Takuya Kuroda Sextet - Six Aces + Bonus (2012)

With his brilliant tone and soulful, passionate delivery, it’s no wonder that young Japanese trumpeter Takuya Kuroda continues to thrive in New York City, the world’s most competitive arena for live performance. Originally from Kobe, Takuya came to the U.S. in 2003 to study at the New School Jazz and Contemporary Music Program. Since arriving to New York, he has become a fixture on the working musician scene, performing alongside living legends, acknowledged masters and the rising stars of his generation. Takuya can be seen and heard performing at music festivals worldwide and at some of the most important venues for live performance in the country ~ Extract from Album Notes 

The performance is so perfect, including the well-thought-out structure and rhythm section, that it can almost be called mechanical. I mainly collect bop music from the 1950s, but this is my first time purchasing modern jazz, so I'm confused as to why the content is so perfect, and the flawless. There's no doubt that he's a very interesting player. ~ Sacchi, 4.0 Stars. [Translated from Japanese] 

P-Vine Records, PCD-20270, 2012
Recorded 17th May, 2012 at Dubway Studio, New York, NY 

Musicians:
Takuya Kuroda - Trumpet
Corey King - Trombone
Jamaal Sawyer - Tenor Saxophone
Takeshi Ohbayashi - Piano, Rhodes
Warren Fields - Piano (#8)
Rashaan Carter - Bass (#1-7)
Chris Smith - Bass (#8)
Adam Jackson - Drums

Tracks:
1. Grappa (3:14)
2. Jafro (7:03)
3. Pepper Caramel (10:04)
4. Trunk Bay (10:16)
5. Red Corner (9:29)
6. Bite Than Bark (8:41)
7. Six Aces (6:00)
8. Unlock (9:41) * 

All compositions by Takuya Kuroda
* Bonus Track only on this Japanese release

Total Time: 64:31

Credits:
Producer - Takuya Kuroda
Mixing Engineer - Yuki Takahashi
Mastering Engineer - Tom Durack
Art Direction & Art Works - Koji Toyama
Photography - Hiroki Kobayashi 

Six Aces

Jan Lundgren, Richard Galliano, Paolo Fresu - "Mare Nostrum” JazzBaltica (2007)

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Richard Galliano - Accordion
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet, Flugelhorn 

Tracks:
1. Mare Nostrum
2. Principessa
3. The Seagull
4. Years Ahead
5. Varvindar Friska
6. Liberty Waltz
7. Chat Pitre
8. Valzer Di Ritorno
9. Love Land 

Total Time: 71:26 

Quality: SATRip
Format: DVD > MKV

Bengan Janson, Jan Lundgren, Ulf Wakenius (2011)

This is a unique trio session with three of our most internationally renowned musicians, accordionist Bengan Janson, pianist Jan Lundgren and guitarist Ulf Wakenius, who combine jazz with folk music, tango and samba. But above all the art of improvisation within today's serious popular music. 

Bengan says: Together again - for the first time - you could really say. We have played with each other before in duo constellations, but never all three together. So, it became a trio with roots in folk music and jazz. We met and made Swedish music, both from the past and present, but of course also own original compositions! The idea for the collaboration was born during a tour with Jan and Ulf, where Jan invited me to the concert to, as he put it, "sit in on a song". I brought the cardboard box with me and played a song with these gentlemen and it was off and running." The decision to subsequently record an album felt simple. Björn Johansson, the firebrand behind the record company Ladybird was "on" and soon enough the recording started in Atlantis Studio. And here is the result - enjoy! [Translated from Swedish] 

Ladybird Records, 79556821, 2011
Recorded and mixed in Atlantis Studios, Stockholm, Sweden 

Musicians:
Bengan Janson - Accordion
Jan Lundgren - Grand Piano
Ulf Wakenius - Guitar

Tracks:
01. Love Land (6:20)
02. Chorinho Pra Sivuca (4:19)
03. Låt Till Far (4:57)
04. Paris Tango (4:46)
05. Halvpolska Efter Donna-Lee (5:14)
06. Tycker Inte Om Dig (4:52)
07. Fran Djursholm Till Danvikstull (4:33)
08. Alone For You (4:35)
09. Lovers' Parade (4:57)
10. Backner (4:43)
11. Världen Ar Full Av Violer (4:47)
12. Ett Enkelt Liv (4:12) 

Total Time: 58:15 

Credits:
Executive Producer - Bjorn Johannsson
Production Manager - Claes Janson
Recording & Mixing - Janne Hansson
Cover Sculpture - Timo Solin
Cover Photo - Tony Landberg
Cover Design - Armand Alcazar 

Världen är Full Av Violer [The World Is Full Of Violets]

Jan Lundgren Trio - Blue Lights (2003)

Here, we have yet another fine trio outing by the marvellous Swedish pianist Jan Lundgren. For this release Jan continues to join company with bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Alex Riel. Apart from two of his own compositions the trio delve into a bunch of bop tunes and other jazz standards. Recorded in Copenhagen in 2003 this album has been remastered and released again in 2010 by the Japanese marshmallow label. Not much more to say other than just dig and enjoy! 

