Andrea Pozza European Quintet - Gull's Flight (2011)

The album made by the quintet led by Andrea Pozza finds the dialogue between the two saxes in the line-up - Christian Brewer on alto sax and Dick de Graaf on both tenor and soprano - his reason for greater appeal. This is a peculiarity that unfolds through the ten songs scheduled, which release music played with energy and melodic sense, as well as with great expressive force. This is because it is precisely the melodies - often soft and cantabile - that decisively characterize the proposed themes, all original written by Pozza and De Graaf, in which each of the band's members has its own expressive space, as is well highlighted in the Effervescent "Sir Pent," in which you can also appreciate the interplay and the union of intent among the interpreters. Pozza is never taken for granted. His is a way of understanding the piano neither too academic nor excessively bent towards a rooted jazz tradition. Among the best things must be included the poignant introduction of the title track, a shady and delicate song that breaks in a positive way the performance of the entire work, and the only one that marks "Sen Palavras," another moment of absolute formal beauty. Gull's Flight is an album at the same time elegant and sober, played deliciously and far from facade attitudes. It is an album that attracts thanks to a natural charm. ~ by AAJ Italy Staff [Translated from Italian] 

Abeat Jazz, AB JZ 096, 2011
Recorded 10th,11th,12th March, 2011 at Pollaio Studio, Ronco Biellese, Italy 

Musicians:
Andrea Pozza - Piano
Christian Brewer - Alto Saxophone
Dick de Graaf - Tenor & Soprano Saxes, Arranger
Jos Machtel - Double Bass
Shane Forbes - Drums 

Tracks:
01. A Propos {Dick de Graaf} (6:47)
02. Sir Pent {Andrea Pozza} (6:42)
03. Gull's Flight {Andrea Pozza, Celeste Ieffa} (5:23)
04. Koe Koe Roe Koe Koe {Dick de Graaf} (6:19)
05. Sem Palavras {Andrea Pozza} (5:31)
06. Le Poirier Fatigué {Dick de Graaf} (5:14)
07. Démasqué {Dick de Graaf} (6:15)
08. Dancing Fog {Andrea Pozza, Damian Genuardi} (4:13)
09. La Vache Qui Rit {Dick de Graaf} (6:03)
10. Three Slices Of Bread {Andrea Pozza} (4:53) 

Total Time: 57:25 

Credits:
Producer - Andrea Pozza
Recording Engineer - Piergiorgio Miotto
Mixing Engineer - Pietro Benini
Graphic Design - Marina Barbrnsi
Photos - Andrea Pozza, Dick de Graaf
Liner Notes - Rosario Bonaccorso, Enrico Rava 

Gull's Flight

George Adams & Don Pullen - All That Funk (1979) {vinyl]

Not particularly rare, mint copies are readily available from Italy although I don't believe there has been a CD issue. I picked up an mp3 of this at Arkadin's Ark years ago, however I've never seen a lossless rip in blogland, so here's my effort with full scans.

In the USA jazz the 70s was dominated by 'the arid wastes' of commercially successful fusion music. Straight ahead jazz musicians were ignored by the major labels and we have to thank the Europeans and Japanese for giving many musicians the opportunity to record.
The Adams Pullen band was undoubtedly one of the best groups of the late 70s. This LP is a live recording in Italy and if you're familiar with the Timeless and Soul Note issues you'll know what to expect - you won't be disappointed. The long track 'Big Alice' is as funky as it gets and not an electric instrument in sight!

1. Dee Arr (Pullen) (7:15)
2. Alfie (Bacharach) (6:35)
3. Intentions (Adams) (7:15)
4. Big Alice (Pullen) (22:25)

George Adams - tenor sax; Don Pullen - piano; Cameron Brown - bass; Dannie Richmond - drums
Recorded at November 2, 1979 in concert at CIAK, Milano, Italy
Palcoscenico PAL 15002

Lew Soloff - Hanalei Bay (1985)

Solid Jazz/Funk from Veteran Horn Man......... Excellent jazz outing from veteran trumpet/flugelhorn man Lew Soloff. With him on this groove are Gil Evans-electric piano, Pete Levin-synthesizer, Hiram Bullock-guitars, Mark Egan-bass, Adam Nussbaum-drums and Manolo Badrena-percussion. Just a stellar lineup. This is an older release from 1985-86 but still remains solid and as strong today as it did upon its release. Soloff was one of the founding members of Blood, Sweat & Tears and has since played with everyone including his own solo projects. The interplay between the musicians is exceptional and Soloff's tone rich sounds never sounded better. They do a take on Well You Needn't and Goodbye Pork Pie Hat from Monk and Mingus respectively that are just stunning works. I am surprised that no one has ever reviewed this release yet. This is a tight outfit with plenty of energy to burn, and they do just that. If you like straight up funky jazz from a super tight ensemble you will love this. All of the musicians are in top form here. I highly recommend this recording. ~ John W. Shearer, 4.0 Stars, Amazon.com. 

