Geri Allen - The Life Of A Song (2004)

Life of a Song is Geri Allen's first recording under her own name in six long years. She teams with the rhythm section of bassist Dave Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette, whom she worked with on the late Betty Carter's stellar live date Feed the Fire in 1993. Allen composed eight of the album's 11 cuts, and the covers include Bud Powell's "Dance of the Infidels," Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life," and Mal Waldron's "Soul Eyes." This last selection is augmented by the participation of Marcus Belgrave on flugelhorn, saxophonist Dwight Andrews, and trombonist Clifton Anderson. The album's title reflects the depth of commitment to the song forms inherent in jazz. Allen is in fine form here, and one can hear her various instrumental and vocal influences. The album swings, but looks underneath swing for its subtleties and its edges, too. The set opens with a playful, pianistic dissonance on "LWB's House (The Remix)" -- and lest punters be alarmed, the tune is not "remixed" at all, but is actually an earlier composition reworked. The bluesy funk here is augmented with Afro-Cuban rhythms and a series of tonal shifts where Allen is trying to emulate the African stringed instrument, the kora. Swing is inherent in every chorus, and Holland and DeJohnette keep the pace relaxed yet deeply focused. The interplay between Holland and Allen on "Mounts and Mountains" -- particularly during the bassist's solo passage -- are remarkable as she responds with a contrapuntal solo that draws on both Herbie Hancock and Ahmad Jamal. Elsewhere, on the Powell tune her facility to usher it in a relaxed, easy way, and then dazzle with her two-handed counterpoint in the solo showcase Allen's quick wit and dazzling chromatic command. The title cut, with its obvious Hancock homage in the head and swinging head, is one of the album's many high points. This is a trio date that has all the elements: an indefatigable lyricism and honesty of emotion, as well as beautiful colors and deft, even uncanny engagements among the three principals. What a welcome return for Allen, who expertly displays she's been refining her chops and listening deeply to her Muse these past six years ~ by Thom Jurek, AMG. 

Telarc Jazz, CD-83598, 2004
Recorded 16th & 17th January, 2004 at Avatar Studios, Studio C, New York 

Musicians:
Geri Allen - Piano, Arranger
Dave Holland - Bass
Jack DeJohnette - Drums 

Guests:
Marcus Belgrave - Flugelhorn
Dwight Andrews- Saxophone
Clifton Anderson - Trombone 

Tracks:
01. LWB's House [The Remix] {Geri Allen} (5:55)
02. Mounts And Mountains {Geri Allen} (8:08)
03. Lush Life {Billy Strayhorn} (8:15)
04. In Appreciation: A Celebration Song {Geri Allen} (6:13)
05. The Experimental Movement {Geri Allen} (7:13)
06. Holdin' Court {Geri Allen} (4:41)
07. Dance Of The Infidels {Bud Powell} (4:05)
08. Unconditional Love {Geri Allen} (5:19)
09. The Life Of A Song {Geri Allen} (5:24)
10. Black Bottom {Geri Allen} (4:34)
11. Soul Eyes {Mal Waldron} (5:41) 

Total Time: 65:28

Credits:
Producer, Audio Production, Liner Notes - Geri Allen
Audio Production, Producer - Elaine Martone
Executive Producer - Robert Woods
Production Supervisor - Erica Brenner
Audio Engineer, Engineer, Mixing & Mastering - Michael Bishop
Engineer - Ed Meitner
Assistant Engineer - Peter Doris
Production Coordination - Ora Ross Harris
Art Direction, Design - Anilda Carrasquillo
Photography - Shonna Valeska
Liner Notes - Dan Ouellette

Enrico Pieranunzi - In That Dawn Of Music (1990-93)

A marvelous compilation of works by Enrico Pieranunzi spanning the years 1990 till 1993. All tracks are taken from live dates spread across venues in Denmark, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. As a result, he is accompanied by unique players from those countries whilst on tour. Many of these groupings have appeared on some of his Soul Note records from this period, but like other ‘giveaways’ by the Musica Jazz magazine these tracks have been compiled from unreleased ‘live’ recordings. So many thanks to that magazine for promoting and perpetuating another fantastic resource for Jazz Lovers throughout the world. 

Musica Jazz/Soul Note, SNMJ 003-2, 1993
13th August, 1990 (#1) Broadcast from Danish Radio, Copenhagen, Denmark
12th March 1993 (#2) at Ivrea Jazz Festival, Turin, Italy
27th August, 1992 (#3) at Roccella Ionica, Calabria, Italy
21st November, 1992 (#4) at "Fabrik", Hamburg, Germany
13th December, 1990 (#5) Broadcast, Radio Suisse Romande, Lausanne, Switzerland
27th August, 1992 (#6) Live at Roccella Ionica, Calabria, Italy
18th April, 1990 (#7) in Rome, Italy
20th November, 1992 (#8) at "Jazzhouse", Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Enrico Pieranunzi - Piano (All Tracks)
Pietro Tonolo - Tenor Saxophone (#4)
Stefano D'Anna - Tenor Saxophone (#7)
Mads Vinding - Bass (#1)
Enzo Pietropaoli - Bass (#4,7,8)
Marc Johnson - Bass (#5)
Alex Riel - Drums (#1)
Paul Motian - Drums (#3,6)
Fabrizio Sferra - Drums (#4,8)
Roberto Gatto - Drums (#7) 

Tracks:
1. Someday My Prince Will Come {Larry Morey, Frank Churchill} (7:57)
2. Impromptu No. 5 {Enrico Pieranunzi} (4:30)
3. Anthropology {Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie} (6:52)
4. What's What {Enrico Pieranunzi} (12:06)
5. Je Ne Sais Quoi {Enrico Pieranunzi} (8:52)
6. Straight No Chaser {Thelonious Monk} (4:48)
7. In That Dawn Of Music {Enrico Pieranunzi} (7:39)
8. Someday My Prince Will Come {Larry Morey, Frank Churchill} (11:22) 

Total Time: 64:06 

Notes:
Given away free with "Musica Jazz" Magazine, n. 10/93

Max Ionata, Dado Moroni - Two For Duke (2012)

The artistic paths of Dado Moroni and Max Ionata intersect in honor of Duke Ellington, giving life and sound to Two for Duke. A one-way trip to Ellingtonia, a land created by two of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, Duke Ellington and his collaborator Billy Strayhorn - a man who avoided the limelight yet many believe to be the true inspiring source of Ellingtonian aesthetic. Regardless of who did what, these two contemporary geniuses left an indelible mark on music in general, not only on jazz. Ellington and Strayhorn invented something new, laying the harmonic and melodic foundations of a musical language that was several decades ahead of their time. Produced by Jando Music, in collaboration with Via Veneto Jazz, this album reflects the passion that Dado and Max always shared for Duke's music, heavily influencing them through time. The refined dialogue between sax and piano portrays all the passion, love, and admiration for this great American jazz musician who indelibly shaped world musical heritage. Moreover, Dado Moroni worked extensively with key sidemen from Ellington's band such as bassist Jimmy Woode and drummer Sam Woodyard, allowing him to fully immerse himself into the original sounds of the man who, according to many, is considered the greatest composer in jazz history. Thanks to prominent saxophonist Max Ionata's extraordinary interpretative skills, these sounds are unquestionably present in Two for Duke. 

