David Liebman Quartet - Sweet Fury (1984) [vinyl]

A hard to find From Bebop To Now vinyl pressing of a quartet formed by David Liebman during a visit to Canada in 1984. Recorded over two days at Puget Sound, Toronto, Liebman teams up with pianist, vibist, bassist, producer, engineer and composer “Full Nelson” Don Thompson, bassist Steve La Spina and drummer Claude Ranger. Together they lay down some very dynamic grooves verging on free improvisational jazz. For this recording David showcases six of his own compositions and known for his multi reed virtuosity chooses both soprano sax and flute as his tour de force. His flute playing in particular is very haunting on "Tender Mercies", backed by some beautiful accompaniment by Don Thompson on piano. The rest of the team aren't left out of the picture, there's some dynamic bass by Steve La Spina right throughout. In addition, Claude Ranger contributes not only in rhythm but with his own composition "Feu Vert", plus the striking cover photo. Overall, a very engaging and entertaining outing, a must for any David Liebman fan, enjoy! 

From Bebop To Now, BBN 1002, 1984
Recorded 23rd, 24th March, 1984 at Puget Sound, Toronto, Canada 

Musicians:
David Liebman - Soprano Saxophone, Flute
Don Thompson - Piano, Vibes, Bass
Steve La Spina - Bass
Claude Ranger - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Full Nelson {Don Thompson} (8:14)
A2. A Distant Song {David Liebman} (3:35)
A3. Nadir {David Liebman} (3:11)
A4. Spring '82 {David Liebman} (3:06)
B1. Missing Person {David Liebman} (3:59)
B2. Tender Mercies {David Liebman} (10:50)
B3. Feu Vert {Claude Ranger} (5:44)
B4. A Picture Of Dorian Grey {David Liebman} (1:36) 

Total Time: 40:15 

Credits:
Producer, Engineer - Don Thompson
Producer, Engineer, Jacket Design - Hal Hill
Photography [Front] - Claude Ranger
Photography [Back] - Bill Smith
Jacket Design - Norma Thompson

Gato Barbieri - Yesterdays (1974) [re-rip]

Fantastic slice of latin jazz. The album smokes from start to finish, with Gato in his prime as a sax player. Also featuring the great bass of Ron Carter and the fine drumming of Pretty Purdy. Check out "A John Coltrane Blues" and "Marnie". ~ jimslim11

Gato Barbieri wails his jazz-sax to some great latin rhythms. The title track is complex, driving, and joyous. Driving percussion, thumping bass. Brilliant playing. When they dive into Coltrane's "Village Blues" - (here called "A John Coltrane Blues), ya better strap on your seat belts. ~ phnuggle

Flying Dutchman, BDL 1-0550, 1974

Recorded in New York; 1974

Musicians:

Gato Barbieri - Tenor Saxophone

George Dalto - Piano

Ron Carter - Bass

Paul Metzke - Electric Guitar

Bernard "Pretty" Purdie - Drums

Babafemi - Congas

Raymond Mantilla - Timbales

Tracks:

A1. Yesterdays {Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach} (10:44)

A2. A John Coltrane Blues {John Coltrane} (8:19)

B1. Marnie {Bernard Herrmann, Peter Jason, Gloria Shayne} (7:08)

B2. Cariñoso {Pixinguinha} (10:53)

Total Time: 37:04

Credits:

Producer - Bob Thiele

Recording Engineer - Bob Simpson

Eddie Fisher Quintet - The Third Cup (1969) [re-rip]

Edward Thomas Fisher was born March 4, 1943 and after listening for only a few moments you know he's the one...he's the important part of the next legend...the legend of "Boss String-Pickers." Good guitar players are not easy to come by. Reason: the guitar can't be faked. In other words, you can't ride the wind on someone else's blowing. Charlie Christian, Johnny Smith, Barney Kessell, Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery are club members in Guitar's "Hall of Fame." They all wore the label Boss Guitar, and I'm sure they'll be remembered for their varied contributions to modern music. But the Bossest Guitar of 'em all could belong to this young mover from the east...East St. Lois, by way of Little Rock, Arkansas. ~ by Leo Chears, Liner Notes.

Eddie Fisher (1943-2007) came out of Wes Montgomery & Grant Green, but on his Cadet albums there's a spareness, a rawness, a looseness in his playing. The whole album is excellent. The title track is one of the high masterpieces of soul-jazz. The best stuff here isn't funk, it's shimmering, limber, spare steppers; with organ and a second, rhythm guitar, and one Paul Jackson on bass.