ProJazz Records, CDJ 601, 1986
Recorded digitally 4th March, 1985 at Clinton Recording Studio, New York 

Musicians:
Lew Soloff - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Gil Evans - Electric Piano
Pete Levin - Synthesizer
Hiram Bullock - Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Mark Egan - Electric Bass
Adam Nussbaum - Drums
Manolo Badrena - Percussion 

Tracks:
1. Salazar {Marty Sheller} (6:30)
2. My Buddy {Walter Donaldson, Gus Kahn} (4:12)
3. Hanalei Bay {Hiram Bullock} (4:34)
4. A Felicidade {Antônio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes} (4:19)
5. La Toalla {Kenwood Dennard} (8:34)
6. Emily {Johnny Mandel, Johnny Mercer} (3:28)
7. Well You Needn't {Thelonious Monk} (6:05)
8. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat {Charles Mingus} (5:07) 

Total Time: 42:51 

Credits:
Producer - David Matthews
Executive-Producer - Shigeyuki Kawashima
Engineer - Tom Jung
Engineer [Assistant] - Rebecca Everett
Art Direction - Shigo Yamaguchi
Design - Keiko Ogasawara
Illustration - Goro Sasaki 

Hanalei Bay

Beppe Aliprandi - Blue Flowers (1996)

Beppe Aliprandi, outside 'The Continent' is a truly underrated Italian saxophonist. For this date he joins forces with an ensemble of other well-recognisable European and Italian jazz musicians, putting together a quartet that includes vibist Karl Berger, bassist Piero Leveratto and drummer Aldo Romano. The quartet delve into twelve of Beppe's own compositions that showcase his unique abilities as a proficient reedman. He handles his alto and tenor saxophones with equal dexterity and to his credit also his prowess on an Indian wood flute. At times his tone on alto very much mirrors Ornette Coleman’s sound, reminiscent of his Atlantic years. Overall, a great introduction to a wonderful musician and his music, enjoy! 

Splasc(h) Records, CDH 470.2, 1996
Recorded 26th-27th June, 1995 at Mu-Rec Studio, Milan, Italy 

Musicians:
Beppe Aliprandi - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Indian Wood Flute
Karl Berger - Vibraphone, Piano
Piero Leveratto - Bass
Aldo Romano - Drums

Tracks:
01. May Be Tomorrow #2 (3:19)
02. Blue Flowers (7:58)
03. Basso Continuo (5:22)
04. Long Ago (3:40)
05. Inno (7:30)
06. Cave 54 (5:02)
07. Today's Gospel (5:40)
08. Youareall (6:48)
09. May Be Tomorrow #1 (3:16)
10. Waiting (5:22)
11. My Way To India (6:12)
12. Song For My Ideal (4:09) 

All compositions by Beppe Aliprandi 

Total Time: 64:22 

Credits:
Producer - Giorgio Mortarino, Peppo Spagnoli
Sound Engineer - Paolo Falascone
Cover Art - Beppe Aliprandi
Liner Notes - Franco Fayenz
Liner Notes [English Text] - Pete Kercher 

Long Ago

Kenny Werner - Form And Fantasy (2001)

Here pianist Kenny Werner debuts a new trio, with bassist Johannes Weidenmüller and drummer Ari Hoenig. The set, recorded live in Paris, begins with Werner's "Amonkst" (previously recorded with Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette on 1998's A Delicate Balance). The rest of the program is mostly non-original; some of the workhorses from Werner's older trio's repertoire are freshly reconsidered. "Nardis" and "Dolphin Dance" are played in seven, while Bill Evans' "Time Remembered" is prefaced by an unaccompanied Werner solo titled "Bill Remembered." The Evans tune segues seamlessly into a roaring "Lonnie's Lament," played up-tempo, much like Joe Lovano did on his 1994 Quartets record. Another highlight is Werner's stirring adaptation of Bach's "Sicilienne," which he also sets up with a lovely solo prelude. ~ by David R. Adler, AMG. 

Night Bird Music, 1001, 2001
Double-Time Records, DTRCD-186, 2001
Recorded 23rd-25th November, 2000 at The Sunset Club, Paris, France 

Musicians:
Kenny Werner - Piano, Solo (#2,8)
Johannes Weidenmueller - Bass (#1-7,9)
Ari Hoenig - Drums (#1-7,9)

Tracks:
1. Amonkst {Kenny Werner} (6:13)
2. Sicilienne [Intro] {Johann Sebastian Bach} (4:13)
3. Sicilienne {Johann Sebastian Bach} (7:42)
4. Nardis {Miles Davis} (10:22)
5. Tears In Heaven {Eric Clapton} (8:06)
6. Dolphin Dance {Herbie Hancock} (5:56)
7. My Funny Valentine {Hart, Rodgers} (7:59)
8. Bill Remembered {Kenny Werner} (3:38)
9. (a) Time Remembered {Bill Evans} (6:50)
9. (b) Lonnie's Lament {John Coltrane} (8:10) 

