Mulgrew Miller - Milestones [2CD] (1999)

A choice compilation of Mulgrew Miller tracks taken from his first 3 Landmark Records. 

Camden Deluxe, 74321 610772, 1999
Recorded 28th June, 1985 at ERAS Studio, NYC (CD1: #1-7)
Recorded 23rd and 24th April, 1986 at ERAS Studio, NYC (CD1: #8-13)
Recorded 11th May, 1967 at ERAS Studio, NYC (CD2: #1-8) 

CD1: #1-7 Keys To The City (1985) [LLP 1507]
CD1: #8-13 Work! (1986) [LLP 1511]
CD2: #1-8 Wingspan (1987) [LLP 1515]
------------------------------------------------------------
Personnel:
--------------
CD1:
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Ira Coleman - Bass (#1-7)
Charnell Moffett - Bass (#8-13)
Marvin "Smitty" Smith - Drums (#1-7)
Terri Lyne Carrington - Drums (#8-13) 

CD2:
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Kenny Garrett - Alto Saxophone, Flute
Steve Nelson - Vibes
Charnell Moffett - Bass
Tony Reedus - Drums
Rudy Bird - Percussion

 
Tracklist:
------------
CD1:
01. Song For Darnell {Mulgrew Miller} (6:33)
02. Inner Urge {Joe Henderson} (3:51)
03. Every Time We Say Goodbye {Cole Porter} (6:22)
04. Promethean {Mulgrew Miller} (3:23)
05. Milestones {Miles Davis} (4:20)
06. Portrait Of A Mountain {Mulgrew Miller} (8:03)
07. Saud's Run {Mulgrew Miller} (5:46)
08. Sublimity {Mulgrew Miller} (8:07)
09. Without A Song {Rose, Eliscu, Youmans} (4:33)
10. Blues Again {Mulgrew Miller} (6:19)
11. Powell's Prances {Richard Dean Powell} (3:27)
12. Work! {Thelonious Monk} (6:25)
13. The Sage {Mulgrew Miller} (8:33) 

Time: 76:10 

CD2:
01. Wingspan {Mulgrew Miller} (5:34)
02. One's Own Room {Mulgrew Miller} (6:64)
03. The Eleventh Hour {Mulgrew Miller} (6:04)
04. I Remember You {Victor Schertzinger, Johnny Mercer} (5:23)
05. Soul-Leo {Mulgrew Miller} (7:50)
06. You're That Dream {Mulgrew Miller} (6:36)
07. Sunhos Do Brasil [Dreams Of Brazil] {Kenny Garrett} (7:11)
08. The Eleventh Hour [Alt. Take] {Mulgrew Miller} (7:31) 

Time: 54:03 

Total Time: 130:13 

Milestones

Donald Brown - Enchanté ! (1998)

Donald Brown is a phenomenal composer in his own right, but he primarily concentrates on overlooked gems during these 1998 sessions. He's joined by alto saxophonist Bill Easley (who doubles on clarinet and flute), trumpeter and flügelhornist Stephane Belmondo, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Billy Higgins. Brown's imaginative scoring of Billy Strayhorn's gorgeous ballad "Day Dream" showcases Nelson's sparse vibes and Easley's lyrical clarinet. Thad Jones' "Quiet Lady," one of many treasures that awaits discovery by the jazz world, is an easygoing waltz with crisp brushwork by Higgins. Duke Pearson, another neglected composer, is represented with a driving rendition of "Big Bertha," a piece that could easily have been a part of Brown's repertoire while he was music director for Art Blakey. Easley's haunting flute is backed solely by Brown's thoughtful piano in a brilliant arrangement of Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain," which also spotlights Belmondo's rich flügelhorn. The one standard of the date is a snappy cover of "Like Someone in Love." Donald Brown also contributed three originals, with the upbeat "Enchanté!" especially standing out. Fans of this veteran pianist should snap up this French CD without hesitation. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Space Time Records, BG 9910, 1998
Recorded 12th & 13th January, 1998 at Avatar Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Donald Brown - Piano, Arranger, Composer
Stéphane Belmondo - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Bill Easley - Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Steve Nelson - Vibraphone
Mark Boling - Guitar, Guitar [Electric]
Essiet Essiet - Bass
Billy Higgins - Drums
Daniel Sadownick - Percussion 

