Top 20 best jazz albums of the past year
1. The Monterey Quartet - Live At The 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival (MJF /Concord) Review
2. Keith Jarrett - Paris / London – Testament (ECM) Review
3. Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow, Antonio Sanchez - Quartet Live (Concord Jazz) Review
4. Ravi Coltrane - Blending Times (Savoy
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Chris Potter – Gratitude
Album review. Chris Potter places himself in the tradition of the great saxophone players.
Verve
Original release date: April 3rd 2001
Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, New York on September 27th and 28th, 2000.
Personnel:
Chris Potter (tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto flute, bass clarinet, Chinese wood flute); Kevin Hays (piano, Fender Rhodes); Scott
Verve
Original release date: April 3rd 2001
Recorded at Avatar Studios, New York, New York on September 27th and 28th, 2000.
Personnel:
Chris Potter (tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto flute, bass clarinet, Chinese wood flute); Kevin Hays (piano, Fender Rhodes); Scott
Sunday, December 20, 2009
100 Greatest Jazz Albums amazon Store
100 Greatest Jazz Albums reviews the best jazz available in CD and MP3 formats. Our amazon Store features most of these albums together with additional background and further reviews from amazon users.
Giving you the confidence of shopping with amazon.com together with a clear focus on jazz.
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Jazz at
Giving you the confidence of shopping with amazon.com together with a clear focus on jazz.
var addthis_pub = 'kgw';
Jazz at
Vinson Valega Group - Biophilia
Album review. Drummer Vinson Valega's fourth release as leader; challenging yet accessible jazz played by a fine sextet
Consilience
Recorded: 28th and 29th June 2009 at Bennett Studios, Englewood, NJ.
Release date: December 1st 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
'Biophilia' is drummer Vinson Valega's fourth release as leader. It offers challenging yet accessible jazz played by a fine
Consilience
Recorded: 28th and 29th June 2009 at Bennett Studios, Englewood, NJ.
Release date: December 1st 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
'Biophilia' is drummer Vinson Valega's fourth release as leader. It offers challenging yet accessible jazz played by a fine
Bargain Watch - Great Jazz on Offer
From time to time, amazon.com features really outstanding bargains on great jazz. Here are our suggestions, regularly updated.
Some of the best jazz of all time at bargain prices.
Featuring: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, John McLaughlin, Weather Report, Stanley Clark, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Billie Holiday:
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Alvin Queen - I Ain't Looking At You
Album review. Drummer Alvin Queen with an outstanding quintet for his 2006 album, now re-released by Enja.
Enja
Release Date: September 25th 2006
Re-release date: December 15th 2009
Availabilty: CD, MP3 download
Drummer Alvin Queen assembled an outstanding quintet for his 2006 album 'I Ain't Looking At You', now re-released by Enja. The band is: Terell Stafford (trumpet and flugelhorn),
Enja
Release Date: September 25th 2006
Re-release date: December 15th 2009
Availabilty: CD, MP3 download
Drummer Alvin Queen assembled an outstanding quintet for his 2006 album 'I Ain't Looking At You', now re-released by Enja. The band is: Terell Stafford (trumpet and flugelhorn),
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Dave Douglas – Strange Liberation
Bluebird / RCA
Original release date: January 27th 2004
Personnel:
Dave Douglas (trumpet), Bill Frisell (guitar), Chris Potter (saxophone, bass clarinet), Uri Cane (Fender Rhodes piano), Jams Genus (bass), Clarence Penn (drums)
Tracks:
A Single Sky, Strange Liberation, Skeeter-ism, Just Say This, Seventeen, Mountains From The Train, Rock of Billy, The Frisell Dream, Passing Through
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Kurt Elling - GRAMMY Nomination for 'Dedicated to You'
On Target Media Group (OTMG) Press Release (8th December 2009)
Renowned Vocalist Kurt Elling Earns His 9th GRAMMY Nomination for Dedicated to You: Kurt Elling Sings the Music of Coltrane and Hartman
Honor Comes One Week After Headlining the First State Dinner at the White House
Last night when the 52nd annual GRAMMY nominations were announced in Los Angeles, renowned jazz vocalist Kurt
Saturday, November 28, 2009
December 2009 - Focus On Chris Potter
One of the most imaginative sax players active on the current scene; equally inventive on tenor, alto or soprano instruments.
