Michael Dease - Coming Home (2012)

Trombonist Michael Dease's Coming Home is the evolutionary culmination of all of the small group work of which he has been a part. Dease's musical personality reveals itself fully on the disc, one he has populated with a very fine band and thoughtfully composed and selected pieces for that band. Dease's previous work as a leader on Dease Bones (Astrix Media, 2007), Clarity (Blues Back Records, 2008) and Grace (Legacy Jazz Productions, 2011), as well as with multi-reedist Sharel Cassity on Just For You (DW Records, 2009) and Relentless (Legacy Jazz Productions, 2009). Where Curtis Fuller is the patriarch, Wycliffe Gordon the earthy keeper of the flame (and Dease's teacher) and Luis Bonilla the Latin soul of the trombone, Dease is its intellectual heart. Following his fellow Augusta Georgia trombonist teacher to Juilliard, Dease established himself as part of an ambitious group of young musicians who were combining smarts, chops, bandstand and practice and translating that into recordings. Members of this group include Sharel Cassity, trumpeter Carol Morgan, and pianist Orrin Evans. Dease's compositional and performance approaches are ruled by passionate precision. His playing is exact and well-practiced. His tone is expansive and uniform through all registers. These characteristics are demonstrated immediately on the opening tune, "Solid Gold" where Dease shows great velocity in both head and solo playing. He adds mass to this velocity, creating an infectious momentum when playing with a mute as on Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood." Tony Lustig drops in with his tenor saxophone for the piece giving it a throaty presence. Lustig adds foundation to "Good and Terrible" with his crack baritone playing. His solo is at once gentle and virile on this angular, post-bop piece. Alto saxophonist Steve Wilson turns the gas on high, navigating Dease's complex circuitry. Dease rolls up his sleeves and gets his hands dirty on a searing performance of Oscar Peterson's "Blues Etude." While playing with his typical precision in the head, Dease begins to properly slur and wail in his solo, throwing off notes like pale blue sparks. He shares his solo space with bassist Christian McBride who amply demonstrates why he is Christian McBride and no one else. The instructive presence of pianist Renee Rosnes is heard throughout this fine disc as its timekeeper and drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr. Dease could not have put together a better band for this recording. He has come fully into his own as a leader. ~ by C. Michael Bailey, AllAboutJazz. 

D Clef Records, DCR 157, 2013
Recorded 12th August, 2012 at Alleycat Studios, South Orange, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Michael Dease - Trombone
Steve Wilson - Alto Saxophone
Renee Rosnes - Piano
Christian McBride - Bass
Ulysses Owens, Jr. - Drums
Eric Alexander - Tenor Saxophone (#11)
Tony Lustig - Tenor Sax (#4), Baritone Sax (#5)
Andrew Swift - Percussion (#10) 

Tracks:
01. Solid Gold {Michael Dease} (6:58)
02. Motherland {Michael Dease} (5:46)
03. Blues Etude {Oscar Peterson} (7:46)
04. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington; Arr. Michael Dease} (4:56)
05. Good & Terrible {Michael Dease} (7:01)
06. Lifewish {Renee Rosnes} (7:42)
07. The Shade Of The Cedar Tree {Christian McBride} (6:42)
08. Just In Time {Jule Styne} (3:41)
09. All Heath {Michael Dease} (6:30)
10. The Release {Michael Dease} (5:41)
11. Take It To The Ozone {Freddie Hubbard} (6:18) 

Total Time: 69:05 

Credits:
Producer - Michael Dease
Producer [Assistant], Mixing, Mastering, Graphic Design, Layout - Andrew Swift
Producer [Assistant] - Ulysses Owens Jr.
Engineer - John Lee
Photography [Cover] - Ernest Gregory
Photography [Inside] - Simon Yu
Liner Notes - Christian McBride 

Coming Home EPK

Walt Weiskopf Quartet - Live at Koger Hall, University Of South Carolina (2008)

Walt Weiskopf led a quartet with pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Paul Gill, and drummer Tony Reedus in the spring of 2008 at the University of South Carolina. Although the musicians knew the live concert documented here was being recorded, the recording was initially intended for archival needs rather than as a commercial release. Around the time that the tenor saxophonist realized how good the performances were from the concert, Reedus collapsed and died from an embolism upon his return from a European tour in November 2008. The quartet members are at their very best throughout this concert, as they bring life to Weiskopf's compositions with their brilliant improvising and on-the-money accompaniment. There are two standards, an expressive "Blame It on My Youth," featuring Weiskopf's powerful solo, and a lighthearted, breezy "Love for Sale." Aside from the traditional "Scottish Folk Song" (introduced by the leader with Gill playing arco), played at a loping, nostalgic tempo, the remaining tracks are primarily Weiskopf's compositions. One exception is Rosnes' brilliant "Dizzy Spells" (a delicious reworking of the late trumpeter's "Con Alma"), which is combined in a medley with an extended workout of Weiskopf's "Jay-Walking." Other highlights include the tricky, constantly shifting "Blues in the Day" and the turbulent post-bop vehicle "Breakdown." Highly recommended. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Capri Records Ltd., 74109-2, 2011
Recorded 8th April, 2008 at Koger Hall, University Of South Carolina 

