New York Jazz Quartet - Blues For Sarka (1978)

The New York Jazz Quartet, an excellent though overlooked band which was active in the 1970s and 1980s, is heard live at Jazzclub Domicile in Munich on this Enja album. Pianist Roland Hanna, the founder of the group, is accompanied by tenor saxophonist Frank Wess, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Grady Tate, who had just replaced Richard Pratt. Aside from an extended workout of Miles Davis' "All Blues," which centers on Wess' soulful tenor sax, the remainder of this performance consists of originals each by Hanna or Mraz. The pianist's exciting "Rodney Round Robin," which he had debuted only two years earlier while recording a studio date under Red Rodney's leadership, contrasts strikingly with his dark, funky "Smelly Jelly Belly." The bassist's contributions are also laudable. The feverish "I'll Tell You Tonight" is like a roller coaster with plenty of hairpin turns, while his "Blues for Sarka" isn't actually a blues at all but a heartfelt ballad. Issued by both Inner City and Enja, this now out of print disc is easily one of the best releases by the New York Jazz Quartet. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Enja Records, ENJA 3025, 1978
Enja Records, ENJA 3025-2, 1998
Recorded 17th May, 1978 "Live" at the Jazzclub Domicile, München, West Germany 

Musicians:
Roland Hanna - Piano
Frank Wess - Flute, Tenor Sax
George Mraz - Bass, Bass [Upright]
Grady Tate - Drums 

Tracks:
1. All Blues {Miles Davis} (15:29)
2. Rodney Round Robin {Roland Hanna} (5:44)
3. I'll Tell You Tonite {George Mraz} (7:14)
4. Blues For Sarka {George Mraz} (7:11)
5. Smelly Jelly Belly {Roland Hanna} (9:33) 

Total Time: 45:13 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Horst Weber
Recording Engineer - Carlos Albrecht
Cover Photo - Josef Werkmeister
Photography - Hans Harzheim

LINK

Blues For Sarka