Marion Brown - Vista (1975)

A strangely wonderful album from Marion Brown – quite different from his other work on Impulse, with a mellow electric edge that gives it a warm and laidback feel! The approach here is much more soulful than before – with finely crafted tunes that weave Brown's work on alto with electric piano by Anthony Davis and Stanley Cowell, percussion by Ed Blackwell and Jimmy Hopps, and bass by Reggie Workman. If you're expecting the angrier Brown from earlier years, you'll be disappointed - but if you're ready to hear a Brown that's gently crafting mellow lines in a soulful setting, then you're in for a treat. Tracks include Cowell's "Maimoun", Stevie Wonder's "Visions", Brown's "Vista", "Moment of Truth", "Bismillah 'Rrahimani' Rrahim", and "Djinji". ~ Dusty Groove, Inc.

Impulse! Records, AS-9304, 1975

Verve/Universal Music, UCCI-9288, 2015

Recorded 18^th (#2,3,6) & 19^th (#1,4,5) February, 1875 at Generation Sound, NYC

Musicians:

Marion Brown - Alto Saxophone (#1-6), Wind Chimes (#2)

Stanley Cowell - Piano (#1,5,6), Fender Rhodes (#2,3), Mbira (#1)

Anthony Davis - Piano (#2,3), Fender Rhodes (#1,4-6)

Bill Braynon - Celeste (#2,5) Electric Piano [RMI] (#3)

Reggie Workman - Bass (#1,3-6)

Jimmy Hopps - Drums (#1,3,4), Cymbals (#5)

Ed Blackwell - Drums (#6), Slit Drum, (#3)

Jose Goico - Congas (#1,3,4,6) Tambourine (#1), Finger Cymbals (#5)

Allen Murphy - Vocals (#2), Bells (#5)

Harold Budd - Celeste (#5), Gong (#5)

Tracks:

1. Maimoun {Stanley Cowell} (7:33)

2. Visions {Stevie Wonder} (5:40)

3. Vista {Marion Brown} (7:45)

4. Moment Of Truth {Bill Braynon} (4:37)

5. Bismillahi 'Rrahmani' Rrahim {Harold Budd} (6:02)

6. Djinji {Bill Braynon} (9:45)

Credits:

Producer - Ed Michel

Recording Engineer - Tony May (Generation Sound, NYC)

Mixing Engineer - Baker Bigsby

Photography - George Whiteman

Album Design - Tim Bryant

Disc Mastering - Kendun Recorders

Total Time: 41:22

Alto saxophonist Marion Brown is an under-sung hero of the jazz avant-garde. Committed to discovering the far-flung reaches of improvisational expression, Brown nonetheless is possessed of a truly lyrical voice but is largely ignored when discussions of free jazz of the '60s and '70s are concerned. ~ Thom Jurek, AMG.

Joe Bonner - Angel Eyes (1976) [re-rip]

"Angel Eyes" contains a magical mix of both solo, trio and group tunes. On the title track "Angel Eyes" and "I Do" Bonner plays solo and both are very soul-searching and captivating. "Love Dance" is a blend of both solo and an added rhythm section. Yet, what makes this LP magnificent is the addition of the avant-garde violinist Leroy Jenkins and tenor saxophonist Billy Harper. Both musicians are found on "Variations On The Little Chocolate Boy" and "Celebration", which also includes the superb vocalist Linda Sharrock. The late Jenkins' violin stretches the other players to do more. In this instance Harper clearly showcases his ability to pick up the harmony and run with it. Overall Bonner's playing is incredibly evocative. The album’s highlight is Sharrock’s singing, starting out with a pervasive dark tone that later launches into a wailing mode and then returns anchored by the fusion of the groove being conveyed by the rest of the group. In a lot of ways these two tracks are very bold verging on the avant-garde. The listener cannot but desire more of the same in a follow up album. In the end Bonner concludes this work with a simple but eloquent bamboo flute solo invoking quite a rounding off and spiritual tone to the whole session.