Musicians:
Walt Weiskopf - Tenor Saxophone
Renee Rosnes - Piano
Paul Gill - Bass
Tony Reedus - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Man Of Many Colors {Walt Weiskopf} (6:42)
2. Little Minor Love Song {Walt Weiskopf} (10:39)
3. Dizzy Spells {Renee Rosnes} / Jay-Walking {Walt Weiskopf} (9:20)
4. Blues In The Day {Walt Weiskopf} (7:44)
5. Scottish Folk Song {Traditional; Arr. Walt Weiskopf} (8:25)
6. Blame It On My Youth {Oscar Levant, Edward Heyman} (7:37)
7. Love For Sale {Cole Porter} (8:29)
8. Breakdown {Walt Weiskopf} (9:00) 

Total Time: 67:56 

Credits:
Producer - Walt Weiskopf
Executive Producer - Thomas Burns
Mastering - Jeff Francis
Photography [Walt] - Gildas Boclé
Sleeve Design - Paul Thibault 

N.B.
Applause has been carefully edited except for last track where Walt announces band. 

Dizzy Spells {Renee Rosnes}

Renee Rosnes Trio - I Hear A Rhapsody (1989)

A beautiful piece played by young Renee and her then trio recorded in 1989 at the ‘Mind Medicine Jazz Festival’ in Japan. 

Musicians:
Renee Rosnes - Piano
Ira Coleman - Bass
Billy Drummond - Drums 

I Hear A Rhapsody {George Fragos, Dick Gasparre, Jack Baker} (10:46)

Klaus Suonsaari - Inside Out (1995)

Klaus Suonsaari is a perfect example of how throughly jazz music has become an international institution. Born in Finland, into a musical family that had a lot of jazz records, Klaus began piano lessons at age six and settled into his drum kit by fourteen. 

Finn drummer Klaus Suonsaari with global super group comprised of vibist Steve Nelson, reeder Scott Robinson, trumpeter Scott Wendholt, pianist Renee Rosnes and bassist Ray Drummond; With original material, modern and ancient standards, we're fed the nectars of a supersencious jazz beauty like seemingly only a drummer's finesse may wrest off the guardians’ petals and hand it to his band without any enchantment lost. ~ TheEclectic. 

Soul Note, 121274-2, 1995
Recorded 7th & 8th March, 1994 at Systems Two Recording Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Klaus Suonsaari - Drums
Scott Wendholt – Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Scott Robinson - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones, Flute
Renee Rosnes - Piano
Steve Nelson - Vibraphone
Ray Drummond - Bass 

Tracks:
01. Wake-Up Call {Scott Robinson} (5:19)
02. Her Song {Klaus Suonsaari} (7:13)
03. Driftin' {Herbie Hancock} (6:44)
04. I'll Be Around {Alex Wilder} (7:31)
05. Choices {Klaus Suonsaari} (7:34)
06. For The Three Of Us {Paul Read} (6:17)
07. Everyday {Klaus Suonsaari} (7:26)
08. There's A Small Hotel {Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers} (8:40)
09. Dreaming Of You {Klaus Suonsaari} (5:58)
10. Inside Out {Klaus Suonsaari} (8:40) 

Total Time: 01:11:29 

Credits:
Producer - Klaus Suonsaari
Executive-Producer - Flavio Bonandrini
Recording Engineer - Mike Marciano
Engineer [Assistant] - Don Ranieri
Editing Engineer - Joe Marciano
Mastering Engineer - Gennaro Carone
Cover [Art] - Susan Rotolo
Photography - Ari Heinonen, Leena Isbom

The Drummonds featuring Renee Rosnes - A Beautiful Friendship (2001)

Renee has a brilliant command of her instrument, is willing to take chances, and hears music in a way that few jazz musicians do. Deep down she comes across as a romantic at heart, and as a result her music is absorbing, fun, easy to hear, and beautiful. She has paid her dues playing with everyone and has incredible chops. This is what jazz piano is all about. She plays with so much sentiment, so tenderly and expertly executed! There is not much more to say other than she's an awesome, gorgeous and is a major composer and pianist. To sum up a superb pianist who rarely fails to enthrall and delight conveying a lively spirit, fire and passion. This is especially showcased on this date. Her association with both Ray & Billy Drummond has been a highlight in the earlier part of her blossoming career. This album in many ways is the better of the other four albums she collaborated on for the Japanese label Video Arts Music between 2000 and 2003, Enjoy! 

Video Arts Music, VACY-1032, 2002
Recorded 19th & 20th June, 2001 at The Studio, New York, N.Y.