Marshmallow Export, MMEX-101; 2003
Marshmallow Export, MMEX-142-CD, 2010
Recorded 20th & 21st January, 2003 at Sun Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Jesper Lundgaard - Bass
Alex Riel - Drums

Tracks:
01. Take Me In Your Arms {Fred Markush} (6:19)
02. Blue Lights {Gigi Gryce} (4:34)
03. Love Of My Life {Artie Shaw, Johnny Mercer} (5:53)
04. Easily Found {Jan Lundgren} (5:10)
05. Stranger In Paradise {Robert White} (5:32)
06. Winter Moon {Hoagy Carmichael} (4:59)
07. A Sunny Rain {Jan Lundgren} (6:47)
08. Fair Weather {Benny Golson} (5:34)
09. Skylark {Hoagy Carmichael} (4:51)
10. Out Of The Past {Benny Golson} (4:57)
11. We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together {Henry Maners} (4:13) 

Total Time: 58:59 

Credits:
Producer, Photography, Remastering - Mitsuo Johfu
Reissue Producer - Guy Jones
Engineer - Bjarne Hansen
Engineer [Assistant] - Andreas Hviid
Design - Makoto Kanemura
Liner Notes - Ulf Abjörnsson 

Easily Found

Jan Lundgren Trio - New York Calling (1995)

Earlier in his career pianist Jan Lundgren didn't move outside of Sweden that often. However, on 22nd & 23rd December, 1995 he happened to be in New York City to record for an independent Japanese label Alfa Jazz. On that date Jan joined forces with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Billy Drummond with the recording session taking place at the well-esteemed ‘Sound On Sound Studio’. Apart from three of Jan's own original compositions and the traditional piece 'Dear Old Stockholm', the trio chose a varied array of jazz tunes for the main formation of this historic get-together. Such a visit wasn't to be repeated until ten years later for ‘In New York’ album with the only exception of Kenny Washington replacing Billy Drummond. As always Jan does not fail to showcase his prowess and versatility as this vibrant trio present another worthy example of Lundgren's expansive discography. 

Alfa Jazz, ALCB-3905, 1996
Recorded 22nd & 23rd December, 1995 at Sound On Sound Studio, New York City 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Peter Washington - Bass
Billy Drummond - Drums

Tracks:
01. Fun Run {Jan Lundgren} (5:42)
02. Sometime Ago {Sergio Mihanovich} (5:41)
03. Danny's Dream {Lars Gullin} (5:05)
04. Hi-Fly {Randy Weston} (6:42)
05. Lena {Jan Lundgren} (7:41)
06. Buttercup {Bud Powell} (6:40)
07. Star-Crossed Lovers {Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn} (4:18)
08. Shades Of Light {Hubert Laws} (6:33)
09. Beatrice {Sam Rivers} (5:25)
10. Time To Leave Again {Jan Lundgren} (9:52)
11. Dear Old Stockholm [Värmlandsvisan] {Traditional} (2:56) 

Total Time: 66:41 

Credits:
Producer - Big Apple Productions Inc.
Executive Producer - Satoshi Hirano
Production Associate - Kyoko Aikawa
Recording Engineer - Peter Beckerman
Assistant Engineer - Tsumoru Kume
Cover, Photography - John Abbott
Art Direction - Masakazu Hirao 

Buttercup

Jan Lundgren Trio - Perfidia (2002)

Here's another wonderful session by the sensational Jan Lundgren Trio in its classic configuration comprising of as expected Jan on piano and his two veteran collaborators’ bassist Jesper Lundgaard and drummer Alex Riel. For this release the trio explore a broad selection of bop, hard bop and post-bop tunes. The album was produced by Jan and released on the sought after Japanese M&I label over twenty years ago but hasn't lost its scintillating appeal, it will easily become a favourite of any jazz piano fan, enjoy! 

M&I, MYCJ-30176, 2002
Recorded 16th & 17th September, 2002 at Sun Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Jesper Lundgaard - Bass
Alex Riel - Drums

Tracks:
01. Russian Lullaby {Irving Berlin} (7:32)
02. Perfidia {Alberto Dominguez} (5:20)
03. Med Ogon Kansliga For Gront {Barbro Hörberg, Nisse Hansén} (4:42)
04. Carnival {Harry Warren} (4:56)
05. Dat Dere {Bobby Timmons} (5:25)
06. Alfie {Burt Bacharach, Hal David} (5:57)
07. Don't Cha Go 'Way Mad {Jimmy Mundy} (3:25)
08. Jordu {Duke Jordan} (6:10)
09. More Than You Know {Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu, Vincent Youmans} (5:29)
10. Star Eyes {Don Raye, Gene DePaul} (5:21)
11. Long Ago And Far Away {Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern} (6:13) 

Total Time: 60:30 

Credits:
Producer - Jan Lundgren
Executive-Producer, Photography - Mitsuo Johfu
Recording Engineer - Bjarne Hansen
Re-mastering Engineer - Kazuhiro Yamagata
A&R - Takeo Yokota 

Perfidia

Pietro Tonolo, Arnie Somogyi, Jorge Rossy, Joe Chambers - Passport (2012)