Via Veneto Jazz, VVJ 077, 2012
Recorded January 2012 at Casa del Jazz, Rome, Italy 

Musicians:
Max Ionata - Tenor Saxophone
Dado Moroni - Piano, Bass (#7), Vocals (#11) 

Tracks:
01. All Day Long {Billy Strayhorn} (4:09)
02. Lotus Blossom {Billy Strayhorn} (3:50)
03. Perdido {Juan Tizol} (4:32)
04. Day Dream {Duke Ellington, John LaTouche, Billy Strayhorn} (4:45)
05. The Intimacy Of The Blues {Billy Strayhorn} (6:36)
06. All Too Soon {Duke Ellington, Carl Sigman} (5:41)
07. Just Squeeze Me {Duke Ellington, Lee Gaines} (4:57)
08. Heaven {Duke Ellington} (5:39)
09. What Am I Here For? {Duke Ellington, Frankie Laine} (4:55)
10. Come Sunday {Duke Ellington} (3:33)
11. In My Solitude {Duke Ellington, Eddie DeLange} (4:05) 

Total Time: 52:46 

Producer - Jando Music

Patti Austin, James Morrison - Ella & Louis [2CD] (2017)

Following on from their sellout BBC Proms performance, legendary Grammy award-winning vocalist Patti Austin and Australian trumpet maestro James Morrison come together to relive the timeless hits of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong in their new album on ABC Jazz. Recorded live in concert across two sold-out nights at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Austin and Morrison are joined by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of the centennial of Fitzgerald's birth. Patti Austin experienced the legendary pair first-hand: "To grow up watching, learning from Ella and Louis, and now to do my part to hopefully enhance their legacy it just doesn't get any better than that!', she comments. Few performers have the credentials to pull off a fitting and genuinely thrilling tribute to 'The First Lady of Song' Ella Fitzgerald but Austin possesses the heritage, experience and voice to do so. Since debuting at the Apollo Theatre at the tender age of four, with the encouragement of her godparents Dinah Washington and Quincy Jones, Austin's six-decade career has seen her work with artists as diverse as Randy Brecker, Michael Jackson and George Benson. As a virtuoso instrumentalist and ambassador for jazz, James Morrison has followed closely in the footsteps of Louis Armstrong. In 2017, Morrison was invited to perform in a tribute to Armstrong at the BBC Proms, earning stellar reviews across the international press; his Great American Songbook, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, recently won the ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album. Morrison and Austin reunited for this recording after their previous performance together at the Montreux Jazz Festival with Quincy Jones. The landmark collaboration between Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong was the pinnacle of an era. This album features the very finest from their songbook: Let's Do It, Lullaby of Birdland, Basin Street Blues, Miss Otis Regrets and much more, totalling almost two hours of unforgettable music. "If you enjoy this disc even half as much as we enjoyed making it, you're having a very, very good time indeed." - James Morrison "As long as there are interpreters like Patti Austin and James Morrison, there will always be a full house for quality jazz" ~ ArtsHub. 

ABC JAZZ, ABC 481 6483, 2017
Recorded June 2017 in Hamer Hall, Melbourne, Australia,
as part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival 

Personnel:
Patti Austin - Vocals
James Morrison - Trumpet, Trombone, Piano
Jake Barden - Saxophone (#102)
Mark Fitzgibbon - Piano
William Morrison - Guitar
Harry Morrison - Bass
Patrick Danao - Drums 

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
============================
Benjamin Northey - Conductor
John Marcus - Concertmaster 

Patrick Williams - Arranger (#103,106-108,202-204,207,209)
Gordon Goodwin - Arranger (#104,109,208,210)
James Morrison - Arranger (#201)
Graeme Lyall - Arranger (#205) 

Tracklist: 

CD1:
01. Hello, Dolly! {Jerry Herman} (4:32)
02. [Up A] Lazy River {Sidney Arodin, Hoagy Carmichael} (6:12)
03. Too Close For Comfort {Jerry Bock, Larry Holofcener, George David Weiss} (3:28)
04. Let’s Do It {Cole Porter} (5:22)
05. [If You Can’t Sing It] You’ll Have to Swing It [Mr Paganini] {Sam Coslow} (4:47)
06. Our Love Is Here To Stay {George Gershwin} (5:30)
07. A-Tisket, A-Tasket {Van Alexander, Ella Fitzgerald} (2:56)
08. Satin Doll {Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn} (2:26)
09. Lullaby Of Birdland {George Shearing} (3:54) 

Time: 39:07

CD2:
01. Basin Street Blues {Spencer Williams} (4:29)
02. Miss Otis Regrets {Cole Porter} (5:08)
03. Hard-Hearted Hannah [The Vamp Of Savannah] {Milton Ager} (2:58)
04. Honeysuckle Rose {Fats Waller} (4:31)
05. I’ve Got The World On A String {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (3:26)
06. Struttin' With Some BBQ {James Morrison} (6:41)
07. But Not For Me {George Gershwin} (4:50)
08. Mack The Knife {Bertolt Brecht, Kurt Weill} (3:48)
09. How High The Moon {Morgan Lewis} (4:59)
10. Get Happy {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (6:07) 

Time: 46:57 

Total Time: 86:04

Credits:
Producer, Editing - Duncan Yardley
Executive Producer - Toby Chadd
Engineer - Russell Thomson
Mixing & Mastering - Virginia Read

J.D. Allen Quintet - In Search Of (1999)

For tenor saxophonist, J.D. Allen's debut as a leader, he wisely chose experienced Italian trumpeter Fabio Morgera as the second horn, along with a young, dynamite rhythm section. Allen is from the post-Coltrane school: His tone is big and strong, and burly. Except for Ornette's "Lonely Woman," Allen composed all the charts, and they are surprisingly mature and memorable. Shedrick Mitchell is the pianist on only a few tracks; on the remainder, the horns are backed only by a smashing Rodney Green on drums, and the solid Eric Revis on string bass. Sure, the music sounds a bit derivative, but these fellows are having a blast from the past as they wrestle the changes. Morgera is splendid on trumpet and deserves greater international recognition, which this recording will hopefully bring him. ~ by Steve Loewy, AMG. 

