Manuel Rocheman - Cactus Dance (2007)

Manuel Rocheman has been in this category for a long time. The one where the "L" of freedom becomes capital letter. Having the process of recording a disc with two partners renowned for their immense talents and their deep dedication, "Cactus Dance" has a hell of a program in store for us, long before listening to the first note. The album starts off with a simple joke, "Aulnay Blue". A fast tempo completely masked by the rhythmic construction of the theme. And as if there was not enough camouflage, this first melody is doubled in the bass by the double bass. Child's play. What follows is all the more disturbing. This is the second track, "You must believe in Spring", Which brings us back to earth with the poetry of spring and its promises. As Bill Evans did too little, on this track alone, Manuel switches to Fender Rhodes from bar to bar, with that monstrously awesome and lyrical inner vocals. This instrument gives an intriguing dimension to Manuel's left hand playing. Let's talk about it. This left hand offers us firmly present chords. It is often a choice for pianists to access modernism by safeguarding codes from the past. For this pianist, it is a question of a finely appropriate code, that of systematically placing the chords during a chorus. What helps make this system more current is the personal sensitivity it puts in the choice of notes for these chords. We can only raise the level of maturity reached by Manuel Rocheman. The extraordinary Mexican drummer Antonio Sanchez who accompanies him produced this record without using the Latin colors of his drums. This usual expert in mixed sounds has given up this touch in order to fully immerse himself in the leader's modern jazz universe. The refinement is at its maximum when entering the "special drums" at the end of the waltz "Cactus Dance". The gentle frenzy of chopsticks on the skin is developed by an entirely interior energy. Scott Colley is in search of accuracy. Time is an obsession for this 44-year-old double bass player, without taking away the spontaneity of the dialogue with the drummer. They two combine a plot in perpetual motion. Despite some unwelcome "bland", several titles on the disc bring us back to the trio's great classics and the influence they bring to Manuel. A tribute to Keith Jarrett through "So tender", Rocheman style. Let’s not forget "Comrade Conrad" too, a magical piece with an Evansian aesthetic where Manuel, after his solo intro, is joined by the two North American musicians, also giving their majestic tribute to the legendary trio of Scott Lafaro and Paul Motian. To end this ballad of memories, also note this double-homage with "I love you", recorded with 2 different rhythmic points of view. The joke game ends in the good mood of nostalgia. A loving playful nostalgia. ~ Tristan Loriaut, lesdnj.over-blog.com. 

Nocturne Records, NTCD412, 2007
Recorded 21st & 22nd March, 2006 at Systems Two Recording Studios, Brooklyn, NY 

Musicians:
Manuel Rocheman - Piano, Fender Rhodes (#2)
Scott Colley - Bass
Antonio Sanchez - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Aulnay Blue {Manuel Rocheman} (4:16)
02. You Must Believe In Spring {Michel Legrand} (6:13)
03. Batida De Coco {Manuel Rocheman} (6:21)
04. Cactus Dance {Manuel Rocheman} (7:00)
05. So Tender {Keith Jarrett} (6:28)
06. Prato Feito {Toninho Horta} (6:58)
07. Comrade Conrad {Bill Evans} (6:36)
08. I Do It For Your Love {Paul Simon} (4:59)
09. El Mosquito {Manuel Rocheman} (2:51)
10. Waltz For Marianne {Manuel Rocheman} (4:50)
11. I Love You 7/4 Version {Cole Porter} (7:32)
12. I Love You 4/4 Version {Cole Porter} (7:52) 

Total Time: 71:56

Credits:
Producer - Manuel Rocheman
Recording Engineer - Joe Marciano
Assistant Engineer - Max Ross
Mixing Engineer - Charles Caratini
Mastering Engineer - Raphael Jonin
Photography - Guy Vivien, Manuel Rocheman
Artwork - Alexandra de Lapierre 

This album is a Manuel Rocheman piano trio release after a longish spate of time, four years. Essentially, it is an easy-to-listen and responsive work. It encompasses Roschman's own work, and that of Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, and Cole Porter's works, all of which are very captivating tunes. The first song, which has a strange time signature and a sharp twist, is very aggressive. From there the album progresses in a mixture of dynamism and entrancing trio dialogue. In essence, the participation of Scott Cory and Antonio Sanchez indeed plays an important role in breaking new ground in Roschmann progressive development.

Buddy Johnson - Buddy Johnson At The Savoy Ballroom (1945-1946)

The Buddy Johnson material on this Archives Of Jazz release is taken from radio broadcasts which originated at the Savoy Ballroom, New York in the fall of 1945 and the spring of 1946. Buddy Johnson & Walkin Rhythm Orchestra never fails to entertain and this LP in particular is a great compilation to get you started. Ripped from a well-loved vinyl there's not more to say other than sit back and imagine yourself at the savoy ballroom in the mid-forties. Intertwined in the mix are some wonderful vocals by Buddy’s sister Ella and male vocalist Arthur Prysock, Enjoy!!! 

Jazz Archives, JA-25, 1975
Recorded fall of 1945 and the spring of 1946 

Musicians:
Buddy Johnson - Piano
Dupree Bolton, Frank Brown, John Wilson, Willis Nelson - Trumpet
Bernard Archer, Gordon Thomas, Leonard Briggs - Trombone
Joe O'Laughton - Alto Saxophone
Dave Van Dyke, Jimmy Stamford - Tenor Saxophone
Teddy Conyers - Baritone Saxophone
Jerome Darr - Guitar
Leon Spann - Bass
Teddy Stewart - Drums
Arthur Prysock, Ella Johnson - Vocals 

Tracks:
A1. [Theme] Walk 'Em / Opus #2 {Buddy Johnson} (5:44)
A2. Since I Fell For You {Buddy Johnson} (3:55)
A3. St. Louis Blues {W. C. Handy} (3:30)
A4. Waitin' For The Train To Come In {Sunny Skylar, Martin Block} (2:25)
A5. Night Shift {Erskine Hawkins, Billy Butterfield} (2:50)
A6. Jodi {Buddy Johnson} (4:37)
B1. One O’Clock Boogie {Count Basie, Jimmy Mundy, Milton Ebbins} (4:34)
B2. The Otherside Of The Rainbow {Buddy Johnson} (2:48)
B3. Exactly Like You {Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh} (2:13)
B4. One For A Nickel {Buddy Johnson} (4:48)
B5. Gee, It’s Good To Hold You {Allan Roberts, Doris Fisher} (2:37)
B6. In There {Kenny Hallon, Buddy Johnson} (3:25)
B7. Traffic Jam {Artie Shaw, Teddy McRae} (4:33)
B8. [Theme] If You Never Return {Buddy Johnson} (2:11) 