Here is a listing of our reviews that feature Chris Potter:
Chris Potter - Underground
Chris Potter Underground - Follow The Red Line - Live At The Village Vanguard
The Monterey Quartet - Live At The 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival
Dave Holland Quintet - Critical
Jazz New Releases - December 2009
New releases and re-releases for December 2009
With Blue Note concentrating on Norah and most of the majors producing no new releases or re-releases of any note, it's a good time to be a small independent or an importer of great but no longer available jazz. Here we feature ten of the best.......
Tuesday December 1st 2009
Vinson Valega "Biophilia" (Consilience)
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Jeb Patton - New Strides
album review
MaxJazz
Release date: November 17th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
'New Strides' is Jeb Patton's debut as a leader on the MaxJazz Piano Series. Yet his depth of experience and understanding of the music immediately comes through.
After studying at Duke University and then at the Aaron Copland School of Music (where he studied with pianist Sir Roland Hanna and Jimmy
MaxJazz
Release date: November 17th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
'New Strides' is Jeb Patton's debut as a leader on the MaxJazz Piano Series. Yet his depth of experience and understanding of the music immediately comes through.
After studying at Duke University and then at the Aaron Copland School of Music (where he studied with pianist Sir Roland Hanna and Jimmy
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Stefano Bollani - Stone In The Water
album review
ECM
Release date: October 26th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
In the crowded genre of the jazz piano trio, signposted by so many great musicians – Bill Evans, Hank Jones, Ahmad Jamal, Cedar Walton, McCoy Tyner, Keith Jarrett, Mulgrew Miller, Brad Mehldau, Gonzalo Rubalcaba – it is extraordinarily difficult and near to impossible for a European to stand out. But this is
ECM
Release date: October 26th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
In the crowded genre of the jazz piano trio, signposted by so many great musicians – Bill Evans, Hank Jones, Ahmad Jamal, Cedar Walton, McCoy Tyner, Keith Jarrett, Mulgrew Miller, Brad Mehldau, Gonzalo Rubalcaba – it is extraordinarily difficult and near to impossible for a European to stand out. But this is
Friday, November 6, 2009
Gary Burton and Chick Corea - Crystal Silence - The ECM Recordings 1972-79
ECM
Recording Dates: 1972 - 1979
Re-release date: September 15th, 2009
Availabilty: CD, MP3 download
Chick Corea and Gary Burton's piano and vibes duet playing has been one of the most productive and longlasting partnerships in jazz. Early on, in 1973, it produced the emblematic 'Crystal Silence', one of ECM's signature albums. They have performed together in just about each year since,
Recording Dates: 1972 - 1979
Re-release date: September 15th, 2009
Availabilty: CD, MP3 download
Chick Corea and Gary Burton's piano and vibes duet playing has been one of the most productive and longlasting partnerships in jazz. Early on, in 1973, it produced the emblematic 'Crystal Silence', one of ECM's signature albums. They have performed together in just about each year since,
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Miles Davis - The Complete Columbia Album Collection
album review
Columbia / Sony
Release date: November 24th 2009
Availability: CD Box Set
Just when you thought that your Miles Davis collection was complete, along comes this massive box set, exclusive to Amazon.com.
'Miles Davis: The Complete Columbia Album Collection' is a limited edition retrospective of the music that Miles Davis created during his 30 years with Columbia Records.
The
Columbia / Sony
Release date: November 24th 2009
Availability: CD Box Set
Just when you thought that your Miles Davis collection was complete, along comes this massive box set, exclusive to Amazon.com.
'Miles Davis: The Complete Columbia Album Collection' is a limited edition retrospective of the music that Miles Davis created during his 30 years with Columbia Records.
The
Saturday, October 31, 2009
November 2009: Feature on Joshua Redman
A stellar tenor sax player and composer and one of the key musicians for the future of jazz.
