Charlie Sepúlveda - Feeling Good Again (2003)

Trumpeter Charlie Sepúlveda has made quite a name for himself over the years championing the progression of the Latin jazz art form, not looking back, but ever pressing forward with creativity and vitality. His 2003 release, Feeling Good Again, takes turns both pushing the limits and celebrating the style's history. With compositions like the blues-cha cha "Home Cooking" and the smooth jazz title track, Sepúlveda takes a look at his roots for the first time in his recording career. With renditions of Hilton Ruiz's "New Arrival" and the dark, churning rhumba "Caribeño," he maintains his reputation as a bandleader most at home on the cutting edge. New and talented players like conguero Paoli Mejias and saxophonist Ricardo Pons add visceral punch to Sepúlveda's tight, expressive band sound. Feeling Good Again is perhaps a more balanced record than previous efforts, in which Sepúlveda had a more cohesive, focused stylistic envelope to push. Offering both laid-back, mature musicality and aggressive, hard-line intensity, Sepulveda seems to be casting his net wider than ever before. Charlie Sepúlveda has always flown slightly below the radar of big commercial success. This new broad focus just might change all that. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, AMG. 

Metrix Music\Universal Latino, 246 550 302-2, 2003
Recorded at Cuatro Sound, San Juan, Puerto Rico 

Musicians:
Charlie Sepulveda - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Ricardo Pons - Clarinet, Saxophone
Ismael Rodriguez - Piano
Gabriel Rodriguez - Bass
Leovadis Gonzalez - Drums
Paoli Mejias - Percussion 

Guests:
Juancito Torres - Flugelhorn (#4,6,9)
Candido Reyes - Guiro (#6)
Pedro Guzman - Cuatro (#7)
Julia Piñero - Vocals (#7) 

Tracks:
01. Home Cooking {Hilton Ruiz} (5:12)
02. Feeling Good Again {Charlie Sepúlveda} (4:36)
03. New Arrival {Hilton Ruiz} (3:55)
04. Cachita {Rafael Hernandez} (4:51)
05. Caribeño {Gabriel Rodriguez} (5:28)
06. Morelania {Ricardo Pons} (2:44)
07. Just For You {Charlie Sepúlveda} (6:42)
08. Kiss Me Right {Horace Silver} (4:53)
09. Cachita [Extended] {Rafael Hernandez} (7:32)
10. New Arrival [Extended] {Hilton Ruiz} (7:12) 

Total Time: 53:05 

Credits:
Producer - Charlie Sepúlveda
Engineer - Alfredo Hurtado
Mastering - José Lugo

Archie Shepp - A Sea Of Faces (1975)

Although this performance from 1975 was known and appreciated by the then fans, some jazz critics, lamenting at the evolution of Shepp's music (thought to deviate from the royal road of politico-musical correctness), have failed to notice its remarkable qualities. While I agree with those connoisseurs that some details in this recording are less inspiring (Burrell's piano solo on "Hipnosis", Shepp's own piano playing on "I Know 'Bout The Life", etc.), such criticisms virtually fade into nothing when you allow yourself to be carried away by the 25 minute "Hipnosis" (Grachan Moncur's obsessive theme). It offers one of the darkest, most exciting and sweeping tenor sax explorations to be found on Shepp's recordings (along with "Yasmina A Black Woman" and the now untraceable "Coral Rock" from the late sixties), intense and devoid of clichés. This Millésime [Great Vintage] of Shepp may have become somewhat less acid, less fatty in the mouth and (whether you like it or not) more reconciled with tradition than the Impulse years' venturer. But the man is at the height of his powers here, not the captive of any one idiom but at home in many, including 'free'. Most of the time the music swings heavily and irresistibly. Shepp doesn't reduce his fellow musicians to the status of bystanders here. Bunny Foy is an excellent vocalist (on "Song For Mozambique" and "I Know 'Bout The Life"), Charles Greenlee takes an exciting trombone solo on "Hipnosis", Cameron Brown on bass is outstanding throughout. ~ by Paul Cortois, Amazon.com. 

Black Saint, 120002-2, 1993
Recorded 4th-5th August, 1975 at Phonogram Studios, Milano, Italy 

Musicians:
Archie Shepp - Tenor (#1,4), Soprano (#2), Piano (#3), Vocals (#2)
Charles Greenlee - Trombone (#1,3,4), Tambourine (#1), Vocals (#2)
Dave Burrell - Piano (#1,2,4)
Cameron Brown - Double Bass
Beaver Harris - Drums (#1,3,4), Tambourine, Vocals (#2)
Bunny Foy - Maracas (#1), Vocals (#2,3)
Rafi Taha - Vocals (#2) 

Tracks:
1. Hipnosis {Grachan Moncour III} (26:19)
2. Song For Mozambique /
    Poem: A Sea Of Faces {Semenya McCord, Archie Shepp} (8:12)
3. I Know About The Life {Archie Shepp, Aishah Rahman} (5:28)
4. Lookin' For Someone To Love {Cal Massey} (9:38) 

Total Time: 49:38 

Credits:
Producer - Giacomo Pellicciotti
Recording Engineer - Pino Ciancioso
Cover Design - Ariel Soule
Liner Photos - Giuseppe Pino

Barry Harris Quintet - Newer Than New (1961)

