lay down a solid yet swaggering swing foundation, and the front line keeps their solos mostly lean and mean. This is the unmistakable sound of a top-flight band that has come into its own and is capable of going just about anywhere musically. ~ by Michael Edwards, JazzTimes.com. 

Savant Records, SCD 2058, 2004
Recorded 26th & 27th December, 2003 Live at Cecil's, West Orange, New Jersey

Musicians:
Winard Harper - Drums, Percussion, Balafon
Patrick Rickman - Trumpet
Brian Horton - Soprano & Tenor Saxophones
Jeb Patton - Piano (#4-7,9,10)
Kelvin Sholar - Piano (#2,3,8,11-13)
Ameen Saleem - Bass
Alioune Faye - Djembe, Percussion, Sabar 

Tracks:
01. Spoken Intro by Cecil Brooks III (0:42)
02. Float Like A Butterfly {Winard Harper} (7:00)
03. Little Sunflower {Freddie Hubbard} (5:24)
04. Divine Intervention {Winard Harper} (4:37)
05. If You Could See Me Now {Tadd Dameron, Carl Sigman} (7:56)
06. 911 {Patrick Rickman} (5:08)
07. T.F. {Jeb Patton} (5:35)
08. Specimen A {Brian Horton} (3:50)
09. Polka Dots And Moonbeams {Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen} (5:47)
10. Corner Pocket {Freddie Green, Donald Wolf} (6:44)
11. Come Into The Light [Intro] {Winard Harper} (2:40)
12. Come Into The Light {Winard Harper} (6:13)
13. Korinthis {Winard Harper} (6:39) 

Total Time: 68:15 

Credits:
Producer - Cecil Brooks III
Executive Producer - Joe Fields
Engineer - Don Braden
Assistant Engineer - James Dellatacoma
Photography - R. Andrew Lepley
Design - Keiji Obata
Liner Notes - Laurence Donohue Greene 

Note:
Original CD was poorly compiled, tracks ended with the start of the next track.
Remedy rip to WAV, trim, remove excess applause, optimize, re-encode FLAC > tag.

Miroslav Vitous - Guardian Angels (1979)

"Guardian Angels" showcases the comprehensive talent of virtuoso bassist, Miroslav Vitous. It puts on full display his incredible talent on electric and acoustic basses (with and without bow). One of the things that I thoroughly enjoy about this music is that it dispels the claim, attributed to former band mate and co-founder of Weather Report, Josef Zawinul, that Vitous couldn’t bring the “bottom”. On every track here, he brings it. ~ Matt Seahorn, Amazon.com. 

As a big Miroslav Vitous fan, this album is extremely satisfying outing and captures a late 70s snapshot of fusion. To start, it features a future member of his group, Kenny Kirkland, on keyboards, John Scofield sounds great on guitar and brings two originals. It also features two Japanese members who Miroslav made a few albums with; George Otsuka on drums and Mabumi Yamaguchi is on soprano sax, who were involved in two Maracaibo albums, the album Mabumi, and keyboardist Fumio Karashima's Hot Island. I'd recommend the original Evidence edition of this album, it's affordable and has great liner notes recalling first-hand details from the recording. Enjoy! ~ Frank G, Amazon.com. 

Trio Records, PAP-9154, 1979
Evidence Records, ECD 22055, 1993
Recorded 9th, 10th, 11th November, 1978 At Onkio Haus, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Miroslav Vitous - Bass, Electric Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog, Solina String-Ensemble]
Mabumi Yamaguchi - Soprano Saxophone
Kenny Kirkland - Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes, Yamaha CP-70 [Electric Grand],
Synthesizer [Yamaha CS-50 (Polyphonic), Mini-Moog]
John Scofield - Guitar
George Ohtsuka - Drums [Yamaha] 

Tracks:
1. His Meaning / Rising / Resolution {Miroslav Vitous} (8:38)
2. Inner Peace {Kenny Kirkland} (6:10)
3. Guardian Angels {Miroslav Vitous} (5:54)
4. Off To Buffalo {John Scofield} (7:52)
5. Eating It Raw {John Scofield} (6:15)
6. Shinkansen {Kenny Kirkland} (6:11) 

Total Time: 40:03 

Credits:
Producer, Engineer - David Baker
Producer - Ken Inaoka
Music Director - Miroslav Vitous
Engineer [Assistant] - Takashi Ogawa
Production Coordinator - Kaz Harada
Management – Hiroaki Itoh, Mamoru Kamekawa
Photography - Shigeru Uchiyama, Yasuhisa Yoneda
Design - Breakfast 

This is another example of the type of 'fusion' that was going on in NYC in the late 70's. It was popular then for Japanese artists to hire the top guys on the scene, make a record and be big stars in their home country. This CD is cool in that we hear a young Kenny Kirkland burning on electric keyboards. Kenny was 'the cat' to be reckoned with at this time. Scofield sounds good here too, although he sounds better on Chet Baker's 'can't go home again' and his own CD 'Live', also 'Rough House' which I think were recorded around the same time. The music is basically, pentatonic scales or whatever, played in unison really fast then solos: either up-tempo samba vamps or medium tempo funk groove. It's OK I guess...if you are a Kirkland or Scofield fan. ~ Wes Green, Amazon.com.

