Lanfranco Malaguti - Parole, Parole... (1992)

Lanfranco Malaguti was one of the most popular Italian jazz guitarists. Originally from Rome, where he graduated from Sapienza and also grew artistically. He then lived in Fontanelle, in the province of Treviso, from 1978 to 2011, where he joined his activity as a mathematics teacher with that of a jazz musician. He participated in numerous radio and television broadcasts in Italy, composing some television theme songs for RAI. He participated in numerous reviews and jazz festivals and in particular with Enzo Pietropaoli and Fabrizio Sferra, in 1989 (as the only Italian jazz group), he played with this trio at the "XXI International Festival" of La Spezia and again in 1991 at the "International review" at the Orfeo theater in Milan. In 1989, with Enzo Pietropaoli and Fabrizio Sferra, he released Something, his best-known album, containing exclusively Beatles covers. Also, in 1989 he won the “Top Jazz” award for best new talent. For this album he joins forces with the exuberant tenorist Stefano D'Anna, his stalwart bassist Enzo Pietropaoli and powerful drummer Roberto Gatto. The album covers a broad range of contemporary Italian jazz and popular tunes and the quartet is in top form, clearly interpreting their national heritage with great emotion which demands further listening to truly appreciate the coming together of these wonderful musicians, enjoy! 

Splasc(H) Records, CDH 706.2, 2000
Recorded January, 1992 at Farm Studio's, Cessalto, Treviso, Italy 

Musicians:
Lanfranco Malaguti - Guitar
Stefano D'Anna - Tenor Saxophone
Enzo Pietropaoli - Bass
Roberto Gatto - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Parole, Parole... {Giancarlo Del Re, Gianni Ferrio, Leo Chiosso} (4:21)
02. Domenica Bestiale {Fabio Concato} (4:29)
03. Mi Sono Innamorato Di Te {Luigi Tenco} (6:06)
04. Che Cosa C'è {Gino Paoli} (5:26)
05. Amorevole {Pino Massara, Vito Pallavicini} (6:22)
06. Quando, Quando {Tony Renis} (4:24)
07. Estate {Bruno Martino} (4:05)
08. Margherita {Riccardo Cocciante} (7:05)
09. Anna Verrà {Pino Daniele} (4:09)
10. Soli {Bruno Canfora, Castellano & Pipolo} (6:21)
11. Frida {Fred Bongusto} (4:48)
12. Donne {Zucchero Fornaciari} (7:18) 

Total Time: 64:58 

Credits:
Producer - Lanfranco Malaguti
Sound Engineer - Maurizio Soranzo
Graphic Design - Luigi Naro
Photography [Cover] - Peppo Spagnoli
Liner Notes [English Texts] - Pete Kercher
Liner Notes [Italian] - Davide Ielmini 

Parole, Parole...

Yuji Ohno - Café Relaxin' Lupin (1999-2003)

A fine compilation of tunes by the Japanese master pianist and composer Yuji Ohno, not much to add just enjoy the versatile scope of his compositions for concert and theatre. 😊 

VAP Records Inc., VPCG-84819, 2005
#1,3,10,13 [2003]
#2,4 [1999]
#5,6,7,9,11,12 [2000]
#8 [2001] 

Tracks:
01. milchkaffee (3:06)
02. Theme From Lupin ['99 Version] (4:32)
03. Just Fall In Love (4:34)
04. REMEMBER (2:46)
05. Saudades Do Rio [More Lupintic Version] (5:03)
06. Across The Wind (4:24)
07. Isn't It More Lupintic? (4:10)
08. A Day Of The Town (3:05)
09. Cool Wave (2:16)
10. recherche (2:56)
11. ANGEL DANCE [More Lupintic Version] (5:47)
12. Lonesome City Breeze (5:52)
13. penisola (3:10) 

Total Time: 51:42 

Credits:
Producer & Composer - Yiji Ohno
Director - Shinya Yamada [NTVM], Kenichi Hoyama [VAP Inc.]
Design & Photography - Hiroaki Kitamoto
Illustration - Satoshi Hirayama 

Lonesome City Breeze

George Adams Quintet - Paradise Space Shuttle (1979, 2015)

Tenor saxophonist George Adams played with such verve and wit that virtually every solo he played was a delight. Unfortunately, as is the case here, he sometimes participated in contexts that didn't quite match the quality of his performances. Here, he's backed by a decent and sympathetic (if not always inspiring) rhythm section, and some of the tunes -- such as the tear-jerking "Send in the Clowns" -- are near perfect. Yet, one-third of this short recording is filled by a tune called "Funk-A-Roonie-Peacock," which, while a lot of fun, sounds like commercial filler. The saxophonist contributes a lengthy vocal, suitable for the disco but likely to disappoint many of his followers. Elsewhere, there's a sense of spontaneity that borders on informality, but Adams is excellent throughout. ~ by Steve Loewy, AMG. 

