The Nagel Heyer Allstars - Uptown Lowdown + Bonus (1999)

A Jazz Salute To The Big Apple

It took a German recording team to enable trumpeter/arranger Randy Sandke to assemble this all-American, 12-piece ensemble for a panorama of New York-inspired tunes, recorded in the Big Apple in the Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse as part of the 1999 JVC Jazz Festival. In doing so, he raided the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, as well as several independent history-minded players in the area, and emerged with a band that fires off the numbers with crisp virtuosity in any idiom called for. Thankfully, there is also more than enough gusto in the playing, due in no small part to the live festival recording situation. "The Harlem Medley," a lengthy leadoff stream of delicacies from the land of Ellingtonia, gets close enough to the Ellington sound to convey the idea without being slavishly imitative or ghostly. From there, the band doubles back to Dixieland, works its way up to swing, and slides without a glitch into bebop "Scrapple From the Apple", a Mingus shuffle blues "Nostalgia in Times Square", transitional Coltrane "Grand Central", and some Monk "52nd Street Theme", before being deposited back in Harlem by -- naturally -- the “A” Train." In between the main tour stops, Concord Jazz teammates guitarist Howard Alden and clarinetist Ken Peplowski serve up another of their fluid duets on Irving Berlin's "Slumming on Park Avenue." Other high points include clarinetist Allan Vaché wailing in the trad flagwaver "Chinatown" and trumpeters Sandke and Warren Vaché duking it out on "42nd Street." In all, a well-recorded souvenir of what sounds like a heartwarming local celebration. ~ by Richard S. Ginell, AMG. 

Nagel Heyer Records, nagel heyer 2004, 2004
Nagel Heyer Records, Digital DL, 2021
Recorded 16th June, 1999 Live at Sylvia & Danny Kaye Playhouse, NYC 

Musicians:
Randy Sandke, Warren Vaché - Trumpet
Wycliffe Gordon - Trombone
Joe Temperley - Saxophone
Ken Peplowski - Saxophone, Clarinet
Scott Robinson - Saxophone, Flute
Allan Vaché - Clarinet
Eric Reed - Piano (#1-6,11-13,15)
Mark Shane - Piano (#7-8,10,14)
Howard Alden - Guitar
Rodney Whitaker - Bass
Joe Ascione - Drums 

Tracks:
The Harlem Medley:
01. Echoes Of Harlem {Duke Ellington} /
Drop Me Off In Harlem {Duke Ellington, Nick Kenny} (3:07)
02. Jungle Nights In Harlem {Duke Ellington} (3:37)
03. Boys From Harlem {Duke Ellington} (3:33)
04. Sugar Hill Penthouse {Duke Ellington} (2:31)
05. Blue Belles Of Harlem {Duke Ellington} (3:07)
06. Harlem Speaks {Duke Ellington} (5:28)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
07. Chinatown {Jean Schwartz, William Jerome} (3:09)
08. Rose Of Washington Square {James Hanley, Ballard MacDonald} /
Broadway Rose {Martin Fried, Otis Spencer} (6:43)
09. Slumming On Park Avenue {Irving Berlin} (5:13)
10. 42nd Street {Al Dubin, Harry Warren} (5:59)
11. Scrapple From The Apple {Charlie Parker} (5:48)
12. Nostalgia In Times Square {Charles Mingus} (8:14)
13. Grand Central {John Coltrane} (8:31)
14. 52nd Street Theme {Thelonious Monk} (4:42)
15. Take The "A" Train {Billy Strayhorn} (7:46) 

Bonus Track
16. What's New? {Johnny Burke, Bob Haggart} (5:09) 

Total Time: 82:45 

Credits:
Producer - Charlie Bertini
Director, Arranger - Randy Sandke
Executive-Producer - Hans Nagel-Heyer, Sabine Nagel-Heyer
Recording Engineer - David Baker
Recording Assistant - Katsuhiko Naito
Mixing Engineer - Ben Ahrens
Photography - Alan Nahigian, Ed Berger 

Bonus Track [What's New?]

Randy Sandke - I Hear Music (1993)

The superior and surprisingly flexible trumpeter Randy Sandke mostly emphasizes the mainstream swing side of himself on this highly enjoyable release. He teams up with Ken Peplowski (who sticks to tenor except for a bit of clarinet on "Muddy Water"), pianist Ray Kennedy, bassist John Goldsby, and drummer Terry Clarke for a set of mostly lesser-known standards and originals. Sandke's compositions tend to be based on earlier tunes ("Wildfire" is actually "Liza," "See You Later" is "Everybody Loves My Baby," etc.), putting new melodies to older chord changes. Overall, this is high-quality swing that both looks ahead toward bop and backwards toward 1920s jazz. Among the highlights are "Thanks a Million" (which has a dramatic statement by the trumpeter), "Muddy Water," "I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues," and "I Love Louis" (mostly based on "Shine"). Highly recommended. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Concord Jazz, CCD-4566, 1993
Recorded 4th & 8th February, 1993 at Sear Sound Studio, New York City 

Musicians:
Randy Sandke - Trumpet, Flugelhorn (#9)
Ken Peplowski - Tenor Sax, Clarinet (#5)
Ray Kennedy - Piano
John Goldsby - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Wildfire {Randy Sandke} (4:26)
02. Thanks A Million {Arthur Johnston, Gus Kahn} (3:07)
03. Say It {Randy Sandke} (4:45)
04. Dream Song {Randy Sandke} (3:24)
05. Muddy Water {Harry Richman, Jo Trent, Peter DeRose} (4:16)
06. With A Song In My Heart {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (4:48)
07. See You Later {Randy Sandke} (4:54)
08. I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (5:15)
09. Domino {Don Raye, Jacques Plante, Louis Ferrari} (5:06)
10. I Hear Music {Burton Lane, Frank Loesser} (3:06)
11. I Love Louis {Randy Sandke} (4:04)
12. Lullaby For Karen {Randy Sandke} (4:48)
13. Benny Goodman Postscript  (0:12) 

