Eric Kloss - Sweet Connections (1979)

Eric Kloss is one of many artists recorded live at E.J.'s in Atlanta before it ceased operations in 1982. Unlike typical guest artists performing there, Kloss doesn't simply play with a local house band; he is joined throughout both dates by pianist Gil Goldstein, with bassist Steve Tisher and drummer Terry Silverlight added on the last three selections. Kloss, who abruptly seemed to have ceased performing and recording without explanation during the 1980s, is in great form on these 1979 live sets. The duo leads off with "Sweet Connections," a furious original credited to both men. The saxophonist's lush ballads "Wrapped in a Cloud" and "The Sands of Time" are followed by a fairly straightforward interpretation of rocker James Taylor's "Places in My Past." Goldstein shows off a bit in a rollicking duet of the standard "Love Is Here to Stay," with Kloss adding a bit of a wry solo. Like other recordings made at E.J.'s and issued on its equally defunct namesake label, the piano sounds a bit muddy and distant, making one wonder if the musicians realized they were being recorded, though this rare opportunity to hear Eric Kloss in a live setting late in his career overcomes any sonic shortcomings. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG.

Live At EJ's, JLR 103.501, 1998
Recorded 19^th & 20^th December, 1979 Live At E.J.'s Night Club, Atlanta, Georgia 

Musicians:
Eric Kloss - Alto Sax (#1-9), Tenor Sax (#7-9)
Gil Goldstein - Piano
Steve Tisher - Bass (#7-9)
Terry Silverlight - Drums (#7-9) 

Tracks:
1. Sweet Connections {Eric Kloss, Gil Goldstein} (5:04)
2. Wrapped In A Cloud {Eric Kloss} (7:27)
3. The Sands Of Time {Eric Kloss} (7:20)
4. Places In My Past {James Taylor} (5:40)
5. Irish Fantasy - The Ballad Of Charlotte McGhee {Eric Kloss} (10:51)
6. Love Is Here To Stay {George & Ira Gershwin} (5:53)
7. Days Of Wine And Roses {Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer} (5:41)
8. Gil's Tune {Gil Goldstein} (8:42)
9. The Seasons {Gil Goldstein} (9:25) 

Total Time: 66:03

Credits:
Design [Cover] - Studio Eric Wondergem BNO
Photography [Cover] - Arsis
Liner Notes - William Hogeland

Vic Juris - Roadsong (1978) [vinyl>flac]

Here's another bit of Muse Magic!

A great album by 24-year old guitarist Vic Juris which was released on Muse Records in 1978, his first as a leader, players are Barry Miles on keyboards, Terry Silverlight on drums, Rick Laird and John Burr on bass and Richie Cole on alto saxophone. Six of the eight selections are Juris originals (the other two songs include Wes Montgomery's "Road Song" and drummer Terry Silverlight's "Vic's Theme". Richie Cole plays on two tracks and John Burr on bass substitutes Laird on another. The album was produced by Richie Cole and engineered by Rudy Van Gelder. This rip is from an LP as this album is yet to be reissued on CD.

Another of my favourite guitarists, the Canadian Vic Juris; this disc, 1978 brings Vic in his (awesome) early years, a musician of a melodic talent and virtuosity that still scares me. Much influence of bop but still contains the fusion typical seventies innovations (at a time when the Pat Metheny still playing timidly in his Metheny Group). There's nothing to discuss: Stunning an Animator! Production is Richie Cole and the mix of the magician Rudy van Gelder (which pros uninitiated was the guy behind several of the most classic jazz recordings). Along with Vic are Barry Miles, Richard and Rick Laird Silverlight and Richie Cole. ~ A Minha Confusão...

“Roadsong” touches several basses, but it's hardly an exercise in untrammelled eclecticism; the sure, clear direction that Vic Juris exercises on each tune insures that. It also ties the album together with a sense of completeness that many established musicians strive for in vain. There are some who may find that a preternatural quality for a 24-year old guitarist that they've never heard of, but, as your ears will prove, it's anything but science fiction. In fact, don't be all that surprised if the next generation's guitar corps features a few clones of Vic Juris himself. ~ Extract from Liner Notes by Neil Tesser.

Muse Records, MR 5150, 1978

Recorded 19^th & 21^st September, 1977 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Personnel:

Vic Juris - Guitar

Richie Cole - Alto Saxophone (#B1,B4)

Barry Miles - Keyboards

Rick Laird - Bass

John Burr - Bass (#A3)

Terry Silverlight - Drums

Track Listing:

A1. Roadsong {Wes Montgomery} (5:46)

A2. Portabelo Market {Vic Juris} (7:21)

A3. Leah {Vic Juris} (4:46)

A4. Vic's Theme {Terry Silverlight} (3:17)

B1. In Between {Vic Juris} (4:00)

B2. One For Sonny {Vic Juris} (4:48)

B3. Free Bird {Vic Juris} (4:54)

B4. Two Lovely People {Vic Juris} (5:27)

Credits:

Producer - Richie Cole

Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Art Direction and Photography - Carol Friedman

Liner Notes - Neil Turner