Ravi Coltrane - Spirit Fiction (2012)

A career on the saxophone with one of the most freethinking saxophonists in music history for a father has to be a tough call. Now 46, Ravi Coltrane, son of John, has often chosen to be a sympathetic sideman rather than the boss. But his Blue Note Records debut as a leader feels like a giant step. The tracks are split between two groups (a quartet with Luis Perdomo on piano, and a superb quintet with Geri Allen at the keys, and Ralph Alessi on trumpet), playing an arrestingly original postbop repertoire, plus covers of pieces by Ornette Coleman and Paul Motian. There are delicate improv conversations between Coltrane and Alessi, passages in which Geri Allen and drummer Eric Harland uncannily recall the sound of the young Herbie Hancock and Tony Williams in the Miles Davis quintet, quiet tone-bending sax ruminations and a deliciously ramshackle version of Ornette Coleman's Check Out Time. It genuinely sounds like a coming-of-age for Ravi Coltrane. ~ John Fordham, The Guardian. 

Blue Note Records, 509999 18937 2 7, 2012
Recorded (#1,3,4,7,11) at Bennett's Studios, Englewood, New Jersey
Recorded (#2,5,8,9,10) at Sear Sound, New York City
Recorded (#6) at Systems Two Recording, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Ravi Coltrane - Tenor & Soprano Saxes
Joe Lovano - Tenor Sax (#9,10)
Luis Perdomo - Piano (#1,3,4,7,11)
Drew Gress - Bass (#1,3,4,7,11)
E.J. Strickland - Drums (#1,3,4,6,7,11)
Ralph Alessi - Trumpet (#2,5,8,9)
Geri Allen - Piano (#2,5,8-10)
James Genus - Bass (#2,5,8,9)
Eric Harland - Drums (#2,5,8,9)

Tracks:
01. Roads Cross {Gress, Strickland, Perdomo, Coltrane} (5:04)
02. Klepto {Ralph Alessi} (7:30)
03. Spirit Fiction {Gress, Strickland, Perdomo, Coltrane} (52:28)
04. The Change, My Girl {Ravi Coltrane} (6:46)
05. Who Wants Ice Cream {Ralph Alessi} (6:32)
06. Spring & Hudson {Ravi Coltrane} (2:21)
07. Cross Roads {Gress, Strickland, Perdomo, Coltrane} (5 (4:03)
08. Yellow Cat {Ralph Alessi} (6:50)
09. Check Out Time {Ornette Coleman} (7:26)
10. Fantasm {Paul Motian} (4:08)
11. Marilyn & Tammy {Ravi Coltrane} (5:42) 

Total Time: 58:57 

Credits:
Producer, Mixing - Ravi Coltrane
Producer, Mixing, Liner Notes - Joe Lovano
Executive-Producer - Bruce Lundvall
Recording Engineer - Dave Kowalski (#1,3,4,7,11)
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Chris Allen (#2,5,8-10)
Recording Engineer - Joe Marchiano (#6)
Mixing Engineer - Ravi Coltrane, Steve Genewick (#1,3,4,6,7,11)
Mixing Engineer - Joe Lovano (#2,5,8-10)
Mastering Engineer - Allan Tucker
Art Direction, Design - Hayden Miller
Photography - Darlene Devita 

Spirit Fiction

Dayna Stephens - Peace (2014)

Stephens met Mehldau at a performance in New York’s Smalls Jazz Club, where Mehldau remarked on how much he enjoyed Stephens’s baritone playing. It felt right asking Mehldau to be a part of this project, as his ballad playing is especially remarkable. The idea to create a recording highlighting Stephens’s ballad and baritone sax playing had been formed quite a while ago, by Stephens and producer Matt Pierson. Together Stephens and Pierson selected tunes and personnel, recorded in The Clubhouse recording studio in Rhinebeck, New York. The musicians selected to fill out the ensemble: guitarist Julian Lage, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Eric Harland, performing with Mehldau for his first time. The recording begins with “Peace,” a straightforward composition with attractive harmonic movement that highlights the ensemble’s immediate chemistry. "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" has deep sentimental meanings for the Bay area bred Stephens. "Zingaro" is nuanced and effective, especially in the blend between guitar and piano. “The Good Life," which is stripped down to a moving trio with Lage and Grenadier. “The Duke” feels leisurely, the dynamic interplay between the ensemble members keeps a spark in this longtime favorite. Two Ennio Morricone compositions follow: "Brothers", lovingly played on soprano, followed by an atmospheric "Deborah's Theme" on tenor. "Oblivion” is a loose take on the tango with a special solo turn from the highly gifted Lage and Stephens on soprano. “Body And Soul" is adapted to baritone, deepened only by Grenadier's deft bass playing in duo. “Two for the Road," is a true serenade on tenor and includes some intriguing musical choices from all. "Moonglow" closes the program in a dancing duet between the low voices of baritone and bass. Dayna Stephens's Peace is a recording that has just the right balance of talent, taste and patience. The compositions are perfectly suited for the musicians to really get to the heart of their meanings. The musicians are evocative and daring, yet bring an enormous amount of restraint to their playing, showing maturity that only decades of serious ballad play can garner. ~ Extract from daynastephens.bandcamp.com. 