Saxophonist Pietro Tonolo, known for his collaborations with Paul Motian and Gil Goldstein, has collaborated with Joe Chambers, a master drummer and vibe player, who has often collaborated with him in the past. Jorge Rossi was the drummer for the early Mehldau Trio. In their home country of England, they formed a new unit called "Passport" with Ernie Somogyi, who is active as a leading session bassist not only in jazz but also in the world of pop and rock. Starting with #1, a bluesy arrangement of a difficult piece by Steve Lacy, with whom Tonolo co-starred in his youth, Tonolo's #3 and #7, which have a strong post-bop feel that shines in his dry tenor and soprano, and orthodox on #7. Rossi's #2 and #6, and Chambers' beautiful and dreamy ballad #4 that makes use of his own vibe solo. The difficult piece #8, which sounds like a normal waltz but actually has a very complex and mysterious melody, is a piece by Somogyi. And a number of original songs that strongly reflect the individuality of the members who wrote them. Also includes covers by George Cables, Wayne Shorter, and Kurt Weill. Although none of the songs are long and are compactly compiled, all the members deliver solid solos, making it a rewarding listen. This is a masterpiece that unfolds a variety of worlds on one CD. ~ From album info. [Translated from Japanese] 

Parco Della Musica Records, MPR 036CD, 2012
Recorded 13th and 14th March, 2011 at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Pietro Tonolo - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Jorge Rossy - Piano, Drums [Left Side] (#3,4,7,8,10)
Joe Chambers - Vibraphone, Drums [Right Side] (#1-3,5,6,8,9)
Arnie Somogyi - Bass 

Tracks:
01. Esteem {Steve Lacy} (7:30)
02. Puerta {Jorge Rossy} (5:36)
03. Descalabro {Pietro Tonolo} (4:05)
04. Ruth {Joe Chambers} (6:05)
05. Phantom Of The City {George Cables} (4:58)
06. Not So Easy {Jorge Rossy} (6:35)
07. Mimi {Pietro Tonolo} (4:45)
08. JJ {Arnie Somogyi} (5:33)
09. This Is New {Kurt Weill} (6:28)
10. Rio {Wayne Shorter} (4:59) 

Total Time: 56:40 

Ruth

Jan Lundgren with Orchestra - Something To Live For (1998)

"Reminiscences of a Duke," the highlight of this tribute to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, is a triumph for Lundgren and the 63-year-old Swedish composer Magnus Linden. Throughout the album, Lundgren plays with his usual clarity of touch and conception. Meeting considerable challenges offered by Linden in the composer's 15-minute suite, he surpasses himself Building on hints at themes abstracted from Ellington tunes, Linden uses strings, woodwinds and French horn for settings that require the pianist's formidable technical command and stimulate his inventiveness. Linden manages to evoke Ellington's music, provide ideal settings for Lundgren and demonstrate virtuosity in orchestration. Some of his writing is reminiscent of Charles Ives (in the movement titled "Mood") and Eddie Sauter ("Pace"), but it has a pungent modernity all it's own. His work is all the more impressive because Linden accomplishes impressive depth and texture using only 12 pieces, demonstrating a masterful command of resources. Lundgren plays the fastest and most demanding passages ("Speed") without sacrificing a bit of the emotion that the music demands. Yet, he performs with the precision of a classical pianist playing a concerto, which this music resembles in some respects. Tracking Lundgren's growth from one recording to the next over the past five years or so has been one of the rewarding listening experiences of the 1990s. If this album is an indication, his increasing individuality and expressiveness as a soloist will lead to important work in the new century. ~ Amazon Editorial. 

Sittel Records, SITCD9258, 1999
Recorded 6th-8th October, 1998 in Stockholm, Sweden 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Mattias Hjort - Bass
Rasmus Kihlberg - Drums
with String Orchestra

Tracks:
01. Something To Live For {Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn} (5:36)
02. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington} (4:44)
03. Raincheck {Billy Strayhorn} (3:33)
04. Isfahan {Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn} (4:16)
05. Prelude To A Kiss {Duke Ellington} (5:34)
06. Azure {Duke Ellington} (3:16)
07. Caravan {Juan Tizol, Duke Ellington} (3:57)
08. Blood Count {Billy Strayhorn} (6:03)
Reminiscences Of A Duke {Magnus Linden}
09. I. Pace (5:03)
10. II. Mood (5:58)
11. III. Speed (5:18)
12. Looking Glass {Duke Ellington} (3:40) 

Total Time: 57:03 

This recording is dedicated to the memory of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. 

Caravan

Jan Lundgren - In New York (2005)

On May 31 and June 1, 2005, Swedish jazz pianist Jan Lundgren was in New York to record In New York for Marshmallow Records, an independent Japanese label founded in 1978. Backing Jan were bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington. The recording session took place at Nola's Penthouse Studio on 57th St., above the Steinway showroom (both now replaced by a zillion-story tower on what is known in New York as Billionaire's Row). Jim Czak, whom we all miss dearly, co-engineered, mixed and mastered. Most of the songs were chosen by Jan, with three added by the album's producer and Marshmallow founder Mitsuo Johfu: Autumn in New York, Cherokee and The Gypsy. Jan included two originals - Negotiations and M.Z. The balance were standards Jan wanted to record - East of the Sun, Benny Golson's Stablemates, John Coltrane's Straight Street, I Can't Get Started and Wayne Shorter's This Is for Albert. Great choices all. Jan doesn't get to New York as often as he used to. The pandemic changed a lot. This album is as close as we'll get unless you're in Stockholm and vicinity. In New York is exceptional. Listen to Jan on Autumn in New York and I Can't Get Started. Sheer elegance. There was gentle quality and swinging sophistication to Jan's playing then as is the case now, only more so. His level of taste is extraordinary, and his feel for American songbook standards is loving and respectful. Listen to Stablemates, one of the most statuesque trio renditions of the song I've ever heard and the most sensual, which is how Benny likes it played. Or listen to Jan's fabulous introduction to The Gypsy. [Photo above of Jan Lundgren by Steven Haberland] Straight Street, which Coltrane recorded on Coltrane (Prestige) in 1957, is a knockout, with Jan giving the song the mink-glove treatment. And This Is for Albert, which can be heard on Art Blakey's Caravan (Riverside), twists and turns with grace. Jan's originals here have a distinctly Swedish moodiness and are terrific change-ups from the jazz and pop songbook. As for Peter Washington and Kenny Washington, they are the gold standard and continue to inspire everyone they play with. This is an album you'll listen to over and over again. And, if I might add, a perfect album to play while on the sofa in front of the fireplace this season. The music will find its way all the way inside and make you very happy. ~ Marc Myers, JazzWax.com. 