Total Time: 69:14 

Credits:
Producer, Photography - Jean-Jacques Pussiau
Executive Producer, Mastering - Jamey Aebersold
Recording Engineer - Gerard de Haro
Assistant Engineer - Sylvain Thevenard
Mixing Engineer - Paul Wickliff
Piano Tuner - Michel Terrioux
Graphic Design - Bernard Amiard
Photography - Christian Ducasse
Liner Notes - Kenny Werner 

[Great Music] These musicians sound like they are having so much fun playing together that it is no wonder that the music they produced is of such high quality. The easy unrestrained feeling that permeates this recording always makes me smile when I listen to it. While all the songs deserve attention, I would say that "Nardis" is the highlight of the set. The arrangement of it is delightedly fresh and they seem to be enjoying themselves so much that when Werner bursts into song towards the end it is not entirely unexpected. This is beautiful music that everyone needs to hear. ~ Lisa & David, 5 Stars, Amazon.com. 

Dolphin Dance

Adrienne West & Dado Moroni - Time Will Tell (1987) [vinyl]

‘Time Will Tell’ is one of Adrienne West & Dado Moroni's gorgeous music albums. Together they explore with beautiful harmony some of jazz's great standards; both artists are at the top of their form and seamlessly blend their empathetic passion for this ensuring musical escapade. Ripped from an early Italian label vinyl with great sounding dynamics, enjoy! 

Dire Records, FO 383, 1987
Recorded in 1987 at Studio 7, Milano, Italy 

Musicians:
Adrienne West - Vocals
Dado Moroni - Piano 

Tracks:
A1. Tea For Two {Youmans, Caesar} (3:03)
A2. I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over {Wrubel, Magidson} (4:43)
A3. Time Will Tell {Woode} (3:37)
A4. Serenade In Blue {Gordon, Warren} (5:20)
B1. Did I Remember {Donaldson, Adamson} (3:44)
B2. Deep In The Night {Merriam, Miller} (6:04)
B3. It Amazes Me {Leigh, Coleman} (5:08) 

Total Time: 31:39 

Credits:
Producer, Mixing - Tito Fontana
Engineer, Mixing - Franco Zorzi
Design - Claudio Rebaudo
Photography - Mirko R. Boscolo
Liner Notes - Bruno Schiozzi

Link

Did I Remember

Dorothy Donegan - Live At The Floating Jazz Festival (1990)

The remarkable pianist Dorothy Donegan, who has been overlooked by many jazz fans and critics for decades, is heard in a typically exciting and occasionally riotous live session recorded on the SS Norway. Followed by bassist Jon Burr (who has to work hard to keep up with Donegan's many spontaneous changes of direction) and drummer Ray Mosca, Donegan performs a varied set that includes a few eccentric medleys (including one of "Someday My Prince Will Come" and "Tiger Rag" and another that combines together "Misty" and "Caravan"), an odd tribute to "Lena, Eartha, Pearl & Billie" and her "Blackbird Boogie." Switching between bop, boogie-woogie, stride and classical music, Dorothy Donegan puts on a colorful show. ~ Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Chiaroscuro Records, CR(D) 312, 1991
Recorded 29th October-2nd November, 1990 Live At The 1990 Floating Jazz Festival 

Musicians:
Dorothy Donegan - Piano
John Burr - Bass
Ray Mosca - Drums

Tracks:
01. My Funny Valentine {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (4:21)
02. Misty {Erroll Garner} / Caravan {Ellington, Tizol, Mills} (10:20)
03. Someday My Prince Will Come {Churchill, Morey} / Tiger Rag Medley (11:37)
04. Lena, Eartha, Pearl & Billie {Dorothy Donegan} (7:54)
05. Who Can I Turn To? {Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley} (5:43)
06. The Lady Is A Tramp {Rodgers, Hart} / Autumn Leaves {Mercer, Prévert, Kosma} (5:23)
07. After Hours {Erskine Hawkins, Avery Parrish} (4:46)
08. 'Round Midnight {Hanighen, Monk, Williams} / Gershwin Medley {Gershwin} (13:46)
09. Remarks To Audience (1:32)
10. Blackbird Boogie {Dorothy Donegan} (3:24)
11. Jazzspeak {Dorothy Donegan} (7:24) 

Total Time: 76:10 

Credits:
Producer - Hank O'Neal, Shelley M. Shier
Producer, Liner Notes - Hank O'Neal
Engineer, Digital Editing, Mastering - Jon Bates
Photography - Arthur Elgort
Design, Cover Design - John DeVries
Liner Notes - Illinois Jacquet 

All excessive applause was carefully trimmed and faded out to enhance listening pleasure.

Link

Who Can I Turn To?

Richard "Groove" Holmes - Six Million Dollar Man (1975) [vinyl]

One of Groove Holmes' best albums of the 70s -- thanks to some electric blacksploitation arrangements from the great Oliver Nelson! The format's a bit tighter here than on some of Holmes' Groove Merchant albums from the earlier part of the decade -- an approach that's almost like soundtrack scoring at times, but which allows Groove to stretch out a bit more on the solos, and take things way past the already-funky head arrangements penned by Nelson. Mike Wofford's also on the record, throwing in some great electric piano and Arp in underneath Holmes' own funky Hammond -- and other players include Tom Scott, David T Walker, and Oscar Brashear -- who all contribute nicely to the record. Titles include "Disc-o-Mite", "Salsa de Alma", "Dumpy Mama", "Mama's Groove", "125th & 7th Ave", and "Six Million Dollar Man", the theme from the TV show!  © Dusty Groove, Inc. 

