Jonn Reyna Quartet - Consolidão (2014)

Although versatile Dutch pianist Jonn Reyna (born 1969) boasts a remarkable track record, the CD "Consolidaõ" marks his first fully self-produced album, featuring primarily original compositions and arrangements. Not only that, but he also assembled three prominent names for his quartet: Rick Margitza (Miles Davis and Chick Corea) on tenor saxophone, Gene Jackson (Herbie Hancock and Christian McBride) on drums, and our very own Joris Teepe on bass. This ensemble delivers a beautiful album that varies in style and is brimming with lovely melodies, adventure, and rhythm. There's room for punchy grooves in the funky and melodic "Deep Throat," the exhilarating "Sensodyne," and the Tania Maria ode "Tania Mania." The Joris Teepe composition "Art & Science Blues," heavily influenced by the classic Blue Note sound, is particularly strong. But there's also room for tranquility, as in the languid "Chasin' Clouds," brimming with lyricism. Melancholy and romance flow freely in the nightclub atmosphere of "Dark Blue," and you drift away during the captivating "Lullabye." Special guests on the album are trumpeter Philip Harper, saxophonist Dmitri Shapko, and singer Deborah J. Carter, whose warm vocals deliver a successful "Summertime." Reyna's playing on both acoustic and electric piano is dynamic, rhythmic, intense, and melodic. Although this is his first album with this lineup, it sounds as if he's been playing with these gentlemen for years. The joy and craftsmanship are evident. "Consolidaõ" is an excellent production from a remarkable quartet. ~ Serge Julien, Jazzflits Issue 232. [Translated From Dutch] 

Jonn Reyna Jazz Records, Digital, 2014 

Musicians:
Jonn Rayna - Acoustic & Electric Piano
Rick Margitza - Saxophone
Joris Teepe - Bass, Bass Guitar
Gene Jackson - Drums
+ Special Guests:
Philip Harper - Trumpet (#3,4,10)
Dmitri Shapko - Tenor Sax (#4,8,10)
Deborah J. Carter - Vocals (#9)

Tracks:
01. Consolidão {Jan Reinen, Jonn Reyna} (5:17)
02. Deep Throat {Jan Reinen, Jonn Reyna} (7:34)
03. Chasin' Clouds {Jan Reinen, Jonn Reyna} (5:30)
04. Art & Science Blues {Joris Teepe} (5:34)
05. Lullaby {Rick Margitza} (6:02)
06. Dark Blue {Jan Reinen, Jonn Reyna} (8:26)
07. Sensodyne {Jan Reinen, Jonn Reyna} (4:53)
08. Waltz For M. {Jan Reinen, Jonn Reyna} (5:05)
09. Summertime {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (5:27)
10. Tania Maria {Jan Reinen, Jonn Reyna} (5:02)
11. Doin' The Laundry {Jan Reinen, Jonn Reyna} (6:28)
12. Deep Throat [Electric Version] {Jan Reinen, Jonn Reyna} (5:54) 

Total Time: 71:21

LINK

Art & Science Blues

Anders Mogensen - Taking Off (1995)

Anders Mogensen is currently being referred to as "the greatest Danish drummer since Alex Riel". His debut album on Storyville showcases Anders at his best. He is joined by a stellar cast of today's great musicians for a tour-de-force venture into musical nuances ranging from hard driving urban jazz grooves to subtle lyrical statements. Listen to this album and join the growing crowd of people who are already enjoying the sounds from one of the most exciting new artists on the jazz scene. ~ storyvillerecords.bandcamp.com. 

I'm Glad I Bought It
================
I'm a big fan of Rick Margitza. The contrast between Gary Thomas and Rick Margitza is very interesting. The sound of Gary Thomas is solid and I don't feel the charm as a tone, but I was impressed once again that he is following his own path without categorically changing his playing style from the time of his debut. ~ Leo, 5 Stars, Amazon.com. [Translated from Japanese] 

Storyville Records, STCD 4198, 1995
Recorded 1st October, 1994 at Sound on Sound, New York 

Musicians:
Anders Mogensen - Drums
Rick Margitza - Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
Gary Thomas - Tenor Saxophone
Niels Lan Doky - Piano
Ron McClure - Bass [Acoustic] 

Tracks:
1. Emergence {Anders Mogensen} (1:09)
2. F.F. {Anders Mogensen} (9:11)
3. Lonely {Anders Mogensen} (7:06)
4. Take Off {Anders Mogensen} (11:56)
5. Evidence {Thelonious Monk} (4:18)
6. Missing You {Anders Mogensen} (9:59)
7. Softly As A Morning Sunrise {Sigmund Romberg, Oscar Hammerstein II} (8:02) 

Total Time: 51:44 

Credits:
Producer - Niels Lan Doky
Executive Producer - Karl Emil Knudsen
Engineer - Peter Beckerman
Assistant Engineer - John R. Reigart III
Mastering - Hans Nielsen, Anders Mogensen
Photography - Art Zimmerman

Magnifique ~ Claude Mischler, 5 Stars, Amazon.com.