Marshmallow Export, MMEX-106, 2005
Recorded 31st May-1st June, 2005 at Nola Recording Studio, New York 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Peter Washington - Bass
Kenny Washington - Drums

Tracks:
01. Negotiations {Jan Lundgren} (7:27)
02. East Of The Sun {Brooks Bowman} (5:26)
03. Autumn In New York {Vernon Duke} (7:02)
04. Stablemates {Benny Golson} (7:36)
05. The Gypsy {Billy Reid} (4:52)
06. Straight Street {John Coltrane} (7:29)
07. M.Z. {Jan Lundgren} (5:12)
08. Cherokee {Ray Noble} (5:51)
09. I Can't Get Standerd {Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke} (4:34)
10. This Is For Albert {Wayne Shorter} (6:14) 

Total Time: 61:46 

Credits:
Producer - Mitsuo Johfu
Recording Engineer - Jim Czak, Bill Moss 

Cherokee

Jan Lundgren Trio - Soft Summer Breeze (2007)

The title itself is inviting, not to say seductive. And just like that the record is, a warm summer breeze that flies by quickly, but a very pleasant one. At first unfocused listening, it can sound like talented bar music. But if you put your ear closer to the record, you can't avoid Lundgren's elegance and imagination. There are no bolder moves, but that's not what Lundgren is known for either, low-key and thoughtful as he is. The disc was recorded during a tour in Japan that Jan Lundgren told about in an interview in orkesterjournalen (12/2007). Lundgren and his producers know what Japanese concert-goers want: safe cards from The Great Songbook. Here are many of the most played: Mood Indigo, Things Ain't What They Used To Be, Lets Face The Music And Dance, Lullaby Of Birdland, to name a few. The Danish co-players Jesper Lundgaard and Alex Riel reinforce the elegance and softness that surrounds the record. None of them go off for hoes. Piano trio lovers will not be disappointed. Lundgren tackles the standard songs, as usual, with an enormous sense of style and lyrical play, with nourishing roots in the very greatest. One of the songs was written by saxophonist Al Cohn's (died 1988) Tasty Pudding. Just like that. A delicious and tasty pudding! ~ Peter H Larsen, orkesterjournalen.com. [Translated from Swedish] 

Marshmallow Records, MMEX-120, 2007
Recorded September, 2007 at "Sugita Theatre", Yokohama, Japan 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Jesper Lundgaard - Bass
Alex Riel - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Mood Indigo {Duke Ellington, Barney Bigard} (4:41)
02. Tasty Pudding {Al Cohn} (4:34)
03. Darn That Dream {Eddie DeLange, Jimmy Van Heusen} (5:11)
04. Rhythm-A-Ning {Thelonious Monk} (5:01)
05. Things Ain't What They Used To Be {Duke Ellington} (5:04)
06. Soul Train {Tadd Dameron} (6:51)
07. Soft Summer Breeze {Eddie Heywood} (5:39)
08. Velvet Moon {Edgar De Lange, Josef Myrow} (5:08)
09. Let's Face The Music And Dance {Irving Berlin} (5:38)
10. Am I Blue {Harry Akst, Grant Clarke} (5:57)
11. Lullaby Of Birdland {George Shearing} (4:52)
12. From This Moment On {Cole Porter} (3:46) 

Total Time: 62:28 

Soft Summer Breeze

Franco D'Andrea, Hein van de Geyn, Aldo Romano - Volte (1989)

In 1989 renowned Italian pianist Franco D'Andrea formed a trio with Dutch bassist Hein van de Geyn and fellow Italian drummer Aldo Romano, releasing this album 'Volte' on the now defunct French Owl Records label. The trio came together in Ferber Studio based in Paris for two days in March laying down nine tracks. It is an energetic album dotted with five of Franco's own compositions, three from Aldo Romano, one contribution from Hein Van de Geyn and topped off with a cover of a Beatle's number 'Norwegian Wood'. In all, it is an enjoyable and captivating album presenting a solid piece of entertainment for over an hour. This rip is from a Japanese reissue; for any Italian jazz enthusiast, a welcomed addition to their collections. 

