Manhattan Jazz Orchestra - Moanin' (1989)

The Manhattan Jazz Orchestra's first album. The selection of songs is superb, from Caravan to the exciting Moanin' to My Funny Valentine! Each member has outstanding technique and the arrangement is excellent. The performance and atmosphere are hot. Starting with Duke Ellington's "Caravan," "Summertime," "Moanin'," "My Funny Valentine," "Sidewinder," and "Autumn Leaves," famous songs that represent jazz history are performed one after another. The recording is excellent, the horns are crisp, and the roar of the bass and the sound of the drums are realistic. ~ fleamarket. 

Heat Relief: Oh, yeah? Blow away the intense heat, the performance was immediately MJQ's genealogy, very pleasant! It is exhilarating. It will be a piece that will listen to with a good quality device! ~ ACE, 5 Stars, [Translated from Japanese] Amazon.com. 

Paddle Wheel, 292E 6046, 1989
Recorded 12th, 15th & 21st August, 1989 at A&R Studio, New York 

Personnel:
Dave Matthews - Piano
Alan Rubin, Joe Shepley - Trumpet (#1,3-5,7)
Jon Faddis - Trumpet (#1,3,4)
Earl Gardner, Robert Millikan, Tony Kadleck - Trumpet (#2,6)
Lew Soloff, Randy Brecker - Trumpet (#5,7)
Birch Johnson - Trombone (#1,3-5,7)
Jim Pugh, Keith O'Quinn, Urbie Green - Trombone (#2,6)
Paul Faulise - Bass Trombone (#1,3-5,7)
David Taylor - Bass Trombone (#2,5-7)
Fred Griffin, John Clark - French Horn (#1,3-5,7)
Chris Hunter, Dick - Alto Saxophone Oatts (#2,6)
George Young - Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet
Lawrence Feldman - Tenor Saxophone (#2,6)
Roger Rosenberg - Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone (#2,6)
Hiram Bullock - Guitar (#2)
Chip Jackson - Bass
Danny Gottlieb - Drums (#1-4,6)
Dave Weckl - Drums (#5,7)

Tracks:
1. Caravan {Duke Ellington, Juan Tizol} (7:43)
2. Moanin' {Bobby Timmons} (4:45)
3. My Funny Valentine {Richard Rodgers} (7:13)
4. Summertime {George Gershwin} (10:03)
5. The Sidewinder {Lee Morgan} (8:25)
6. Big Apple Jam {David Matthews} (8:42)
7. Autumn Leaves {Joseph Kosma} (8:19) 

Total Time: 55:14 

Credits:
Producer - David Matthews (#1,2-7), Kenzo Yokokura (#2)
Reissue Producer - Yoichi Nakao
Engineer - Michael Farrow
Mastering Engineer - Hatsuro Takanami
Cover Design - Shigo Yamaguchi, Takuya Watanabe
Art Direction - Munco Hanzawa
Notes - Yasuki Nakayama 

Moanin'

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

Steve Turre - Steve Turre (1997)

Steve Turre is the 1997 self-titled album by American trombonist Steve Turre. This is his sixth solo album, his first of two albums he would do for Verve Records. The album features a number of special guests, including Cassandra Wilson, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis, Mongo Santamaria, and Regina Carter. No wonder Steve Turre merely used his name as the title of this tour de force, for it is a supremely ambitious, self-defining project that covers an enormous amount of ground and means on one small disc. With his trombone and signature conch shells as a base, Turre expands his reach to embrace the Western Hemisphere - particularly Cuba and Brazil – arranging, composing, inviting stellar guests to chip in, and ending up with a beautiful, swinging record that can't be mistaken for anyone else's. One gets a powerful dose of Turre's unique sound world on the fascinating opening track, "In a Sentimental Mood," done bossa nova style with a conch shell solo that sounds like late-period Dizzy Gillespie and a smoky Cassandra Wilson vocal. There are ample layers of Turre's multi-tracked conch shell harmonies, the sweetest ensemble sound this side of Lombardo and one that is used as a genuinely musical ingredient, not a gimmick. Turre is secure enough to feature the majestic sound of J.J. Johnson, who plays magnificently on the lengthy tone poem "The Emperor" - whose title undoubtedly refers to the elder trombone giant - and on "Steve's Blues." Afro-Cuban music plays a major role here, as Mongo Santamaria's veteran chartmeister Marty Sheller arranges "Ayer Lo Vi Llorar" for the 81-year-old Queen of Boleros, Graciela Perez - and then Mongo himself duels with the madly comping McCoy Tyner on, of course, "Mongo 'n' McCoy." The booklet notes (by Turre himself) are an exhaustive play-by-play of what was clearly an exhausting project, yet the final product has much of the exuberance of a spontaneous jam session. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide. 