A quick listen to the lively bop on Newer Than New may enlist a perplexing question: Was this music really recorded 40 years ago? Apparently so, but the music still sounds fresh and exciting. If pianist Harris set out to show bop was still a vital force in 1961, he accomplished his task. Of course, he didn't do this alone. Trumpeter Lonnie Hillyer, alto Charles McPherson, bassist Ernie Farrow, and drummer Clifford Jarvis join him on eight tunes that would've made Parker and Gillespie proud. The influence of bop pioneers is evident on tunes like "The Last One" and "Anthropology," both giving the horns lots of room to soar against the backdrop of dynamic rhythm. "Mucho Dinero," one of several Harris originals, has an exuberant Latin feel. After the horns set the piece in motion, Harris takes the first solo, creating colorful textures with his keen sense of harmony. Newer Than New also places special emphasis on the young horn players, providing McPherson and Hillyer lots of room to show what they've got. Both echo Parker and Gillespie without copying them. Hillyer displays a fat rich tone on numbers like "Easy to Love," while McPherson's resonant pitch, no matter how quickly he's playing, always comes across. Farrow and Jarvis keep the shifting rhythms heavy in the mix, pushing each soloist to create something vital. The title Newer Than New perhaps mocks the obsession with the latest thing, as opposed to opting for the timelessness of high-octane improvising. Jazz styles, like all styles, come and go, but great music like Newer than New transcends styles. It's also fun (and illustrative) to listen to an album like this back-to-back with the latest retro jazz. Barry Harris and his colleagues make great jazz without the least bit of self-consciousness. ~ by Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., AMG. 

Riverside Records, RLP-9413, 1961
OJC Records, OJCCD-1062-2, 2001
Recorded 28th September, 1961 at Plaza Sound Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Barry Harris - Piano
Lonnie Hillyer - Trumpet
Charles McPherson - Alto Saxophone
Ernie Farrow - Bass
Clifford Jarvis - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Mucho Dinero {Barry Harris} (3:44)
2. Easy To Love {Cole Porter} (4:50)
3. Burgundy {Barry Harris} (7:01)
4. The Last One {Barry Harris} (4:57)
5. Anthropology {Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker} (4:17)
6. I Didn't Know What Time It Was {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (4:12)
7. Make Haste {Barry Harris} (5:39)
8. Nightingale {Xavier Cugat, George Rosner, Fred Wise} (5:17) 

Total Time: 40:03 

Credits:
Producer - Orrin Keepnews
Recording Engineer - Ray Fowler
Remastering - Kirk Felton (2001)
Cover Design - Ken Deardoff
Photography [Cover] - Kenneth van Sickle
Photography [Inner] - Steve Schapiro

Ernie Watts - Chariots Of Fire (1981)

Great album. Ernie's proficiency comes through on Chariots of Fire followed by other funk-jazz infused tracks, obviously with Quincy's production influence. A delightful listen overall! ~ Pa Colin, Amazon.com. 

On this album saxophonist Ernie Watts blows in all directions and can easily be considered one of the masterpieces of Qwest Records led by producer Quincy Jones. The theme was the title song composed by Vangelis for "Chariots of Fire" which won the Best Picture Award at the 54th Academy Awards, and arranged by Michael Omartian. Ernie is joined by some great musicians including: Keyboardists Richard Tee, Don Grusin, Greg Phillinganes; guitarists Steve Lukather, David E. Williams, bassist Neil Stubenhaus and drummer John Robinson to name a few. Overall, a disco-fusion flavoured sound that will entertain even the most discerning of listeners, Enjoy! 

Qwest Records, QW 56 982, 1982
Qwest Records, WPCR-28018, 2014
Recorded 19th-31st October, 1981 at Westlake Audio, Los Angeles, California 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Flute, Percussion, Vocals
Larry Hall - Trumpet
Jerry Hey - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Horn Arrangements
Bill Reichenbach Jr. - Trombone, Trumpet
Don Grusin - Keyboards, Piano [Electric], Synthesizer
James Ingram - Keyboards, Rhythm & Vocal Arranger, Vocal Effect, Vocals
Michael Omartian - Keyboards, Piano, Strings, Arranger
Greg Phillinganes - Synthesizer, Synthesizer Bass
Richard Tee - Keyboards, Piano [Electric]
Ian Underwood - Synthesizer
Steve Lukather - Guitar
Carlos Rios - Guitar
David E. Williams - Guitar [Rhythm]
Neil Stubenhaus - Bass
John "J.R." Robinson - Drums
Paulinho Da Costa - Percussion
Quincy Jones - Percussion, Rhythm Arrangements
Howard Hewett, Phillip Ingram - Vocals 

Tracks:
A1. Chariots Of Fire [Theme] (Dance Version) {Vangelis} (5:55)
A2. Hold On {James Ingram, Quincy Jones} (4:25)
A3. Lady {Lionel B. Richie Jr.} (3:49)
A4. Gigolo {Quincy Jones, Merria Ross} (4:36)
B1. Valdez In The Country {Donny Hathaway} (5:14)
B2. Abraham's Theme {Vangelis} (3:46)
B3. Five Circles {Vangelis} (3:40)
B4. Chariots Of Fire [Theme] (Slow Version) {Vangelis} (4:27) 

Total Time: 35:56 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Quincy Jones
Recording & Mixing - Bruce Swedien [Acusonic]
Mastering - Bernie Grundman
Art Direction & Design - Art Sim [11:24 Design]
Photography - Bobby Holland 

UK 12" Special Dance Mix

Aldo Romano - Because Of Bechet (2002)

Italian-born drummer Aldo Romano is a respected European jazz musician who has played with many avant-garde and contemporary jazz stars. Living in France from his early teens, his music usually is a mix of Italian emotionalism and French sentimentality, influenced by world leading avant-garde jazz artists of the 60s and 70s. "Because Of Bechet" is quite a radical step in his musical career - this album is a tribute to American jazz sax/clarinet star Sidney Bechet. Full of tunes and straightforward jazz compositions, this album isn't just a nostalgic retrospective. Aldo also uses sampling and electronic rhythms plus organ as well as more traditional instruments to give this music, which is deeply rooted in jazz from the 20-30s, a new interpretation. With French charm and almost dance-able beats this album is an easily accessible and modern reading of a traditional jazz legacy. ~ snobb, jazzmusicarchives.com. 