Flying Dutchman, BDL1-1146, 1975
Recorded in 1975 

Musicians:
Richard "Groove" Holmes - Organ
Oscar Brashear, Charles Findley, Bobby Bryant - Trumpet (#A2,B1)
Garnett Brown, Maurice Spears, Lloyd Ulyate - Trombone (#A2,B1)
Tom Scott - Tenor Saxophone, Flute (#A2), Arranger, Conductor (#B2)
Bud Shank, Jerome Richardson, Jack Nimitz, Gene Cipriano - Woodwinds (#A2,B1)
Mike Wofford - Piano, Electric Piano, ARP Synthesizer
David T. Walker - Electric Guitar
Chuck Rainey - Electric Bass (#A1,A2,A4,B2-B4)
Chuck Domanico - Electric Bass (#A3,B1)
Jimmy Gordon - Drums (#1,A2,A4,B2-B4)
Shelly Manne - Drums (#B1)
Mailto Correa - Percussion
Larry Bunker - Percussion (A3,B1)
Oliver Nelson - Arranger, Conductor (#A1-B1,B3,B4)

Tracks:
A1. Disc-O-Mite {Oliver Nelson, Richard "Groove" Holmes} (5:21)
A2. Salsa De Alma {Richard "Groove" Holmes} (5:19)
A3. Once Is Not Enough {Henry Mancini, Larry Kusik} (3:26)
A4. Dumpy Mama {Oliver Nelson} (4:46)
B1. "Six Million Dollar Man" Theme {Oliver Nelson} (4:55)
B2. Double Scale {Tom Scott} (4:12)
B3. 125th St. and 7th Ave. {Oliver Nelson} (3:40)
B4. Mama's Groove {Richard "Groove" Holmes} (7:06) 

Total Time: 39:45 

Credits:
Producer - Bob Thiele
Engineer - Eddie Brackett
Remix Engineer - Bob Simpson
Art Direction – Acy Lehman, Dick Smith
Photography - David B. Hecht
Liner Notes - Nat Hentoff

Link

Double Scale

Dado Moroni Trio, The - Out Of The Night (1998)

Italian pianist Dado Moroni is better known to European jazz fans because most of his work has been recorded and distributed on the continent, but this second disc for the Canadian label Jazz Focus should help to expose him to American audiences. This wide-ranging 1998 session, with trumpeter and flügelhornist Joe Magnarelli, bassist Ira Coleman, and drummer Bill Goodwin, finds Moroni exploring music from several decades, including standards (two takes of "Embraceable You"), classic jazz works from the 1930s and 1940s (Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin'" and Duke Ellington's "Black Beauty"), and more recent fare like the high-energy "Seven Steps to Heaven" and Joe Henderson's strutting "Out of the Night." Moroni's compositions are also a delight. His funky "Ne-Ne" is easily the most intense selection of the date. His blues tribute to Count Basie, affectionately called "Basie-Cally," is a swinger that features a choice muted trumpet solo by Magnarelli. The horn player's bossa nova "Bella Carolina" showcases his rich flügelhorn. Highly recommended. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Jazz Focus Records, JFCD032, 1999
Recorded 9th March, 1998 At Stepping Stone Recording, Seattle, Washington, US 

Musicians:
Dado Moroni - Piano
Ira Coleman - Bass
Bill Goodwin - Drums [Snare]
Guest:
Joe Magnarelli - Trumpet (#1,3,6,8,11), Flugelhorn (#2,5,7) 

Tracks:
01. Embraceable You {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (6:11)
02. Ne-Ne {Dado Moroni} (6:53)
03. Cup Bearers {Tom McIntosh} (6:36)
04. Out Of The Night {Jim Henderson} (5:47)
05. Alone At Last {Bert Joris} (4:39)
06. Seven Steps To Heaven {Miles Davis, Victor Feldman} (4:58)
07. Bella Carolina {Joe Magnarelli} (6:55)
08. Basie-Cally {Dado Moroni} (4:43)
09. Ain't Misbehavin' {Harry Brooks, Andy Razaf, Fats Waller} (4:48)
10. Black Beauty {Duke Ellington} (5:51)
11. Embraceable You {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (6:54) 

Total Time: 64:23 

Credits:
Producer - Philip Barker
Producer, Liner Notes - Steven Cerra
Engineer - Bob Stark
Assistant Engineer - Daniel Mendez
Mastering Engineer - Richard Harrow [Canada Disk & Tape]
Mastering - Richard Harrow
Front Cover Design - David Cerra 

Seven Steps To Heaven

Richard “Groove” Holmes - Hot Tat (1989)