Timeless Records, SJP 127, 1979
Solid Records, CDSOL-6321, 2015
Recorded 21st December, 1979 at Sound Ideas Studio, New York City 

Musicians:
George Adams - Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Vocals (#6)
Ron Burton - Piano
Don Pate - Bass
Al Foster - Drums
Azzedin Weston - Percussion 

Tracks:
1. Intentions {George Adams} (4:47)
2. Send In The Clowns {Stephen Sondheim} (4:27)
3. Metamorphosis For Mingus {George Adams} (6:55)
4. Paradise Space Shuttle {George Adams} (4:12)
5. City Of Peace {Ron Burton} (6:49)
6. Funk-A-Roonie-Peacock {George Adams} (14:06) 

Total Time: 41:20 

Credits:
Producer - Arthur Barron, Hilton Ruiz, Wim Wigt
Executive-Producer - Theresa Del Pozzo
Recording Engineer - Bob De Caro, Jim McCurdy
Remastering Engineer - Toshiyuki Abe
Art Direction, Design - Dolphin Design
Design - Kaori Kobayashi, Kaoru Nagano
Photography - Jan Willemse, Joost Leijen
Liner Notes - Koji Ishizawa 

Funk-A-Roonie-Peacock

Bebo Ferra - Specs People (2012)

Specs People is the new work by Bebo Ferra who on this occasion chooses to make use of a trio completed with Maxx Furian on drums and Gianluca Di Ienno on Hammond organ to give life to a journey made up of originals, but also of trespassing into the rock sphere, with the cover of "Satisfaction," and film music, as evidenced by the melancholy version of "Gran Torino," all released by Paolo Fresu's Tuk Music. The electric guitar of the leader, seasoned with effects, very melodic, but if necessary ready to leave the decisive scratch, is the hallmark of the eleven pieces on the programme, in which, however, the Hammond organ also plays an important role, an instrument can go unnoticed for its typical sound that refers to vintage scenarios. The itinerary includes moments of apparent calm ("La Sagra Delle Quinte"), others of a more superficial and pleasantly light nature ("La Radio In testa") and shaded areas that manage to express important timbres and atmospheres ("Scuro"). A set that always keeps the surprise factor alive, so that the listener on duty is struck by the series of intuitions brought into play. Like that of dressing the Rolling Stones song with psychedelic sounds, cropped so as to keep the proverbial hook intact, or that of placing a couple of electronic pieces, such as the concluding "Il Quadro Della Farfalla," in a context that moves in a deliberately transversal way between distant styles and approaches. Specs People is a disc of sure interest, both for aficionados of the Sardinian guitarist, who in this episode presents himself in a captivating and very inspired electric guise, and for those who want a tour far from the usual. ~ by Italy Staff, AAJ. [Translated from Italian] 

Tǔk Music, CD 098, 2012
Recorded September, 2010 and mixed at Accademia del Suono, Milan, Italy 

Musicians:
Bebo Ferra - Guitar, Electronics [Live Electronics]
Gianluca Di Ienno - Organ [Hammond Organ], Electronics [Live Electronics]
Maxx Furian - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Scuro {Bebo Ferra} (5:11)
02. L'Alchimista {Bebo Ferra} (4:31)
03. 29 Aprile {Bebo Ferra} (7:14)
04. My English Brother {Bebo Ferra} (4:56)
05. Gran Torino {Clint Eastwood, Kyle Eastwood, Michael Stevens} (4:43)
06. La Radio In Testa {Bebo Ferra} (5:00)
07. Topink {Bebo Ferra, Gianluca Di Ienno, Maxx Furian} (2:24)
08. La Sagra Delle Quinte {Bebo Ferra} (5:40)
09. Il Fabbro {Maxx Furian} (0:50)
10. [I Can't Get No] Satisfaction {Mick Jagger, Keith Richards} (8:32)
11. Il Quadro Della Farfalla {Gianluca Di Ienno} (2:11) 

Total Time: 51:19 

Credits:
Producer - Bebo Ferra
Executive Producer - Paolo Fresu, Timur Semprini, Patrizio Romano
Co-producer, Engineer, Mixing - Fausto Dasè
Assistant Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Gabriele Simoni
Graphic Design - Benno Simma
Photo - Roberto Cifarelli 

Scuro [Dark]

Masato Honda - Saxes Street (2015)

As of 2015, this is saxophonist Masato Honda's first full-length album in six years after transferring to Universal Music. A work that colored various songs with his own sound, from proprietary Hyper Fusion and Funk to jazz-style numbers. Session includes luxurious members such as Jun Kajiwara (g), Yuya Komoguchi (g), Keiji Matsumoto (key), Mitsuru Sutoh (b), and Hiroyuki Noritake (dr). Masato Honda delivers another vividly colorful album. Here he showcases a diverse range of original tunes joining together sounds of fusion and jazz funk combined in a wonderfully entertaining selection that suits a multiplicity of musical moods. Enjoy! 

GRP/Universal Music LLC, UCCJ-2126, 2015
Recorded at NK Sound Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Masato Honda - Saxophone (#1,5,6), Trumpet (#1,5), Flute (#2), Alto Sax (#3,7,8),
Soprano Sax (#4), Trombone (#5), Trumpet [muted] (#6), Flugelhorn (#6),
Programming [Synth], Arranger
Eric Miyashiro - Trumpet [last hi c] (#1)
Keiji Matsumoto - Keyboards (#1,5,7), Organ (#3), Piano (#4,8)
Satoru Shionoya - Piano (#2,6)
Jun Kajiwara - Electric Guitar (#1,3,5-8), Acoustic Guitar (#2)
Yuya Komoguchi - Electric Guitar (#4), Acoustic Guitar (#4), Electric Guitar, Soloist (#5,8)
Mitsuru Sutoh - Electric Bass (#1,4,7)
Inoue Yosuke - Acoustic Bass (#2,6)
Teppei Kawasaki - Electric Bass (#3,5,8)
Hiroyuki Noritake - Drums (#1,4,5,7,8)
Hideo Yamaki - Drums (#2,3,6) 

Tracks:
1. Seven (5:15)
2. Memories (6:04)
3. We're Of The Sun (5:00)
4. Pinocchio (5:09)
5. Beyond The Time (6:50)
6. JURAKI [Jurassic] (8:25)
7. Sax Street (6:32)
8. See You Tomorrow (5:32) 

All compositions by Masato Honda 

Total Time: 48:50 

Credits:
Producer, Director - Masato Honda
Recording & Mixing - Neeraj Khajanchi
Recording [Assistant] - Taishi Watanabe
Mastering - Hiroshi Kawasaki
Art Direction, Design - Akira Fueki
Photography - Masahiro Ihara
Management [Artist] - Mariko Onodera
A&R - Koichiro Azami 

Beyond The Time

Masa Matsuda, Yuji Ohno - Silent Dialogue (1979) [vinyl]

Here, we have a Japanese classic jazz-funk album by Masa Matsuda & Yuji Ohno and an amazing grouping of other top Japanese jazz musicians. It is soon to undergo a vinyl [Pony Canyon] record store day release on 22nd April, 2023. Be quick if you want to grab a limited-edition copy. In the meanwhile, here is my vinyl rip of the original pressing, enjoy! 

