Mike Nock Quintet - Ozboppin' (1998)

Mike Nock has long been one of the most famous jazz musicians based in Australia, helped by the fact that he has visited the U.S. many times through the years. This CD begins with the most interesting selection, "Ozboppin'," which quickly goes from bop to Ornette Coleman, freer areas, and back to bop. Most of the other numbers alternate between melancholy ballads worthy of the mid-'60s Miles Davis Quintet to more heated numbers. Tim Hopkins on tenor recalls Wayne Shorter in spots, but has a fairly original tone, as does the talented young trumpeter Phil Slater; bassist Cameron Undy and drummer David Goodman are fine in support. With the exception of "Come Sunday" and "End of a Love Affair" (a ballad feature for Hopkins), all of the selections are Nock originals. A stimulating set of advanced hard bop. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Naxos Jazz, 86019-2, 1998
Recorded 24th & 25th January, 1998 at Sony Music Studios, Sydney, Australia 

Musicians:
Mike Nock - Piano
Phil Slater - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Tim Hopkins - Tenor Saxophone
Cameron Undy - Bass
David Goodman - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Ozboppin' {Mike Nock} (5:13)
2. The Philosophers {Mike Nock} (5:19)
3. Five'll Getcha! {Mike Nock} (7:04)
4. Exile {Mike Nock} (9:26)
5. Snafu {Mike Nock} (6:21)
6. Dreamtime Visitor {Mike Nock} (6:00)
7. Come Sunday {Duke Ellington} (4:37)
8. The Emperor's Clothes {Mike Nock} (5:12)
9. End Of A Love Affair {Edward Redding} (5:12) 

Total Time: 54:28 

Credits:
Producer - Mike Nock
Engineer - Ross A'Hearn
Editing - Tod Deeley
Artwork - David Perry
Liner Notes - Adrian Jackson 

Five'll Getcha!

Noriko Kojima - It Might As Well Be Spring (2001)

If you like jazz flute, this is the person to hear 'Noriko Kojima’.
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Anyone who claims to be an avid jazz fan and doesn't know who she is a loser. Of course, you can fully enjoy the mellowness and fuzzy feeling of the flute that diffused from her first album as a leader, the stately feeling behind her jazz as well is unchanged here. Her attention to detail, both in performance and composition, draws the listener’s attention. Also, the sideman whom enlarges the leader's intentions do so without being too assertive is also very wonderful! For example, when you wake up, ask yourself, 'What should I listen to today? ', and on days when I'm a little hesitant about choosing (laughs), I'll choose this album! It's an album that flicks the first jazz switch in the morning. ~ Dentymusic, amazon.com. [Translated from Japanese] 

What'sNew Records, WNCJ-2102, 2001
Recorded October, 2000 at Lake Yamanaka, Yamanakako, Japan 

Musicians:
Noriko Kojima - Flute, Alto Flute
Kiichi Futamura - Piano
Moriyoshi Shibuya - Bass
Shingo Yamaguchi - Drums 

Tracks:
1. I Thought About You {Jimmy Van Heusen} (6:56)
2. Those Spring Days {Noriko Kojima} (6:10)
3. Dat Dere {Bobby Timmons} (6:46)
4. It Might As Well Be Spring {Richard Rodgers} (6:31)
5. Light Snow In Spring {Noriko Kojima} (6:56)
6. Otters' Fest {Noriko Kojima} (6:49)
7. Di mana? {Noriko Kojima} (5:10)
8. Let's Cool One {Thelonious Monk} (7:13) 

Total Time: 52:31 

Di mana?

Pierre de Bethmann - Qui (2006)

For Pierre de Bethmann's second CD as a leader apart from his duties with the Moutin Reunion Quartet, he again sticks to playing the Fender Rhodes electric piano exclusively. Tenor saxophonist David El Malek is retained, as is drummer Franck Agulhon from De Bethmann's Ilium quintet. Complex melodies and time structures continue to signify their collective sound. For Oui, the ensemble is expanded to include second (alto) saxophonist Stéphane Guillaume and guitarist Michael Felberbaum. The difference maker is vocalist Jeanne Added, who sings no lyrics whatsoever, but employs scat, hums, oohs, and ahhs on every track. While an attractive and becoming vocalist, this unfortunately detracts from the overall variety of the project. Still, much startling original music is offered, such as the opener, "Shema," with its beefy, chunky melody in a whopping 14/8 time signature with sections going from animated to calming, back and forth, as well as the 5/4-driven, at times rockish beat over dueling saxophones of "Exo." There is a reflection of the modalities the mid-period Mahavishnu Orchestra utilized, as on the stairstepping "Singulier" contrasting Added's siren song, and the heavy 7/8 "Altération," which most readily approaches the '70s fusion movement. The most straight-ahead jazz tune, "Effet Tatillon," is a snaky, slinky line that weaves though road forks and U-turns. "Oui" is the most intricate and involved track, with De Bethmann and Felberbaum using wah-wah pedals, the two saxes reaching for upper levels, and the vocals as an afterthought. Added is most prevalent and expressive in tandem with El Malek during "Air Courbe," an ode to sky flight, and the vocal-dominant ballad "La Lentuer." Simply for variety's sake, it would be nice if she had sung a song. De Bethmann, clearly an extraordinary talent, does things his way, and one hopes he sticks to the Rhodes, perhaps exploring extensions of Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi or early Chick Corea and beyond. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG. 