EmArcy Records, 017 275-2, 2002
Recorded 31st August-4th September, 2001 at Studio Le Château, Paris, France 

Musicians:
Aldo Romano - Drums (#5,10-12), Keyboards (#2-4,6,7), Bass (#2,6),
Guitar (#4,7,8), Drum-Sampling (#2,3,6,8,9,13), Arranger (#3,12,13)
Emanuele Cisi - Soprano Sax (#1,5), Tenor Sax (#2,3,6,8-13), Arranger (#12)
Francesco Bearzatti - Soprano Sax (#2,5,11), Tenor Sax (3,8,9,13), Clarinet (#12)
Emmanuel Bex - Organ (#2,3,5,8,10-12), Arranger (#5,11)
Nico Morelli - Piano (#1,8)
Michel Benita - Double Bass (#3,8)
Olivier Sens - Double Bass (#10-12)
Naab - Drum-Sampling (#2,13)
Giorgia Fiorio - Poem Recitation (#7) 

Tracks:
01. Dans Les Rues D'Antibes [Extrait 1] {Sidney Bechet} (1:04)
02. 50 Years Later {Aldo Romano} (6:27)
03. Les Oignons {Sidney Bechet} (5:29)
04. Fina {Aldo Romano} (1:07)
05. Petite Fleur {Sidney Bechet} (5:09)
06. Blossom {Aldo Romano} (4:32)
07. Giorgia {Aldo Romano, Marina Tsvétaïéva} (3:42)
08. Crossbreed {Aldo Romano} (5:18)
09. Across {Aldo Romano} (3:30)
10. Dreams And Waters {Aldo Romano} (5:07)
11. Song For Bechet {Aldo Romano} (4:48)
12. Muskrat Ramble {Sidney Bechet} (3:57)
13. Dans Les Rues D'Antibes [Extrait 2] {Sidney Bechet} (1:06) 

Total Time: 51:24 

Credits:
Producer, Programming, Sampling - Aldo Romano
Executive-Producer - Daniel Richard
Recording, Post-production, Mixing - Philippe Teissier Du Cros
Engineer [Assistant Recording] - Manu Gallet
Mastering Engineer - Nilesh Patel
Design - Gilles Guerlet
Photography [Cover] - Gilles Guerlet
Liner Notes [English Translation] - Martin Davies

Makoto Ozone - Three Wishes (1998)

Makoto Ozone's style is clearly tinged with Oscar Peterson's influences, and even if we tend to find "plans" or sounds very close from one disc to another, this pianist remains a sure value as his sense of rhythm and the musicality of his phrasing take on the guts. ~ CedMlis, Amazon.com. [Translated from French] 

Verve\Polydor Records, 557 562-2, 1998
Recorded 15th-17th November, 1997 at Avatar Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Makoto Ozone - Piano [Steinway]
Kiyoshi Kitagawa - Bass
Clarence Penn - Drums
Wallace Roney - Trumpet (#2,3,6) 

Tracks:
01. Three Wishes (6:22)
02. 53rd St. Blues (5:57)
03. Myst (6:08)
04. Kelly's Other Tune (5:55)
05. Only We Know (6:36)
06. Don't Say "Monk"! (5:10)
07. Stinger Double (6:27)
08. No Siesta (6:44)
09. Embrace (5:36)
10. BQE (5:05) 

All Compositions by Makoto Ozone 

Total Time: 60:06 

Credits:
Producer - Makoto Ozone
Executive-Producer - Kazuhiko Koike
Recording Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Barbara Lipke
Mastering Engineer - Allan Tucker [Foothill Digital, NY]
Cover Design - Ruri Fujita
Photography - Kazunori Isaka 

Three Wishes

David Murray Octet - Picasso (1993)

Picasso is an album by the David Murray Octet, released on the Japanese DIW label in 1993. It features performances by Murray, Rasul Siddik, Hugh Ragin, Craig Harris, James Spaulding, Dave Burrell, Wilber Morris and Tani Tabbal. "Picasso Suite" is a tribute to both Pablo Picasso and Coleman Hawkins's tribute to Picasso. It was written for the Northeast Ohio Jazz Society and the Cleveland Museum of Art. ~ Wiki. 

The title suite is a lively, mostly up-tempo composition where the five brass players more often play with each other than try to outshine each other with solos. While it apparently is an arranged piece of music, it sounds fresh and often spontaneous. It is worth the record alone. ~ R.Walsh, AMG. 

DIW Records, DIW-879, 1993
Recorded 1st-11th September, 1992 at Sound On Sound, New York City 

Musicians:
David Murray - Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet, Arranger (#1,3,4)
Hugh Ragin - Trumpet
Rasul Siddik - Trumpet
Craig Harris - Trombone
James Spaulding - Alto Saxophone, Flute
Dave Burrell - Piano, Arranger (#2)
Wilber Morris - Bass
Tani Tabbal - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Picasso Suite {David Murray}:
I) Introduction (2:22)
II) Catalonian Vonz (9:32)
III) La Vie - The Jazz Life (4:37)
IV) Portrait Of A Sax And Vac (3:28)
V) Airtime For Hawkins (4:01)
VI) When Hawk Meets Pablo (11:21)
VII) Reprise: Catalonian Vonz (2:27)
2. Menehune Messages {Dave Burrell, Monika Larsson} (7:44)
3. Chazz {Wilber Morris} (7:11)
4. Shakill's Warrior {David Murray} (9:26) 

Total Time: 62:15 

Credits:
Producer - Kazunori Sugiyama & DIW
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Peter Beckerman, John Siket
Mastering Engineer - Allan Tucker
Painting [Cover] - Pablo Picasso
Photography [Back] - Noboru Ikushima
Liner Notes - Jon W. Poses 

Airtime For Hawkins

Dado Moroni - Jazz Piano (1979) [vinyl]

Edgardo Dado Moroni, born in Genoa, Italy on October 20, 1962, was exposed to jazz music very early, thanks to his parents’ record collection and he started playing piano at age 4. Basically, self-taught, Fats Waller, Earl Hines, Teddy Wilson, Art Tatum and Erroll Garner were his very first influences and Dado tried to learn their solos by ear until, at age 11, he met local pianist Flavio Crivelli who gave him a more formal training, also introducing him to the music of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell and more contemporary pianists such as Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal, Herbie Hancock and McCoy Tyner. From age 14 Dado started playing professionally all throughout Italy with some of the most important Italian players like Franco Cerri, Tullio De Piscopo, Luciano Milanese, Gianni Basso, Sergio Fanni and Massimo Urbani and at 17 he recorded his first album in trio with Tullio De Piscopo and American bassist Julius Farmer. 