One of the last albums that Richard Groove Holmes ever recorded -- but a surprisingly strong little set, and one that shows that he never stopped hitting the Hammond hard, even in the later years of his life! The record's got a depth of feeling that goes way beyond the dated, cheesy album on the cover -- almost a classic organ groove, produced by Houston Person for the session -- who's also prominently featured on tenor for the date. Other players include Cecil Bridgewater on trumpet, Jimmy Ponder on guitar, Bad Bascomb on bass, and Greg Bandy on drums -- plus Ralph Dorsey on congas and a bit of added percussion. The largeish group still manages to sound nice and lean -- and although there's a few bassline moments that belie the date of the record, most of the material has a very classic soul jazz sound. Titles include "Renee", "Love Letters", "I Love Your Smile", "Hot Tat", "I Gotta Go", and "Second Time Around".  © Dusty Groove, Inc. 

Muse Records, MCD-5395, 1991
Recorded 5th September, 1989 at Fox Recording Studios, Rutherford, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Richard "Groove" Holmes - Organ [Hammond B-3]
Cecil Bridgewater - Trumpet

Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone
Jimmy Ponder - Guitar
Wilbur Bascomb, Jr. - Bass
Greg Bandy - Drums
Ralph Dorsey - Congas, Percussion

Tracks:
1. Renee {Richard "Groove" Holmes} (6:03)
2. Love Letters {Edward Heyman, Victor Young} (4:18)
3. I Love Your Smile {Cecil Bridgewater} (9:55)
4. Hot Tat {Richard "Groove" Holmes} (7:37)
5. Polka Dots And Moonbeams {Burke, Van Heusen} (6:04)
6. I Gotta Go {Cecil Bridgewater} (6:10)
7. Second Time Around {Cahn, Van Heusen} (6:51) 

Total Time: 46:58 

Credits:
Producer - Houston Person
Recording Engineer - David Blake
Mastering Engineer - Joe Brescio, The Cutting Room, NYC
Graphic Design - Ron Warwell/NJE
Cover Photo [Alicia Lashley] - Fred Salaff
Back Photo - J. Flint
Liner Notes - Larry Birnbaum 

Love Letters

Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition - Inflation Blues (1983) [re-rip]

Inflation Blues is a record that bristles with energy right from the start - spurred on by the creative rhythms that have always made Jack DeJohnette one of the most inventive drummers of his time! The group features a triple-threat lineup with Baikida Carroll on trumpet, Chico Freeman on tenor and soprano sax, and John Purcell on alto, baritone, flute, and clarinet - especially nice at points when the reedmen shift and turn with sharp edges learned from the earlier avant years, yet given a nice focus here under DeJohnette's leadership. Jack penned all original tunes for the set, and there's a depth to his writing that really marks a move forward - possibly some of his richest musical statements on record ever! Titles include "Ebony", "Inflation Blues", "Slowdown", and "The Islands". ~ by Jazz Chill.

Inflation Blues was the second album released under the title of Special Edition and remains a fusion jazz go-to-album for me. A bit of that Miles Davis inspired Fusion, yet always in control with some epic moments......this band were extra special! For those less familiar with Jack and his special edition what you can expect is some fantastic drumming and percussion along with some fantatsic flute, sax, bass, trumpet, clarinet, piccolo and piano. This music is highly energetic and inspired with a nice range in mood and tempo changes. The music is challenging and ever changing but remians very accessible and easy to follow. And I guess there lies the key reason why I adore this album so much....it is creative, bold yet universal! ~ by James Unger, Albums You Just Gotta Hear......

ECM Records, ECM 1244, 1983

Recorded September, 1982 at Power Station, New York

Musicians:

Jack DeJohnette - Drums, Piano (#A1,A2), Clavinet (#B2), Voice (#B2)

Baikida Carroll - Trumpet (#A1,B1,B3)

Chico Freeman - Bass Clarinet (#A1,B1,B3), Tenor Sax (#A1,B2), Soprano Sax (#A1-B1)

John Purcell - Alto Flute (#A1), Alto Sax (#A1,B1,B2), Piccolo Flute (#B1), Baritone Sax (#B2,B3),
Alto Clarinet (#B1), Flutes (#A2,B2), Reeds (#A2)

Rufus Reid - Double Bass (#A1,A2,B3), Electric Bass (#B2)

Tracks:

A1. Starburst {Jack DeJohnette} (9:10)

A2. Ebony {Jack DeJohnette} (8:39)

B1. The Islands {Jack DeJohnette} (8:31)

B2. Inflation Blues {Jack DeJohnette} (6:41)

B3. Slowdown {Jack DeJohnette} (6:23)

Total Time: 39:24

Credits:

Producer - Manfred Eicher

Recording Engineer - Jan Erik Kongshaug

Photo - Karen Schoonmaker

Design - Klaus Detjen

Link

Yuri Honing Wired Paradise - Meet Your Demons (2008)

This 2008 album is the second release from Dutch modern jazz quintet Wired Paradise, led by saxophonist Yuri Honing. The band includes guitarists Frank Möbus and Paul Jan Bakker, bass guitarist Tony Overwater and drummer Joost Lijbaart. Honing's website describes the sound as "lavishing rock, hypnotising [sic] electronics and roadmovie tunes", adding "most compositions on this album are inspired by recent masterworks from Hollywood, such as Kill Bill, Usual Suspects and L.A. Confidential." Fans of these films will note that these are tracks eight, one, and four, respectively. Track three is an up-tempo cover of "Wild Is the Wind", the song previously popularized by David Bowie and Nina Simone. The standout is the trance-ish, mid-tempo track six "Lost", which attracted me to this album after I heard it on an avant-garde jazz internet radio station. ~ Extract by K. W. Schreiter, amazon.com. 