Nocturne Records, NTCD 404; 2007
Recorded 25th-27th September, 2006 at Studios de la Seine, Paris, France 

Musicians:
Pierre de Bethmann - Fender Rhodes
Stéphane Guillaume - Alto Saxophone
David El Malek - Tenor Saxophone
Michael Felberbaum - Guitar
Vincent Artaud - Double Bass
Franck Agulhon - Drums
Jeanne Added - Voices 

Tracks:
1. Shema {Pierre de Bethmann} (9:48)
2. Singulier {Pierre de Bethmann} (7:52)
3. Air Courbe {Pierre de Bethmann} (9:47)
4. Silnes {Pierre de Bethmann} (7:18)
5. Oui {Pierre de Bethmann} (8:16)
6. La Lenteur {Pierre de Bethmann} (3:15)
7. Exo {Pierre de Bethmann} (6:46)
8. Effet Tatillon {Pierre de Bethmann} (6:44)
9. Altération {Pierre de Bethmann} (8:04) 

Total Time: 67:50 

Credits:
Recording, Mixing - Philippe Teissier Du Cros
Mastering - Raphaël Jonin
Design Graphics - Renaud Barès
Photography - Gildas Boclé

Noriko Kojima - Norinote (2005)

Born in Meguro Ward, Tokyo. Noriko grew up listening to a lot of classical music, her engineer father played whilst working at home. At four with her older brother, she learned to play the violin. Later, while in college, she became interested in jazz and took up the flute. This led to entering the Musashino Conservatory of Music and after graduating, she studied under Yoshio Otomo, Toshihiko Inoue and Hirohiko Watanabe, all well-known Japanese jazz musicians. Today, she continues to play the flute, cherishing the warm tone and the groove feeling that uniquely lends itself to jazz. As a jazz musician she has developed an excellent sense of sound and improvisation; coupled with a fine understanding of melody, utilizing phrases that fly like the wind full of inimitable nuances. In 1987, she formed her own quartet and has gone on to interact with many musicians and perform many live performances. Essentially, her style imbues a deep and emotional groove articulated in her rich tone that is quite sublime. This album is her third as a leader and is joined by other fine Japanese musicians. Four of the nine tunes are her own compositions with the remainder a careful selection of popular jazz tunes. Overall, it is album that will continue to grow on any jazz flute enthusiast and any music lover, enjoy! 

What'sNew Records, WNCJ-2158, 2005 

Musicians:Noriko Kojima - Flute
Kiichi Futamura - Piano
Tomoo Yamaguchi - Guitar
Moriyoshi Shibuya - Bass
Junji Hirose - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Four O'Clock Train {Noriko Kojima} (6:15)
2. Vega {Noriko Kojima} (7:00)
3. Come Rain Or Come Shine {Harold Arlen} (6:38)
4. We'll Be Together Again {Carl Fischer} (6:05)
5. New York Bossa {Steve Grossman} (6:40)
6. Umbrellas Of Cherbourg {Michel Legrand} (6:07)
7. Sasanqua {Noriko Kojima} (7:43)
8. Black Panther In Johor Bahru {Noriko Kojima} (5:04)
9. Triste {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (7:21) 

Total Time: 58:53 

Black Panther In Johor Bahru

We Three Trio - The Gershwin Collection (2006)

