Fumio Karashima Quintet - Avanti (1988)

Here we have one of Fumio Karashima’s earlier albums, where he assembles a dynamic quintet that features a powerful two-saxophone lineup and arranged entirely by the group. All selections on the album were composed by the leader and Japanese pianist Fumio Karashima, with the exception of the classic jazz standard 'Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk. The other players include saxophonists Toshihiko Inoue and Masahiro Fujioka, bassist Ikuo Sakurai and drummer Shingo Okudaira. Essentially it is a highly polished album meticulously recorded [DR15] with all tracks played exceptionally well. Recommended! 

Polydor Records, H33P-20287, 1988
Recorded in September 1988 at Studio Key-Stone, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Fumio Karashima - Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes]
Toshihiko Inoue - Soprano Sax, Tenor Sax
Masahiro Fujioka - Soprano Sax, Alto Sax
Ikuo Sakurai - Double Bass
Shingo Okudaira - Drums

Tracks:
1. Avanti {Fumio Karashima} (5:54)
2. Greeting {Fumio Karashima} (7:48)
3. Quiet Moment {Fumio Karashima} (7:21)
4. One For Him {Fumio Karashima} (11:31)
5. Ivory Coast {Fumio Karashima} (6:20)
6. 'Round Midnight {Thelonious Monk} (5:20)
7. I Wish You Were Near {Fumio Karashima} (4:45) 

Total Time: 49:01 

Credits:
Producer - Fumio Karashima, Masa Marumo
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Teruaki Kitagawa
Assistant Engineer - Masatsuna Chubachi
Technician [Piano Tuner] - Mikio Watanabe
Management - Jiro Shinagawa
Design - Akihiro Yasuda

LINK

Avanti [Live]

Fredrik Kronkvist - On The Move (2017)

For this album Fredrik assembles a quartet consisting of correspondingly resourceful players, that include pianist Martin Sjöstedt, bassist Amin Salim and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. These four decidedly capable musicians execute eleven fiery original compositions by Kronkvist. 'On The Move' is a newly created ‘urban music’ style in which the four skilled members come together to provide an example of what it can sound like if the usual brass-plus-accompaniment formula is shelved. What we now call jazz is linked together with that of a collective improvisational music from many cultures. This is explicit, as in the small "Laid-Back Move", and "Tyner's Island" that borrows dance rhythms from the Caribbean. Kronkvist makes extensive use of his soprano saxophone, and with it, arguably, he accomplishes an even more exquisite tone than with the alto. "Levitation" is a number where Hutchinson displays his prowess. "Abstract Move" is another mini-tune, as is the jazz-rock flavoured "Next Move" that closes the album. 'On The Move' the listener is treated to a kind of modal defined suite, built on a series of long and short phrases or themes, moves in which harmonics are often repeated. 'On The Move', is another Fredrik Kronkvist album which will stand the test of time as valuable example of modern creative jazz. 

Connective Records, CTV36538, 2017
Recorded 15th October, 2015 at The Village Recor4ding, Copenhagen, Denmark 

Musicians:
Fredrik Kronkvist - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Martin Sjöstedt - Piano
Ameen Saleem - Bass
Gregory Hutchinson - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Epic Takedown (5:29)
02. Essential (7:33)
03. Letting Go (6:47)
04. Laid-Back Move (0:38)
05. The Healer (5:15)
06. Tyner's Island (3:38)
07. Glowing (4:08)
08. Abstract Move (1:00)
09. Morning Star (4:00)
10. Levitation (4:10)
11. Next Move (0:48) 

All compositions by Fredrik Kronvist 

Total Time: 43:29 

Credits:
Producer - Fredrik Kronkvist
Executive Producer - Mirian Aida
Recording Engineer - Thomas Vang
Mixing & Mastering - Anders Wall [Wallofsound]
Cover Design - Cronographics
Cover Photos - Sten Hnssons, Torben Waldorff

LINK

Glowing

Junko Onishi Trio - Live At The Village Vanguard (1994)

This is a memorable set. When pianist Junko Onishi performs songs from the likes of Charles Mingus ("So Long Eric"), John Lewis ("Concorde"), and Ornette Coleman ("Congeniality"), she interprets each of the tunes as much as possible within the intent and style of its composer. "So Long Eric," although performed by her trio, gives one the impression at times that several horns are soloing together; in addition, polyrhythms are utilized part of the time, Ornette's "Congeniality" has a strong pulse but fairly free improvising, while "Concorde" sounds both distinguished and full of blues feeling, like John Lewis himself. Onishi's exploration of "Blue Skies" uplifts the warhorse through the use of colorful vamps and an altered melody, she takes the slow ballad "Darn That Dream" as a medium-tempo stomp, and her original, "How Long Has This Been Goin' On," is brooding but not downbeat and swings hard without losing its serious nature. There is not a weak selection in the bunch and the interplay between Onishi, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley is quite impressive. ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

Somethin' Else Records, TOCJ-5570, 1994
Recorded 6th-8th May, 1994 at Village Vanguard, New York, NY 

Musicians:
Junko Onishi - Piano
Reginald Veal - Bass
Herlin Riley - Drums 

Tracks:
1. So Long Eric {Charles Mingus} (8:27)
2. Blue Skies {Irving Berlin} (9:16)
3. Concorde {John Lewis} (6:32)
4. How Long Has This Been Goin' On {Junko Onishi} (10:45)
5. Darn That Dream {Eddie DeLange, James Van Heusen} (6:31)
6. Congeniality {Ornette Coleman} (14:02) 