Here is a listing of our reviews that feature Joshua Redman:
Joshua Redman - Freedom In The Groove
Joshua Redman - Compass
Joshua Redman - Back East
Joshua Redman - Momentum
SF Jazz Collective - 2
Earlier:
September 2008: Focus on Hank Mobley
October 2008: Focus on Miles Davis
Jazz New Releases - November 2009
New releases and re-releases for November 2009Something of a quiet month, culminating in the release of the Miles Davis collection to end all collections........ Tuesday November 3rd 2009 John Coltrane "1962 Graz Concert Complete" (Zoom) John Coltrane with Eric Dolphy "Complete 1961 Copenhagen Concert" (Gambit) Tuesday November 10th 2009 David Sanborn "Taking Off" (
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Jon Irabagon - The Observer
album review
Concord Jazz
Release date: October 20th 2009
Recorded at the Van Gelder Recording Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, on May 19th - 22nd, 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
Appearing in and winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 1991 launched the career of Joshua Redman. Over the years, many other entrants who have won one of the top three places in the
Concord Jazz
Release date: October 20th 2009
Recorded at the Van Gelder Recording Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, on May 19th - 22nd, 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
Appearing in and winning the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 1991 launched the career of Joshua Redman. Over the years, many other entrants who have won one of the top three places in the
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Monterey Quartet - Live At The 2007 Monterey Jazz Festival
album review
MJF Records
Release date: August 25th 2009
Recorded live at the Monterey Jazz Festival on September 22nd, 2007
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
The planning for the fine performance captured here dates back to 1996 when producer Jason Olaine had the idea of pairing Cuban-born pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba with British-born bassist Dave Holland. That meeting could not take place
MJF Records
Release date: August 25th 2009
Recorded live at the Monterey Jazz Festival on September 22nd, 2007
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
The planning for the fine performance captured here dates back to 1996 when producer Jason Olaine had the idea of pairing Cuban-born pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba with British-born bassist Dave Holland. That meeting could not take place
Monday, October 12, 2009
Keith Jarrett - Paris / London - Testament
album review
ECM
Release date: October 6th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
Keith Jarrett started out with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, joined the Charles Lloyd group and then played electric keyboards for Miles Davis, appearing on 'At Filmore', 'Get Up With It' and 'The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions'. In the late 'sixties and into the 'seventies, he featured in a band with Dewey
ECM
Release date: October 6th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
Keith Jarrett started out with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, joined the Charles Lloyd group and then played electric keyboards for Miles Davis, appearing on 'At Filmore', 'Get Up With It' and 'The Complete Jack Johnson Sessions'. In the late 'sixties and into the 'seventies, he featured in a band with Dewey
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Charlie Parker - Complete Savoy And Dial Master Takes
Savoy JazzRecorded 1944 – 1948, various locations; mainly Hollywood or New YorkPersonnel: Charlie Parker (alto sax)Various additional musicians including:Miles Davis, Dizzie Gillespie (trumpet)Dodo Marmarosa, Errol Garner, Bud Powell, John Lewis, Duke Jordan (piano)Red Callendar, Tommy Potter, Nelson Boyd (bass)Max Roach, Roy Porter (drums)Tracks:Over 60 Master takes on 3 discs. Review: Despite
Saturday, October 3, 2009
John Coltrane - Side Steps
PrestigeRecording Dates: 1956 - 1958Re-release date: October 6th 2009Availabilty: CD Box Set The release of this 5 CD box set completes the reissue in remastered form of John Coltrane's legendary Prestige recordings that had been begun with the 'Fearless Leader' and 'Interplay' sets, released in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Featured here on 'Side Steps' is all the great saxophonist's work as a
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
October 2009: Focus on Joe Locke
One of the most inventive musicians on the scene today, establishing himself as the leading vibes player of his day
Here is a listing of our reviews that feature Joe Locke:
Joe Locke - Force Of Four
Joe Locke Quartet - Sticks and Strings
Joe Locke Geoffrey Keezer Group - Live In Seattle
Joe Locke & David Hazeltine - Mutual Admiration Society 2
David Hazeltine "The Inspiration Suite"
Monday, September 28, 2009
Jazz New Releases - October 2009
New releases and re-releases for October and November 2009Many good box set releases aimed at the Holiday season, including in November the Miles Davis collection to end all collections........ Release date: Tuesday October 6th 2009 John Coltrane "Side Steps" (Prestige) (5 CD) Keith Jarrett "Paris/London:Testament" (ECM) (3 CD) Jimmy Cobb "Jazz In The Key of Blue" (Chesky)
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Joshua Redman – Freedom In The Groove
Warner Brothers Original release date: September 24th 1996Recording dates: April 10th – 13th 1996 at Power Station, NYC Personnel: Joshua Redman (tenor and soprano saxophones), Peter Bernstein (guitar), Peter Martin (piano), Christopher Thomas (bass), Brian Blade (drums) Tracks:Hide and Seek, One Shining Soul, Streams of Consciousness, When the Sun Comes Down, Home Fries, Invocation, Dare I Ask,
Monday, August 31, 2009
September 2009 - Focus on Bill Evans
One of the greatest jazz pianists; early into modal jazz, influential in introducing novel chord voicings and in freeing up the bassist in the classic jazz trio.
