Hendrik Meurkens - New York Nights (1999)

The chromatic harmonica of Hendrik Meurkens is profound, lyrical, fluid, and swinging on his second release for the Netherlands-based A-Records label. New York Nights features a half dozen standards and four delightful originals performed by the harmonica master with Eric Alexander on tenor saxophone, Italian pianist Dado Moroni, bassist Chris Berger, and drummer Jimmy Cobb and together they weave a great tapestry of bebop, swing, and heart-wrenching ballads. Meurkens is an excellent composer as evidenced by the title track, "New York Nights," a pensive, nocturnal ballad. He plays a beautiful melody that is alternated by Eric Alexander's rendition of the bridge with excellent solos from them both. This combination of instruments - harmonica and saxophone - is very nice to hear on this wonderful collection of great songs. Alexander plays some great long lines and short phrases on "It Could Happen to You" with great improvisations by pianist Dado Moroni. The only drawback to this CD is that it does not include any compositions that feature Meurkens playing vibes as on "Mundell's Moods" or the sweet sambas he played on Samba Importado and In a Sentimental Mood. However, his covers of the priceless "You Stepped out of a Dream," "I Didn't Know What Time It Was," and Charlie Parker's blazing "Scrapple From the Apple" make up for that and add an extra layer of excitement and variety to this fantastic hour of great jazz. ~ by Paula Edelstein, AMG. 

A-Records, AL 73197, 2000
Recorded 19th & 20th December, 1999 at Current Sounds, New York 

Musicians:
Hendrik Meurkens - Harmonica
Eric Alexander - Tenor Saxophone (#2,3,5,8)
Dado Moroni - Piano
Chris Berger - Bass
Jimmy Cobb - Drums 

Tracks:
01. I Didn't Know What Time It Was {Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers} (5:53)
02. It Could Happen To You {Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen} (5:31)
03. New York Nights {Hendrik Meurkens} (6:09)
04. You Stepped Out Of A Dream {Nacio Herb Brown, Gus Kahn} (2:40)
05. Slidin' {Hendrik Meurkens} (5:49)
06. Bittersweet {Sam Jones} (6:26)
07. My Foolish Heart {Ned Washington, Victor Young} (7:03)
08. The Cottage {Hendrik Meurkens} (5:03)
09. Second Waltz {Hendrik Meurkens} (5:49)
10. Scrapple From The Apple {Charlie Parker} (4:50) 

Total Time: 55:18 

Credits:
Producer - Hendrik Meurkens
Engineer, Mixing - Joseph Bartoldus
Photography - Joost Leijen
Liner Notes - Hein van de Geyn 

It Could Happen To You

Wallace Roney - The Kind of Blue Project, 2 live shows

A pair of rare performance worth sharing... in fact 2 shows 2 days apart in July 2000. These are mp3's. 

Date: July 13, 2000 

Location: Copenhagen Jazz Festival - Cirkusbygningen, Copenhagen, Denmark Radio broadcast A+ 

Vincent Herring (as), Mark Turner (ts), Wallace Roney (t), Benny Green (p), Buster Williams (b), Jimmy Cobb (d) 

01. So What - 17:14 (Miles Davis) 

02. Freddie Freeloader - 12:57 (Miles Davis) 

03. Blue In Green - 5:18 (Bill Evans, Miles Davis) 

04. All Blues - 14:14 (Miles Davis) 

05. Flamenco Sketches - 11:58 (Miles Davis) 

06. Milestones - 6:06 (Miles Davis) 

07. Ah-Leu-Cha (Charlie Parker)

08. The Theme (Miles Davis)

Also same Band 7/15/2000 in Ireland

1. Freddie the Freeloader

2. Blue in Green

3. All Blues

4. Flamenco Sketches

5. Milestones

 

Sonny Stitt - Featuring Howard McGhee (1967,61)

A concise compilation of works by two master jazz artists: Sonny Stitt and Howard McGhee. The tracks chosen are taken from two excellent 'Black Lion' releases arising out of two separate sessions; the first one held in Zürich from 1967 and the second held in New York City in 1961. Howard McGhee is featured on all tracks and six are his own compositions. The great altoist Sonny Stitt is joined by trumpet great Howard McGhee on the first half of the album along with pianist Walter Bishop, Jr., bassist Tommy Potter and drummer Kenny Clarke. For the second half of the album Howard McGhee takes over with his quintet comprising of tenorist Georg Coleman, pianist Junior Mance, bassist George Tucker and drummer Jimmy Cobb. All tunes are strong derivatives of bop and all players are at the top of their game. Many enthusiasts if they haven't done so beforehand will search out the original albums: Night Work & Shades Of Blue, Well Recommended! 

