Fabio Morgera - Colors (2000)

“Colors” is a 2002 jazz concept album by Italian trumpeter and composer Fabio Morgera, released on the Red Records label. The album for approximately 73 minutes explores the artistic relationship between sounds and visual hues based on eleven of Morgera's original tunes, each titled after a specific colour. For this album Fabio brings together the talents of trombonist Steve Turre, tenorist J.D. Allen, pianists James Hurt and Joe Rybczyk Jr., bassist Eric Revis and drummer Alvester Garnett. Musically, the album is rooted in post-bop and contemporary jazz, that features a hard-boppish trumpet technique and elegant phrasing inspired by another trumpet great Woody Shaw. Overall, this early album truly showcases Fabio's expertise on both trumpet and flugelhorn and his ability to write unique compositions. Its appeal is especially enhanced by the team of exceptional players, namely Steve Turre and J.D. Allen, whom are drawn into this captivating project. 

Red Records, RR 123295 - 2, 2002
Recorded 5th-6th March, 2000 at Studio 900 in New York 

Musicians:
Fabio Morgera - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Steve Turre - Trombone (#1,2,4-6,9,10)
J.D. Allen - Tenor Saxophone
James Hurt - Piano (#1,4,7,9)
Joe Rybczyk Jr. - Piano (#2,3,5,6,8,10,11)
Eric Revis - Bass
Alvester Garnett - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Yellow (6:27)
02. Red (7:42)
03. Blue (5:04)
04. Black (7:16)
05. White (6:15)
06. Grey (6:40)
07. Purple (8:33)
08. Green (8:28)
09. Brown (6:43)
10. Orange (8:43)
11. Pink (2:00) 

All Compositions by Fabio Morgera 

Total Time: 73:57 

Credits:
Producer - Fabio Morgera
Executive-Producer - Sergio Veschi
Recording - Hiro Sanada
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi

LINK

Promo

Chet Baker - At Capolinea (1983)

This studio session is distinguished by excellent, mostly Italian jazz tunes, and a very attractive group of players not usually associated with the trumpeter. The compatible flute of Nicola Stilo wonderfully complements Baker's dry, unemotional sound, while the addition of a third horn, Diane Varva's soprano sax, adds body to the sound. A very strong rhythm section of pianist Michel Grailler, bassist Riccardo dal Frà, and drummer Leo Mitchell rounds out a tight, well-groomed collective. Baker is in fine form, but he skips the vocals. Bruno Martino's "Estate" is hauntingly rendered, while J.J. Johnson's "Lament" is given an attractive reading. This amounts to a very accessible, enjoyable set of tunes -- one that may not win any awards, but should reward those who appreciate the delicate and lovely nature of Chet Baker's art. ~ by Steve Loewy, AMG. 

Red Records, RR 123206 - 2 CD, 1996
Recorded October 1983 at Cap Studio, Milano, Italy 

Musicians:
Chet Baker - Trumpet
Nicola Stilo - Flute
Diane Varva - Soprano Sax
Michel Grailler - Piano
Riccardo Del Frà - Bass
Leo Mitchell - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Estate {Bruno Martino} (11:50)
2. Francamente {Nicola Stilo} (5:13)
3. Dream Drop {Michel Grailler} (4:22)
4. Lament {J.J. Johnson} (9:34)
5. Pioggia Sul Deserto {Nicola Stilo} (5:24)
6. Finestra Sul Mare {Riccardo Del Frà} (6:50) 

Total Time: 43:34 

Credits:
Producer - Giorgio Vanni
Recording Engineer - Gianni Prudente
Remixing Engineer - Giancarlo Barigozzi
Layout - Marco E Alessandra Pennisi
Photo - Paola Bensi

LINK

Dream Drops

Salvatore Tranchini - Faces (2004)

