Hiroki Miyano - Manhattan Skyline (1981, 2007)

Hiroki's own creative life began in Sapporo. As noted elsewhere on the web, Hiroki grew up collecting jazz records of early personal music idols like John McLaughlin and Django Reinhardt. By the age of 10, Hiroki had already bought a guitar and in short time began taking his first steps to play out around Tokyo’s storied jazz clubs. Somehow, in 1981, the noted editor of J-Jazz magazine Swing Journal clued in one Teo Macero (of Miles Davis fame) to the stylings of this young upstart. Shortly, Hiroki was signed to a contract with huge Japanese label Phillips and was sent out to NYC to record an album of originals with Teo functioning as producer. Working with truly gifted/prolific jazz session cats like Marcus Miller, Buddy Williams, and Ryo Kawasaki, they’d use his debut album (Manhattan Skyline) to launch off his career. ~ Extract by Diego Olivas, fondsound.com. 

Philips Records, 27PJ-1, 1981
Philips/Universal, DCT-1921, 2007
Recorded 17th-18th November, 1980 at Media Sound Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Hiroki Miyano - Acoustic Guitar, Arranger
Jeff Mironov - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Warren Bernhardt - Fender Rhodes
Jorge Dalto - Acoustic Piano
Ryo Kawasaki - Guitar Synthesizer
Marcus Miller - Electric Bass
Carol Steele - Percussion
Buddy Williams - Drums
Guests:
George Young - Soprano Sax, Sopranino (#1,3,5,7,9)
Dave Valentin - Flute (#2,4)
Ilana Morillo - Vocals (#3,8,9)

Tracks:
1. Let's Make Merry {Hiroki Miyano} (3:32)
2. Sunset City {Hiroki Miyano} (6:26)
3. Teo's Dance {Hiroki Miyano} (5:22)
4. Bird On The Wind {Hiroki Miyano} (5:23)
5. Slow Down For Love {Earl Klugh} (4:00)
6. Song Of Clouds {Ryo Kawasaki} (4:15)
7. Summer Light {Teo Macero} (3:28)
8. Go Away From Summer {Hiroki Miyano} (3:15)
9. Manhattan Skyline {Hiroki Miyano} (5:33) 

Total Time: 41:20 

Credits:
Executive Producer, Liner Notes - Hiroki Miyano
Producer, Arranger - Teo Macero
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Carl Beatty
Assistant Engineer - Lincoln Clapp
Cutting Engineer - Hiroshi Yuasa
A&R - Hiroshi Mitsuka
Design - Masao Ohgiya
Photography [Cover] - Tadayuki Naitoh
Photography - David Tan 

Bird On The Wind

Jimmy Ponder, Ron Carter, Ben Green - I Giganti Del Jazz, Vol. 28 (1981) [vinyl]

A rare piece of vinyl released on the Italian Curcio Records label in 1981. Jimmy is in top form joined by bassist Ron Carter, drummer Ben Green and pianist Warren Bernhardt. On the last track it is suggested according a few sources that saxophonist William Skinner and organist Jimmy McGriff also come into the grouping. Jimmy showcases four of his own compositions along with one from Sam Jones and another from Miles Davis. Overall, a worthwhile earlier addition to Jimmy Ponder's discography that truly demonstrates his virtuosity and the emergence of a great guitarist. 

Curcio Records, GJ-28, 1981
Recorded prob. New York City: c. 1980 (?) 