Total Time: 50:09

Kenny Wheeler & John Taylor - Where Do We Go From Here? (2004)

On 14th January 2005, Kenny Wheeler turns 75, and the title of this duo album on Italy's CamJazz label very likely sums up his attitude to the landmark day. The Toronto-born trumpeter, flugelhorn player and composer has been quietly but progressively inventive all his life (the British jazz scene has been the main beneficiary, since his move here in 1952), and that hasn't changed since he entered his 70s. As with Chet Baker later in life, slight hesitancies of pitching and intonation now seem only to add deeper timbres of humanity to Wheeler's voice, which can be remote at times. The music here, however, is anything but distant, with Wheeler's improvising on 10 songs (mostly originals) full of glancing ambiguities and softly startling turns. Pianist John Taylor is dazzling all the way through, without disrupting the fragile romanticism of his composing partner's muse. 

Wheeler balances idiosyncratic melodic journeys with shrewdly placed accents and his trademark falsetto squeal on the only imported piece (Summer Night), with Taylor first patrolling supportively around him, then launching into a solo flood of time-changes, percussive sounds, classical rhapsodies and ambiguous chords. Taylor's plangent Au Contraire and the dignified dance of Canter exemplify this session's mix of improvisational inventiveness and harmonic audacity. The title track is a lost-and-found exercise, the irresolute steps of its opening becoming firmer as the theme unfolds, and Taylor's steadily pulsing Dance deploys colourful trumpet overdubs. Ostensibly low-key and twilit music, but a quiet turmoil of invention beneath. ~ by John Forsham, TheGuardian.com. 

C.A.M. Jazz, CAMJ 7764-2, 2004
Recorded 17th-19th February, 2004 at Artesuono Studio, Cavalicco, Udine, Italy 

Musicians:
Kenny Wheeler - Trumpet, Flügelhorn
John Taylor - Piano 

Tracks:
01. Summer Night {Al Dubin, Harry Warren} (6:21)
02. For Tracy {Kenny Wheeler} (5:04)
03. Mabel {Kenny Wheeler} (5:01)
04. Au Contraire {Kenny Wheeler} (4:31)
05. Canter N. 1 {Kenny Wheeler} (5:25)
06. Squiggles {Kenny Wheeler} (5:57)
07. One Two Three {Kenny Wheeler} (6:45)
08. Where Do We Go From Here? {Kenny Wheeler} (5:12)
09. Dance {Kenny Wheeler} (3:38)
10. Fordor {Kenny Wheeler} (6:20) 

Total Time: 54:14

Credits:
Producer - Ermanno Basso
Recording, Mixing & Mastering Engineer - Stefano Amerio
Management Contractor - Andrea Marini
Photos - Luca D'Agostino
Graphics - Studio Grafite
Sleeve Notes - Ian Carr 

Trumpeter Kenny Wheeler and pianist John Taylor have worked together in many settings through the years. Their duet set features lyrical explorations of nine originals and Harry Warren's "Summer Night." Wheeler and Taylor often echo each other's thoughts and, although much of the music is melancholy and ballad-oriented, it never gets sleepy or overly predictable. The two musicians operate as equals and consistently uncover quiet beauty in these pieces. This outing is well worth exploring by those who are patient and listen closely. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

Rick Margitza - This Is New (1991)

For his third release as a band leader, the Crescent City's former resident "pays homage to the tradition." The title song by George Gershwin tells all: this is a new approach to standard material. Backed by some heavy contemporary mainstream musicians, the album remains consistent throughout, with the rhythm section swinging hard under subtle improvisation. Although only 30-years-old, Margitza’s playing is mature and controlled, with a smooth and pure bright-edged tone. He expresses himself through note choice and in his own unique approach to phrasing, rather than through exuberant dynamics and spastic runs. Even his fat runs are effortless and in perfect time, and his out-of-range high notes sustain tone and pitch. Pianist Joey Calderazzo complements Margitza perfectly with his smooth style; with single-note phrases in his right hand, he also plays reservedly and can burn smoothly in perfect time. Drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts swings hard on the cymbals and ties it all together following the soloists and the other accompaniment intuitively, and Robert Hurst drives it all with a thumping, full-toned bass. Margitza's own "Beware of the Dog" is a minor modal piece with Tim Hagans on trumpet. Hagans' tone blends with Margitza’s on the haunting gypsyish melody. They explore the basic melodic outline of "On Green Dolphin Street," Margitza's straight tone echoing back to Miles Davis' muted trumpet sound. And on the ballad, "Everything Happens to Me," Margitza proves his bright tone can also serenade us. ~ Anthony Clark, Off Beat Magazine. 

Blue Note, CDP 7 97196 2, 1991
Recorded 27th-28th May, 1991 at Power Station, New York City 

Musicians:
Rick Margitza - Tenor Saxophone, Arranger
Joey Calderazzo - Piano (#1,2,4-7,9)
Robert Hurst - Acoustic Bass
Jeff "Tain" Watts - Drums
Tim Hagans - Trumpet (#5 only) 

Tracks:
1. This Is New {Ira Gershwin, Kurt Weill} (5:18)
2. On Green Dolphin Street {Bronislaw Kaper, Ned Washington} (9:59)
3. Body And Soul {Frank Eyton, Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour} (5:37)
4. Just In Time {Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jule Styne} (6:29)
5. Beware Of The Dog {Rick Margitza} (8:49)
6. Invitation {Bronislaw Kaper, Paul Francis Webster} (5:30)
7. Everything Happens To Me {Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer} (5:33)
8. When Will The Blues Leave? {Ornette Coleman} (7:07)
9. Gypsies {Rick Margitza} (6:36) 

Total Time: 61:02

Credits:
Producer - Matt Pierson
Recording Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Matthew "Boomer" LaMonica
Mastering Engineer - Bob Ludwig [Masterdisk]
Design - Mark Larson
Photography - Michael Williams
Art Direction - Cynthia Cochrane

Rick Margitza - Color (1989)

Rick Margitza's debut features the playing of a young tenor-saxophonist who mixes together the usual influences: Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane. In his favor is that Margitza's 11 originals (performed with a septet that includes guitarist Steve Masakowski, pianist Joey Calderazzo and Jim Beard on synthesizers) range from a Coltranish blues to the poppish "Color Scheme," from brooding ballads to uptempo straightahead explorations. The main weak point is that some of Margitza's solos sound as if he they were taken straight from exercise books. Less formal studying and more jamming will probably eventually eliminate that problem for Margitza certainly had the technique and the power at this early point in his career. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Blue Note, CDP 592279, 1989
Recorded April - May, 1989 at Power Station, New York 