Verve Records, 314 537 133-2, 1997
Recorded 7th May and 20th June, 1996 at Master Sound Astoria Studios, New York 

Personnel:
Steve Turre - Trombone, Shells
Cassandra Wilson - Vocals (#1)
Graciela Perez - Vocal (#4)
Randy Brecker - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
J.J. Johnson - Trombone
Jon Faddis - Trumpet
Alfredo "Chocolate" Armenteros - Trumpet
Britt Woodman - Trumpet [Open Solo, #7]
Stephen Scott - Piano
Willie Rodriguez - Piano
Stefon Harris - Marimba, Balifone, Gong, Vibraphone
Andy Gonzalez - Bass
Robin Eubanks - Shells & Trombones
Jimmy Bosch - Shells & Trombones
Douglas Purviance - Shells & Trombones
Frank Lacy - Shells & Trombones
Romero Lubambo - Guitar
Mongo Santamaria - Conga [Solo]
Herculano Federici - Surdo & Percussion
Manny Oquendo - Bongos, Timbales [Solo] Guiro & Cow Bell, Percussion
Milton Cardona - Conga & Shakere
Kimati Dinizulu - Djimbe, African Drums
Victor Lewis - Drums
Portinho - Drums
Horatio "Negro" Hernandez - Drums
Akua Dixon - Cello [Solo]
Regina Carter - Violin [Solo]
Carlos Baptiste - Violin
Ron Lawrence - Viola 

Tracks:
1. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington} (8:26)
2. The Emperor {Steve Turre} (12:47)
3. Let It Go {Steve Turre} (8:02)
4. Ayer Lo Vi Llorar {José Antonio Mendez} (5:42)
5. Coastin' With Bobby {Steve Turre} (8:43)
6. Steve's Blues {Steve Turre} (6:38)
7. Inocencia [Basta De Clamares Inocencia] {Cartola} (5:44)
8. Mongo 'N' McCoy {Steve Turre} (10:30) 

Credits:
Producer - Billy Banks
Engineer - David Merrill
Assistant Engineer - Rob Farrell, Teddy Trewhella
Pianos Tuner - Max Conti
Mixed, and Mastering - Master Sound Astoria Studios, Astoria, New York 

Once again Steve Turre has shown his style and ability by making an album that is entertaining to all. Turre not only shows his technical ability, but he shows his usual graceful and easing style. He also has great guest performances. The list includes Randy Brecker, J. J. Johnson, John Faddis, and many others. While Turre's seeming obsession with the conchshell provides the listener with a very soothing and natural sound at times, occasionally he can leave the listener wishing he would pick up his trombone. This album is a must have for anyone who values the beauty of the trombone, or the intricacies of good jazz.

Steve Turre - Rhythm Within (1995)

Trombonist Steve Turre obviously put a lot of work into this CD for each of the nine selections has its own purpose and the personnel changes on every cut. Turre doubles on the conch shells and on a few numbers utilizes a "shell choir"; in addition, there are often three percussionists, other notable trombonists (including Britt Woodman, Frank Lacy and Robin Eubanks) and such guest soloists as trumpeter Jon Faddis, tenor-saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and pianist Herbie Hancock. With highlights including "Funky-T," Yusef Lateef's "Morning," "Since I Fell for You" (a Woodman feature) and "All Blues," this is a particularly memorable and well-conceived set, one of Turre's best. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Antilles Records, 314 527 159-2, 1995
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey 

Personnel:
Steve Turre - Trombone (#1-4,6,8,9), Conch [Shells] (#1-7,9)
Jon Faddis - Trumpet (#1,5,6), Flugelhorn (#4), Conch [Shells] (#6)
Stanton Davis - Trumpet (#2,8,9), Flugelhorn (#8), Conch [Shells] (#7)
Aaron Johnson - Trombone (#9), Conch [Shells] (#3,7,9)
Britt Woodman - Trombone (#3)
Douglas Purviance - Trombone (#6), Bass Trombone (#2,4,8), Conch [Shells] (#1,5,6)
Frank Lacy - Trombone (#6,8,9), Conch [Shells] (#1-7)
Jamal Haynes - Trombone (#6,8,9), Conch [Shells] (#1-7,9)
Robin Eubanks - Trombone (#6,8,9), Conch [Shells] (#1-7,9)
Pharoah Sanders - Tenor Saxophone (#1,4)
Herbie Hancock - Piano (#1,4,6)
Andy Gonzalez - Bass
Kimati Dinizulu - Bass [One String] (#2), Shekere (#3), Percussion (#5),
Claves (#7), Drums [African] (#1,4,6,9)
Victor Lewis - Drums (#1-4,6,8,9), Percussion (#5)
Milton Cardona - Congas (#1,2,4,6), Shekere (#3,9), Percussion (#5), Timbales, Cowbell (#7)
Jimmy Delgado - Shekere (#3), Cowbell, Percussion (#9) 