RED Records, 123283 - 2, 1999
Recorded August, 1998 at 900 Studios, New York, NY 

Musicians:
J.D. Allen - Tenor Saxophone
Fabio Morgera - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Shedrick Mitchell - Piano (#1,4,7)
Eric Revis - Bass
Rodney Green - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Jaya-Paul {J.D. Allen} (5:51)
02. Omar {J.D. Allen} (7:45)
03. Little Joe {J.D. Allen} (6:10)
04. Mudee Ya {J.D. Allen} (8:59)
05. Peebow's Vibe {J.D. Allen} (5:05)
06. In Other Words {J.D. Allen} (5:40)
07. In Search Of {J.D. Allen} (5:37)
08. Catch 22 {J.D. Allen} (6:02)
09. Monica Ann {J.D. Allen} (4:58)
10. Lonely Woman {Ornette Coleman} (8:00) 

Total Time: 64:07

Credits:
Producer Fabio Morgera
Executive Producer - Sergio Veschi
Recording & Mastering Engineer - Hiro Sanada
Mastering Engineer - Ryoji Hata
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi

Andy LaVerne, Dave Samuels - Fountainhead (1989)

Andy LaVerne has developed into a top-notch pianist, particularly during his tenure on Steeplechase. This duo date with Dave Samuels, who switches between vibes and marimba on this date, has the energy of Chick Corea's duets with Gary Burton. The innovative descending vamp that resonates repeatedly in "All the Things You Are" and hard-swinging rendition of "How Deep Is the Ocean" help these familiar standards seem like new. LaVerne and Samuels each brought four originals to the session: the pianist's lively "ATB" and the mysterious title track stand out, while Samuels' compositions aren't quite as memorable. ~ Ken Dryden, AMG. 

SteepleChase Records, SCCD 31261, 1990
Recorded 28th June, 1989 

Musicians:
Andy LaVerne - Piano
Dave Samuels - Vibraphone, Marimba 

Tracks:
01. All The Things You Are {Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II} (6:01)
02. Severe Clear {Andy LaVerne} (7:56)
03. ATB {Andy LaVerne} (4:40)
04. Come To Me {Andy LaVerne} (4:41)
05. My Asian Land {Dave Samuels} (5:08)
06. ECB {Dave Samuels} (4:53)
07. Fountainhead {Andy LaVerne} (3:51)
08. Round Corners {Dave Samuels} (7:12)
09. Summernight {Harry Warren, Al Dubin} (6:53)
10. Waiting For You {Dave Samuels} (3:15)
11. How Deep Is The Ocean? {Irving Berlin} (4:55) 

Total Time: 59:25

Credits:
Producer, Photo - Nils Winther
Recording Engineer - Jim Anderson

Howard Tate - I Learned It All The Hard Way (flac)

 I have to confess that I was not going to honor this request at first, but today is a different day and I have never been shy about crossing genre lines here at the Crypt so what the hell, why not? Don't know Howard Tate? Well this is a pretty good introduction to a powerhouse singer. The production levels on most of this stuff are superior! Every now and then a little break from Jazz don't kill ya!

Hank Crawford - Roadhouse Symphony (1985)

All of Hank Crawford's many recordings for Milestone in the 1980s and '90s are worth picking up by his fans although this reasonably enjoyable outing is not one of the more essential ones. The soulful altoist is joined by Dr. John on piano and organ, guitarist Melvin Sparks, bassist Wilbur Bascomb, Jr., drummer Bernard Purdie and a five-piece horn section (Houston Person and David "Fathead" Newman get a tenor solo apiece) for a set mostly comprised of group originals plus the old ballad "Say It Isn't So" and Thomas A. Dorsey's spiritual standard "Precious Lord"; Dr. John takes a vocal on his "Tragick Magick." ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Milestone Records, M-9140, 1985
Recorded 5th, 6th & 12th August, 1985 At Quadrasonic Sound, New York City 

Musicians:
Hank Crawford - Alto Saxophone, Arranger, Conductor
Alan Rubin, Randy Brecker - Trumpet
David "Fathead" Newman - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax [Solo] (#B3)
Houston Person - Tenor Saxophone [Solo] (#A1)
Howard Johnson - Baritone Saxophone
Dr. John - Piano, Organ, Vocals (#A2)
Melvin Sparks - Guitar
Wilbur Bascomb Jr. - Bass
Bernard Purdie - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Roadhouse Symphony {Melvin Sparks} (5:48)
A2. Tragick Magick {Mac Rebennack} (4:38)
A3. Jubilee {Hank Crawford} (5:01)
A4. Say It Isn't So {Irving Berlin} (4:48)
B1. Time Is On Our Side {Mac Rebennack, Walter Bullock} (6:12)
B2. Precious Lord {Thomas Dorsey} (5:14)
B3. Sugar Ditch {Hank Crawford} (6:13) 

Total Time: 37:54

Credits:
Producer - Bob Porter
Engineer - Malcolm Addey
Engineer [Assistant] - David Sussman
Mastering - George Horn
Cover, Artwork, Design - Jamie Putnam
Art Direction - Phil Carroll
Photography - Phil Bray

Terell Stafford - Time To Let Go (1995)

This scintillating set is appropriately titled Time to Let Go and truly reflects the trumpeter's musical state of mind. Firmly established as a contemporary jazz master, Terrell Stafford is now getting the critical acclaim his talent deserves. Unlike many of his peers, he is nothing short of seasoned. He spent five years touring with Bobby Watson's scintillating post-bop quintet, which included pianist Ed Simon, drummer Victor Lewis and saxophonists Steve Wilson and Tim Warfield who join Terell here, together with vibraphonist Steve Nelson.

