Reut Regev - this is R*time (2009)

“...this is R*time is a 'stunning' and 'breathtakingly expansive and unabashedly modern record from an upcoming artist. A musical collaboration between Reut and her husband, drummer Igal Foni, R*time has been kicking and creating since their internationally acclaimed debut, "this is R*time" was released in 2009. Regev combines the expressivity of the avant-garde and the technical precision of bop with the farsightedness of a musician in step with her own time. As one of the jazz idiom's oldest, most versatile instruments, the trombone provides both a connection to the past and a link to the future, a place Regev is prepared to take us." ~ Troy Collins, AAJ. 

Ropeadope Records, RADDIG-58, 2009
Recorded 28th January, 2008 at Avatar Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Reut Regev - Trombone (#1,2,4-6,8,9), Flugabone (#3,7), Congas (#5,6)
David Phelps - Guitars
Brad Jones - Acoustic Bass (#2,4-6,8), Electric Bass (#1,3,7,9)
Igal Foni - Drums, Percussion
Special Guest:
Eddie Bobé - Congas (#4), Bongos (#6) 

Tracks:
1. Swill {Igal Foni, Reut Regev} (4:03)
2. Hula Hula {Igal Foni, Reut Regev} (4:56)
3. Nutcase Scenario {Igal Foni} (6:10)
4. Balibalaila {Reut Regev} (6:38)
5. Some Of The Best Fish Are Alive {Reut Regev} (5:54)
6. Faradise {Reut Regev} (5:11)
7. Elephant Steps {Igal Foni, Reut Regev} (2:56)
8. Clean Dirt {Reut Regev} (5:20)
9. True Story {Reut Regev} (5:04) 

Total Time: 46:17 

Credits:
Producer - Igal Foni, Reut Regev
Recording, Mixing, Mastering [Assistant] - Scott Young
Recording, Mixing [Assistant] - Brian Montgomery, Rob Anderson
Mastering Engineer - Randy Merrill
Photography [Front] - Haim Bargig
Photography [Inside] - Rod \ Le-HibOO.com
Design - Mark Slawinski 

Balibalaila

Dmitri Kolesnik - Blues For Dad (2001)

Over twenty or more years ago New York bassist Dmitri Kolesnik invited tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, pianist Andrei Kondakov and drummer Lenny White to record his music. The musicians clicked instantly, and were so comfortable playing Kolesnik's compositions that all the tracks used on the CD were first takes, alive with freshness and feeling. The recording, ‘Blues For Dad’, was released on a leading Russian label, Boheme Music, in 2001 and received good responses in Russia and the US. Since the release of that album, the group has been performing regularly in New York. The outstanding personnel on 'Blues For Dad', especially noted Alex Sipiagin, are among most sought-after players in New York. At the heart of the group, Lenny White brings his unique energy and style to the music. Kolesnik's friend and collaborator Andrei Kondakov is a famous Russian musician who often appears on the New York jazz scene. ~ Extract from challengerecords.com. 

Boheme Music, CDBMR 103207, 2001
Recorded 31st May, 2000 at Knoop Studios, River Edge, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Dmitri Kolesnik - Bass
Alex Sipiagin - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Eric Alexander - Tenor Saxophone
Andrei Kondakov - Piano
Lenny White - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Blues For Dad {Dmitri Kolesnik} (6:16)
2. Home {Dmitri Kolesnik} (9:11)
3. Waltz For B. E. {Dmitri Kolesnik} (7:45)
4. New York Wind {Andrei Kondakov} (11:37)
5. White Nights, Gray Days {Dmitri Kolesnik} (7:33)
6. Giving Rise To Doubt {Dmitri Kolesnik} (7:28) 

Total Time: 49:50 

Credits:
Producer - Dmitri Kolesnik, Andrei Kondakov
Sound Engineer - Tom Swift [Manfred Knoop's Studio]
Mixing Engineer - Jill McManus
Mastering Engineer - Iain Fraser
Liner Notes - Ron Carter 

Blues For Dad

George Masso Quintet - Trombone Artistry (1994)

Trombone and clarinet are an unusual front line. However, the concept is not new. This exact instrumentation prevailed in the Benny Goodman Sextet of the early 1940’s. Both, Ken and George worked with the Benny Goodman Sextet at various times. This CD is their offering in a similar context. George Masso describes this CD as his best live recording ever. 