Total Time: 52:17 

Credits:
Producer - Randy Sandke, Ken Peplowski
Executive-Producer - Carl E. Jefferson
Recording Engineer - David Baker
Mastering Engineer - George Horn
Art Direction - Kent Judkins
Photography - Ron Schwerin
Liner Notes - Chip Deffaa 

Lullaby For Karen

Jerry Granelli - The V16 Project (2003)

Jerry Granelli reunites with guitarist Christian Kögel and picks up guitarist David Tronzo and bass player Anthony Cox for the V16 Project. However, the music this band makes is markedly different than Granelli's past two guitar, bass and drum lineups (News From the Street, Broken Circle). First off, Granelli has a hybrid electro-acoustic drum kit now, and Kögel and Tronzo are both armed with samplers (mostly for looping purposes, not sound effects) and the results are astounding. In the liner notes, Granelli claims that "this music is based on three vehicles: spontaneous composition, pre-composed pieces, and sonic adventure." There's something to be said for truth in advertising. The album starts with the only composition from outside the band, the old standard "Temptation." Acoustic and electric guitars are introduced, looped, and layered until they sound like a virtual swarm as the tune kicks into high gear. The band works extremely well together: Cox is generally the anchor, with Granelli supplying rhythm and extra "sonic adventure" through his electronic percussion. Kögel and Tronzo are basically free to indulge themselves on all manner of guitar (electric, acoustic, slide, wah-wah, fuzz), and have sufficiently different playing styles that don't interfere with each other. After the first three composed pieces, it's time for Granelli to sit out for a few improvised pieces, then rejoin for some more "spontaneous composition." In the hands of these musicians, spontaneous composition is not exactly the same as free improvisation, as there is both a strong rhythmic and melodic element present in all these tunes, and each player is a consummate listener. The tunes range from quite intense, "Temptation" and "Black Confederacy," to the beautiful and lyrical "Family Man," which features some fantastic slide work from Tronzo. Adventurous listeners and avant-guitar fans should definitely check out the V16 Project. ~ by Sean Westergaard, AMG. 

Songlines Recordings, SGL SA1544-2, 2003
Recorded 23rd-25th April, 2003 at The Terrarium, Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Musicians:
Jerry Granelli - Electro-Acoustic Percussion
Anthony Cox - Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass Guitar
Christian Kögel - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Sampler
David Tronzo - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Sampler 

Tracks:
01. Temptation {Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed} (11:17)
02. O Bossa, Where Art Thou? {Christian Kögel} (7:01)
03. Lunch With Mr. Wong / Leaving Mr. Wong's {Jerry Granelli} (7:24)
04. Acoustic Trio {Cox, Kögel, Tronzo} (1:44)
05. Acoustic Duo {Christian Kögel, David Tronzo} (3:49)
06. Cassius {Anthony Cox} (2:51)
07. Hobo Comedies {Granelli, Cox, Kögel, Tronzo} (4:56)
08. Family Man {Anthony Cox} (2:49)
09. Walk By {Granelli, Cox, Kögel, Tronzo} (0:23)
10. Mutator {Granelli, Cox, Kögel, Tronzo} (4:05)
11. Good Wheat {Cox, Kögel, Tronzo} (2:45)
12. Texas Oklahoma Conspiracy {Granelli, Cox, Kögel, Tronzo} (3:34)
13. Black Confederacy {Anthony Cox} (4:21) 

Total Time: 57:04 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Jerry Granelli
Producer - Tony Reif
Engineer - Jeff Mee
Assistant Engineer - Eric Olsen
Engineer, Mixing - Jason Orris
Editing, Mastering - Dawn Frank
Collage, Photography - Amy Fastenau
Photography - Steven Gale, Steve Purd 

Family Man

Wallace Roney - The Kind of Blue Project, 2 live shows

A pair of rare performance worth sharing... in fact 2 shows 2 days apart in July 2000. These are mp3's. 

Date: July 13, 2000 

Location: Copenhagen Jazz Festival - Cirkusbygningen, Copenhagen, Denmark Radio broadcast A+ 

Vincent Herring (as), Mark Turner (ts), Wallace Roney (t), Benny Green (p), Buster Williams (b), Jimmy Cobb (d) 

01. So What - 17:14 (Miles Davis) 

02. Freddie Freeloader - 12:57 (Miles Davis) 

03. Blue In Green - 5:18 (Bill Evans, Miles Davis) 

04. All Blues - 14:14 (Miles Davis) 

05. Flamenco Sketches - 11:58 (Miles Davis) 

06. Milestones - 6:06 (Miles Davis) 

07. Ah-Leu-Cha (Charlie Parker)

08. The Theme (Miles Davis)

Also same Band 7/15/2000 in Ireland

1. Freddie the Freeloader

2. Blue in Green

3. All Blues

4. Flamenco Sketches

5. Milestones

 

Mickey Tucker - Mister Mysterious

Mickey Tucker - Mister Mysterious
Muse 5174, 1978

01 Plagio
02 A Prayer
03 Mr. Mysterious
04 Taurus Lullaby
05 Cecilitis
06 Basic Elements

Mickey Tucker piano, Frank Foster tenor & soprano saxes and flute, Cecil Bridgewater trumpet, Pepper Adams baritone sax, Cecil McBee bass, Eddie Gladden drums, Ray Mantilla percussion, Azeeden Weston congas

"Nothing mysterious here -- but a great little record that stands as one of Mickey Tucker's few bold statements of the 70s! The set's a soaring spiritual soul jazz affair -- featuring Mickey at the helm on acoustic piano, plus Frank Foster on reeds, Cecil Bridgewater on trumpet, Cecil McBee on bass, and Eddie Gladden on drums. (and Pepper Adams on baritone!) Tracks have a dancing joyful feel that's right up there with the best 70s soul jazz on Muse -- like work by The Visitors, or Woody Shaw -- and the numbers are all originals by Tucker, and show him to be as great a writer as he was a player, especially in these larger group settings!" amazon

I share that enthusiasm, a really terrific album! Frank Foster is just lovely in a role where you might expect to see a Carlos Garnett or Carter Jefferson. Cecil B and Pepper have strong contributions and with a foundation like Gladden and McBee the music really sails along. Another one for that 70's spiritual soul jazz category and a surprise heavyweight (maybe cruiserweight).