 

Candid Records, CCD 79702, 1995
Recorded 8th-9th March, 1995 at Power Station Studios, New York

Musicians:
Terell Stafford - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Steve Wilson - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone (#2,4)
Tim Warfield - Tenor Saxophone (#4,9)
Edward Simon - Piano
Steve Nelson - Vibraphone (#2,6)
Michael Bowie - Bass
Victor Lewis - Drums (Except #5)
Victor See-Yuen - Percussion (#2,8) 

Tracks:
1. Time To Let Go {Terell Stafford} (4:43)
2. Was It Meant To Be? {Stephen Scott} (6:15)
3. Polka Dots And Moonbeams {Johnny Burke, James van Heusen} (5:55)
4. Qui Qui {Terell Stafford} (7:15)
5. On The Trail {Harold Adamson, Ferde Grofé} (8:09)
6. Why? {Terell Stafford} (4:31)
7. Soon {Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers} (6:26)
8. Send In The Clowns {Stephen Sondheim} (5:47)
9. Just A Closer Walk With Thee {Traditional, Arr. Terell Stafford} (3:42) 

Credits:
Producer, Mastering, Arranger - Terell Stafford
Executive Producer - Alan Bates
Engineer, Mixing - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer, Mixing Assistant - Scott Austin, Scott Young
Session Photographer - Mitchell Seidel
Mastering - Dave Glasser
Cover Photo - R. Andrew Lepley

J.D. Allen - Victory! (2011)

The third album by tenor saxophonist J.D. Allen's working trio with bassist Gregg August and drummer Rudy Royston is the shortest and most compressed one yet. He's a player given to concision; the majority of pieces on 2008's I Am I Am and 2009's Shine! were in the three- to four-minute range, but pieces on Victory! frequently come in well shy of the three-minute mark. He says what he's got to say, allows his bandmates (particularly Royston) to assert themselves, and then it's over. Intensity and focus are here, but almost no self-indulgence. This is surprising enough, but it becomes even more so when one reflects on how much Allen's tone and even his phrasing on the horn recall John Coltrane circa 1964. Many of the ideas heard here seem like variations on ones explored on classic Coltrane discs like Crescent and The John Coltrane Quartet Plays. That's not to suggest that Allen isn't a unique and compelling voice, because he absolutely is. But he's working within a tradition and making no bones about it. Anyone looking for a modern, relatively young (Allen was born in 1972) mainstream tenor player to champion would do well to check out everything the J.D. Allen Trio releases. ~ by Phil Freeman, AMG. 

Sunnyside Communications, SSC 1280, 2011 

Musicians:
J.D. Allen - Tenor Saxophone
Gregg August - Bass
Rudy Royston - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Victory! (4:08)
02. The Pilot's Compass (5:03)
03. The Thirsty Ear (2:01)
04. Sura Hinda (4:20)
05. The Learned Tongue (2:08)
06. Philippe Petit (2:55)
07. Motif (2:23)
08. Fatima (2:54)
09. Mr. Steepy (3:26)
10. Stairway To The Stars (2:24)
11. The Hungry Eye (1:42)
12. Recapitulation [The Pilot's Compass] (2:58) 

All Compositions by J.D. Allen 

Total Time: 36:22 

Victory! promises to solidify Allen's reputation as one of jazz's most dynamic and inspiring tunesmiths. Transcending a dissolute early life to create some of his era's most memorable music, this album features Allen's high-octane rhythm section, bassist Gregg August and drummer Rudy Royston. "Wasting notes is a waste of time," says Allen. These songs, most of them no longer than three or four minutes, stand out for their melodicism and intensity, ablaze with memorable hooks and riffs by all three band members. Throughout the album, Allen and his band mates eschew long solos in favor of setting a mood or stating an intention and then following through taking the form of a classical sonata - a theme and variations which end conclusively - Victory! offers twelve succinct, interwoven compositions. ~ Extract by Amazon Editorial.

Aldo Romano - Complete Communion To Don Cherry (2010)

At the helm of an Italian-French quartet composed of Fabrizio Bosso, Géraldine Laurent and Henri Texier, Aldo Romano pays homage to the figure of Don Cherry with the twelve tracks of Complete Communion, an impromptu project that later became stable and today a record for Dreyfus. It is a journey of great impact through the artistic journey of the American trumpeter - who passed away fifteen years ago - where several of his compositions are investigated, completed by some passages signed by Ornette Coleman and a single original title. At the heart of the proposed music is the great harmony between the members of the group - each with remarkable technical and expressive qualities -, the desire to elevate the music towards moments of absolute value and the desire to remember a musician who has a good slice of jazz was decisive. The album does not present - as one might have imagined - great moments of avant-garde tension and improvisation, while a sufficiently linear mainstream prevails. Modern record in being so tied to tradition, but sparkling and proactive in its decisive pace, which never loses the thread of the narrative discourse. Music with smooth outlines, but with points of interest within, such as the leader's inexorable and elegant drumming, the precision of sound developed by Bosso and the flexibility of Géraldine Laurent's interventions. An excellent opportunity, therefore, for those who want to frame the figure of Don Cherry differently, as well as for those - albeit out of time - who want to get closer to this essential icon. ~ by AAJI Staff, AAJ. 

Dreyfus Jazz, FDM 46050369662, 2010
Recorded 22nd & 23rd February, 2010 

Musicians:
Aldo Romano - Drums
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet
Géraldine Laurent - Saxophone
Henri Texier - Bass 

Tracklist:
01. Remembrance {Don Cherry} (5:25)
02. Elephantasy {Don Cherry} (5:18)
03. Music Man {Don Cherry} (4:20)
04. Spring Is Here {Don Cherry} (4:24)
05. Jayne {Ornette Coleman} (4:01)
06. Complete Communion {Don Cherry} (3:17)
07. Don Song {Don Cherry} (2:17)
08. The Blessing {Ornette Coleman} (5:02)
09. Mother Of The Veil {Ornette Coleman} (3:47)
10. Gush !! {Aldo Romano} (2:42)
11. Art Deco {Don Cherry} (4:05)
12. When Will The Blues Leave {Ornette Coleman} (4:12) 

Total Time: 48:50 

Credits:
Producer - Aldo Romano, Francis Dreyfus
Recording Engineer - Jeff Ginouvès
Recording Assistant - Cécile Coutelier
Mixing & Mastering Engineer - René Ameline
Mixing Assistant - Guillaume Dujardin
Mastering Assistant - Benjamin Joubert
Photos - Jean-Baptiste Millot
Artwork - Suite 303
Liner Notes - Philippe Carles

