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

Dave Valentin - Red Sun (1993)

This was flutist Dave Valetin's 15th release for GRP and, as with his previous ones, it features impeccable musicianship, subtle funk grooves, some heated Latin rhythms and rather lightweight melodies. Despite some passionate moments, the music always sounds a bit controlled, never exceeding prescribed time limits or emotional boundaries. There are some strong moments of interest on this relatively pleasing CD, particularly a restrained melodic statement by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval on "We'll Be Together Again" and a groovin' version of "With a Little Help from My Friends." ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

GRP Records, GRD-9699, 1993
Recorded at Sound On Sound Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Dave Valentin - Flute (#1-4,6,9) Flutes (#5,7,8), Arranger (#8,9)
Arturo Sandoval - Flugelhorn (#4)
Steve Turre - Trombone, Shells (#8)
Bill O'Connell - Piano, Synthesizer (#1,2,5,6,8,9), Arranger (#1-5,7,8,9)
Bernd Schoenhart - Guitar (#1)
Lincoln Goines - Bass (#1,2,6-9), Acoustic Bass (#4), Arranger (#6)
Dave Samuels - Vibraphone (#3)
Richie Morales - Drums (#2,3,4,6,7), Cymbals
Robert Ameen - Drums (#1,5,8), Percussion [Cymbals, Stick]
Milton Cardona - Percussion, Congas (#1), Cowbell (#1), Shekere/Cajon (#5)
Sammy Figueroa - Percussion (#2,3,5,7,8), Congas (#7)
Jon Lucien - Vocals (#2)
Steve Shapiro - Synthesizer Programming

Tracks:
1. With A Little Help From My Friends {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (5:20)
2. Red Sun {Bill O'Connell} (5:11)
3. Two Steps Ahead {Bill O'Connell} (3:46)
4. We'll Be Together Again {Carl Fischer, Frankie Laine} (5:17)
5. Beyond The Ridge {Bill O'Connell} (4:33)
6. Lia's Song {Lincoln Goines} (4:29)
7. Loco Motion {Bill O'Connell} (5:04)
8. Little Sunflower {Freddie Hubbard} (6:23)
9. Pensativa {Clare Fischer} (4:15) 

Total Time: 44:28 

Credits:
Producer - Dave Valentin
Producer, Recording, Mixing - Josiah Gluck
Executive-Producer - Dave Grusin, Larry Rosen
Mastering Engineer - Ted Jensen
Assistant Engineer - Devin Emke, Fred Kevorkian, John Siket, Peter Beckerman
Photography - Carol Weinberg
Art Direction - Scott Johnson
Graphic Design - Dan Serrano, Jackie Salway, Alba Acevedo 

Two Steps Ahead

Frank Wess Nonet - Once Is Not Enough (2008)

Known for his big-band or small ensemble recordings, Frank Wess uses a nine-piece band for the first time in his long, storied career to make easy going swinging jazz in the tradition of his former boss, Count Basie. The masterful tenor saxophonist, arranger, and most notably, composer, has assembled an impressive group, featuring trombonist Steve Turre, saxophonists Scott Robinson, and Ted Nash, trumpeters Terell Stafford and Frank Greene, and the dynamite rhythm section of drummer Winard Harper, bassist Peter Washington, and especially impressive young pianist Gerald Cannon. Together they play original music and standards with the Basie stamp firmly embossed. The tart, compact, internalized sound of Wess on the big horn is a factor in contrasting the otherwise sweet sounds. His world-class flute playing is also featured in spurts, though a "hook 'em horns" gesture on the cover photo as he holds his silver wind instrument might lead you to believe it's featured on the date -- it is not. Wess is clearly the leader and frontman, playing basic main stem melodies and solos on the title selection, "Sara's Song" and "You Made A Good Move," all relaxed swingers arranged by drummer Dennis Mackrel (who does not perform on the date) that are fairly concise, have space for another select soloist, and vary to certain degrees in either united effect, or stratifying the horns. "Backfire" is the wailer, upbeat bop at its finest, rambling a bit but focused, based on the changes of "I Got Rhythm," and featuring a surprise coda based on the title. The standards include Scott Robinson's uniquely charted intro tacked on "Fly Me to the Moon," or the flute of Wess stepping forward on a modified "Sweet & Lovely" with the horns backing him up. Pianist Cannon is one to be heard closely on this recording, as he is capable of all melodic, emotional, or rhythmic duties and responsibilities required. He's also quite original at such a young age -- perhaps the next Kenny Barron? Two tracks feature Wess in only a quartet setting with a different rhythm section including Harper, pianist Michael Weiss, andd bassist Rufus Reid, including a lengthy version of the overwrought, somber "Lush Life," just about the saddest tune ever, wrapped in thin silver tin foil, ultimately fragile, with Wess on tenor, and observant, lovelorn piano interventions. The obligatory Basie-type tune "Tryin' to Make My Blues Turn Green" ends the set in a shuffling along and out style. This is a good effort, not as great as others Wess has made over the years, but the high-level musicianship is a constant reminder that he's very much in the mainstream jazz ballpark, and still has a valid perspective many years after this music was out of trendy and trumped up electronic induced vogue. If you are a fan of Frank Wess, this recording will please you to no end. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG. 