Total Time: 55:35 

Credits:
Producer - Junko Onishi
Executive Producer - Hitoshi Namekata
Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Brian Kingman, Mark Shane
Engineer, Mixing - Masuzo Iida
Mastering - Yoshio Okazaki
Art Direction - Kaoru Taku

Link

Darn That Dream

Hino-Kikuchi Quintet - Counter Current (2007)

A groundbreaking work and extreme art that challenges the frivolous and superficial state of society, created by two legendary figures!! In 2007, a new legend emerges for Terumasa Hino and Masaaki Kikuchi. Both are leading Japanese artists and close friends who share a deep trust in each other as musicians, and now they join forces once again. They recorded the "Hino-Kikuchi Quintet" in 1968 and have continued to collaborate on each other's works since, but this is their first joint production as a co-led quintet in 12 years since their 1995 reunion album (which won the gold prize at Swing Journal's Jazz Disc Awards). They relentlessly explore the secrets of improvisation with ultra-hardcore, authentic jazz, making a significant impact on the scene. Stripped down and honed to perfection, the interplay is exquisite. Not a single note is wasted, and an overwhelmingly high-level musical dialogue intertwines with breathtaking beauty. Amidst the tranquility, the inherent vitality and dynamism of jazz overflow, and Motian's seasoned drumming and the support of the two young musicians shine through. Its worldview, the antithesis of simplicity and accessibility, is truly worthy of being called a "controversial work," and while seemingly difficult to understand, it quietly heals the soul deep within the listener. Even if it becomes a "countercurrent" against the easily swayed trends of the times...the ultimate art of seekers who seek the essence of music is born here. ~ cdjapan.co.jp. [Translated From Japanese] 

Sony Records Int'l, SICP 10070, 2007
Recorded 9th & 10th June, 2007 at Avatar Studios, New York 

Musicians:
Terumasa Hino - Trumpet
Masabumi Kikuchi - Piano
Michael Attias - Alto Sax
Thomas Morgan - Bass
Paul Motian - Drums 

Tracks:
1. J.L.L. [Ver.1] (9:32)
2. Sky Over Rain Forest (9:09)
3. Blue In Yellow [For Mark Rothko] (3:00)
4. Misery On The Hudson (8:51)
5. Making The Elephant Run [Ver.1] (12:10)
6. Making The Elephant Run [Ver.2] (5:30)
7. J.L.L. [Ver.2] (10:43) 

All compositions by Terumasa Hino, Masabumi Kikuchi 

Total Time: 59:12

LINK

(Full Album)

Rosario Giuliani Quartet - Flashing Lights (1998)

Here we have one of Rosario Giuliani's earlier albums, produced by Paolo Piangiarelli and released in 1998 on the Italian Philology Records label. For this album Rosario assembles an all-Italian quartet comprising of himself playing both alto and soprano saxophones, pianist Pietro Lussu, bassist Joseph Lepore and drummer Lorenzo Tucci. Together they romp through eleven tunes, seven original compositions by Rosario, two by Joseph Lepore, one by Pietro Lussu and the remainder by Enrico Pieranunzi. Overall, it is an enthralling and very entertaining discourse of post-bop jazz. 

Philology Records, W. 128.2, 1998

Musicians:
Rosario Giuliani - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Pietro Lussu - Piano
Joseph Lepore - Bass
Lorenzo Tucci - Drums

Tracks:
01. To John {Rosario Giuliani} (6:24)
02. Dicembre {Rosario Giuliani} (7:11)
03. Sphere's {Joseph Lepore} (7:48)
04. Hindsight {Enrico Pieranunzi} (7:44)
05. Puzzle {Joseph Lepore} (8:15)
06. Love For My Mother {Rosario Giuliani} (5:39)
07. Flashing Light {Rosario Giuliani} (4:34)
08. My Flower {Rosario Giuliani} (5:27)
09. Dark Beauty {Pietro Lussu} (4:33)
10. Other Times {Rosario Giuliani} (8:28)
11. Coffee Shop {Rosario Giuliani} (4:04) 

Total Time: 70:11

LINK

Flashing Light

Dezron Douglas Quintet - Live At Smalls (2012)

The album captures a performance by the Dezron Douglas Quintet, recorded live at Smalls Jazz Club in Greenwich Village, NYC, over two sessions in late March, 2012. Bassist Dezron Douglas is joined by trumpeter Josh Evans, tenorist Stacy Dillard, pianist David Bryant and drummer Willie Jones III. Dezron showcases three of his own tunes (The Puppet, Let's Ride, Power Of One) plus one by David Bryant (Nita). The remaining two compositions are jazz standards penned by Barry Harris (Bish Bash Bop) and Gigi Gryce (Minority). Like most of the concerts at Smalls they are inspirational and dynamic, whereby all players involved excel creating some wonderful jazz. 

SmallsLIVE Records, SL0028, 2012
Recorded 23rd, 24th March, 2012 Live at Smalls Jazz Club, New York City 

Musicians:
Dezron Douglas - Bass
Josh Evans - Trumpet
Stacy Dillard - Tenor Sax
David Bryant - Piano
Willie Jones III - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Bish Bash Bop {Barry Harris} (10:36)
2. The Puppet {Dezron Douglas} (10:33)
3. Let's Ride {Dezron Douglas} (9:49)
4. Nita {David Bryant} (5:31)
5. Minority {Gigi Gryce} (13:08)
6. Power Of One {Dezron Douglas} (9:03) 

Total Time: 58:35 

Credits:
Producer, Mixing Engineer - Ben Rubin
Executive Producer, Producer, Liner Notes - Spike Wilner
Engineer - Geoff Countryman, Tyler McDiarmid
Mastering Engineer - Gene Paul
Photography, Design - Michelle Watt
Liner Notes - Dezron Douglas

LINK

Nita

Jun Miyake - Jun! (2003)

Discovered by legendary jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino, Miyake began his career as a jazz musician after studying at the Berklee College of Music. For this 2003 album Japanese saxophonist and flautist Jun Miyake assembles a quartet utilising fellow Japanese musicians; guitarist Satoshi Inoue, bassist Yosuke Inoue and drummer Taro Koyama. Together they interpret eight well-known jazz standards and one of Jun's own compositions. It is a tight unit and Jun clearly showcases his abilities on both sax and flute, backed firmly by the other players whom also get to shine. In all, there is a lot to enjoy here.