Joe Locke, Rosario Giuliani, Dado Moroni - Stepping On Stars (2011)

The 2009 edition of Umbria Jazz has proposed in its calendar an unprecedented and interesting trio consisting of Joe Locke on the vibraphone, Rosario Giuliani on the sax and Dado Moroni on the piano. The three concerts in Perugia, particularly followed by the public, gave listeners the opportunity to enjoy a preview of the very original project formulated and performed by the trio. This project was recorded on the occasion by EGEA Music and is the subject of the CD “Stepping on Stars”. This CD represents the fifth title of the prestigious EGEA - Umbria Jazz series. The work of Stepping on stars escapes a simple classification. It draws heavily on the language of Jazz but presents new elements. It is undoubtedly chamber music, characterized by a great formal balance between the parts, but it is also fluid music, the result of the creative contribution of individuals. The themes, almost always "cantabile", are the object of refined elaborations by each musician: the inspiration of Rosario Giuliani, the refinement of Joe Locke, the immediacy of the interventions by Dado Moroni. All without ever making an easy concession to mannerism, to complacency. Enjoyable music, never banal. [Translated from Italian] ~ ibs.it. 

Egea Records [Umbria Jazz], EUJ 1005, 2011
Recorded at Auditorium Santa Cecilia, Perugia / Egea Recording Hall July, 2009 

Musicians:
Joe Locke - Vibraphone
Rosario Giuliani - Alto & Soprano Saxophones
Dado Moroni - Piano 

Tracks:
1. Sword Of Whispers {Joe Locke} (8:07)
2. My Angel {Rosario Giuliani} (6:37)
3. Brother Alfred {Dado Moroni} (5:00)
4. Beatrice Rose {Joe Locke} (7:02)
5. Love Is A Pendulum {Joe Locke} (6:10)
6. Stepping On Stars {Joe Locke} (6:49)
7. Alone {Dado Moroni} (3:38)
8. The Peacocks {Jimmy Rowles} (7:34) 

Total Time: 50:57

Credits:
Coordinator, Supervisor, label - Marco Suraci
Recording Engineer - Angelo Cioffi

Matt Wilson, Larry Goldings, Dennis Irwin, Terell Stafford - Arts and Crafts (2001)

For his fourth Palmetto CD, Matt Wilson sends his regular quartet on a brief vacation and recruits Terell Stafford on trumpet, Larry Goldings on piano (not organ), and Dennis Irwin on bass. Previous efforts with the Matt Wilson Quartet and with Dewey Redman have gained Wilson a left-of-center reputation, but on Arts and Crafts the drummer confounds expectations altogether. He begins with Rahsaan Roland Kirk's "Stompin' Grounds," a no-frills ride through "Stompin' at the Savoy" changes. Two tracks later, the band runs down Bud Powell's "Webb City," packing an enormous punch without exceeding four minutes. But just when it seems this might be a bebop record, the band puts a boogaloo spin on Ornette Coleman's "Old Gospel" and throws yet more curves on Wilson's three adventurous originals. "Lester," written in honor of the late Lester Bowie, develops into a slow shuffle blues; "Final Answer," a diatonic free bop theme, features Goldings challenging the ears with some bracingly "outside" playing; and the title track, a slow groove, again finds Goldings reaching in subtle but marked contrast to the superb bop playing he does elsewhere on the disc. (Indeed, Goldings' presence is one of the album's biggest draws, not least because his outings on acoustic piano are so rare.) Back in straight-ahead mode, the group offers George Gershwin's "Love Walked In," Hal Hopper's "There's No You," and Nelson Cavaquinho's bossa classic "Beija-Flor." The disc wraps up with a soothing, simple arrangement of the folk melody "All Through the Night." On balance, this could be considered Wilson's most straight-ahead record yet, but it's clearly not Wilson's intention to fit neatly into any category. If anything, with Arts and Crafts he seems to insist, quite eloquently, that musicians need not declare allegiance to any of jazz's warring camps. ~ David R. Adler, AMG. 

Palmetto Records, PM 2069, 2001
Recorded 2nd October, 2000 At Maggie's Farm, Buck's County, Pennsylvania 

Musicians:
Matt Wilson - Drums
Terell Stafford - Trumpet
Larry Goldings - Piano
Dennis Irwin - Bass 

Tracks:
01. Stompin' Grounds {Rahsaan Roland Kirk} (5:37)
02. Lester {Matt Wilson} (5:21)
03. Webb City {Bud Powell} (3:43)
04. Beija-Flor {Nelson Cavaquinho} (5:40)
05. Final Answer {Matt Wilson} (4:43)
06. There's No You {Hal Hopper} (3:16)
07. Arts and Crafts {Matt Wilson} (5:35)
08. Old Gospel {Ornette Coleman} (5:12)
09. Love Walked In {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (6:55)
10. All Through The Night {Traditional} (5:04) 

Total Time: 51:06 

Credits:
Producer, Engineer - Matt Balitsaris
Design - Jason Grotrian
Photography - Jimmy Katz

Zach Brock - The Magic Number (2010)

The Magic Number is an acoustic trio with Zach Brock on violin, Matt Wigton on bass, and Fred Kennedy on drums, as well as wordless vocals and pitched percussion. The group's unusual instrumentation allows for a wide variety of sounds, from sparse to dense, and the group’s repertoire is a mix of Zach's original compositions with original arrangements of modern and classic jazz and pop standards. The absence of either piano or guitar demands extra harmonic duties from each member of the trio, including chordal techniques from the strings and a more contrapuntal approach to the musical arrangements overall. ~ achbrock.

Secret Fort Records, 60205, 2011
Recorded 20th-22nd May, 2010 at Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Zach Brock - Violin, Violin [Baritone], Voice
Matt Wigton - Bass
Frederick Kennedy - Drums, Percussion
Scott Anderson - Percussion [Additional], Vocals 

Tracks:
1. Yeah Yeah Yeah {Zack Brock} (5:52)
2. Summer Dance {Zack Brock} (6:23)
3. You Don't Know What Love Is {Don Raye, Gene DePaul} (6:32)
4. Sno' Peas {Phil Markowitz} (5:22)
5. Brooklyn Ballad {Zack Brock} (4:42)
6. Golden Nuggets {Zack Brock} (5:26)
7. Man Of The Light {Zbigniew Seifert} (6:24)
8. In The Dark {Zack Brock} (7:20) 

Total Time: 48:01 

Credits:
Producer, Mixing & Mastering - Scott Anderson
Recording Engineer - Michael Brorby
Graphic Design - Janis Vogel 

Seriously, Violin Jazz
==================
Zack Brock plays violin. And he plays jazz. And he's fantastic on his instrument. But that's not the real secret of this album. The full value lies in Mr. Brock's abilities as a leader and writer. This is a serious jazz album, through and through. Tempos, keys, and themes vary from song-to-song, but the album holds together very nicely as a whole. The recording is beautiful, you can hear the timbre on each instrument. Production is kept to a minimum so you can appreciate the playing for itself. Highly recommended--No Household Should Be Without (NHSBW). ~ docviper, Amazon.com.