Shai Maestro Trio - The Road To Ithaca (2013)

Listening to this album, one gets the impression that it is full of "hits", characteristic themes that are remembered and haunted the listener long after listening, persistently resonating in the head, forcing you to hum (eg "Vertigo", "Paradox", " Gal"). They are purebred, noble compositions with a full range of emotions. There is nostalgia, lyricism, longing and even drama in them ("Untold", "Cinema G", "The Other Road"), excitement and hope ("Vertigo"), as well as joy, courage, sadness, despair, peace and coming to terms with reality. The composition entitled "Malka Moma" is the only one in which we hear the voice of the Bulgarian singer Nela Andreeva (she is also the author of this piece). Characterized by folklore and ethnic character, it is the essence of the atmosphere of the entire album, because it perfectly sums it up, what’s most important about it - an extraordinary emotional charge. It is clearly music that comes from the soul and the heart. Shai Maestro introduces inspiring motifs on the piano, and the Jorge Roeder / Ziv Ravitz rhythm section comes to his aid smoothly, building dynamic or lyrical conversations in a harmonious way. We do not have a fight for the palm of precedence for a moment - there are no dissonances in the form of going ahead. Occasionally, Roeder and Ravitz take over the lead for a while ("Water Dance", "Paradox", "Invisible Thread"), but neither of them tries to upset the balanced proportions. They put what they have the best to offer into the cauldron in which they cook musical food. Shai Maestro - unquestionable composing talent, thoughtful choice of means of expression, emotionality, great instrumental skills. Ziv Ravitz - mindfulness, exceptional listening, sense of groove ("Zvuv"), melody, timing. Jorge Roeder as a bassist can be daring (especially at concerts), but here he is above all an ideal partner for his colleagues - prudent, thrifty; it is like a bond between a Maestro piano and Ravitz's drums. They all share passion and commitment. There is an understanding between them, which results in a beautiful complementation. ~ Extract by Urszula Orczyk, JazzPress.pl. [Translated From Polish]

Laborie Records, LJ25, 2013
Recorded 2013 (#1,2,4-11) at Studio Laborie, Limoges, France;
#3 on a Zoom Recorder Live in Fribourg, Switzerland 

Musicians:
Shai Maestro - Piano, Arranger
Jorge Roeder - Double Bass, Arranger (#1 only)
Ziv Ravitz - Drums
Guest:
Neli Andreeva - Vocals [Bulgarian] (#10) 

Tracks:
01. Gal {Shai Maestro} (9:09)
02. Cinema G {Ziv Ravitz} (3:58)
03. Let Sound Be Sound {Shai Maestro} (1:54)
04. Paradox {Shai Maestro} (8:12)
05. Untold {Shai Maestro} (5:31)
06. Invisible Thread {Shai Maestro} (4:44)
07. Zvuv [The Fly] {Shai Maestro} (8:49)
08. The Other Road [For Naomi Gangi] {Shai Maestro} (4:00)
09. Vertigo {Shai Maestro} (4:03)
10. Malka Moma {Neli Andreeva; Arr. Georgi Genov} (3:38) 

Time: 54:02 

Bonus Track [Japanese Release]
11. Water Dance [Bonus Japan] {Shai Maestro} (8:14) 

Total Time: 62:16

Credits:
Producer - Laborie Records
Executive Producer - Jean-Michel Leygonie, Boris Jourdain
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Rob Griffin
Assistant Engineer - Antonin Chabillan, Clement Mettai
Mastering Engineer - Studio Lakanal
Photography - Jean-Baptiste Millot
Painting - Maggie Taylor [Garden, 2005]
Design - Jean-Louis Duralek

Shai Maestro Trio - Shai Maestro Trio (2012)

