Jeremy Steig Quartet - Flute On The Edge (2005)

Mellow and Melodious Steig
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In 1967 I had a conversation with another great flautist, Harold McNair, who recommended that I should listen to Jeremy Steig. A short time later, I saw Jeremy at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester, England, and that night he was the star of the show. In the 1960s, Jeremy Steig was the John Coltrane of flautists, in that he was introducing new sounds and techniques to jazz flute playing; not just vocalizing the notes that he played, but also overblowing to the third and fourth partials. This "Flute on the Edge" CD from 2005 is a more mellow, melodious Jeremy than the Jeremy Steig of the 60s and 70s. On this CD he actually plays through chord progressions, which I don't think he has done since "Flute Fever" and "What's New" with Bill Evans; he even plays a Latin tune. It is not as easy to overblow to the third and fourth partials when playing through chord progressions, it is much easier when playing "free", and therefore I do not detect much of this type of overblowing on this CD. Apart from the vocalize, Jeremy's playing here is much more conventional. The outstanding tracks on this CD are "Felonious Funk" a 24-bar blues in the key of F, and "You Don't Know What Love Is", in which Steig creates a tour de force from the complex chord progression. "Samba de Orfeo" is a refreshing rendition in that Steig is playing, for the first time, a universally recognized Latin-American piece. The opening track on the CD is "Mr. Go", which has a funky rhythm and an unusual construction. Other interesting tracks are "Moonscape", written by the guitarist Vic Juris; and "You`re My Thrill", the Billy Holliday song. Cameron Brown, who played with the brilliant George Adams/Don Pullen Quartet, and Anthony Pinciotti form a very solid, together, rhythm. This is a very enjoyable CD with, of course, some technically magnificent flute playing. ~ Amazon Customer, 5 Stars. [Translated from Japanese] 

Steig Music, 2005
Recorded August-September, 2005 

Musicians:
Jeremy Steig - Flute
Vic Juris - Guitar
Cameron Brown - Bass
Anthony Pinciotti - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Mr. Go {Jeremy Steig} (7:23)
2. Rancho Swampo {Jeremy Steig} (8:35)
3. You're My Thrill {Sidney Clare, Jay Gorney} (8:02)
4. Felonious Funk {Jeremy Steig} (7:03)
5. Moonscape {Vic Juris} (6:45)
6. Samba De Orfeo {Antônio Maria, Luiz Bonfá} (7:13)
7. People Dust {Jeremy Steig} (5:56)
8. You Don't Nnow What Love Is? {Don Raye, Gene de Paul} (8:05)
9. Elliott's Dilemma {Jeremy Steig} (5:28) 

Total Time: 64:30

Credits:
Engineer & Mastering - Manfred Knoop, Chris Sulit
Design - Abby Getman
Photography - Asako Steig

Felonious Funk

Link

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

Dave Liebman Group - Songs For My Daughter (1994)

"...That the music is not all sweetness and light is indicative of unconditional love's travails.... SONGS FOR MY DAUGHTER is as varied and moving a recital as this virtuoso reedman has ever recorded." ~ Cam Jazz.

Essentially, an overlooked album from his vast discography, this album released on the Italian label soul note is a foray into a more the acoustical and programmatic collective. This endeavour is enhanced by the addition of two great players pianist Phil Markowitz and guitarist Vic Juris, not to disparage the rest of his well-versed and stalwart group.

Soul Note, 121 295-2, 1995

Recorded May, 1994 At Red Rock, Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, USA

Musicians:

Dave Liebman - Soprano Saxophone, Wooden Flute

Phil Markowitz - Acoustic Piano

Vic Juris - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar

Tony Marino - Bass, Electric Bass

Jamey Haddad - Drums, Percussion

Scott Cutshall - Percussion (#7)

Lydia Liebman - Vocals (#9)

Tracks:

1. Little Peanut {Dave Liebman} (7:25)

2. Arrival {Dave Liebman} (6:20)

3. For Lydia {Caris Visentin} (6:30)

4. Innocence {Dave Liebman} (8:43)

5. Tomato Face {Dave Liebman} (5:06)

6. Papoose {Dave Liebman} (8:04)

7. Sins Of The Fathers {Dave Liebman} (8:56)

8. Mommie's Eyes {Dave Liebman} (6:01)

9. You Are My Sunshine {Traditional} (1:17)

Credits:

Producer - David Liebman

Executive Producer - Flavio Bonandrini

Engineer - Kent Heckman

Mastering Engineer - Gennaro Carone at Phonocomp, Tribiano, Milano

Photography - Caris Visentin Liebman

Art Cover - Maria Bonandrini

Liner Notes - Dave Liebman, Bethann Hatfield

Dave says he doesn't welcome new musicians in the tribe until they have been at it for about 10 years. Talent is not all that counts in this genre, although it's paramount. You have to make it work financially, and get used to traveling for 20 hours to experience two on stage. The audiences are not as large as with other styles and the money doesn't always match the level of sacrifice and expertise required. But if you can withstand the pressure you earn your ranks among fellow musicians, Dave explains. This doesn't mean that he is not paying attention to new talent. He acknowledges that the best indications of someone's personality is often found in their early records. ~ Milton D. Carrero, The Morning Call.

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

Don Patterson - Movin' Up! (1977) [re-rip]

This re-rip is for those newer visitors, but especially for KingCake, because I know how much he loves these grooves.

This date was produced much more by Richie Cole than me, but I learned a lot during the session. Mostly, it was firsthand experience with the darker side of the jazz life. But I loved the almost pop quirks of Don’s song selection when he gave a wonderful reading of the obscure theme song to the almost forgotten movie of the novel The World of Suzie Wong. ~ Fred Seibert.

This record is smoking hot. The personnel are all on point but the real draw here for me is the incredible synergy between Patterson on the B-3 and Cole on sax in tunes like; Trenton Makes The World Takes and The World of Susie Wong. Most tunes on the record feature Patterson and Cole jamming on one another with Juris adding ambiance on the guitar, though Juris features more prominently on The Good Life and in several excellent solos elsewhere. Billy James plays some tight drums with a great groove throughout the record. All in all another top deck release for Muse; if you are a fan of jazz-funk and soul-jazz, this is one to get. ~ S. Caron.

Muse Records, MR 5121, 1977

Recorded 31^st January, 1977 At CI Recording, New York City

Personnel:

Don Patterson - Organ, Arp Synthesizer

Richie Cole - Alto Saxophone

Vic Juris - Electric Guitar

Billy James - Drums

Tracks:

A1. Room 608 {Horace Silver} (5:49)

A2. Bossa de Leon {Richie Cole} (9:37)

A3. Trenton Makes The World Takes {Richie Cole} (6:02)

B1. [The World Of] Susie Wong {George Dunning, Sammy Cahn} (11:05)

B2. The Good Life {Sacha Distel, Jack Reardon} (9:09)

B3. Harold's House Of Jazz {Rex Cadwallader} (4:30)

Credits:

Producers - Fred Seibert & Richie Cole

Engineers - Chuck Irwin & Fred Seibert

Cover Design & Photo - Hal Wilson

Liner Notes - Bill Bennett (Radio Free Jazz)

Eric Kloss - Bodies' Warmth

Eric Kloss - Bodies' Warmth
Muse 5077, 1975

1 Lady
2 Joni
3 Bodies' Warmth
4 Scarborough Fair
5 Mystique
6 Headin' Out

Eric Kloss - Sax ; Barry Miles - Keyboards; Vic Juris - Guitar; Harvie Swartz - Bass; Terry Silverlight - Drums

I can remember a time in my life when I though this was the hippest music I had ever heard. What a difference..... The album is still quite good (dare I use the phrase 'a seminal work of fusion?) but I have to admit it sounds dated at times and I always liked Barry Miles acoustic piano best even though he was one of the most interesting electric keyboard players ever.

This album should probably be titled 'Prodigies' as three quarters of the band were indeed prodigies in every sense of the word. Barry Miles was playing professional gigs with established stars like Woody Herman at 9 years old! He was a drummer then and still used his family name Silverlight (why in the world would you change THAT?) but later morphed into a pianist with blinding chops. His little brother Terry (some 15 years his junior if I remember right) took over the drumming in the family and he was a recorded pro at 12. Eric Kloss took until the ancient age of 15 or 16 to sign his first Prestige contract but he had been gigging professionally since 12 when he took the stage with Sonny Stitt! Miles may well have been the guy who first coined the term Fusion; he was composing, playing and writing about it at Princeton in 1964! Kind of puts him way up at the front of the curve ehh?

A little dated in places to be sure and why in the world they ever decided to play Scarborough Fair will be for others to figure out - surely there was SOME better Pop vehicle for sales. This was a frequent working band for Eric, unlike the other configurations featured on his Muse dates.