Steve Turre - In The Spur Of The Moment (2000)

In The Spur Of The Moment, Steve Turre's debut release for Telarc Jazz, is a technically precise and elegant musical adventure through three jazz styles in which Steve Turre expresses his musical personalities in a quartet setting. In the first setting, he plays the blues in jazz with the legendary Ray Charles on piano, Peter Turre on drums, and Peter Washington on bass. The section features two original compositions by Steve titled "Ray's Collard Greens," an authentic 12-bar blues, and "Duke Rays," a song based on Duke Ellington's "In a Mellow Tone," for which Steve uses Ellington's changes but has written a new melody. "Misty" and "The Way You Look Tonight" round out the section, but are featured with the same approach to the blues. The second section of In the Spur of the Moment features Stephen Scott on piano in a modern and modal setting. His third musical setting stars Turre and Chucho Valdes playing Afro-Cuban sounds in a set that also features Peter Turre on drums, Buster Williams on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums, Andy Gonzalez on bass, and the great, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez on drums and percussion. This section shows Turre at his zenith as an assured leader and sensitive collaborator with exciting accompaniment by Chucho plus the string quartet, and Quartette Indigo on "Claudia." In the Spur of the Moment concludes with an exciting finale that features Turre putting his brilliant trombone and shell skills to the test on the exciting jam, "Descarga Ahora." This CD is a glowing example of Steve Turre's exceptional finesse in the many styles of jazz. ~ by Paula Edelstein, AMG. 

Telarc Jazz, CD-83484, 2000
Recorded 14th August, 1999 (#1-4) At Avatar Studios, Studio C, New York City;
5th October, 1999 (#5-7) At Master Sound Astoria, Queens, New York and
8th October, 1999 (#8-10) At Avatar Studios, Studio A, New York City 

Personnel:
Steve Turre - Trombone (#1-4,5-7,8-10), Conch [Shells] (#1-4,5-7), Maracas (#8-10)
Ray Charles - Piano (#1-4,5-7)
Stephen Scott - Piano (#5-7)
Chucho Valdés - Piano (#8-10)
Peter Washington - Bass (#1-4)
Buster Williams - Bass (#5-7)
Andy Gonzalez - Bass (#8-10)
Peter Turre - Drums (#1-4)
Jack DeJohnette - Drums (#5-7)
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez - Drums, Timbales, Congas, Bongos, Bells [Campana] (#8-10)
Akua Dixon - Cello, Leader (#9)
Ensemble - Quartet Indigo (#9)
Richard Spencer - Viola (#9)
Gayle Dixon - Violin [First] (#9)
Sandy Billingslea - Violin [Second] (#9) 

Tracklist: 

The Blues In Jazz
01. Ray's Collard Greens {Steve Turre} (6:34)
02. Misty {Johnny Burke, Erroll Garner} (5:18)
03. Duke Rays {Steve Turre} (5:20)
04. The Way You Look Tonight {Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern} (7:01)

Modern And Modal
05. Ellington Medley: {Duke Ellington} (7:59)
5.1 Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me
5.2 Five O'Clock Drag
06. Something For John {Steve Turre} (5:34)
07. In The Spur Of The Moment {Stephen Scott} (9:13)

Afro-Cuban Sounds
08. Suenos De La Habana {Steve Turre} (5:42)
09. Claudia {Chucho Valdés} (9:21)
10. Descarga Ahora {Steve Turre} (6:25)

Credits:
Producer - Myles Weinstein, Steve Turre
Recording, Mixing & Mastering Engineer - Michael Bishop
Technician [Assistant at Avatar Studios] - Andre Yankovsky, Aya Trewhella, Rory Romano
Technician [Assistant at Master Sound] - David Merrill, Ted Trewhella
Technician [Assistant] - Francisco Rodriguez, James Yates, Rob Friedrich
Art Direction - Anilda Carrasquillo
Design - Deborah Kane
Photography [Cover] - John Abbott
Management - Myles Weinstein
Liner Notes - J.J. Johnson, Steve Turre

Steve Turre - Steve Turre (1997)