Joe Locke - For The Love Of You (2009)

Honoring various composers, vibraphonist Joe Locke has led his group for three years in an annual gig at Dizzy's Coca Cola Club in New York. Recently Locke decided to record the output with the happy result being For The Love Of You. Four top-flight musicians are gathered for this gig - pianist Geoffrey Keezer, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Clarence Penn. Joining the four, little-known vocalist Kenny Washington - Vocals (not to be confused with the renowned drummer of the same name) is the real star here. How they all got together is an interesting story. Locke met Washington singing in a small venue in Half Moon Bay, Northern California. He was so impressed with what he heard that he decided to collaborate with him in the future. He got the chance during Mancini week at Dizzy's, an event that honored film composer Henry Mancini. This was the beginning of what became a yearly get-together. After the first year, the program expanded to include the music of other film-score writers, including Johnny Mandel and Ennio Morricone. In 2009, the scope was widened further, bringing in material from pop-rockers the Isley Brothers and Neil Young, along with standards and Locke originals. Washington is heard on seven of the ten tracks. He has a smooth tenor voice with a four-octave range. At all times, he respects the lyrics. Each number, whether slow ballad or swing, he stays with the story. In a style akin to Nat King Cole, he begins in a mellow mood with Mancini's "Two for the Road." Next the atmosphere warms with a bouncy version of Lane/Harburg's "Old Devil Moon." The backup from Locke and his crew could not be better. They create a sphere for the vocals to shine while leaving ample space for all to show their solo talents. Three instrumental tracks further emphasize their collective prowess. A centerpiece of the record is Mandel's "The Shadow of Your Smile." At the start, Penn's up-tempo drumming is effective counterpoint to Washington's leisurely pace. Soon it builds toward an explosive climax. Keezer and Locke further add sparks with torrid solos, and Washington finishes with a coda that vividly shows off his wide range. Of the instrumentals, Morricone's "Cinema Paradiso" is a winner. Mraz's stately bowed-bass opening gives way to dreamy solos by Locke and Keezer. Mraz concludes the piece with a lovely pizzicato flourish. ~ by Larry Taylor, AAJ. 

E1 Entertainment, E1E-CD-2046, 2010
Recorded 11th-12th May, 2009 At Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Joe Locke - Vibraphone, Arranger
Geoffrey Keezer - Piano
George Mraz - Bass, Arranger
Clarence Penn - Drums
Kenny Washington - Vocals (#1-4,6,7,9) 

Tracks:
01. Two For The Road {Leslie Bricusse, Henry Mancini} (5:04)
02. Old Devil Moon {E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, Burton Lane} (7:34)
03. For The Love Of You {Ernie Isley, Chris Jasper} (6:01)
04. Verrazano Moon {Joe Locke} (6:30)
05. I Miss New York [When I Been Gone Too Long] {Joe Locke} (4:57)
06. Birds {Neil Young} (4:56)
07. The Shadow Of Your Smile {Johnny Mandel, Ben Webster} (7:57)
08. Cinema Paradiso {Ennio Morricone} (5:24)
09. Pure Imagination {Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley} (5:27)
10. Bright Side Up {Joe Locke} (5:11) 

Total Time: 59:01 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Joe Locke
Producer - Todd Barkan
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Michael Marciano
Mastering Engineer - Alan Silverman [Art Studio]
Management - nadworks. ltd Nadja von Massow
Arranger - Art Hirahara, Pat O'Leary
Artwork, Graphic Design - Nadja von Massow
Cover Photo - Christoph Risch
Photography - Russ Titelman, Alexandros Lambrovassillis, Tom Marcello

Geri Allen - Jazz A La Villette, France (2016) [flac] + [mkv]

Geri Allen's long career proved that she felt as at ease as a front woman as well as a side-woman in most jazz groupings. She was awarded the first winner of the Lady Of Soul in Jazz, a testament of her ability to have adapted and evolve over time, clearly shown in her musical flexibility somewhat reflective in the career of McCoy Tyner whom she plays a wonderful tribute. On this date she performs three of Tyner's tunes utilising his bassist Gerald Cannon and drummer Francisco Mela that also accompanied McCoy and Craig Taborn on the same evening. Geri chooses some brilliant Tyner compositions in a fitting compliment to the master pianist. In addition to these three tracks Geri expresses her heartfelt words acknowledging him as an inspiring and a truly impressive ambassador to the jazz world. Of course, Geri in her own right was a phenomenal player and contributor to jazz. Essentially, she alongside McCoy have left their mark and legacy for future generations of jazz lover to enjoy! 

France Musique [arte concert]
Recorded 11th September, 2016 at grand auditorium, Philharmonie de Paris, France 

Musicians:
Geri Allen - Piano
Gerald Cannon - Bass
Francisco Mela - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Peresina {McCoy Tyner} (12:02)
2. You Taught My Heart To Sing {McCoy Tyner} (10:24)
3. Four By Five {McCoy Tyner} (6:21)
4. Talk {Geri Allen} (0:45) 

Total Time: 29:32 

Note:
Included is a trimmed and edited video of Geri, Gerald & Francisco in action. It is a section of Jazz à la Villette: "Echoes with a Friend" with Geri Allen, Craig Taborn & The McCoy Tyner Trio (2016).