Labeth Music, 101, 2009
Recorded 10th June, 2008 at Nola Recording Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Frank Wess - Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Arranger (#5,7)
Frank Greene, Terell Stafford - Trumpet
Steve Turre - Trombone
Ted Nash - Alto Saxophone, Flute
Scott Robinson - Baritone & Bass Saxes, Flute, Arranger (#8)
Gerald Clayton - Piano (#1-3,5,6,8,9)
Michael Weiss - Piano (#4,7)
Peter Washington - Bass (#1-3,5,6,8,9)
Rufus Reid - Bass (#4,7)
Winard Harper - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Once Is Not Enough {Frank Wess} (5:39)
2. Sara's Song {Frank Wess} (8:22)
3. You Made A Good Move {Frank Wess} (7:37)
4. Dementia, My Darling {Frank Wess} (6:59)
5. Sweet And Lovely {Gus Arnheim, Harry Tobias, Jules Lemare} (5:46)
6. Backfire {Frank Wess} (9:11)
7. Lush Life {Billy Strayhorn} (9:40)
8. Fly Me To The Moon [In Other Words] {Bart Howard} (2:50)
9. Tryin' To Make My Blues Turn Green {Frank Wess} (6:37) 

Total Time: 62:44 

Credits:
Producer - Frank Wess
Engineer - Bill Moss, Jim Czak
Photography - Ed Berger
Design - Michele Kane
Art Direction - Wayne Simmons

Woody Shaw - Love Dance (1975) [Jap-CD]

A fantastic album by Woody Shaw - spiritual, soulful, and filled with some nice modal grooving! The group's one of the best he ever worked with on Muse - with Billy Harper on tenor, plus Rene McLean, Steve Turre, Joe Bonner, and Cecil McBee - and the approach reminds us of some of the work on Strata East from the same time. The highlight of the record is the cut "Sunbath", which was done in a more famous jazz dance version by singer Joyce Hurley - but Shaw's version has a very similar groove. Harper makes many of the other tracks shine brilliantly, and titles include "Love Dance", "Obsequious", and Harper's own beautiful composition "Soulfully I Love You". ~ Dusty Groove.

Muse Records, MR 5074, 1976
Sony Records, SRCS 9405, 1998
Recorded November, 1975 at Blue Rock Studio, New York City 

Musicians:
Woody Shaw - Trumpet
Steve Turre - Trombone, Bass Trombone
Rene McLean - Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Billy Harper - Tenor Saxophone
Joe Bonner - Piano, Electric Piano
Cecil McBee - Bass
Victor Lewis - Drums
Guilherme Franco - Percussion
Tony Waters - Congas 

Tracks:
1. Love Dance {Joe Bonner} (12:37)
2. Obsequious {Larry Young} (9:28)
3. Sunbath {Peggy Stern} (6:33)
4. Zoltan {Woody Shaw} (6:48)
5. Soulfully I Love You [Black Spiritual Of Love] {Billy Harper} (8:13) 

Total Time: 43:58 

Credits:
Producer - Michael Cuscuna
Engineer - Eddie Korvin
Mastering - Joe Brescio
Art Direction, Design, Photography - Hal Wilson
Liner Notes - Dan Morgenstern 

Love Dance

Steve Turre - In The Spur Of The Moment (2000)

In The Spur Of The Moment, Steve Turre's debut release for Telarc Jazz, is a technically precise and elegant musical adventure through three jazz styles in which Steve Turre expresses his musical personalities in a quartet setting. In the first setting, he plays the blues in jazz with the legendary Ray Charles on piano, Peter Turre on drums, and Peter Washington on bass. The section features two original compositions by Steve titled "Ray's Collard Greens," an authentic 12-bar blues, and "Duke Rays," a song based on Duke Ellington's "In a Mellow Tone," for which Steve uses Ellington's changes but has written a new melody. "Misty" and "The Way You Look Tonight" round out the section, but are featured with the same approach to the blues. The second section of In the Spur of the Moment features Stephen Scott on piano in a modern and modal setting. His third musical setting stars Turre and Chucho Valdes playing Afro-Cuban sounds in a set that also features Peter Turre on drums, Buster Williams on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums, Andy Gonzalez on bass, and the great, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez on drums and percussion. This section shows Turre at his zenith as an assured leader and sensitive collaborator with exciting accompaniment by Chucho plus the string quartet, and Quartette Indigo on "Claudia." In the Spur of the Moment concludes with an exciting finale that features Turre putting his brilliant trombone and shell skills to the test on the exciting jam, "Descarga Ahora." This CD is a glowing example of Steve Turre's exceptional finesse in the many styles of jazz. ~ by Paula Edelstein, AMG. 