I got a sealed copy and as you can hear it is flawless --- at least until three minutes into the final track when I heard an horrible POP and the needle clearly skipped a chuck of Pepper's solo. HORRORS! I quickly stopped the rip and pulled the record off the turntable---it still looked pristine, not a mark on it -- I cleaned it with the D4 anyway - no change, put a dime on it - no change - I watched carefully and there was no actual skip -- the flaw was in the mastering of the record itself -- CRAP!! I then remembered that I had an mp3 320 copy that seemed to sourced from a cd so I loaded it next to my copy in Audacity and started trying to match them up to see what I could discover - turned out a BIG chuck of that solo was missing but the other version was fine - I converted the one song to wave, cut out the first part of the solo and pasted it into my rip---I got it right on the second try and it is imperceptible! -- now for some reason my final version is still a few seconds shorter but it sounds fine and complete and is sonically superior to the cd sourced one.

Jerry Granelli And Badlands - Enter, A Dragon (1998)

Granelli follows his own muse, with an eclecticism that combines an array of styles. This is his first recording with his group called Badlands, and the drummer/leader mixes offbeat compositions with scintillating solos for each of the 15 tracks. Of course, it does not hurt to head a septet whose members include such outstanding improvisers as saxophonists Briggan Krauss, Peter Epstein, and Chris Speed, and a trombonist as savvy as Curtis Hasselbring. Through it all, drummer Granelli manages to improvise duets with each of the musicians, including his talented son, J. Anthony Granelli, who plays acoustic guitar and electric bass, and deft pianist Jamie Saft, who doubles on clavinet, accordion, and slide guitar. Moods change with the drop of a coin, yet there is a coherent quality to it all that draws the listener into a magical world where just about anything goes. ~ by Steve Loewy, AMG. 

Songlines Recordings, SGL-1521-2, 1998
Recorded 13th & 14th September, 1997 at Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Jerry Granelli - Drums, Bells
Curtis Hasselbring - Trombone
Briggan Krauss - Alto Saxophone
Peter Epstein - Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone
Chris Speed - Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone
Jamie Saft - Piano, Clavinet, Accordion, Slide Guitar
J. Anthony Granelli - Electric Bass, Bass Guitar [Acoustic] 

Tracks:
01. Enter, A Dragon {Jerry Granelli} (3:21)
02. Haiku I {Peter Epstein, Jerry Granelli} (2:10)
03. Berlin Sky {Jerry Granelli} (7:50)
04. Shih {Jerry Granelli} (4:56)
05. Bou Noura {J. Anthony Granelli} (8:39)
06. Haiku II {Jerry Granelli, Curtis Hasselbring} (1:39)
07. Haiku III {Jerry Granelli, Jamie Saft} (2:15)
08. Sting Thing {Jerry Granelli} (7:25)
09. Black Montana Cheer {Curtis Hasselbring} (3:56)
10. Haiku IV {Jerry Granelli, Briggan Krauss} (1:34)
11. Fainting Sheep {Jerry Granelli} (7:37)
12. Haiku V {Jerry Granelli, Chris Speed} (2:05)
13. Haiku VI {J. Anthony Granelli, Jerry Granelli} (1:53)
14. The Dragon {Jerry Granelli} (9:18)
15. Rhythm Aces {Jerry Granelli} (2:29) 

Total Time: 67:19 

Credits:
Producer - J. Anthony Granelli, Jerry Granelli
Executive-Producer - Tony Reif
Recording, Editing & Mastering - A.T. Michael MacDonald
Artwork [Drawings & Writings] - Jerry Granelli
Design, Photography [Brooklyn] - Heidi Bullinga 

Fainting Sheep

Noriko Kojima - Easy Come, Easy Go (1993)

Noriko has recently released what she calls her 'the phantom first album' named "Easy Come, Easy Go." For this date she assembled a quartet format comprising of herself on flute and alto flute, pianist Yuko Takada, bassist Moriyoshi Shibuya and drummer Kei Wada. She states that eight out of the nine tracks are of her own writing with the remainder "Coconut Special" by Toraji Onaka. This early outing clearly demonstrates the pathway of a virtuoso flutist and a profound jazz composer for her chosen instrument. As per usual this supposed phantom album is welcomed addition to her evolving discography; a highly entertaining and recommended work! 