Patti Austin - Love Is Gonna Getcha (1990)

With apologies to Dianne Reeves, Patti Austin has always quite simply been the best jack-of-all-genre singers on the planet, crossing effortlessly from jazz to pop and R&B with a voice that's so sweet, rich, and lovely, it can't help but warm the heart. On the heels of her 1988 masterpiece The Real Me, her GRP debut packs a wallop of festive up-tempo tunes, lite funk pop, torchy message songs, passionate ballads, and breezy tenderness -- all delivered with a truly Austin-tatious flair. Austin surrounds herself with some of pop jazz's best here, with GRP's 1990 roster well represented: Dave Grusin (whose production is flawless), Don Grusin (with whom she co-wrote the happy "Ooh Wee [The Carnival]"), Deborah Henson-Conant (whose harp adds punch to "In My Dreams"), Lee Ritenour, and Nelson Rangell (whose alto soars on the title cut). But as tantalizing as the music is, it is Austin who gives the collection wings with a powerful voice whose mood she so artfully modulates depending on the feel of the individual tune. Soft and tender on her own composition "In My Life," easy and lilting for "In My Dreams," and full of genuine excitement for "Through the Test of Time" and "Ooh Wee." An added bonus is the Oscar nominated "The Girl Who Used to Be Me," which gives Austin a chance to show her range, even if the tune is a bit schmaltzy. ~ by Jonathan Widran, AMG. 

GRP Records, GRD-9603, 1990
Recorded At Sunset Sound Studios, Hollywood, California 

Personnel:
Patti Austin - Vocals, Backing Vocals, Vocal Arrangements
Dave Grusin - Piano, Synthesizer, Keyboards, Harmonica,
Rhythm & Vocal Arrangements, Vocals [Background]
Nelson Rangell - Alto Saxophone
Ernie Watts - Tenor Saxophone
David Paich - Keyboards, Synthesizer, Arranger
Greg Phillinganes - Piano
Steve Porcaro - Synthesizer
Michael Landau, Lee Ritenour - Guitar
Nathan East, Neil Stubenhaus - Bass
Deborah Henson-Conant - Harp
Harvey Mason - Drums
Paulinho Da Costa, Lenny Castro, Michael Fisher, Jeff Porcaro - Percussion
Robin Beck, Shelton Becton, Jocelyn Brown, Bill Eaton, Lani Groves,
Casey Sissik, James "D-Train" Williams - Vocals [Background] 

Strings:
David Nadien - Concert Master, Violin
Elena Barere, Arnold Eidus, Barry Finclair, Regis Iandiorio, Charles Libove, Louann Montesi, John Pintavalle, Matthew Raimondi, Richard Sortomme, Marti Sweet, Gerald Tarack - Violin
Jean R. Dane, Carol Landon, Sue Pray - Viola
Charles McCracken, Richard Locker - Cello 

Tracks:
01. Through The Test Of Time {David Pack, Jeff Pescetto} (5:07)
02. Too Soon To Know {Lorraine Feather, Michael McDonald, David Pack} (4:23)
03. In My Life {Patti Austin} (4:04)
04. Love Is Gonna Getcha {Lou Pardini, Alan Scott, Reed Vertelney} (5:04)
05. Ooh-Whee [The Carnival] {Patti Austin, Don Grusin} (5:41)
06. Believe The Children {Lyn Laboriel, Lou Pardini, Abraham Laboriel, Sr.} (5:36)
07. Good In Love {Robin Batteau, François Eckart, Jeff Southworth} (4:38)
08. Wait For Me {Don Grusin, Kate Markowitz, Christina Trulio} (5:26)
09. First Time Love {Patti Austin, Dave Grusin, Harvey Mason, Sr.} (5:31)
10. In My Dream {Eddie Arkin, Edward Arkin, Beckie Foster} (5:09)
11. The Girl Who Used To Be Me {Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch} (4:16) 

Total Time: 54:55 

Credits:
Producer, Executive Producer, Liner Notes - Dave Grusin
Executive Producer, Producer - Larry Rosen
Producer - David Paich
Production Coordination - Suzanne Sherman
Production Assistant - Barbara Hein
Engineer - Bill Cooper, Tom Knox, Ed Rak, Bob Schaper
Assistant Engineer, Engineer - Matthew "Boomer" La Monica, Joe Martin, Brian Soucy
Engineer, Mixing - Don Murray
Mixing Assistant - Elaine Anderson
Digital Editing - Mike Landy, Robert Vosgien
Mastering - Wally Traugott
Creative Director - Andy Baltimore
Photography - Richard Corman
Graphic Design - David Gibb, Jacki McCarthy, Andy Ruggirello, Dan Serrano
Liner Notes - Patti Austin

Kevin Hays Trio - What Survives (2001)

For the uninitiated What Survives is a strong entry point, highlighting Hays' abstract yet appealing writing, and a playing style that is filled with impressionistically out-of-the-box yet eminently lyrical musical thinking. It also demonstrates Hays' ability to innovatively adapt classical material that's as reverential yet improvisational. The album opens with three Hays originals, ranging from Stellar, whose dark and introspective solo piano introduction evolves into lithely swinging vehicle for understated interplay between Hays, Weiss and Stewart. The title track revolves around a repeated 11/8 bass figure doubled by Weiss and Hays' left hand - the piano treated to lend it a buzzing quality. Hays gradually builds a vivid yet economical solo while Stewart plays liberally with time placement. Hays applies a delicate electronic tremolo on the brooding Black Elk full of the subtle processing but not pop-inflected. Four adaptations of classical pieces follow, with Anniversary Waltz being the most well-known. Hays retains its familiar theme intact over Weiss and Stewart's vivid swing, but reharmonizations lend a more modernistic edge.  J.B. is the clear highlight of the album, demonstrating just how forward-thinking Hays' musical aesthetic is. Based on Brahms' Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, it opens with reverse-attack processed piano, but ultimately moves into an organic middle section that progressively narrows the 200-year gap between its composition and Hays' performance. An ambient reading of the classic You are My Sunshine ends the disc on an ambiguous note that proves beauty can be found in the most somber of places. The long break between albums may have cost Hays some momentum, but also works to his advantage in allowing him to reinvent himself. What Survives is hopefully just the beginning of a renewed career that will finally appeal to the larger jazz-buying public. ~ Extract by John Kelman, AAJ. 