Sunnyside Communications Inc., SSC 1399, 2014
Recorded at The Clubhouse, Rhinebeck, New York
Additional Recording at Strange Weather, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Dayna Stephens - Tenor, Soprano & Baritone Saxophones
Brad Mehldau - Piano
Julian Lage - Guitar
Larry Grenadier - Bass
Eric Harland - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Peace {Horace Silver} (6:34)
02. I Left My Heart In San Francisco {George Cory, Douglas Cross} (4:59)
03. Zingaro {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (7:48)
04. The Good Life {Sacha Distel, Jack Reardon} (6:31)
05. The Duke {Dave Brubeck} (3:58)
06. Brothers {Ennio Morricone} (1:43)
07. Deborah's Theme {Ennio Morricone} (4:00)
08. Oblivion {Astor Piazzolla} (4:59)
09. Body And Soul {Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, Frank Eyton} (6:32)
10. Two For The Road {Henry Mancini} (6:09)
11. Moonglow {Will Hudson, Irving Mills, Eddie DeLange} (3:38) 

Total Length: 56:57 

Credits:
Producer - Matt Pierson
Executive Producer - Randi Norman
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Chris Allen
Engineer [Assistant] - Mike Dwyer
Additional Recording Engineer - Daniel Schlett
Mastering Engineer - Mark Wilder
Photography & Graphic Design - Christopher Drukker 

Peace

Bill Mobley - Moodscape (2007)

Mobley, well respected among musicians but sorely under-exposed, puts it all on the line in this terrific CD. Right from his entrance on Ray Noble's "The Touch of Your Lips," he invites you to be caressed by his beautiful, warm tone and subtle articulations. Pianist Mulgrew Miller, another artist deserving wider exposure - comps and stretches out with taste and command. "This Is The End Of A Beautiful Friendship" swings. Here Mobley's trumpet covers the standard's changes with a lyric, no-cliches feel and with gymnastic improvisational surprise. Bassist Robert Hurst's gentle push and drummer Eric Harland's tasteful, yet never overbearing cymbal work are both an absolute treat. On Jimmy Dorsey's beautiful "I'm Glad There Is You," Mobley's tone is simply beautiful, expressive and vocal. Miller and team interplay and support without stepping on toes. Mobley follows Lee Morgan in this trumpeter/composer tradition with the interesting offerings, "The Hymnotist" and "Time Riff." Mobley shows ability to work some terrific rhythmic variety in his solo work on both his composed charts. Mobley delivers Duke Ellington's "Prelude To A Kiss" simply beautifully, beautifully simple. "For Once In My Life," is the weak entry here. It's a bit too "club date-ish" when juxtaposed with the other terrific selections presented on the CD. Horserace brushes scoot you from the gate on "You and the Night and the Music." Mobley's Harmon-muted solo scampers crystal clean and is reminiscent of the speed and clarity of "speed clean harmonizing," Clark Terry. "Eastern Star," the final track, is a Mobley composition, dedicated to the late, great pianist James Williams. Miller's dream-like intro sets the stage for Mobley's dark, expressive, meditative melody. Harland's cymbal and drum work adds exotic flair. Overall, Mobley's work is highly impressive and intriguing here, an exciting trumpeter blipping and bebopping his way smack onto jazz radar screens. It's certainly about time - and talent. ~ Extract by Nicholas F Mondello, AAJ. 