Dire Records, FO 354, 1980
Recorded November, 1979 at Studio 7, Fontana S.A.S., Milan, Italy 

Musicians:
Dado Moroni - Piano [Steinway Grand Concerto]
Julius Farmer - Electric Bass
Tullio De Piscopo - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Straight, No Chaser {Thelonious Monk} (5:16)
A2. Satin Doll {Duke Ellington} (6:23)
A3. Fine And Dandy {Kay Swift} (5:08)
B1. I'm Gettin' Sentimental Over You {Duke Ellington} (4:00)
B2. O.P. Blues [For Oscar Peterson] {Dado Moroni} (5:37)
B3. I'll Remember April {Gene De Paul} (8:34) 

Total Time: 34:58 

Credits:
Producer, Artistic Director, Mixing - Tito Fontana
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Luigi Pessani
Mixing Engineer - Claudio Fasoli
Photo - Sergio Pavone
Design - Claudio Rebaudo
Liner Notes - Giorgio Lombardi

Jack McDuff - Another Real Good'Un (1990)

Another Real Good 'Un is a latter-day Brother Jack McDuff session which finds the organist joined by tenor legend Houston Person, as well as (at various times) alto/tenor saxophonist Ron Bridgewater, trumpeter Cecil Bridgewater, drummers Buddy Williams and Cecil Brooks III, and guitarists Randy Johnston and John Hart. It's one of McDuff's better comeback albums, as he keeps the groove pumping throughout the record, swinging soulfully and interacting nicely with the other soloists. 32 Jazz reissued the session in 1999, Savoy Jazz in 2003. ~ by Steve Huey, AMG. 

Muse Records, MCD 5374, 1990
Recorded 1st March, 1989 & 18th July, 1990
at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ 

Musicians:
Jack McDuff - Organ
Cecil Bridgewater - Trumpet (#3,4,6)
Ron Bridgewater - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax(#3,4,6)
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone
Randy Johnston - Guitar (#1,5,7)
John Hart - Guitar (#3,4,6)
Cecil Brooks III - Drums (#1,5,7)
Buddy Williams - Drums (#3,4,6) 

Tracks:
1. Another Real Good'Un {Jack McDuff} (7:33)
2. Summertime {George & Ira Gershwin, DuBose Heyward} (8:50)
3. Off The Beaten Path {Cecil Bridgewater} (4:42)
4. Long Day Blues {Jack McDuff} (5:34)
5. Rock Candy {Jack McDuff} (6:59)
6. I Cant Get Started {Vernon Duke, Ira Gershwin} (7:17)
7. I Cover The Waterfront {Johnny Green, Edward Heyman} (5:10) 

Total Time: 46:05 

Credits:
Producer - Houston Person
Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Cover Photo - Fred Salaff
Graphic Design - Ron Warwell

Ernie Watts - Sanctuary (1986)

This Qwest project was a typical crossover project for Ernie Watts, who recorded a series of commercial sets for Elektra and Qwest. The rhythms are danceable; Watts displays attractive tones on tenor, alto, and soprano; the supporting cast includes top L.A. studio musicians; Don Grusin contributes keyboards and electronic rhythms; among the many vocalists are Larry Williams and Phil Perry; and guitarist Lee Ritenour pops up on a few numbers. Ernie Watts would soon start recording more creative jazz and start to realize his potential, which is largely wasted on this effort. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG.

 

Qwest Records, 9 25513-1, 1986
Recorded at Monterey Sound Studios, Glendale, California;
and Additional at Starlight Studio, Malibu, California. 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Alto (#A1,A3,B1,B3), Soprano (#A2,B1), Tenor (#A2,A4,B2,B4)
Larry Williams - Synth Voice (#A1), Funny Horns (#A2), Horse Hoofs (#A3),
Synth Horn (#B1), Synth Strings (#B4), Vocals [Background]
Don Grusin - Keyboards, Drum & Synthesizer Programming, Vocal Arranger
Lee Ritenour - Guitar (#A1,A3,B2)
Carlos Rios - Guitar (#A2,B3)
Abraham Laboriel, Sr. - Bass (#A4,B2)
Nathan East - Bass (#B1)
John Robinson - Drums (#A1-A3,B3)
Carlos Vega - Drums (#A4,B1)
Paulinho da Costa - Percussion (#A1,A2,B2)
Alex Acuña - Drums (#B2), Percussion (#B2,B4)
Phil Perry - Vocals (#A2,A4,B3), Background Vocals (#A1), Arranger [Vocals]
Kevin Dorsey, Aladrain Elmore, Roy Galloway, Siedah Garrett, Kate Markowitz,
Lillain Tynes Perry, Darryl Phinnessee, Oren Waters - Background Vocals 

Tracks:
A1. Taj {Don Grusin} (4:11)
A2. She Feels Good {Don Grusin} (3:53)
A3. Cowboy Dreams {Don Grusin} (4:22)
A4. Homeland {Phil Perry, Don Grusin} (4:55)
B1. Chinook {Don Grusin} (5:30)
B2. Sanctuary {Ernie Watts} (5:20)
B3. City Speak {Don Grusin} (4:18)
B4. The Peace Offering {Ernie Watts} (3:22) 

Total Time: 35:51 

Credits:
Producer - Ernie Watts
Producer, Mixing [Digital], Arranger - Don Grusin
Executive-Producer - Quincy Jones
Recording Engineer, Mixing [Digital] - Geoff Gillette
Additional Engineering - Don Murray
Assistant Engineer, Digital Mixing - Stan Katayama
Assistant Engineer - Terry Bower
Mastering - Wally Traugott
Art Direction, Design - Gabrielle Raumberger 

"Deep within our souls is a place of peace and love,
where there is no hate, no war, no competition.
This is our true homeland - our sanctuary of the heart."