"George Masso is one of the finest trombone players we know and is often overlooked as one of the premier players going." ~ Jersey Jazz 

This German CD teams together trombonist George Masso, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, pianist Brian Dee, bassist Len Skeat and drummer Jake Hanna. The trombone-clarinet frontline works together quite well, and overall, this is one of Masso's finest recordings. Mainstream fans should enjoy the live recording, which is highlighted by “You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To,” “More Than You Know,” “It All Depends On You” and a burning rendition of “Three Little Words.” ~ Scott Yanow, AMG. 

The noted New York Times music critic John S. Wilson called Ken Peplowski "a clarinetist with a Benny Goodman tone and a Buddy DeFranco style." ~ georgemasso.bandcamp.com. 

Nagel Heyer Records, Nagel-Heyer CD 014, 1995
Recorded 27th August, 1994 Live at Amerika Haus, Hamburg, Germany 

Musicians:
George Masso - Trombone
Ken Peplowski - Clarinet
Brian Dee - Piano
Len Skeat - Bass
Jake Hanna - Drums

Tracks:
01. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To {Cole Porter} (7:43)
02. In A Mellow Tone {Duke Ellington, Milt Gabler} (5:19)
03. More Than You Know {Vincent Youmans, Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu} (6:52)
04. Blue Monk {Thelonious Monk} (10:11)
05. If I Were A Bell {Frank Loesser} (7:09)
06. It All Depends On You {Ray Henderson, Buddy G. DeSylva, Lew Brown} (8:53)
07. Just Friends {John Klemmer, Sam M. Lewis} (10:08)
08. I Thought About You {Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Mercer} (5:21)
09. On The Alamo {Isham Jones, Gus Kahn} (9:52)
10. Three Little Words {Harry Ruby, Bert Kalmar} (7:59) 

Total Time: 79:32 

Credits:
Producer - Sabine & Hans Nagel-Heyer
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Ben Ahrens
Digital Mastering - Sonopress, Gütersloh
Photos - Nancy Miller Elliott, New York City
Art Direction - woellergestaltung, Hamburg 

Jan Lundgren Trio - I Love Jan Lundgren Trio (2013)

Within the last six months, the highly acclaimed album I Love Jan Lundgren Trio has reached more than 1.300.000 streams on Spotify. Among its Swedish jazz record contemporaries this number is almost unique. Jan Lundgren Trio was formed in the nineties and lines up Lundgren himself, Mattias Svensson and Zoltan Csörsz Jr. Their seventh album "I Love Jan Lundgren Trio" was recorded with a wholly analogue process in 2012 at the legendary Swedish Radio Studio 3. Produced by Eric Palmcrantz, the album was released on the label Buben and is distributed by Figaro Music and Media Group. British Jazz Journal promptly gave it five out of five stars. Pianist and composer Jan Lundgren is pleasantly surprised with the album's popularity: "I'm very pleased and quite astounded. We chose to release the album both as a numbered, limited-edition vinyl and through various online streaming services. To reach out like this, with so many streams in such a short time, is really cool. It gives one hope for the future that we have broken through the white noise in a time when listeners have so much good music to choose from." ~ soundeffect-records.gr. 

