Rob Jacoby - Step Up (2007)

This is the debut album by young tenor Rob Jacoby. Although he is noted as a multi-reed player, on this release, he focuses purely on the tenor saxophone. Invariably, this emphasis leads him to choose a selection of classic hard bop compositions by Hank Mobley, Duke Ellington, Horace Silver, Jimmy Heath, George & Ira Gershwin, Fred Lacey and Dexter Gordon, as well as two of his own tunes, all brilliantly played and successfully produced by Teo Macero. His greatest tenor teacher was Ralph Lalama, and Rob Jacoby's playing inherits his master's hard-boiled bop flavor, rich in swing and drive. The album presents performances as both a quartet and quintet featuring Brian Lynch on trumpet, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist John Ray and drummer Ron Vincent, all contributing a diversity of skills to the album. In all, this a well-rounded album that will satisfy hard bop fans and tenor aficionados. 

Garagista Music, JZ090212-09, 2007
Recorded 2007 in New York 

Musicians:
Rob Jacoby - Tenor Sax
Brian Lynch - Trumpet (#2,4,7)
David Hazeltine - Piano
John Ray - Bass
Ron Vincent - Drums

Tracks:
1. This I Dig Of You {Hank Mobley} (5:38)
2. Step Up {Rob Jacoby} (6:18)
3. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington} (5:27)
4. The Cape Verdean Blues {Horace Silver} (6:15)
5. Gingerbread Boy {Jimmy Heath} (5:42)
6. Rollertoaster {Rob Jacoby} (6:09)
7. Love Walked In {George & Ira Gershwin} (7:01)
8. Theme For Ernie {Fred Lacey} (5:35)
9. Montmartre {Dexter Gordon} (4:36) 

Total Time: 52:48

LINK

Step Up

David Hazeltine Trio - The Jobim Songbook In New York (2007)

On this project, pianist David Hazeltine takes on the music of the late Jobim (who would have turned eighty in 2007) by looking at the music from an American point of view, without the typical bossa nova elements. Most of the music presented here is well-known, from "The Girl from Ipanema” to "Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars" (titled "Quiet Nights" on the CD), but what Hazeltine does here is augment the classical influence that the songs' writer brought to them. Jobim borrows from classical sources, Hazeltine comments in the liners. "Studying classical piano opens my mind and wipes the slate clean". One of the highlights is "Wave", which begins with the melody popularized in the US by Frank Sinatra. "One Note Samba" makes good use of its syncopated beat to showcase the talents of bassist Nat Reeves and drummer Joe Farnsworth. "Caminhos Cruzados" (Crossed Paths) is a song from Jobim's early partnership with Newton Mendonça that did not become a household tune. The song's original lyrics speak of a lover who needs to call an affair off because he is tired of the other partner's attitude towards him (a recurring theme in bossa nova). Hazeltine uses the melody's sad tone to his advantage, playing slow notes to enhance its feel. "The Girl From Ipanema" may be the best-known Brazilian song of all time, with thousands of renditions. Hazeltine's take utilizes a fast-paced modern jazz beat that comes in, does its job and ends in the length of a pop single - just over four minutes. The Jobim Songbook in New York is not for strict bossa nova fans. It is, instead, a jazz disc made with an open mind. Hazeltine dares to find new elements in songs ingrained into the fabric of popular music. ~ Ernest Barteldes - AllAboutJazz.com. 

Chesky Records, SACD 328, 2007
Recorded 15th November, 2006 at St Peters Episcopal Church, New York, NY. 

