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
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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.

Klaus Suonsaari, NHØP, Niels Lan Doky - The Music Of Tom Harrell (1989)

Klaus Suonsaari is one musician for whom swing is a basic criterion for any musical project. Klaus and Tom Harrell started working together in 1985. Tom appears on Klaus’ 1988 debut album for Storyville Records "Reflecting Times" which also showcases Suonsaari's composing and arranging talents. This recording of Tom Harrell composition came about through Klaus' continued exposure to Tom's music. ~ StoryvilleRecords.com. 

An interesting concept. A trio of ace European musicians led by Klaus Suonsaari plays songs composed by trumpeter Tom Harrell, not among the better-known jazz writers but a fine contemporary player. Suonsaari teams with bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and pianist Niels Lan Doky to give Harrell unexpected exposure as a composer. ~ by Ron Wynn, AMG. 

Anaïs Records, 3ACD004, 1990
The Jazz Alliance, TJA-100 10, 1992
Storyville Records, STCD 8303, 2000
Recorded 30th July, 1989 at MTV Music Studios, Helsinki, Finland 

Musicians:
Klaus Suonsaari - Drums
Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen - Acoustic Bass
Niels Lan Doky - Piano

Tracks:
1. Journey To The Centre {Tom Harrell} (4:01)
2. Buffalo Wings {Tom Harrell} (5:08)
3. Songflower {Tom Harrell} (6:54)
4. Terrestris {Tom Harrell} (6:13)
5. Water's Edge {Tom Harrell} (4:27)
6. Bell {Tom Harrell} (6:43)
7. Bright {Tom Harrell} (3:01)
8. Serenity {Klaus Suonsaari} (5:21)
9. Camera In A Bag {Ray Drummond} (4:56) 

Total Time: 46:48 

Credits:
Producer - Klaus Suonsaari
Executive Producer - Edouard Detmer
Recording Engineer - Harri Sutinen
Mastering Engineer - Jan Erik Kongshaug
Liner Notes - Ray Drummond

Klaus Suonsaari - Something In Common (1998)

Klaus Suonsaari's concern with sound and balance extend to the ensemble as well. Critic Jon Pareles, writing in the New York Times, stated that "Mr. Suonsaari fulfilled one of a bandleader's most important duties: choosing his group members well." Here Klaus has gathered one well-chosen assemblage of top American performers, and another consisting of respected players from his homeland, with the aim of bridging the gap between continents, and revealing the commonality of intent among European and American jazz artists. Klaus succeeds as a leader because of his sense of balance and his ability to find common ground between seemingly different elements. Tradition and originality... the European and American aesthetic... lyric beauty and freewheeling expressionism ("Song For S.R." is a glorious example) ... Klaus always finds "something in common" with which to engage the listener. ~ StoryvilleRecords.Bandcamp.com. 

Storyville Records, STCD 4218, 1998
11th-12th April, 1992 (#1-6) at Finnish Broadcasting Studios, Helsinki, Finland;
17th-18th February, 1989 (#7-12) at RPM Studio, New York City 

Musicians:
Klaus Suonsaari - Drums, Percussion & Vocals (#12), Arranger
Jukka Perko - Alto Saxophone (#2,6) Soprano Saxophone (#1,5)
Jerry Bergonzi - Tenor Saxophone (#7-12), Arranger (#9,10)
Jarmo Savolainen - Piano (#1,2,3,5,6), Arranger (#5)
Niels Lan Doky - Piano (#7-12)
Severi Pyysalo - Vibraphone (#1,2,5,6), Arranger (#6)
Mike Mainieri - Vibraphone (#7,8,11)
Eerik Siikasaari - Bass (#1,2,3,5,6)
Ray Drummond - Bass (#7-12)
Bobby Sanabria - Percussion 