Space Time Records, BG 2725, 2007
Recorded 9th, 10th January & 22nd August, 2007 at Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, NY

Musicians:
Bill Mobley - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Arranger
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Robert Hurst - Bass
Eric Harland - Drums 

Tracks:
1. The Touch Of Your Lips {Ray Noble} (6:13)
2. This Is The End Of A Beautiful Friendship {Gus Kahn, Jule Styne} (6:13)
3. I'm Glad There Is You {Jimmy Dorsey, Paul Mertz} (8:04)
4. The Hymnotist {Bill Mobley} (6:16)
5. Time Riff {Bill Mobley} (6:16)
6. Prelude To A Kiss {Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, Irving Mills} (5:58)
7. For Once In My Life {Ronald Miller, Orlando Murden} (6:45)
8. You And The Night And The Music {Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz} (5:03)
9. Eastern Star {Bill Mobley} (4:21) 

Total Time: 55:09 

Credits:
Producer - Xavier Felgeyrolles, Blue Geodesics
Executive-Producer – Walter H. Squindo
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Joe Marciano
Photography - Michel Vasset 

I'm Glad There Is You

Terence Blanchard - Bounce (2003)

Bounce is a collage of swinging, soulful, and artistic cuts that are bound to strike the fancy of Terence Blanchard fans. The band's vast range covers territory from bop to African beats to traditional New Orleans marching band music, as demonstrated on the cuts "Transform," "Azania," and "Bounce/Let's Go Off" respectively. Blanchard calls on the services of Brice Winston, Lionel Loueke, Robert Glasper, Aaron Parks, Brandon Owens, and Eric Harland for Bounce. Interestingly, none of the band members (save Blanchard) are proverbial household jazz names. This is testimony enough that straight up, unadulterated jazz need not include neon-light, star musicians in order to produce quality, thoughtful scores. This tight band came to play. 

The skillfully done "Nocturna" is the most seductive, mellow cut on the disc. Blanchard uses his trumpet as a voice, communicating his penchant for romantic flair. Owens keeps the melody going on bass while Loueke flicks his guitar to accent the piece. As the track quickens, Blanchard returns and turns up the heat, cooking at a mile high crescendo. And Harland's sound is simply beautiful as he massages the drums, knowing when to accent the melody. 

"Footprints," a Wayne Shorter classic, is excellently done and begins with the funky bass-driven, drum-accented vamp. Blanchard appears to lay back in the cut before he moves into Shorter's classic vein. The band handles this classic with the utmost integrity, handling the jewel with class. Parks' piano accents are skillfully conceived and well-timed along with Harland's drum strokes. Blanchard has a way of capturing the listeners ear using high notes combined with sounds from the lower range. Not to be outdone, Winston delves into a tight mini-solo on saxophone that demonstrates a fluent sense of improvisation in addition to a resonance with the original composition. ~ by Eddie Becton, AAJ. 

Blue Note, 7243 5 90953 2 5, 2003
Recorded 16th - 19th February, 2003 at Avatar Studios, New York, NY 

Personnel:
Terence Blanchard - Trumpet
Brice Winston - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones (#1-3,5-8)
Aaron Parks - Piano (#1,2,4-8)
Robert Glasper - Hammond B-3 & Fender Rhodes (#2-6,8)
Lionel Loueke - Guitar & Vocals (#1-8)
Brandon Owens - Bass
Eric Harland - Drums 

Tracks:
1. On The Verge {Aaron Parks} (8:43)
2. Passionate Courage {Terence Blanchard} (6:32)
3. Fred Brown {Terence Blanchard} (7:43)
4. Nocturna {Ivan Links, Victor Martins} (7:34)
5. Azania {Terence Blanchard} (6:04)
6. Footprints {Wayne Shorter} (7:32)
7. Transform {Eric Harland} (9:01)
8. Innocence {Brandon Owens} (7:23)
9. Bounce {Terence Blanchard}, Let's Go Off {Donald Harrison} (7:06) 

Total Time: 67:38 

Credits:
Producer - Terence Blanchard, Michael Cuscuna
Executive-Producer - Bruce Lundvall

Greg Osby - Inner Circle (1999)