Buben Records; BUBLP003, 2013
Figaro Music & Media Group, none, 2013
Recorded 16th-18th May, 2012 at Studio 3, Swedish Radio, Stockholm, Sweden 

Musicians:
Jan Lundgren - Piano
Mattias Svensson - Double Bass
Zoltan Csörsz Jr. - Drums

Tracks:
A1. The Poet {Jan Lundgren} (6:17)
A2. Garden Of Delight {Jan Lundgren} (4:48)
A3. Can You Please {Mattias Svensson} (5:05)
A4. The Magic Stroll {Jan Lundgren} (5:40)
B1. Hidden Truth {Jan Lundgren} (6:54)
B2. Almas Vaggvisa [Alma's Lullaby] {Jan Lundgren} (3:48)
B3. Chega De Saudade [No More Blues] {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (4:53)
B4. Jive Master M {Jan Lundgren} (5:04) 

Total Time: 42:29 

Credits:
Producer - Eric Palmcrantz
Recording Engineer - Eric Palmcrantz, Fredrik Möller, Gert Palmcrantz
Technician [Piano Tuning] - Edgar Lips
Mastering - Björn Engelmann
Lacquer Cutting - Janne Hansson
Photography [Cover] - Daniel Olsén
Photography [Liner] - Natasja Kinneen
Album Design - Pelle Jansson, Pelle von Malmborg 

The Magic Stroll

Manhattan Jazz Orchestra - Moanin' (1989)

The Manhattan Jazz Orchestra's first album. The selection of songs is superb, from Caravan to the exciting Moanin' to My Funny Valentine! Each member has outstanding technique and the arrangement is excellent. The performance and atmosphere are hot. Starting with Duke Ellington's "Caravan," "Summertime," "Moanin'," "My Funny Valentine," "Sidewinder," and "Autumn Leaves," famous songs that represent jazz history are performed one after another. The recording is excellent, the horns are crisp, and the roar of the bass and the sound of the drums are realistic. ~ fleamarket. 

Heat Relief: Oh, yeah? Blow away the intense heat, the performance was immediately MJQ's genealogy, very pleasant! It is exhilarating. It will be a piece that will listen to with a good quality device! ~ ACE, 5 Stars, [Translated from Japanese] Amazon.com. 

Paddle Wheel, 292E 6046, 1989
Recorded 12th, 15th & 21st August, 1989 at A&R Studio, New York 

Personnel:
Dave Matthews - Piano
Alan Rubin, Joe Shepley - Trumpet (#1,3-5,7)
Jon Faddis - Trumpet (#1,3,4)
Earl Gardner, Robert Millikan, Tony Kadleck - Trumpet (#2,6)
Lew Soloff, Randy Brecker - Trumpet (#5,7)
Birch Johnson - Trombone (#1,3-5,7)
Jim Pugh, Keith O'Quinn, Urbie Green - Trombone (#2,6)
Paul Faulise - Bass Trombone (#1,3-5,7)
David Taylor - Bass Trombone (#2,5-7)
Fred Griffin, John Clark - French Horn (#1,3-5,7)
Chris Hunter, Dick - Alto Saxophone Oatts (#2,6)
George Young - Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet
Lawrence Feldman - Tenor Saxophone (#2,6)
Roger Rosenberg - Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone (#2,6)
Hiram Bullock - Guitar (#2)
Chip Jackson - Bass
Danny Gottlieb - Drums (#1-4,6)
Dave Weckl - Drums (#5,7)

Tracks:
1. Caravan {Duke Ellington, Juan Tizol} (7:43)
2. Moanin' {Bobby Timmons} (4:45)
3. My Funny Valentine {Richard Rodgers} (7:13)
4. Summertime {George Gershwin} (10:03)
5. The Sidewinder {Lee Morgan} (8:25)
6. Big Apple Jam {David Matthews} (8:42)
7. Autumn Leaves {Joseph Kosma} (8:19) 

Total Time: 55:14 

Credits:
Producer - David Matthews (#1,2-7), Kenzo Yokokura (#2)
Reissue Producer - Yoichi Nakao
Engineer - Michael Farrow
Mastering Engineer - Hatsuro Takanami
Cover Design - Shigo Yamaguchi, Takuya Watanabe
Art Direction - Munco Hanzawa
Notes - Yasuki Nakayama 

Moanin'

Keno Duke Contemporaries - Crest of the Wave

Another repost by request...