Owl Records, OWL052CD, 1989
Recorded 21st, 22nd March, 1989 at Ferber Studio, Paris, France 

Musicians:
Franco D'Andrea - Piano
Hein van de Geyn - Double Bass
Aldo Romano - Drums

Tracks:
1. Two Colors {Franco D'Andrea} (6:53)
2. Marta {Franco D'Andrea} (9:35)
3. On John's Guitar {Aldo Romano} (8:25)
4. Volte {Franco D'Andrea} (6:45)
5. Strike Again {Hein van de Geyn} (6:25)
6. The Begining Years {Franco D'Andrea} (6:10)
7. Clouds And Rain {Aldo Romano} (6:10)
8. Norwegian Wood {Paul McCartney, John Lennon} (8:25)
9. Il Camino {Aldo Romano} (5:35) 

Total Time: 63:56 

Credits:
Producer - François Lemaire, Jean-Jacques Pussiau
Recording, Mixing - Laurent Peyron
Cover, Concept, Art Direction - Bernard Amiard
Photography - Mephisto Studio 

Il Camino

Donald Harrison Jr. - Kind Of New (2002)

New Takes on the classic Miles Davis session ‘Kind of Blue’ - a 21st Century shout out to a 20th Century masterpiece. Everybody is part of Kind of Blue in some way, because there probably isn't a note in jazz played since the record came out that hasn't been affected the album. It is the biggest selling jazz record of all time and is probably, 40 years after its initial release, holds a number one slot in every jazz loving country. Here, Donald Harrison who never shirks from a challenge looks Kind Of Blue straight in the eye. He takes some brilliant in the pocket players covering several generations, examines the original five tunes and throws in three new ones heavily in the style of Miles ('Kind Of New,' 'It Is' and 'What Next?'). This is 'Kind of Blue' done 'Kind of New.' It takes guts, but here it is, a 21st century shout out to a 20th Century masterpiece. Carl Allen and Javon Jackson are Donald's contemporaries - Javon like Donald, was a Jazz Messenger. Eric Reed and Vicente Archer, a bit younger, are from the first generation to be influenced by Donald and his peers. Kenny Barron of course, is a giant, more or less a contemporary of Miles. And last but no means least, Christian Scott (nephew of Donald) who is the trumpet man on this disc and was at the time of recording, only 17 years old. ~ amazon.co.uk. 

Candid Productions, CCD 79768, 2002
Recorded 21st-22nd November, 2001 at Clinton Recording Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Donald Harrison Jr. - Alto Saxophone
Christian Scott - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Javon Jackson - Tenor Saxophone
Kenny Barron - Piano (#3,5)
Eric Reed - Piano (#1,2,4,6-8)
Vicente Archer - Bass
Carl Allen - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Kind Of New {Donald Harrison Jr.} (7:17)
2. Blue In Green {Bill Evans, Miles Davis} (5:17)
3. So What {Miles Davis} (8:39)
4. All Blues {Miles Davis} (3:33)
5. Freddie Freeloader {Miles Davis} (5:57)
6. It Is {Donald Harrison Jr.} (5:26)
7. Flamenco Sketches {Miles Davis} (5:22)
8. What Next? {Donald Harrison Jr.} (6:34) 

Total Time: 48:10 

Kind Of New

Eri Yamamoto Trio - In Each Day, Something Good (2010)

"Another beautiful album of deep, emotionally rich original music from this pianist and her trio. A master storyteller at the keys, Yamamoto is distinctive for her warm, introspective touch, moments of joyous expansion and tunes that suck you into fully-realized worlds." ~ Forrest Dylan Bryant, KZSU. 

"Each piece shines with its own interior light." ~ Bill Tilland, BBC. 

"Yamamoto’s playing, unhurried and unforced, nevertheless demonstrates an active imagination and gift for melody; her improvisations avoid sweeping theatrical gestures in favor of focused introspection, in the spirit of someone who stops along the way to pore over the small details of everyday life that often elude those who hurry on." ~ Tom Greenland, All About Jazz-New York.

AUM Fidelity, AUM 059, 2010
Recorded 19th August, 2009 at Systems Two Studio, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Eri Yamamoto - Piano
Dave Ambrosio - Bass
Ikuo Takeuchi - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Attraction Of The Moon (7:45)
02. Secret Link (5:39)
03. Every Day (6:28)
04. We'll Figure Out Blues (5:48)
05. Blues In Tunisia (6:10)
06. I Was Born (6:47)
07. A Little Suspicious (4:40)
08. Let's Eat, Then Everything Will Be OK (4:54)
09. A Little Escape (4:57)
10. Sheep Song (7:33) 

All Compositions by Eri Yamamoto 

Total Time: 60:46 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Eri Yamamoto
Producer - Steven Joerg
Engineer, Mixing - Michael Marciano
Mastering - M.M. at S.T.S.
Photography - Agnieszka Kubeczko
Cover Art - Leo Yamamoto 

Francesco Cafiso “Island Blue Quartet” - A New Trip (2009)