Musicians:
Rick Margitza - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Steve Masakowski - Guitars [7 & 12-String Acoustic, 7-String Electric]
Joey Calderazzo - Piano
Jim Beard - Synthesizers
Marc Johnson - Acoustic Bass
Adam Nussbaum - Drums
Airto Moreira - Percussion 

Tracks:
01. Widow's Walk (4:59)
02. Color Scheme (6:08)
03. Ferriss Wheel (5:18)
04. Our Song (3:16)
05. Walts (5:46)
06. Change-Up (7:12)
07. Anthem (4:40)
08. Brace Yourself (6:14)
09. Karensong (4:41)
10. We Stand Adjourned (5:00)
11. Point Of View (1:28) 

All Compositions by Rick Margitza

Total Time: 54:49

Credits:
Producer - Matt Pierson, Rick Margitza
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Jason Corsaro
Assistant Engineer - Bruce Calder, Ben Fowler, Dan Gellert
Mastering Engineer - Bob Ludwig [Masterdisk]
Art Direction & Photography - Carol Friedman

Geri Allen - The Life Of A Song (2004)

Life of a Song is Geri Allen's first recording under her own name in six long years. She teams with the rhythm section of bassist Dave Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette, whom she worked with on the late Betty Carter's stellar live date Feed the Fire in 1993. Allen composed eight of the album's 11 cuts, and the covers include Bud Powell's "Dance of the Infidels," Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life," and Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes." This last selection is augmented by the participation of Marcus Belgrave on flugelhorn, saxophonist Dwight Andrews, and trombonist Clifton Anderson. The album's title reflects the depth of commitment to the song forms inherent in jazz. Allen is in fine form here, and one can hear her various instrumental and vocal influences. The album swings, but looks underneath swing for its subtleties and its edges, too. The set opens with a playful, pianistic dissonance on "LWB's House (The Remix)" -- and lest punters be alarmed, the tune is not "remixed" at all, but is actually an earlier composition reworked. The bluesy funk here is augmented with Afro-Cuban rhythms and a series of tonal shifts where Allen is trying to emulate the African stringed instrument, the kora. Swing is inherent in every chorus, and Holland and DeJohnette keep the pace relaxed yet deeply focused. The interplay between Holland and Allen on "Mounts and Mountains" -- particularly during the bassist's solo passage -- are remarkable as she responds with a contrapuntal solo that draws on both Herbie Hancock and Ahmad Jamal. Elsewhere, on the Powell tune her facility to usher it in a relaxed, easy way, and then dazzle with her two-handed counterpoint in the solo showcase Allen's quick wit and dazzling chromatic command. The title cut, with its obvious Hancock homage in the head and swinging head, is one of the album's many high points. This is a trio date that has all the elements: an indefatigable lyricism and honesty of emotion, as well as beautiful colors and deft, even uncanny engagements among the three principals. What a welcome return for Allen, who expertly displays she's been refining her chops and listening deeply to her Muse these past six years ~ by Thom Jurek, AMG. 

Telarc Jazz, CD-83598, 2004
Recorded 16th & 17th January, 2004 at Avatar Studios, Studio C, New York 

Musicians:
Geri Allen - Piano, Arranger
Dave Holland - Bass
Jack DeJohnette - Drums 

Guests:
Marcus Belgrave - Flugelhorn
Dwight Andrews- Saxophone
Clifton Anderson - Trombone 

Tracks:
01. LWB's House [The Remix] {Geri Allen} (5:55)
02. Mounts And Mountains {Geri Allen} (8:08)
03. Lush Life {Billy Strayhorn} (8:15)
04. In Appreciation: A Celebration Song {Geri Allen} (6:13)
05. The Experimental Movement {Geri Allen} (7:13)
06. Holdin' Court {Geri Allen} (4:41)
07. Dance Of The Infidels {Bud Powell} (4:05)
08. Unconditional Love {Geri Allen} (5:19)
09. The Life Of A Song {Geri Allen} (5:24)
10. Black Bottom {Geri Allen} (4:34)
11. Soul Eyes {Mal Waldron} (5:41) 

Total Time: 65:28

Credits:
Producer, Audio Production, Liner Notes - Geri Allen
Audio Production, Producer - Elaine Martone
Executive Producer - Robert Woods
Production Supervisor - Erica Brenner
Audio Engineer, Engineer, Mixing & Mastering - Michael Bishop
Engineer - Ed Meitner
Assistant Engineer - Peter Doris
Production Coordination - Ora Ross Harris
Art Direction, Design - Anilda Carrasquillo
Photography - Shonna Valeska
Liner Notes - Dan Ouellette

Enrico Pieranunzi - In That Dawn Of Music (1990-93)

A marvelous compilation of works by Enrico Pieranunzi spanning the years 1990 till 1993. All tracks are taken from live dates spread across venues in Denmark, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. As a result, he is accompanied by unique players from those countries whilst on tour. Many of these groupings have appeared on some of his Soul Note records from this period, but like other ‘giveaways’ by the Musica Jazz magazine these tracks have been compiled from unreleased ‘live’ recordings. So many thanks to that magazine for promoting and perpetuating another fantastic resource for Jazz Lovers throughout the world. 

Musica Jazz/Soul Note, SNMJ 003-2, 1993
13th August, 1990 (#1) Broadcast from Danish Radio, Copenhagen, Denmark
12th March 1993 (#2) at Ivrea Jazz Festival, Turin, Italy
27th August, 1992 (#3) at Roccella Ionica, Calabria, Italy
21st November, 1992 (#4) at "Fabrik", Hamburg, Germany
13th December, 1990 (#5) Broadcast, Radio Suisse Romande, Lausanne, Switzerland
27th August, 1992 (#6) Live at Roccella Ionica, Calabria, Italy
18th April, 1990 (#7) in Rome, Italy
20th November, 1992 (#8) at "Jazzhouse", Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano (All Tracks)
Pietro Tonolo - Tenor Saxophone (#4)
Stefano D'Anna - Tenor Saxophone (#7)
Mads Vinding - Bass (#1)
Enzo Pietropaoli - Bass (#4,7,8)
Marc Johnson - Bass (#5)
Alex Riel - Drums (#1)
Paul Motian - Drums (#3,6)
Fabrizio Sferra - Drums (#4,8)
Roberto Gatto - Drums (#7) 