PinonDisk Records, 001, 2005
NDS Records, NDS001, 2010
Recorded 13th March (#1,4) & 3rd December (#2-3,5-8), 2001
At Acoustic Recording, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Kevin Hays - Piano
Doug Weiss - Bass
Bill Stewart - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Stellar {Kevin Hays} (7:23)
2. What Survives {Kevin Hays} (3:41)
3. Black Elk {Kevin Hays} (4:33)
4. Anniversary Waltz {Josef Ivanovichi, Adpt. Kevin Hays} (7:25)
5. J.B. {Adaption Kevin Hays} (9:52)
6. Anton {Adaption Kevin Hays} (7:02)
7. Du Pre {Adaption Kevin Hays} (5:57)
8. You Are My Sunshine {Jimmie Davis} (5:58) 

Total Time: 51:51 

Credits:
Producer, Cover Painting - Kevin Hays
Engineer - Michael Brorby
Mastering - Katsuhiko Naito
Photography - Jimmy Katz, Onno de Jong, Lea Rubin, David Johnson 

"A beautiful record. Kevin Hays is a true original. Everything he plays has a deep intelligence and swing. This record showcases his own compositions. Doug Weiss and Bill Stewart on bass and drums are in top form. Highly recommended."  ~ Brad Mehldau.

Géraldine Laurent - Around Gigi (2010)

For this album Géraldine Laurent moves away from her previous trio formation with just bassist Yoni Zelnik and drummer Franck Agulhon, to now evolve into a quartet with the addition of pianist Pierre de Bethmann. In doing so there is no faltering in Géraldine's ability to adapt and with this transition her power of expression remains intact, impeccably aided by this new grouping. The results are conclusive; whilst offering the listener a re-discovery of the music of too little-known past veteran Gigi Gryce. The group interprets his work with convincing enthusiasm and dexterity. Adding a pianist certainly raises the dynamism of the group up a couple of notches. Along with Gigi's tunes Géraldine forges ahead with five of her own and the set is rounded off with three well delivered standards. From the outset, the tone (the groove!) is set, enjoy! 

Dreyfus Jazz, FDM 46050 369562, 2010
Recorded 19th-21st January, 2010 At Studios Ferber, Paris, France 

Musicians:
Géraldine Laurent - Alto Saxophone
Pierre de Bethmann - Piano
Yoni Zelnik - Bass
Franck Agulhon - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Black And Tan Fantasy {Bubber Miley, Duke Ellington} (5:52)
02. Kerry Dance {Traditional, Arr. Gigi Gryce} (5:21)
03. Cordova Is Dancing {Géraldine Laurent} (4:17)
04. Minority {Gigi Gryce} (5:39)
05. Did You Remember You {Géraldine Laurent} (4:56)
06. Mau Mau {Art Farmer} (6:29)
07. Nica's Tempo {Gigi Gryce} (4:59)
08. Her Bets {Géraldine Laurent} (3:27)
09. Gallop's Gallop {Thelonious Monk} (1:41)
10. Smash {Géraldine Laurent} (4:04)
11. Smoke Signal {Gigi Gryce} (3:52)
12. Chains Smokers {Géraldine Laurent} (3:01) 

Total Time: 53:39 

Credits:
Producer - Francis Dreyfus
Engineer, Mastering - René Ameline
Engineer [Assistant] - Guillaume Dujardin
Mastering [Assistant] - Benjamin Joubert
Photography - Sylvain Gripoix
Photography [Pages 3 & 4] - Jean-Baptiste Millot
Artwork - Suite 303

Paolo Fresu - Here Be Changes Made (2002)

Here we have an excellent compilation gleaned from Italian maestro trumpeter Paolo Fresu's prolific discography, especially so from his earlier albums. Many of the compositions appeared on his Italian Splasc(h) and French Owl and BMG/RCA Victor releases. This disc came bundled with the Musica Jazz Magazine and includes three unissued tracks. From 1985 till now he has been a force majeure on both the continent and abroad. There's not much more to add other than just sit back and enjoy! 

Musica Jazz, MJCD1148, 2002 

Musicians:
Paolo Fresu - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Tino Tracanna - Tenor Saxophone
Roberto Cipelli - Piano
Nguyen Le - Guitar
Enzo Pietropaoli - Bass
Ettore Fioravanti - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Here Be Changes Made (2:59)
02. Tempête À Florence (5:12)
03. Ton Kohz (2:06)
04. Tango Della Buona Aria (4:14)
05. Ninna Nanna Per Vale (4:19)
06. Nautilus (3:10)
07. Wanderlust [Composition N.5 - KM.5341] (4:47)
08. Palazzina Americana (5:44)
09. Start Eleven O'Clock [Dedicated To Antonin Artaud] (3:01)
10. From Station To Station (3:39)
11. Ossi Di Seppia (4:47)
12. Onomatopée [Da Un Testo Di Raymond Queneau] (1:43)
13. Cortoum (4:57)
14. Mélos [Variazione Nove] (4:39)
15. L'Homme Nu (4:42)
16. Opale (4:55)
17. L'Indagine (3:13)
18. Variazione Tre [Tema di Mirphy] (4:27)
19. Madre Notte (3:21) 

Total Time: 75:54

Dena DeRose - A Walk In The Park (2005)

Equally talented as a pianist and singer, Dena DeRose performs a wide range of material on A Walk in the Park. Possibly the biggest surprise is the obscure and touching Al Jolson ballad "All My Love." Other highlights include a swinging "How Deep Is the Ocean," her revival of Duke Ellington's obscure "The Lonely Ones," and a fine rendition of "I Concentrate On You." A couple burners would have added variety to this generally satisfying effort, which finds Dena DeRose in subtle but expressive form while accompanied by tasteful playing from bassist Martin Wind and drummer Matt Wilson. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

MAXJAZZ, MXJ 502, 2005
Recorded 25th-26th September, 2004 At Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Dena DeRose - Piano, Moog (#11), Vocals
Martin Wind - Bass (#1-9,10,11)
Matt Wilson - Drums (#1-9,10,11) 

Tracks:
01. Meditation {Norman Gimbel, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Newton Mendonça} (5:03)
02. All My Love {Al Jolson} (5:55)
03. How Deep Is The Ocean? {Irving Berlin} (5:45)
04. Home [With You] {Dena DeRose} (4:42)
05. All The Way {James Van Heusen, Sammy Kahn} (5:36)
06. The Lonely Ones {Duke Ellington} (6:08)
07. In The Glow Of The Moon {Dena DeRose, Meredith D'Ambrosio} (6:08)
08. Imagine {John Lennon} (6:22)
09. A Walk In The Park [With James] {Dena DeRose} (6:46)
10. I Could've Told You {James Van Heusen, Carl Sigman} (2:33)
11. I Concentrate On You {Cole Porter} (5:08) 

Total Time: 60:06 

Credits:
Producer, Audio Production - Dena DeRose
Associate Producer - Dianna Alden Lang
Art Direction, Design - Pressley Jacobs
Photography - Dena Katz