Canyon Records, C22R0028, 1979 

Musicians:
Masa Matsuda - Keyboards [Electone (GX-1, EX-1)]
Yuji Ohno - Keyboards [CP-80 etc.]
Koji Hatori, Mamoru Otake, Susumu Kazuhara, Yoshikazu Kishi - Trumpet
Eiji Arai, Shigeharu Mukai - Trombone
Jake H. Concepcion, Kiyoshi Saito, Takeru Muraoka - Saxophone
Shozo Nakagawa, Michiya Koide, Nozomu Nakaya, Yoshiharu Watanabe - Flute
Kiyoshi Hagiya, Takao Naoi - Electric Guitar, Flamenco Guitar
Akira Okazawa, Kazuya Sugimoto, Kenji Takamizu - Electric Bass
Koji Takeda - Drums
Fujio Saito, Ralee Sunaga, Tadaomi Anai - Percussion [Latin] 

Tracks:
A1. Midspace Action {Arr. Yuji Ohno;Yuji Ohno} (3:19)
A2. Kumasan-Sanpo {Arr. Masa Matsuda, Yuji Ohno; Masa Matsuda} (4:26)
A3. Perpignan {Arr. Masa Matsuda, Yuji Ohno; Masa Matsuda} (5:29)
A4. Lullaby {Arr. Masa Matsuda, Yuji Ohno; Masa Matsuda} (4:07)
B1. The Soaring Sea-Gull {Arr. Yuji Ohno;Yuji Ohno} (4:22)
B2. Cookie Dance {Arr. Masa Matsuda, Yuji Ohno; Masa Matsuda} (4:53)
B3. Twilight Shadow {Arr. Yuji Ohno;Yuji Ohno} (4:02)
B4. Mirage {Arr. Masa Matsuda; Masa Matsuda} (3:13) 

Total Time: 33:51 

Twilight Shadow

Ace Cannon - Sweet Dreams (1993)

Ace Cannon (5th May, 1934 - 6th December, 2018) American tenor and alto
saxophonist. Cannon was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2000. In May 2007, his hometown of Calhoun City, Mississippi hosted its first annual Ace Cannon Festival, and on December 9, 2008, he was honored with induction into the Mississippi Musicians' Hall of Fame. ~ from wikipedia.org. 

This album is testimony of his great talent and prolific contribution as a jazz musician.
Overall, a sweet easy listening jazz album covering some great popular tunes. 

WIRL Records, W-CD 383, 1993
Recorded & mixed at Easley Recording Studio, (ONYX) Memphis, TN 

Musicians:
Ace Cannon - Horn
Robby Turner - Keyboards, Steel Guitar, Percussion, Strings
Bobby Emmons - Keyboards, Strings
Reggie Young - Guitars
Mike Leech - Bass, Strings
Gene Chrisman - Drums, Percussion
Jennifer O’Brien, Michael Black, Judy Rodman - Background Vocals 

Special Guests:
Ernest Williamson - Piano (#4)
Michael Wedd - Vocals (#10)
Andy Block "Eggo" - Vocals (#3,7) 

Tracks:
01. Sweet Dreams {Don Gibson} (4:44)
02. I'll Always Love You {Dolly Parton} (4:45)
03. Stay With Me {Jerry Goffin, Michael Masser} (4:31)
04. Once In A While {Bud Green, Michael Edwards} (3:54)
05. I'll Be There {Michael Jackson} (4:21)
06. Lady In Red {Chris De Burgh} (4:21)
07. Do It To Me {Lionel Richie} (5:19)
08. Tears In Heaven {Eric Clapton, Will Jennings} (4:27)
09. To Love Somebody {Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb} (4:01)
10. I Don't Know Much {Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Tom Snow} (3:35)
11. From A Distance {Julie Gold} (4:32)
12. End Of The Road {Babyface, Daryl Simmons, L.A. Reid} (4:27) 

Total Time: 54:04 

Credits:
Producer - Ace Cannon
Producer, Engineer - Robby Turner
Executive Producer - Rainbow WIRL Inc.
Engineer - Andy Black
Engineer [Assistant] - Doug Easley
Cover Photo - Brookes La Touche
Design & Artwork - Keith C. Gall 

Sweet Dreams

Yuji Ohno Trio - Let's Fall In Jazz (2017)

This is the third album by Yuji Ohno released in 2017 on the Vap and Lupintic labels. For this release; Yuji after a five-year hiatus writing soundtrack scores for popular modern Japanese movies, teams up again with his wonderful trio to produce this superb jazz album. The trio includes the long-term musicians, bassist Shin Kamimura and drummer Yasushi Ichihara. The new original song "Let's Fall In Jazz" was written specifically for this album and features guest vocals by Lyn Inaizumi, a talented singer who has sung beforehand with the Yuji Ohno & Lupintic Six! 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the birth of "Lupin III Theme" and a new recording of the theme in a trio formation is included in this album. Essentially, eight of the tunes are penned by Yuji, but the trio also re-interprets four well-known standards. Overall, a exceptionally pleasant affair that will truly entertain many a jazz enthusiast for many years to come! 