Ennio Morricone - A Fistful Of Western Film Music (1995)

Here we have a wonderful compilation of the music written by the master Italian composer Ennio Morricone. For this post I have pulled aside and re-compiled all of titles emanating from his well-loved 'Spaghetti Westerns' soundtracks. Hence offered here is "A Fistful Of Western Film Music' dating from 1964-71, enjoy! 

Rhino Records, R2 71858, 1995 

Tracklist: 

01. Titoli [A Fistful Of Dollars] (2:58)
Alessandro Alessandroni - Whistling, Guitar 

02. Theme [A Fistful Of Dollars] (1:49)
Michele Lacerenza - Trumpet 

03. Una Pistola Per Ringo [A Pistol for Ringo] (2:19) 

04. Il Ritorno Di Ringo {Ennio Morricone, Don Attanasio} (2:17)
Maurizio Graf - Vocals 

05. La Resa Dei Conti [The Big Gundown] (3:06)
Nicola Culasso - Trumpet 

06. Per Qualche Dollaro In Più [For A Few Dollars More] (2:50)
Alessandro Alessandroni - Whistling, Guitar 

07. Navajo Joe [Original Main Title] (2:50)
Gianna Spagnolo - Vocals 

08. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly [Main Title] (2:41) 

09. The Ecstasy Of Gold [L'Estasi Dell'Oro] (3:24) 

10. The Big Gundown (2:22)
Christy - Voice 

11. Love Theme From "Guns For San Sebastian" [Reprise] (2:53) 

12. Man With A Harmonica (3:31)
Franco DeGemini - Harmonica 

13. Farewell To Cheyenne (2:39)
Alessandro Alessandroni - Whistling 

14. Once Upon A Time In The West (3:45)
Edda Dell'Orso - Voice 

15. Duck, You Sucker [A Fistful of Dynamite] (3:38)
Edda Dell'Orso - Voice 

Total Time: 43:10 

Notes:
A Fistful Of Dollars (1964) #1,2
Una Pistola Per Ringo (1965) #3
The Return Of Ringo aka Il Ritorno Di Ringo (1965) #4
The Big Gundown (1967) #5,10
For A Few Dollars More (1965) #6
Navajo Joe (1966) #7
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly aka Il Buono, Il Brutto, Il Cattivo (1966) #8,9
Guns For San Sebastian (1968) #11
Once Upon A Time In The West (1968) #12-14
Duck, You Sucker! aka Giù La Testa (1971) #15

Ernie Watts Quartet - Oasis (2011)

A dictionary definition of "Oasis" cites: "something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from that which is usual, annoying, or difficult." In our modern world, all three of these last-mentioned can be frequent. For Ernie Watts, music has been an oasis his whole life. One way he immerses himself in this oasis is by using his spirit, his heart, and his deep knowledge of jazz to write music. Another is of course to play his horn, in wordless conversation with other musicians or communing with just his instrument alone in a room (which often produces new music from him.) This album contains music from many sources; three compositions from Watts, one each from Christof Saenger and Heinrich Koebberling, a bebop classic from Bird and Dizzy, a ballad from Johnny Mandel and Dave Frishberg, another from Joe Sample and Will Jennings. There is a Lennon/McCartney tune, and Ernie’s major inspiration John Coltrane has a composition here too--Trane’s music was the Watts entry into the Oasis of Jazz. Whether you need refuge, or simply joy, here is an Oasis for you. ~ erniewatts.com. 

Flying Dolphin Records, FD 1008, 2011
Recorded 18th-19th April, 2011 at Topaz Studios, Cologne, Germany 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Tenor Saxophone
Christof Saenger - Piano
Rudi Engel - Bass
Heinrich Koebberling - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Konbanwa {Heinrich Kobberling} (7:19)
02. Oasis {Jeremy Monteiro, Ernie Watts} (11:03)
03. One Day I'll Fly {Will Jennings, Joe Sample} (6:22)
04. Blackbird {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (7:18)
05. Palmito {Christof Saenger} (5:20)
06. Crescent {John Сoltrane} (9:42)
07. Twilight Waltz {Jeremy Monteiro, Ernie Watts} (7:33)
08. Bass Geige "bahss guy-geh" {Ernie Watts} (6:55)
09. You Are There {Dave Frishberg, Johnny Mandel} (5:19)
10. Shaw Nuff {Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker} (6:26) 

Total Time: 73:18 

Credits:
Producer - Ernie Watts
Recording Engineer - Reinhardt Kobialka
Mixing & Mastering - Paul Tavenner 

Oasis

Ernie Watts - The Ernie Watts Quartet (1987) [Bonus Tracks]

After years of being heard primarily in commercial settings, Ernie Watts finally had an opportunity to record exactly what he wanted as a leader on this JVC CD. Watts, in a quartet with pianist Pat Coil, bassist Joel DiBartolo and drummer Bob Leatherbarrow, features his Coltrane-influenced tenor and a bit of alto and soprano on some group originals and standards (including "My One and Only Love" "Skylark" and "Body and Soul"). One of his finest recordings to date. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