Whether it is a "new journey" that of Francesco Cafiso and the Island Blue 4tet there is no shadow of doubt. Vittoria's (IT) offspring, at the age of twenty and having reached the twelfth album in which his name shows off, wants to prove that he has freed himself from the bulky shadows of the past and, in particular, from the manly sounds of Charlie Parker. The experiences lived alongside sacred monsters such as Hank Jones, Cedar Walton, Joe Lovano, Enrico Rava, Franco D'Andrea, Jimmy Cobb, Wynton Marsalis, his mentor, among many play in his favor. Experiences that led him to search for a personal stamp, an autonomous phrasing and also to try his hand at true compositions. A New Trip is the result of this inevitable metamorphosis, the result of the development of his compositional vein which is innervated entirely on his technique, certainly prodigious, but in some ways too aesthetic and muscular. Eight songs, none standard, three by the leader, two by Giovanni Mazzarino, two by Dino Rubino and one in the name of the double bass player Nello Toscano. Four Sicilians, all with a very strong brand that shines through clearly even in the melodic lines that smell of Sicilian vigor. However, a sonic democracy is struggling to emerge, given that the leader - almost unconsciously - often takes the reins of the quadrille in hand and takes the bench flying through large glimpses of the past. His style encyclopedia is full of lemmas: from the aforementioned Parker to Eric Dolphy, up to the asceticism of Coltrane. His fervor is well supported by Mazzarino, endowed with a strong sense of taste and measure, Nello Toscano double bass player with well-rounded lines and Dino Rubino who carves out substantial spaces to give voice to his sound, always poised both on the high and medium and fluctuating frequencies. His compositional and executive irony of the tango (figurative) notes of Pablo and the swing déjà écouté of Conversations is surprising. Piazza, autographed by Mazzarino, fits in well with the homogeneity of the sound, free from sophisticated structures. The theme of Cafiso's Enigmatic Night is embodied in the pleasant dialogue between the altoist and the piano. The absence of the battery does not weigh, which, in this context, would have appeared actually straight. ~ by Alceste Ayroldi, Jazzitalia. [Translated from Italian] 

Philology Records, W 419, 2009
Recorded 2nd-3rd April, 2009 at Artesuono Recording Studios, Cavalicco (UD) 

Musicians:
Francesco Cafiso - Alto Saxophone
Dino Rubino - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Giovanni Mazzarino - Piano
Nello Toscano - Double Bass 

Tracks:
1. A New Trip {Francesco Cafiso} (5:41)
2. Pablo {Cafiso, Rubino, Mazzarino, Toscano} (6:55)
3. Enigmatic Night {Francesco Cafiso} (4:04)
4. Piazza {Cafiso, Rubino, Mazzarino, Toscano} (8:35)
5. Conversations {Cafiso, Rubino, Mazzarino, Toscano} (6:17)
6. Cerimoniale {Cafiso, Rubino, Mazzarino, Toscano} (7:45)
7. Retrato {Cafiso, Rubino, Mazzarino, Toscano} (5:38)
8. Dieghito Mojito {Francesco Cafiso} (4:53) 

Total Time: 49:53 

Credits:
Recording Engineer - Stefano Amerio
Photography - Gianiuca Murella Fotografo
Liner Notes - Maurizio Franco 

Dieghito Mojito

Paolo Fresu Quintet - Ballads (1991)

While it's true that trumpeter and composer Paolo Fresu works in a variety of settings from trio to sextet, it is arguable that his quintets present him with the finest opportunities for creative expression. This date, a covers-only collection of ballads by Ellington and Strayhorn, Mingus, Monk, Johnny Mercer, etc., has all the hallmarks of a classic Fresu set. For starters, the band is amazing: Tino Tracanna on tenor, Roberto Cipelli on piano, Attilio Zanchi on bass, and Ettore Fioravanti on drums offer Fresu a wide palette for expressing the many shades and textures of the jazz ballad. Then, there's the material. Beginning a ballad program with the quietly gorgeous "When Sunny Gets Blue" is auspicious, especially when the opening measures feature a Fresu solo of such lyrical warmth and relaxed phrasing that the listener is nearly lulled into intoxication before Tracana adds some weight in his own Cannonball Adderley way. Fresu leads the quintet with a loose hand, and each member is allowed to explore the subtle nuances inherent in the material. Cipelli looks at each number and expresses it impressionistically, leaving the horns plenty of open space. In the front, Fresu touches deeply on the Miles Davis and early Chet Baker side of melodic invention, wrangling wonderfully muted timbral dimensions from such tunes as "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," "Darn That Dream," and Wayne Shorter's "Fall." Tracanna shines on Tom Harrell's "Sail Away" as well as "Monk's Mood" and "Star-Crossed Lovers." Cipelli and the rhythm section play almost glissando throughout, adding a shimmering light-on-water effect. They don't resort to an easy listening approach to the ballad anywhere here and, in fact, use a listener's approach to the subtle harmonic inflections and ever-shifting dynamics throughout. This set presents the Italians - and particularly Fresu - at their lyrical, consonant best. ~ by Thom Jurek, AMG. 

Splasc(H) Records, CD H 366-2, 1992; 2007
Recorded [Direct Dat] 3rd & 4th May, 1991 at Highland Recording Studio, Milano, Italy 

Musicians:
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet
Tino Tracanna - Saxophone
Roberto Cipelli - Piano
Attilio Zanchi - Bass
Ettore Fioravanti - Drums

Tracks:
01. When Sunny Gets Blue {Marvin Fisher, Jack Segal} (4:14)
02. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington, Manny Kurtz, Irving Mills} (3:46)
03. Star-Crossed Lovers {Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn} (6:07)
04. Monk’s Mood {Thelonious Monk} (1:59)
05. Darn That Dream {Eddie DeLange, James Van Heusen} (7:27)
06. Fall {Wayne Shorter} (4:04)
07. Duke Ellington’s Sound Of Love {Charles Mingus} (7:38)
08. I Thought About You {James Van Heusen, Johnny Mercer} (7:26)
09. I'm A Fool To Want You {Joel Herron, Frank Sinatra, Jack Wolf} (4:48)
10. Good Bye Pork Pie Hat {Charles Mingus} (2:49)
11. Sail Away {Tom Harrell} (7:00) 