VAP Records, VPCG-83523, 2017 

Musicians:
Yuji Ohno - Piano, Keyboards
Shin Kamimura - Bass, Electric Bass
Yasushi Ichihara - Drums
Lyn Inaizumi - Vocals (#1,6,12) 

Tracks:
01. Let's Fall In Jazz [feat. Lyn] {Yuji Ohno} (4:47)
02. Sweet Sue, Just You {Will J. Harris, Victor Young} (6:29)
03. Misty Twilight {Yuji Ohno} (7:11)
04. Let's Fall In Love {Yuji Ohno} (4:33)
05. Love Squall {Yuji Ohno} (4:35)
06. Let's Fall In Jazz [Interlude] {Yuji Ohno} (0:26)
07. My One And Only Love {Robert Mellin, Guy Wood} (5:22)
08. Let's Face The Music And Dance {Irving Berlin} (5:27)
09. A Foggy Day {George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin} (7:40)
10. Love Theme {Yuji Ohno} (2:16)
11. Theme From Lupin III {Yuji Ohno} (6:00)
12. Let's Fall In Jazz [Reprise] {Yuji Ohno} (0:46) 

Total Time: 55:37 

Theme From Lupin III

Yuji Ohno Trio & Friends - Cool For Joy (2005)

Cool For Joy is a steamy and sweet jazz album for adults, presented by the Yuji Ohno Trio & Friends. It's the first jazz album covering of love songs normally hidden from Ohno familiar Lupin compositions. Included are a number of selected standard tunes, but in addition some of Ohno's latest original songs. Along with his respected trio the group is joined by an impressive guest list of Japanese jazz musicians whom take the tunes to a greater level. This album is great place to start for anybody not already affiliated with this outstanding pianist and composer, enjoy! 

Vap Records, VPCG-84821, 2005 

Personnel: 

Trio:
Yuji Ohno - Piano
Masayuki Tawarayama - Bass
Kenichiro Murata - Drums 

Guests:
Yoshiro Okazaki - Trumpet (#2,3,7,8,9)
Mabumi Yamaguchi - Tenor Saxophone (#1,3,6,7,8,9)
Masami Nakagawa - Flute (#1,6)
Hiroyuki Suzuki - Synthesizer (#2,5,8)
Takashi Ooi - Vibraphone (#1,6,9)
Jun Kajiwara - Guitar (#1,6,8,9)
Saori Sendo - Percussion (#1,3,8) 

Tracks:
01. The Gift! [Recado Bossa Nova] {Djalma Ferreira} (4:54)
02. Autumn In Praha {Yuji Ohno} (5:53)
03. Cool For Joy {Yuji Ohno} (6:19)
04. My Funny Valentine {Richard Rodgers} (6:43)
05. Golden Game {Yuji Ohno} (4:54)
06. Cool Vibration {Yuji Ohno} (5:02)
07. Fairy Night {Yuji Ohno} (4:16)
08. The Look Of Love {Burt Bacharach} (5:34)
09. Theme From Lupin III [Waltz Version] {Yuji Ohno} (4:43)
10. Loss Of Love {Henry Mancini} (3:37) 

Total Time: 51:59 

Cool For Joy

Sunao Wada Quartet / Sunao Wada Sextet - Coco's Blues (1972)

Here, we have Japanese guitarist Sunao Wada first work as leader on the renowned Three Blind Mice label. Recorded 23rd October, 1972 at Tokyo's KRC Studio, Sunao presents two formations; a quartet (#1,3,4) with pianist Takehiro Honda, bassist Mitsuaki Furuno and drummer Arihide Kurata and a sextet (#2,5) with the addition of flugelhornist Kunji Shigi and formidable altoist Kenji Mori. It's a phenomenal groovy jazz-blues outing; at the time Sunao was nominated "the best blues guitarist in Japan"! A driving force behind these groupings is the powerhouse Takehiro Honda. Three of the tunes are Sunao's own offerings, with one from Takehiro and the remainder a muscular cover of Charlie Parker's "Billie's Bounce". A valuable example and indispensable classic of the great jazz that was emerging out of Japan throughout the seventies and beyond, enjoy! 

Three Blind Mice, TBM-12, 1973
Three Blind Mice, MHCP 10025, 2006
Recorded 23rd October, 1972 at KRC Studio, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Sunao Wada - Guitar
Kunji Shigi - Flugelhorn (#2,5)
Kenji Mori - Alto Saxophone (#2,5)
Takehiro Honda - Piano
Mitsuaki Furuno - Bass
Arihide Kurata - Drums 

Tracks:
1. One's Blue {Sunao Wada} (6:29)
2. Billie's Bounce {Charlie Parker} (12:09)
3. Guitar's Time {Sunao Wada} (5:28)
4. Sick Thomas {Takehiro Honda} (7:37)
5. Coco's Blues {Sunao Wada} (11:31) 

Total Time: 43:16 

Credits:
Producer - Takeshi "Tee" Fuji
Recording Engineer - Yoshihiko Kannari
Assistant Engineer - Kenji Kurota
Art Direction - Ben Nishizawa
Liner Notes - Teruo Isono 

Coco's Blues (1973 Full Vinyl Album)

Gato Barbieri - Bolivia (1973)