Jazz Life, 2473242, 1988
Recorded 18th October, 1967 (#1,2,4-6) at Turicop Studios, Zürich, Switzerland;
8th December, 1961 (#3,7-10) at Stea-Phillips Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Sonny Stitt - Alto Saxophone (#1,2,4-6)
Howard McGhee - Trumpet (#1-10)
George Coleman - Tenor Saxophone (#3,7-10)
Walter Bishop, Jr. - Piano (#1,2,4-6)
Tommy Potter - Double Bass (#1,2,4-6)
Kenny Clarke - Drums (#1,2,4-6)
Junior Mance - Piano (#3,7-10)
George Tucker - Double Bass (#3,7-10)
Jimmy Cobb - Drums (#3,7-10) 

Tracks:
01. Night Work {Howard McGhee} (7:26)
02. Matter Horns {Eiger, Jungfrau} (10:43)
03. Shades Of Blue {Howard McGhee} (5:05)
04. Don't Blame Me {Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh} (4:06)
05. Lover Man [Oh Where Can You Be] {Davis, Sherman, Ramirez} (5:15)
06. Hello {Howard McGhee} (6:50)
07. The Sharp Edge {Howard McGhee} (5:56)
08. Cool {Howard McGhee} (2:55)
09. The Day After {Tom McIntosh} (2:06)
10. Topside {Howard McGhee} (4:21) 

Total Time: 54:49 

Producer - Alan Bates
#1,2,4-6
Sonny Stitt - Night Work [Black Lion Records - BLP-307]
#3,7-10
Howard McGhee - Shades Of Blue  [Black Lion Records - BL-305] 

Matter Horns

Jesse Davis - Horn Of Passion (1991)

Altoist Jesse Davis' debut as a leader finds the talented altoist very much influenced by Cannonball Adderley's sound at this early stage. He holds his own with the top-notch rhythm section (comprised of pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Jimmy Cobb) on five standards and his own "C.P. Time," and performs four originals with a different quartet that includes tenor saxophonist Antoine Roney (brother of Wallace), bassist Tyler Mitchell and drummer Eric McPherson (son of Charles). Davis (25 at the time) showed a great deal of potential at this point and also displayed surprising maturity on the ballads. An impressive start to his career. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Concord Jazz, CCD-4465, 1991
Recorded 24th-25th January, 1991 

Musicians:
Jesse Davis - Alto Saxophone
Antoine Roney - Tenor Saxophone (#4,6,9,10)
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Rufus Reid - Bass (#1,2,3,5,7,8)
Tyler Mitchell - Bass (#4,6,9,10)
Eric McPherson - Drums (#4,6,9,10)
Jimmy Cobb - Drums (#1,2,3,5,7,8) 

Tracks:
01. CP Time {Jesse Davis} (3:56)
02. Here's That Rainy Day {Jimmy van Heusen, Johnny Burke} (7:59)
03. Stardust {Hoagy Carmichael, Mitchell Parish} (8:34)
04. Stop And Go {Jesse Davis} (4:54)
05. For Heaven's Sake {Donald Meyer, Elise Bretton, Sherman Edwards} (6:46)
06. Li'l Mac {Jesse Davis} (4:32)
07. Violets For Your Furs {Matt Dennis, Thomas M. Adair} (5:08)
08. Gone With The Wind {Allie Wrubel, Herbert Magidson} (6:14)
09. Testimonial {Jesse Davis} (6:30)
10. Cat Talk {Jesse Davis} (5:32) 

Total Time: 60:05 

Credits:
Producer - Carl Jefferson
Assistant Producer - Allen Farnham
Production Coordination - John Burk
Engineer - Ed Trabanco
Remixing - Phil Edwards
Mastering - George Horn
Art Direction - Kent Judkins
Photography - David Lubarsky
Liner Notes - Ira Gitler

Ricky Ford - Ricky's Choice (1999)

This is a compilation of tracks picked out by Ricky Ford from his releases on the Muse jazz label released between 1980 - 1984.