The debut album of "We Three Trio", a piano trio unit led by Kuni Mikami, a Japanese pianist who has lived in New York for over 30 years. Kuni Mikami was trained by Barry Harris disciples and Norman Simmons, and was the last pianist of the Lionel Hampton Orchestra for nine years. He became a personal friend and was Lionel's last ally, both professionally and privately. At the same time, he is also enrolled in the Duke Ellington Orchestra led by Paul Ellington, and continues to perform at Tuesday Night Live at the NY Club "Birdland" (2006). In addition, he performed with the Cab Calloway Orchestra, which can be said to be the roots music of the 2005 trend of "jump n jive" music, and the now-defunct Illinois Jacquet big band. He continues to play an active role as a pianist. He often visits Japan with black female vocal guests. His fan base in Japan is also expanding. Akihiko Hasegawa (ds), a drummer who studied under Frank Gant, a bebop drummer who is an ally in NY and has a deep friendship with Kuni, and Takanashi, a talented bassist who prides himself on the Ron Carter style and has a friendship with Ron. This "We Three Trio" with Michio (b) has a "contemporary" taste (according to Kuni), which is different from the "Manhattan-style" jazz trio that Kuni and Mikami have practiced in their live performances. Appearing as a unit that also has the aspect of a piano trio, they challenged George Gershwin, the first and last difficult composer for a pianist. He performed with originality that is as good as the performances of many pianists, and appealed to the many "drawers" that overturned the image of Kuni and Mikami so far. Takanashi's bass is also deep, spinning out the essence of these classics and adding a new flavor. The drumming that expresses Hasegawa's straight personality has also been sublimated into a drumming that understands the expression as a "unit", and in the future, by repeating concerts in Japan, it will become even more attractive. ~ www.hmv.co.jp. [Translated from Japanese] 

What'sNew Records, WNCJ-2160, 2006 

Musicians:
Kuni Mikami - Piano
Michio Takanashi - Bass
Akihiko Hasegawa - Drums 

Tracks:
1. It Ain’t Necessarily So {5:47)
2. Embraceable You {5:32)
3. Somebody Loves Me {6:22)
4. A Sleepless Night {4:34)
5. I Got A Rhythm {4:03)
6. Isn’t It A Pity {7:12)
7. Rhapsody In Blue {5:21)
8. Summer Time {4:00)
9. The Man I Love {7:15) 

All compositions by George Gershwin 

Total Time: 50:06 

Summer Time

Kazuko Baba - I'll Keep Loving You (2006)

Japanese pianist Kazuko Baba was born in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture. She is currently living back in Tokyo after spending nine years in New York. This is her second album and is the result of her progressive time well spent in New York. For the album she surrounds herself with a crack black American rhythm section in bassist David Williams and drummer Leroy Williams supplemented with guests: Japanese guitarist Satoshi Inoue and the renowned bassist Reggie Workman. She showcases seven of her own original tunes, works she composed during her daily life and performances in and around the Big Apple, as well as two favourite standards. This album sets the record straight, that she is indeed a prominent contender as a superlative modern jazz pianist. 

What'sNew Records, WNCJ-2172, 2006
Recorded 22nd August, 2005 at Kaleidoscope Sound, Union City, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Kazuko Baba - Piano
David Williams - Bass
Leroy Williams - Drums
Guests:
Satoshi Inoue - Guitar (#1,4)
Reggie Workman - Bass 

Tracks:
1. Unknown Story {Kazuko Baba} (7:57)
2. The Leaning Waltz {Kazuko Baba} (3:17)
3. Autumn Leaves {Joseph Kosma} (5:30)
4. Wandering On The Shore {Kazuko Baba} (6:38)
5. Illusion {Kazuko Baba} (7:15)
6. Dancing Dolls {Kazuko Baba} (6:12)
7. Air {Kazuko Baba} (7:35)
8. I’ll Keep Loving You {Bud Powell} (6:52)
9. Calm {Kazuko Baba} (3:44) 

Total Time: 55:00 

I'll Keep Loving You

Giampaolo Casati Trio - In Jazz (1994)