Cadet Records, CA 828, 1969

Recorded February, 1969 at Saico Studios, St. Louis, Missouri

Musicians:

Eddie Fisher - Lead Guitar

Phil Westmoreland - Rhythm Guitar

Bobby Selby - Organ

Paul Jackson - Bass

Kenny "Spider Webb" Rice - Drums

Tracks:

A1. Scorched Earth {Eddie Fisher} (3:11)

A2. A Dude Called Zeke {Eddie Fisher} (6:12)

A3. Shut Up {Eddie Fisher} (6:43)

A4. The Third Cup {Eddie Fisher} (5:59)

B1. Two By Two {Oliver Lake} (3:20)

B2. Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Be-Do-Da-Day {Stevie Wonder, Cosby, May} (3:36)

B3. The Shadow Of Your Smile{Johnny Mandel, Paul Francis Webster} (11:02)

Credits:

Producer & Engineer - Oliver Sain

Cover Photography & Album Design - Jerry Griffith

Liner Notes - Leo Chears, KADI-FM, St. Louis, Missouri

The Third Cup

Karl Berger, Dave Holland - All Kinds Of Time (1976) [vinyl]

Relatively few of Karl Berger's recordings have been made available in the U.S. (he has lived most of his life in his native Germany), but this Sackville release has generally been one of the easier ones to acquire. A set of rather dry duets with bassist Dave Holland, Berger is heard interpreting five of his originals on vibes, piano and balafon, showing originality and taking chances on each of his instruments. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

As per usual Scott’s ears are very conservative, relying heavily on his love of pure-line jazz. Listeners that wish to explore improvisational avenues will well appreciate this outing, enjoy! 

Sackville Records, 3010, 1976
Recorded 26th April, 1976 at Thunder Sound, Toronto, Canada 

Musicians:
Karl Berger - Piano, Vibraphone, Balaphon
Dave Holland - Bass 

Tracks:
A1. Simplicity (7:58)
A2. Perfect Love (4:03)
A3. Fragments (9:20)
B1. The Beginning (5:08)
B2. Now Is, D'Accord, All Kinds Of Time, We Are (15:55) 

All Compositions by Karl H. Berger 

Total Time: 42:24 

Credits:
Producers - Bill Smith, John Norris
Recording Engineer - Phil Sheridan
Cover [Batik] - Cloe, Karla & Natasha Smith
Cover Photography & Art - Bill Smith

Donald Brown - Enchanté ! (1998)

Donald Brown is a phenomenal composer in his own right, but he primarily concentrates on overlooked gems during these 1998 sessions. He's joined by alto saxophonist Bill Easley (who doubles on clarinet and flute), trumpeter and flügelhornist Stephane Belmondo, vibraphonist Steve Nelson, bassist Essiet Essiet, and drummer Billy Higgins. Brown's imaginative scoring of Billy Strayhorn's gorgeous ballad "Day Dream" showcases Nelson's sparse vibes and Easley's lyrical clarinet. Thad Jones' "Quiet Lady," one of many treasures that awaits discovery by the jazz world, is an easygoing waltz with crisp brushwork by Higgins. Duke Pearson, another neglected composer, is represented with a driving rendition of "Big Bertha," a piece that could easily have been a part of Brown's repertoire while he was music director for Art Blakey. Easley's haunting flute is backed solely by Brown's thoughtful piano in a brilliant arrangement of Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain," which also spotlights Belmondo's rich flügelhorn. The one standard of the date is a snappy cover of "Like Someone in Love." Donald Brown also contributed three originals, with the upbeat "Enchanté!" especially standing out. Fans of this veteran pianist should snap up this French CD without hesitation. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Space Time Records, BG 9910, 1998
Recorded 12th & 13th January, 1998 at Avatar Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Donald Brown - Piano, Arranger, Composer
Stéphane Belmondo - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Bill Easley - Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Steve Nelson - Vibraphone
Mark Boling - Guitar, Guitar [Electric]
Essiet Essiet - Bass
Billy Higgins - Drums
Daniel Sadownick - Percussion 

Tracks:
01. Strangers In Paradise {Donald Brown} (9:47)
02. Diane {Lew Pollack, Erno Rapee} (8:55)
03. Day Dream {Duke Ellington, John Latouche, Billy Strayhorn} (6:50)
04. Quiet Lady {Thad Jones} (4:54)
05. A Dance For Marie-Do {Donald Brown} (6:10)
06. You're Looking At Me {Bobby Troup} (8:26)
07. Big Bertha {Duke Pearson} (7:16)
08. Don't Explain {Billie Holiday} (8:13)
09. Like Someone In Love {James Van Heusen} (6:52)
10. Enchanté! {Donald Brown} (7:04) 

Total Time: 74:27 

Credits:
Producer - Donald Brown
Production Coordination - Xavier Felgeyrolles
Executive Producer - Walter Squindo
Engineer - Jim Anderson
Mastering - Raphaël Jonin
Mixing - Allan Tucker

Bill Mobley Jazz Orchestra - Live At Small's Vols. 1 & 2 (1996)

The difficulties of keeping a big band together are enormous, but trumpeter/flügelhornist Bill Mobley's efforts in the York City area pay off immensely, as documented in the first of two CDs recorded in 1996 at Small's. With some of the finest musicians based in the city (including Jon Gordon, Bill Easley, Greg Gisbert, and Tony Reedus, to name but a few) and several notable guests, this is a band that musicians will especially appreciate. Mobley's arrangement of pianist Mulgrew Miller's "Farewell to Dogma" is a masterpiece, never falling into predictability, and the solos by its composer and soprano saxophonist Billy Pierce add to the freshness of this performance. The leader's "49th Street" is a snappy reworking of the chord changes to "Lover," while his rich flügelhorn and Donald Brown's intense piano solo are the focus of Mobley's "Judgement Day." Other memorable charts, by Brown, Harold Mabern, and James Williams (all special guests on the two dates heard on this CD), are every bit as potent as Mobley's writing. This release is easily one of the most enjoyable large jazz ensemble recordings from the final decade of the 20th century, and post-bop fans should snap up this French release (and its companion second volume) without further ado. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Space Time Records, BG 9805, 1997
Space Time Records, BG 9809, 1998
Recorded 17th & 18th September, 1996 Live at Smalls Jazz Club, Greenwich Village, NYC 