Tracks:
1. Funky T {Steve Turre} (12:58)
2. Morning {Yusef Lateef} (8:56)
3. Since I Fell For You {Buddy Johnson} (5:39)
4. Rhythm Within {Steve Turre} (8:18)
5. Twilight Dreams {Steve Turre} (3:22)
6. All Blues {Miles Davis} (9:05)
7. Montuno Caracol {Steve Turre} (3:00)
8. Body And Soul {Heyman, Eyton, Green, Sour} (8:28)
9. African Shuffle {Steve Turre} (8:59) 

Credits:
Producer - Billy Banks
Executive-Producer - Richard Seidel
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Rudy van Gelder
Assistant Engineer - Maureen Sickler
Art Direction - David Lau
Design - Giulio Turturro
Illustration - James Steinberg
Photography - Jimmy Katz
Conductor - Akua Dixon Turre (#1,2,4-6,8), Rufus Reid (#3,7,9)
Liner Notes, Arranger - Steve Turre 

A Jazz Masterpiece
One of my favourite jazz albums, if not my favourite jazz album ever. It is also my favourite album from Turre. What makes it unique: the wonderful sound of shells (conchs), which is Steve Turre's speciality, an exotic texture, a feeling of both warmth and freshness, thanks to conchs and congas, to the contrast between conchs and brass, amazing rhythms and beautiful melodies, especially "Funky-T" and the wonderful re-interpretation of Miles's Davis standard "All Blues". The album has an amazing unity, and also unites among the best jazzmen of our time. ~ by D. Audeon, Amazon.com.

RON CARTER - PARADE - 1979 - VINYL - FLAC

1979
Milestone 9088
My Vinyl Rip
DR Value 14
Front & Back Covers
FLAC (8) 357mb

Bassist Carter heads a sterling mid-sized band with three trumpeters and saxophonists and two trombones. He handles the job of being both the primary and secondary rhythm support, while guests Joe Henderson, Jon Faddis, and Frank Wess, among others, provide some standout solos. The ensemble interaction clicks as well....AllMusic Review by Ron Wynn

The Tracks:
A1 Parade / A2 A Theme In 3 Quarter / A3 Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child
B1 Tinderbox / B2 Gypsy / B3 G.J.T.

Grover Washington, Jr. - Feels So Good (1975)

The aptly titled and much-sampled Feels So Good represents the creative apex of Grover Washington, Jr.'s sublime electric funk sound. Its shimmering, soulful grooves refute the argument that smooth jazz is little more than mere ambience, combining expert playing and intricate songwriting to create music that is both compelling and comforting. Arranger Bob James is in top form here, creating the spacious, rich milieus that are his trademark, but regardless of the name above the title, bassist Louis Johnson is the real star of the show. His supple rhythms percolate like coffee, adding oomph to the bottom of highlights "Hydra" and "Knucklehead" while Washington's cream-and-sugar soprano sax solos soar over the top. ~ by Jason Ankeny, AMG.

Kudu Records, KU-24 S1, 1975

Recorded May & July, 1975 At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Grover Washington Jr. - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones

John Frosk, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker, Bob Millikan - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Barry Rogers - Trombone

Alan Ralph, Dave Taylor - Bass Trombone

Sid Weinberg - Oboe, English Horn

Bob James - Piano, Electric Piano, Synthesizer

Eric Gale - Guitar

Gary King - Bass (#A1-A3)

Louis Johnson - Bass (#B1,B2)

Steve Gadd - Drums (#A1,A2)

Kenneth "Spider Webb" Rice - Drums (#B1,B2)

Ralph MacDonald - Percussion

Charles McCracken, Seymour Barab - Cello

Alfred Brown, Manny Vardi - Viola

Barry Finclair, David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Guy Lumia,
Harry Lookofsky, Lewis Eley, Max Ellen, Raoul Poliakin - Violin

Tracks:

A1. The Sea Lion {Bob James} (5:57)

A2. Moonstreams {Grover Washington Jr.} (5:55)

A3. Knucklehead {Grover Washington Jr.} (7:59)

B1. It Feels So Good {Ralph MacDonald, William Salter} (8:19)

B2. Hydra {Grover Washington Jr.} (9:09)

Credits:

Producer - Creed Taylor

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Arranger - Bob James

Photography - Alen MacWeeney

Art Direction & Design - Richard Mantel

Liner Note - Todd Barkan

George Benson - Body Talk (1973)

With an eye and ear on what was happening on the soul charts -- James Brown in particular -- Benson made a decided swerve toward R&B on this release. Indeed the JB's Pee Wee Ellis turns up as a big band arranger on three tracks, and he no doubt had a direct influence on the distinct JB groove of one of the non-big-band tunes, "Dance." It should come as no surprise by now that this formidable guitarist has no problem handling any kind of groove, although the mixed rhythm section of Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, electric pianist Harold Mabern, and percussionist Mobutu sometimes sends mixed messages. Earl Klugh has a few tasty moments on his own, and there are some reconnaissance flights back to the jazz side of George, which he handles with his usual confident aplomb. ~ by Richard S. Ginell, AMG.