In 1973, Argentinean saxophonist Gato Barbieri contemplated a move to a more commercially viable, accessible sound, one that appealed to both North and South American audiences. He moved from the jazz vanguard toward it's exotic center (and finally into the commercial world altogether) with a number of records, including this one, which explored the various rhythms, melodies, and textures of Afro-Cuban and Latin American sounds. Bolivia features Barbieri immediately prior to his Impulse recordings that resulted in the celebrated four-chapter Latin America series. Utilizing the talents of musicians as diverse as guitarist John Abercrombie, pianist Lonnie Liston Smith, drummer and percussionists Airto Moreira, M'tume, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Gene Golden, and Moulay Ali Hafid, as well as bassists Stanley and J.F. Jenny Clark. Barbieri's musical reach is everywhere here. There's the bolero-like romp of "Merceditas," where his normally raw-toned, feeling-centered playing is kicked up a couple notches into a frenetic, emotional tidal wave, and the haunting "Bolivia," full of shimmering percussion and pianistic glissandi courtesy of Smith. Barbieri's loping, spare playing is reminiscent of Coltrane stating of the melodic frames in "India." There is also the melody of the traditional "Eclypse" wedded to a gorgeous, sensual Cuban son-like melody "Michellina" (for Barbieri's Italian born wife). The final two of the album's five tracks are based in Argentinean folk forms associated with the tango, but are less formal, more open, and modally charged. Setting both "Niños" and "Vidala Triste" in minor keys with open modal themes, improvisation happens -- á la Ornette Coleman -- in the heart of the melody, despite the intricate nature and complex time and key changes inherent in both tunes. Ultimately, Bolivia is a sensual, musically adept, and groundbreaking recording, which offered Barbieri a chance to come in from the avant-garde before heading back to the fringes with the Latin America series. A fine effort that is finally getting the notoriety it deserves. ~ by Thom Jurek, AMG. 

Flying Dutchman, FD 10158, 1973
RCA Victor/BMG Music, 74321851472, 2001
Recorded 24th and 25th November, 1969 in New York City 

Musicians:
Gato Barbieri - Tenor Saxophone (#1-4), Flute (#3,5), Hands (#3,5), Vocals (#3,5)
Lonnie Liston Smith - Piano (#1-5)
John Abercrombie - Acoustic Guitar (#3,5), Electric Guitar (#1)
Jean-François Jenny-Clark - Bass (#1,2b)
Stanley Clarke - Bass (#2a,3-5)
Bernard "Pretty" Purdie - Drums (#1)
Airto Moreira - Drums (#2-5), Percussion (#1)
James M'tume - Congas (#1,2b-5)
Gene Golden - Congas (#2a)
Moulay "Ali" Hafid - Dumbeg (#4) 

Tracks:
1. Merceditas {Gato Barbieri} (9:07)
2. Eclypse {Traditional} / Michellina {Gato Barbieri} (6:24)
3. Bolivia {Gato Barbieri} (7:46)
4. Niños {Gato Barbieri} (7:14)
5. Vidala Triste {Gato & Michelle Barbieri} (5:30) 

Total Time: 36:03 

Credits:
Producer - Bob Thiele
Assistant Producer - Lillian Seyfert
Reissue Producer - Daniel Baumgarten
Sound Mixing - Tony May
Digital Remastering - Jean-Pierre Chalbos [La Source]
Cover & Liner Photos - K. Abe
Design - Haig Adishian
Cover Design - Michel Baulot

Donald Harrison - The Ballads (2009)

"Mr. Harrison turned out to be one of the most musicologically literate jazz players to come out in ages." ~ New York Times. 

"Donald Harrison Jr. … the most interesting, most accessible, and most talented musician in the country right now." ~ East Bay Express. 

"… one of the more innovative bandleaders New Orleans has produced in the past 20 years." ~ Chicago Tribune. 

--------------------------------------------------

Nagel Heyer Records, CD 9010, 2009
Recorded 2001 - 2008 in New York City and New Orleans 

Musicians:
Donald Harrison - Alto Saxophone
Christian Scott - Trumpet (#1,2,5,6,7)
Mulgrew Miller - Piano (#5,6,7)
Eric Reed - Piano (#1,2)
Victor Gould - Piano (#8,9)
Jesse McBride - Piano (#10)
Ron Carter - Bass (#3,4)
Vicente Archer - Bass (#1,2)
Luques Curtis - Bass (#5,6,7)
Max Moran - Bass (#8,9,10)
John Lamkin - Drums (#1,2,5,6,7)
Billy Cobham - Drums (#3,4)
Joseph Dyson - Drums (#8,9,10) 

Tracks:
01. Strange Day {Eric Reed} (7:46)
02. Swept From The Sea {John Lamkin} (5:31)
03. My Funny Valentine {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (8:12)
04. Candlelight {Ron Carter} (6:33)
05. Summertime {George Gershwin} (9:28)
06. Cool Breeze {Donald Harrison} (5:20)
07. Sincerely Yours {Donald Harrison} (9:26)
08. They Can't Take That Away From Me {George & Ira Gershwin} (5:46)
09. If I Were A Bell {Frank Loesser} (6:32)
10. To Nola With Love {Donald Harrison} (9:49) 

Total Time: 74:23 

Notes:
#1,2 - Real Life Stories (2002) Nagel Heyer [2022]
#3,4 - Heroes (2004) Nagel Heyer [2041]
#5,6,7 - Survivor (2006) Nagel Heyer [2068]
#8,9,10 - The Chosen (2008) Nagel Heyer [2084]

Donald Harrison, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham - Heroes (2004)