Musicians:
Bill Mobley - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Leader
Andy Gravish, Craig Johnson, Greg Gisbert, Jim Rotondi - Trumpet
Pat Hallaran, Tim Sessions - Trombone
Mike Fahn - Trombone [Slide & Valve]
Tim Newman - Bass Trombone
Jay Brandford - Alto Saxophone, Flute
Jon Gordon - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute
Mike Lee - Tenor Saxophone
Bill Easley - Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet
Ray Franks - Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute
Matthew Fries - Piano
Bill Moring - Bass
Tony Reedus - Drums 

Guests:
Donald Brown, Harold Mabern, James Williams, Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Billy Pierce - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Miles Griffith - Vocals

CD1:
1. Farewell To Dogma {Mulgrew Miller, Arr. Bill Mobley} (9:49)
featuring Billy Pierce, Mulgrew Miller
2. 49th Street {Bill Mobley, Arr. Bill Mobley} (8:59)
featuring Bill Mobley, Billy Pierce, Jay Brandford
3. Song For My Mother {Donald Brown, Arr. J. Schneider} (8:50)
featuring Billy Pierce, Donald Brown
4. Black Scholars {James Williams, Arr. Geoff Keezer} (9:48)
featuring James Williams, Mike Fahn, Miles Griffith
5. Judgement Day {Bill Mobley, Arr. J. Schneider} (10:46)
featuring Bill Mobley, Donald Brown
6. Alex The Great {Harold Mabern, Arr. Bill Mobley} (10:42)
featuring Bill Easley, Harold Mabern, Jon Gordon

CD2:

1. Second Thoughts {Mulgrew Miller, Arr. Bill Mobley} (12:58)
featuring Jon Gordon, Mulgrew Miller
2. Sudan Blue {Billy Pierce, Arr. Bill Mobley} (8:08)
featuring Billy Pierce, Donald Brown, Pat Hallaran
3. Chuck's Groove {Billy Pierce, Arr. Bill Mobley} (6:40)
featuring Andy Gravish, Bill Mobley, Billy Pierce, Jim Rotondi
4. Lament {J.J. Johnson, Arr. Bill Mobley} (6:45)
featuring Bill Mobley
5. For My Nephews {James Williams, Arr. Greg Hopkins} (10:05)
featuring Bill Easley, James Williams, Miles Griffith
6. Affaire D'Amour {Donald Brown, Arr. Bill Mobley} (10:00)
featuring Donald Brown, Jon Gordon 

Total Time: 58:54 + 54:36 

Credits:
Producer - Bill Mobley, Ray Franks
Executive-Producer - Walter H. Squindo
Recording Engineer - David Baker
Mastering Engineer - Raphaël Jonin
Liner Notes - Loren Schoenberg 

N.B.
Excess applause, lead-ins & commentary have been carefully trimmed and faded out.

Thelonious Monk - The Complete Prestige 10 Inch LP Collection [vinyl 24/96]

 Contributed by KingCake.

Full discographical details can be found here:

https://www.jazzdisco.org/thelonious-monk/

Ted Curson Quintet - Live At La Tête De L'Art (1962) [re-rip]

This was to be Curson's second date as a leader, the first being "Plenty Of Horn" on the Old Town label recorded in NYC in 1961. As a younger musician he is in fine form. Lots of 'Fire Down Below' in this live concert. His supporting crew are also inspirational, although unknown to me. In particular the altoist soars well with Ted's horn. Also of significance and harmony is the pianist. Overall an impressive blowing session of his own tunes; many of these would become a stable part of his repertoire. Sadly Ted is no longer with us, but this is one great place to start; to appreciate his mighty contribution to the jazz world.

Trans World Records, TWJ-7000, 1962

Recorded 15^th September, 1962 at La Tête de L'Art, Montreal, Canada

Musicians:

Ted Curson - Trumpet, Pocket Trumpet

Al Doctor - Alto Saxophone

Maury Kaye - Piano

Charlie Biddles - Bass

Charlie Duncan - Drums

Tracks:

A1. Cracklin' Bread {Ted Curson} (7:58)

A2. Ted's Tempo {Ted Curson} (7:44)

A3. Playhouse March {Ted Curson} (6:56)

B1. Straight Ice {Ted Curson} (12:34)

B2. Quicksand {Ted Curson} (8:08)

This album has also been released on vinyl as: Ted Curson - The Canadian Concert of Ted Curson Can-Am [CA 1701] LP-Mono (1983)

Ted Curson is known in jazz circles as one of those "very promising young men" as well as one of the "dynamically promising of the new wave" of young trumpeters. To list all the fine views and reviews the jazz critics have written about "TED CURSON" would not be justified in the small amount of space alloted here. Ted Curson is definitely one of the leading trumpeter-composers of the next decade. Our only hope is that many of you will have the opportunity to see and hear him in person .... ~ by Leroi Jones, extracts taken from the Liner Notes.