Keno Duke Contemporaries - Crest of the Wave
Trident (3) – TRS 501 1975

A1 Crest Of The Wave 6:39
    Written-By – K. Duke*
A2 Some Other Time 4:40    
    Written-By – F. Strozier*
A3 Little "D" 5:15
    Written-By – K. Duke*
B1 My Father Knows 5:48
    Written-By – K. Duke*
B2 Uschi I 7:02
    Written-By – K. Duke*
B3 Chateau 12 4:21
    Written-By – K. Duke*

    Alto Saxophone, Flute – Frank Strozier
    Bass – Lisle Atkinson
    Drums – Keno Duke
    Flute – Frank Strozier
    Piano – Harold Mabern
    Tenor Saxophone – George Coleman

Oddly the final album of this marvelous band is the least exciting of the three. That is not to infer that it by any means bad, it is just that the bar was set awfully high by the first two albums. Even on their worst day these guys were not capable of bad. Listening to the record now I am loving it, just not as much as the other two. This scary perfect rip comes from our pal Wid.

Nicholas Payton - Dear Louis (2001)

Dear Louis is based upon Nicholas Payton's commissioned tribute to jazz icon Louis Armstrong and was recorded primarily during the year 2000. The CD features 13 songs primarily popularized by Louis Armstrong with Payton performing some priceless trumpet solos in the stellar company of his 14-piece band. He is joined by special guest vocalists Dr. John and Dianne Reeves. Nicholas Payton premiered his original title track, "Dear Louis," as a quartet feature at Lincoln Center as part the commission that spurred the recording. On this record, the trumpeter's big band expands the musical concept with such mastery that it is hard to fathom it scaled for quartet. Dear Louis opens with "Potato Head Blues," which features a re-harmonized melody and a rearrangement of Armstrong's original break. Payton's use of a conga solo by Kenyatta Simon adds a colorful dimension to "Hello Dolly," while "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead, You Rascal You" gives listeners another side of Payton the vocalist. Dianne Reeves turns in a great performance on "Blues in the Night," one of Payton's favorite Armstrong records, whose original vocals were performed by Ella Fitzgerald. Reeves also sings a dynamic rendition of "Sunny Side of the Street." The set closes with "West End Blues," with Payton capturing Armstrong's classic introduction before launching into a straight-ahead blues shuffle. As a whole, the artist captures the fiery trajectories of Armstrong's classic solos with a command not heard since the master himself performed many of them. Each and every song on the CD truly belongs to Payton and company, and the listener in no way is ever offered a simple rehash of Armstrong's style. Their playing is solid, deserves admiration, and listeners can be forever grateful to Payton for capturing the true essence of the Armstrong jazz legacy through his own personal sound. Nicholas Payton plays trumpet, flugelhorn, Fender Rhodes electric piano in addition to vocals and writing all of the arrangements. Dear Louis is by far the best CD recorded by the artist to date and offers a remarkable perspective for appreciating how far the young genius has come since making his Verve debut, From This Moment. ~ by Paula Edelstein, AMG. 

Verve Records, 549 419-2, 2001
Recorded 9th-11th September and 2nd October, 2000 at Avatar Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Nicholas Payton - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Rhodes, Vocals
Paul Stephens, Ray Vega - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Vincent Gardner - Trombone
Bob Stewart - Tuba
Bill Easley - Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute
Scott Robinson - Bass Clarinet, Baritone Sax, Contrabass Sax, Flute
Tim Warfield - Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax, Flute
Peter Bernstein - Guitar
Melvin Rhyne - Organ
Anthony Wonsey - Piano
Walter Payton - Bass
Reuben Rogers - Bass (#5)
Adonis Rose - Drums
Kenyatta Simon - Percussion
Dianne Reeves - Vocals (#6,8)
Dr. John - Vocals (#8,10)