No Problem
Recorded 29th & 30th June, 1993 

Musicians:
Noriko Kojima - Flute, Alto-Flute
Hiroko Takada - Piano
Moriyoshi Shibuya - Bass
Kei Wada - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Waltz In Wonderland {Noriko Kojima} (1:55)
2. Cool In The Pool {Noriko Kojima} (7:47)
3. Tune Of June [For Jun] {Noriko Kojima} (8:26)
4. Coconut Special {Toraji Onaka} (8:46)
5. Nukarumi [Have You Ever Got In The Mud?] {Noriko Kojima} (6:15)
6. So Long {Noriko Kojima} (7:36)
7. Wall [There're Many Walls Around The Way] {Noriko Kojima} (8:26)
8. Mouth Of The Mogami-River {Noriko Kojima} (8:23)
9. Easy Come, Easy Go {Noriko Kojima} (5:55) 

Total Time: 63:29

So Long

Jerry Granelli - What I Hear Now (2014)

This is what master drummer Jerry Granelli hears now: a wide variety of left-of-center music that circumvents strict harmonic corralling, thanks to the absence of guitar or piano, and makes good use of multiple horns. Of course, if you catch Granelli a few months down the road, he might hear something completely different. Over the past half a century, Jerry Granelli has been making his mark by being his own man. Who else but a staunch individualist could make his initial splash(es) by holding down the drum chairs in the Vince Guaraldi Trio and the Denny Zeitlin Trio. For nearly three decades, Granelli has been cranking out creative music under his own name. Here, Granelli builds on the trio he has with bassist Simon Fisk and saxophonist Dani Oore, adding two other saxophonists - Andrew McKelvey and Mike Murley - and trombonist Andrew Jackson to the mix. The resultant music, not surprisingly, is highly eclectic. What I Hear Now opens with "Prologue," a number that finds saxophones in search mode, looking to and fro for answers. "Run Danny Run" keeps the focus on the horns, but Granelli joins in, contributing to the pointed rhythmic dialogue that urges the song forward. Then there's the desert stroll of "Walter White," grounded by the bass-drum hookup of Granelli and Fisk; the noir-ish "Mystery," a number which is smoky and wholly seductive; the slinky and hip "Dance For Me"; the slow-moving, horn-centered "Another Place"; and "The Swamp," a killer odd-metered groove number that never feels odd. In less than forty minutes, Granelli convincingly covers more ground than plenty of other musicians could cover given several albums worth of space. ~ Extract by Dan Bilawsky, AAJ. 

Addo Records, AJR030, 2015
Recorded September, 2014 at The Sonic Temple, Halifax Nova Scotia

Musicians:
Jerry Granelli - Drums
Mike Murley - Tenor Saxophone
Dani Oore - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones
Andrew McKelvey - Alto Saxophone
Andrew Jackson - Trombone
Simon Fisk - Bass [3 String Bassetto] 

Tracks:
1. Prologue (2:04)
2. Run Danny Run (5:15)
3. Walter White (4:26)
4. Mystery (6:15)
5. Dance For Me (6:21)
6. Another Place (4:44)
7. The Swamp (8:23) 

Total Time: 37:28 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Jerry Granelli
Executive-Producer - Colin MacKenzie
Engineer - Darren van Niekerk
Photography - Hannah Thomson
Art Direction, Cover Design - Jeremy Green

Chris Hinze, Tadao Sawai, Hozan Yamamoto - 怪顛 [Mysterious] Keden (1974) [vinyl]

Chris Hinze, a Dutch jazz flutist who has produced many beautiful and euphoric works ranging from ethnic new age jazz to meditative music, released this album as the second installment of his "Super Session" series in which he collaborated with master musicians of Japanese traditional music. This work is a session with shakuhachi player Hozan Yamamoto and 17-string koto player Tadao Sawai, who have pushed Japanese classical music to the next stage. Hinze's flute playing is extremely good, almost sounding like a Japanese folk instrument, with an oriental spirituality in the tone and melody of his performance. ~ organicmusic.jp. 

CBS/Sony Records, SOCO-104, 1974
Recorded 4th October, 1974 at Aoi Studio, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Chris Hinze - Flute, Indian Bamboo Flute, Piccolo Flute, Alto Flute
Tadao Sawai - Koto
Hozan Yamamoto - Shakuhachi

Tracks:
A1. Koto's Prolog {Tadao Sawai} (2:04)
A2. Shakuhachi's Prolog {Hozan Yamamoto} (1:49)
A3. Indian Bamboo Flute's Prolog {Chris Hinze} (2:21)
A4. Keden {Tadao Sawai} (6:41)
A5. Rakka {Tadao Sawai} (9:44)
B1. Wave II Nehan {Chris Hinze} (4:16)
B2. Hiyoku {Chris Hinze} (5:28)
B3. Renri {Hozan Yamamoto} (6:26) 

Total Time: 39:49 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Nobuaki Arai
Supervisor/Director - Masao Matsuda
Engineer - Tomoo Suzuki
Cover Design - Aritsune Terada
Cover Illustration - Ikuo Niida
Layout [Flyleaf] - Shizuo Ishizuka
Liner Notes - Tadao Sawai, Yozo Iwanami

Ayumi Koketsu - Daybreak (2011)

As soon as she made her debut in July 2010, Ayumi Koketsu attracted attention in the jazz world not only for her youth and beauty, but also for her soft tone, reliable technique and emotion, and the impact of her own compositions. At the time of her debut, she was selected for the first issue of Jazz Japan magazine's New Star Award. She says: "I want to think together and create something better..." So, for this album she concentrated on playing some of her favourite jazz standards emanating from some of the core musicians she has admired and emulated whilst developing her own presence on the modern jazz scene. 

M & I Records, MYCJ-30585, 2011
Recorded 14th & 15th November, 2010 at Hitokuchi-Zaka Studio, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Ayumi Koketsu - Alto Saxophone
Yoshihiko Naya - Piano
Masayuki Tawarayama - Bass
Mark Taylor - Drums

Tracks:
01. Daybreak {Ayumi Koketsu} (4:38)
02. Subconscious-Lee {Lee Konitz} (3:55)
03. Embarcadero {Paul Desmond} (6:37)
04. How Deep Is The Ocean {Irving Berlin} (4:45)
05. Dogwood {Mashiko Tatsuro, Hitoto Yo} (5:57)
06. Evidence {Thelonious Monk} (5:11)
07. After Dark {Yoshihiko Naya} (5:22)
08. I Can't Get Started {Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke} (5:35)
09. Out Of Nowhere {Edward Heyman, John Green} (5:27)
10. Ezz-Thetic {George Russell} (3:36)
11. Oleo {Sonny Rollins} (4:23) 