JVC Records, JLP-3309, 1988
JVC Compact Discs, 20052, 1991
Recorded 14th-15th December, 1987 at Sunset Sound Studios, Hollywood, California 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Tenor, Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Pat Coil - Piano
Joel DiBartolo - Bass
Bob Leatherbarrow - Drums

Tracks:
01. Language Of The Heart {Bob Boykin, Ernie Watts} (4:53)
02. Continental Blues {Ernie Watts} (5:29)
03. Echoes {Pat Coil, Ernie Watts} (5:04)
04. My One And Only Love {Robert Mellin, Guy Wood} (5:04)
05. On The Border {Ernie Watts} (5:44)
06. Skylark {Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer} (5:15)
07. A New Face {Bob Leatherbarrow} (5:02)
08. Clockwise {Cedar Walton} (5:42)
09. Body And Soul {Eyton, Green, Heyman, Sour} (6:14)
10. One In Three {Bob Leatherbarrow} (5:09)
11. Chelsea {Fats Waller} (5:22) 

Total Time: 59:04 

Credits:
Producer - Ernie Watts, Akira Taguchi, Takashi Misu
Recording Engineer - Don Murray
Engineer Assistant - Michael Kloster
Digital Editing - Hideo Takada [JVC Studios, Tokyo]
Management - Nancy Meyer, The Cameron Organisation, Inc.
Design: Dakos/Junker
Photography - Walter Mladina 

Ernie Watts is the finest sax player of the 21st Century
=========================================
The combination of Watts and Coil is absolutely fantastic. The ballads are intricate, complex, delicate, and soulful, with plenty of Wattsian originality and deep feeling. The rough, hard core bop stuff would put Coltrane on his knees, begging for mercy. This CD is absolutely delicious, and dripping with enthusiasm, soul, and commitment. This may be the finest jazz CD ever recorded, and now you know why it is perpetually "out of stock". There are 11 tracks here and you can go nuts trying to figure out which ones are the best. It is amazing. It sells for 9.95 but it's absolutely priceless. Be sure also to listen to Ernie Watts on Charlie Haden's exquisite "Haunted Heart" and "Now is the hour" CD's. Ernie Watts is a treasure. This is the very best Ernie Watts CD hands down. You must have it. ~ Richard Everett, Amazon.com.

Ernie Watts Quartet - Analog Man (2007)

For veteran California saxophonist Ernie Watts, here is another example of why he is one of the finest exponents of modern jazz going. This CD is one in a long line, pre-and-post his work with Charlie Haden's Quartet West, that identifies him as an individualist. Since his sound on tenor so closely mirrors Michael Brecker's, and they are peers, the question will always be -- who came first, and who influenced who? Clearly John Coltrane's muse is extant in both, and they have developed personal voices. Analog Man succeeds on different levels. François Moutin's "Clinton Parkview" is a fresh neo-bop piece with effortless, attractive rhythm changes. On soprano sax, of which Watts is an underrated giant, he displays flawless tone, technique, and unlimited sweetness on the modal "Paseando." The California band of Watts, not well-known names nationally, acquit themselves well during the date, especially pianist Christof Saenger, who penned "Paseando." "Gee Baby," one of five Watts originals, shows a blues-jazz sensibility, the band swings hard on the Miles Davis/Victor Feldman hard bopper "Joshua," and he is masterful on the "My Special Angel" flavored ballad "Company." The first two tracks are really long, and may not have been the best lead-off numbers. The "Killer Joe" like easy swinging title track and Brecker-ish neo-bopper "Elements" could have been programmed later in the disc. It is a strong effort, not his best, but adds to the remarkable consistency Watts has enjoyed over his four-decade career, and continues to maintain. This CD won the Independent Music Awards Best Jazz CD for 2007. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG. 

Flying Dolphin Records, FD 1005, 2007
Recorded 13th & 14th November, 2006 at Topaz Studio, Cologne, Germany 

Musicians:
Ernie Watts - Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax
Christof Säenger - Piano
Rudi Engel - Acoustic Bass
Heinrich Köbberling - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Analog Man {Ernie Watts} (11:15)
2. Elements {Ernie Watts, David Witham} (10:33)
3. Paseando {Christof Säenger} (6:45)
4. Clinton Parkview {François Moutin} (6:59)
5. Company {Alfred Johnson, Rickie Lee Jones} (5:37)
6. Joshua {Victor Feldman} (10:05)
7. A Lilac Grows {Ernie Watts, David Witham} (9:44)
8. Gee Baby {Ernie Watts} (6:26)
9. Morning Prayer {Ernie Watts} (2:58) 

Total Time: 70:23 

Credits:
Producer - Ernie Watts
Recording Engineer - Reinhard Kobialka
Mixing & Mastering - Paul Tavenner 

Analog Man

Horace Silver Quintet - Doin' The Thing [At The Village Gate] (1961)

This live set (recorded at the Village Gate) finds pianist/composer Horace Silver and his most acclaimed quintet (the one with trumpeter Blue Mitchell, tenor saxophonist Junior Cook, bassist Gene Taylor and drummer Roy Brooks) stretching out on four selections, including his new song "Filthy McNasty." Two shorter performances were added to the CD version of this enjoyable and always funky hard bop session. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Blue Note Records, 0946 3 62682 2 4, 2006
Recorded 19th & 20th May, 1961 at the Village Gate, New York City 

Musicians:
Horace Silver - Piano
Blue Mitchell - Trumpet
Junior Cook - Tenor Saxophone
Gene Taylor - Bass
Roy Brooks - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Filthy McNasty (11:02)
2. Doin' The Thing (11:16)
3. Kiss Me Right (9:18)
4. The Gringo / Cool Eyes [Theme] (12:03)
5. It Ain't S'Posed To Be Like That (6:21)
6. Cool Eyes [Full Version] (3:56) 