Tracks:
01. Potato Head Blues {Louis Armstrong} (5:59)
02. Hello, Dolly {Jerry Herman} (8:30)
03. I'll Be Glad When You're Dead, You Rascal You {Sam Theard} (4:35)
04. Tight Like This {Langston Curl} (7:06)
05. Interlude [St. James Infirmary {Traditional}] (0:42)
06. On The Sunny Side Of The Street {Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh} (4:04)
07. Dear Louis {Nicholas Payton} (6:03)
08. Blues In The Night {Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer} (3:49)
09. The Peanut Vendor {L. Gilbert, Moisés Simóns, Marion Sunshine} (5:25)
10. Mack The Knife {Marc Blitzstein, Bertolt Brecht, Kurt Weill} (2:53)
11. Tiger Rag {Da Costa, Edwards, LaRocca, Ragas, Sbarbaro, Shields} (6:06)
12. I'll Never Be The Same {Gus Kahn, Matty Malneck, Frank Signorelli} (4:59)
13. West End Blues {King Oliver, Clarence Williams} (7:58) 

Total Time: 68:14 

Credits:
Producer, Arranger - Nicholas Payton
Executive Producer - Richard Seidel
Engineer, Mastering, Mixing - James P. Nichols
Release Coordinator - John Newcott
Music Copyist - Victor Goines
Design - Greenberg Kingsley
Art Direction - Hollis King 

Dear Louis

Ruby Braff-Buddy Tate - With The Newport All Stars (1967)

Cornetist Ruby Braff and tenor saxophonist Buddy Tate make for a very complementary team on this fine CD reissue which also includes pianist George Wein, bassist Jack Lesberg, and drummer Don Lamond. Several alternate takes and a previously unreleased "Lullaby of the Leaves" expand this fine session which has among its highlights are enjoyable versions of "Mean To Me," "My Monday Date," "Take The "A" Train," and "The Sheik of Araby." This is high-quality small-group swing by some of the best which was recorded at a time when the idiom was considered very much out of style by the modernists. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Black Lion Records, BLCD 760138, 1990
Recorded 28th October, 1967 at Chappell Studios, London, England 

Musicians:
Ruby Braff - Cornet
Buddy Tate - Tenor Saxophone
George Wein - Piano
Jack Lesberg - Bass
Don Lamond - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Mean To Me [Take 1] {Fred E. Ahlert, Roy Turk} (6:33)
02. Body And Soul {Frank Eyton, Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour} (4:40)
03. I Surrender Dear {Harry Barris, Gordon Clifford} (5:01)
04. My Monday Date {Earl Hines} (6:13)
05. Take The "A" Train [Take 2] {Billy Strayhorn} (3:49)
06. Don't Blame Me {Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh, David Raksin, F. Wess} (4:30)
07. Pan Am Blues {George Wein} (3:20)
08. These Foolish Things {Harry Link, Holt Marvell, Jack Strachey} (5:10)
09. The Sheik Of Araby [Take 2] {Harry Beasley Smith, Ted Snyder, Francis Wheeler} (5:33)
10. Lullaby Of The Leaves {Bernice Petkere, Joe Young} (2:41)
11. Mean To Me [Take 2] {Fred E. Ahlert, Roy Turk} (7:28)
12. Take The "A" Train [Take 1] {Billy Strayhorn} (4:25)
13. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone {Sidney Clare, Sam H. Stept} (4:12)
14. The Sheik Of Araby [Take 1] {Harry Beasley Smith, Ted Snyder, Francis Wheeler} (4:37) 

Total Time: 68:19 

Credits:
Producer - Alan Bates
Recording Engineer - John Timperley
Supervisor - Jack Higgins, Terry Brown
Design [Sleeve] - Malcolm Walker
Photography [Back Sleeve] - Fred Warren
Photography [Front Sleeve] - David Redfern
Liner Notes - Alun Morgan 