Ari Hoenig Punkbop - Live At Smalls (2010)

This is a killer high octane live set by drummer Ari Hoenig with his Punk Bop Band which features some of the most talented in demand players in NYC. On guitar Jonathan Kreisberg who's playing is not to be missed here. He goes from Pat Martino inspired tones to wet fx drenched Pat Metheny like sounds on his Gibson 175. On alto sax Will Vinson of the U.K. On bass is Danton Boller who anchored Roy Hargrove's fabulous 2008 album "Ear Food", Danton really lays it down here on upright bass. The music is a unique fusion of styles but it's less like 70s "fusion" and more just what modern jazz is becoming as time passes and the stylistic boundaries blur. Pick this up if you're a fan of Ari Hoenig and if you're looking for some new music to digest, I promise you'll find something to like here. Not recommended for anyone that thinks all Jazz after the 50s was crap. ~ Jonathan Guarriello, User@AllMusic.com. 

SmallsLIVE, SL-0013, 2010
Recorded 8th February, 2010 Live at Smalls Jazz Club, Greenwich Village, NYC 

Musicians:
Ari Hoenig - Drums, Arranger
Will Vinson - Alto Saxophone
Tigran Hamasyan - Piano
Jonathan Kreisberg - Guitar
Danton Boller - Bass 

Tracks:
1. Birdless (12:29)
2. Remembering (10:03)
3. Rapscallion Cattle (12:34)
4. Green Spleen (15:22)
5. Dark News (9:51)
6. Ska (12:53) 

All Compositions by Ari Hoenig 

Total Time: 73:15 

Credits:
Producer, Executive-Producer - Spike Wilner
Producer, Mixing - Ben Rubin
Engineer - Jimmy Katz
Mastering - Gene Paul, Jamie Polaski
Photography, Design - Michelle Watt 

Green Spleen

Will Vinson - Live At Smalls (2013)

London born alto saxophonist Will Vinson has been making a name for himself in New York as an exploring, cutting edge musician. Noted for his work in Ari Hoenig's group Punkbop, Vinson has been defining his sound and his own working group. With guitarist Lage Lund (also a SmallsLIVE artist) and rising piano star Aaron Parks, Marcus Gilmore on drums and Matt Brewer on bass, this is a serious set of music that includes some shimmering originals. ~ Amazon.com. 

SmallsLIVE, SL-0035, 2013
Recorded 4th-5th December, 2012 at Small Jazz Club, Greenwich Village, New York 

Musicians:
Will Vinson - Alto Saxophone
Aaron Parks - Piano
Lage Lund - Guitar
Matt Brewer - Bass
Marcus Gilmore - Drums 

Tracks:
1. The Clock Killer {Will Vinson} (10:19)
2. Star Of Greece {Will Vinson} (7:47)
3. Swagger {Lage Lund} (11:58)
4. Stablemates {Benny Golson} (9:42)
5. Squeeze {Will Vinson} (7:14)
6. Morning Glory {Duke Ellington} (6:04)
7. Albemarle {Will Vinson} (10:39) 

Total Time: 63:48 

Credits:
Executive Producer, Producer - Spike Wilner
Producer, Mixing - Ben Rubin [House of Cha Cha]
Engineer - Jimmy Katz
Mastering - Gene Paul [G&J Audio]
Design, Photography - Michelle Watt 

Stablemates

Will Vinson - Promises (2008)

It's been five years since British expat Will Vinson released his debut as a leader, It's For You (2004), but the alto and soprano saxophonist has been anything but dormant. Promises, may have been a long time in coming, but it demonstrates Vinson's palpable growth as a player but also, and perhaps more importantly, as a writer. Vinson's playing continues down the road, his own voice is emerging more confidently on this quintet session that features other up-and-comers including Aaron Parks. Ever inventive, Parks solos with the kind of confident sense of construction that supports his increasing acclaim, while acting as an empathic rhythm section partner with bassist Orlando le Fleming and drummer Rodney Green (Ari Hoenig replaces Green on the staggered funk of "Philos O' Fur.") Vinson also enlists guitarist Lage Lund who represents the next wave of guitarists. Promises is a mainstream set of a decidedly modern bent, featuring eight Vinson compositions that lean largely to the acoustic and the complex. Lund isn't afraid to pull out the occasional electronic trick, including some looping and reverse attack throughout the ever-shifting "Adventures of Bagpuss". Even when Vinson moves into slower territory, it's hardly balladic, although it is lyrical in its own way. On "Rose Tint" he works again in tandem with Lund. Vinson's warm tone on alto, his main axe, smoothes out the occasional jagged edges of his improvised lines while le Fleming and Green, ever empathic, maintain a smooth as silk cushion that's augmented by Parks' atmospheric voicings. With increased confidence as a player and writer, hopefully Vinson won't have to wait another five years to follow up to this fine album of modernistic mainstream jazz. ~ Extract by John Kelman, AAJ. 