Tracks:
01. Strangers In Paradise {Donald Brown} (9:47)
02. Diane {Lew Pollack, Erno Rapee} (8:55)
03. Day Dream {Duke Ellington, John Latouche, Billy Strayhorn} (6:50)
04. Quiet Lady {Thad Jones} (4:54)
05. A Dance For Marie-Do {Donald Brown} (6:10)
06. You're Looking At Me {Bobby Troup} (8:26)
07. Big Bertha {Duke Pearson} (7:16)
08. Don't Explain {Billie Holiday} (8:13)
09. Like Someone In Love {James Van Heusen} (6:52)
10. Enchanté! {Donald Brown} (7:04) 

Total Time: 74:27 

Credits:
Producer - Donald Brown
Production Coordination - Xavier Felgeyrolles
Executive Producer - Walter Squindo
Engineer - Jim Anderson
Mastering - Raphaël Jonin
Mixing - Allan Tucker

Roseanna Vitro - Passion Dance (1996)

One of the top jazz singers of the 1990s, Roseanna Vitro is a versatile vocalist who is not afraid to take chances. On her Telarc debut, the personnel changes on many of the ten selections with the stars among the sidemen including pianist Ken Werner (Vitro's musical director), altoist Gary Bartz, trumpeter Tim Hagans, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Elvin Jones. Among the highpoints of the diverse repertoire are an adventurous "Freedom Jazz Dance," "Out of This World," "Long as You're Livin '," McCoy Tyner's "Passion Dance" and "Strollin"' (an adaptation of Charles Mingus' "Nostalgia in Times Square"). The only number that does not work is an over-the-top rendition of "More than You Know" that is overly complex; simplicity would have been much more effective. Otherwise, this is a superior set by a very appealing singer. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Telarc Jazz, CD-83385, 1996
Recorded 19th July, 1994 at Skyline Studios, New York
& January, 1995 at Sound On Sound Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Roseanna Vitro - Vocals, Arranger
Tim Hagans - Trumpet
John Fedchock - Trombone
Gary Bartz - Alto Saxophone
Tim Ries - Tenor Saxophone
Kenny Werner - Piano, Arranger
Larry Willis - Piano
Kevin Mahogany - Piano, Vocals (#8)
Steve Nelson - Vibraphone
Romero Lubambo, Vic Juris - Guitar
Christian McBride, Ratzo B. Harris, Richie Goods - Bass
Clarence Penn, Elvin Jones - Drums
Jamey Haddad - Drums, Percussion 

Tracks:
01. Out Of This World {Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer} (5:29)
02. Long As You're Livin' {Oscar Brown Jr., Julian Priester, Tommy Turrentine} (6:16)
03. Returned To Me ["The Bird"] {Tex Allen} (5:32)
04. Freedom Jazz Dance {Eddie Harris} (5:18)
05. For Heaven's Sake {Elise Bretton, Sherman Edwards, Don Meyer} (5:04)
06. Whisper Not {Benny Golson} (4:50)
07. Simone {Frank Foster, Cheryl Pyle} (7:24)
08. Blue Monk {Thelonious Monk} (5:14)
09. Passion Dance {McCoy Tyner, Roseanna Vitro} (6:41)
10. More Than You Know {Edward Eliscu, Billy Rose, Vincent Youmans} (7:20)
11. Strollin' [Nostalgia In Times Square] {Charles Mingus} (5:20) 

Total Time: 64:32

Credits:
Producer, Engineer, Mixing - Paul Wickliffe
Executive Producer - Robert Woods
Assistant Engineer - Devin Emke, Rich Lamb, Ed Raso
Production Supervisor - Elaine Martone
Art Direction, Cover Design - Anilda Carrasquillo
Photography - Carol Friedman
Liner Notes - Roseanna Vitro, Michael G. Nastos

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

Terell Stafford - Time To Let Go (1995)

This scintillating set is appropriately titled Time to Let Go and truly reflects the trumpeter's musical state of mind. Firmly established as a contemporary jazz master, Terrell Stafford is now getting the critical acclaim his talent deserves. Unlike many of his peers, he is nothing short of seasoned. He spent five years touring with Bobby Watson's scintillating post-bop quintet, which included pianist Ed Simon, drummer Victor Lewis and saxophonists Steve Wilson and Tim Warfield who join Terell here, together with vibraphonist Steve Nelson.