Here is a listing of our reviews that feature Bill Evans:
Bill Evans "Waltz For Debby"
Bill Evans "Sunday At The Village Vanguard"
Bill Evans "Portrait In Jazz"
Tony Bennett/Bill Evans "The Complete Tony Bennett / Bill Evans
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Jazz New Releases - September 2009
New releases and re-releases for September and October 2009 Tuesday September 8th 2009 Scott Lafaro "Pieces of Jade" (Resonance)John Hicks "Passion Flower" (2 CD) (Mapleshade) Thelonious Monk "Monk" (Prestige - RVG Remaster) Sonny Rollins "Moving Out" (OJC/Prestige - RVG Remaster) Red Garland with John Coltrane "Dig It!" (Prestige - RVG Remaster) Gary Burton/Chick Corea "
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Heath Brothers - Endurance
album review
Jazz Legacy
Release date: August 11th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
Back in 1947 Jimmy Heath formed one of his earliest bands – one that featured John Coltrane as a sideman. He played with Charlie Parker and could play his riffs so well that he became known for awhile as 'Little Bird'. Perhaps to escape that tag, he switched from alto to tenor sax (and lately soprano
Jazz Legacy
Release date: August 11th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
Back in 1947 Jimmy Heath formed one of his earliest bands – one that featured John Coltrane as a sideman. He played with Charlie Parker and could play his riffs so well that he became known for awhile as 'Little Bird'. Perhaps to escape that tag, he switched from alto to tenor sax (and lately soprano
Monday, August 17, 2009
John Patitucci - Remembrance
album review
Concord
Release date: August 4th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
With 'Way Out West', Sonny Rollins defined the pianoless saxophone trio. Joshua Redman recently explored the formula with great success in his 2007 album "Back East". Now, teaming with Joe Lovano on tenor sax, ace bassist John Patitucci explores the form. The difference, of course, is that the musical
Concord
Release date: August 4th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
With 'Way Out West', Sonny Rollins defined the pianoless saxophone trio. Joshua Redman recently explored the formula with great success in his 2007 album "Back East". Now, teaming with Joe Lovano on tenor sax, ace bassist John Patitucci explores the form. The difference, of course, is that the musical
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Seamus Blake - Live In Italy
album review
Jazz Eyes
Release date: March 2nd 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
This double CD of the Seamus Blake quartet recorded live on a tour of Italy in 2007 is one of the most vibrant albums of the year. The partnership with David Kikoski that featured on the Concord release 'Way Out Willy' of the same year has been retained but there is no guitar seat and the bass and drums
Jazz Eyes
Release date: March 2nd 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
This double CD of the Seamus Blake quartet recorded live on a tour of Italy in 2007 is one of the most vibrant albums of the year. The partnership with David Kikoski that featured on the Concord release 'Way Out Willy' of the same year has been retained but there is no guitar seat and the bass and drums
Saturday, August 1, 2009
August 2009 - Focus On the Vibes in Jazz
The vibraphone in jazz – enriching the tradition and coming back to prominence again with a new wave of talented musicians.
Here is a listing of our reviews that feature vibes in jazz:
Jackie McLean "One Step Beyond"
Andrew Hill "Judgment!"
Milt Jackson & Wes Montgomery - Bags Meets Wes
Jackie McLean "Destination Out!"
"The Kicker"
"Happenings"
"Head On"
"For Sentimental
Jazz New Releases - August 2009
New releases and re-releases for August and September 2009 Tuesday August 4th 2009 John Patitucci "Remembrance" (Concord)Medeski, Martin & Wood "Radiolarians III" (Indirecto) John Surman "Brewster's Rooster" (ECM)Tuesday August 11th 2009 Donny McCaslin "Declaration" (Sunny Side)Mike Stern "Big Neighborhood" (Heads Up) Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond "1975: The Duets" (A&M)McCoy
Thursday, July 30, 2009
George Russell - In memoriam
George Russell: born 23 June 1923; died 27 July 2009 Our Review of 'Ezz-Thetic' Our Review of 'Kind Of Blue' Matt Schudel's obituary in the Washington Post John Fordham's obituary in The Guardian var addthis_pub = 'kgw'; Visit the 100 Greatest Jazz Albums Store What is this?RETURN TO: Main PageJazz at amazon.com
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Jazz New Releases - June 2009 - Recently released and recommended jazz albums
New releases and re-releases for June and July
June 2nd 2009
Dave Holland "The Monterey Jazz Quartet" (Concord)
Sonny Rollins "Reel Life" (Fantasy)
Freddie Hubbard "Without A Song" (Blue Note)
John Coltrane "Coltrane" (Prestige)
Charlie Parker "Complete Live At Birdland" (Rare Live Recordings)
Art Tatum / Ben Webster "The Album" (Essential Jazz)
Yotam Silberstein "
Friday, May 29, 2009
June 2009 - Focus on Brad Mehldau
The most distinctive jazz pianist of his generation, Brad Mehldau has developed his own definitive take on jazz standards and established a growing reputation for his own compositions.