Tracks:
1. Someday My Prince Will Come {Larry Morey, Frank Churchill} (7:57)
2. Impromptu No. 5 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (4:30)
3. Anthropology {Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie} (6:52)
4. What's What {Enrico Pieranunzi} (12:06)
5. Je Ne Sais Quoi {Enrico Pieranunzi} (8:52)
6. Straight No Chaser {Thelonious Monk} (4:48)
7. In That Dawn Of Music {Enrico Pieranunzi} (7:39)
8. Someday My Prince Will Come {Larry Morey, Frank Churchill} (11:22) 

Total Time: 64:06 

Notes:
Given away free with "Musica Jazz" Magazine, n. 10/93

Max Ionata, Dado Moroni - Two For Duke (2012)

The artistic paths of Dado Moroni and Max Ionata intersect in honor of Duke Ellington, giving life and sound to Two for Duke. A one-way trip to Ellingtonia, a land created by two of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, Duke Ellington and his collaborator Billy Strayhorn - a man who avoided the limelight yet many believe to be the true inspiring source of Ellingtonian aesthetic. Regardless of who did what, these two contemporary geniuses left an indelible mark on music in general, not only on jazz. Ellington and Strayhorn invented something new, laying the harmonic and melodic foundations of a musical language that was several decades ahead of their time. Produced by Jando Music, in collaboration with Via Veneto Jazz, this album reflects the passion that Dado and Max always shared for Duke's music, heavily influencing them through time. The refined dialogue between sax and piano portrays all the passion, love, and admiration for this great American jazz musician who indelibly shaped world musical heritage. Moreover, Dado Moroni worked extensively with key sidemen from Ellington's band such as bassist Jimmy Woode and drummer Sam Woodyard, allowing him to fully immerse himself into the original sounds of the man who, according to many, is considered the greatest composer in jazz history. Thanks to prominent saxophonist Max Ionata's extraordinary interpretative skills, these sounds are unquestionably present in Two for Duke. 

Via Veneto Jazz, VVJ 077, 2012
Recorded January 2012 at Casa del Jazz, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Max Ionata - Tenor Saxophone
Dado Moroni - Piano, Bass (#7), Vocals (#11) 

Tracks:
01. All Day Long {Billy Strayhorn} (4:09)
02. Lotus Blossom {Billy Strayhorn} (3:50)
03. Perdido {Juan Tizol} (4:32)
04. Day Dream {Duke Ellington, John LaTouche, Billy Strayhorn} (4:45)
05. The Intimacy Of The Blues {Billy Strayhorn} (6:36)
06. All Too Soon {Duke Ellington, Carl Sigman} (5:41)
07. Just Squeeze Me {Duke Ellington, Lee Gaines} (4:57)
08. Heaven {Duke Ellington} (5:39)
09. What Am I Here For? {Duke Ellington, Frankie Laine} (4:55)
10. Come Sunday {Duke Ellington} (3:33)
11. In My Solitude {Duke Ellington, Eddie DeLange} (4:05) 

Total Time: 52:46 

Producer - Jando Music

Patti Austin, James Morrison - Ella & Louis [2CD] (2017)

Following on from their sellout BBC Proms performance, legendary Grammy award-winning vocalist Patti Austin and Australian trumpet maestro James Morrison come together to relive the timeless hits of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong in their new album on ABC Jazz. Recorded live in concert across two sold-out nights at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Austin and Morrison are joined by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of the centennial of Fitzgerald's birth. Patti Austin experienced the legendary pair first-hand: "To grow up watching, learning from Ella and Louis, and now to do my part to hopefully enhance their legacy it just doesn't get any better than that!', she comments. Few performers have the credentials to pull off a fitting and genuinely thrilling tribute to 'The First Lady of Song' Ella Fitzgerald but Austin possesses the heritage, experience and voice to do so. Since debuting at the Apollo Theatre at the tender age of four, with the encouragement of her godparents Dinah Washington and Quincy Jones, Austin's six-decade career has seen her work with artists as diverse as Randy Brecker, Michael Jackson and George Benson. As a virtuoso instrumentalist and ambassador for jazz, James Morrison has followed closely in the footsteps of Louis Armstrong. In 2017, Morrison was invited to perform in a tribute to Armstrong at the BBC Proms, earning stellar reviews across the international press; his Great American Songbook, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, recently won the ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album. Morrison and Austin reunited for this recording after their previous performance together at the Montreux Jazz Festival with Quincy Jones. The landmark collaboration between Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong was the pinnacle of an era. This album features the very finest from their songbook: Let's Do It, Lullaby of Birdland, Basin Street Blues, Miss Otis Regrets and much more, totalling almost two hours of unforgettable music. "If you enjoy this disc even half as much as we enjoyed making it, you're having a very, very good time indeed." - James Morrison "As long as there are interpreters like Patti Austin and James Morrison, there will always be a full house for quality jazz" ~ ArtsHub. 

ABC JAZZ, ABC 481 6483, 2017
Recorded June 2017 in Hamer Hall, Melbourne, Australia,
as part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival 

Personnel:
Patti Austin - Vocals
James Morrison - Trumpet, Trombone, Piano
Jake Barden - Saxophone (#102)
Mark Fitzgibbon - Piano
William Morrison - Guitar
Harry Morrison - Bass
Patrick Danao - Drums 

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
============================
Benjamin Northey - Conductor
John Marcus - Concertmaster 

Patrick Williams - Arranger (#103,106-108,202-204,207,209)
Gordon Goodwin - Arranger (#104,109,208,210)
James Morrison - Arranger (#201)
Graeme Lyall - Arranger (#205) 

Tracklist: 

CD1:
01. Hello, Dolly! {Jerry Herman} (4:32)
02. [Up A] Lazy River {Sidney Arodin, Hoagy Carmichael} (6:12)
03. Too Close For Comfort {Jerry Bock, Larry Holofcener, George David Weiss} (3:28)
04. Let’s Do It {Cole Porter} (5:22)
05. [If You Can’t Sing It] You’ll Have to Swing It [Mr Paganini] {Sam Coslow} (4:47)
06. Our Love Is Here To Stay {George Gershwin} (5:30)
07. A-Tisket, A-Tasket {Van Alexander, Ella Fitzgerald} (2:56)
08. Satin Doll {Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn} (2:26)
09. Lullaby Of Birdland {George Shearing} (3:54) 