Musicians:
David Hazeltine - Piano
Nat Reeves - Bass
Joe Farnsworth - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Dreamer {Antônio Carlos Jobim, Eugene Lee} (6:44)
02. Once I Loved {Ray Gilbert, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes} (6:30)
03. Meditation {Norman Gimbel, Antônio Carlos Jobim} (5:26)
04. Quiet Nights {Antônio Carlos Jobim, Buddy Kaye} (4:38)
05. Dindi {Ray Gilbert, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Aloysio de Oliveira} (6:56)
06. Wave {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (6:24)
07. One Note Samba {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (4:50)
08. Desafinado {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (5:17)
09. Caminhos Cruzados {Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes} (5:15)
10. O Grande Amor {Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes} (3:58)
11. The Girl From Ipanema {Norman Gimbel, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes} (4:13) 

Total Time: 60:12 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - David Chesky
Executive Producer, Liner Notes - Norman Chesky
Recording, Editing & Mastering Engineer - Nicholas Prout
Assistant Engineer, Session Coordinator - Rick Eckerle
Production Assistant - Lisa Hershfield
Liner Notes - Ted Panken

LINK

Quiet Nights

Bob Kenmotsu Quartet - I'm In Love With You (2015)

Stockton native Bob Kenmotsu is one of the unsung heroes of contemporary jazz. On his new CD, I’m in Love with You, Bob takes the chord changes to jazz standards such as “What Is This Thing Called Love” and “Like Someone In Love,” and invents new melodic content on his full-bodied tenor sax. Kenmotsu has worked and recorded with high profile jazz masters, including Pat Martino, Jack McDuff, and Billy Hart. For this album, he selected sidemen with equally impressive resumes, including pianist David Hazeltine, drummer Billy Drummond, and bassist David Wong. Bob breathes new life into old standards but also offers some romantic originals, including the title composition and “Jun-ko,” a beautiful ballad on which Bob’s tenor says “I love you,” musically. On Thelonious Monk’s “Monk’s Dream,” Bob and company navigate the angular and tricky chord changes with ease. Bob lived in Japan from ’94 – ’97, playing many clubs and festivals. He now resides in the bay area, but continues to visit the jazz mecca of New York City, where he’s worked with many jazz greats. Although he’s traveled widely, Kenmotsu has never forgotten his central valley roots. ~ Gary G. Vercelli, capradio.org. 

Rodoken Music, 1003, 2015 

Musicians:
Bob Kenmotsu - Tenor Sax
David Hazeltine - Piano
David Wong - Bass
Billy Drummond - Drums

Tracks:
01. I'm I Love With You {Robert Kenmotsu} (6:17)
02. What Is This? {Robert Kenmotsu} (3:29)
03. I Like Someone {Robert Kenmotsu} (6:35)
04. BK Blues {Robert Kenmotsu} (7:07)
05. Jun-Ko {Robert Kenmotsu} (6:14)
06. RCB3 {Robert Kenmotsu} (6:01)
07. Archipelago {Robert Kenmotsu} (6:16)
08. Brilliant Bicycle {Robert Kenmotsu} (5:38)
09. Sachan's Lullaby {Robert Kenmotsu} (5:03)
10. Monk's Dream {Thelonious Monk} (5:06)
11. But Not For Me {George Gershwin} (5:48) 

Total Time: 63:38

LINK

Brilliant Bicycle

Ayumi Koketsu - Balladist (2014)

This is Japanese jazz alto saxophonist Ayumi Koketsu's second in her New York series, the previous work "Brooklyn Purple". It is a collection of ballads with the support of top-notch New York musicians: pianist David Hazeltine, bassist David Williams and drummer Lewis Nash. Ayumi weaves an air of soft and smooth phrases that penetrate your heart, bringing forth a warm and enveloping atmosphere. The album is predominantly made up of well-known jazz standards with only two of Ayumi's own compositions. Essentially, the performance spins out phrases that soak in deep, creating a soothing album for all occasions, enjoy! 