Jazz In Motion Records, JIM 75418, 2008
Recorded December, 2007 at Wisseloord Studios, Hilversum, The Netherlands 

Musicians:
Yuri Honing - Saxophones
Frank Möbus - Guitar
Paul Jan Bakker - Guitar
Tony Overwater - Bass Guitar
Joost Lijbaart - Drums

Tracks:
1. Kaiser Sozé {Yuri Honing} (7:24)
2. Zitelle {Yuri Honing} (6:49)
3. Wild Is The Wind {Dimitri Tiomkin} (4:01)
4. Rollo Thomasi {Yuri Honing} (7:08)
5. Meet Your Demons {Yuri Honing} (2:17)
6. Lost {Yuri Honing} (4:56)
7. Castor Pollux {Yuri Honing} (6:31)
8. Pussy Wagon {Paul Jan Bakker} (6:46) 

Total Time: 45:57 

Credits:
Producer - Yuri Honing
Executive Producer - Anne de Jong
Recording & Mixing - Tijmen Zinkhaan
Mastering - Darius van Helfteren
Design - Steef Liefting
Photography - Speer Fotografie 

Lost

Jimmy Ponder - White Room (1977) [vinyl]

A sweet little groover from guitarist Jimmy Ponder -- a surprisingly satisfying record that features Ponder soloing out over some tight funky backings that almost sound like the best of the larger group sessions on Kudu or Groove Merchant. Jimmy's playing a sweet hollow body that gives him a tone that's a bit like O'Donnel Levy -- warm and chromatic, with single notes picked out in a tight progression that has a lot more jazz than you'd expect for the session at the time. One cut does have some vocals from Jimmy, but the rest is instrumental -- with tracks that include "So In Love", "Quintessence", "Bro James", and "Easy".  Dusty Groove. 

ABC Impulse! AS-9327, 1977
Recorded at Sound Ideas, New York, N.Y. and
ABC Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California 

Musicians:
Jimmy Ponder - Guitar, Vocals (#A1)
Albert Prince - Electric Piano (#A1,B3), Organ (#A2,A3,B1), Clavinet (#A4), Piano (#B2)
Sonny Burke - Clavinet (#A1,B1), Piano (#A2), ARP String Ensemble (#B1)
Cedric Lawson, Michael Boddicker - Synthesizer (#B2)
Chris White - Bass (#A3,A4,B2)
James Jamerson, Sr. - Bass (#A1,B3)
Scott Edwards - Bass (#A2,B1)
Victor Jones - Drums (#A1-A4,B2,B3)
James Gadson - Drums (#B1)
Paulinho Da Costa - Conga Drums (#A1,A2,A4), Percussion (#A2,B2), Bongo Drums (#B1)
Stacy Edwards - Percussion (#A3)
+ Strings (#A1,A3,B3)
Arranger, Conductor - Johnny Pate
Concertmaster - Charles Veal

Tracks:
A1. If You Need Someone To Love {Jimmy Ponder} (6:10)
A2. Going Back To Country Living {Bell, Creed} (5:18)
A3. Easy {Jimmy Ponder} (4:02)
A4. Bro' James {Jimmy Ponder} (5:20)
B1. White Room {Bruce, Brown} (6:10)
B2. Quintessence {Jimmy Ponder} (7:02)
B3. So In Love {Jimmy Ponder} (5:47) 

Total Time: 39:49 

Credits:
Producer - Esmond Edwards
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Barney Perkins
Recording Engineer - Skip Juried
Collage Design - John Van Hamersveld
Photography - Chris Callis
Art Direction - Earl Klasky 

Easy

Link

Jeremy Steig Quartet - Flute On The Edge (2005)