Time: 39:07

CD2:
01. Basin Street Blues {Spencer Williams} (4:29)
02. Miss Otis Regrets {Cole Porter} (5:08)
03. Hard-Hearted Hannah [The Vamp Of Savannah] {Milton Ager} (2:58)
04. Honeysuckle Rose {Fats Waller} (4:31)
05. I’ve Got The World On A String {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (3:26)
06. Struttin' With Some BBQ {James Morrison} (6:41)
07. But Not For Me {George Gershwin} (4:50)
08. Mack The Knife {Bertolt Brecht, Kurt Weill} (3:48)
09. How High The Moon {Morgan Lewis} (4:59)
10. Get Happy {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (6:07) 

Time: 46:57 

Total Time: 86:04

Credits:
Producer, Editing - Duncan Yardley
Executive Producer - Toby Chadd
Engineer - Russell Thomson
Mixing & Mastering - Virginia Read

J.D. Allen Quintet - In Search Of (1999)

For tenor saxophonist, J.D. Allen's debut as a leader, he wisely chose experienced Italian trumpeter Fabio Morgera as the second horn, along with a young, dynamite rhythm section. Allen is from the post-Coltrane school: His tone is big and strong, and burly. Except for Ornette's "Lonely Woman," Allen composed all the charts, and they are surprisingly mature and memorable. Shedrick Mitchell is the pianist on only a few tracks; on the remainder, the horns are backed only by a smashing Rodney Green on drums, and the solid Eric Revis on string bass. Sure, the music sounds a bit derivative, but these fellows are having a blast from the past as they wrestle the changes. Morgera is splendid on trumpet and deserves greater international recognition, which this recording will hopefully bring him. ~ by Steve Loewy, AMG. 

RED Records, 123283 - 2, 1999
Recorded August, 1998 at 900 Studios, New York, NY 

Musicians:
J.D. Allen - Tenor Saxophone
Fabio Morgera - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Shedrick Mitchell - Piano (#1,4,7)
Eric Revis - Bass
Rodney Green - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Jaya-Paul {J.D. Allen} (5:51)
02. Omar {J.D. Allen} (7:45)
03. Little Joe {J.D. Allen} (6:10)
04. Mudee Ya {J.D. Allen} (8:59)
05. Peebow's Vibe {J.D. Allen} (5:05)
06. In Other Words {J.D. Allen} (5:40)
07. In Search Of {J.D. Allen} (5:37)
08. Catch 22 {J.D. Allen} (6:02)
09. Monica Ann {J.D. Allen} (4:58)
10. Lonely Woman {Ornette Coleman} (8:00) 

Total Time: 64:07

Credits:
Producer Fabio Morgera
Executive Producer - Sergio Veschi
Recording & Mastering Engineer - Hiro Sanada
Mastering Engineer - Ryoji Hata
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi

Andy LaVerne, Dave Samuels - Fountainhead (1989)

Andy LaVerne has developed into a top-notch pianist, particularly during his tenure on Steeplechase. This duo date with Dave Samuels, who switches between vibes and marimba on this date, has the energy of Chick Corea's duets with Gary Burton. The innovative descending vamp that resonates repeatedly in "All the Things You Are" and hard-swinging rendition of "How Deep Is the Ocean" help these familiar standards seem like new. LaVerne and Samuels each brought four originals to the session: the pianist's lively "ATB" and the mysterious title track stand out, while Samuels' compositions aren't quite as memorable. ~ Ken Dryden, AMG. 

SteepleChase Records, SCCD 31261, 1990
Recorded 28th June, 1989 

Musicians:
Andy LaVerne - Piano
Dave Samuels - Vibraphone, Marimba 

Tracks:
01. All The Things You Are {Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II} (6:01)
02. Severe Clear {Andy LaVerne} (7:56)
03. ATB {Andy LaVerne} (4:40)
04. Come To Me {Andy LaVerne} (4:41)
05. My Asian Land {Dave Samuels} (5:08)
06. ECB {Dave Samuels} (4:53)
07. Fountainhead {Andy LaVerne} (3:51)
08. Round Corners {Dave Samuels} (7:12)
09. Summernight {Harry Warren, Al Dubin} (6:53)
10. Waiting For You {Dave Samuels} (3:15)
11. How Deep Is The Ocean? {Irving Berlin} (4:55) 

Total Time: 59:25

Credits:
Producer, Photo - Nils Winther
Recording Engineer - Jim Anderson

Howard Tate - I Learned It All The Hard Way (flac)

 I have to confess that I was not going to honor this request at first, but today is a different day and I have never been shy about crossing genre lines here at the Crypt so what the hell, why not? Don't know Howard Tate? Well this is a pretty good introduction to a powerhouse singer. The production levels on most of this stuff are superior! Every now and then a little break from Jazz don't kill ya!

Hank Crawford - Roadhouse Symphony (1985)

All of Hank Crawford's many recordings for Milestone in the 1980s and '90s are worth picking up by his fans although this reasonably enjoyable outing is not one of the more essential ones. The soulful altoist is joined by Dr. John on piano and organ, guitarist Melvin Sparks, bassist Wilbur Bascomb, Jr., drummer Bernard Purdie and a five-piece horn section (Houston Person and David "Fathead" Newman get a tenor solo apiece) for a set mostly comprised of group originals plus the old ballad "Say It Isn't So" and Thomas A. Dorsey's spiritual standard "Precious Lord"; Dr. John takes a vocal on his "Tragick Magick." ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Milestone Records, M-9140, 1985
Recorded 5th, 6th & 12th August, 1985 At Quadrasonic Sound, New York City 

Musicians:
Hank Crawford - Alto Saxophone, Arranger, Conductor
Alan Rubin, Randy Brecker - Trumpet
David "Fathead" Newman - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax [Solo] (#B3)
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone [Solo] (#A1)
Howard Johnson - Baritone Saxophone
Dr. John - Piano, Organ, Vocals (#A2)
Melvin Sparks - Guitar
Wilbur Bascomb Jr. - Bass
Bernard Purdie - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Roadhouse Symphony {Melvin Sparks} (5:48)
A2. Tragick Magick {Mac Rebennack} (4:38)
A3. Jubilee {Hank Crawford} (5:01)
A4. Say It Isn't So {Irving Berlin} (4:48)
B1. Time Is On Our Side {Mac Rebennack, Walter Bullock} (6:12)
B2. Precious Lord {Thomas Dorsey} (5:14)
B3. Sugar Ditch {Hank Crawford} (6:13) 

Total Time: 37:54

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Engineer - Malcolm Addey
Engineer [Assistant] - David Sussman
Mastering - George Horn
Cover, Artwork, Design - Jamie Putnam
Art Direction - Phil Carroll
Photography - Phil Bray

Terell Stafford - Time To Let Go (1995)

This scintillating set is appropriately titled Time to Let Go and truly reflects the trumpeter's musical state of mind. Firmly established as a contemporary jazz master, Terrell Stafford is now getting the critical acclaim his talent deserves. Unlike many of his peers, he is nothing short of seasoned. He spent five years touring with Bobby Watson's scintillating post-bop quintet, which included pianist Ed Simon, drummer Victor Lewis and saxophonists Steve Wilson and Tim Warfield who join Terell here, together with vibraphonist Steve Nelson.