Jun Miyake is a highly versatile Japanese composer and multi-instrumentalist, widely acclaimed for his "hybrid sound" that seamlessly blends jazz, classical, electronic, and world music. ~ roughtrade.com.

What'sNew Records, WNCJ-2121, 2003

Musicians:
Jun Miyake - Tenor Sax, Flute
Satoshi Inoue - Guitar
Yosuke Inoue - Bass
Taro Koyama - Drums

Tracks:
1. Sugar {Stanley Turrentine} (4:45)
2. There Will Never Be Another You {H. Warren, M. Gordon} (4:21)
3. Blue Bossa {Kenny Dorham} (3:02)
4. You Don't Know What Love Is {Don Raye, Gene DePaul} (6:46)
5. Darn That Dream {Jimmy Van Heusen, Eddie DeLange} (6:01)
6. Jun! {Jun Miyake} (2:28)
7. Day Of Wine And Roses {Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer} (4:18)
8. Just Friends {John Klenner, Sam Lewis} (4:43)
9. Sunny {Bobby Hebb} (4:59)

Total Time: 41:25

LINK

Sugar

Sean Jones - Kaleidoscope (2007)

Trumpeter Sean Jones emphasizes various vocalist friends for his fourth recording as a leader. His previous CDs have leaned toward a more produced pop-oriented approach within a definite modern jazz framework, and this effort leans toward a balance of combining those elements without being overtly commercialized. The first eight cuts all feature the singers, the most effective being rising star Gretchen Parlato. Her beautiful voice levitates Kendrick Scott's ballad composition "Journey," done on his debut CD, receiving a different, less expansive treatment, while the sunny swing waltz "It's Just a Matter of Time" has Parlato and Sachal Vasandani swapping opposing transposed crowded vocal lines. Parlato is special; please pay attention to her in the future. Even more impressive are two spiritualistic pieces, reminiscent of the recent work by pianist Robert Glasper. The opener, "Allison," drips with emotion, informed by the lovely piano playing of Orrin Evans, slight Latin spice, and the wordless vocals of J.D. Walter, while "Esperanto" (not sung in Esperanto) has Carolyn Perteete's siren-song singing, pristine as morning dew. At this point one barely notices the trumpet player, until you hear four consecutive instrumentals. "Say Brah" is a cooking typical neo-bopper, "Blak Music" a less clichéd hard bopper, the title track a more modern near-fusion Fender Rhodes-infused piece, and "The Sluice" revealing Jones as a singsongy Lee Morgan/Freddie Hubbard-influenced Young Lion. The pacing and programming of this recording could have been more effectively revisited; it feels like block formatting. It is another fine, not yet definitive musical effort from Jones, easily a Top Ten rising star of contemporary jazz trumpet. ~ by Michael G. Nastos, AMG. 

Mack Avenue, MAC 1037, 2007
Recorded at:
Audible Images, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Avatar Studio, New York, NY
Dirtysoap Studios, New York, NY 

Musicians:
Sean Jones - Trumpet (#2,4,5,7-13), Flugelhorn (#1,3,6)
Antoine Drye - Trumpet (#5)
Brian Hogans - Alto Sax (#5,9-12), Flute (#1,7,8), Rhodes (#1)
Walter Smith III - Tenor Sax (#5,9-12)
Tia Fuller - Flute (#1)
Orrin Evans - Piano (#1-3,6-10,12), Rhodes (#4,5,11)
Alton Merrill - Keyboards (#4,13), Organ (#5), Rhodes (#5), Piano (#13)
Luques Curtis - Acoustic Bass (#2,3,7-13), Bass (#1,6), Percussion (#1)
Mike Boone - Electric Bass (#4,5)
Obed Calvaire - Drums (#1-13), Percussion (#1)
Jay Ashby - Percussion (#1)
Gretchen Parlato - Percussion (#2), Vocals (#2,7,8)
J.D. Walter - Vocals (#1,3,5), Arranger
Kim Burrell - Vocals (#4,13)
Carolyn Perteete - Vocals (#6)
Sachal Vasandani - Vocals (#7,8)

Tracks:
01. Allison {Sean Jones} (6:48)
02. Journey {Kendrick Scott, Gretchen Parlato} (5:19)
03. Never Let Me Go {Ray Evans, Jay Livingston} (4:48)
04. I Come To Thee {Orrin Evans, Tiffany Jones, Heidi Martin} (6:28)
05. So Wonderful {J.D. Walter} (5:53)
06. Esperanto {Vince Mendoza, Kurt Elling} (6:13)
07. It's Just A Matter Of Time [Intro] {Ron Westray} (0:50)
08. It's Just A Matter Of Time {Ron Westray} (6:18)
09. Say Brah {Walter Smith III} (5:56)
10. Blak Music {Brian Hogans} (6:33)
11. Kaleidoscope {Walter Smith III} (5:03)
12. The Sluice {Orrin Evans} (6:40)
13. You're The Reason {Alton Merrill} (6:34) 