Tracks:
01. Ritual {Klaus Suonsaari} (7:39)
02. Jaska {Eerik Siikasaari} (6:25)
03. Motion {Klaus Suonsaari} (7:00)
04. Song For S.R. {Klaus Suonsaari} (2:05)
05. Inseparable {Jarmo Savolainen} (5:49)
06. Burning Bridges {Severi Pyysalo} (6:33)
07. Serenity {Klaus Suonsaari} (5:47)
08. Miles Apart [Part 2] {Klaus Suonsaari} (5:51)
09. Jab {Jerry Bergonzi} (7:20)
10. If I Were A Bell {Frank Loesser} (4:48)
11. Blues For G {Klaus Suonsaari} (6:54)
12. Happy People {Klaus Suonsaari} (5:07) 

Total Time: 71:18

Credits:
Producer - Klaus Suonsaari
Executive Producer - Karl Emil Knudsen
Engineer - Heikki Antero Savolainen [Helsinki]
Engineer - A.T. Michel [NYC]
Engineer - Hans Nielsen [Focus Recording, Copenhagen]
Layout - Richard Meyrick
Photo - Marja-Leena Helin
Artwork & Design [Cover] - Tina Eskilsson
Liner Notes - Scott Robinson

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

Mike Bryan And His Sextet

Now here's an album which I stumbled onto.  I have a couple of local thrift shops which I check weekly, and came upon this during my last visit.  Truthfully I had never even heard of Mr. Bryan, so I bought it based on the strength of the Storyville label.  Turned out to be a good move!!

The notes are included, and give the overview of his story, so I won't venture to deep into it.  Firstly, he is a guitar player which threw me for a loop because he's not pictured on the cover of his own album!  Nope, that's Georgie Auld in the foreground and Doc Severinson behind him.  Basically, Bryan played with Benny Goodman for a spell and then while in California, was influenced by the bop movement.  What we get here is a really progressive mainstream side, with leanings towards bop.

Side 1 is a studio session, and side 2 a live set.  Great playing from all... a really tight swing, upbeat, with fun soloing by all band members.  Mike Bryan stretches out on a couple tracks and is an excellent guitarist with a really nice tone.  If you're looking for something "new", this will fill the void.  A really great side with excellent fidelity to boot.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!

Storyville  SLP-4015
1981

Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and Harry "Sweets" Edison - Vol. 1

It's hard to discuss this album without gushing or sounding overbearing, but the truth of the matter is...it's a real cooker.  Recorded in Denmark, our two heroes enlisted Kenny Drew and his active trio for rhythm.  John Darville stopped by also, and cut two tracks; Lester Leaps In and Blues Walk with his trombone.  I wasn't familiar with bassist Hugo Rasmussen or drummer Svend Erik Norregard, but they affirm their skill along with Kenny Drew.

As mentioned, when the full band is playing for Lester Leaps In and Blues Walk, it's a thing of jazz beauty.  Darville brings the classic bop style 'bone to the session and it's clear that Jaws and Sweets are up for it.  I wasn't too sure about the treatment for Blues Walk, but once they are through you will want to hear it again.  Both leaders take a ballad each and deliver sublime performances.  The rest of this session is a relatively upbeat affair, on standard tunes.

There's something about Sweets that really grabs me on this set.  I can't put my finger on it, or really describe it without sounding ridiculous.  I will just chalk it up to the magic of music.  I just find it incredible how these musicians could stamp their souls onto the music, and have it touch someone all these years later.  In most cases, long after they have passed.

Not only is the music fantastic, but so is the fidelity of the recording.  I would rate it above average to be sure.  This copy is an original Storyville (SLP 4004) stereo pressing, in minty condition.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC, to bring souls of old and present together...enjoy!!!

Harry Edison (tp);  Eddie Davis (ts);  *John Darville (tb);  Kenny Drew (p);
Hugo Rasmussen (b);  Svend Erik Norregard (d).

*only on Lester Leaps In and Blues Walk


Storyville SLP-4004
Recorded in Denmark, 1976

George Lewis At Club Hangover Vol. 3

It's a shame that I don't have Vol. 2 of this series, but I will keep an eye out.  Vol. 3 brings us more from this great engagement, with all the players firing on all cylinders.

Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!!