Mellow and Melodious Steig
---------------------------------------
In 1967 I had a conversation with another great flautist, Harold McNair, who recommended that I should listen to Jeremy Steig. A short time later, I saw Jeremy at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester, England, and that night he was the star of the show. In the 1960s, Jeremy Steig was the John Coltrane of flautists, in that he was introducing new sounds and techniques to jazz flute playing; not just vocalizing the notes that he played, but also overblowing to the third and fourth partials. This "Flute on the Edge" CD from 2005 is a more mellow, melodious Jeremy than the Jeremy Steig of the 60s and 70s. On this CD he actually plays through chord progressions, which I don't think he has done since "Flute Fever" and "What's New" with Bill Evans; he even plays a Latin tune. It is not as easy to overblow to the third and fourth partials when playing through chord progressions, it is much easier when playing "free", and therefore I do not detect much of this type of overblowing on this CD. Apart from the vocalize, Jeremy's playing here is much more conventional. The outstanding tracks on this CD are "Felonious Funk" a 24-bar blues in the key of F, and "You Don't Know What Love Is", in which Steig creates a tour de force from the complex chord progression. "Samba de Orfeo" is a refreshing rendition in that Steig is playing, for the first time, a universally recognized Latin-American piece. The opening track on the CD is "Mr. Go", which has a funky rhythm and an unusual construction. Other interesting tracks are "Moonscape", written by the guitarist Vic Juris; and "You`re My Thrill", the Billy Holliday song. Cameron Brown, who played with the brilliant George Adams/Don Pullen Quartet, and Anthony Pinciotti form a very solid, together, rhythm. This is a very enjoyable CD with, of course, some technically magnificent flute playing. ~ Amazon Customer, 5 Stars. [Translated from Japanese] 

Steig Music, 2005
Recorded August-September, 2005 

Musicians:
Jeremy Steig - Flute
Vic Juris - Guitar
Cameron Brown - Bass
Anthony Pinciotti - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Mr. Go {Jeremy Steig} (7:23)
2. Rancho Swampo {Jeremy Steig} (8:35)
3. You're My Thrill {Sidney Clare, Jay Gorney} (8:02)
4. Felonious Funk {Jeremy Steig} (7:03)
5. Moonscape {Vic Juris} (6:45)
6. Samba De Orfeo {Antônio Maria, Luiz Bonfá} (7:13)
7. People Dust {Jeremy Steig} (5:56)
8. You Don't Nnow What Love Is? {Don Raye, Gene de Paul} (8:05)
9. Elliott's Dilemma {Jeremy Steig} (5:28) 

Total Time: 64:30

Credits:
Engineer & Mastering - Manfred Knoop, Chris Sulit
Design - Abby Getman
Photography - Asako Steig

Felonious Funk

Link

Yoshiko Kishino - Nuage (2018)

This is approximately the 16th album by this fine female Japanese pianist. For this album she assembles a quintet, comprising of guitarist Shunji Takenaka, bassist Tetsuya Hayakawa, drummer Juasa Kanoh and percussionist Yoichi Okabe. Eight of the eleven songs are her original compositions with a European flavor and a classically trained sound. Unique to Yoshiko Kishino's world of jazz are pieces that reflect an absorbing lyricism and a flow of romanticism beautifully crafted alongside her fellow players. The remaining three tunes are cleverly arranged standards that Yoshio's quintet excel at in their presentation. Overall, a wonderfully entertaining addition to Kishino's extensive discography. 

Universal Music, POCS-1752, 2018 

Musicians:
Yoshiko Kishino - Piano
Shunji Takenaka - Guitar
Tetsuya Hayakawa - Double Bass
Juasa Kanoh - Drums
Yoichi Okabe - Percussion 

Tracks:
01. Nuage {Yoshiko Kishino} (6:13)
02. Kissing Piano {Yoshiko Kishino} (4:14)
03. Azur {Yoshiko Kishino} (6:41)
04. La Costa {Yoshiko Kishino} (7:18)
05. New Cinema Paradise [Love Theme] {Ennio Morricone} (7:28)
06. Somewhere Before {Yoshiko Kishino} (5:50)
07. Ocean {Yoshiko Kishino} (6:29)
08. My Favorite Things {Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II} (4:30)
09. Dance With Dinosaur {Yoshiko Kishino} (4:55)
10. Only Trust Your Heart {Benny Carter} (7:10)
11. Akari {Yoshiko Kishino} (3:24) 

Total Time: 64:12 

Somewhere Before

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

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

Solid State Records, SS 18059, 1969

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

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

Total Time: 42:24 

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

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

Hang On To A Dream

Larry Willis - Steal Away (1992)

An unusual 1991 trio piece recorded by Larry Willis with Gary Bartz's alto saxophone and Cecil McBee's bass. Bart's earthy saxophone, Willis' beautiful grainy piano, and McBee's all-encompassing bass create a bluesy atmosphere. ~ ventoazul.shop-pro.jp. 

Larry plays solo on three tracks (#1,3,6), and is joined in a trio grouping by both Gary and Cecil on two (#2,4) and additionally Cecil joins him in a duo on another (#5). Larry contributes three of his own compositions (#1,3,5), Cecil also offers up another (#4) and the remaining two are well-known bluesy numbers. The title track "Steal Away" was popularised by singer Jimmy Hughes and "The Meaning Of The Blues" by revered jazz composer Bobby Troup. This is a pure analog recording. The tracks were recorded "live" direct to two-track! 