Total Time: 73:31 

Credits:
Producer, Audio Production - Al Pryor
Producer, Audio Production, Vocal Producer - Orrin Evans
Producer, Director, Creative Services Coordinator - Maria Ehrenreich
Production Assistant, Production Coordination - Will Wakefield
Audio Production, Engineer, Audio Engineer, Vocal Producer - Antoine Drye
Audio Engineer, Audio Production, Engineer, Vocal Producer - Donald Edwards
Audio Engineer, Engineer - James Farber, Jay Dudt, Dave Stoller, Hollis Greathouse
Audio Engineer, Assistant Engineer - Anthony Rutolo, Brian Montgomery
Mastering Engineer - Doug Sax, Sangwook "Sunny" Nam
Photography - Frank Stewart

LINK

The Sluice

Sean Jones - Eternal Journey (2004)

Sean Jones makes a splash into the pool of jazz trumpet players with this debut recording. At 25 years old, Jones has a sound that's reminiscent of other modern trumpeters in the vein of Marcus Printup, Nicholas Payton, and Roy Hargrove. A teacher and student pursuing a doctorate at Duquesne University, his musical credits include names such as Jon Faddis, Joe Lovano, and the Gerald Wilson Orchestra. Though Jones is considerably new on the block, Eternal Journey benefits from a stellar group of musicians which includes Ralph Peterson, Mulgrew Miller, Orrin Evans, and newcomer Tia Fuller, who contributes impressively on saxophone and flute. Veteran Charles Fambrough rounds out the set of musicians with solid bass work. The eleven compositions include five written by Jones, two by Fuller, and four standards. Jones has a controlled and sparkling sound that is evident on the opening up-tempo piece "Gullyism" with rapid solos. He also performs with poise on the mellow title "Eternal Journey" with the addition of Fuller’s lovely flute work. Things do get interesting on "The Serpent" with its circuitous syncopation and urban-styled flair. The veterans perform as expected with Peterson’s all-encompassing drum work and Miller and Evans shining on piano. On "The Last Minute" the art of hard bop is shown in full effect as everyone glows with intense performances. Jones plays like a veteran and brings to mind another seasoned trumpeter, Terence Blanchard, on the soulful "95 South." On an interesting interpretation of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," Jones completely shines in terms of composition and harmony as he makes his own statement on the classic. While seasoned listeners may find little new on Eternal Journey, they will be treated to some well executed music and the revelation that Jones is a skilled player with presence and potential. ~ by Mark F. Turner, All About Jazz. 

Mack Avenue, MAC 1016, 2004
Recorded 16th & 17th October, 2003 at Systems Two Studios, Brooklyn, New York 

Musicians:
Sean Jones - Trumpet, Arranger
Tia Fuller - Alto & Soprano Sax, Flute
Mulgrew Miller - Piano
Orrin Evans - Piano
Charles Fambrough - Bass
Ralph Peterson - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Gullyism {Tia Fuller} (5:46)
02. Eternal Journey {Tia Fuller} (6:24)
03. John {Sean Jones} (7:02)
04. The Serpent {Sean Jones} (7:12)
05. You Are My Everything {Mort Dixon, Harry Warren, Joseph Young} (5:44)
06. God Bless The Child {Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog, Jr.} (5:37)
07. At the Last Minute {Sean Jones} (5:41)
08. Searching {Sean Jones} (6:50)
09. Over The Rainbow {Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg} (9:42)
10. 95 South {Sean Jones} (4:36)
11. The Very Thought Of You {Ray Noble} (4:10) 

Total Time: 68:50

Credits:
Producer - Al Pryor
Executive Producer, Liner Notes - Gretchen Carhartt
Mixing Engineer - Jim Anderson
Mastering Engineer - Greg Calbi
Assistant Engineer - Max Ross, Ross Petersen
Production Assistant - Will Wakefield
Liner Notes - Scott Yanow

LINK

Eternal Journey

Sean Jones - Roots (2006)

This is Jones’ second Mack Avenue album ably produced by Al Pryor exploring historical jazz implications. Gemini was his homage to, and exorcism of, Miles Davis’ influence, both acoustic and electric. Roots explores the jazz connection to the church, and the devotional heft of gospel music. The CD follows a definite arc, beginning with a short a cappella traditional hymn and ending with a trumpet-piano duet on a spiritual. In between, Jones plays in quartet, quintet (mining soul-jazz) and trio (churchy organ and drums) contexts, in a repertoire of new and classic jazz and gospel tunes. Ellington’s “Come Sunday” is exquisite, Jones’ trumpet solo indelible. Pianist Orrin Evans is the most impressive of a fine group of supporting players. But this album is most winning as a warm, heartfelt, all-of-a-piece jazz mood of faith and creativity. ~ Extract by George Kanzler, JazzTimes.com. 