Italian trumpeter Giampaolo Casati was born in Genoa in 1959, and graduated from the "Niccolò Paganini" Conservatory of Genoa in 1985. Throughout his career, he has performed many concerts, teaching and arranger activities for both big band and other jazz combos. He has collaborated with many Italian and foreign musicians playing in major Italian, European, American and Asian festivals. He has participated in radio and television broadcasts, as well as in the production of soundtracks for cinema, theater and advertising. The first important collaborations date back to the 80s. These include Gianni Basso's "AT Big Band", Tullio De Piscopo's quartet, Riccardo Zegna Unit Line, the Keptorchestra feat Steve Lacy and Piero Odorici's quintet. In 1991, he founded, with Piero Leveratto, the "Bansigu Big Band", assuming its direction. In 1992, he was joined up with Giorgio Gaslini’s Great National Jazz Orchestra. Also, in 1992 he played in the Ralph Moore quintet, including Ben Riley, and in Natalie Cole's Big Band. In the same year he recorded, "Art Song", by Gianni Cazzola's Nuovo Sestetto Italiano. In 1994, he joined Mario Raia's Big Band which recorded "Ellington". At the same time, he records "Sweet Sixteen" with the Keptorchestra and Steve Lacy. This leads him to structure the Giampaolo Casati Trio. For this recording he is joined by two other revered Italian musicians, guitarist Alessio Menconi and bassist Rosario Bonaccorso. Together they showcase three Casati originals, two tunes by Italian pianist Riccardo Zegna, as well as a composition by Piero Leveratto a popular Italian bassist and the producer of this album. Included in the mix are two well-known compositions by Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. Overall, the album truly displays the impeccable skills of all involved, hopefully Giampaolo will receive the recognition of a great trumpeter and composer beyond his continental fame, enjoy! 

Caligola Records, 2002-2, 1994
Recorded and mixed on 1st February 1994 at Gulliver Studio, Genova, Italy 

Musicians:
Giampaolo Casati - Trumpet
Alessio Menconi - Guitars:  Electric (#1,2,4,6,8,9), Acoustic (#3,5, Solo 7)
Rosario Bonaccorso - Bass 

Tracks:
1. Odd Girl {Piero Leveratto} (4:01)
2. Listen To The Bass {Antonio Faraò} (7:07)
3. Sily {Giampaolo Casati} (6:02)
4. Evidence {Thelonious Monk} (6:02)
5. Soft Feelings {Riccardo Zegna} (6:53)
6. Clifford's Mood {Giampaolo Casati} (6:09)
7. Naima {John Coltrane} (3:59)
8. Sant Lucy {Giampaolo Casati} (7:13)
9. Iris Blue {Riccardo Zegna} (5:38) 

Total Time: 53:04 

Credits:
Executive-Producer - Piero Leveratto
Cover Design - Luigi Voltolina
Booklet Photos - Alfredo Tabocchini
Liner Notes - Claudio Donà 

Clifford's Mood

Clark Terry - Trumpet & Flugelhorn (1974) [vinyl]

Clark Terry is an acknowledged master of improvisation. Because of his superb musicianship, he has long been in demand in concert halls, nightclubs and in major recording studios. His trumpet work is a perfect example of how it should be done on that instrument. And Clark has brought new and much deserved popularity to the flugelhorn. This album was conceived and designed for three reasons: to show other musicians exactly what the experts do with a chord progression; to provide teachers with exciting new material for the classroom; Preserve on record and paper the work of some of the best jazz musicians of this era. Songs include: Swedish Terrier * On the Trail * Hackensack * Smedley * Flintstones. ~ www.amazon.com. 

MMO Music Group, Inc., 671, 1974 

Musicians:
Clark Terry - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Ron Odrich - Bass Clarinet
Don Friedman - PianoVictor Sproles - Bass
"Mousey" Alexander - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Swedish Terrier {Clark Terry} (4:46)
2. On The Trail {Ferde Grofé} (4:55)
3. Hackensack {Thelonious Monk} (3:27)
4. Smedley {Oscar Peterson} (3:43)
5. Flintstones {Hoyt Curtin} (4:21) 

Total Time: 21:12 

Credits:
Producer - Keith M. Perkins
Engineer - Jim Odrich

Incontro Con Don Cherry (1976)

aka Meeting with Don Cherry recorded live in Italy 1976 

A rare piece of footage of Don Cherry and his group playing live at Rai Television Studios, Italy in 1976. He is joined by the wonderful percussionist Nana Vasconcelos, guitar and flutist Gianpiero Pramaggiore as well as his wife Moky Cherry on percussion and tamboura. Towards the end of the session, the group is united with other family members to dance and chant to the music. An captivating and inspiring occasion, well worth engaging in. Both the music and video have been painstakingly put together for this post, enjoy! 

Personnel:
Don Cherry - Pocket Trumpet, Flute, Vocals +
Nana Vasconcelos - Percussion, Berimbau
Gianpiero Pramaggiore - Guitar, Flute
Moky Cherry - Percussion, Tamboura
+ family members 

Tracks:
Part 1 (20:32)
Part 2 (26:10) 

Total Time: 46:42 

Note:
Studio decorated with art by Moky Cherry
Original video edited to just include music.
WAV files trimmed, optimised and converted to FLAC

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