Nineteen-Eight Records, 19/8 1007, 2008
Recorded 22nd December, 2006 at Legacy Recording Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Will Vinson - Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Lage Lund - Guitar
Aaron Parks - Piano
Orlando Le Fleming - Bass
Rodney Green - Drums (#1,2,4-8)
Ari Hoenig - Drums (#3) 

Tracks:
1. Albemarle (8:36)
2. Believer (6:16)
3. Philos O' Fur (5:44)
4. Rose Tint (6:37)
5. Adventures Of Bagpuss (8:31)
6. Promises (7:52)
7. Lagonic (5:44)
8. Leafy (7:02) 

All Compositions by Will Vinson 

Total Time: 56:22 

Credits:
Producer, Mixing - Will Vinson
Engineer, Mixing - Alex Venguer
Mastering - Michael Perez-Cisneros
Design - Rachel Gutek
Photography - Jessie Simmons
Photography [Inside] - Alexandros Lambrovasilis 

Will Vinson Promises Quartet @ Musig-Im-Ochsen

Bill Mobley - Mob Scene Singularity (2004)

Mob Scene is a group of New York jazz musicians led by trumpeter Bill Mobley, saxophonist Danny Walsh and drummer Pete Davenport. On this recording of originals penned by the three leaders they are joined by the cream of the NY jazz scene. The Memphis-born trumpeter Bill Mobley has been a fixture on the NY jazz scene since 1987. He is well-known as the leader of the Smoke Big Band that performs weekly at the Smoke Jazz Club as well for fronting his own small groups. Personnel: Bill Mobley (trumpet & flugelhorn), Danny Walsh (alto sax, tenor sax & flute), Pete Davenport (drums), Joey Lundeford, Gary Versace (piano & hammond B3), Carlo de Rosa, Ed Schuller (bass) and others. ~ prestomusic.com. 

“There is like a musical rage which rustles under the music, intense and strong and the energy and the melodic verve are always present.” Once again, trumpeter Bill Mobley is an imperturbable conductor and arranger who always plays millimetric lines without seeming to touch them. ~ Jazz Magazine. 

Space Time Records, BG 2523, 2007
Recorded between 2002 and 2004 at:
Brooklyn Port O Call Studio, New York
Peter Karl Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Bill Mobley - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Danny Walsh - Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Pete Davenport - Drums 

Mob Scene Artists:
Maria Lazzaro - Flute
Andy Strasmich - Bass Flute, Flute
Matt Hughes - Arco Bass (#1)
Gary Versace - Piano, Organ [Hammond B-3] (#2,6,7)
Joey Lunceford - Piano (#3-5,7)
Carlos DeRosa - Bass (#1,2,4)
Ed Schuller - Bass (#3,5-7)
Dave Jensen - Tenor Saxophone (#5)
Ed MacEachen - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar (#6) 

Tracks:
1. Ontogeny {Bill Mobley} (4:56)
2. I Remember JW {Bill Mobley} (9:24)
3. Warlords {Danny Walsh} (9:47)
4. Ballet High {Bill Mobley} (7:54)
5. Miss Bennett {Bill Mobley} (11:14)
6. Stevie {Bill Mobley} (8:17)
7. Dimensions {Pete Davenport} (11:49) 

Total Time: 63:21 

Credits:
Producer - Bill Mobley
Producer, Recording - Pete Davenport
Recording Engineer - Jonathan Townes, Peter Karl
Mixing Engineer - Romain Frydman
Mastering Engineer - Antoine Demanke 

Ballet High

Bill Mobley & The Smoke Big Band - Live At Smoke, Vol. 1 & 2 (2011)

'Live at Smoke' is the newest recording from trumpeter Bill Mobley and features him at the head of the renowned Smoke Big Band. This exceptional ensemble has a regular Monday night gig at the celebrated club located on Broadway, New York City and this double CD captures them at their very best. The recording features originals from Mobley and his band mates together with compositions by James Williams and Tony Williams, and two standards. Twelve of the albums thirteen tracks are arranged by the trumpeter, a veteran of the Mingus Dynasty and Maria Schneider Orchestra, and each selection is filled with a sense of exhilaration, dense and distinctive harmonies, and stirring solos. ~ Amazon.com. 

Space Time Records, BG 1134, 2012
Recorded 21st April, 2011 at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, New York City 

Musicians:
Bill Mobley - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Leader
Seneca Black - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Leader
Mat Jodrell - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Andy Gravish - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Chris Persad - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Tim Sessions - Trombone
Noah Bless - Trombone
Pete McGuinnes - Trombone, Vocals
Joe Gordon - Alto & Soprano Saxophones, Flute
Vito Chiavuzzo - Alto Saxophone, Flute
Jed Levy - Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
Danny Walsh - Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Andrew Gutauskas - Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute
Jon Davis - Piano
Phil Palombi - Bass
Scott Neumann - Drums 

Special Guests:
Bill Easley - Clarinet (Laura)
Thomas Heflin - Trumpet (Arioso)
Scott Reeves - Trombone (Arioso) 