Telarc Jazz, CD-83484, 2000
Recorded 14th August, 1999 (#1-4) At Avatar Studios, Studio C, New York City;
5th October, 1999 (#5-7) At Master Sound Astoria, Queens, New York and
8th October, 1999 (#8-10) At Avatar Studios, Studio A, New York City 

Personnel:
Steve Turre - Trombone (#1-4,5-7,8-10), Conch [Shells] (#1-4,5-7), Maracas (#8-10)
Ray Charles - Piano (#1-4,5-7)
Stephen Scott - Piano (#5-7)
Chucho Valdés - Piano (#8-10)
Peter Washington - Bass (#1-4)
Buster Williams - Bass (#5-7)
Andy Gonzalez - Bass (#8-10)
Peter Turre - Drums (#1-4)
Jack DeJohnette - Drums (#5-7)
Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez - Drums, Timbales, Congas, Bongos, Bells [Campana] (#8-10)
Akua Dixon - Cello, Leader (#9)
Ensemble - Quartet Indigo (#9)
Richard Spencer - Viola (#9)
Gayle Dixon - Violin [First] (#9)
Sandy Billingslea - Violin [Second] (#9) 

Tracklist: 

The Blues In Jazz
01. Ray's Collard Greens {Steve Turre} (6:34)
02. Misty {Johnny Burke, Erroll Garner} (5:18)
03. Duke Rays {Steve Turre} (5:20)
04. The Way You Look Tonight {Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern} (7:01)

Modern And Modal
05. Ellington Medley: {Duke Ellington} (7:59)
5.1 Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me
5.2 Five O'Clock Drag
06. Something For John {Steve Turre} (5:34)
07. In The Spur Of The Moment {Stephen Scott} (9:13)

Afro-Cuban Sounds
08. Suenos De La Habana {Steve Turre} (5:42)
09. Claudia {Chucho Valdés} (9:21)
10. Descarga Ahora {Steve Turre} (6:25)

Credits:
Producer - Myles Weinstein, Steve Turre
Recording, Mixing & Mastering Engineer - Michael Bishop
Technician [Assistant at Avatar Studios] - Andre Yankovsky, Aya Trewhella, Rory Romano
Technician [Assistant at Master Sound] - David Merrill, Ted Trewhella
Technician [Assistant] - Francisco Rodriguez, James Yates, Rob Friedrich
Art Direction - Anilda Carrasquillo
Design - Deborah Kane
Photography [Cover] - John Abbott
Management - Myles Weinstein
Liner Notes - J.J. Johnson, Steve Turre

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 - TNT (2001)

Steve Turre offers his first quintet project with TNT - Trombone ‘N’ Tenor, an exciting collection of eight compositions dedicated to a select group of jazz elders. Turre plays with three different quintets and is joined by tenor saxophonists James Carter, Dewey Redman and David Sanchez. Turre focuses purely on trombone, a departure from his previous releases that have included his exceptional playing on the conch shells. The ensemble boasts an astonishing repertoire of historic compositions by Stanley Turrentine, Hoagy Carmichael, and Benny Goodman as wells as four originals penned by Steve Turre. Among the highlights are an unforgettable version of "Stompin' At The Savoy" that features Dewey Redman's inimitable sax phrasings and nuance, the eleven minute "Dewey's Dance," a modal tune in ¾ time that captivates you with Stephen Scott's piano elegance, and the technical virtuosity of James Carter and Steve Turre's open-horn plunger orations on "Hallelujah, I Love Her So." Unlike his In The Spur of The Moment recording which featured Turre's mastery of the Ellington-style of muted playing, TNT - Trombone ‘N' Tenor treats listeners to Turre's enjoyable art of the plunger-Basie style. David Sanchez's Afro-Cuban voice proves to be the perfect complement for Turre's clave and horn playing on "Puente of Soul." Together with the percussive fuel played by Giovanni Hidalgo, the ensemble reaches new heights in Turre's repertoire of Afro-Cuban jazz. ~ by Paula Edelstein, AMG. 