Mack Avenue, MAC 1031, 2006
Recorded in 2006 at Avatar Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Sean Jones - Trumpet
Tia Fuller - Alto Sax (#2,4,8,11,12)
Orrin Evans - Piano, Electric Piano (#2-6,8-11)
Eddie Howard - Piano, Organ (#7,12,13)
Luques Curtis - Bass (#2-6,8-11)
Obed Calvaire - Drums (#2-4,6,8,11)
Jerome Jennings - Drums (#5,7,9,10,12) 

Tracks:
01. Children's Hymn {Traditional} (1:34)
02. Roots {Sean Jones} (7:12)
03. Divine Inspiration {Tim Green} (6:46)
04. God's Gift (Obed Calvaire} (7:03)
05. Come Sunday {Duke Ellington} (7:05)
06. Lift Every Voice {James Weldon Johnson} (8:03)
07. Offering Time {Sean Jones} (1:43)
08. Conversations {Orrin Evans} (5:11)
09. El Soul {Ali Jackson} (5:19)
10. Puddin' Time (Brad Leali} (5:03)
11. What We Have {Sean Jones} (8:00)
12. John 3-16 {Brad Leali} (5:35)
13. I Need Thee {Traditional} (5:01) 

Total Time: 73:38 

Credits:
Producer - Al Pryor
Executive Producer - Gretchen Valade
Engineer, Mixing - Don Murray
Mastering - Doug Sax

LINK

Roots

Willis Jackson - Gentle Gator (1995)

Gentle Gator is a compilation album by American jazz saxophonist Willis "Gator" Jackson, released in 1995 by Prestige Records. The album showcases the "mellow" side of Jackson, who was primarily known as a high-energy "honker" and rhythm and blues tenor man. The collection features recordings from 1961 and 1962, focusing on "deep soul ballads" and "caressing blue ballads". It includes tracks originally released on his Prestige albums like In My Solitude (Moodsville, Vol. 17), Really Groovin' (Prestige 7196), Neopolitan Nights (Prestige 7264) and Shuckin' (Prestige 7260). Jackson is joined by notable sidemen including pianists Tommy Flanagan and Richard Wyands, guitarists Kenny Burrell and Bucky Pizzarelli, bassists Peck Morrison and Wendell Marshall, Drummers Mickey Roker and Gus Johnson, conga player Juan Amalbert, along with a myriad of other fine musicians. Overall, this album captures Jackson's ability to render "ravishing" and "enchanted" balladry. 

Prestige Records, PRCD-24158-2, 1995
Recorded 11th April, 1961 (#1,2,4,10-12) [My Solitude]
Recorded 10th January, 1961 (#3,6-8) [Really Groovin']
Recorded 19th December, 1962 (#5) [Neopolitan Nights]
Recorded 30th October, 1962 (#9) [Shuckin'] 

Musicians:
Willis Jackson - Tenor Sax
Richard Wyands - Piano (#1,2,4,10-12)
Jimmy Neeley - Piano (#3,6-8)
Gildo Mahones - Piano (#5)
Tommy Flanagan - Piano (#9)
Bucky Pizzarelli - Guitar (#5)
Kenny Burrell - Guitar (#9)
Peck Morrison - Bass (#1,2,4,10-12)
Wendell Marshall - Bass (#3,6-8)
George Tucker - Bass (#5)
Eddie Calhoun - Bass (#9)
Mickey Roker - Drums (#1,2,4,10-12)
Gus Johnson - Drums (#3,6-8)
Bobby Donaldson - Drums (#5)
Roy Haynes - Drums (#9)
Juan Amalbert - Congas (#3,6-9)
Montego Joe - Congas (#5), Percussion (#9)
Jose Paulo - Percussion (#9) 

Tracks:
01. Solitude {Duke Ellington, Eddie Delange, Irving Mills} (5:04)
02. Estrellita {Manuel María Ponce Cuéllar} (4:10)
03. Girl Of My Dreams {Sunny Clapp} (6:36)
04. It Never Entered My Mind {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (4:01)
05. Al Di La {Carlo Donida} (4:46)
06. Careless Love {Traditional} (4:24)
07. I Remember Clifford {Benny Golson} (3:48)
08. Again {Dorcas Cochran, Lionel Newman} (4:05)
09. Amor {Gabriel Ruiz, Ricardo Lopez Mendez} (7:48)
10. Nancy [With The Laughing Face] {Jimmy Van Heusen, Phil Silvers} (5:22)
11. Home {Geoffrey Clarkson, Harry Clarkson, Peter Van Steeden} (5:10)
12. They Didn't Believe Me {Jerome Kern, Michael E. Rourke} (3:37) 

Total Time: 58:51 

Credits:
Supervisor - Esmond Edwards (#1-4,6-8,10-12)
Supervisor - Ozzie Cadena (#5,9)
Recording Engineer - Rudy van Gelder
Digital Remastering - Phil De Lancie
Compilation, Liner Notes - Bob Porter
Art Direction - Phil Carroll
Liner Notes - Sidney Falco

LINK

It Never Entered My Mind

Fabio Morgera - Colors (2000)

“Colors” is a 2002 jazz concept album by Italian trumpeter and composer Fabio Morgera, released on the Red Records label. The album for approximately 73 minutes explores the artistic relationship between sounds and visual hues based on eleven of Morgera's original tunes, each titled after a specific colour. For this album Fabio brings together the talents of trombonist Steve Turre, tenorist J.D. Allen, pianists James Hurt and Joe Rybczyk Jr., bassist Eric Revis and drummer Alvester Garnett. Musically, the album is rooted in post-bop and contemporary jazz, that features a hard-boppish trumpet technique and elegant phrasing inspired by another trumpet great Woody Shaw. Overall, this early album truly showcases Fabio's expertise on both trumpet and flugelhorn and his ability to write unique compositions. Its appeal is especially enhanced by the team of exceptional players, namely Steve Turre and J.D. Allen, whom are drawn into this captivating project. 

