Donald Harrison Jr. - Kind Of New (2002)

New Takes on the classic Miles Davis session ‘Kind of Blue’ - a 21st Century shout out to a 20th Century masterpiece. Everybody is part of Kind of Blue in some way, because there probably isn't a note in jazz played since the record came out that hasn't been affected the album. It is the biggest selling jazz record of all time and is probably, 40 years after its initial release, holds a number one slot in every jazz loving country. Here, Donald Harrison who never shirks from a challenge looks Kind Of Blue straight in the eye. He takes some brilliant in the pocket players covering several generations, examines the original five tunes and throws in three new ones heavily in the style of Miles ('Kind Of New,' 'It Is' and 'What Next?'). This is 'Kind of Blue' done 'Kind of New.' It takes guts, but here it is, a 21st century shout out to a 20th Century masterpiece. Carl Allen and Javon Jackson are Donald's contemporaries - Javon like Donald, was a Jazz Messenger. Eric Reed and Vicente Archer, a bit younger, are from the first generation to be influenced by Donald and his peers. Kenny Barron of course, is a giant, more or less a contemporary of Miles. And last but no means least, Christian Scott (nephew of Donald) who is the trumpet man on this disc and was at the time of recording, only 17 years old. ~ amazon.co.uk. 

Candid Productions, CCD 79768, 2002
Recorded 21st-22nd November, 2001 at Clinton Recording Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Donald Harrison Jr. - Alto Saxophone
Christian Scott - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Javon Jackson - Tenor Saxophone
Kenny Barron - Piano (#3,5)
Eric Reed - Piano (#1,2,4,6-8)
Vicente Archer - Bass
Carl Allen - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Kind Of New {Donald Harrison Jr.} (7:17)
2. Blue In Green {Bill Evans, Miles Davis} (5:17)
3. So What {Miles Davis} (8:39)
4. All Blues {Miles Davis} (3:33)
5. Freddie Freeloader {Miles Davis} (5:57)
6. It Is {Donald Harrison Jr.} (5:26)
7. Flamenco Sketches {Miles Davis} (5:22)
8. What Next? {Donald Harrison Jr.} (6:34) 

Total Time: 48:10 

Kind Of New

Javon Jackson - Easy Does It (2003)

Tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson seems right at home on this nice set of soul-jazz tunes. He’s certainly helped by the presence of trombonist Fred Wesley, who’s still a great funk and blues stylist, as well as Dr. Lonnie Smith, a top-flight organist who’s never gotten the credit he deserves as a Hammond B3 stalwart. Guitarist Mark Whitfield and drummer Lenny White keep the groove steady and burning as well, and vocalist Eve Cornelious brings some sizzle and sultriness to “House Party.” This works both as a good party record and solid jazz set with one exception. The group’s cover of “Wake Up Everybody,” while exuberantly delivered, simply lacks the power and weight of the original. Their rendition sounds more like a rousing dance exhortation than the sweltering, commanding mandate that Teddy Pendergrass delivered in his definitive original performance that was also his swan song to Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes.

Otherwise, this disc brings back fond memories of late-night house celebrations and Sunday-afternoon radio shows on vintage black radio stations. Jackson’s “Kiss,” Smith’s “If (You See Kay)” and Wesley’s title track get excellent drumming on the bottom from White, blues-tinged, scorching solos by Jackson and Wesley and striding, full organ lines by Smith. Whitfield’s splayed; frenetic solos also add a tight edge. He can be either a frenetic or a sophisticated soloist, while also smoothly contributing during the unison sections. Jackson’s writing also merits praise, particularly the final numbers “Easy Does It” and “J-Soul.” These have a relaxed, catchy groove and good blend of instrumental fire and rhythmic assertiveness.

Throughout Easy Does It Jackson plays with more verve and swing on supposedly less jazz-oriented pieces than he has in the past doing mainstream material, which indicates to me that he’s really enjoying himself. Personally, I’d much rather hear him doing good blues and funk than tentative, detached hard bop. ~ by Ron Wynn, Jazz Times.

Palmetto Records, PM 2093, 2003

Recorded 30^th September & 1^st October, 2002 at:

Maggie's Farm, Buck's County, Pennsylvania

White House Sound Lab, Leicester, England

Musicians:

Javon Jackson - Tenor Saxophone

Fred Wesley - Trombone, Vocals

Dr. Lonnie Smith - Organ

Mark Whitfield - Guitar

Eve Cornelious - Vocals

Tracks:

1. If You See Kay {Lonnie Liston Smith} (4:13)

2. Right On {Marvin Gaye} (7:35)

3. House Party {Fred Wesley} (4:17)

4. Papa Lou {Javon Jackson} (3:13)

5. Kiss {Javon Jackson} (7:25)

6. Diane {Javon Jackson} (5:47)

7. Wake Up Everybody {Gene McFadden, John Whitehead} (4:49)

8. Easy Does It {Javon Jackson} (4:34)

9. J Soul {Javon Jackson} (6:20)

Credits:

Producer, Engineer - Javon Jackson

Producer - Lenny White

Producer, Engineer, Mixing - Matt Balitsaris

Mastering - A.T. Michael MacDonald

Design - Jason Grotrian

Photography - Jimmy Katz

"Saxophonist Javon Jackson plays funk with a slow hand...[he] doesn't beat matters to a froth but allows them to come to fruition in their own time. This approach to groove calls for the clear arrangements that focus the senses nicely on Jackson's titillating tenor and Dr. Lonnie Smith's snaky organ...A good funkin' time is had by all." ~ Karl Stark, Philadelphia Inquirer.