CD1:
1. I Remember JW {Bill Mobley} (10:09)
2. The Hymnotist {Bill Mobley} (7:35)
3. Time Riff {Bill Mobley} (8:30)
4. Eastern Star {Bill Mobley} (4:48)
5. Four Play {James Williams} (5:50)
6. Laura {David Raksin} (8:09)
7. Eds Groove {Jon Gordon} (9:17) 

Time: 54:23 

CD2:
1. Upper West Side Story {Bill Mobley} (8:29)
2. Sister Cheryl {Tony Williams} (8:26)
3. Travelogue {Jed Levy} (7:02)
4. A Glance In Frozen Time {Bill Mobley} (7:16)
5. Arioso {James Williams; Arr. Scott Reeves} (9:57)
6. But Not For Me {George & Ira Gershwin} (6:23) 

Time: 47:37 

Total Time: 01:42:00 

Credits:
Producer - Bill Mobley, Blue Geodesics
Executive Producer - Walter H. Squindo
Production - Xavier Felgeyrolles
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Paul Stache, David Stoller
Mastering Engineer - Kevin Blackler
Photos - Adriano Mattero
Design - Natalia [Cargo Design] 

See also: www.billmobley.net. 

Arioso

Bill Mobley - Black Elk's Dream (2013)

Bill Mobley's new album Black Elk's Dream is dedicated to Sioux Indian Black Elk, whose famous book "The End of the Dream" (1932) dealt with the plight of Native Americans. Recorded "live" at the Jazz en Tête international festival, Bill Mobley conducts a luxury Franco-American sextet coupled with a very famous chamber orchestra (21 Strings): the Orchester d'Auvergne. The repertoire gives equal weight to originals and standards. One thing is certain: Billy Pierce is imperial (tenor or soprano), Stéphane Guillaume plays more awesome than ever (on the alto, but also on the flute and the bass clarinet), the young classical violinist Maud Lovett is remarkable, and as always, Bill Mobley plays chiseled solos, on the flugelhorn as on the trumpet. The rhythm is really top notch: Manuel Rocheman on the piano, the Italian-American bassist Phil Palombi and the fantastic Billy Kilson on drums. Donald Brown joins the set on one of his compositions, funkier & baroque than ever (the beautiful violinists were captivated!). In this album, the strings are neither Hollywood dancers nor demi-mondaines on the go. And question of writing for the strings, the original work of Bill Mobley already marks the spirits. ~ www.fnac.com. [Translated from French] 

Space Time Records, BG 1337, 2013
Recorded 24th October, 2012 Live at the Jazz en Tête Festival, Clermont-Ferrand, France 

Musicians:
Bill Mobley - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Leader
Billy Pierce - Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
Stéphane Guillaume - Alto Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet
Manuel Rocheman - Piano (#1-6)
Phil Palombi - Bass
Billy Kilson - Drums
Donald Brown - Piano, Keyboards (#7,8)
Maud Lovett - Violin (#4,5)
Orchestre d'Auvergne 

Tracks:
1. Dream Team {Xavier Felgeyrolles} (6:11)
2. Four {Miles Davis} (7:26)
3. The Touch Of Your Lips {Ray Noble} (9:45)
4. Black Elk's Dream, Pt. 1 {Bill Mobley} (6:52)
5. Black Elk's Dream, Pt. 2 {Bill Mobley} (7:49)
6. Alex The Great {Harold Mabern} (11:34)
7. The People Who Live On Hope Street, Pt. 1 {Donald Brown} (9:57)
8. The People Who Live On Hope Street, Pt. 2 {Donald Brown} (5:36) 

Total Time: 65:13 

Four

Bill Mobley - Moodscape (2007)

Mobley, well respected among musicians but sorely under-exposed, puts it all on the line in this terrific CD. Right from his entrance on Ray Noble's "The Touch of Your Lips," he invites you to be caressed by his beautiful, warm tone and subtle articulations. Pianist Mulgrew Miller, another artist deserving wider exposure - comps and stretches out with taste and command. "This Is The End Of A Beautiful Friendship" swings. Here Mobley's trumpet covers the standard's changes with a lyric, no-cliches feel and with gymnastic improvisational surprise. Bassist Robert Hurst's gentle push and drummer Eric Harland's tasteful, yet never overbearing cymbal work are both an absolute treat. On Jimmy Dorsey's beautiful "I'm Glad There Is You," Mobley's tone is simply beautiful, expressive and vocal. Miller and team interplay and support without stepping on toes. Mobley follows Lee Morgan in this trumpeter/composer tradition with the interesting offerings, "The Hymnotist" and "Time Riff." Mobley shows ability to work some terrific rhythmic variety in his solo work on both his composed charts. Mobley delivers Duke Ellington's "Prelude To A Kiss" simply beautifully, beautifully simple. "For Once In My Life," is the weak entry here. It's a bit too "club date-ish" when juxtaposed with the other terrific selections presented on the CD. Horserace brushes scoot you from the gate on "You and the Night and the Music." Mobley's Harmon-muted solo scampers crystal clean and is reminiscent of the speed and clarity of "speed clean harmonizing," Clark Terry. "Eastern Star," the final track, is a Mobley composition, dedicated to the late, great pianist James Williams. Miller's dream-like intro sets the stage for Mobley's dark, expressive, meditative melody. Harland's cymbal and drum work adds exotic flair. Overall, Mobley's work is highly impressive and intriguing here, an exciting trumpeter blipping and bebopping his way smack onto jazz radar screens. It's certainly about time - and talent. ~ Extract by Nicholas F Mondello, AAJ. 