Red Records, RR 123295 - 2, 2002
Recorded 5th-6th March, 2000 at Studio 900 in New York 

Musicians:
Fabio Morgera - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Steve Turre - Trombone (#1,2,4-6,9,10)
J.D. Allen - Tenor Saxophone
James Hurt - Piano (#1,4,7,9)
Joe Rybczyk Jr. - Piano (#2,3,5,6,8,10,11)
Eric Revis - Bass
Alvester Garnett - Drums 

Tracks:
01. Yellow (6:27)
02. Red (7:42)
03. Blue (5:04)
04. Black (7:16)
05. White (6:15)
06. Grey (6:40)
07. Purple (8:33)
08. Green (8:28)
09. Brown (6:43)
10. Orange (8:43)
11. Pink (2:00) 

All Compositions by Fabio Morgera 

Total Time: 73:57 

Credits:
Producer - Fabio Morgera
Executive-Producer - Sergio Veschi
Recording - Hiro Sanada
Art Direction - Marco Pennisi

LINK

Promo

Hidefumi Toki - In A Sentimental Mood (1992)

In A Sentimental Mood is a jazz album by Japanese saxophonist Hidefumi Toki, released in 1992 on the Japanese Fun House label. The album features Toki's interpretation of the title track, a famous jazz standard composed by Duke Ellington, alongside several other classic jazz ballads. For this session Hidefumi joins with pianists Hiromasa Suzuki and Soichi Noriki, bassist Ikuo Sakurai and drummer Motohiko Hino. The album consists of eight tracks, six jazz standards and two of Toki's own compositions. This album is a powerful production where he takes the selected jazz ballads head-on. There is a mellowness to this work that comes with its age, but the sound is invariably very fresh. Essentially, it is an album well worth listening to over time. Enjoy! 

Fun House, FHCF-2018, 1992
Recorded 1st & 9th June, 1992 at Onkio Haus 1st, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Hidefumi Toki - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Hiromasa Suzuki - Piano (#1,3,5,8)
Soichi Noriki - Piano (#2,4,6,7)
Ikuo Sakurai - Bass
Motohiko Hino - Drums 

Tracks:
1. In A Sentimental Mood {Duke Ellington} (8:47)
2. How Insensitive {Antônio Carlos Jobim} (7:19)
3. You Are Too Beautiful {Richard Rodgers} (6:10)
4. My Foolish Heart {Victor Young} (8:54)
5. Wyeth {Hidefumi Toki} (5:38)
6. Blues For Toko & Toko {Hidefumi Toki} (6:10)
7. Who Cares? {George & Ira Gershwin} (5:09)
8. Smoke Get In Your Eyes {Jerome Kern} (4:41) 

Total Time: 52:52 

Credits:
Producer - Tetsu Kobayashi
Engineer - Yasuo Morimoto
Assistant Engineer - Seiichi Yoritomi, Kouichi Nakamura
Art Direction & Design - Shigeru Yamaguchi
Graphic Coordinator - Kazuyuki Hikita
Photography - Hisashi Itoh
Liner Notes - Takao Ogawa

LINK

Who Cares?

Michel Petrucciani - Both Worlds (1997) [re-rip]

The diminutive piano dynamo with the dynamic technique has enjoyed a decidedly mixed recording career, never really establishing a good sense of momentum with any one company. That is perhaps until now, where Dreyfus has opened its arms to his various projects, this outing being a program exclusively of his original compositions. His writing is sparkling, witty, largely optimistic and full of heart. All is arranged by the esteemed Bob Brookmeyer, who also graces the session with the somewhat rare offering of his considerable trombone work, rare because his concentration in recent times has been on pen and paper. 

Also assisting Michel are drummer Steve Gadd, who used to be ubiquitous on New York sessions but who seems to have limited such activity in the latter ’90s; the adroit bass guitarist with the acoustic sensibility Anthony Jackson; trumpeter Flavio Boltro and saxophonist Stefano DiBattista, a nice cultural balancing act of three Americans and three Europeans, thus in part comes the title. The theme is further borne out in the Frenchman Petrucciani entrusting his creations to the arranging skills of the American Brookmeyer. The results are a fresh, jazz-proud date that neatly spans the poly-world sensibility. Petrucciani’s compositional influences are equally as disparate, but despite the melding of these wide-ranging elements the date works as a cohesive whole. And the ensemble flavor is indeed manifest. It certainly seems the wisdom of age and experience find Michel no longer content with diving headlong into piano furioso, instead he deals from the standpoint of the essence of jazz-the band sound, something all too rare these days. ~ Willard Jenkins, JazzTimes.

Dreyfus Records, FDM 36590-2, 1997
Recorded 1997At Right Track Recording Studio, New York 

Musicians:
Michel Petrucciani - Piano
Flavio Boltro - Trumpet
Bob Brookmeyer - Trombone, Arranger
Stefano Di Battista - Soprano & Alto Saxophones
Anthony Jackson - Bass
Steve Gadd - Drums 

Tracks:
1. 35 Seconds Of Music And More (5:24)
2. Brazilian Like (4:47)
3. Training (3:58)
4. Colors (6:58)
5. Petite Louise (5:25)
6. Chloe Meets Gershwin (6:14)
7. Chimes (5:11)
8. Guadeloupe (6:12)
9. On Top Of The Roof (5:35) 

All Compositions by Michel Petrucciani 

Total Time: 49:50

Credits:
Producer - Francis Dreyfus, Yves Chamberland
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Roger Roche
Mastering Engineer - Scott Hull [Masterdisk, New York]
Photos - Jean Ber [Back/Front]
Photos - William Laxton [Booklet]
Artwork - Jean-Paul Théodule
Liner Notes - Thierry Pérémarti

LINK

Brazilian Like

Hidefumi Toki - The Good Life (1994)

The Good Life is a jazz album by Japanese saxophonist Hidefumi Toki, released on 2 March 1994 under the Japanese Fun House label. Essentially, it is a ballad-style album that incorporates three of Toki’s own compositions along with five other well-known jazz standards. For this album Hidefumi assembles a tight quartet that includes pianist Manabu Ohishi, bassist Benisuke Sakai and legendary drummer Motohiko Hino. Playing both alto and soprano saxes Hidefumi delivers a polished array of tunes with great acumen, supported skillfully by his fellow musicians. Overall, it's an album that warrants additional appraisals. Enjoy! 