A contemporary Italian hard bop masterpiece that has been difficult to obtain for over a year is finally back in stock for a limited time! Wonderful melodies are played out in rapid succession. The leader is Salvatore Tranchini, a drummer from Naples, but this work also features Fabrizio Bosso's superb solo on trumpet in a variety of tunes. First, the fast tempo (1) features sharp and melodic phrases backed by superb technique. The ballad (2) features muted play full of poetry. The melancholy lyrical solo in (3) with a Spanish/Mediterranean atmosphere is sexy! "Clifford's Memories" is performed by a piano trio alone, interpreted with a Euro-aesthetic feeling, and is also a gem. ~ ventoazul.shop-pro.jp. [Translated from Japanese] 

Red Records, RR 123301-2 CD, 2004
Recorded 12th-13th April, 2003 at Studio Il Parco, Naples, Italy 

Musicians:
Salvatore Tranchini - Drums
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet
Daniele Scannapieco - Saxophone
Francesco Nastro - Piano
Aldo Vigorito - Bass 

Tracks:
1. Eurostar {Fabrizio Bosso} (5:40)
2. Just A Moment {Francesco Nastro} (5:29)
3. Sad Day {Daniele Scannapieco} (10:29)
4. Triton {Francesco Nastro} (6:28)
5. Baires {Aldo Vigorito} (6:21)
6. Running {Steve Swallow} (4:07)
7. Que Te Pasa {Aldo Vigorito} (7:26)
8. Nettuno {Francesco Nastro} (5:20)
9. I Remember Clifford {Benny Golson} (6:45) 

Total Time: 58:09 

Credits:
Producer - Sergio Veschi
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Carlo Gentiletti
Graphics - Fabio Scopino
Photography - Pierpaolo Tamasi
Liner Notes - Maurizio Franco 

Eurostar

Jack McDuff - Jack-Pot (1991)

For this session, recorded in Milan and produced for the Italian Red Records label, Jack McDuff leads a swinging trio and quintet. He is joined within the trio formation by drummer and singer, on two tracks, Bobby Durham, and pianist and producer Massimo Faraò. Together they express great empathy for a bluesy exploration of some great standards. Massimo himself contributes a delightful composition "Martasamba," The grouping is expanded to a quintet with the addition of two emerging brilliant Italian reed players, tenorist Piero Odorici and baritone saxophonist Bruno Marini whom provides the exciting two-part “Basie Instinct.” Throughout, all nine tunes Jack and Massimo deliver a tight synergy that truly swings. A definite highlight is McDuff’s own composition “Spectator” where the trio builds into a pulsating charge. Overall, the album will grow on any discerning listener, and maybe even hit the jackpot in gratuitous aural pleasure. 

Red Records, RR 123267-2 CD, 1996
Recorded May, 1991 at Nikto Studios, Milano, Italy 

Musicians:
Jack McDuff - Organ
Piero Odorici - Tenor Saxophone (#1,3,5,9)
Bruno Marini - Baritone Saxophone (#1,3,5,9)
Massimo Faraò - Piano
Bobby Durham - Drums, Vocals (#4,7) 

Tracks:
1. Deli Blues For Blakey {Bobby Durham} (7:39)
2. Broadway {Bobby Bird, Teddy McRae, Henri Woode} (6:52)
3. Jack-Pot {Jeremy Monteiro, Alberto Marsico} (7:55)
4. When I Fall In Love {Edward Heyman, Victor Young} (5:54)
5. Basie Instinct {Bruno Marini} (4:36)
6. Spectator {Jack McDuff} (7:53)
7. Teach Me Tonight {Sammy Cahn, Gene DePaul} (3:41)
8. Martasamba {Massimo Faraò} (9:31)
9. Basie Instinct [Take 2] {Bruno Marini} (4:27) 

Total Time: 58:28 

Credits:
Producer - Massimo Faraò
Executive Producer - Sergio Veschi
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi

Piero Odorici Quartet - First Play (1989)

Here we have Piero Odorici’s earliest recordings as a leader. Essentially, his exposure to the jazz world was limited to the continent, but in recent years he has formed an international quartet with world-renowned musicians such as: George Cables, David Hazeltine, Darryl Hall, John Webber, Victor Lewis and Joe Farnsworth. This very talented, but sadly underrated reedman has fashioned his own distinct sound. To think this album was recorded in 1989, one can only marvel at his expertise and writing ability. For this date he presents three of his own tunes and the remainder well-known standards. He is joined by pianist Marcello Tonolo (brother of Pietro Tonolo), who kicks off the album with one of his tunes. Additional to the rhythm section, Piero draws on the support of bassist Marc Abrams and drummer Savatore Tranchini. The album truly showcases Piero's dexterity and smooth vibrant tone on alto and is well worth the listen, enjoy! 