Musicians:
Jimmy Ponder - Guitar
William Skinner - Tenor Saxophone (#B3)
Warren Bernhardt - Piano (#A1,A3,B1,B2), Electric Piano (#A2)
Jimmy McGriff - Organ (#B3)
Ron Carter - Bass
Ben Green - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Seven Minds {Sam Jones} (4:46)
A2. Visions {Jimmy Ponder} (7:51)
A3. Ponder'n {Jimmy Ponder} (5:33)
B1. Blues Bag {Jimmy Ponder} (4:06)
B2. All Blues {Miles Davis} (5:42)
B3. Pices {Jimmy Ponder} (5:36) 

Total Time: 33:34 

Blues Bag

Jeremy Steig - This Is Jeremy Steig (1969) [vinyl]

Excellent heavy flute jazz, real proper rare-groove stuff. Next to Bobbi Humphrey I personally feel there is no finer rare-groove flautist than this guy. He can be a little psychedelic at times, but he always stays on the right side of avant-garde. Like Harold Alexander he also sings/shouts through the flute whilst playing it. I personally love this technique as it makes the flute sound really extreme, almost pushed too far, and you end up with these great distorted flute/vocals noises. A must own album if you like your funky jazzy stuff. ~ MH1000, RYM. 

Solid State Records, SS 18059, 1969

Musicians:
Jeremy Steig - Flute, Alto Flute, Piccolo Flute, Bansuri
Warren Bernhardt - Electric Piano
Glen Moore - Bass, Electric Upright Bass
Donald MacDonald - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Flute Diddley {Jeremy Steig} (6:43)
A2. Hang On To A Dream {Tim Hardin} (3:02)
A3. Teresa's Blues {Chris Hills} (11:00
B1. Don't Make Promises {Tim Hardin} (5:40)
B2. Rational Nonsense {Jeremy Steig} (7:44)
B3. Lenny's Tomb {Tim Hardin} (5:11)
B4. Insanity {Jeremy Steig} (0:58)
B5. Mac D {Jeremy Steig} (2:06) 

Total Time: 42:24 

Credits:
Producer - Sonny Lester
Engineer - Malcolm Addey
Art Direction - Frank Gauna 

Ripped from a well-loved piece of wax, but regardless of some obvious surface noise, this rare bit of vinyl is a choice insight into Jeremy Steig’s marvellous early musical career. He is joined by pianist Warren Bernhardt, bassist Glen Moore and drummer Donald MacDonald. The album features three compositions by folksinger Tim Hardin whom Steig had accompanied in 1966, including: 

Hang On To A Dream

Steps Ahead - Magnetic (1986)

Released in the mid-80's, it has the era's sound and feel, a mix of pomp rock, synth-orchestral fills with polished soloing mixed into the whole. The talented jazz musicians who appear on the album I believe give credence to my statement. The first track, 'Trains' is a bombastic synth-driven tune, with Peter Erskine's solid drum patterns providing a rock beat as a typically fine and multiplied sax solo from Mike Brecker and squealing solo from Hiram Bullock's guitar provide two high points among the pomp. It promises much, yet by itself would be enough. 'Beirut', the next track, keeps the momentum going with an understated yet funky bass line from Victor Bailey, with unsettling synth phrasing and a solo from Mike Mainieri bringing the 8-minute track to a brash close. 'Cajun' follows, a straight-up be-bop rhythm with underlying banjo plucking from Peter Schwimmer and Mainieri's vibes helping to drive it along; while Brecker's mid-point solo develops into a surprising big band sax section. Next is 'In A Sentimental Mood', the Duke Ellington staple played electronically, and this leads into the track 'Magnetic Love', the one possibly created as a single, though sounding like the track for the closing credits of one of those 80's films we endured because it was all that was left in the video store. Let's move on. 'Sumo' comes next, a quirkily funky track with elements reminiscent of the Brecker skunk-funk sound. It grows on you while grating at the same time. 'All The Tea In China' is a richer sounding tune, the ensemble easing you into the penultimate track; 'Something I Said', a slow, lilting tune dominated by Brecker's sax, freed from any electronic alteration, and Mainieri's synthi-vibes. Bailey's bass provides a rumbling counterpoint to the poignant sax and mellow vibes. The last track 'Reprise (Magnetic Love)' eases in, with Brecker's sax playing over the track. It lasts just over a minute (way too short!) And closes the album. ~ Johnny L, 5 Stars, Amazon.com. 