Fun House, FHCF-2150, 1994
Recorded 21st-22nd November, 1993 at Crecente Studio, Tokyo, Japan 

Musicians:
Hidefumi Toki - Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
Manabu Ohishi - Piano
Benisuke Sakai - Bass
Motohiko Hino - Drums 

Tracks:
1. The Good Life {Sacha Distel, Jack Reardon} (6:40)
2. My Funny Valentine {Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart} (7:52)
3. Chaka {Hidefumi Toki} (6:48)
4. After Dark {Hidefumi Toki} (8:27)
5. My One And Only Love {Robert Mellin, Guy Wood} (10:08)
6. Old Friend And Dry Martini {Hidefumi Toki} (8:58)
7. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning {Bob Hilliard, David Mann} (6:01)
8. Body And Soul {Frank Eyton, Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour} (3:19) 

Total Time: 58:17 

Credits:
Producer - Tetsu Kobayashi
Engineer - Yasuo Morimoto
Engineer [Assistant] - Masatatsu Tsubuki
Mastering Engineer - Setsu Hisai
Art Direction, Design - Shigeru Yamaguchi
Graphic Coordinator - Kazuyuki Hikita

LINK

In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning

Dave Pike - Moon Bird (1983) [vinyl]

Another one of the post-Europe Dave Pike recordings, with a sound that's a bit straighter than usual, but still with his usual great take on jazzy vibes playing. The title track's a nice breezy groover, and the LP also includes two more originals, one with a Latiny feel called "Set the Stage", the other with the usual Pike goofiness, called "Jumpy the Snail". ~ Dusty Groove.

Muse Records, MR 5261, 1983

Recorded At Sage & Sound Studio, Mastered at The Cutting Room, New York City

Musicians:

Dave Pike - Vibraphone

Tom Ranier - Keyboards, Synthesizer, Tenor Sax {#A3)

Ron Escheté - Guitar

Luther Hughes - Bass

Ted Hawke - Drums, Percussion

Buck Clark - Percussion (#A1-A3,B2)

Tracks:

A1. Moon Bird {Dave Pike} (5:45)

A2. Love For Sale {Cole Porter} (7:15)

A3. Jumpy The Snail {Dave Pike} (7:01)

B1. Set The Stage {Dave Pike} (5:04)

B2. Dream {Jimmy Mercer} (7:23)

B3. Anthropology {Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie} (6:16)

Credits:

Producer - Bill Metz

Engineer - James Mooney

Mastered [Engineer] - Joe Brescio

Artwork [Cover], Design - Ron Warwell

Liner Notes - Fred Goodman

Yoko Miwa - In The Mist Of Time (2001)

‘In the Mist of Time’ is the debut album by the Boston based Japanese jazz pianist Yoko Miwa. Released in 2001, it features a collection of original compositions and one traditional Japanese folk song, showcasing her talent as both a pianist and composer. For this album she chose bassist Massimo Biolcati, drummer Scott Goulding and guest tenorist Tim Mayer on three tunes. 

“Yoko Miwa demonstrates a full command of the inner-directed, post-Bill Evans piano idiom, which also takes in the work of Keith ]arrett and, to lesser extents, Chick Corea and Steve Kuhn… displays her burgeoning talent as a writer of melodically inviting, impressionistic material, as well as introducing a technically assured soloist with a clean, singing sound and an occasional penchant for the blues in pastels.” ~ James Isaacs, DJ and Jazz Critic. 

“In the Mist of Time displays the depth and breadth of Yoko Miwa’s talent." ~ Boston Herald. 

Yoko Miwa, Digital DL, 2001
PJL Records, MTCJ-3023, 2005
Recorded 20th-21st June, 2000 at PBS Studios, Westwood, Massachusetts 

Musicians:
Yoko Miwa - Piano
Massimo Biolcati - Bass
Scott Goulding - Drums
Tim Mayer - Tenor Sax (#2,6,8) 

Tracks:
1. Fragmented Memories {Yoko Miwa} (5:47)
2. The Deep End {Yoko Miwa} (9:14)
3. I’m Okay {Yoko Miwa} (4:55)
4. Alice {Yoko Miwa} (8:06)
5. In The Mist Of Time {Yoko Miwa} (7:48)
6. When Will It Happen {Yoko Miwa} (8:11)
7. Promise {Yoko Miwa} (6:48)
8. Oak Square Blues {Yoko Miwa} (5:27)
9. Red Dragonfly {Japanese Folk Song} (3:04) 

Total Time: 59:23 

Credits:
Producer - Yoko Miwa
Recording Engineer - Peter Kontrimas
Mastering Engineer - Seiji Kaneko
Photography - Robin Z. Boger, Eva Rubinstein, Masao Ota
A&R - Takashi Tannaka
Design - Junko Ishino

LINK

In The Mist Of Time

Hank Crawford - Dig These Blues (1966) [re-rip]

This is one of Hank Crawford's finest albums. Issued in the mid-'60s, it showcases Crawford in fine company. "Dig These Blues" is a down-home affair, in the pocket for the most part with midtempo blues tunes as well as a touch of Memphis-style Ellingtonia in "Don't Get Around Much Anymore." The utterly elegant and beautiful version of Charlie Warfield's "Baby Won't You Please Come Home" is done septet style, with Marcus Belgrave on trumpet. This album's closer, "Bluff City Blues," like "The Crazy Saloon" features Crawford on piano. Released in 1966, this LP contains some deep soul grooves and illustrates perfectly the enormity of his reputation. ~ Extracts from by Thom Jurek, AMG. 