Ricky has certainly chosen some wonderful tracks for the compilation. Half the tunes are his own compositions, two from Wayne Shorter and the rest well-known Jazz standards. He is joined by a solid cast of players, that include some great horn players; Wallace Roney, Jimmy Knepper, Bobby Watson, James Spaulding, pianists; John Hicks, Albert Dailey, Kirk Lightsey, guitarist; Larry Coryell and bassists; Walter Booker, Ray Drummond, Rufus Reid with the perpetual drummer Jimmy Cobb as a mainstay. This CD is just pure entertainment, Enjoy!

#1,2 - Flying Colors - Muse Records [MR 5227] (1980)
#4,9,10 - Future's Gold - Muse [MR 5296] (1983)
#3,8 - Interpretations - Muse Records [MR 5275] (1982)
#6,7 - Shorter Ideas - Muse Records [MR 5314] (1984)
#5 - Tenor For The Times - Muse Records [MR 5250] (1981) 

32 Jazz, 32172, 1999 

Musicians:
Ricky Ford - Tenor Saxophone
Wallace Roney - Trumpet (#3)
Jimmy Knepper - Trombone (#6,7)
Bobby Watson - Alto Saxophone (#3)
James Spaulding - Alto Saxophone (#6,7)
John Hicks - Piano (#1,2,3,8)
Albert Dailey - Piano (#4,5,9,10)
Kirk Lightsey - Piano (#6,7)
Larry Coryell - Guitar (#4,9,10)
Walter Booker - Bass (#1,2,3,8)
Ray Drummond - Bass (#4,9,10)
Rufus Reid - Bass (#5,6,7)
Jimmy Cobb - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Jordanian Walk {Ricky Ford} (8:37)
02. Take The Coltrane {Duke Ellington} (4:42)
03. Interpretations Opus 5 {Ricky Ford} (7:08)
04. You Don't Know What Love Is {Gene DePaul, Don Raye} (6:07)
05. This Our Love [Esse Nosso Amor] {Ricky Ford} (7:31)
06. Yes Or No {Wayne Shorter} (5:41)
07. Miyako {Wayne Shorter} (4:51)
08. Moon Mist {Mercer Ellington} (5:43)
09. A-Flat Now {Ricky Ford} (4:40)
10. Samba De Caribe {Ricky Ford} (4:34) 

Total Time: 59:34

Notes:
See Tracks [Personnel].txt for further details.
Ripped to WAV > Trimmed > Optimised > FLAC

Geri Allen - Timeless Portraits And Dreams (2006)

Geri Allen's musical interests prove to be quite diverse in Timeless Portraits and Dreams, delving into jazz, spirituals, sacred works and originals, accompanied by two of the most in-demand veterans, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Jimmy Cobb, throughout most of the release. Allen's stunning solo opener "Oh Freedom" segues directly into another fine work, "Melchezedek," which showcases both Allen and Carter in the solo spotlight, with wordless vocals by the Atlanta Jazz Chorus adding background color. Singer Carmen Lundy and the chorus are on hand for the spirit-filled "Well Done" and Allen's gorgeous ballad "Timeless Portraits and Dreams." Other vocal tracks include two features for tenor George Shirley, including "I Have a Dream" (from Mary Lou's Mass composed by Mary Lou Williams after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and a vigorous treatment of the piece considered as the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Trumpeter Wallace Roney (Allen's husband) smolders in Allen's tasty post-bop vehicle "In Real Time" and makes a belated entrance in the tense, strident tribute "Our Lady (For Billie Holiday)." Allen throws the listener a curve with her well-disguised introduction to the trio arrangement of Charlie Parker's "Ah-Leu-Cha" and uncovers a neglected gem in Lil Hardin Armstrong's ballad "Just for a Thrill." While some jazz fans may prefer to hear Geri Allen in a strictly instrumental setting, they will miss out if they fail to investigate these stimulating sessions. Highly recommended. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG.