Elektra Musician, 960 441-2, 1986
#1,6: Recorded at Bear Tracks Studios & Electric Lady Studios, New York
#2,3,8: Recorded at Skyline Studios, New York
#4,5,9: Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, New York
#7: Recorded at Plant Sound, New York 

Personnel:
Mike Mainieri - Synthi-vibe (#1,2,3,6,8), Vibes (#7), Keyboards (#1,2,4), Synthesizers (#5,9)
Michael Brecker - Tenor Saxophone (#1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9), Steiner EWI (#1,3,4,6,7),
Oberheim Xpande (#2,3,4,7)
Chuck Loeb - Electric Guitar (#1,2,3,6,7,8), Acoustic Guitar (#1), Guitar Synthesizer (#1,2,3,6)
Victor Bailey - Bass (#1,2,3,6,7,8)
Peter Erskine - Drums (#1,2,3,6,8), Percussion (#1,2,6,7), Synthesizers (#7,8) 

Additional Musicians
See details in Archive 

Tracks:
1. Trains {Mike Mainieri} (7:30)
2. Beirut {Michael Brecker, Chuck Loeb, Mike Mainieri} (8:17)
3. Cajun {Michael Brecker} (6:18)
4. In A Sentimental Mood {Ellington, Kurtz, Mills} (3:33)
5. Magnetic Love {Mike Mainieri, Scott Martin} (5:35)
6. Sumo {Michael Brecker} (5:52)
7. All The Tea In China {Peter Erskine} (5:06)
8. Something I Said {Peter Erskine} (4:13)
9. Magnetic Love [Reprise] {Mike Mainieri, Scott Martin} (1:25) 

Total Time: 47:54

Credits:
Producer - Mike Mainieri, George Duke
Engineers - Malcolm Pollack, Neil Dorfsman, Rick Kerr, James Farber,
Joe Barbaria, Jay Rifkin, Andrew Heermans
Engineer [Assistants] - Jamie Chaleff, Ken Steiger, Rick Begin, Scott Ansell,
Bridget Daly, Robin Lane, Kevin Killian, Tim Purvis
Mixing - Malcolm Pollack, James Farber, Michel Sauvage,
Michael Brauer, Tom Lord-Alge

In A Sentimental Mood

Mike Mainieri - Journey Thru An Electric Tube (1968) [vinyl]

It’s sad that Mike Mainieri never received the attention he so richly deserved with Journey Thru An Electric Tube, as the album was recorded exceedingly well, managed in its construction to be both forward looking and forward thinking, being one of the most enduring of the vibraphone releases, where it delivered and channeled its sound in an easy to appreciate low volume, was not for one moment abrasive, and totally ideal for a 60’s kick back lounge around the living room atmosphere. Mike was a pioneer with his introduction of the electronic vibraphone, then known as the synth-vibe. The album is effortless, fluid, soulful at times, smooth and laced with some cool 60’s inspired tripped out vibes, along with visionary and contemporary flute and guitar playing by Jeremy Steig that shouldn’t be missed. Yet the praises only begin there, a total of nine artists assembled to make this album the timeless classic it is today, along with a first-rate engineering, recording, pressing and a solid heavy jacket that has also stood the test of time. The album has never as yet been released on compact disc. Simply an absolute pleasure to spin. ~ Extract by Jenell Kesler, discogs.com. 

Solid State Records, SS-18049, 1968 

Musicians:
Mike Mainieri - Vibraphone, Vocals
Jeremy Steig - Flute
Warren Bernhardt - Piano, Organ
Joe Beck - Electric Guitar
Sam T. Brown - Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar
Hal Gaylor - Bass
Chuck Rainey - Electric Bass
Donald MacDonald - Drums
Sally Waring - Vocals
String Quartet 