Total Time: 55:33 

Credits:
Producer - Hiro Yamashita, Yoshihiko Naya
Executive-Producer - Mitsuo Shimano
Recording & Mixing - Mizuo Miura
Engineer [Assistant] - Daisuke Takizawa
Mastering - Yoshihiro Kawasaki
Art Direction, Design - Hiromi Adachi
Photography - Kunihiro Takuma
Liner Notes - Ayumi Koketsu 

I Can't Get Started

Ayumi Koketsu - Rainbow Tales (2012)

Saxophonist Ayumi Koketsu creates exciting modern jazz on her third album Rainbow Tales from 2012, where she leads of group of accomplished Norwegian musicians on a modern-sounding recording. The session was beautifully captured at the famous Rainbow Studios in Oslo, where the European-label ECM sound seems to influence the session under Koketsu’s leadership and virtuosity. With crystal clear sax and cymbals riding above the warm, full piano and deep wood bass, this style is particularly noticeable on “Mikazuki” (Crescent Moon), a folk/rock-like tune reminiscent of Keith Jarrett. The album contains a nice balance on its eleven songs. Along with three swinging original numbers, Koketsu also picks some jazz standards including a lovely “Bewitched”, a driving “Summertime”, a Paul Desmond-like “When Joanna Loved Me”, Lennie Tristano’s “Two Not One”, and Ornette Coleman’s “Bird Food”. Throughout, Koketsu’s versatile bop playing and improvisation are on display, along with exquisite modern solos from the pianist and a sharp rhythm section elevating the sound and color spectrum. ~ Brian McCrory, jazzofjapan.com. 

M & I Records, MYCJ-30620, 2012
Recorded 22nd, 23rd & 24th March, 2012 at Rainbow Studio, Oslo, Norway 

Musicians:
Ayumi Koketsu - Alto Saxophone, Arranger
Svein Olav Herstad - Piano
Magne Thormodsæter - Bass
Per Oddvar Johansen - Drums

Tracks:
01. With May {Ayumi Koketsu} (6:07)
02. Two Not One {Lennie Tristano} (4:57)
03. Bird Food {Ornette Coleman} (4:59)
04. Kayu {Ayumi Koketsu} (8:30)
05. Berkshire Blues {Randy Weston} (5:57)
06. Diversity {Ayumi Koketsu} (6:34)
07. Mikazuki {Ayaka, Yoshihiko Nishio} (5:57)
08. Near The Clouds {Ayumi Koketsu} (4:39)
09. Bewitched {Richard Rodgers} (7:29)
10. Summertime {George Gershwin} (6:55)
11. When Joanna Loved Me {Jack Segal, Robert Wells} (4:19) 

Total Time: 66:26 

Credits:
Producer, Supervisor - Hiro Yamashita
Executive-Producer - Ryuichi Sawazaki
Recording & Mixing - Jan Erik Kongshaug
Mastering - Shuji Nose
Art Direction, Design - Hiromi Adachi
Photography [Cover] - Arata Kato
Photography [Studio] - CF-Wesenberg
Liner Notes - Ayumi Koketsu 

Near The Clouds

Ayumi Koketsu - Balladist (2014)

This is Japanese jazz alto saxophonist Ayumi Koketsu's second in her New York series, the previous work "Brooklyn Purple". It is a collection of ballads with the support of top-notch New York musicians: pianist David Hazeltine, bassist David Williams and drummer Lewis Nash. Ayumi weaves an air of soft and smooth phrases that penetrate your heart, bringing forth a warm and enveloping atmosphere. The album is predominantly made up of well-known jazz standards with only two of Ayumi's own compositions. Essentially, the performance spins out phrases that soak in deep, creating a soothing album for all occasions, enjoy! 

M & I Records, MYCJ-30647, 2014
Recorded 29th, 30th & 31st July, 2014 at Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York City 

Musicians:
Ayumi Koketsu - Alto Saxophone
David Hazeltine - Piano
David Williams - Bass
Lewis Nash - Drums

Tracks:
1. Autumn In New York {Vernon Duke} (7:34)
2. The Good Life {Sacha Distel} (6:52)
3. Beatrix {Ayumi Koketsu} (5:13)
4. Dedicated To You {Cahn, Zaret, Chaplin} (7:44)
5. Flora {Ayumi Koketsu} (6:03)
6. Night Lights {Gerry Mulligan} (7:34)
7. Setembro {Peranzzetta, Lins, Winbush} (6:09)
8. Detour Ahead {Ellis, Frigo, Carter} (8:24) 

Total Time: 55:37 

Credits:
Producer - Hiro Yamashita
Executive-Producer - Ryuichi Sawazaki
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Max Ross
Mastering Engineer - Shuji Nose
Art Direction, Design - Mayumi Matsumura
Photography - Yuji Susaki, Takehiko Tokiwa 

Beatrix

Ayumi Koketsu - Brooklyn Purple (2013)

Combining beauty and ability, Ayumi Koketsu is an attractive item that has become a boom in recent years. Following the first overseas recording of the previous work, this is the first recording in New York, the center of jazz. The second overseas recording by Ayumi Koketsu, who has become a central figure among female saxophonists. A masterpiece that has been played in all directions by interacting with authentic veteran musicians. Here is her unstoppable evolution, expanding her range of expression with her debut soprano saxophone and continues to evolve. Five of the ten songs are by Ayumi Koketsu, the rest well-known jazz standards. All songs arranged by Ayumi Koketsu. [Translated from Japanese] 