 

Candid Records, CCD 79702, 1995
Recorded 8th-9th March, 1995 at Power Station Studios, New York

Musicians:
Terell Stafford - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Steve Wilson - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone (#2,4)
Tim Warfield - Tenor Saxophone (#4,9)
Edward Simon - Piano
Steve Nelson - Vibraphone (#2,6)
Michael Bowie - Bass
Victor Lewis - Drums (Except #5)
Victor See-Yuen - Percussion (#2,8) 

Tracks:
1. Time To Let Go {Terell Stafford} (4:43)
2. Was It Meant To Be? {Stephen Scott} (6:15)
3. Polka Dots And Moonbeams {Johnny Burke, James van Heusen} (5:55)
4. Qui Qui {Terell Stafford} (7:15)
5. On The Trail {Harold Adamson, Ferde Grofé} (8:09)
6. Why? {Terell Stafford} (4:31)
7. Soon {Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers} (6:26)
8. Send In The Clowns {Stephen Sondheim} (5:47)
9. Just A Closer Walk With Thee {Traditional, Arr. Terell Stafford} (3:42) 

Credits:
Producer, Mastering, Arranger - Terell Stafford
Executive Producer - Alan Bates
Engineer, Mixing - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer, Mixing Assistant - Scott Austin, Scott Young
Session Photographer - Mitchell Seidel
Mastering - Dave Glasser
Cover Photo - R. Andrew Lepley

Lewis Nash - It Don't Mean A Thing (2005)

For this session Lewis is accompanied by vibist Steve Nelson, pianist Jeb Patton and bassist Peter Washington. Most of the tunes are trio performances with drums, vibes and bass, with only three songs in a quartet formation with pianist Jeb Patton. There are a number of instances on this disc, where Nash as the leader plays some great solos, but never dominates. In addition, Steve Nelson is well featured playing in a crisp mid-tempo across many of the tracks. Meanwhile the driving rhythm of Peter Washington's running basslines push a tight sound are a standout. Not to overlook the comping of Jeb Patton adding further dynamism with differing chords, rhythms, and countermelodies. Overall, this album is a showcase of well-known jazz standards including "Skeeter Blues" by Nash, that that truly swing! 

M&I Jazz, MYCJ-30250, 2005
Recorded 2003? 

Musicians:
Lewis Nash - Drums
Steve Nelson - Vibraphone
Jeb Patton - Piano (#3,9,10)
Peter Washington - Bass 

Tracks:
01. It Don't Mean A Thing {Duke Ellington, Irving Mills} (6:56)
02. Caravan {Duke Ellington, Juan Tizol} (9:27)
03. Sophisticated Lady {Duke Ellington} (6:44)
04. Tico Tico {Zequinha de Abreu} (4:08)
05. Strollin' {Horace Silver} (5:25)
06. Body And Soul {Green, Heyman, Sour, Eyton} (7:13)
07. Close Your Eyes {Bernice Petkere} (6:01)
08. How Insensitive {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (5:27)
09. We'll Be Together Again {Carl T. Fischer, Frankie Laine} (5:11)
10. Skeeter Blues {Lewis Nash} (3:41) 

Total Time: 60:13 

Producer - Makoto Kimata, Todd Barkan 

"Everything depends on how daring you want to be," he said. "Parameters exist in any musical situation, and they force you to get the most from the least. You try not to limit yourself to 'this is how you're supposed to play this kind of music.' You jump in, let your ears dictate, and keep all options on the table. I might borrow some sound or approach from an avant garde context that works in the middle of trading fours on a blues. Sound can cross genres and styles. It's just a sound. It's your job to figure out how to use that sound tastefully and in context. The more things you've done, the more you'll be able to interject something new." ~ Lewis Nash.

James Spaulding - Plays The Legacy Of Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington's passing in 1974 left a giant hole not only in Jazz, but in music itself.  Undoubtedly one of the 20th century's most important artists.  Many musicians were moved to pay tribute, and James Spaulding was one of them.