Donald Harrison, who gained his initial recognition in the 1980s when he was with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and co-led a band with Terence Blanchard, has continued growing and evolving ever since that time. Though underrated, he is currently at the peak of his powers. Harrison worked with bassist Ron Carter, drummer Billy Cobham, and pianist James Williams in a 2002 quartet called the Art of Four. He reunites with Carter and Cobham for five selections on Heroes and also engages in three duets with the bassist. Whether it is a minor blues ("One of a Kind"), the "I Got Rhythm" chords of "Double Trouble," "Solar," or the melancholy "Candlelight," Harrison shows that he is a superior post-bop improviser with a sound of his own. The final three selections, listed as "bonus tracks," have Harrison performing a funk piece, a calypso, and a mistitled Thelonious Monk tune ("Well, You Needn't" is listed as "Straight, No Chaser") in spirited fashion with bassist Vicente Archer and drummer John Lamkin. This CD is one of Donald Harrison's most rewarding showcases to date and is highly recommended. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Nagel Heyer Records, nagel heyer 2041, 2004
Recorded 1st & 2nd December, 2002 at Avatar Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Donald Harrison - Alto Saxophone
Ron Carter - Bass
Billy Cobham - Drums
Vicente Archer - Bass (#9-11)
John Lamkin - Drums (#9-11) 

Tracks:
01. Heroes {Donald Harrison} (6:14)
02. Blues For The New Millennium {Donald Harrison} (4:12)
03. My Funny Valentine {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (8:12)
04. One Of A Kind {Donald Harrison} (5:53)
05. Double Trouble {Donald Harrison, Ron Carter} (8:01)
06. Receipt Please {Ron Carter} (5:59)
07. Candlelight {Ron Carter} (6:33)
08. Solar {Miles Davis} (3:57)
09. Free Style {Donald Harrison} (4:43) *
10. Iko Iko {James Crawford} (3:11) *
11. Well, You Needn't {Thelonious Monk} (8:06) * 

Total Time: 65:06 

 * Bonus Tracks 

Credits:
Producer, Photos - Frank Nagel-Heyer
Recording Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Aya Takemura
Mastering, Mixing - Florian Sommer
Cover - Woellergestaltung, Hamburg
Liner Notes - Ted Panken 

Heroes

Donald Harrison - Real Life Stories

 Donald Harrison, alto alumnus of the Art Blakey and Eddie Palmieri bands, likes to blend funk, reggae, and swing rhythms into something he calls "nouveau swing" (releasing a CD by that name in 1997, on Impulse!). There is a fresh, contemporary feel to this Nagel Heyer debut, along with a nod to tradition in Harrison's tonal and harmonic homage to Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Superb pianist Eric Reed plays on seven tracks, supplying the sly, cartoon-villain riff in the opener, and the film-noirish chording on the title track. He also wrote the contemplative "Strange Day," where Harrison builds a dynamic and forceful solo. "Oleo" and "I'm Barred" are in the capable hands of pianist Jonathan Lefcoski, who, with bassist Vicente Archer and drummer John Lamkin, comprise Harrison's crack working band. Lamkin wrote the bright bossa nova "Swept From the Sea," one of the CD's highlights; another is the classic "Oleo," where Harrison tosses "Bird"-like accents over the churning rhythm. "A Night in Tunisia" has a hint of reggae and some droll hesitation that recalls Dizzy's wit, and trumpeter Christian Scott, Harrison's 18-year-old nephew, provides a clear, understated turn that ends too soon. The band makes "Take Five" their own, resisting clichés: Reed's solo is angular and spare, Harrison's strong and soaring. On "Keep the Faith," Harrison brews an enthusiastic mix of gospel, funk, and a touch of R&B that ends this session on a joyful note. Passionate, tasteful playing, original material, and great grooves make this a thoroughly enjoyable disc.

I no longer have any scanner access so I apologize for not being able to scan the booklet.

 

BANN: Seamus Blake, Jay Anderson, Oz Noy, Adam Nussbaum - As You Like (2010)

Taking its name from the first letter of the last names of saxophonist Seamus Blake, bassist Jay Anderson, guitarist Oz Noy and drummer Adam Nussbaum, BANN is an accomplished quartet. All four are well known for their consistently hig quality recordings and focus on more fusion-oriented approaches to composing and playing. Selecting six member-penned pieces and three covers, the band explores classic Monk ("Played Twice"), the Great American Songbook (Jerome Kern's "All the Things You Are") and even classic rock with David Crosby's "Guinnevere." This last track fares far better as an instrumental than it did with its original silly hippie lyric. But the session really doesn’t start to burn until Jay Anderson's "Will Call" which finds all members swinging hard and tossing out jagged shards of soloing. There are even moments of Slowpoke-like bluesiness on "At Sundown." Grade: B. ~ Stuart Derdeyn, TheProvince.com. 

Jazz Eyes, Jazz Eyes 010, 2010
Recorded at Mountain Rest Studio, New Paltz, New York 

Musicians:
Seamus Blake - Saxophone
Oz Noy - Guitar
Jay Anderson - Double Bass
Adam Nussbaum - Drums 

Tracks:
1. All The Things You Are {Jerome Kern} (6:35)
2. Played Twice {Thelonious Monk} (6:53)
3. Guinnevere {David Crosby} (8:20)
4. Will Call {Jay Anderson} (3:54)
5. Days Of Old {Adam Nussbaum, Maia Nussbaum} (4:50)
6. As You Like {BANN} (6:27)
7. At Sundown {Jay Anderson} (5:52)
8. Minor Shuffle {Oz Noy} (7:15)
9. Isotope {Joe Henderson} (8:03) 

Total Time: 58:13 

Credits:
Producer - BANN
Executive-Producer - Paul Siculiana
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Jay Anderson

Joe Sample - Rhino Hi-Five (2007)

A fine compilation of Joe Sample tracks selected by Rhino Records as part of their Hi-Five series of digital downloads released in 2007. 