M & I Records, MYCJ-30640, 2013
Recorded 20th, 21st June, 2013 in New York 

Musicians:
Ayumi Koketsu - Alto (#1-5,9,10), Soprano (#6-8)
David Hazeltine - Piano
David Williams - Bass
Willie Jones III - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Signs Of Autumn {Ayumi Koketsu} (5:32)
02. As What You Are {Ayumi Koketsu} (7:32)
03. Freight Trane {Tommy Flanagan} (3:27)
04. It's Easy To Remember {Richard Rodgers} (6:50)
05. Chase {Ayumi Koketsu} (5:09)
06. How Is The Weather {Ayumi Koketsu} (6:37)
07. Baily's Beads {Ayumi Koketsu} (6:38)
08. Calling You {Bob Telson} (5:40)
09. Jitterbug Waltz {Fats Waller} (6:31)
10. In A Mellow Tone {Duke Ellington} (6:33)

Total Time: 60:29

 It's Easy To Remember

Ayumi Koketsu - Art (2016)

Ayumi Koketsu never ceases to amaze. Since her 2010 debut with Struttin’, the traditionally inclined alto saxophonist has released an album every year and each one seems to out-do the previous. With her 2016 release Art, she pays tribute to one of the greatest of alto players, Art Pepper. Koketsu pulls all the stops to make a proper homage. She plays only Pepper-compositions or songs widely attributed to him. She is backed by an all-American rhythm section, players who are well versed in West Coast jazz despite residing in New York. In fact, she recorded the album in the Big Apple, a place where Pepper found a resurgence during the latter part of his career (encapsulated by his historic three days at the Village Vanguard). Although it would be easy to update these songs to fit a more contemporary sound, Koketsu sticks to tradition and plays these classics straight-ahead. This makes Art feel like a proper tribute to the man’s artistry. She captures Pepper’s sound so closely that you could swear it was an unreleased recording by Pepper during his prime. Her musical ideas never seem to let up as she blows through verse after verse of tight phrases. She even manages to master Pepper’s particular sense of trading fours, leading to a joyous interaction between her and veteran jazz drummer Mark Taylor. However, this is what makes Art problematic at times. Koketsu is no doubt a technically skilled player but it is hard to differentiate her from the legend she is honoring. All too often, it sounds like Koketsu trying to mimic Pepper's sound instead of throwing in her own flair, a style that has been evident in her previous albums. However, this does not make the album forgettable. Koketsu’s playing is rightfully tender and subdued, yet still gracefully passionate. Art leaves fans of Koketsu wanting more, especially since she has generated quite a bit of hype with jazz crowds. Still, Art is nothing more than a tribute to a man who has mastered Koketsu’s instrument, and what a fine tribute it is. Koketsu plays these tunes with never before heard assurance. It only leaves us hungry for her next outing…~ Extract by Nathan Nicolau, rokkupanku.wordpress.com. 

M & I Records, MYCJ-30653, 2016
Recorded 24th, 25th, 27th February, 2016 at Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York City 

Musicians:
Ayumi Koketsu - Alto Saxophone
Jeremy Manasia - Piano
Mike Karn - Bass
Mark Taylor - Drums

Tracks:
1. Cool Bunny {Art Pepper} (5:12)
2. Straight Life {Art Pepper} (4:28)
3. Imagination {Jimmy Van Heusen} (6:11)
4. Diane's Dilemma {Art Pepper} (4:57)
5. Bésame Mucho {Consuelo Velazquez} (6:02)
6. Holiday Flight {Art Pepper} (3:52)
7. Patricia {Art Pepper} (6:20)
8. When You're Smiling {Larry Shay} (4:54) 

Total Time: 41:57 

Credits:
Producer - Hiro Yamashita
Executive-Producer - Ryuichi Sawazaki
Engineer - Max Ross
Mastering - Yuta Tada
Release Coordinator - Tomoatsu Tamari
Art Direction, Design - Tadashi Kitagawa
Photography - Toru Kometani
Liner Notes [Art Pepper] - Ayumi Koketsu 

Diane's Dilemma

Ayumi Koketsu - Struttin' (2010)

In November 2010, as usual, the 6th Ginza International Jazz Festival was held, and at the 7th floor hall of the Ginza Yamano Musical Instruments Main Store, there was a live performance by the Ayumi Koketsu Quartet. I got one of the tickets from there, and I was allowed to accompany the performance. Ayumi Koketsu was born in Gifu Prefecture in 1988 and is a 21-year-old alto saxophonist. She started taking piano lessons at the age of 3 and became a jazz lover under the influence of her father. After graduating from high school, she attended Koyo Music Academy Nagoya School and started her live performances. Her performance has been well received, and her concert venues in Nagoya continue to be packed every day. And this time, her first album "Struttin'" was recorded. As you all know, there is a famous jazz record "Cool Struttin'", and it is said that her name is "Ayumi", so this album "Struttin'" was given this title. That's it. As you can hear, her alto saxophone performance ranges from ballads to up-tempo songs, and she sings well with beautiful and powerful tones. What surprises is her performance style, she literally sings cool and easy bebop blow, which is exactly cool struttin' itself and makes you feel the limitless future. Then, please listen to the beautiful alto ad-lib of the struttin' ballad played by the young lady. ~ ankle pop, 5 Stars, Amazon.com. [Translated from Japanese] 

M & I Records, MYCJ-30573, 2010
Recorded 17th & 18th February, 2010 at Hitokuchi-Zaka Studio, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Ayumi Koketsu - Alto Saxophone
Yoshihiko Naya - Piano
Masayuki Tawarayama - Bass
Mark Taylor - Drums

Tracks:
01. This I Dig Of You {Hank Mobley} (4:11)
02. Without A Song {Vincent Youmans} (4:58)
03. Kary's Trance {Lee Konitz} (4:16)
04. A Solar Eclipse {Ayumi Koketsu} (5:11)
05. I Fall In Love Too Easily {Jule Styne} (4:23)
06. The Kicker {Joe Henderson} (4:41)
07. I've Never Been In Love Before {Loesser} (4:53)
08. Orion {Rui Momota} (5:55)
09. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise {Sigmund Romberg} (5:27)
10. Del Sasser {Sam Jones} (6:33)
11. Blues Connotation {Ornette Coleman} (4:43) 