There are no shortage of Duke tribute albums, and I certainly have my favorites.  A couple that stand out for me are Art Farmer's - To Duke With Love; and Sempre Amore from the duo of  Steve Lacy & Mal Waldron.  That said, Spaulding has given us a solid upbeat treatment of some Ellington classics.

A few things stand out on this record for me.  Firstly, Spaulding moves between several instruments and is technically wonderful on all.  His flute work is particularly incredible.  The addition of Avery Brooks also makes this session a touch different.  The vocalist has a baritone voice, akin to Paul Robeson and adds a nice flavour to the chosen songs.  Mtume's presence is also strongly felt, and helps to drive the band with an upbeat and joyous feel to all of the songs.  Overall, a really strong album which serves to honour the great Duke Ellington.  I would say it's a must have for fans of James Spaulding.

This minty vinyl was ripped at 24/48 wav and compressed to 24/48 FLAC for your convenience.  As always, hi-rez scans of the cover are included.  Remember people... "it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!!"  Enjoy!!

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Storyville ‎– SLP 4034

1978

Kenny Barron - Golden Lotus (1980) [re-rip]

Solid 1980 session with the always vibrant, challenging pianist Kenny Barron and the underrated saxophonist John Stubblefield in fiery form. Steve Nelson began generating interest on vibes with his playing on this session ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide.

A great Kenny Barron side for Muse, one of the best from a label that has a lot of remarkable sleepers on it. Like the best Muse sides, this set does a great job of straddling the line between forward looking modal playing and relaxed soul jazz, combining the best elements of both. And as you might imagine from the title, there is a bit of spiritual and eastern influence creeping in on some of the numbers. ~ Dusty Groove.

Muse Records, MR 5220, 1982

Recorded 4^th April, 1980 (#B1) at Downtown Sound New York City;

18^th April, 1980 (#A1-A3,B2) at Sound Heights Studio, Brooklyn, New York

Musicians:

Kenny Barron - Piano

John Stubblefield - Soprano Sax (A1,B2) & Tenor Sax (#A2,A3)

Steve Nelson - Vibraphone

Buster Williams - Bass

Ben Riley - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Golden Lotus {Kenny Barron} (5:58)

A2. Dewdrop {Kenny Barron} (6:32)

A3. Cinco {Kenny Barron} (8:58)

B1. Darn That Dream {Jimmy Van Heusen, Edgar DeLange} [Solo] (9:16)

B2. Row House {Kenny Barron} (10:43)

Credits:

Producer - Michael Cuscuna

Recording and Mixing Engineer - Fred Miller

Mastering Engineer - Joe Brescio at The Master Cutting Room, New York City

Cover Photo - Neil Lavey

Liner Photo - Tom Copi

Album Design - W. Dale Cramer

Mulgrew Miller - Wingspan 1987

On May 29th we lost 'Grew', the great Mulgrew Miller to a stroke, he was only 57.

"The emphasis on this quintet album is on Mulgrew Miller's compositions; five of the seven numbers (all but Kenny Garrett's "Sonhos Do Brasil" and the standard "I Remember You") are by the pianist/leader. Miller is joined by bassist Charnett Moffett, drummer Tony Reedus, vibraphonist Steve Nelson and altoist Garrett (who plays flute on one song); percussionist Rudy Bird guests on three numbers. The inventive solos on the fairly complex material and the attractive sound of the ensembles make this a worthy release." Yanow

This is a reissue of what was Miller's 3rd album on the Landmark label.

David 'Fathead' Newman - Fire!

I believe that this is the album pmac was referring to in his comment to the previous post; it is available cheap at Collectables so this is an mp3 copy.

"For this excellent all-around date, David "Fathead" Newman and a fine rhythm section (pianist Kirk
Lightsey, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, bassist David Williams and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith) are joined by tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine on "Wide Open Spaces" (a tune that years earlier
Newman had recorded with fellow tenor James Clay), altoist Hank Crawford on "Lonely Avenue" and both Turrentine and Crawford on two other songs. In addition, Newman takes "Filthy McNasty" as a flute feature and is showcased on the opening "Old Devil Moon." An enjoyable set of soulful, straight-ahead jazz." AMG

A really fine live set, must have been some hot stuff to see.