Storyville SLP-4055
Club Hangover, San Francisco, CA  (11/07/1953-12/27/1953)

George Lewis (clarinet); Laurence Marrero (vocals, banjo); Avery Howard (vocals, trumpet); Joe Watkins (vocals, drums); Lizzie Miles (vocals); Jim Robinson (trombone); Alton Purnell (piano)

George Lewis At Club Hangover Vol. 1

In 1953, George Lewis took his band west for an extended engagement at San Fransisco's Club Hangover.  It was an 8 week run and an incredible success.  As the west coasts' most popular Dixieland venue, Lewis and co. packed the joint nightly.

Of course, the local radio station were on hand for recording.  Most of it was done off-the-air, but none the less their diligence paid off as a record of this outstanding band during this stay.

The album is MC'd by club stalwart Bob Gurner and he can be heard introducing several tracks.  Lewis himself, ever the polite southern gentleman, also can be heard introducing the songs.  Both G.L. and Kid Howard provide wonderful vocals for roughly half the album.

Once the band start, the vibe never diminishes.  Superb uptempo jazz, all wildly loose and soulful, is the order of the day.  Despite the fact that these standards are old hat for many of us, this band really give 'em the treatment resulting in an exciting and sometimes surprising tune.

Overall the album is a relatively quick listen.  It was infact issued on CD, but here for you is a vinyl transfer (of course!!!!).  As I listen while I write, I am realising that I forgot to edit with click repair.  It's not too much of a travesty - track 3 has a few clicks which you may want to deal with yourself.  Apologies, but it's certainly nothing which takes away from the listening experience.

Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC, this is for my old school Cryptheads...enjoy!!!

Storyville SLP-4055
Club Hangover, San Francisco, CA  (11/07/1953-12/27/1953)

George Lewis (clarinet); Laurence Marrero (vocals, banjo); Avery Howard (vocals, trumpet); Joe Watkins (vocals, drums); Lizzie Miles (vocals); Jim Robinson (trombone); Alton Purnell (piano)

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Club Hangover

Owner ”Doc” Dougherty

Edmond Hall w/ Ralph Sutton c. 50's

Street Sign

Club Hangover, which opened in the late 1940's, was the premier traditional jazz venue in San Francisco during the 1950's. The club at 729 Bush Street, close to Powell Street,  was run by Doc Dougherty. During the 1950's there were many radio broadcasts of concerts at Club Hangover. Subsequently a number of these have been released on CD, particularly on the Storyville label.  (Taken From http://www.fellers.se/Kid/1950s_Club_Hangover.html)

George Lewis And His Ragtime Band In Concert

The Crypt will be doing a mini feature on the legendary clarinetist George Lewis...

George Lewis - one of New Orleans favorite and most beloved sons.  A legend of jazz and the clarinet, he dedicated his life to N'awlins music, never leaving or selling out his hometown.  His hardened belief in the music paid off during the revivalist movement, and kept on reaping rewards globally as the world discovered his incredible band.

During the 50's and 60's, Lewis' band enjoyed great success overseas in Europe and Japan.  They knew he was the real deal and couldn't get enough.  One great thing about G.L. was his dedication and loyalty.  He stayed a resident of New Orleans while most of his contemporaries were headed to Chicago and New York.  The other impressive point was his use of the same musicians to form his group.  Of course, some members would come and go occasionaly, but even the stand ins were from the same pool of players.  At the core and present for virtually all of his recordings and gigs were Avery 'Kid' Howard, Alcide 'Slow Drag' Pauageau and Jim Robinson.

This group helped to keep the small group torch lit, while big bands ruled the day.  They also kept the original New Orleans music alive and well, inspiring younger players and tastemakers of the day.  Everyone is on point and delivers that real N'awlins vibe.  The real deal my friends... an album recorded for radio.  The group are at the heights of their powers and play their asses off!!

Excellent fidelity, taken from a sealed copy.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!

Storyville SLP-4022
1960

Recorded in Springfield, CA May 28, 1954

George Lewis - cl;  Kid Howard - tp, voc;  Jim Robinson - tb;  Alton Purnell - p;  Lawrence Marrero - bjo;
Slow Drag Pauageau - b;  Joe Watkins - d