Moutin Réunion Quartet - Red Moon (2004)

Avant-garde music is not my cup of tea: I usually find it dark and formless, and the more "out" it goes, the faster I turn it off. But when I heard the opening track here, a bass and drum derangement of "La Mer," I was struck by how playful it could be. Same thing for the next and title track, a driving funk/Latin mix, where pianist Baptiste Trotignon and saxophonist Rick Margitza join the party, contributing to the genial celebration. I was surprised that I could not only follow the journey, but enjoy it as well. Either my ears have grown after a decade of reviewing, or these guys have produced something special. Perhaps both. In any case, the leaders are twin brothers, Francois and Louis Moutin, who offer four originals each, as well as two standards arranged by Francois. The "reunion" reflects Francois's return after leaving the first Moutin group in 1996 for the US. The music is bold, with intricate rhythms and intriguing harmonies. Trotignon's piano knits the quartet together with melodic silk, supple and strong. "Apollo 13" conveys the power and mystery of space flight, with Margitza soaring, as he does on "Sailing Through the Clouds." "Taking Flight" makes the most out of a simple riff; "New-York Silly" is full of the Apple's energy, while "Soroya" is a moody ballad. "Stompin' at the Savoy" becomes more like "Slinkin' at the Savoy" in Francois's fresh conception. This is original, exciting, well-crafted music; it will definitely challenge those used to swimming in the mainstream, but the rewards of listening are many. ~ by Dr. Judith Schlesinger, AAJ. 

Nocturne Records, NTCD 337, 2004
Recorded 21st, 22nd & 23rd May, 2003 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
François Moutin - Double Bass
Louis Moutin - Drums
Rick Margitza - Saxophone
Baptiste Trotignon - Piano 

Tracks:
01. La Mer {Charles Trénet} (3:53)
02. Red Moon {Louis Moutin} (8:18)
03. Apollo 13th {François Moutin} (9:14)
04. Soraya {François Moutin} (5:29)
05. Jazz Married {Louis Moutin} (6:17)
06. Taking Off {François Moutin} (7:20)
07. Sailing Through The Clouds {Louis Moutin} (7:49)
08. New-York Silly {François Moutin} (7:13)
09. Elle Aime {Louis Moutin} (4:45)
10. Stompin' At The Savoy' {Chick Webb} (2:23) 

Total Time: 60:43 

Credits:
Recording & Mixing - Michael Brorby
Mastering - Steve Fallone
Graphic Design - Renaud Barès
Liner Notes - Dan Doyle

Moutin Réunion Quartet - Something Like Now (2005)

Louis and François Moutin are French-born twin brothers who play drums and bass. Since '97, when François relocated from Paris to New York, they've been separated by a few thousand miles, but have managed periodically to get together to tour and record as the Moutin Reunion Quartet. Saxophonist Rick Margitza joined the lineup in '04 for the group's second album, Red Moon, and pianist Pierre de Bethmann comes on board with Something Like Now. Most of the time, the brothers are playing other peoples' music - they're both busy session players and sidemen - and the Reunion Quartet gives them the opportunity to perform their own material. Every track here, aside from the Charlie Parker collage "Bird's Medley," is written, separately, by either Louis or François. The Moutins have remarkably similar composing styles. Because they're twins? Or because they're both rhythm section players? Je ne sais pas, but I suspect a bit of both. The tunes are mostly full-on, fierce, and upbeat, their angular themes built over brooding, ostinato-based extended riffs, light on lyricism and heavy on atmosphere - the exceptions are François' balladic "Surrendering" and "Echoing," and "Bird's Melody," a 3:24 bass and drums dialogue. Think a heavied-up acoustic Weather Report and you're getting close. The standard of musicianship is high, as you'd expect from a band led by two top sessionmen, and although the Moutins take all the writing credits, they don't hog the solo space. Margitza is up front pretty much throughout with his no-frills, full-throttle blend of Coltrane, Shorter, and Brecker. Bethmann is probably the freshest voice at the mic, and he delivers blindingly intense solos on "Echoing," "M.R.C.," and the perversely named "Take It Easy." His occasional use of the Fender Rhodes includes sonically inventive contributions to the title track and "Touch And Go." And the bottom line? This is technically accomplished, high-energy jazz, with a well-defined aesthetic and truckloads of group interplay and muscular soloing. It is, perhaps, a touch muso-ish, and the composition base might benefit from being broadened to include other writers, but it's an often-exhilarating ride. ~ by Chris May, AAJ. 