Muse Records, MR 5114, 1976

Recorded October, 1974 and January 1976

Musicians:

Joe Bonner - Piano, Bells (#A1), Bamboo Flute (#B3)

Billy Harper - Tenor Saxophone (#B1,B2)

Leroy Jenkins - Violin (#B1,B2)

Juni Booth - Bass (#A3,B1,B2)

Jimmy Hopps - Drums (#A3,B1,B2)

Linda Sharrock - Vocal (#B2)

Tracks:

A1. Angel Eyes {Matt Dennis} (5:42) *

A2. Love Dance {Joe Bonner} (4:39)

A3. I Do {Joe Bonner} (6:05) *

B1. Variations On The Little Chocolate Boy {Joe Bonner} (5:33)

B2. Celebration {Joe Bonner} (9:26)

B3. Interlude {Joe Bonner} (3:12) #

* Solo Piano

# Solo Flute

Credits:

Producer - Joe Bonner, Michael Cuscuna

Album Design - Joe Bonner, Ron Warwell

Liner Notes - Alan Goodman

Celebration [Lyrics]

It's a sad game, it's a sad game, if you care to play.

It's a sad game, it's a sad game, if you care to play.

I want to be someplace that's good for me.

I want to be someplace that's good for me.

It's a sad game.

Joe Bonner - RIP [Muse Albums - Re-Post]

Joe Bonner - The Lifesaver (1975)

Label: Muse Records

Catalog#: MR 5065

On this LP Joe Bonner is fully engaged in creating some marvellous and lyrical excursions into a variety of self-penned tunes. Apart from his evocative piano work he intelligently turns his hand to an assortment of instruments including harmonica and flute creating an intriguing percussive complement to his acoustic piano sounds. A highlight is to hear an original take on his emotive "Little Chocolate Boy". In all, it is a bold solo album that manages to entertain from the start to the finish.

Personnel:

Joe Bonner - Piano, Miscellaneous Instruments, Percussion

Track Listing:

A1. Bonner's Bounce (5:29)

A2. Tatoo (7:42)

A3. Little Chocolate Boy (5:36)

B1. The Lifesaver (4:26)

B2. Native Son (5:40)

B3. The Observer (7:43)

__________________________

Joe Bonner - Angel Eyes (1976)

Label: Muse Records

Catalog#: MR 5134

"Angel Eyes" contains a magical mix of both solo, trio and group tunes. On the title track "Angel Eyes" and "I Do" Bonner plays solo and both are very soul-searching and captivating. "Love Dance" is a blend of both solo and an added rhythm section. Yet, what makes this LP magnificent is the addition of the avant-garde violinist Leroy Jenkins and tenor saxophonist Billy Harper. Both musicians are found on "Variations On The Little Chocolate Boy" and "Celebration", which also includes the superb vocalist Linda Sharrock. The late Jenkins' violin stretches the other players to do more. In this instance Harper clearly showcases his ability to pick up the harmony and run with it. Overall Bonner's playing is incredibly evocative. The album’s highlight is Sharrock’s singing, starting out with a pervasive dark tone that later launches into a wailing mode and then returns anchored by the fusion of the groove being conveyed by the rest of the group. In a lot of ways these two tracks are very bold verging on the avant-garde. The listener cannot but desire more of the same in a follow up album. In the end Bonner concludes this work with a simple but eloquent bamboo flute solo invoking quite a rounding off and spiritual tone to the whole session.

Personnel:

Joe Bonner - Piano, Bells (#A1), Bamboo Flute (#B3)

Billy Harper - Tenor Saxophone (#B1, B2)

Leroy Jenkins - Violin (#B1, B2)

Juni Booth - Bass

Jimmy Hopps - Drums

Linda Sharrock - Vocal {#B2}

Track Listing:

A1. Angel Eyes (5:41)

A2. Love Dance (4:39)

A3. I Do (6:04)

B1. Variations On The Little Chocolate Boy (5:32)

B2. Celebration {Featuring Linda Sharrock} (9:26)

B3. Interlude (3:12)