Here is a summary of where his work appears in our reviews:
"Brad Mehldau Trio - Live"
"House on Hill"
Metheny-Mehldau "Quartet"
"Metheny -Mehldau"
Brad Mehldau podcasts
Podcast series by the
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Gary Burton, Pat Metheny, Steve Swallow, Antonio Sanchez - Quartet Live
album review
Concord Jazz
Recording date: June 10th and 11th, 2007 at Yoshi's, Oakland, California
Release date: May 26th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
When Pat Metheny suggested for the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2006 a one-off revival of the Gary Burton Quartet to recreate the music he used to play in the band when he was just starting out, he had no idea that three years later
Concord Jazz
Recording date: June 10th and 11th, 2007 at Yoshi's, Oakland, California
Release date: May 26th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
When Pat Metheny suggested for the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2006 a one-off revival of the Gary Burton Quartet to recreate the music he used to play in the band when he was just starting out, he had no idea that three years later
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Miles Davis - Complete Bitches Brew Sessions
album reviewSony/ Columbia Original release date: June 1970Re-release date (with many additional tracks) May 11th 2004Recording dates: Columbia Studio B, NYC, August 19,20,21, 1969; Columbia Studio E, NYC, November 19 and 28, 1969; Columbia Studio B, NYC, January 27,28, and February 6 1970 Personnel: August 19,20,21: Miles Davis (trumpet), Bennie Maupin (bass clarinet), Wayne Shorter (soprano
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Steve Davis - Outlook
album review
Rhombus / Posi-tone
Release date: September 30th 2008 / March 24th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Steve Davis has been making great ensemble jazz in live performance, with the sextet 'One For All' and with a sequence of albums as leader with the seemingly obscurantist Criss Cross label. So, it is good to see that Posi-tone have released "Outlook" and that this
Rhombus / Posi-tone
Release date: September 30th 2008 / March 24th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Steve Davis has been making great ensemble jazz in live performance, with the sextet 'One For All' and with a sequence of albums as leader with the seemingly obscurantist Criss Cross label. So, it is good to see that Posi-tone have released "Outlook" and that this
Saturday, May 2, 2009
David Binney / Alan Ferber - In The Paint
album review
Posi-tone
Release date: April 21st 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
David Binney's excellent work with David Simon ("Afinidad", "Fiestas De Agosto", "Oceanos") produced landmarks in intelligent, immersive jazz. The relatively new partnership with Alan Ferber returns to that productive vein after the 2006 departure with Bill Frisell on "Out Of Airplanes".
The
Posi-tone
Release date: April 21st 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
David Binney's excellent work with David Simon ("Afinidad", "Fiestas De Agosto", "Oceanos") produced landmarks in intelligent, immersive jazz. The relatively new partnership with Alan Ferber returns to that productive vein after the 2006 departure with Bill Frisell on "Out Of Airplanes".
The
Chick Corea and John McLaughlin - Five Peace Band Live
album review
Concord Records
Release date: April 28th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
Recorded during a tour of Europe in 2008, this double album delivers over one and three quarter hours of high value jazz.
Chick Corea has said that he does not want to label the music - "I decline to attempt to describe this music or give it a name….".
Nonetheless, the meeting with John
Concord Records
Release date: April 28th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
Recorded during a tour of Europe in 2008, this double album delivers over one and three quarter hours of high value jazz.
Chick Corea has said that he does not want to label the music - "I decline to attempt to describe this music or give it a name….".
Nonetheless, the meeting with John
Jazz New Releases - May 2009 - Recently released and recommended jazz albums
New releases and re-releases for May and a look ahead to June and July Tuesday May 5th 2009 David 'Fathead' Newman "The Blessing" (Highnote)Pat Metheny "One Quiet Night" (Nonesuch) Tuesday May 12th 2009 Eastern Rebellion "Mosaic" (Nimbus) Bill Evans "Turn Out The Stars: Final Village Vanguard Recordings" (6CD Box Set)" (Nonesuch)Stanley Clarke Trio with Hiromi & Lenny White "
May 2009 - Focus on Wayne Shorter
Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis, Weather Report followed by an illustrious solo career; Wayne Shorter is one of the greatest ever jazz performers and, while largely under-recognised for his compositional ability, almost certainly the greatest living American composer.