Telarc Jazz, CD-63529, 2001
Recorded 9th-10th November, 2000 in Avatar Studio B & C, New York City 

Personnel:
Steve Turre - Trombone, Claves
James Carter - Tenor Saxophone (#1,4-6)
Dewey Redman - Tenor Saxophone (#3,8)
David Sanchez - Tenor Saxophone (#2,3,7,8)
Mulgrew Miller - Piano (#1,4-6)
Stephen Scott - Piano (#2,3,7,8)
Buster Williams - Bass (#1,4-6)
Peter Washington - Bass (#2,3,7,8)
Victor Lewis - Drums (#1,4-6)
Lewis Nash - Drums (#2,3,7,8)
Giovanni Hidalgo - Congas, Timbales, Campana (#2,7) 

Tracks:
1. Back In The Day {Stanley Turrentine} (6:39)
2. Puente Of Soul {Steve Turre} (6:10)
3. Stompin' At The Savoy {Benny Goodman, Edgar Sampson, Chick Webb} (8:12)
4. The Nearness Of You {Hoagy Carmichael} (8:18)
5. Hallelujah, I Love Her So {Ray Charles} (5:00)
6. Eric The Great {Steve Turre} (8:55)
7. E.J. {Stanley Turrentine} (5:11)
8. Dewey's Dance {Steve Turre} (11:04) 

Credits:
Producer - Steve Turre, Myles Weinstein
Executive Producer - Robert Woods
Recording And Mixing Engineer - Robert Friedrich
Technical Assistant - Mark Fraunfelder, Ricardo Fernandez
Editor - Robert Friedrich
Cover Photo - John Abbott
Cover Design - Heidi Kropf, Brian Sooy & Co.
Art Director - Anilda Carrasquillo
Liner Notes - Ted Panken, Downbeat, Jazziz, WKCR

Steve Turre - Lotus Flower (1997)

You might call Lotus Flower an act of relaxation after the strenuous exercise of the Steve Turre album, for Turre reduces forces and idioms to a more-or-less straight-ahead sextet and concentrates almost entirely upon the trombone. In doing so, he re-stakes his claim to being one of the outstanding voices on the trombone of his time, turning some lovely playing on "The Fragrance of Love" and "Sposin'" and some extremely agile bop work at a fleet pace on "Blackfoot" -- to cite two extremes. But this sextet has no ordinary front line; Turre shares the spotlight with a violinist (Regina Carter) and a cellist (Akua Dixon), thus deliberately managing to avoid the trumpet/saxophone axis entirely. Now and then, Turre also throws in a seventh element, Kimati Dinizulu's percussion or Don Conreaux's gong, to add exotic and spiritual flavors to the menu. Carter gets far more swinging time than Dixon on the album -- indeed, Carter's spiritual forefather seems to be Joe Venuti -- while Dixon gets typecast into the warm, lyrical role that cellists usually fulfill. Mulgrew Miller (piano, Buster Williams (bass) and Lewis Nash (drums) form the solidly mainstream rhythm section that is, however, occasionally asked to do unconventional things. Fortunately, there are enough off-center textures and quirks on this album to sustain Turre's yen for adventure in the '90s -- and on the rhythmically Balkanized "Shorty," Turre's conch shells make a welcome if brief cameo return. ~ by Richard S. Ginell, AMG. 

Verve Records, 559 787-2, 1999
Recorded And Mixed 28th-29tth December, 1997 at Edison Recording Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Steve Turre - Trombone, Shells, Conch (#10)
Regina Carter - Violin
Akua Dixon - Cello
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Buster Williams - Bass
Lewis Nash - Drums
Kimati Dinizulu - Djembe (#1), Percussion (#10)
Don Conreaux - Gong (#3,5) 

Tracks:
01. The Lotus Flower {Steve Turre} (5:52)
02. Chairman Of The Board {Steve Turre} (6:40)
03. The Inflated Tear {Rahsaan Roland Kirk} (6:55)
04. The Organ Grinder {Woody Shaw} (6:28)
05. Passion For Peace {Steve Turre} (2:03)
06. S'posin' {Andy Razaf, Paul Denniker} (6:48)
07. The Fragrance Of Love {Steve Turre} (6:22)
08. Blackfoot {Steve Turre} (7:03)
09. Goodbye {Gordon Jenkins} (7:23)
10. Shorty {Steve Turre} (5:42) 

Credits:
Producer - Billy Banks
Executive-Producer - Richard Seidel
Production Manager - Camille Tominaro
Engineer - Gary Chester
Assistant Engineer - Jim Murray, Yvonne Yedibalian
Coordinator [Release Coordination] - Beverly Harris
Art Direction, Design - Chika Azuma
Artwork - Istvan Banyai
Arranger - Steve Turre

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.