Steve Kuhn - Raindrops [Live In New York] (1972) [vinyl>flac]

This album captures a live performance of another underrated pianist. Steve Kuhn is joined by a dynamic rhythm section. Bruce Ditmas in particular adds a definite and stunning beat to some of Kuhn's own intrinsic compositions. The sounds emanating from the electric piano are very compelling listening. As with bands of this same period there is a tendency for the players to drift into freer deliveries touching on fusion. Kuhn's use of the electric piano is quite unique. He has tended to stick to acoustic in recent years. Listening to "Ida Lupino" there are similarities to the sounds Paul Bley was exchanging through his various groups over that same period. In this regard take the opportunity to be encapsulated by a great period quartet.

Cobblestone Records, CST 9020, 1972

Muse Records, MR 5106, 1976

Recorded in 1972 at Folk City, New York

Musicians:

Steve Kuhn - Acoustic & Electric Pianos, Vocals

George Mraz - Bass

Bruce Ditmas - Drums

Sue Evans - Percussion

Tracks:

A1. Gloria's Theme {Bronislaw Kaper} (5:11)

A2. The Child Is Gone {Steve Kuhn} (3:03)

A3. The Real Guitarist [In The House] {Steve Kuhn} (6:31)

A4. The Saga Of Harrison Crabfeathers {Steve Kuhn} (5:20)

B1. Chicken Feathers {Steve Kuhn} (6:43)

B2. Ida Lupino {Carla Bley} (4:12)

B3. Raindrops, Raindrops {Steve Kuhn} (4:30)

B4. Thoughts Of A Gentleman {Steve Kuhn} (3:09)

Credits:

Producer - Helen Keane

Art Direction, Design, Photography - Hal Wilson

Notes:

Applause edited from original rip retained only in introduction.

Also released on Happy Bird B/90082, Germany, 1976

and Jazz & Blues History, Vol. 60 - Tobacco Road B/2560

Enrico Rava Quartet - Ah (1979) [vinyl]

>>Ah<< features bassist Giovanni Tommaso, drummer Bruce Ditmas and Franco D'Adrea, whose pianism lights up even the darkest corners.

Feeling a little under the weather? Then open up and say Ah, because Doctor Rava is in! This warm rainy day session is the perfect sonic elixir for what ails you. The sumptuous diagnostics of “Lulu” lay their pianistic hands upon us first, and with them the album’s leitmotif. Rava and D’Andrea are in fine conversational form here, as they ever are, cracking open a Pandora’s Box of free improv before re-attuning to a smoldering vamp. Rava starts us off strongly in “Outsider,” in which he swings his rhythm section around and around like children holding hands in a field. A swift kick from Ditmas brings us solid thematic closure. “Small Talk” allows Tommaso his just airtime in what is by far the highlight of the examination. Rava checks our pulse in the groovier “Rose Selavy,” breezes wistfully through the title track, and gives way to “Trombonauta,” the album’s brief yet impactful ballad, before ending “At The Movies.” This eclectic ode breathes with the magic of Cinema Paradiso while threatening to topple from the weight of its own remembrance. ~ by Tyran Grillo, ecmreviews.com.

ECM Records, ECM 1166, 1980

Recorded December, 1979 at Tonstudio Bauer, Ludwigsburg, Germany

Musicians:

Enrico Rava - Trumpet

Franco D'Andrea - Piano

Giovanni Tommaso - Bass

Bruce Ditmas - Drums

Tracks:

A1. Lulu (8:05)

A2. Outsider (6:16)

A3. Small Talk (5:00)

B1. Rose Selavy (4:51)

B2. Ah (6:00)

B3. Trombonauta (2:46)

B4. At The Movies (5:45)

All Compositions by Enrico Rava

Credits:

Producer - Thomas Stowsand

Engineer - Martin Wieland

Cover - Michelango Pistoletto

Layout - Dieter Rehm

Johnny Coles - Katumbo (Dance)

I must admit that I am not a big fan of the Mainstream "sound".  It more or less comes across like many CTI albums, and it's not for me.  But to paint the whole thing black would be foolish, as this album has proven.

I actually found this and two other Mainstream sides at a thrift, still sealed and only $1 each!!  My main idea was to simply trade them at the local record shop, but two ended up staying with me.

This album varies wildly in terms of style - and for the good I think.  Bop, fusion and avante garde can all be heard at one point or another.  The thing which really holds this session together, at least for my tastes, is Coles' clear and bold statement of a theme.  Tunes like 728 and Petit Machins really stand out as they open up with something groovy for the listener to take into the song.  This album won't be for everyone but I would suggest givin it a whirl if you enjoy Coles' playing at all.

Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!

Mainstream MRL 346
1971

Gregory Herbert (ts), Johnny Coles (t, fh), Astley Fennell (tb), Howard Johnson (tu), Cedar Walton (p, ep), Reggie Workman (b, eb), Bruce Ditmas (d)

1. Never Can Say Goodbye  (Clifton Davis) 
2.  September Of My Years  (Jimmy Van Heusen, Sammy Cahn) 
3.  728  (Johnny Coles) 
4.  Eleven [aka Petits Machins]  (Miles Davis, Gil Evans) 
5.  Betty's Bossa  (Cecil Bridgewater) 
6.  Funk Dumplin'  (Johnny Coles