Musicians:
Renee Rosnes - Piano
Ray Drummond - Bass
Billy Drummond - Drums 

Tracks:
01. My One And Only Love {Guy Wood, Robert Mellin} (5:53)
02. Body And Soul {Green, Heyman, Sour, Eyton} (5:46)
03. Never Let Me Go {Ray Evans, Jay Livingston} (5:36)
04. Little Girl Blue {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (5:40)
05. Gone With The Wind {Herbert Magidson, Allie Wrubel} (4:51)
06. Once I Loved {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (4:58)
07. Angel Eyes {Matt Dennis, Earl Brent} (6:55)
08. Stella By Starlight {Victor Young} (7:16)
09. Everything {Toshiaki Matsumoto} (4:32)
10. A Beautiful Friendship {Donald Kahn, Stanley Styne} (4:46) 

Total Time: 56:13

Credits:
Producer - Makoto Kimata & Todd Barkan [Key'stone Music]
Engineer, Mixing & Mastering - Katherine Miller
Assistant Engineer - Eiji Takasugi
Mastering - Todd A. Gerard [Gerard Sound Lab, NYC]
Technical Coordinator - Derek Kwan
Photo - Jack Frish

The Drummonds feat. Renee Rosnes - When You Wish Upon A Star (1999)

Ray Drummond and Billy Drummond are not related, but they're two of the most in-demand rhythm section players in jazz, and here they've teamed up under the name the Drummonds for a delightful collection of standards. At the piano is Renee Rosnes, with her Midas touch. Rosnes, incidentally, is related by marriage to Billy Drummond, so technically, she too is a Drummond. The trio sticks to well-known standards, but they throw a good many curves. Highlights include a bossa treatment of "The Sound of Silence"; a grooving, non-ballad rendition of "Nature Boy"; a heavily re-harmonized "Autumn in New York"; a reworked bridge on "Over The Rainbow"; a brisk, Bill Evans-style waltz arrangement of "When You Wish Upon a Star"; and a passing reference to Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" at both the beginning and end of "Like Someone In Love." We may have heard these tunes many times before, but when these three play them together, it's an event. ~ by David R. Adler, AMG. 

Video Arts, VACY-1027, 1999
32 Jazz, 32204, 2000
Recorded 4th-5th August, 1999 at Avatar Recording Studio, New York City 

Musicians:
Ray Drummond - Bass
Billy Drummond - Drums
Renee Rosnes - Piano 

Tracks:
01. Nature Boy {Eden Ahbez} (7:11)
02. Autumn In New York {Vernon Duke} (6:09)
03. Over The Rainbow {Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg} (5:33)
04. Alone Together {Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz} (7:02)
05. When You Wish Upon A Star {Leigh Harline, Ned Washington} (5:43)
06. Danny Boy {Frederick Edward Weatherly} (3:49)
07. Lullaby Of Birdland {George Shearing, George David Weiss} (5:54)
08. The Sound Of Silence {Paul Simon} (5:16)
09. Polka Dots And Moonbeams {Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen} (6:37)
10. Like Someone In Love {Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen} (6:05) 

Total Time: 59:19

Credits:
Producer - Todd Barkan, Makoto Kimata
Recording Engineer - Dan Gellert
Mastering Engineer - Todd A. Gerard [Gerard Sound Studio]

Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen Trio - Friends Forever (1995)

Niels Pedersen made many rewarding recordings over several decades as a sideman with the late pianist Kenny Drew, so his making of a CD in tribute to him shouldn't come as a surprise. Joined by pianist Renee Rosnes and drummer Jonas Johansen, Friends Forever: In Memory of Kenny Drew primarily include selections which Drew loved to play. The Danish folk lullaby "Hushaby" is a bit unusual, as it includes a drum solo, as well as Rosnes' dirge-like piano. Pedersen's pulsing bass helps to disguise the introduction to "Someday My Prince Will Come," a lovely waltz recorded by numerous jazz greats. A lively post-bop workout of "Lullaby of the Leaves" swings like mad; while an initially funky introduction to "The Shadow of Your Smile" quickly gives way to a more traditional samba treatment. Pedersen's originals also merit attention. The medley "Future Child-Friends Forever" begins with the leader's intricate pizzicato solo, then adds his partners for the second song, which spotlights Pedersen's flawless arco bass. His special tribute "Kenny" reflects Pedersen's sense of loss without getting overly maudlin. This brilliant date adds to the already considerable recorded accomplishments of Niels Pedersen. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG.

Milestone Records, MCD 9269-2, 1997

Recorded 27th-28th August, 1995 At East Sound Recording Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark

Musicians:

Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen - Bass

Renee Rosnes - Piano

Jonas Johansen - Drums

Tracks:

1. Hushbaby {Traditional} (8:22)

2. Kenny {Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen} (6:26)

3. Someday My Prince Will Come {Frank Churchill, Larry Morey} (4:01)

4. Theme From Elvira Madigan {Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart} (3:59)

5. Lullaby Of The Leaves {Bernice Petkere, Joe Young} (4:15)

6. The Shadow Of Your Smile {Johnny Mandel, Paul Francis Webster} (5:37)

7. Sometime Ago {Sergio Mihanovich} (5:20)

8. Days Of Wine And Roses {Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer} (5:45)

9. Future Child -- Friends Forever {Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen} (9:20)

Credits:

Producer - Makoto Kimata

Recording & Mixing Engineer - Henrik Lund

Mastering - Phil De Lancie, 1997 (Fantasy Studios, Berkeley)

Design - Gilles Margerin

Art Direction - Jamie Putnam

Photography - Kirsten Malone

Liner Notes - Fred Bouchard