Take The "A" Train

Ryuichiro Tonozuka - Rush Tone (2003)

Flugelhorn player Ryuichiro Tsunozuka, whose debut album "Sweet Home" recorded extraordinary sales, has finally made his debut on the scene! His talent is obvious, as he has been performing at live music venues all over the country, as well as on the streets of Shinjuku and Kichijoji, stopping even those unfamiliar with jazz. His passionate performance, which combines a sense of speed similar to Freddie Hubbard, songfulness and wildness, is overwhelming. Half of the album is original and half is a cover, and you can feel the great range of his music from there. The second album by flugelhorn player Ryuichiro Tsunozuka. This work is a harmonious blend of the warm tone of the flugelhorn and his performance style as a plow hitter with a sense of scale. ~ Asako Kodaka, [Translated From Japanese] Tower Records. 

Omagatoki Records, OMCZ-1015, 2003 

Musicians:
Ryuichiro Tonozuka - Flugelhorn
Mitsuhiro Itagaki - Piano
Shinji Nakamura - Piano, Organ
Keisuke Torigoe - Bass
Mitsutaka Uyama - Drums

Tracks:
01. Lotus Blossom {Billy Strayhorn} (4:48)
02. Lonely Flower {Ryuichiro Tonozuka} (4:41)
03. Flood In Franklin Park {Ryuichiro Tonozuka} (5:31)
04. A Child Is Born {Thad Jones} (8:52)
05. Alone Together {Howard Dietz, Arthur Schwartz} (4:57)
06. Kumi {Ryuichiro Tonozuka} (7:51)
07. Poem {Wynton Marsalis} (3:39)
08. Desert Highway {Ryuichiro Tonozuka} (3:16)
09. Pucchi, Walk About {Ryuichiro Tonozuka} (6:32)
10. [They Long To Be] Close To You {Burt Bacharach, Hal David} (5:48)
11. This I Dig Of You {Hank Mobley} (4:53) 

Total Time: 60:52 

Kumi

Frank Basile - Modern Inventions (2012)

Like most instruments, the baritone saxophone has a strong legacy in jazz history. Musicians such as Harry Carney, Gerry Mulligan, Serge Chaloff, Cecil Payne, Nick Brignola, Pepper Adams, Scott Robinson, and Gary Smulyan have all developed the horn into a nimble, expressive solo instrument. These great musicians provide the legacy for younger musicians to draw from as they develop their own marks on the music. Frank Basile is a prime example. For his third release Frank has assembled some of the finest players who he has collaborated with in New York over the past decade. 