Space Time Records, BG 2725, 2007
Recorded 9th, 10th January & 22nd August, 2007 at Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, NY

Musicians:
Bill Mobley - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Arranger
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Robert Hurst - Bass
Eric Harland - Drums 

Tracks:
1. The Touch Of Your Lips {Ray Noble} (6:13)
2. This Is The End Of A Beautiful Friendship {Gus Kahn, Jule Styne} (6:13)
3. I'm Glad There Is You {Jimmy Dorsey, Paul Mertz} (8:04)
4. The Hymnotist {Bill Mobley} (6:16)
5. Time Riff {Bill Mobley} (6:16)
6. Prelude To A Kiss {Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, Irving Mills} (5:58)
7. For Once In My Life {Ronald Miller, Orlando Murden} (6:45)
8. You And The Night And The Music {Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz} (5:03)
9. Eastern Star {Bill Mobley} (4:21) 

Total Time: 55:09 

Credits:
Producer - Xavier Felgeyrolles, Blue Geodesics
Executive-Producer – Walter H. Squindo
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Joe Marciano
Photography - Michel Vasset 

I'm Glad There Is You

Bill Mobley - Mean What You Say (1999)

Here, we have Bill’s second album as a leader and the first on Space Time Records. After releasing “Triple Bill” in 1996, Mobley went on to play as sideman for a number of well-known jazz artisans, including Donald Brown, Alan Dawson, Bill Easley, Geoff Keezer and Harold Mabern to name a few. Essentially, by the time he went to formulate this album he was well on his way as a noted trumpeter and composer. On this album he hand-picks a relatively similarly youthful team of players including: pianist Donald Brown, guitarist Jérôme Barde, bassist Essiet Essiet and drummer Billy Kilson. The album is structured around two quintet, three quartet and three duet groupings. The first three tunes are his own, the remaining compositions well-known jazz standards. Overall, the album clearly demonstrates a continued improvement in his delivery and will certainly appeal to any trumpet fan. 

Space Time Records, BG 9911, 1999
Recorded 1st-2nd April, 1999 at Studio Sysmo, Paris, France 

Musicians:
Bill Mobley - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Arranger
Donald Brown - Piano (#1-4,6-8)
Jérôme Barde - Guitar (#1-2)
Essiet Essiet - Bass (#1-3,5-6,8)
Billy Kilson - Drums (#1-3,6,8) 

Tracks:
1. Twilight {Bill Mobley} (6:36)
2. New Light {Bill Mobley} (8:13)
3. Annie's Fan {Bill Mobley} (7:16)
4. Sophisticated Lady {Duke Ellington} (9:15)
5. Mean What You Say {Thad Jones} (6:15)
6. Love Walked In {George Gershwin} (6:44)
7. Pent Up House {Sonny Rollins} (5:07)
8. Out Of Nowhere {John Greene} (7:47) 

Total Time: 57:13 

Credits:
Producer - Bill Mobley
Executive-Producer - Walter H. Squindo
Recording Engineer - Pierre Bornard
Mastering Engineer - Raphaël Jonin 

Love Walked In

Bill Easley - First Call (1990)

The versatile alto and tenor saxophonist Bill Easley (who on other projects also plays other reeds) is showcased in top form on this CD, performing on two dates with a pair of overlapping groups. Assisted along the way by trumpeter Bill Mobley on five of the numbers, either Sir Roland Hanna or James Williams on piano, and George Caldwell's synthesizer for four of the eight songs, Easley is the main star throughout. He puts plenty of feeling into "It's All in the Game," takes "How Long Has This Been Going On" at a surprisingly fast pace, cooks on "Little Benny," and emulates Sonny Stitt on "Blues for Stitt." Although he has spent much of his career in the background, uplifting other singers and musicians' sessions in addition to working in the studios, Bill Easley shows on this set that he is fully capable of being the leader. This is one of his strongest efforts. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Milestone Records, MCD-9186-2, 1991
Recorded 22nd, 29th October, 1990 

Musicians:
Bill Easley - Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone
Bill Mobley - Trumpet (#3-6,8)
Roland Hanna- Piano (#1,2,7,8)
James Williams - Piano (#3-6)
George Caldwell - Synthesizer (#2,4,5,7)
J. J. Wiggins - Bass (#1,2,7,8)
Dave Jackson - Bass (#3-6)
Grady Tate - Drums 

Tracks:
1. It's All In The Game {Charles G. Dawes, Carl Sigman} (6:22)
2. Somewhere Along The Way {Kurt Adams, Sammy Gallop} (5:57)
3. How Long Has This Been Going On {George Gershwin} (7:36)
4. Oh, What A Dream {Chuck Willis} (8:16)
5. Soulful Bill {James Williams} (5:51)
6. Blues For Stitt {Bill Easley} (6:02)
7. Prelude To A Kiss {Duke Ellington, Irving Gordon, Irving Mills} (6:25)
8. Little Benny [aka Crazeology] {Bud Freeman, Benny Harris, Charlie Parker} (4:12)