Total Time: 57:20 

Credits:
Producer - Giorgio Mortarino, Peppo Spagnoli
Cover Painting - Salvatore Ravo "La Espera"
Photo - Mirko Boscolo
Liner Notes - Kevin Whitehead 

Fall

Riccardo Fassi Trio - Walkabout (1996)

With Billy Elgart on drums and Paolino Della Porta on bass, it's tough to imagine Riccardo Fassi turning in anything less than a stellar recorded set. That's exactly the case; in fact, it may be Fassi's strongest outing ever. With such a powerful yet sprightly rhythm section, Fassi gets to indulge his knack for fleet-fingered pianism that never, ever leaves the realm of the lyrical. In his compositions, Fassi tends to accent the double eights and nines, and use the blues as a springboard for long legato runs and busy, though never florid, arpeggio work. What keeps him tethered, however - and this is evidenced wonderfully on "Oxford," "What Cosa," and "Di Coccio" - is his striated chromaticism and fundamentally architecture-harmonic sensibilities. He moves with Della Porta through a series of knotty, angular changes and then flushes into the light with a run of 16th notes skittering across the pitch range before inverting them and staggering the harmonic to fit the interval. There are also a number of Della Porta compositions on Walkabout, the most notable of which is "Canguri Urbani," which begins with a drum and bass duet before being joined by Fassi in a Monkish vamp about two minutes in. From the Monk-like harmonics, Fassi moves out Tristano-style in scalar regimen to arrive at some appropriation of the blues as it met bop. Near the middle of his solo, his right hand begins comping through flatted sevenths and diminished ninths before taking flight again with Della Porta holding the space and Elgart pushing the pianist to the edge before they take it out with a whisper. This is an excellent example of why Italy has one of the most exciting jazz scenes in the world. ~ by Thom Jurek, AMG. 

Splasc(h) Records, CDH 475.2, 1996
Recorded & Mixed 27th-28th January, 1996 at Murec Studio, Milan, Italy 

Musicians:
Riccardo Fassi - Piano
Paolino Dalla Porta - Bass
Bill Elgart - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Di Coccio {Riccardo Fassi} (8:37)
2. Message From The Earth {Paolino Dalla Porta} (7:34)
3. What Cosa? {Riccardo Fassi} (6:33)
4. Il Polpa E La Cizza {Riccardo Fassi} (7:24)
5. Game 1 {Paolino Dalla Porta} (10:24)
6. Oxford {Riccardo Fassi} (7:23)
7. Il Sogno Evidente {Riccardo Fassi} (6:00)
8. Canguri Urbani {Paolino Dalla Porta} (6:53)
9. Rimozione Forzata {Riccardo Fassi} (5:34) 

Total Time: 66:21 

Credits:
Producer - Peppo spagnoli, Giorgio Mortarino
Sound Engineer, Photo [Back] - Paolo Falascone
Cover Art - Paolino Dalla Porta
Liner Notes - Luca Perini 

Canguri Urbani

George Adams & Don Pullen - More Funk (1979) [vinyl>flac]

The second Palcoscenico LP recorded the day after 'All That Funk'

Ripped from a mint LP that cost me rather more than I would usually spend but listening to 'God Bless That Child' - worth every penny!

1. Metamorphosis For Charles Mingus (Adams/Pullen/Richmond) (15:12)
2. So Nice (Adams/Pullen) (10:40)
3. God Bless The Child (15:30)
4. Devil Blues (Mingus/Adams/Gatemouth Brown (10:15)

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 15003

Franco D'Andrea Quartet - Sorapis (2011)

Sorapis is an imposing Dolomite massif that stands as guardian of the splendid lake of Misurina, in whose waters it reflects all its austere majesty. The music contained in Sorapis like the Dolomite group of the same name: majestic, rich in history, shining, changing in shapes and colours, surprising in its development, a sure point of reference for anyone who wants to engage with it. Where the live dimension of the previous Half the Fun liberated an intrinsic exuberance, a marked executive freedom and allowed the music to form and flow mainly in the form of suites, in Sorapis the thought of D'Andrea and his quartet is organized in smaller episodes structured, with very different forms, with strongly characterized stories, true essays on the balance between writing and improvisation, between rigor and creativity. Allow yourself to be completely involved in Sorapis' music - how to grasp the beauty, the changes, the surprises that the mountain offers in the passing of a day. Like the reverberations of the sun on the granite, the plays of shadows and light, the edges and ravines that suddenly open up, the quiet of a sunset, the tumultuous plays of air and water that only summer downpours can bring about. capable of unleashing. After fifteen years of life, the quartet is an organism that thinks, breathes and produces in unison, far from automatisms, well-tested winks, aestheticisms supported by routine, not uncommon in such long-lived formations. Indeed, D'Andrea and his traveling companions proceed in the opposite direction. The profound mutual knowledge pushes towards research, experimentation, making the compositions something continuously changing, an open space where there are solid and well-recognizable structures but around and within which the four musicians move curious and unpredictable. It is impossible to point out one song rather than another because it would be like admiring a panorama from only one perspective. We then like to remember "The Single Petal Of A Rose" a vintage Ellington put there almost by chance but a brilliant demonstration of how the quartet is able to reread a piece of history making it more alive and current than ever and in perfect harmony with the entire work. [Translated from Italian] 