Total Time: 55:16 

Credits:
Producer - Hiro Yamashita, Yoshihiko Naya
Executive-Producer - Mitsuo Shimano
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Mizuo Miura
Engineer [Assistant] - Daisuke Takizawa
Mastering Engineer - Yuta Tada
Art Direction, Design - Yoshie Yokoyama
Photography [Artist Photos] - Mika Endo
Photography [Cover] - Hisayoshi Osawa
Liner Notes - Naoko Shimada 

Orion

Dusko Goykovich Quartet - Ten To Two Blues (1971)

This album is a Spanish DiscMedi Blau reissue edition of the original Ensayo release in 1971. It is considered one of Tete Montoliu's hard-to-find Ensayo releases, that has been remastered, reissued and reprinted for the first time in a long time with the original vinyl jacket! If you are a Dusko or Tete fan, take this opportunity to acquire a copy! It has also been released "After Hours" on Enya Records. However, that release has incorrect labelling of some of the tracks and credits. Essentially, this album showcases the pinnacle of European hard bop, that is full of high-powered playing by all musicians with deep and emotive execution! Tete Montoliu joins with the magnificent Yugoslavian trumpet player Duško Gojković to produce this fine album. It was recorded as a result of a friendly meeting between the two. It includes three Gojković compositions, one an undisputed blues tune, two standards and a percussive, almost Monkian blues by Tete Montoliu. Recorded in Barcelona, in November 1971, at the height of both players extensive careers. Here, Dusko teams up with the Montoliu trio, comprising of bassist Robert Langereis and drummer Joey Nay. Together they deliver an exciting lesson in what jazz should sound like performing a rigorous repertoire of compositions. This release is noted for Gojković's popular song "Old Fisherman's Daughter", where Dusko's sharp trumpet, Tete's piano that weaves and twists around it, along with Rob's roaring bass and Joe's concise drumming is a memorable highlight, enjoy! 

Ensayo Records, ENY-45, 1971
DiscMedi Blau, DM5183-02, 2015
Recorded 9th November, 1971 in Barcelona, Spain 

Musicians:
Dusko Goykovich - Trumpet
Tete Montoliu - Piano
Robert Langereis - Bass
Joe Nay - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Ten To Two Blues {Gojković} (7:01)
2. I Remember O.P. {Gojković} (5:13)
3. Old Fisherman's Daughter {Gojković} (8:35)
4. I Love You {Harry Archer, Harlan Thompson} (9:03)
5. The Child Is Born {Thad Jones} (3:39)
6. Blues To Line {Tete Montoliu} (8:21) 

Total Time: 41:52

 

Lanfranco Malaguti Quartet - Panorami (2011)

The title could be misleading, and so could the list of eleven tracks that follow the additive numbering system: Lanfranco Malaguti struck by various panoramas that musically inspired him. None of this, because the nineteenth work of the Roman guitarist is inspired by the painting of Renato Maurizio, an architect who synthesized on canvas the eleven landscapes (all present in the internal booklet) whose sound description is entrusted to this disc, written with four hands by the leader and by Luca Colussi. Panorami outlines a path made up of explorations, concerted on fiery and at times angry gusts of an avant-garde style, which give way to more velvety tones, but always careful not to get lost in the obvious. Geometrics in the balance kept at the right pace by Colussi's powerful drive that gives ease to Massimo De Mattia and Nicola Fazzini to be able to go down with foil with perfect tranquility, drawing what Renato Maurizio's brush has represented graphically. But it is Malaguti who makes clear that right restlessness through complex phrases, excellently constructed, playing on the backbeat and also alienating the score. Paradigms that leap, note after note and put the accent on the fact that the quartet is at its heart, without any flaws. Undoubtedly, a record to be listened to carefully, which may be difficult at first hearing, but whose interpretation lies in the works that inspired it. ~ Alceste Ayroldi, JazzItalia.net [Translated from Italian] 

Splasc(H) Records, CHD155.2, 2011
Recorded 4th February, 2011 at Artesuono Recording Studios, Cavalicchio-Udine-Italy 

Musicians:
Lanfranco Malaguti - Guitar
Nicola Fazzini - Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Massimo De Mattia - Flute
Luca Colussi - Drums, Percussion

Tracks:
01. Panorama I {Malaguti} (7:10)
02. Panorama II {Malaguti} (4:15)
03. Panorama III {Malaguti} (2:41)
04. Panorama IV {Malaguti} (5:31)
05. Panorama V {Malaguti} (4:47)
06. Panorama VI {Malaguti} (8:09)
07. Panorama VII {Luca Colussi} (1:46)
08. Panorama VIII {Malaguti} (1:02)
09. Panorama IX {Malaguti} (5:07)
10. Panorama X {Luca Colussi} (2:32)
11. Panorama XI {Malaguti} (3:08) 

Total Time: 46:13 

Panorama V

Noriko Kojima - Songs For My Sake (2011)

An ambitious work by Noriko Kojima, a jazz flutist who has many fans for her over 150 live performances a year. The second collection of original songs that can be said to be a sequel to the previous work "Lush Life" which gained popularity in 2009. Includes 8 original songs of the "Meishu Series" that express the taste of sake and the uniqueness of its name through sound. Kojima's original songs, which have a reputation as a composer, are both scenic and jersey, and can be enjoyed with impressive melodies and diverse rhythms. In addition, the standard number is Cole Porter's famous song " What Is This Thing Called Love? In addition, "For Heaven's Sake", an unaccompanied flute quartet with flute, piccolo, bass, alto, and four roles overdubbed by one person, is also included in her own arrangement. In addition to Noriko's persistent Trio; Katsuto Suzuki (b) and Yasukuni Mizuguchi (d), the album also includes guest musicians: Junichiro Ohkuchi (p), Kiichi Futamura (p), and Teiji Taguchi (g), who are also top players in the jazz scene. A heartfelt album that can be enjoyed not only by jazz fans and sake fans, but also by all music lovers. [Translated from Japanese] ~ www.kojinori.exblog.jp. 