Jazz fans searching for a quintessential forward-thinking artist should look no further than the musical musings of Mr. Greg Osby. He's an artist who will not be satisfied with the status quo. Distinguished as an alto saxophone stylist, his voice is unique and easily recognizable among the masses. His recordings of the past few years have all been modern exercises in jazz music that are entertaining, cerebral, and illuminating. As any successful visionary, he has surrounded himself with like-minded individuals who continue to push the envelope of jazz; such as piano extraordinaire Jason Moran and vibraphonist Stefon Harris. His previous recording Symbols of Light (A Solution), which implemented a string quartet into his eclectic mix, was one of 2001's top jazz picks. Inner Circle continues on the same high level that Osby has been operating at throughout his career. His music is progressively expanding into new boundaries on the ubiquitous jazz theme. It swings, grooves and moves with a distinctive style. The recording features Osby originals with covers by Euro-Pop sensation Bjork and famous bassist Charles Mingus. The title Inner Circle could easily refer to one of the tightest set of young musicians paving the jazz path today. The musicians have been featured on recordings by Jason Moran and Stefon Harris. Bassist Taurus Mateen and drummer Eric Harland comprise one of the most dynamic and talented rhythm sections on the scene today. Osby and Moran have formed a unique and wonderful symbiosis over the past few years that allows for freedom and expression with wide possibilities. Stefon Harris' vibe work just keeps getting better. All the compositions are creative with odd patterns and complex arrangements that never leave the listener too far, and will also encourage a deeper appreciation for the art form. The many highlights include the circuitous and hypnotic "Fragment Decoding" and the brilliant "Inner Circle Principle" with its memorable solos expressed by each musician. With Osby at the helm, one can only anticipate the next move in his forward progression. Another top pick for 2002. ~ by Mark F Turner, AAJ. 

Blue Note, 7243 4 99871 2 8, 2002
Recorded 22nd & 23rd April, 1999 at Systems Two Recording Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Greg Osby - Alto Saxophone
Jason Moran - Piano
Stefon Harris - Vibraphone
Tarus Mateen - Bass
Eric Harland - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Entruption {Greg Osby} (4:59)
2. Stride Logic {Greg Osby} (4:08)
3. Diary Of The Same Dream {Greg Osby} (4:14)
4. Equalatogram {Greg Osby} (4:07)
5. All Neon Like {Björk} (6:35)
6. Fragmatic Decoding {Greg Osby} (4:43)
7. The Inner Circle Principle {Greg Osby} (4:39)
8. Sons Of The Confidential {Greg Osby} (6:15)
9. Self-Portrait In Three Colors {Charles Mingus} (6:09) 

Total Time: 45:49

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Greg Osby
Product Manager - Mantis Evar
Recording & Mixing - Joseph Marciano
Mastering - Allan Tucker
Photography - Till Krautkrämer
Photography [Session Photos] - Jimmy Katz
Art Direction, Design - Burton Yount

Aaron Goldberg - Worlds (2006)

Pianist Aaron Goldberg has an intriguing style that is a little reminiscent of Marian McPartland in its harmonic sophistication. Although seven of the ten selections on Worlds are his originals, several hint at various standards, most notably "Unstablemates," a witty de-construction of Benny Golson's "Stablemates." The interplay between Goldberg, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Eric Harland is consistently inventive, and Luciana Souza adds her haunting voice to "Kianda's Song." However, the high point of this CD is "Oud to Omer," which matches Goldberg with guest guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. The two musicians bring out the best in each other and plenty of sparks fly, making one hope that Goldberg and Rosenwinkel work together more often. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Sunnyside Communications, SSC 1152, 2006

Recorded 15^th, 17^th & 18^th December, 2003

Musicians:

Aaron Goldberg - Piano

Reuben Rogers - Bass

Eric Harland - Drums

Kurt Rosenwinkel - Guitar (#9)

Luciana Souza - Vocals (#3)

Tracks:

01. Lambada de Serpente {Djavan Caetano Viana, Cacaso} (8:05)

02. Taurus {Aaron Goldberg} (8:31)

03. Kianda's Song {Aaron Goldberg} (2:27)

04. Unstablemates {Aaron Goldberg} (5:06)

05. Modinha {Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes} (5:10)

06. Salvador {Aaron Goldberg} (5:29)

07. Oam's Blues {Aaron Goldberg} (4:27)

08. Inútil Paisagem {Antônio Carlos Jobim, Aloysio de Oliveira} (6:58)

09. Oud To Omer {Aaron Goldberg} (11:01)

10. Between Worlds {Aaron Goldberg} (1:59)

Credits:

Producer - Aaron Goldberg

Management, Co-Producer - Jason Olaine

Recording Engineer - Michael Brorby (#1-8,10)

Recording Engineer - Peter Karl (#9)

Mixing Engineer - Jay Newland

Mastering Engineer - Greg Calbi

Photography - Maya Yadid

Photography [Band Photo] - JD Sloan

Cover Art - David Ellis

Total Time: 59:13