Nocturne Records, NTCD 375, 2005
Recorded 5th-7th & 8th February, 2005 at the Studio Guimick, Yerres, France 

Musicians:
François Moutin - Acoustic Bass, Arranger (#3)
Louis Moutin - Drums
Rick Margitza - Tenor Saxophone
Pierre de Bethmann - Piano 

Tracks:
01-02. Something Like Now, Part 1+2 {Louis Moutin} (8:38)
03. Bird's Medley {Charlie Parker} (3:22)
04. Take It Easy {Louis Moutin} (7:39)
05. Surrendering {François Moutin} (6:17)
06. M.R.C. {François Moutin} (5:36)
07. Tomcat {Louis Moutin} (7:12)
08. Echoing {François Moutin} (7:49)
09-10. Bottom Line, Part 1+2 {François Moutin} (7:43)
11. Touch And Go {Louis Moutin} (4:32) 

Total Time: 58:48 

Original CD poorly separated #1+2 and #9+10
Tracks now carefully rejoined for improved listening. 

Credits:
Recording & Mixing - Pierre Guinot
Mastering - Bruno
Photos - Ursula K
Graphic Design - Renaud Barès

Moutin Réunion Quartet - Sharp Turns (2007)

As the Moutin Réunion Quartet have evolved over five years, their modern mainstream jazz sound has indeed discovered tighter, sharper edges based on their ability to elongate time signatures, dig deep into their expertise as improvisers, and discover a neo-bop signature sound that is as irresistible as any in contemporary music. Tenor saxophonist Rick Margitza has settled into his role as a post-Michael Brecker melodicist, while pianist Pierre DeBethmann is ever formidable and a perfect foil for bassist François Moutin, especially with his left hand working in tandem with the contrabassists pluckings, bowings, and walking. While François aside from this band is quickly becoming a first-call sideman, his twin brother Louis is developing distinct individualism, displaying one of the more unique approaches and styles in the post-bop/Max Roach school of ferocious drumming. You have to witness Louis live to appreciate his uniqueness, but from an audio perspective alone, his talent borders on astonishing, and he also assumes a fierce leadership role as a composer. There's some outstanding, nearly breathtaking music here -- the hip, heavy and enigmatic "Two Hits on the N.J.T.P." which deserves a close listen, the heady, purely modern neo-bop title track loaded with drum flourishes, and the tension and release of "A Good Move," which is a trademark device of the band. A brittle and staggered kinetic funk informs "Kuki's Dance," there's the nimble indirect swing waltz "A Blue Dream," and a tribute, "Trane's Medley," with just bass and drums. Margitza also evokes John Coltrane during the delicate, pensive, artistic ballad "Time Apart." Well on their way to being one of the top working bands in contemporary jazz, the Moutin's have it all goin' on. Please thoroughly check these cats out if you haven't already. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG. 

Nocturne Records, NTCD 4501, 2007
Recorded 19th-24th March, 2007 at Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
François Moutin - Acoustic Bass [Upright], Arranger
Louis Moutin - Drums
Rick Margitza - Tenor Saxophone (#1,2,4-8)
Pierre de Bethmann - Piano (#1,2,4-8), Fender Rhodes (#1,2,4,6), Vocals (#1) 

Tracks:
1. The Speech {François Moutin} (6:40)
2. Kuki's Dance {Louis Moutin} (5:57)
3. Trane's Medley {John Coltrane} (4:27)
4. A Good Move {François Moutin} (9:01)
5. Time Apart {François Moutin} (7:49)
6. Two Hits On The N.J.T.P. {Louis Moutin} (6:39)
7. A Blue Dream {Louis Moutin} (6:43)
8. Sharp Turns {François Moutin} (8:38) 

Total Time: 55:59

Credits:
Recording Engineer - Michael Marciano
Recording & Mixing Engineer [Assistant] - Max Ross
Mixing Engineer - Joe Marciano
Mastering Engineer - Raphaël Jonin
Graphic Design - Renaud Barès
Photography - Ursula K

Rick Margitza - This Is New (1991)

For his third release as a band leader, the Crescent City's former resident "pays homage to the tradition." The title song by George Gershwin tells all: this is a new approach to standard material. Backed by some heavy contemporary mainstream musicians, the album remains consistent throughout, with the rhythm section swinging hard under subtle improvisation. Although only 30-years-old, Margitza’s playing is mature and controlled, with a smooth and pure bright-edged tone. He expresses himself through note choice and in his own unique approach to phrasing, rather than through exuberant dynamics and spastic runs. Even his fat runs are effortless and in perfect time, and his out-of-range high notes sustain tone and pitch. Pianist Joey Calderazzo complements Margitza perfectly with his smooth style; with single-note phrases in his right hand, he also plays reservedly and can burn smoothly in perfect time. Drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts swings hard on the cymbals and ties it all together following the soloists and the other accompaniment intuitively, and Robert Hurst drives it all with a thumping, full-toned bass. Margitza's own "Beware of the Dog" is a minor modal piece with Tim Hagans on trumpet. Hagans' tone blends with Margitza’s on the haunting gypsyish melody. They explore the basic melodic outline of "On Green Dolphin Street," Margitza's straight tone echoing back to Miles Davis' muted trumpet sound. And on the ballad, "Everything Happens to Me," Margitza proves his bright tone can also serenade us. ~ Anthony Clark, Off Beat Magazine. 