CTI Records, CTI 6033, 1973

Recorded 17^th (Side B) & 18^th (Side A) July 1973 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

George Benson - Guitar

Frank Foster - Tenor Saxophone (#A3-B2)

Waymon Reed - Flugelhorn, Trumpet (#A3-B2)

John Gatchell - Flugelhorn, Trumpet (#A3-B2)

Jon Faddis - Flugelhorn, Trumpet (#A3-B2)

Dick Griffin - Trombone (#A3-B2)

Gerald Chamberlain - Trombone (#A3-B2)

Harold Mabern - Electric Piano

Earl Klugh - Guitar

Gary King - Electric Bass

Ron Carter - Bass

Jack DeJohnette - Drums

Mobutu - Percussion

Track Listing:

A1. Dance {Alfred Ellis, George Benson} (10:30)

A2. When Love Has Grown {Donny Hathaway, Gene McDaniel} (5:01)

A3. Plum {George Benson} (5:28)

B1. Body Talk {George Benson} (8:21)

B2. Top Of The World {George Benson} (9:56)

Credits:

Producer - Creed Taylor

Arranger, Conductor - Pee Wee Ellis

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Design - Bob Ciano

Cover Photograph - Pete Turner

Hank Crawford - Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing (1974) [vinyl>flac]

"Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" by Hank Crawford was released in 1974 on Kudu Records, a subsidiary of the CTI label. On this his fourth Kudu release, Crawford showcases three original compositions alongside two Stevie Wonder tunes; "Don’t You Worry 'Bout A Thing" and “All In Love Is Fair.” Bob James handles the string arrangements and also shares electric keyboards with Richard Tee. James' arrangements don't smother Hank but instead instill a light touch of classiness, perfectly blending Crawford’s rhythm & blues phrasing. Joining him on this date is quite an impressive array of soul-jazz and modern jazz performers, including Pepper Adams, Randy Brecker, Ron Carter, Idris Muhammad, Joe Farrell, Jon Faddis, Bernard Purdie, and Hugh McCracken. As usual it is beautifully engineered by van Gelder; another significant slice of Hank’s discography to immerse even the most discerning jazz aficionado, Enjoy!

Sweet soulful jazz from reedman Hank Crawford - one of his killer Kudu sessions from the 70s - all of which really helped Hank redefine his sound! The setting here is large and full - put together beautifully by Bob James, with that sense of space for the soloist that makes his CTI/Kudu arrangements so crucial - and light years ahead of what other arrangers were doing at the time. The tracks are longish, but never overdone - and the record has all the soulful alto sounds of Crawford's 60s work at Atlantic, but with a definite 70s bent overall. James plays Fender Rhodes, Arp, and clavinet - and other players include Joe Farrell on tenor and flute, Idris Muhammad and Bernard Purdie on drums, and Richard Tee on additional keyboards. Titles include "Jana", "Sho Is Funky", "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing", "Groove Junction", and "All In Love Is Fair". ~ Dusty Groove, Inc.

Kudu Records, KU 19 S1, 1974

Recorded June, 1974 At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Hank Crawford - Alto Saxophone

Alan Rubin, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Pepper Adams, Romeo Penque - Baritone Saxophone

Jerry Dodgion, Joe Farrell - Flute, Tenor Saxophone

Dave Taylor - Bass Trombone

Bob James, Richard Tee - Keyboards

Hugh McCracken - Electric Guitar

Gary King - Bass (#A1-A3,B1)

Ron Carter - Bass (#B2)

Bernard Purdie - Drums (#A1,A3)

Idris Muhammad - Drums (#A2,B1,B2)

Ralph MacDonald - Percussion

Strings:

Lewis Eley, Max Ellen, Alexander Cores, Paul Gershman, Emanuel Green,
Matthew Raimondi, Charles Libove, Harry Lookofsky, David Nadien - Violin

Charles McCracken, George Ricci - Cello

Al Brown, Manny Vardi - Viola

Track Listing:

A1. Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing {Stevie Wonder} (8:49)

A2. Jana {Hank Crawford} (5:08)

A3. All In Love Is Fair {Stevie Wonder} (4:46)

B1. Sho Is Funky {Hank Crawford, Bob James} (12:41)

B2. Groove Junction {Hank Crawford} (3:32)

Credits:

Producer - Creed Taylor

Arranger - Bob James

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Design - Bob Ciano

Illustration - Pierre Le-Tan