Telarc Jazz, CD-83645, 2006
Recorded 16^th-17^th March, 2006 At Avatar Studio A, New York City 

Personnel:
Geri Allen - Piano, Solo Piano (#2,5), Vocals
Wallace Roney - Trumpet (#8,12)
Donald Walden - Tenor Saxophone (#6)
Ron Carter - Upright Bass (#2-4,6-12,14)
Jimmy Cobb - Drums (#2-4,6-12,14)
George Shirley - Vocals [Tenor] (#6)
Carmen Lundy - Vocals, Arranger (#4,13)
Atlantic Jazz Chorus (#2,4,5,13)
Dwight Andrews - Chorus Director 

Tracks:
01. Oh Freedom {Traditional} (1:52)
02. Melchezedik {Antoine Roney, Arr. Geri Allen} (7:07)
03. Portraits And Dreams {Geri Allen} (2:27)
04. Well Done {Kenny Lattimore, Pat McClain, Arr. Geri Allen} (5:22)
05. La Strada {Nino Rota, Arr. Geri Allen} (4:21)
06. I Have A Dream {Mary Lou Williams, Arr. Carmen Lundy} (2:24)
07. Nearly {Ron Carter} (4:28)
08. In Real Time {Geri Allen, Wallace Roney} (5:40)
09. Embraceable You {George Gershwin} (2:48)
10. Ah-Leu-Cha {Charlie Parker, Arr. Geri Allen} (4:52)
11. Just For A Thrill {Lil Hardin Armstrong, Arr. Geri Allen} (4:21)
12. Our Lady [For Billie Holiday] {Geri Allen} (5:59)
13. Timeless Portraits And Dreams {Geri Allen} (5:05)
14. Portraits And Dreams [Reprise] {Geri Allen} (1:39) 

Total Time: 58:25

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Geri Allen
Producer - Elaine Martone
Executive Producer - Robert Woods
Engineer, Mastering - Robert Friedrich
Assistant Engineer - Peter Doris
Production Coordination - Ora Ross Harris 

Note:
Lift Every Voice And Sing {James Weldon Johnson, John Rosamond Johnson} (3:52)
on Bonus CD as single track

Roy Hargrove - Family (1995)

This well-rounded set not only features trumpeter Roy Hargrove with his mid-'90s quintet (tenor saxophonist Ron Blake, pianist Stephen Scott, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson) but with two other rhythm sections and a few special guests. The first three selections (which includes the up-tempo blues "Brian's Bounce") are called "Trilogy" and dedicated to various family members. Hargrove shows off his warm tone on "The Nearness of You" (a ballads with strings album was in the near future), and other highlights include the lyrical "Pas de Trois," a duet by Hargrove and bassist Walter Booker on Larry Willis' "Ethiopia," and a driving version of "Firm Roots." A meeting between Hargrove and Wynton Marsalis on the bop standard "Nostalgia" is disappointingly tame, but otherwise this is a high-quality modern hard bop release. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Verve Records, 314 527 630-2, 1995

Recorded 26^th-29^th January, 1995 At Studio B, Clinton Recording Studios, NY

Musicians:

Roy Hargrove - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Ron Blake - Soprano & Tenor Saxophones

Jesse Davis - Alto Saxophone

David "Fathead" Newman - Tenor Saxophone, Flute

Wynton Marsalis - Trumpet

Stephen Scott, John Hicks, Larry Willis, Ronnie Mathews - Piano

Troy Halderson - Synthesizer

Rodney Whitaker, Christian McBride, Walter Booker - Bass

Gregory Hutchinson, Lewis Nash, Jimmy Cobb, Karriem Riggins - Drums

Tracks:

01. Velera {Roy Hargrove} (2:22)

02. Roy Allen {Roy Hargrove} (3:48)

03. Brian's Bounce {Roy Hargrove} (4:56)

04. The Nearness Of You {Hoagy Carmichael, Ned Washington} (7:03)

05. Lament For Love {Ronnie Mathews} (4:01)

06. Another Level {Roy Hargrove} (6:23)

07. A Dream Of You {Christian McBride} (6:11)

08. Pas De Trois {Paul Arslanian} (8:39)

09. Polka Dots And Moonbeams {Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen} (5:36)

10. The Challenge {Roy Hargrove} (3:46)

11. Ethiopia {Larry Willis} (3:36)

12. Nostalgia {Fats Navarro} (6:00)

13. Thirteenth Floor {David "Fathead" Newman} (5:57)

14. Firm Roots {Cedar Walton} (6:51)

15. The Trial {Roy Hargrove} (3:38)

Credits:

Producer - Roy Hargrove, Larry Clothier

Executive Producer - Richard Seidel

Engineer - Troy Halderson

Editing, Engineer, Mastering, Sequencing - Ed Rak

Assistant - Mark Agostino, Jonathon Mooney

Photography - Jimmy Katz, Michael Lavine

Art Direction - David Lau

Art Direction, Design - Patricia Lie

May He Rest In Peace

Shirley Scott - On A Clear Day (1966) [vinyl]

One of the best Shirley Scott albums ever - a wonderfully groovy little set that seems to stand head and shoulders above some of her other trio dates of the 60s! Shirley really hits a nice clean groove here - a sense of tone we don't always hear this beautifully on earlier Prestige dates, with almost an influence from some of the 60s bossa organists, which seems to show up in the grooves as well. But there's also a deeper swing too - one that seems to come from the album's tight rhythms from Ron Carter's bass and Jimmy Cobb's drums – both of whom snap the groove very tight, and keep Shirley's solos very lean, very clean. Titles include "What The World Needs Now", "Corcovado", "Instant Blues", and "On A Clear Day". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Impulse! Records, AS-9109, 1966

Recorded 6^th January, 1966 in New York City

Personnel:

Shirley Scott - Organ

Ron Carter - Bass

Jimmy Cobb - Drums

Tracks:

A1. On A Clear Day You Can See Forever {Alan J. Lerner, Burton Lane} (4:44)

A2. What'll I Do? {Irving Berlin} (4:32)

A3. Cold Winter Blues {Shirley Scott} (3:45)

A4. All Alone {Irving Berlin} (4:43)

B1. What The World Needs Now Is Love {Hal David, Burt Bacharach} (3:56)

B2. Corcovado {Antonio Carlos Jobim} (5:18)

B3. Days Of Wine And Roses {Henri Mancini, Johnny Mercer} (5:17)

B4. Instant Blues {Irving Berlin} (6:14)

Credits:

Producer - Bob Thiele

Engineer - Bob Simpson

Cover and Liner Photos - Charles Stewart

Cover Design - Robert Flynn, Viceroy

Liner Design - Joe Lebow

Liner Notes - Stanley Dance (Jazz Magazine)

Most of organist Shirley Scott's records in the 1960s featured her husband, tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, so this trio effort with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Jimmy Cobb was a change of pace. As usual, Scott features an off-the-wall tune ("What The World Needs Now Is Love") in her repertoire, along with standards (including "On A Clear Day" and selections by Henry Mancini, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Irving Berlin) and a couple of basic originals. The music grooves and Scott shows that she did not need a competing horn in order to come up with soulful and swinging ideas. ~ Scott Yanow, AMG.

Ricky Ford - Shorter Ideas (1984) [vinyl>flac]