Rhino Records, Digital Download, 2007 

Musicians:
Joe Sample - Piano, Piano [Electric], Keyboards, Synthesizer, Arranger
Larry Williams, Ricky Peterson - Synthesizer
St. Paul, Michael Landau - Guitar
Dean Parks - Guitar [Electric]
Marcus Miller - Bass
Steve Gadd, Omar Hakim - Drums
Lenny Castro - Percussion
Jason Miles, Robbie Buchanan - Programming
Lori Perry, Lynn Davis, Jim Gilstrap - Vocals [Background] 

Tracks:
1. Spellbound {Joe Sample} (4:29)
2. Ashes To Ashes {Joe Sample} (4:53)
3. Invitation {Bronislaw Kaper} (4:21)
4. Stormy Weather {Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler} (5:01)
5. Street Life {Joe Sample} (5:04) 

Total Time: 23:52 

Credits:
Producer - Joe Sample, George Duke, Tommy LiPuma

INTERface with Marion Brown - Glimpses (1978-1979) [vinyl]

INTERface was the brainchild of John Fischer who again is joined by stalwarts from previous albums; Rick Kilburn, Mark Whitecage and Phillip Wilson. In addition, there are two other drummers Bobby Meyer, Thomas Whaley that are alternated across the two discreet sessions heard here. However, of exceptional interest is altoist Marion Brown whom appears as a guest, more importantly he is most noted as the unaccompanied musician on 'Solo'. Of course, Marion doesn't disappoint, his offerings are certainly a great inclusion to the entirety of the album. Check out the astonishing alto duet with Mark Whitecage on 'Polka', whereby Marion embraces his part with great gusto. All the compositions are penned by Fischer, except #B3 by Marion Brown, with some curious names, but in the end, they allow the various groupings to explore and improvise on some captivating tunes. As a pianist Fisher offers up some remarkable solos, but also of note is bassist Rick Kilburn adding an anchored core to the sessions. Overall, the album is of merit worthy of a few appraisals and as a group INTERface was an inspirational addition to the vastly emerging Free Jazz genre throughout the seventies. 

ReEntry Records, RE-003, 1979
Recorded August, 1978 & February, 1979 at Media Sound Studio, New York City 

Musicians:
John Fischer - Piano (#A1-B2,B4), Voice (#B4)
Mark Whitecage - Alto Sax (#A1-B2,B4), Bass Clarinet (#A1)
Marion Brown - Alto Saxophone (#A2-A4,B2,B3)
Rick Kilburn - Bass (#A1-B2,B4)
Bobby Meyer - Drums
Thomas Whaley - Drums
Phillip Wilson - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Polkanese {John Fischer} (3:16)
A2. Foxtrot {John Fischer} (8:06)
A3. P4/m3 [2 Altos] {John Fischer} (5:29)
A4. Loud & Soft {John Fischer} (2:16)
B1. Birthday {John Fischer} (6:42)
B2. Polka {John Fischer} (5:57)
B3. Solo {Marion Brown} (4:27)
B4. Ticker Poum {John Fischer} (3:44) 

Total Time: 39:57 

Credits:
Producer - INTERface
Engineer - Bill Stein (#A1,B1), Phil Shrago (#A2-A4,B2-B4)
Cover Art - John Fischer
Photos - Ray Ross

Brother Jack McDuff - That's The Way I Feel About It (1997)

At times, McDuff demonstrates how soul-jazz organ stars used to make albums back in their '60s heyday, playing then-current pop hits like "The Age of Aquarius" and the theme from Mission: Impossible (which, thanks to cinema, was a hit all over again in 1996 when this CD was made). We also hear McDuff trying out his vocal cords for the first time on Louis Jordan's "Saturday Night Fish Fry"; actually, he merely talks the lyrics over the rhythm section -- and at 70, he's entitled to this charming lark. Otherwise, this is another fine, home-cookin' soul-jazz session, with McDuff's Hammond B-3 burning at its usual low-intensity, high-blues-content level. Chris Potter dances around the organ on flutes, Andrew Beals and Jerry Weldon offer solid solos on alto and tenor respectively, and the rest of the Heatin' System runs the gamut from Latin to soul-deep grooves. Fans of the genre can buy with peace of mind. ~ Richard S. Ginell, AMG. 

Concord Jazz, CCD-4760-2, 1997
Recorded 16th December, 1996 - 23rd January, 1997 at:
Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California
Sound On Sound Studios, New York, NY 

Musicians:
Brother Jack McDuff - Organ [Hammond]
Andrew Beals - Alto Saxophone
Jerry Weldon - Tenor Saxophone
Chris Potter - Flute, Alto Flute
John Hart - Guitar
Kip Reed - Electric Bass (#1-8)
Rudy Petschauer - Drums 

Tracks:
1. The Age Of Aquarius {Galt MacDermot, James Rado, Gerome Ragni} (5:15)
2. Blooze In G {Jack McDuff} (8:49)
3. Theme From Mission: Impossible {Lalo Schifrin} (6:14)
4. That's The Way I Feel About It {Jack McDuff} (8:04)
5. Six A.M. {Jack McDuff} (3:59)
6. Saturday Night Fish Fry {Louis Jordan, Ellis Walsh} (4:53)
7. Old Folks {Dedette Lee Hill, Willard Robison} (5:32)
8. Flamingo {Edmund Anderson, Ted Grouya, Theodor Grouya} (7:46)
9. Moody's Mood For Love {Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh, James Moody} (4:42) 

Total Time: 55:17 

Credits:
Producer - John Burk
Associate Producer - Allen Farnham, John McCauley
Assistant Recording Engineer - Ben Conrad, Zach Wind
Recording Engineer - Alan Varner
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Phil Edwards
Mastering Engineer - George Horn
Art Direction - Kent Judkins
Photography [Cover] - Marc Norberg
Photography [Liner] - Janet Sommer
Liner Notes - Alex Henderson 

That's The Way I Feel About It

Mankunku Quartet - Yakhal' Inkomo (1968) [vinyl]