Steve Turre is the 1997 self-titled album by American trombonist Steve Turre. This is his sixth solo album, his first of two albums he would do for Verve Records. The album features a number of special guests, including Cassandra Wilson, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Mongo Santamaria, and Regina Carter. No wonder Steve Turre merely used his name as the title of this tour de force, for it is a supremely ambitious, self-defining project that covers an enormous amount of ground and means on one small disc. With his trombone and signature conch shells as a base, Turre expands his reach to embrace the Western Hemisphere - particularly Cuba and Brazil – arranging, composing, inviting stellar guests to chip in, and ending up with a beautiful, swinging record that can't be mistaken for anyone else's. One gets a powerful dose of Turre's unique sound world on the fascinating opening track, "In a Sentimental Mood," done bossa nova style with a conch shell solo that sounds like late-period Dizzy Gillespie and a smoky Cassandra Wilson vocal. There are ample layers of Turre's multi-tracked conch shell harmonies, the sweetest ensemble sound this side of Lombardo and one that is used as a genuinely musical ingredient, not a gimmick. Turre is secure enough to feature the majestic sound of J.J. Johnson, who plays magnificently on the lengthy tone poem "The Emperor" - whose title undoubtedly refers to the elder trombone giant - and on "Steve's Blues." Afro-Cuban music plays a major role here, as Mongo Santamaria's veteran chartmeister Marty Sheller arranges "Ayer Lo Vi Llorar" for the 81-year-old Queen of Boleros, Graciela Perez - and then Mongo himself duels with the madly comping McCoy Tyner on, of course, "Mongo 'n' McCoy." The booklet notes (by Turre himself) are an exhaustive play-by-play of what was clearly an exhausting project, yet the final product has much of the exuberance of a spontaneous jam session. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide. 

Verve Records, 314 537 133-2, 1997
Recorded 7th May and 20th June, 1996 at Master Sound Astoria Studios, New York 

Personnel:
Steve Turre - Trombone, Shells
Cassandra Wilson - Vocals (#1)
Graciela Perez - Vocal (#4)
Randy Brecker - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
J.J. Johnson - Trombone
Jon Faddis - Trumpet
Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros - Trumpet
Britt Woodman - Trumpet [Open Solo, #7]
Stephen Scott - Piano
Willie Rodriguez - Piano
Stefon Harris - Marimba, Balifone, Gong, Vibraphone
Andy Gonzalez - Bass
Robin Eubanks - Shells & Trombones
Jimmy Bosch - Shells & Trombones
Douglas Purviance - Shells & Trombones
Frank Lacy - Shells & Trombones
Romero Lubambo - Guitar
Mongo Santamaria - Conga [Solo]
Herculano Federici - Surdo & Percussion
Manny Oquendo - Bongos, Timbales [Solo] Guiro & Cow Bell, Percussion
Milton Cardona - Conga & Shakere
Kimati Dinizulu - Djimbe, African Drums
Victor Lewis - Drums
Portinho - Drums
Horatio "Negro" Hernandez - Drums
Akua Dixon - Cello [Solo]
Regina Carter - Violin [Solo]
Carlos Baptiste - Violin
Ron Lawrence - Viola 

Tracks:
1. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington} (8:26)
2. The Emperor {Steve Turre} (12:47)
3. Let It Go {Steve Turre} (8:02)
4. Ayer Lo Vi Llorar {José Antonio Mendez} (5:42)
5. Coastin' With Bobby {Steve Turre} (8:43)
6. Steve's Blues {Steve Turre} (6:38)
7. Inocencia [Basta De Clamares Inocencia] {Cartola} (5:44)
8. Mongo 'N' McCoy {Steve Turre} (10:30) 

Credits:
Producer - Billy Banks
Engineer - David Merrill
Assistant Engineer - Rob Farrell, Teddy Trewhella
Pianos Tuner - Max Conti
Mixed, and Mastering - Master Sound Astoria Studios, Astoria, New York 

Once again Steve Turre has shown his style and ability by making an album that is entertaining to all. Turre not only shows his technical ability, but he shows his usual graceful and easing style. He also has great guest performances. The list includes Randy Brecker, J. J. Johnson, John Faddis, and many others. While Turre's seeming obsession with the conchshell provides the listener with a very soothing and natural sound at times, occasionally he can leave the listener wishing he would pick up his trombone. This album is a must have for anyone who values the beauty of the trombone, or the intricacies of good jazz.