RED Distribution, RR 123239-2 CD, 1991
Recorded October, 1989 at Barigozzi Studio, Milan, Italy 

Musicians:
Piero Odorici - Alto Saxophone
Marcello Tonolo - Piano
Marc Abrams - Bass
Savatore Tranchini - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Domino {Marcello Tonolo} (4:22)
2. Old Folks {Dedette Lee Hill, Willard Robison} (6:43)
3. My Little Red Nose {Piero Odorici} (5:50)
4. Sweet Love Of Mine {Woody Shaw} (5:44)
5. The Song Is You {Oscar Hammerstein II, Jerome Kern} (3:52)
6. Barbara Song {Piero Odorici} (6:20)
7. Alone Together {Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz} (7:03)
8. First Play {Piero Odorici} (6:31) 

Total Time: 46:28 

Credits:
Producer - Alberto Alberti
Executive Producer - Sergio Veschi
Engineer - Giancarlo Barigozzi
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi Di Floristella

J.D. Allen Quintet - In Search Of (1999)

For tenor saxophonist, J.D. Allen's debut as a leader, he wisely chose experienced Italian trumpeter Fabio Morgera as the second horn, along with a young, dynamite rhythm section. Allen is from the post-Coltrane school: His tone is big and strong, and burly. Except for Ornette's "Lonely Woman," Allen composed all the charts, and they are surprisingly mature and memorable. Shedrick Mitchell is the pianist on only a few tracks; on the remainder, the horns are backed only by a smashing Rodney Green on drums, and the solid Eric Revis on string bass. Sure, the music sounds a bit derivative, but these fellows are having a blast from the past as they wrestle the changes. Morgera is splendid on trumpet and deserves greater international recognition, which this recording will hopefully bring him. ~ by Steve Loewy, AMG. 

RED Records, 123283 - 2, 1999
Recorded August, 1998 at 900 Studios, New York, NY 

Musicians:
J.D. Allen - Tenor Saxophone
Fabio Morgera - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Shedrick Mitchell - Piano (#1,4,7)
Eric Revis - Bass
Rodney Green - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Jaya-Paul {J.D. Allen} (5:51)
02. Omar {J.D. Allen} (7:45)
03. Little Joe {J.D. Allen} (6:10)
04. Mudee Ya {J.D. Allen} (8:59)
05. Peebow's Vibe {J.D. Allen} (5:05)
06. In Other Words {J.D. Allen} (5:40)
07. In Search Of {J.D. Allen} (5:37)
08. Catch 22 {J.D. Allen} (6:02)
09. Monica Ann {J.D. Allen} (4:58)
10. Lonely Woman {Ornette Coleman} (8:00) 

Total Time: 64:07

Credits:
Producer Fabio Morgera
Executive Producer - Sergio Veschi
Recording & Mastering Engineer - Hiro Sanada
Mastering Engineer - Ryoji Hata
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi

Joe Henderson - The Red Records Albums

 Joe Fest rolls on!

This pair of Red Records releases find Henderson in a format in which, in my view, he excelled above all others...the straight tenor trio with merely a bass and drums. Sure, Sonny Rollins was the pioneer in this format and his tenor trio recordings are important landmarks in Jazz, but, for me, no one has ever been so engaging, so fluent and endlessly creative as Joe.

On the first live album with Haden and Foster you are treated to two of the most eloquent small group conversationalists in history - - Charlie and Joe seem to know everything the other will say in advance - - pure magic!

This one is a studio date, still with Al Foster who also excels in this format, but Charlie is replaced by another profoundly eloquent bassist in Rufus Reid. The delightful program features a host of tunes that are Joe Henderson standards, i.e. tunes most of us already connect with Joe or were actually written by him.

Once again, magical stuff not to be missed!