El Gallo Rojo Records, 314-43, 2011
Recorded 13th-14th May, 2010 at Sound Sistemi Studio, Sarithià (VC) 

Musicians:
Franco D'Andrea - Piano
Andrea Ayassot - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Aldo Mella - Double Bass
Zeno De Rossi - Drums

Tracks:
1. Tritoni 1 {D'Andrea, Ayassot, Mella, De Rossi} /
Seste {D'Andrea, Ayassot, Mella, De Rossi} / Old Jazz {D'Andrea} (11:08)
2. Latin Sketch {Franco D'Andrea} (9:30)
3. T.M. {D'Andrea} / Air Waves {D'Andrea} / Beatwitz {D'Andrea, Tonani} (12:05)
4. The Single Petal Of A Rose {Duke Ellington} (3:12)
5. Sorapis {Franco D'Andrea} (5:55)
6. Treble And Bass {D'Andrea, Ayassot, Mella, De Rossi} (6:22)
7. Winterpromenade {Franco D'Andrea} (4:53)
8. New Calypso {Franco D'Andrea} (3:04) 

Total Time: 56:13 

Sorapis

Renato Sellani, Gianni Basso - Á La France 2 (2002)

Romantically...from Italy
==================
From Philology home, the second chapter of "A' La France", the album dedicated to French music by these two sensational figures of our jazz. A repertoire, largely linked to songs, which enhances the balladeur skills of our most famous tenor sax in the world and the magical and sublime work of a pianist-poet like the "rediscovered" Sellani. [Translated from Italian] 

Philology Records, W 207.2, 2002
Recorded 7th May, 2001 at Mu Rec Studio, Milano, Italy 

Musicians:
Gianni Basso - Tenor Saxophone, Vocals (#12)
Renato Sellani - Piano 

Tracks:
01. Dans Mon Île {Henri Salvador} (4:21)
02. J'Ai Deux Amours {Josephine Baker} (4:17)
03. Elle Était Si Jolie {Alain Barrière} (4:11)
04. Watch What Happens {Michel Legrand} (5:11)
05. Douce France {Charles Trenet} (6:06)
06. Infiniment {Bruno Coquatrix} (4:38)
07. Vous Qui Passe Sans Me Voir {Charles Trenet} (4:59)
08. J'Attendrai {Tino Ross, Charles Trenet} (5:23)
09. Le Soir {Charles Trenet} (4:35)
10. L'Été Du 42 {Michel Legrand} (6:39)
11. Pres De St. Germain {Gianni Basso, Renato Sellani} (3:30)
12. Bedelia {Bernard Michel, Maurice Pon} (1:46) 

Total Time: 55:43 

Credits:
Producer, Executive-Producer - Paolo Piangiarelli
Recording Engineer - Paolo Falascone
Mastering Engineer - Fabio Alfonsi
Graphics - danilosantinelli@libero.it
Photography - Luciano Rossetti, Carlo Pieroni
Liner Notes - Vittorio Franchini 

Pres De St. Germain

Fabrizio Bosso - Bosso Meets Gianni Basso Quintet - 'S Wonderful (2006)

Rising trumpeter/flügelhornist Fabrizio Bosso meets veteran tenor saxophonist Gianni Basso for this solid studio recording that focuses mostly on standards from the Great American Songbook. With pianist Andrea Pozza, bassist Luciano Milanese, and drummer Stefano Bagnoli providing terrific support, the session opens with an extended treatment of "What Is This Thing Called Love?" that cooks, followed by a soothing midtempo setting of "Witchcraft." Bosso's feature (on muted trumpet) is a swinging take of "If I Were a Bell," while the big-toned Basso is showcased in "Oh! What It Seemed to Be," a neglected gem popular with crooners of the 1940s that isn't heard very often on a jazz date. "Candy," another oldie that has fallen out of favor, is revived in swinging fashion, with Bosso switching to flügelhorn and Basso recalling the greats of his instrument with a fine solo. Recommended. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG. 

Philology Records, W 350.2, 2007
Recorded 6th January, 2006 in Bergamo, Italy 

Musicians:
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Gianni Basso - Tenor Saxophone
Andrea Pozza - Piano
Luciano Milanese - Bass
Stefano Bagnoli - Drums

Tracks:
01. What Is This Thing Called Love? {Cole Porter} (10:00)
02. Witchcraft {Cy Coleman, Carolyn Leigh} (4:47)
03. Quo Vadis Samba [Take 1] {Duško Gojković} (6:15)
04. On A Slow Boat To China {Frank Loesser} (6:24)
05. If I Were A Bell {Frank Loesser} (6:08)
06. With A Song In My Heart {Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers} (4:45)
07. 'S Wonderful {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (5:45)
08. Candy {Mack David, Alex Kramer} (6:54)
09. Oh, What It Seemed To Be {Bennie Benjamin} (4:52)
10. Quo Vadis Samba [Take 2] {Duško Gojković} (6:15) 

Total Time: 62:09 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Paolo Piangiarelli
Engineer - Paolo Filippi
Graphic Design - www.danilosantinelli.it
Photography - Luciano Rossetti 

'S Wonderful