 

Candid Records, CCD 79702, 1995
Recorded 8th-9th March, 1995 at Power Station Studios, New York

Musicians:
Terell Stafford - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Steve Wilson - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone (#2,4)
Tim Warfield - Tenor Saxophone (#4,9)
Edward Simon - Piano
Steve Nelson - Vibraphone (#2,6)
Michael Bowie - Bass
Victor Lewis - Drums (Except #5)
Victor See-Yuen - Percussion (#2,8) 

Tracks:
1. Time To Let Go {Terell Stafford} (4:43)
2. Was It Meant To Be? {Stephen Scott} (6:15)
3. Polka Dots And Moonbeams {Johnny Burke, James van Heusen} (5:55)
4. Qui Qui {Terell Stafford} (7:15)
5. On The Trail {Harold Adamson, Ferde Grofé} (8:09)
6. Why? {Terell Stafford} (4:31)
7. Soon {Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers} (6:26)
8. Send In The Clowns {Stephen Sondheim} (5:47)
9. Just A Closer Walk With Thee {Traditional, Arr. Terell Stafford} (3:42) 

Credits:
Producer, Mastering, Arranger - Terell Stafford
Executive Producer - Alan Bates
Engineer, Mixing - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer, Mixing Assistant - Scott Austin, Scott Young
Session Photographer - Mitchell Seidel
Mastering - Dave Glasser
Cover Photo - R. Andrew Lepley

J.D. Allen - Victory! (2011)

The third album by tenor saxophonist J.D. Allen's working trio with bassist Gregg August and drummer Rudy Royston is the shortest and most compressed one yet. He's a player given to concision; the majority of pieces on 2008's I Am I Am and 2009's Shine! were in the three- to four-minute range, but pieces on Victory! frequently come in well shy of the three-minute mark. He says what he's got to say, allows his bandmates (particularly Royston) to assert themselves, and then it's over. Intensity and focus are here, but almost no self-indulgence. This is surprising enough, but it becomes even more so when one reflects on how much Allen's tone and even his phrasing on the horn recall John Coltrane circa 1964. Many of the ideas heard here seem like variations on ones explored on classic Coltrane discs like Crescent and The John Coltrane Quartet Plays. That's not to suggest that Allen isn't a unique and compelling voice, because he absolutely is. But he's working within a tradition and making no bones about it. Anyone looking for a modern, relatively young (Allen was born in 1972) mainstream tenor player to champion would do well to check out everything the J.D. Allen Trio releases. ~ by Phil Freeman, AMG. 

Sunnyside Communications, SSC 1280, 2011 

Musicians:
J.D. Allen - Tenor Saxophone
Gregg August - Bass
Rudy Royston - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Victory! (4:08)
02. The Pilot's Compass (5:03)
03. The Thirsty Ear (2:01)
04. Sura Hinda (4:20)
05. The Learned Tongue (2:08)
06. Philippe Petit (2:55)
07. Motif (2:23)
08. Fatima (2:54)
09. Mr. Steepy (3:26)
10. Stairway To The Stars (2:24)
11. The Hungry Eye (1:42)
12. Recapitulation [The Pilot's Compass] (2:58) 

All Compositions by J.D. Allen 

Total Time: 36:22 

Victory! promises to solidify Allen's reputation as one of jazz's most dynamic and inspiring tunesmiths. Transcending a dissolute early life to create some of his era's most memorable music, this album features Allen's high-octane rhythm section, bassist Gregg August and drummer Rudy Royston. "Wasting notes is a waste of time," says Allen. These songs, most of them no longer than three or four minutes, stand out for their melodicism and intensity, ablaze with memorable hooks and riffs by all three band members. Throughout the album, Allen and his band mates eschew long solos in favor of setting a mood or stating an intention and then following through taking the form of a classical sonata - a theme and variations which end conclusively - Victory! offers twelve succinct, interwoven compositions. ~ Extract by Amazon Editorial.

Aldo Romano - Complete Communion To Don Cherry (2010)

At the helm of an Italian-French quartet composed of Fabrizio Bosso, Géraldine Laurent and Henri Texier, Aldo Romano pays homage to the figure of Don Cherry with the twelve tracks of Complete Communion, an impromptu project that later became stable and today a record for Dreyfus. It is a journey of great impact through the artistic journey of the American trumpeter - who passed away fifteen years ago - where several of his compositions are investigated, completed by some passages signed by Ornette Coleman and a single original title. At the heart of the proposed music is the great harmony between the members of the group - each with remarkable technical and expressive qualities -, the desire to elevate the music towards moments of absolute value and the desire to remember a musician who has a good slice of jazz was decisive. The album does not present - as one might have imagined - great moments of avant-garde tension and improvisation, while a sufficiently linear mainstream prevails. Modern record in being so tied to tradition, but sparkling and proactive in its decisive pace, which never loses the thread of the narrative discourse. Music with smooth outlines, but with points of interest within, such as the leader's inexorable and elegant drumming, the precision of sound developed by Bosso and the flexibility of Géraldine Laurent's interventions. An excellent opportunity, therefore, for those who want to frame the figure of Don Cherry differently, as well as for those - albeit out of time - who want to get closer to this essential icon. ~ by AAJI Staff, AAJ. 