M & I Records, MYCJ-30647, 2014
Recorded 29th, 30th & 31st July, 2014 at Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York City 

Musicians:
Ayumi Koketsu - Alto Saxophone
David Hazeltine - Piano
David Williams - Bass
Lewis Nash - Drums

Tracks:
1. Autumn In New York {Vernon Duke} (7:34)
2. The Good Life {Sacha Distel} (6:52)
3. Beatrix {Ayumi Koketsu} (5:13)
4. Dedicated To You {Cahn, Zaret, Chaplin} (7:44)
5. Flora {Ayumi Koketsu} (6:03)
6. Night Lights {Gerry Mulligan} (7:34)
7. Setembro {Peranzzetta, Lins, Winbush} (6:09)
8. Detour Ahead {Ellis, Frigo, Carter} (8:24) 

Total Time: 55:37 

Credits:
Producer - Hiro Yamashita
Executive-Producer - Ryuichi Sawazaki
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Max Ross
Mastering Engineer - Shuji Nose
Art Direction, Design - Mayumi Matsumura
Photography - Yuji Susaki, Takehiko Tokiwa 

Beatrix

Ayumi Koketsu - Brooklyn Purple (2013)

Combining beauty and ability, Ayumi Koketsu is an attractive item that has become a boom in recent years. Following the first overseas recording of the previous work, this is the first recording in New York, the center of jazz. The second overseas recording by Ayumi Koketsu, who has become a central figure among female saxophonists. A masterpiece that has been played in all directions by interacting with authentic veteran musicians. Here is her unstoppable evolution, expanding her range of expression with her debut soprano saxophone and continues to evolve. Five of the ten songs are by Ayumi Koketsu, the rest well-known jazz standards. All songs arranged by Ayumi Koketsu. [Translated from Japanese] 

M & I Records, MYCJ-30640, 2013
Recorded 20th, 21st June, 2013 in New York 

Musicians:
Ayumi Koketsu - Alto (#1-5,9,10), Soprano (#6-8)
David Hazeltine - Piano
David Williams - Bass
Willie Jones III - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Signs Of Autumn {Ayumi Koketsu} (5:32)
02. As What You Are {Ayumi Koketsu} (7:32)
03. Freight Trane {Tommy Flanagan} (3:27)
04. It's Easy To Remember {Richard Rodgers} (6:50)
05. Chase {Ayumi Koketsu} (5:09)
06. How Is The Weather {Ayumi Koketsu} (6:37)
07. Baily's Beads {Ayumi Koketsu} (6:38)
08. Calling You {Bob Telson} (5:40)
09. Jitterbug Waltz {Fats Waller} (6:31)
10. In A Mellow Tone {Duke Ellington} (6:33)

Total Time: 60:29

 It's Easy To Remember

Jon Faddis - Teranga (2006)

After an extended layoff from studio recording, trumpeter Jon Faddis returns with Teranga. Taking its name from the Senegalese word for "hospitality," the album is an inspired and straightforward post-bop album and features Faddis in top form. Often driven by thick, acoustic basslines via Kiyoshi Kitagawa, Faddis' compositions are lush, visceral, and funky pieces that reveal the often-flashy trumpeter's more enigmatic and thoughtful inclinations. Longtime fans shouldn't fear, though, as Faddis' sparkling tone and trademark monumental range remain intact and are showcased throughout. Besides his superb backing ensemble that includes pianist David Hazeltine and drummer Dion Parson, Faddis has also brought along such sympathetic collaborators as Senegalese percussionists Abdou M'Boup and Alioune Faye as well as baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan, trumpeter Clark Terry, and others. ~ by Matt Collar, AMG. 

KOCH Records, KOC-CD-9969, 2006
Recorded 6th-7th September, 2005 at Bennett Studios, Englewood, New Jersey 

Personnel:
Jon Faddis - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Vocals, Arranger
David Hazeltine - Piano (#1-6,8,9)
Kiyoshi Kitagawa - Bass (#1-6,8,9)
Dion Parson - Drums (#1-6,8,9) 

Guests:
Frank Wess - Alto Flute (#4)
Abdou Mboup - Djembe, Talking Drum (#4)
Alioune Faye - Sabor (#4)
Clark Terry - Flugelhorn, Vocals (#6)
Russell Malone - Guitar (#6,7)
Gary Smulyan - Baritone Saxophone (#9) 