Blue Note, CDP 7 97196 2, 1991
Recorded 27th-28th May, 1991 at Power Station, New York City 

Musicians:
Rick Margitza - Tenor Saxophone, Arranger
Joey Calderazzo - Piano (#1,2,4-7,9)
Robert Hurst - Acoustic Bass
Jeff "Tain" Watts - Drums
Tim Hagans - Trumpet (#5 only) 

Tracks:
1. This Is New {Ira Gershwin, Kurt Weill} (5:18)
2. On Green Dolphin Street {Bronislaw Kaper, Ned Washington} (9:59)
3. Body And Soul {Frank Eyton, Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour} (5:37)
4. Just In Time {Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jule Styne} (6:29)
5. Beware Of The Dog {Rick Margitza} (8:49)
6. Invitation {Bronislaw Kaper, Paul Francis Webster} (5:30)
7. Everything Happens To Me {Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer} (5:33)
8. When Will The Blues Leave? {Ornette Coleman} (7:07)
9. Gypsies {Rick Margitza} (6:36) 

Total Time: 61:02

Credits:
Producer - Matt Pierson
Recording Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Matthew "Boomer" LaMonica
Mastering Engineer - Bob Ludwig [Masterdisk]
Design - Mark Larson
Photography - Michael Williams
Art Direction - Cynthia Cochrane

Rick Margitza - Color (1989)

Rick Margitza's debut features the playing of a young tenor-saxophonist who mixes together the usual influences: Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane. In his favor is that Margitza's 11 originals (performed with a septet that includes guitarist Steve Masakowski, pianist Joey Calderazzo and Jim Beard on synthesizers) range from a Coltranish blues to the poppish "Color Scheme," from brooding ballads to uptempo straightahead explorations. The main weak point is that some of Margitza's solos sound as if he they were taken straight from exercise books. Less formal studying and more jamming will probably eventually eliminate that problem for Margitza certainly had the technique and the power at this early point in his career. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Blue Note, CDP 592279, 1989
Recorded April - May, 1989 at Power Station, New York 

Musicians:
Rick Margitza - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Steve Masakowski - Guitars [7 & 12-String Acoustic, 7-String Electric]
Joey Calderazzo - Piano
Jim Beard - Synthesizers
Marc Johnson - Acoustic Bass
Adam Nussbaum - Drums
Airto Moreira - Percussion 

Tracks:
01. Widow's Walk (4:59)
02. Color Scheme (6:08)
03. Ferriss Wheel (5:18)
04. Our Song (3:16)
05. Walts (5:46)
06. Change-Up (7:12)
07. Anthem (4:40)
08. Brace Yourself (6:14)
09. Karensong (4:41)
10. We Stand Adjourned (5:00)
11. Point Of View (1:28) 

All Compositions by Rick Margitza

Total Time: 54:49

Credits:
Producer - Matt Pierson, Rick Margitza
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Jason Corsaro
Assistant Engineer - Bruce Calder, Ben Fowler, Dan Gellert
Mastering Engineer - Bob Ludwig [Masterdisk]
Art Direction & Photography - Carol Friedman

James Drew - Barrio Frances [24/48 vinyl rip]

A re-rip and re-post from the old Krypt.

Now here is one you absolutely will not find anywhere else since I doubt that more than 50 were ever pressed. James Drew may be known to some of you as an obscure Classical composer and pianist, but in the late 70's, early 80's he spent some time here in New Orleans teaching and playing jazz. Prior to that he also recorded in New York with big names like Elvin Jones. He made this one album here under the auspices of The Louisiana State Arts Council. Given the high quality of the music played here one could wish for a higher recording quality (it was actually engineered by Steve Masakowski and it may be his only effort in that vein) but it is what it is.

Drew's band mates for the date are Jim Singleton (Astral Project, etc.), Rick Margitza (who spent a lot of time here in the 80's due to his association with Masakowski) and Jeff Boudreaux (who would soon relocate to Europe where he shows up on Adrian Mears' New Orleans Hard Bop recording). The music is all fascinating James Drew originals, well worth the time to investigate; there are elements of his playing that remind me of Mike Nock, if you need a reference.

All in all this is a lovely, ultra rare recording that I recommend highly despite the deficiencies in the sound engineering. Thanks again go to my friend 'guitar scott' who has one of the very few copies of this that remain anywhere since Katrina devastated so many New Orleans vinyl collections.