‘I met Fabien in December 2006 when I was playing in Caen, a town in Normandy, with the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band, Frank says. 'After the gig, some of us went to sit in at the jam session at Camion Jazz which is an amazing jazz club housed in an empty semi-trailer in the middle of a field. I first heard Fabien there and I was an instant fan. Washington, D.C. native Alex Hoffman has been in New York since 2005, Frank knows him from gigs around New York. 'Whenever he plays, I say to myself, 'Why didn't I think of that?'' Like Basile and Mary, his playing is astute while pulling no punches. The rhythm section has similar tenure on the New York music scene. Drummer Pete Van Nostrand was born in Binghamton, New York, has been around NYC since 2000. Pianist Ehud Asherie was born in Israel in 1979, and lived in Italy before moving to New York when he was nine. Bassist David Wong is a New York City native. He and Frank first met in 2001 when both were at Juilliard. These musicians share a respect for the mainstream jazz tradition that continues to excite listeners and attract talented young musicians to a music that has been dominant since decades before they were born. They're also dedicated to move the music forward with their improvisations and fresh approaches to standard repertoire and their own (in this case Frank's) compositions. Frank's horn arrangements have that classic sound, too; I hear strains of Tadd Dameron, Shorty Rogers, and Horace Silver throughout. The 'classics' presented here cover a broad spectrum. 'João' is by Clare Fischer, a canny bossa nova dedication. 'Venita's Dance' is from Kenny Dorham's classic Afro Cuban. 'The Gypsy' has been played by the likes of Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, and Quincy Jones, but Frank prefers a recording by Sonny Stitt with Oscar Peterson; he plays this ballad with just the rhythm section. 'Project S' is one of Jimmy Heath's many great lines, and 'Smoke Gets in Your Eyes' is an up-tempo arrangement that Frank has written and revised over the past few years. Frank's tunes fit in like hand in glove. 'The High Desert,' sounds like a line that would fit a Woody Shaw or Joe Henderson band. Listen how Mary's horn lifts the ensemble here on the theme. 'Fountain City Bounce' was named after a recent Kansas City-based tour of the Midwest, and was inspired by the writing on the 1962 Impulse! Record, Count Basie and the Kansas City 7. The fleet 'Modern Inventions' is named for a favorite Donald Duck cartoon that Frank used to enjoy with his dad. If one needed evidence that jazz was in good hands, this Frank Basile Sextet should provide all the proof that is needed. ~ Extract by Roger Atkinson, JAM Magazine, Kansas City. 

Frank Basile Music, 1st August, 2012
Recorded 13th April, 2012 at Tedesco Studio, Paramus, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Frank Basile - Baritone Saxophone
Fabien Mary - Trumpet
Alex Hoffmann - Tenor Saxophone
Ehud Asherie - Piano
David Wong - Bass
Pete Van Nostrand - Drums

Tracks:
1. The High Desert {Frank Basile} (6:51)
2. João {Clare Fisher} (6:18)
3. Fountain City Bounce {Frank Basile} (7:15)
4. Venita's Dance {Kenny Dorham} (7:20)
5. Modern Inventions {Frank Basile} (4:21)
6. The Gypsy {Billy Reid} (6:58)
7. Project S {Jimmy Heath} (7:13)
8. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes {Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach} (5:42) 

Total Time: 51:59 

Credits:
Producer - Frank Basile
Engineer - Tom Tedesco
Mixing and Mastering - Jon Rosenberg
Cover Photo - Myriam Garnier
Layout and Design - Jared Stone
Liner Notes - Roger Atkinson 

Modern Inventions

Jimmy Ponder, Ron Carter, Ben Green - I Giganti Del Jazz, Vol. 28 (1981) [vinyl]

A rare piece of vinyl released on the Italian Curcio Records label in 1981. Jimmy is in top form joined by bassist Ron Carter, drummer Ben Green and pianist Warren Bernhardt. On the last track it is suggested according a few sources that saxophonist William Skinner and organist Jimmy McGriff also come into the grouping. Jimmy showcases four of his own compositions along with one from Sam Jones and another from Miles Davis. Overall, a worthwhile earlier addition to Jimmy Ponder's discography that truly demonstrates his virtuosity and the emergence of a great guitarist. 

Curcio Records, GJ-28, 1981
Recorded prob. New York City: c. 1980 (?) 

Musicians:
Jimmy Ponder - Guitar
William Skinner - Tenor Saxophone (#B3)
Warren Bernhardt - Piano (#A1,A3,B1,B2), Electric Piano (#A2)
Jimmy McGriff - Organ (#B3)
Ron Carter - Bass
Ben Green - Drums 

Tracks:
A1. Seven Minds {Sam Jones} (4:46)
A2. Visions {Jimmy Ponder} (7:51)
A3. Ponder'n {Jimmy Ponder} (5:33)
B1. Blues Bag {Jimmy Ponder} (4:06)
B2. All Blues {Miles Davis} (5:42)
B3. Pices {Jimmy Ponder} (5:36) 

Total Time: 33:34 

Blues Bag

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