Tracks:
1. The Hunters & Gatherers {Jon Faddis} (6:38)
2. Hey, Lalo! {Jon Faddis} (5:37)
3. Waltz For My Fathers & Brothers {Jon Faddis} (5:17)
4. Teranga {Jon Faddis} (12:08)
5. The Courtship {Benny Carter} (6:34)
6. The Fibble-Ow Blues {Jon Faddis} (6:35)
7. Laurelyn {Jon Faddis} (5:56)
8. Transitions {Jon Faddis} (2:25)
9. The Baron {Jon Faddis} (4:55) 

Total Time: 56:11 

Credits:
Producer, Design, Packaging - Jon Faddis
Engineer, Mixing - Brian Dozoretz
Mastering - Adam Ayan
Design, Packaging - Michelle Lukianovich
Design, Packaging, Photography - John Abbott
A&R - David Wilkes
Public Relations - Gio Melchiorre
Liner Notes - Neil Tesser

Teranga

Jon Hendricks & Company - Love (1982) [vinyl>flac]

Here’s another rare Muse Records LP. This time it is particularly important to honour the recent passing of Jon Hendricks, aged 96. He was a gifted vocal improviser in his own right, Mr. Hendricks was best known for adding words to the improvisations of others. He took pieces recorded by jazz ensembles like the Count Basie Orchestra and the Horace Silver Quintet and, using their titles as points of departure, created intricate narratives and tongue-in-cheek philosophical treatises that matched both the melody lines and the serpentine contours of the instrumental solos, note for note and inflection for inflection. Mr. Hendricks did not invent this practice, known as vocalese - most jazz historians credit the singer Eddie Jefferson with that achievement - but he became its best-known and most prolific exponent, and he turned it into a group art. ~ New York Times. This album is a great example of his work, Enjoy!

Muse Records, MR 5258, 1982

Recorded August, 1981 (#A4,B3) At P-D Recorders, Hollywood, California;

Sept & Nov, 1981 (#A5,B2,B4,B5) At Russian Hill Recording, San Francisco;

and January & February, 1982 (#A1-A3,A6-B1) At Sundragon Studio, NYC

Personnel:

Jon, Judith and Michele Hendricks; Leslie Dorsey, Bob Gurland - Vocalists

Harry "Sweets" Edison - Trumpet (#A4,B3)

Jerome Richardson - Tenor Saxophone (#A4,B3)

David Hazeltine - Piano (#A1-A3,A6,B1)

Jimmy Smith - Piano (#A4,B3)

Eric Doney - Piano (#A5,B2,B5)

Jon Burr - Bass (#A1-A3,A6,B1)

John Williams - Bass (#A4,B3)

James Leary - Bass (#A5,B2,B5)

Marvin Smith - Drums (#A1-A6,B1-B3,B5)

Tracks:

A1. Royal Garden Blues {Cootie Williams} (3:06)

A2. Bright Moments {Rahsaan Roland Kirk} (3:38)

A3. Willie's Tune {Randy Weston} (4:32)

A4. Good Ol' Lady {Jon Hendricks} (3:28)

A5. Lil' Darlin {Neal Hefti} (4:22)

A6. I'll Die Happy {Jon Hendricks} (2:03)

B1. Love [Berkshire Blues] {Randy Weston} (4:37)

B2. Tell Me The Truth {Jon Hendricks} (3:36)

B3. The Swinging Groove Merchant [Groove Merchant] {Jerome Richardson} (5:30)

B4. Angel Eyes {Matt Dennis} (4:29)

B5. In A Harlem Airshaft [Harlem Airshaft] {Duke Ellington} (2:55)

Note:

Michele Hendricks - Solo Vocals (#B4)

Credits:

Producer - Jon Hendricks

Recording Engineer (#A4,B3) - Robert Grogan

Recording Engineer (#A5,B2,B4,B5) - Richard Greene

Recording (#A1-A3,A6-B1) & Mixing Engineer - Buddy Pollock

Assistant Engineer - Germahn T. Santiago, Glenn Dubois

Mastering Engineer - George Piros (Atlantic Recording Studio, NYC)

Photography - Heidi McGurrin

Album Design - W. Dale Cramer