Israeli-born pianist Shai Maestro is familiar to UK audiences through his often-thrilling work with bassist/composer Avishai Cohen. He's now confirming that promise in his own group, with sometime Lee Konitz drummer Ziv Ravitz and Peruvian bassist Jorge Roeder, on an all-original repertoire except for the wistfully dignified traditional song Kalimankou Denkou. Cohen's swaying, romantically intense and cinematic music is immediately evoked in the alternately rippling and thunderous ‘Confession’, while the jaunty ‘Brave Ones’ sounds like a country-rock ballad (but develops with a catchily EST-like balance of freedom and certainty), and the meditative ‘Painting’ is a reverie under which arco bass murmurs and intensifying cymbal splashes steadily swell. Maestro's classical touch retains an expressive delicacy whatever the mood. Occasionally he restricts himself to fragmentary phrases inserted into remorseless drum-hooks and Roeder's luxurious basslines, and ‘The Flying Shepherd’ is a childlike dance that develops as a rhythm-stretching game. The Avishai Cohen dedication ‘One for AC’ could have come straight out of the repertoire of this gifted young pianist's famous mentor. Maestro's solo career is going to be one to watch. ~ John Fordham, TheGuardian.com. 

Laborie Records, LJ18, 2012
Recorded 2012 at Studio Laborie, Limoges, France 

Musicians:
Shai Maestro - Piano, Arranger
Jorge Roeder - Bass
Ziv Ravitz - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Confession {Shai Maestro} (0:31)
02. Sleeping Giant {Shai Maestro} (7:02)
03. Brave Ones {Shai Maestro} (9:57)
04. Painting {Shai Maestro} (5:02)
05. Silent Voice {Shai Maestro} (5:20)
06. Angelo {Shai Maestro} (4:27)
07. Lethal Athlete {Shai Maestro} (2:53)
08. The Flying Shepherd {Shai Maestro} (4:59)
09. Kalimankou Denkou {Traditional} (4:56)
10. One For AC {Shai Maestro} (4:35)
11. Tack On {Shai Maestro} (2:58) 

Total Time: 52:48 

Credits:
Producer - Laborie Records
Executive Producer - Jean-Michel Leygonie, Boris Jourdain
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Philippe Abadie
Assistant Engineer - Nicolas Denis
Mastering Engineer - Nate Wood
Photography - Jean-Baptiste
Photography [Pages 2&7] - Malene Marquez
Painting - Vilislava Boyadjieva
Design - Jean-Louis Duralek 

Note:
Original #10 (11:33) finished around 4:35 as indicated in booklet then starts again at 8:35
I have separated both adding #11 as "Tack On"

Jon Faddis - Teranga (2006)

After an extended layoff from studio recording, trumpeter Jon Faddis returns with Teranga. Taking its name from the Senegalese word for "hospitality," the album is an inspired and straightforward post-bop album and features Faddis in top form. Often driven by thick, acoustic basslines via Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Faddis' compositions are lush, visceral, and funky pieces that reveal the often-flashy trumpeter's more enigmatic and thoughtful inclinations. Longtime fans shouldn't fear, though, as Faddis' sparkling tone and trademark monumental range remain intact and are showcased throughout. Besides his superb backing ensemble that includes pianist David Hazeltine and drummer Dion Parson, Faddis has also brought along such sympathetic collaborators as Senegalese percussionists Abdou M'Boup and Alioune Faye as well as baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan, trumpeter Clark Terry, and others. ~ by Matt Collar, AMG. 

KOCH Records, KOC-CD-9969, 2006
Recorded 6th-7th September, 2005 at Bennett Studios, Englewood, New Jersey 

Personnel:
Jon Faddis - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Vocals, Arranger
David Hazeltine - Piano (#1-6,8,9)
Kiyoshi Kitagawa - Bass (#1-6,8,9)
Dion Parson - Drums (#1-6,8,9) 

Guests:
Frank Wess - Alto Flute (#4)
Abdou Mboup - Djembe, Talking Drum (#4)
Alioune Faye - Sabor (#4)
Clark Terry - Flugelhorn, Vocals (#6)
Russell Malone - Guitar (#6,7)
Gary Smulyan - Baritone Saxophone (#9) 

Tracks:
1. The Hunters & Gatherers {Jon Faddis} (6:38)
2. Hey, Lalo! {Jon Faddis} (5:37)
3. Waltz For My Fathers & Brothers {Jon Faddis} (5:17)
4. Teranga {Jon Faddis} (12:08)
5. The Courtship {Benny Carter} (6:34)
6. The Fibble-Ow Blues {Jon Faddis} (6:35)
7. Laurelyn {Jon Faddis} (5:56)
8. Transitions {Jon Faddis} (2:25)
9. The Baron {Jon Faddis} (4:55) 

Total Time: 56:11 

Credits:
Producer, Design, Packaging - Jon Faddis
Engineer, Mixing - Brian Dozoretz
Mastering - Adam Ayan
Design, Packaging - Michelle Lukianovich
Design, Packaging, Photography - John Abbott
A&R - David Wilkes
Public Relations - Gio Melchiorre
Liner Notes - Neil Tesser

Teranga