Dreyfus Jazz, FDM 46050369662, 2010
Recorded 22nd & 23rd February, 2010 

Musicians:
Aldo Romano - Drums
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet
Géraldine Laurent - Saxophone
Henri Texier - Bass 

Tracklist:
01. Remembrance {Don Cherry} (5:25)
02. Elephantasy {Don Cherry} (5:18)
03. Music Man {Don Cherry} (4:20)
04. Spring Is Here {Don Cherry} (4:24)
05. Jayne {Ornette Coleman} (4:01)
06. Complete Communion {Don Cherry} (3:17)
07. Don Song {Don Cherry} (2:17)
08. The Blessing {Ornette Coleman} (5:02)
09. Mother Of The Veil {Ornette Coleman} (3:47)
10. Gush !! {Aldo Romano} (2:42)
11. Art Deco {Don Cherry} (4:05)
12. When Will The Blues Leave {Ornette Coleman} (4:12) 

Total Time: 48:50 

Credits:
Producer - Aldo Romano, Francis Dreyfus
Recording Engineer - Jeff Ginouvès
Recording Assistant - Cécile Coutelier
Mixing & Mastering Engineer - René Ameline
Mixing Assistant - Guillaume Dujardin
Mastering Assistant - Benjamin Joubert
Photos - Jean-Baptiste Millot
Artwork - Suite 303
Liner Notes - Philippe Carles

Joe Locke, Rosario Giuliani, Dado Moroni - Stepping On Stars (2011)

The 2009 edition of Umbria Jazz has proposed in its calendar an unprecedented and interesting trio consisting of Joe Locke on the vibraphone, Rosario Giuliani on the sax and Dado Moroni on the piano. The three concerts in Perugia, particularly followed by the public, gave listeners the opportunity to enjoy a preview of the very original project formulated and performed by the trio. This project was recorded on the occasion by EGEA Music and is the subject of the CD “Stepping on Stars”. This CD represents the fifth title of the prestigious EGEA - Umbria Jazz series. The work of Stepping on stars escapes a simple classification. It draws heavily on the language of Jazz but presents new elements. It is undoubtedly chamber music, characterized by a great formal balance between the parts, but it is also fluid music, the result of the creative contribution of individuals. The themes, almost always "cantabile", are the object of refined elaborations by each musician: the inspiration of Rosario Giuliani, the refinement of Joe Locke, the immediacy of the interventions by Dado Moroni. All without ever making an easy concession to mannerism, to complacency. Enjoyable music, never banal. [Translated from Italian] ~ ibs.it. 

Egea Records [Umbria Jazz], EUJ 1005, 2011
Recorded at Auditorium Santa Cecilia, Perugia / Egea Recording Hall July, 2009 

Musicians:
Joe Locke - Vibraphone
Rosario Giuliani - Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Dado Moroni - Piano 

Tracks:
1. Sword Of Whispers {Joe Locke} (8:07)
2. My Angel {Rosario Giuliani} (6:37)
3. Brother Alfred {Dado Moroni} (5:00)
4. Beatrice Rose {Joe Locke} (7:02)
5. Love Is A Pendulum {Joe Locke} (6:10)
6. Stepping On Stars {Joe Locke} (6:49)
7. Alone {Dado Moroni} (3:38)
8. The Peacocks {Jimmy Rowles} (7:34) 

Total Time: 50:57

Credits:
Coordinator, Supervisor, label - Marco Suraci
Recording Engineer - Angelo Cioffi

Matt Wilson, Larry Goldings, Dennis Irwin, Terell Stafford - Arts and Crafts (2001)

For his fourth Palmetto CD, Matt Wilson sends his regular quartet on a brief vacation and recruits Terell Stafford on trumpet, Larry Goldings on piano (not organ), and Dennis Irwin on bass. Previous efforts with the Matt Wilson Quartet and with Dewey Redman have gained Wilson a left-of-center reputation, but on Arts and Crafts the drummer confounds expectations altogether. He begins with Rahsaan Roland Kirk's "Stompin' Grounds," a no-frills ride through "Stompin' at the Savoy" changes. Two tracks later, the band runs down Bud Powell's "Webb City," packing an enormous punch without exceeding four minutes. But just when it seems this might be a bebop record, the band puts a boogaloo spin on Ornette Coleman's "Old Gospel" and throws yet more curves on Wilson's three adventurous originals. "Lester," written in honor of the late Lester Bowie, develops into a slow shuffle blues; "Final Answer," a diatonic free bop theme, features Goldings challenging the ears with some bracingly "outside" playing; and the title track, a slow groove, again finds Goldings reaching in subtle but marked contrast to the superb bop playing he does elsewhere on the disc. (Indeed, Goldings' presence is one of the album's biggest draws, not least because his outings on acoustic piano are so rare.) Back in straight-ahead mode, the group offers George Gershwin's "Love Walked In," Hal Hopper's "There's No You," and Nelson Cavaquinho's bossa classic "Beija-Flor." The disc wraps up with a soothing, simple arrangement of the folk melody "All Through the Night." On balance, this could be considered Wilson's most straight-ahead record yet, but it's clearly not Wilson's intention to fit neatly into any category. If anything, with Arts and Crafts he seems to insist, quite eloquently, that musicians need not declare allegiance to any of jazz's warring camps. ~ David R. Adler, AMG. 

Palmetto Records, PM 2069, 2001
Recorded 2nd October, 2000 At Maggie's Farm, Buck's County, Pennsylvania 

Musicians:
Matt Wilson - Drums
Terell Stafford - Trumpet
Larry Goldings - Piano
Dennis Irwin - Bass 

Tracks:
01. Stompin' Grounds {Rahsaan Roland Kirk} (5:37)
02. Lester {Matt Wilson} (5:21)
03. Webb City {Bud Powell} (3:43)
04. Beija-Flor {Nelson Cavaquinho} (5:40)
05. Final Answer {Matt Wilson} (4:43)
06. There's No You {Hal Hopper} (3:16)
07. Arts and Crafts {Matt Wilson} (5:35)
08. Old Gospel {Ornette Coleman} (5:12)
09. Love Walked In {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (6:55)
10. All Through The Night {Traditional} (5:04) 

Total Time: 51:06 

Credits:
Producer, Engineer - Matt Balitsaris
Design - Jason Grotrian
Photography - Jimmy Katz

Zach Brock - The Magic Number (2010)

The Magic Number is an acoustic trio with Zach Brock on violin, Matt Wigton on bass, and Fred Kennedy on drums, as well as wordless vocals and pitched percussion. The group's unusual instrumentation allows for a wide variety of sounds, from sparse to dense, and the group’s repertoire is a mix of Zach's original compositions with original arrangements of modern and classic jazz and pop standards. The absence of either piano or guitar demands extra harmonic duties from each member of the trio, including chordal techniques from the strings and a more contrapuntal approach to the musical arrangements overall. ~ achbrock.