Ricky Ford explores the music and ideas of Wayne Shorter - a perfect fit for Ford's deeply soulful style of blowing the tenor! The set's actually got a more tightly arranged feel than you might expect - which makes for a nicely fresh take on some of Shorter's greatest numbers from earlier years, and creates some extremely inventive playing between group members that include Jimmy Knepper, James Spaulding, Kirk Lightsey, Rufus Reid, and Jimmy Cobb. Titles include Shorter tunes "Yes Or No", "Miyako", "Dance Cadaverous", and "Pinnochio" – and Ford originals "Wolf Trap" and "Tabloid Blues". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Ford, who has usually recorded with small groups, here heads an all-star sextet with altoist James Spaulding and trombonist Jimmy Knepper -- an inspired idea that works. They perform four Wayne Shorter numbers, a couple of Ford's originals, and Duke Ellington's "Happy Reunion." Ford takes the lion's share of the solo space and is clearly up to the task, making these sometimes complex compositions seem accessible and logical. Ford has long been underrated (too old to be a Young Lion and too young to be an elder statesman), but based on the evidence of this recording alone he clearly deserves much greater acclaim. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Muse Records, MR 5314, 1985

Recorded 28^th August, 1984 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Ricky Ford - Tenor Saxophone

James Spaulding - Alto Saxophone, Flute

Jimmy Knepper - Trombone

Kirk Lightsey - Piano

Rufus Reid - Bass

Jimmy Cobb - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Yes Or No {Wayne Shorter} (5:33)

A2. Miyako {Wayne Shorter} (4:44)

A3. Dance Cadaverous {Wayne Shorter} (6:08)

B1. Pinnochio {Wayne Shorter} (3:30)

B2. Tabloid Blues {Ricky Ford} (4:03)

B3. Wolf Trap {Ricky Ford} (5:05)

B4. Happy Reunion {Duke Ellington} (4:14)

Credits:

Producer, Liner Notes - Michael Cuscuna

Arranger - Ricky Ford

Recording & Mastering - Rudy van Gelder

Cover Photo - Clarence Eastmond

Back Liner Photos - J. Flint

Art Direction - Dick Smith

Teri Thornton - Devil May Care

Is poppachubby a spoiled sport?!?  Hell nah!!

I have to work 12 hours today.  Can't enjoy my usual dose of Chitlins gospel - no church.  But that doesn't mean that I won't take the time to ensure my Crypt people don't have a stellar Sunday!!

Just quickly folks, this album is gonna blow you away.  Miss Thornton's voice is on par with the usual suspects of female jazz vocals.  She is backed by a small group chock full of stars...

...what more do you need?!?

This is the first (of three) long out of print recordings by Teri Thornton, finally available to the general public. It would not be a stretch to say she is perhaps the most talented, distinctive, clean, out-of-sight singer listeners have never heard....until now. Thornton's powerful, almost chilling voice compares favorably to the pristine tones and vibrato of Sarah Vaughan, the blues sassiness of Dinah Washington, and some of the more soulful refrains of Abbey Lincoln. Simply put, you have to hear her once to believe her. Whether on doleful ballads or raucous swingers, Thornton is totally confident and in control -- of her emotions and yours. From the best version of the Bob Dorough-written title track you are likely to hear, to the regretful ballad "My Old Flame" or the ultimate heart-melter "Left Alone," to an interesting arrangement on a pleading "What's Your Story, Morning Glory?," Thornton charges through the bar lines. Check her forcefulness on "Dancing in the Dark" and "I Feel a Song Coming On." Sometimes she purposefully staggers behind measures to grand effect. Every track is a showstopper, thanks to her uniquely soulful, drama-laden approach. Potent, unobtrusive horn charts feature legends like trumpeter Clark Terry, trombonist Britt Woodman, and saxophonists Earle Warren and Seldon Powell. The rhythm section of guitarist Freddie Green (half the tracks, Sam Herman on the others), pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Jimmy Cobb can do no wrong. Arranger par excellence Norman Simmons provided the perfect charts. This is an important document of a truly great jazz singer, and is essential in the collection of every serious aficionado. The only one regret is that it can't be given several handfuls of *****. ~ Michael G. Nastos

Riverside RLP 352
1961

New York, NY (12/23/1960/01/10/1961); Plaza Sound Studios,
New York, NY (12/23/1960/01/10/1961).

Teri Thornton (vocals); Norman Simmons (conductor, arranger);  Freddie Green, Sam Herman (guitar); Seldon Powell (saxophone); Earle Warren (alto saxophone); Clark Terry (trumpet, flugelhorn); Britt Woodman (trombone); Wynton Kelly (piano); Jimmy Cobb (drums)