All Compositions by Horace Silver 

Total Time: 53:57 

Credits:
Producer - Alfred Lion
Producer [Reissue] - Michael Cuscuna
Recording, Remastering - Rudy van Gelder
Cover Design - Reid Miles
Cover Photograph - Jim Marshall
Liner Photographs - Francis Wolff 

Furious live set that swings insanely hard. And I mean really, really hard. Silver's quartet at this time included Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Junior Cook (tenor sax), Gene Taylor (bass) and Roy Brooks (drums) and everyone but Brooks had been playing together since 1958 (he joined September 1959). Their dynamic chemistry is apparent within the first minute of "Filthy McNasty" and the energy level is just off the scale. These Guys Really Know How To Swing. Highlights? The whole damn album is a highlight. No wussy-pussy ballads or standards to be found, just four really great Silver originals. "Kiss Me Right" is the slowest thing on here and it's still pretty fast. The sound quality is decent for a live recording, the remastered CD may have cleaned that up. The extended applause after "Filthy" shows that the audience was at least somewhat aware that they were witnessing something special that night. ~ Extract by coolidge, rateyourmusic.com. 

Doin' The Thing

Horace Silver Quintet - 6 Pieces Of Silver {RVG} (1956,58)

The first classic album by the Horace Silver Quintet, this set is highlighted by "Señor Blues" and "Cool Eyes." The early Silver quintet of 1956 was essentially the Jazz Messengers of the year before, with trumpeter Donald Byrd, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, and bassist Doug Watkins (while drummer Louis Hayes was in Blakey's place), but already the band was starting to develop a sound of its own. "Señor Blues" officially put Horace Silver on the map, and the album is a hard bop and gospel-tinged jazz gem. [Some reissues add bonus tracks, including two additional versions of "Señor Blues," including a later vocal rendition by Bill Henderson.]. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Blue Note Records, 5 25648 2 8, 2000
Recorded 10th November, 1956 (#1-8) & 15th November, 1958 (#9,10)
at Van Gelder Studio, Hackensack, New Jersey

Musicians:
Horace Silver - Piano
Donald Byrd - Trumpet (#1,2,4-6,8-10)
Hank Mobley - Tenor Saxophone (#1,2,4-6,8)
Junior Cook - Tenor Saxophone (#9,10)
Doug Watkins - Bass (#1-8)
Gene Taylor - Bass (#9,10)
Louis Hayes - Drums (#1-8)
Roy Haynes - Drums (#9,10)
Bill Henderson - Vocals (#10) 

Tracks:
01. Cool Eyes {Horace Silver} (5:55)
02. Shirl {Horace Silver} (4:16)
03. Camouflage {Horace Silver} (4:25)
04. Enchantment {Horace Silver} (6:22)
05. Señor Blues {Horace Silver} (7:01)
06. Virgo {Horace Silver} (5:48)
07. For Heaven's Sake {Elise Bretton, Donald Meyer, Edwards Sherman} (5:09) 

Bonus Tracks:
08. Señor Blues [Alternate 45 Take] {Horace Silver} (6:38)
09. Tippin' {Horace Silver} (6:12)
10. Señor Blues [Vocal Version] {Horace Silver} (6:14) 

Total Time: 58:05 

Credits:
Producer - Alfred Lion
Reissue Producer - Michael Cuscuna
Recording, Remastering - Rudy van Gelder
Liner Notes - Bob Blumenthal, Leonard Feather
Creative Director - Gordon H. Jee
Cover Design - Reid Miles
Cover & Liner Photos - Francis Wolff 

Señor Blues

Eric Marienthal - Voices Of The Heart (1988)

Altoist Eric Marienthal's debut as a leader has four notable guest appearances by his employer, keyboardist Chick Corea, and one spot for guitarist Frank Gambale. Otherwise, he is generally joined by a quintet also including keyboardist Jim Cox, the great bassist John Patitucci, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and guitarist Pat Kelley. The ten obscure songs (only two by the leader) are worthwhile, if not overly memorable, but Marienthal's soulful solos are always fun to hear. ~ Scott Yanow, AMG. 

GRP Records, GRP-9563, 1988
Recorded December, 1987 at Mad Hatter Studios, Los Angeles, California 

Personnel:
Eric Marienthal - Alto Saxophone, Yamaha Wx7 (#5), Arranger (#1,2,5,7,9,11,12)
Chick Corea - Acoustic Piano (#3-6), Synthesizers (#3,6,12), Arranger (#1-4,6,9)
Jim Cox - Synthesizers, Acoustic Piano (#10)
Pat Kelley - Guitar (#1,2,5,6,8-12), Arranger (#8,10)
Frank Gambale - Guitar (#7)
John Patitucci - Bass, Arranger (#11)
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums
Luis Conte - Percussion (#2,3)
Joe Curiale - Arranger (#5,7,11,12) 

Tracks:
01. Voices Of The Heart {Judd Miller; Arr. Eric Marienthal} (3:59)
02. Your Eyes {Joe Curiale, Bobby Caldwell; Arr. Eric Marienthal, Chick Corea} (4:19)
03. Blue Space {Chick Corea; Arr. Chick Corea} (4:12)
04. Brazilian Dream {John Patitucci; Arr. Chick Corea} (2:49)
05. Premonition {Eric Marienthal, Joe Curiale} (5:04)
06. Tippin' {Tim Landers, Eric Marientha; Arr. Chick Corea} (4:48)
07. Being With You {Eric Marienthal, Joe Curiale} (3:55)
08. Harvest Dance {Pat Kelley; Arr. Pat Kelley} (4:46)
09. Written In The Wind {Joe Curiale; Arr. Eric Marienthal, Chick Corea} (4:17)
10. Walk Like An Emu {Pat Kelley; Arr. Pat Kelley} (4:28)
11. Someone Said {Eric Marienthal, Joe Curiale, John Patitucci} (4:31)
12. Backstep {Eric Marienthal, Joe Curiale} (4:49) 