AudioQuest Music, AQ-CD1009, 1992
Sledgehammer Blues, 2-AQM-1009, 1992
Recorded 23rd & 24th December, 1991 at Mapleshade Studios, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 

Musicians:
Larry Willis - Piano [Steinway], Solo (#1,3,6)
Gary Bartz - Alto Saxophone (#2,4)
Cecil McBee - Bass (#2,4,5)

Tracks:
1. Valdosta Blues {Larry Willis} (6:25)
2. Steal Away {Traditional} (13:33)
3. Fallen Hero {Larry Willis} (3:15)
4. "D" Bass-ic Blues {Cecil McBee} (8:35)
5. Ethiopia {Larry Willis} (9:03)
6. The Meaning Of The Blues {Bobby Troup, Leah Worth} (6:41) 

Total Time: 47:34 

Credits:
Producer - Joe Harley
Recording Engineer - Pierre M. Sprey
Mastering Engineer - Bernie Grundman
Art Direction, Design - Hilary Weiss, Merlin Clarke
Cover - Joanna Ashe
Photography - Mark Kornbluth, Michael Wilderman
Liner Notes - Bill Kohlhaase 

Steal Away

Ed Kröger Quintett feat. Ignaz Dinné - Interplay (2008)

Ed Kröger is one of the more attention-grabbing trombonists on the German jazz scene; exercising his great prowess and energetic personality for a good 40 years. The register of musicians he has played with reads like a "Who’s Who" of European jazz. The compositions by Ed Kröger and tenorist Ignaz Dinné shape the individual sound of this working band, which is superbly documented on this CD. Vincent Bourgeyx, the band's pianist for five years, impresses with his great virtuosity and sensitive accompaniment, drummer Rick Hollander fires up the band's dynamics with his open and intense playing, while bassist Marcel Krömker holds the quintett together with his swinging bass lines and his sense of interaction. The album spans the genres of jazz, contemporary jazz and post-bop and with the added jazz standard here and there, alongside the groups own tunes, the overall package will truly entertain the most particular jazz aficionado, enjoy! 

Laika Records, 3510243.2, 2008
Recorded 7th & 8th April, 2008 at Fattoria Musica, Osnabrück, Germany 

Musicians:
Ed Kröger - Trombone
Ignaz Dinné - Alto Saxophone
Vincent Bourgeyx - Piano
Marcel Krömker - Bass
Rick Hollander - Drums

Tracks:
1. En Route {Ed Kröger} (5:57)
2. El Gaucho {Wayne Shorter} (8:06)
3. I Fall In Love Too Easily {Jule Styne} (5:10)
4. Interplay {Ed Kröger Quintett} (6:53)
5. The Next Level {Ignaz Dinné} (8:45)
6. Loose Fit {Ignaz Dinné} (6:52)
7. A Ghost Of A Chance {Victor Young} (7:39)
8. So Fresh {Ed Kröger} (6:47) 

Total Time: 56:12 

Credits:
Producer - Peter Cronemeyer
Recording Engineer - Stephan Van Wylick
Photo - Waltraut Steimke
Illustration - Lolo Dinné 

I Fall In Love Too Easily

Terje Rypdal - Waves (1978)

Terje Rypdal’s Waves (recorded 1977) announced the beginning of the Norwegian guitarist’s association with Danish trumpeter Palle Mikkelborg, which continues to this day. The album also introduced one of Terje’s most enduringly popular pieces, "Per Ulv." “Rypdal’s album is a series of sonic excursions ranging from the expressionist to the impressionist…" wrote Record World. "Rypdal’s guitar and Mikkelborg’s trumpet are well-matched, with Manfred Eicher’s typically superb production putting it all in focus." ~ ecmrecords.com. 

Waves is one of the stronger mid to late 70s Terje Rypdal albums. It starts off with the song Per Ulv which features the trumpet playing of Palle Mikkelborg. ECM stalwart Jon Christensen plays drums on this album. For that matter JC played drums for both Terje Rypdal and Jan Garbarek even before both joined ECM and he contributed to their ECM albums during the 70s and beyond. If you are a fan of Terje Rypdal and also other ECM artists such as Eberhard Weber, Jan Garbarek and Ralph Towner, then you will appreciate this album. ~ Scott Jones, AMG. 

ECM Records, 827 419-2, 1978
Recorded September, 1977 at Talent Studio, Oslo, Norway 

Musicians:
Terje Rypdal - Electric Guitar, RMI Keyboard Computer, ARP Synthesizer
Palle Mikkelborg - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, RMI, Tac Piano, Ringmodulator
Sveinung Hovensjø - 6 & 4 String Electric Basses
Jon Christensen - Drums, Percussion 

Tracks:
1. Per Ulv {Terje Rypdal} (8:37)
2. Karusell {Terje Rypdal} (8:12)
3. Stenskoven {Palle Mikkelborg} (3:49)
4. Waves {Terje Rypdal} (5:42)
5. The Dain Curse {Terje Rypdal} (8:45)
6. Charisma {Terje Rypdal} (6:15) 

Total Time: 41:22 

Credits:
Producer - Manfred Eicher
Engineer - Jan Erik Kongshaug
Cover Photo - Klaus Knaup
Layout Design - Barbara Wojirsch 

Stenskoven [Palle Mikkelborg]