Jacky Terrasson - What It Is (1999)

Pianist Jacky Terrasson is characteristic of today’s young jazz players. For a time, he seemed determined to capture the kind of piano trio classicism embodied by the likes of Bill Evans, with a developing sense of innate communication with minimalist drummer Leon Parker, and bassist Ugonna Okegwo, culminating in their satisfying live recording Alive. The path has changed for Terrasson this time out however, perhaps owed to sheer restlessness. It’s a shame that Jacky’s generation evidences little interest in developing a real band concept. 

All that’s not to condemn the current release; there is indeed a lot to like here as Terrasson has determined to showcase his original compositions performed by a varied cast whose core is Okegwo and drummer Jaz Sawyer. Produced by percussionist Mino Cinelu, Terrasson envelopes himself in rhythms from a variety of cultural sources, engages such disparate voices as harmonica player Gregoire Maret, guitars, electric basses, and tasteful use of keyboards to augment his piano in several instances. These landscaping tools are all in service to an attractive program of pieces, from originals to an arrangement of Ravel’s “Bolero.” Most notable is the comely line “Baby Plum,” which hosts Michael Brecker’s tenor and Richard Bona’s African bass. ~ Willard Jenkins, JazzTimes.com. 

Blue Note, 7243 4 98756 2 3, 1999
Recorded 16^th-18^th & 27^th November, 1998 At Avatar Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Jacky Terrasson - Piano (#1-7,9) Fender Rhodes (#4,6,9), Organ [Wurlitzer] (#8, Shekere (#9)
Michael Brecker - Tenor Saxophone (#2,8)
Rick Centalonza - Flute (#1,9), Oboe (#9)
Jay Collins - Flute (#5,6)
Adam Rogers - Guitar (#1,7)
Ugonna Okegwo - Acoustic Bass (#2,3,5,6,9)
Fernando Saunders - Electric Bass (#1,7,9)
Richard Bona - Electric Bass (#4,8)
Jaz Sawyer - Drums (#2,4,5,6,9)
Mino Cinelu - Drums (#1,3,7 Percussion (#1,2,4,5,7-9), Sounds [Effects] (#6), Guitar (#9)
Gregoire Maret - Harmonica (#5,6)
Xiomara Laugart - Lead Vocals (#4) 

Tracks:
1. Sam's Song {Jacky Terrasson} (7:28)
2. What's Wrong With You! {Jacky Terrasson} (5:58)
3. Little Red Ribbon {Jacky Terrasson} (5:21)
4. Better World {Jacky Terrasson} (3:01)
5. Toot-Toot's Tune {Jacky Terrasson} (6:32)
6. Money {Roger Waters} (4:44)
7. Le Roi Basil {Jacky Terrasson} (8:35)
8. Baby Plum {Jacky Terrasson} (5:48)
9. Ravel: Bolero {Maurice Ravel} (6:36) 

Total Time: 54:03

Credits:
Producer, Additional Sound Effects - Mino Cinelu
Arranger - Jacky Terrasson
Recording (#1,7,9) & Mixing Engineer - Neil Dorfsman
Recording Engineer - Rob Eaton (#2-6,8)
Mastering Engineer - Leon Zarvos
Art Direction, Design - Jessica Novod
Creative Director - Gordon H Jee
Management - The Management Ark
Photography - Barron Claiborne

Alex Sipiagin - Images (1998)

This CD finds Alex Sipiagin in his first recorded role as leader. He is in great company with many other fine musicians that include Chris Potter, David Binney, Adam Rogers and Jeff Hirshfield to name a few of the outstanding crew on this TCB release. Essentially, he has come a long way since this earlier date clearly shown by his now broadening and extensive discography. It is an interesting collection of tunes which include two of his own and one from his Russian origins. The album starts off with a tried and test piece by Milton Nascimento followed by one penned by David Binney and wraps up with a contemporary composition by Pat Metheny. Overall his tone is sweet and clearly showcases his ability to handle a broad range of styles. Of course, he would go on to express further virtuosity across his 10 Criss Cross Jazz albums. Personally, for me this album rates well against his latter day works. Enjoy!

TCB Records, 98602, 1998

Recorded & Mixed in May, 1996 At Interlude Studio, New York

Musicians:

Alex Sipiagin - Trumpet, Flute

Joshua Roseman - Trombone

David Binney - Alto Saxophone

Chris Potter - Tenor Saxophone

Gil Goldstein - Piano, Accordion

Adam Rogers - Guitar

Scott Colley - Bass

Jeff Hirshfield - Drums

Kenny Wollesen - Percussion

Tracks:

1. Tarde {Milton Nascimento} (8:04)

2. Freaker {David Binney} (7:44)

3. Little Dancer {Alex Sipiagin} (11:58)

4. Song - 1 {Alex Sipiagin} (3:26)

5. Novgorod Bells {Russian Folksong, Arr. Alex Sipiagin} (12:34)

6. Midwestern Night Dream {Pat Metheny} (7:16)

Credits:

Producer, Arranger - Alex Sipiagin

Executive-Producer - Peter Schmidlin

Recording & Mixing Engineer - Keith Senior

Mastering Engineer - Antoine Ogay, Grens (Premastering)

Graphic Artwork - Gigi Schmid-Huetiger

Photography [Cover] - Valeria Iozas

Photography [Inside] - Anatoly Artomonov

Liner Notes - Mike Zwerin

Total Time: 51:02