Total Time: 52:04 

Credits:
Producer, Mixing - Chick Corea
Assistant Producer, Mixing - Eric Marienthal
Executive Album Producer - Ron Moss
Executive Producer - Dave Grusin, Larry Rosen
Engineer, Mixing - Bernie Kirsh
Assistant Engineer - Ira Rubnitz
Mastering - Bernie Grundman
Photography [Covers] - Glen Wexler
Photography [B&W] = Jeffrey Mayer
Album Design - Andy Baltimore, Dan Serrano, David Gibb,
Ivan Salgado, Dave Kunze 

Perfect Debut from an amazing musician soldier from Chick Corea! As a drummer I can't be gladder that Vinnie Colaiuta drumming here and the superb bass player John Patitucci! If you into stuff like David Sanborn, this record if perfect for you, very catchy 80's sax melodies but cheesy without song structure. Some of the tracks sounds like an 80's theme from a sitcom, in the good way with fabulous touch of top-notch musicians. For the prog fans, I recommend to listen to track "Blue Space", and "Harvest Dance" is the best catchy tune on the album, for die hard 80's fusion lovers. ~ Doron Harati, Amazon.com. 

Blue Space

Paolo Damiani - Ladybird (2004)

After a first listen, Paolo Damiani's Ladybird leaves you with no fixed points to orient yourself within its musical and aesthetic inspiration. It escapes any classification and, if the aim remains to find an adequate genre, countless listenings would still be insufficient. As typical of Damiani's work, Ladybird is very thought out and structured. The first two songs, Habla del Sur and Era Destino, are compositions in harmony with the aesthetics of the Egea: light and sinuous melody, full of Mediterranean radiance, where Diana Torto's vocals seem like a song without words, counterpointed by the lyricism of Fresu's trumpet and flugelhorn. Despite the perfect orchestration of all the instruments and, in particular, the happy writing of the wind parts, the true protagonist of Ladybird is the voice of Diana Torto which, we repeat, can be appreciated above all because it does not indulge too much in cold vocal virtuosity, but her "singing" is always "inside" the melody of the various pieces. Only in the piece that gives the CD its title does the voice lose the foreground, hiding until it blends in with the other instruments and the result is in any case one of the best moments of the entire work and, effectively, the most representative of the compositional and orchestral talent of Damian. ~ Extract by Dario Gentili, Jazzitalia.net. [Translated from Italian] 

Egea Records, SCA 111, 2004
Recorded June, 2003 - February, 2004 in Perugia, Italy 

Musicians:
Paolo Damiani - Double Bass, Cello
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Gianluca Petrella - Trombone
Achille Succi - Alto Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Bebo Ferra - Guitar
Roberto Dani - Drums
Fulvio Maras - Percussion, Electronics
Diana Torto - Vocals 

Tracks:
1. Habla Del Sur {Paolo Damiani} (5:41)
2. Era Destino {Paolo Damiani} (5:54)
3. L'Amor Messo Da Parte {Paolo Damiani, Stefano Benni} (6:21)
4. Tango Lento {Paolo Damiani} (3:42)
5. Quello Che Non Voglio {Paolo Damiani, Stefano Benni} (9:00)
6. Cos'è Che Ti Fa Andare Così {Paolo Damiani} (5:19)
7. Argentiera {Paolo Damiani} (4:52)
8. Ladybird {Paolo Damiani} (6:40)
9. Nel Mare Sconfinato Di Un Segreto {Paolo Damiani} (8:56) 

Total Time: 56:30 

Credits:
Producer - Egea Records
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Angelo Cioffi
Management - Rosalba Di Raimondo
Cover Design - Annalisa Ciaramella
Graphic Design - Andrea Staiano
Photography - Adriano Scognamillo, Guy Le Querrec, Magnum Photos
Liner Notes - Stefano Benni, Elisa Ascione, Fabienne Palamidessi 

Quello Che Non Voglio

Takehiro Honda - Salaam Salaam (1974) [vinyl]

Takehiro Honda's most complex and challenging LP, Salaam Salaam pairs the pianist with bassist Junie Booth and drummer Eric Gravatt to explore the kind of creative reaches typically reserved for larger ensembles. If anything, the record is that much more remarkable for achieving its epic scope from so few core elements. Honda's adherence to austerity contrasts sharply with the bold, multi-dimensional sensibilities that signify the vast majority of post-Coltrane excursions into spiritual expression, yet the sheer soulfulness and abandon of his performance nevertheless vaults Salaam Salaam into the same physical and metaphysical planes. No less vital is the record's unusual warmth and tonal purity, which further underscore the humanity at the root of even its most abstract expressions. ~ by Jason Ankeny, AMG. 

East Wind, EW-7005, 1974
Recorded 16th June, 1974 at Victor Studio, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Takehiro Honda - Piano
Juni Booth - Bass
Eric Gravatt - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Minors Only (13:27)
A2. Natural Tranquility (10:31)
B. Salaam Salaam (18:28) 

All Compositions by Takehiro Honda 

Total Time: 42:26 

Credits:
Producer, Management, Liner Photos - Toshinari Koinuma
Supervisor [Album Direction] - Yasohachi Itoh, Yukio Morisaki
Recording & Remixing Engineer - Toshio Kobayashi
Art Direction - Johsuke Kubo
Design [Album] - Mitsuo Hosokawa
Photography [Cover] - Hiroshi Satoh
Photography [Liner] - Yukio Ichikawa
Liner Notes - Shoichi Yui 

"This album I heard again and again when I was a student over 35 years ago. Even if I heard it now, it was a great album! All three songs are good, but the second song Natural Tranquility is great when you listen to it! It's a peace of mind." ~ aquilegia, Amazon.com. [Translated from Japanese] 

Natural Tranquility