Secret Fort Records, 60205, 2011
Recorded 20th-22nd May, 2010 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Zach Brock - Violin, Violin [Baritone], Voice
Matt Wigton - Bass
Frederick Kennedy - Drums, Percussion
Scott Anderson - Percussion [Additional], Vocals 

Tracks:
1. Yeah Yeah Yeah {Zack Brock} (5:52)
2. Summer Dance {Zack Brock} (6:23)
3. You Don't Know What Love Is {Don Raye, Gene DePaul} (6:32)
4. Sno' Peas {Phil Markowitz} (5:22)
5. Brooklyn Ballad {Zack Brock} (4:42)
6. Golden Nuggets {Zack Brock} (5:26)
7. Man Of The Light {Zbigniew Seifert} (6:24)
8. In The Dark {Zack Brock} (7:20) 

Total Time: 48:01 

Credits:
Producer, Mixing & Mastering - Scott Anderson
Recording Engineer - Michael Brorby
Graphic Design - Janis Vogel 

Seriously, Violin Jazz
==================
Zack Brock plays violin. And he plays jazz. And he's fantastic on his instrument. But that's not the real secret of this album. The full value lies in Mr. Brock's abilities as a leader and writer. This is a serious jazz album, through and through. Tempos, keys, and themes vary from song-to-song, but the album holds together very nicely as a whole. The recording is beautiful, you can hear the timbre on each instrument. Production is kept to a minimum so you can appreciate the playing for itself. Highly recommended--No Household Should Be Without (NHSBW). ~ docviper, Amazon.com.

Joe Locke - For The Love Of You (2009)

Honoring various composers, vibraphonist Joe Locke has led his group for three years in an annual gig at Dizzy's Coca Cola Club in New York. Recently Locke decided to record the output with the happy result being For The Love Of You. Four top-flight musicians are gathered for this gig - pianist Geoffrey Keezer, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Clarence Penn. Joining the four, little-known vocalist Kenny Washington - Vocals (not to be confused with the renowned drummer of the same name) is the real star here. How they all got together is an interesting story. Locke met Washington singing in a small venue in Half Moon Bay, Northern California. He was so impressed with what he heard that he decided to collaborate with him in the future. He got the chance during Mancini week at Dizzy's, an event that honored film composer Henry Mancini. This was the beginning of what became a yearly get-together. After the first year, the program expanded to include the music of other film-score writers, including Johnny Mandel and Ennio Morricone. In 2009, the scope was widened further, bringing in material from pop-rockers the Isley Brothers and Neil Young, along with standards and Locke originals. Washington is heard on seven of the ten tracks. He has a smooth tenor voice with a four-octave range. At all times, he respects the lyrics. Each number, whether slow ballad or swing, he stays with the story. In a style akin to Nat King Cole, he begins in a mellow mood with Mancini's "Two for the Road." Next the atmosphere warms with a bouncy version of Lane/Harburg's "Old Devil Moon." The backup from Locke and his crew could not be better. They create a sphere for the vocals to shine while leaving ample space for all to show their solo talents. Three instrumental tracks further emphasize their collective prowess. A centerpiece of the record is Mandel's "The Shadow of Your Smile." At the start, Penn's up-tempo drumming is effective counterpoint to Washington's leisurely pace. Soon it builds toward an explosive climax. Keezer and Locke further add sparks with torrid solos, and Washington finishes with a coda that vividly shows off his wide range. Of the instrumentals, Morricone's "Cinema Paradiso" is a winner. Mraz's stately bowed-bass opening gives way to dreamy solos by Locke and Keezer. Mraz concludes the piece with a lovely pizzicato flourish. ~ by Larry Taylor, AAJ. 

E1 Entertainment, E1E-CD-2046, 2010
Recorded 11th-12th May, 2009 At Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Joe Locke - Vibraphone, Arranger
Geoffrey Keezer - Piano
George Mraz - Bass, Arranger
Clarence Penn - Drums
Kenny Washington - Vocals (#1-4,6,7,9) 

Tracks:
01. Two For The Road {Leslie Bricusse, Henry Mancini} (5:04)
02. Old Devil Moon {E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, Burton Lane} (7:34)
03. For The Love Of You {Ernie Isley, Chris Jasper} (6:01)
04. Verrazano Moon {Joe Locke} (6:30)
05. I Miss New York [When I Been Gone Too Long] {Joe Locke} (4:57)
06. Birds {Neil Young} (4:56)
07. The Shadow Of Your Smile {Johnny Mandel, Ben Webster} (7:57)
08. Cinema Paradiso {Ennio Morricone} (5:24)
09. Pure Imagination {Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley} (5:27)
10. Bright Side Up {Joe Locke} (5:11) 

Total Time: 59:01 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Joe Locke
Producer - Todd Barkan
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Michael Marciano
Mastering Engineer - Alan Silverman [Art Studio]
Management - nadworks. ltd Nadja von Massow
Arranger - Art Hirahara, Pat O'Leary
Artwork, Graphic Design - Nadja von Massow
Cover Photo - Christoph Risch
Photography - Russ Titelman, Alexandros Lambrovassillis, Tom Marcello

Geri Allen - Jazz A La Villette, France (2016) [flac] + [mkv]

Geri Allen's long career proved that she felt as at ease as a front woman as well as a side-woman in most jazz groupings. She was awarded the first winner of the Lady Of Soul in Jazz, a testament of her ability to have adapted and evolve over time, clearly shown in her musical flexibility somewhat reflective in the career of McCoy Tyner whom she plays a wonderful tribute. On this date she performs three of Tyner's tunes utilising his bassist Gerald Cannon and drummer Francisco Mela that also accompanied McCoy and Craig Taborn on the same evening. Geri chooses some brilliant Tyner compositions in a fitting compliment to the master pianist. In addition to these three tracks Geri expresses her heartfelt words acknowledging him as an inspiring and a truly impressive ambassador to the jazz world. Of course, Geri in her own right was a phenomenal player and contributor to jazz. Essentially, she alongside McCoy have left their mark and legacy for future generations of jazz lover to enjoy! 

France Musique [arte concert]
Recorded 11th September, 2016 at grand auditorium, Philharmonie de Paris, France 

Musicians:
Geri Allen - Piano
Gerald Cannon - Bass
Francisco Mela - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Peresina {McCoy Tyner} (12:02)
2. You Taught My Heart To Sing {McCoy Tyner} (10:24)
3. Four By Five {McCoy Tyner} (6:21)
4. Talk {Geri Allen} (0:45) 

Total Time: 29:32 

Note:
Included is a trimmed and edited video of Geri, Gerald & Francisco in action. It is a section of Jazz à la Villette: "Echoes with a Friend" with Geri Allen, Craig Taborn & The McCoy Tyner Trio (2016).