Total Time: 50:41 

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Engineer - Malcolm Addey
Assistant Engineer - Ron Allaire
Digital Mastering - George Horn
Art Direction - Phil Carroll
Photography - Frank Lindner
Design - Gilles Margerin
Liner Notes - Stuart Troup

Jesse Davis - Horn Of Passion (1991)

Altoist Jesse Davis' debut as a leader finds the talented altoist very much influenced by Cannonball Adderley's sound at this early stage. He holds his own with the top-notch rhythm section (comprised of pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Jimmy Cobb) on five standards and his own "C.P. Time," and performs four originals with a different quartet that includes tenor saxophonist Antoine Roney (brother of Wallace), bassist Tyler Mitchell and drummer Eric McPherson (son of Charles). Davis (25 at the time) showed a great deal of potential at this point and also displayed surprising maturity on the ballads. An impressive start to his career. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Concord Jazz, CCD-4465, 1991
Recorded 24th-25th January, 1991 

Musicians:
Jesse Davis - Alto Saxophone
Antoine Roney - Tenor Saxophone (#4,6,9,10)
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Rufus Reid - Bass (#1,2,3,5,7,8)
Tyler Mitchell - Bass (#4,6,9,10)
Eric McPherson - Drums (#4,6,9,10)
Jimmy Cobb - Drums (#1,2,3,5,7,8) 

Tracks:
01. CP Time {Jesse Davis} (3:56)
02. Here's That Rainy Day {Jimmy van Heusen, Johnny Burke} (7:59)
03. Stardust {Hoagy Carmichael, Mitchell Parish} (8:34)
04. Stop And Go {Jesse Davis} (4:54)
05. For Heaven's Sake {Donald Meyer, Elise Bretton, Sherman Edwards} (6:46)
06. Li'l Mac {Jesse Davis} (4:32)
07. Violets For Your Furs {Matt Dennis, Thomas M. Adair} (5:08)
08. Gone With The Wind {Allie Wrubel, Herbert Magidson} (6:14)
09. Testimonial {Jesse Davis} (6:30)
10. Cat Talk {Jesse Davis} (5:32) 

Total Time: 60:05 

Credits:
Producer - Carl Jefferson
Assistant Producer - Allen Farnham
Production Coordination - John Burk
Engineer - Ed Trabanco
Remixing - Phil Edwards
Mastering - George Horn
Art Direction - Kent Judkins
Photography - David Lubarsky
Liner Notes - Ira Gitler

Yano Saori - Yano Saori (2003)

Nimble, Fresh And Neat
=====================
Saori Yano seems to be a genius girl and a very serious performer at the same time. While he is good at Charlie Parker's works, unlike Parker who seems to have been devastating, he might be close to Coltrane in character in a jazz-critic style. That means practicing seriously, honing your skills, and playing hard. Some people seem to be negative for Mr. Coltrane's playing posture, but why is it bad? Saori Yano tries to make every single sound. It is a serious and neat performance. Her staple “Confirmation”, which is now always requested for live performances, sounds neatly and neatly, while playing at a faster tempo than Mr. Parker's performance. There is lightness and freshness. A good performance that makes you want to listen again as many times as you like. Great. By the way, it makes me listen to a more thrilling and powerful incandescent performance in the live, but that's why the performance of this CD will never fade forever. It is a performance that makes me think so. ~ Amazon Customer, 5 Stars, Amazon.com. [Translated from Japanese] 

Savoy Records, COCB-53061, 2003
Recorded 23rd March, 2003 at Columbia Studio No.2 (#1,2,7)
Recorded 7th & 8th April, 2003 at Columbia Studio No.2 (#3-6,8-11) 

Musicians:
Saori Yano - Alto Saxophone
Keiji Matsushima - Trumpet (#5,7,9)
Harold Mabern - Piano (#1,2,7)
Masaaki Imaizumi - Piano (#3-6,8-11)
Nat Reeves - Bass (#1,2,7)
Shin Kamimura - Bass (#3-6,8-11)
Joe Farnsworth - Drums (#1,2,7)
Masahiko Osaka - Drums (#3-6,8-11) 

Tracks:
01. Confirmation {Charlie Parker} (4:51)
02. Blue Bossa {Kenny Dorham} (5:41)
03. When You're Smiling {Joe Goodwin, Larry Shay, Mark Fisher} (5:45)
04. How To Make A Pearl {Saori Yano} (4:12)
05. My Little Suede Shoes {Charlie Parker} (4:35)
06. Black Orpheus {Luiz Bonfá} (6:26)
07. Bohemia After Dark {Oscar Pettiford} (5:19)
08. Marmaduke {Charlie Parker} (3:24)
09. Hoyden {Saori Yano} (7:23)
10. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington} (6:48)
11. It Could Happen To You {Jimmy van Heusen, Johnny Burke} (3:57) 

Total Time: 58:21 

Bohemia After Dark