Steve Turre - Rhythm Within (1995)

Trombonist Steve Turre obviously put a lot of work into this CD for each of the nine selections has its own purpose and the personnel changes on every cut. Turre doubles on the conch shells and on a few numbers utilizes a "shell choir"; in addition, there are often three percussionists, other notable trombonists (including Britt Woodman, Frank Lacy and Robin Eubanks) and such guest soloists as trumpeter Jon Faddis, tenor-saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and pianist Herbie Hancock. With highlights including "Funky-T," Yusef Lateef's "Morning," "Since I Fell for You" (a Woodman feature) and "All Blues," this is a particularly memorable and well-conceived set, one of Turre's best. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Antilles Records, 314 527 159-2, 1995
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 

Personnel:
Steve Turre - Trombone (#1-4,6,8,9), Conch [Shells] (#1-7,9)
Jon Faddis - Trumpet (#1,5,6), Flugelhorn (#4), Conch [Shells] (#6)
Stanton Davis - Trumpet (#2,8,9), Flugelhorn (#8), Conch [Shells] (#7)
Aaron Johnson - Trombone (#9), Conch [Shells] (#3,7,9)
Britt Woodman - Trombone (#3)
Douglas Purviance - Trombone (#6), Bass Trombone (#2,4,8), Conch [Shells] (#1,5,6)
Frank Lacy - Trombone (#6,8,9), Conch [Shells] (#1-7)
Jamal Haynes - Trombone (#6,8,9), Conch [Shells] (#1-7,9)
Robin Eubanks - Trombone (#6,8,9), Conch [Shells] (#1-7,9)
Pharoah Sanders - Tenor Saxophone (#1,4)
Herbie Hancock - Piano (#1,4,6)
Andy Gonzalez - Bass
Kimati Dinizulu - Bass [One String] (#2), Shekere (#3), Percussion (#5),
Claves (#7), Drums [African] (#1,4,6,9)
Victor Lewis - Drums (#1-4,6,8,9), Percussion (#5)
Milton Cardona - Congas (#1,2,4,6), Shekere (#3,9), Percussion (#5), Timbales, Cowbell (#7)
Jimmy Delgado - Shekere (#3), Cowbell, Percussion (#9) 

Tracks:
1. Funky T {Steve Turre} (12:58)
2. Morning {Yusef Lateef} (8:56)
3. Since I Fell For You {Buddy Johnson} (5:39)
4. Rhythm Within {Steve Turre} (8:18)
5. Twilight Dreams {Steve Turre} (3:22)
6. All Blues {Miles Davis} (9:05)
7. Montuno Caracol {Steve Turre} (3:00)
8. Body And Soul {Heyman, Eyton, Green, Sour} (8:28)
9. African Shuffle {Steve Turre} (8:59) 

Credits:
Producer - Billy Banks
Executive-Producer - Richard Seidel
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Rudy van Gelder
Assistant Engineer - Maureen Sickler
Art Direction - David Lau
Design - Giulio Turturro
Illustration - James Steinberg
Photography - Jimmy Katz
Conductor - Akua Dixon Turre (#1,2,4-6,8), Rufus Reid (#3,7,9)
Liner Notes, Arranger - Steve Turre 

A Jazz Masterpiece
One of my favourite jazz albums, if not my favourite jazz album ever. It is also my favourite album from Turre. What makes it unique: the wonderful sound of shells (conchs), which is Steve Turre's speciality, an exotic texture, a feeling of both warmth and freshness, thanks to conchs and congas, to the contrast between conchs and brass, amazing rhythms and beautiful melodies, especially "Funky-T" and the wonderful re-interpretation of Miles's Davis standard "All Blues". The album has an amazing unity, and also unites among the best jazzmen of our time. ~ by D. Audeon, Amazon.com.

Kenny Kirkland - Kenny Kirkland (1991)

Keyboardist Kenny Kirkland's long-overdue debut as a leader really stretches his talents and is occasionally unpredictable. Virtually each of the performances has its own personality and the personnel and instrumentation differ throughout the release. Among the highlights is "Mr. J.C." (which features some stormy Branford Marsalis tenor), an electric Latin but still boppish update of Bud Powell's "Celia" (taken as a duet with percussionist Don Alias), the struttin' "Steepian Faith," a driving rendition of Ornette Coleman's "When Will the Blues Leave" that has some free bop alto from Roderick Ward, and Latin versions (with percussionist Jerry Gonzalez) of two standards not normally thought of as belonging to that idiom: Wayne Shorter's "Ana Maria" and Thelonious Monk's "Criss Cross." This highly recommended CD has more than its share of brilliant moments. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