Hank kicks back and blows soulfully - working in a variety of groups with hip players that include Wendell Harrison, Ali Mohammed, Wilbur Brown, and Leroy Cooper. The overall sound is similar to Crawford's other work on Atlantic - nothing too challenging, but in a soulful mode that's always pretty tight. Titles include "New Blues", "Hollywood Blues", "These Tears", "HC Blues", and "The Crazy Saloon". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Atlantic Records, SD 1436, 1966
Recorded 13th April, 1964 (A4,B1,B3); 10th December, 1964 (#A1,A3,A5)
and 11th February, 1965 (#A2,B2,B4) in New York City 

Musicians:
Hank Crawford - Alto Sax (#A1,A2,A4-B3), Piano (#A3,B4)
Oliver Beener, Phil Guilbeau - Trumpet (#A1,A3,A5)
Jimmy Owens, Marcus Belgrave - Trumpet (#A2,B2,B4)
John Hunt, Julius Brooks - Trumpet (#A4,B1,B3)
Wendell Harrison - Tenor Sax (#A1,A3,A5)
Abdul Baari - Tenor Sax (#A2,B2,B4)
Wilbur Brown - Tenor Sax (#A4,B1,B3)
Leroy Cooper - Baritone Sax (#A1,A3-B1,B3)
Howard Johnson - Baritone Sax (#A2,B2,B4)
Ali Mohammed - Bass (#A1,A3,A5)
Charlie Green - Bass (#A2,B2,B4)
Edgar Willis - Bass (#A4,B1,B3)
Bruno Carr - Drums (#A1,A3-B1,B3)
Milt Turner - Drums (#A2,B2,B4) 

Tracks:
A1. Dig These Blues {Hank Crawford} (4:33)
A2. Don't Get Around Much Anymore {Duke Ellington, Bob Russell} (5:03)
A3. The Crazy Saloon {Hank Crawford} (2:59)
A4. H. C. Blues {Hank Crawford} (2:49)
A5. These Tears {Hank Crawford} (2:36)
B1. Hollywood Blues {Hank Crawford} (3:19)
B2. Baby Won't You Please Come Home {Charles Warfield, Clarence Williams} (5:46)
B3. New Blues {Phineas Newborn} (4:24)
B4. Bluff City Blues {Hank Crawford} (3:52) 

Total Time: 35:21 

Credits:
Supervision - Nesuhi Ertegun & Arif Mardin
Recording Engineer – Phil Iehle, Tom Dowd
Cover Design - Marvin Israel
Liner Notes - Nat Hentoff

LINK

Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Jeff Hackworth - Where The Blue Begins (2008)

Jeff Hackworth plays with a lot of intensity and sticks with what makes jazz a great art form. His sound is not affected and ideas abound in his presentation. After a piano intro Hackworth comes strutting in on "Just A Sittin' And A Rockin" and his message is clear and concise, just get it from the soul and go from there. John Basili adds his comments on the guitar with grace and execution. "Just One More Chance" is my hue and cry and Jeff Hackworth expresses the feeling of this tune with aplomb and finesse. "Stranger In Paradise" is done at racehorse tempo and Hackworth's fiery solo shows that he is equally at home on the speedway or on swing street. "One Mint Julip" is a tune that has been around for time immemorial and this ensemble romps through it like they own it. The tenor solo is perhaps the hallmark of this album; Hackworth is truly in synch with the backbeat shuffle and his soliloquy is as hot as a two-dollar pistol. For good jazz expressed in a swinging mode, this album is a sure bet to please the discriminating ear. ~ by John Gilbert, ejazznews.com. 

Big Bridge Music, BBM 1004, 2008
Recorded 30th October, 2007 at Showplace Studios, Dover, New Jersey 

Musicians:
Jeff Hackworth - Tenor Sax
Lafayette Harris Jr. - Piano
John Webber - Bass
Alvin Atkinson - Drums
John Basili - Guitar (#1,4,7,8,9) 

Tracks:
01. Can't Help Falling In Love {Luigi Creatore, Hugo Peretti, George David Weiss} (4:35)
02. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing {Sammy Fain, Paul Francis Webster} (6:45)
03. What Will I Tell My Heart {Irving Gordon, Jack Lawrence, Peter Tinturin} (5:24)
04. Just A Sittin' And A Rockin' {Duke Ellington, Lee Gaines, Billy Strayhorn} (4:31)
05. Just One More Chance {Sam Coslow, Arthur Johnston} (7:10)
06. Stranger In Paradise {Alexander Borodin, George Forrest, Robert Wright} (3:02)
07. Oh You Crazy Moon {Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen} (6:15)
08. One Mint Julip {Rudy Toombs} (4:56)
09. Then I'll Be Tired Of You {E.Y. "Yip" Harburg, Arthur Schwartz} (6:27)
10. Stairway To The Stars {Matty Malneck, Mitchell Parish, Frank Signorelli} (4:35) 

Total Time: 53:43 

Credits:
Producer - Houston Person
Recording, Mixing & Mastering - Ben Elliot
Photos - Evelyn Burg

LINK

Oh You Crazy Moon