“Ah... at last it's done. I mean the recording of South Africa's number one tenor sax player, Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi. This is the LP that every jazz fan has been waiting for. Listen to it from side one to the last note on side two then you'll agree with me that this is jazz, dished out by the son of the soil in a soul/jazz bowl. On the first side of this LP is "Yakhal Inkomo" (one of his original works), literally translated "Bellowing Bull." The sound of a bull bellowing mournfully at the loss of one of his kind, is one from deep down in the heart. It is with this sound captured musically, that Mankunku expresses his deep grief at the loss of one of the greatest tenor players in the world, Daddy Trane, as he calls the late John Coltrane. If you listen to the early recordings of John Coltrane - for example "Blue Train," "Moments Notice" and Wayne Snorter's "Johnny's Blues" and "Noise in the Attic," you will agree with him that he was influenced by them. The second tune is also his own composition - "Dedication" (to Daddy Trane and Brother Shorter). It is a 4/4, which is so well arranged that I could hardly believe that it is his original work - with this tune he really plays his part. He plays himself. I remember during the recording session he didn't want anyone to move about because such movements disturb his feelings and concentration. The other tunes are his choice. From Horace Silver's works he chose "Doodlin'" and from Coltrane's "Bessie's Blues." About the trio that provided the background, he said "they are fabulous dad, they are with me all the time. When I reach the climax, they are there with me - I love working with them." That, I myself believe, because while recording "Yakhal' Inkomo", I saw tears rolling down his cheeks after Lionel Pillay's piano solo. Everyone there was thrilled to hear Lionel play with such feeling, a real down-to-earth feeling. The Early Mabuza Trio played and played - they deserve full marks." ~ Extract by Ray Nkwe, Liner Notes. 

World Record Co., ORL 6022, 1968
Recorded 23rd July, 1968 at Studios of Manley Van Niekerk, Johannesburg, SA 

Musicians:
Winston "Mankunku" Ngozi - Tenor Saxophone
Lionel Pillay - Piano
Agrippa Magwaza - Bass
Early Mabuza - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Yakhal' Inkomo {Winston Ngozi} (8:53)
A2. Dedication [To Daddy Trane And Brother Shorter] {Winston Ngozi} (10:14)
B1. Doodlin' {Horace Silver} (6:05)
B2. Bessie's Blues {John Coltrane} (7:37) 

Total Time: 32:49 

Credits:
Producer, Liner Notes - Ray Nkwe
Recording Engineer - Dave Challen
Photography - Alf Khumalo

Ted Curson, Dezső Lakatos, György Vukán Trio - Live At Videoton Jazz Festival, Hungary (1987)

Ted Curson toured over his lifetime extensively throughout Europe and on one such an occasion he teamed up with some top-shelf Hungarian musicians at the 1987 Videoton Jazz Festival. For the set Ted plays alongside the Dezső Lakatos, György Vukán Trio on tracks #1,2 &4 and the remaining tune #3 is purely dedicated to the Hungarian ensemble. All musicians are in top form. After multiple listens the tracks were identified and extracted from the original YouTube videos which were edited, cleaned, cropped, re-encoded and joined together focusing purely on the music. Essentially, these tracks are of historic importance documenting the life of both underrated late trumpeter and saxophonist. Give it a spin, watch the video and be swept along by the talents of these incredible musicians. 

Musicians:
Ted Curson - Trumpet
Dezső Lakatos - Saxophone
György Vukán - Piano
Balázs Berkes - Bass
Imre Kőszegi - Drums 

Tracks:
1. The Way You Look Tonight {Jerome Kern, Dorothy Fields} (9:13)
2. Flatted Fifth {Ted Curson} (8:10)
3. Just Friends {John Klenner, Sam Lewis} (8:06)
4. Straight, No Chaser {Thelonious Monk} (8:20) 

Total Time: 33:49

Wayne Shorter - Super Nova (1969)

Super Nova is an important transitional album for tenor saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Doubling on soprano (which he had recently begun playing), Shorter interprets five of his originals (including "Water Babies," which had been recorded previously by Miles Davis) and Antônio Carlos Jobim's "Dindi." He definitely used a forward-looking group of sidemen, because his "backup band" includes guitarists John McLaughlin and Sonny Sharrock, Walter Booker (normally a bassist) on classical guitar for "Dindi," bassist Miroslav Vitous, both Jack DeJohnette and Chick Corea (!) on drums, and percussionist Airto; Maria Booker takes a vocal on the touching version of "Dindi." The influence of Miles Davis' early fusion period is felt throughout the music, but there is nothing derivative about the often-surprising results. As with Wayne Shorter’s best albums, this set rewards repeated listenings. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Blue Note Records, CDP 7 84332 2, 1988
Recorded 29th August and 2nd September, 1969 at A&R Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Wayne Shorter - Soprano Saxophone
Chick Corea - Vibraphone, Drums
John McLaughlin - Guitar, Classical Guitar (#2)
Sonny Sharrock - Guitar
Walter Booker - Classical Guitar (#3)
Miroslav Vitous - Bass
Jack DeJohnette - Drums, African Thumb Piano
Airto Moreira - Percussion
Maria Booker - Vocals (#3) 

Tracks:
1. Super Nova {Wayne Shorter} (4:52)
2. Swee-Pea {Wayne Shorter} (4:37)
3. Dindi {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (9:35)
4. Water Babies {Wayne Shorter} (4:54)
5. Capricorn {Wayne Shorter} (7:48)
6. More Than Human {Wayne Shorter} (6:12) 

Total Time: 37:59 

Credits:
Producer - Duke Pearson
Recording Engineer - Tony May
Digital Transfer - Ron McMaster
Art Direction - Frank Gauna
Cover Design - Tony DeStefano 

Wayne Shorter (25th August, 1933 - 2nd March, 2023)
RIP ☹