GRP Records, GRP 96572, 1991
Verve Records, 543 037-2, 1991
Recorded and Mixed At BMG Studios A & B, New York City 

Musicians:
Kenny Kirkland - Piano (#1,2,4,6-10), Keyboards (#5,11)
Branford Marsalis - Tenor Sax (#1,10), Soprano Sax (#2,4,9)
Roderick Ward - Alto Saxophone (#7)
Charnett Moffett - Bass (#1,4,7)
Christian McBride - Bass (#6)
Andy Gonzalez - Bass (#8,10)
Jeff "Tain" Watts - Drums (#1-4,6-8)
Steve Berrios - Drums (#8,10)
Jerry Gonzalez - Percussion, Congas (#8,10)
Don Alias - Percussion (#5,11), Bongos (#8) 

Tracks:
01. Mr. J.C. {Kenny Kirkland} (8:07)
02. Midnight Silence {Kenny Kirkland} (3:33)
03. El Rey {Jeff "Tain" Watts} (1:34)
04. Steepian Faith {Kenny Kirkland} (6:02)
05. Celia {Bud Powell} (6:49)
06. Chance {Kenny Kirkland} (6:01)
07. When Will The Blues Leave? {Ornette Coleman} (5:39)
08. Ana Maria {Wayne Shorter} (8:36)
09. Revelations {Kenny Kirkland} (7:48)
10. Criss Cross {Thelonious Monk} (5:19)
11. Blasphemy {Kenny Kirkland} (3:04) 

Total Time: 62:36

Credits:
Producer - Kenny Kirkland
Producer, Digital Editing - Delfeayo Marsalis
Recording, Mixing - Patrick "Jatty Q" Smith
Digital Editing - Michael Landy
Mastering - Ted Jensen
Graphic Design - Sonny Mediana
Liner Notes - Branford Marsalis

Eddie Palmieri - Salsa-Jazz-Descarga "Exploration" (1978) [vinyl>flac]

One of Eddie Palmieri's greatest albums - and certainly one of the most mindblowingly creative! The album encompasses all the grooves stated in the title, and then some - as Eddie works with a mix of acoustic and electric instruments, crafting tunes that are long and exploratory, tightly jazzy but also free, and with more than a bit of funk in the mix on the best numbers. And far from confusing, the whole thing comes together with a really cohesive sound - the kind of broad vision in one fell stroke that only Palmieri could pull off! Titles include "Cobarde", "Chocolate Ice Cream", "The Mod Scene", "Random Thoughts", "Resemblance", and "Condiciones Que Existen". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

And to prove Palmieri's Latin-jazz chops go way back, here's a compilation of earlier excursions, as varied as they come. In case you're all Eddied up already and shun duplication, the fine, very varied tracks in question are "Cobarde," "Chocolate Ice Cream," "Resemblance," "The Mod Scene," "Condiciones Que Existen" and "Random Thoughts." ~ by John Storm Roberts, AMG.

Coco Records, CLP 151X, 1978

Personnel:

Eddie Palmieri - Piano, Electric Piano

Charlie Palmieri - Organ (#A2,B1)

Victor Paz - Trumpets

Ronnie Cuber - Baritone & Soprano Saxes, Flute

Mario Rivera - Baritone & Tenor Saxophones

Barry Rogers - Trombone

Jose Rodriguez - Trombone

Harry Viggiano - Electric Guitar

Alfredo De La Fe - Violin

Andy Gonzalez - Bass

Nicky Marrero - Timbales & Percussion

Tommy 'Chuckie' Lopez, Jr. - Bongo

Eledio Perez - Conga

Ismael Quintana, Jimmy Sabater, Willie Torres - Coro

Track Listing:

A1. Cobarde {Eddie Palmieri} (10:42)

A2. Chocolate Ice Cream {Alfredo Armenteros, Eddie Palmieri} (10:43)

A3. Ressemblance {Eddie Palmieri} (4:48)

B1. The Mod Scene {Eddie Palmieri} (12:28)

B2. Condiciones Que Existen {Eddie Palmieri} (3:59)

B3. Random Thoughts {Eddie Palmieri} (6:20)

Credits:

Producer - Harry Averne, Eddie Palmieri

Album Design & Illustration - Jorge Vargas