What's New Records, WNCJ-2219, 2011
Recorded at Groove Studio, Matsudo, Saitama, Japan 

Musicians:
Noriko Kojima - Flute, Alto Flute, Bass Flute, Piccolo
Kiichi Futamura - Piano (#1-5)
Junichiro Ohkuchi - Piano (#7-11)
Teiji Taguchi - Guitar (#2,3,5)
Katsuto Suzuki - Bass (#1-5,7-11)
Yasukuni Mizuguchi - Drums (#1-5,7-11) 

Tracks:
01. What Is This Thing Called Love? {Cole Porter} (6:03)
02. Snow Notes {Noriko Kojima} (6:02)
03. Since We Met {Noriko Kojima} (7:22)
04. Lullaby Of Itsuki {Traditional Japanese} (4:29)
05. A Little Cascade {Noriko Kojima} (5:39)
06. For Heaven’s Sake {Meyer, Bretton, Edwards} (3:40)
07. Blues In The Sky {Noriko Kojima} (5:07)
08. Primaveral {Noriko Kojima} (5:56)
09. Not To Worry {Noriko Kojima} (4:39)
10. The Cool Kite {Noriko Kojima} (5:39)
11. October The First {Noriko Kojima} (5:31) 

Total Time: 60:07 

#6 is unaccompanied by Noriko with 4 flutes [over dubbing] 

Credits:
Producer, Engineer, Mastering - Hiroshi Sato
Producer - Yoshiaki Okayasu
Design - Takamu Watanuki

Takeo Moriyama Quartet - My Dear (1982) [vinyl]

A work released in 1982 by Takeo Moriyama, one of Japan's leading jazz drummers, who played an active role as a drummer in the free jazz-oriented Yosuke Yamashita trio, and of course excelled in his solo and quartet works. Despite the fact that it is clearly a free performance, it has a strong swinging groove and a free jazz sound with two lead drums that are percussive but melodious. A1 "Non Check" full of tension with fast tempo freaky saxophone, A2 "My Dear" with brushwork that keeps you down, and a dope bass that sinks in and a spiritual performance like a religious view. B1 "No More Apple" with a solid saxophone, and B2 "Stormy Silence" where two tenor pipes collide over drumming that crawls on the ground. Certainly, intense and difficult drumming. However, for some reason, Takeo Moriyama's drums have a mysterious charm that makes you feel the "melody" in the performance as if you understand the scale of each percussion instrument. ~ www.silenciamusicstore.net. [Translated from Japanese] 

Union Jazz, ULP-5504, 1982
Recorded 7th-10th May, 1982 at Teichiku Suginami Studio, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Takeo Moriyama - Drums
Toshihiko Inoue - Tenor Saxophone
Mikinori Fujiwara - Tenor & Soprano Saxophones
Hideaki Mochizuki - Bass 

Tracks:
A1. Non Check {Toshihiko Inoue} (9:28)
A2. My Dear {Toshihiko Inoue} (6:31)
B1. No More Apple {Toshihiko Inoue} (7:37)
B2. Stormy Silence {Toshihiko Inoue} (9:12) 

Total Time: 32:48 

Credits:
Producer - Genji Sawai
Executive-Producer - Toshio Imai
Engineer - Shinichi Kikuchi
Engineer [Assistant] - Hisao Kemori
Mastering - Shuji Sakaguchi
Photography - Shoh Kikuchi 

Non Check

Noriko Kojima - Lush Life (2008)

Here we have Noriko’s fourth album as a leader continuing on from Norinote (2005). For this album she along with guitarist Tomoo Yamaguchi join together in two quintet formations that incorporate six other fine Japanese musicians as listed below. Eight of the ten tunes are her own compositions with the other two jazz standards; I Hear A Rhapsody and Lush Life, the album’s title track. Like her previous works Noriko displays masterful skill as both a competent composer and brilliant musician. Equally much credit is due to the other players which compliment her playing perfectly with some wonderful soloing, enjoy! 

What'sNew Records, WNCJ-2196, 2009
Recorded 23rd & 27th November, 2008 

Musicians:
Noriko Kojima - Alto Flute, Flute, Piccolo Flute
Tomoo Yamaguchi - Acoustic Guitar 

#1,7-10
Kiichi Futamura - Piano
Katsuto Suzuki - Bass
Yasukuni Mizuguchi - Drums
#2-6
Junichiro Ohkuchi - Piano
Moriyoshi Sibuya - Bass
Shota Koyama - Drums 

Tracks:
01. I Hear A Rhapsody {George Fragos, Jack Baker} (6:33)
02. Bridge In The Afternoon {Noriko Kojima} (6:56)
03. For Better Days {Noriko Kojima} (6:44)
04. When The Moon Hugs The Shore {Noriko Kojima} (5:10)
05. Hototogisu～The Water Clock {Noriko Kojima} (7:21)
06. The Shade Of Wisteria {Noriko Kojima} (3:21)
07. Seven Ways To A Kiss {Noriko Kojima} (6:20)
08. Mythic Goblin {Noriko Kojima} (6:13)
09. Lush Life {Billy Strayhorn} (5:03)
10. Crane Is Flying In The Dream {Noriko Kojima} (6:22) 

Total Time: 60:13 

The Shade Of Wisteria

Live at JZ Brat (2009)