Tracks:
A1. It's All Becoming So Clear Now {Mike Mainieri} (5:28)
A2. The Wind {Mike Mainieri, Sally Waring} (6:24)
A3. Connecticut Air {Sally Waring} (2:50)
A4. We'll Speak Above The Roar {Mike Mainieri} (6:25)
B1. The Bush {Mike Mainieri} (2:58)
B2. I'll Sing You Softly Of My Life {Mike Mainieri} (4:50)
B3. Yes, I'm The One {Mike Mainieri, Sally Waring} (0:48)
B4. Allow Your Mind To Wander {Mike Mainieri} (14:15) 

Total Time: 43:58 

Credits:
Producer - Sonny Lester
Engineer - Malcolm Addey
Photography - Bob Braco

Art Farmer with Joe Henderson - Yama (1979) [vinyl>flac, 24-bit/48khz]

Many critics have looked upon the majority of CTI recordings as a ploy to commercialise jazz, Scott Yanow being no exception. However, when approached again with newer ears and less prejudice, Creed Taylor has certainly left a legacy of some very fine albums. This album in particular finds Art Farmer playing beautifully alongside Joe Henderson’s solid tenor; producing some very powerful Jazz-Funk/Fusion interpretations. It is an LP which I have relished for many a year. Ripped to FLAC at 24-bit/48khz I hope you also will find it just as fascinating and enjoyable.

Trumpeter Art Farmer has recorded six albums in his name for the CTI label whose enigmatic "Guanabara" with Brazilian singer Ithamara Koorax, which was never published. It is also found on the album of Bob James' BJ4 "and that of Yusef Lateef" Autophysiopsychic ". His lyrical breath, his balanced phrasing, his game while retaining, at times reminiscent of Chet Baker. Throughout his career, he faced several music styles without losing his soul or his talent, as demonstrated by this recording from 1979 with a funky rhythm section. As usual, he plays in a duo orchestra. We remember the wonderful "Big Blues" with Jim Hall recorded a year earlier. But this time, the saxophonist Joe Henderson, another jazz legend, who shares the bill. His quick game lets out moments of incredible sweetness. The texture of his sound is unique in these moments. Despite the presence of excellent classmates (Steve Gadd, Will Lee, David Spinozza, John Tropea ...), the result is rather mixed. Vibraphonist Mike Maineri, in control for the first time, seems to fail creating a real osmosis between all these musicians.  ~ ctifanblog.

Flugelhornist Art Farmer's fourth and final LP for CTI also features tenor-saxophonist Joe Henderson. The material (which includes originals by Clare Fischer, Joe Zawinul, Don Grolnick and Mike Mainieri) is not the most memorable and the funky rhythm section (which is greatly expanded) does not really blend all that well with the styles of Farmer and Henderson so this set is not as exciting as one might hope. A decent but largely forgettable effort. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

CTI Records, CTI 9000, 1979

Recorded and Mixed April 1979 at Power Station Studios, New York

Personnel:

Art Farmer - Flugelhorn

Joe Henderson - Tenor Saxophone

Don Grolnick, Warren Bernhardt, Fred Hersch - Keyboards

Mike Mainieri - Synthesizer, Vibraphone, Arranger

David Spinozza, John Tropea - Guitar

Eddie Gomez - Bass

Will Lee - Electric-Bass

Steve Gadd - Drums

Sammy Figueroa - Percussion

Suzanne Cianni - Synthesizer Programming

Track Listing:

A1. Dulzura {Clare Fischer} (8:21)

A2. Stop [I Think Again] {Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb} (4:08)

A3. Young And Fine {Joseph Zawinul} (6:26)

B1. Lotus Blossom {Don Grolnick} (6:43)

B2. Blue Montreux {Mike Mainieri} (7:12)

Credits:

Producer - Creed Taylor

Associate Producer, Arranger - Mike Maineri

Engineer - Neil Dorfsman

Mastering - Rudy Van Gelder

Cover Illustration - Susannah Kelly

Cover Design & Photography [inside] - Alen MacWeeney

Design - Neal Pozner

Calligraphy - Bernard Maisner