Here is a summary of where his work appears in our reviews:
"Speak No Evil"
"Mosaic"
"Nefertiti"
"Night Passage"
"
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Ken Fowser / Behn Gillece - Full View
album review
Posi-tone
Release date: April 21st 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Posi-tone, the small independent jazz label from Venice Beach, California, is releasing cutting edge straight ahead jazz and making quite a name for itself.
Ken Fowser / Behn Gillece's 'Full View' is a great example that kicks off with a blistering take on Sam Jones' "Bittersweet", moves neatly
Posi-tone
Release date: April 21st 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Posi-tone, the small independent jazz label from Venice Beach, California, is releasing cutting edge straight ahead jazz and making quite a name for itself.
Ken Fowser / Behn Gillece's 'Full View' is a great example that kicks off with a blistering take on Sam Jones' "Bittersweet", moves neatly
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Branford Marsalis Quartet - Metamorphosen
album review
Marsalis Music
Release date: March 17th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
With the Quartet of Branford Marsalis (tenor, alto and soprano sax) Joey Calderazzo (piano) Eric Revis (bass) and Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums) celebrating its tenth year, "Metamorphosen" returns to the inventive straight ahead post bop that is the best of their music.
There are original
Marsalis Music
Release date: March 17th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
With the Quartet of Branford Marsalis (tenor, alto and soprano sax) Joey Calderazzo (piano) Eric Revis (bass) and Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums) celebrating its tenth year, "Metamorphosen" returns to the inventive straight ahead post bop that is the best of their music.
There are original
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Cassandra Wilson - Closer to You: The Pop Side
album review
Blue Note
Release date: April 7th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
A feature of Cassandra Wilson's jazz albums has been the ability to surprise by taking a sometimes well-worn pop tune (The Monkees' "Last Train To Clarksville" being a notable example) and showing its unexpected, jazzier, side.
So the idea of bringing all these tracks together in a new compilation was
Blue Note
Release date: April 7th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
A feature of Cassandra Wilson's jazz albums has been the ability to surprise by taking a sometimes well-worn pop tune (The Monkees' "Last Train To Clarksville" being a notable example) and showing its unexpected, jazzier, side.
So the idea of bringing all these tracks together in a new compilation was
Saturday, April 4, 2009
April 2009 - Focus on Tom Harrell
Inspirational on trumpet and flugelhorn, Tom Harrell continues to play some of the best jazz emerging today.
Here is a summary of where his work appears in our reviews:
"Light On"
"Prana Dance"
"Form"
Art Farmer and Tom Harrell "The Company I Keep"
Charles McPherson "First Flight Out"
Earlier:
September 2008: Focus on Hank Mobley
October 2008: Focus on Miles Davis
November
Jazz New Releases - April 2009 - Recently released and recommended jazz albums
New releases and re-releases for April and a look ahead to May and June Tuesday April 7thCassandra Wilson "Closer To You: The Pop Side" (Blue Note)Kenny Burrell "Live At The Downtown Room" (HighNote)Tuesday April 14th Martin, Medeski & Wood "Radiolarians II" (Indirecto) Stan Getz "At The Shrine" (Verve) Keith Jarrett "Treasure Island" (GRP)Freddie Hubbard "The Artistry of
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Wynton Marsalis - He And She
album review – album review – album review – album review
Blue Note
Recorded on August 24th and 25th, 2007 at Legacy Recording Studios, New York
Release date: March 24th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
"He And She" is an ambitious jazz concept album that really works. A long poem, written and spoken by Wynton Marsalis in the style of a 'toast', is interspersed in sections between
Blue Note
Recorded on August 24th and 25th, 2007 at Legacy Recording Studios, New York
Release date: March 24th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download
"He And She" is an ambitious jazz concept album that really works. A long poem, written and spoken by Wynton Marsalis in the style of a 'toast', is interspersed in sections between
Horace Parlan - Up & Down
album review – album review – album review – album reviewBlue NoteRelease Date: June 18th 1961Re-release date: February 10th 2009Availabilty: CD, MP3 downloadLike many albums by Horace Parlan, "Up & Down" has not been available on CD or MP3 until the release of this RVG remaster. The rhythm section - Horace Parlan (piano), George Tucker (bass) and Al Harewood (drums) – was the house band at
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Charles McPherson - First Flight Out
Arabesque JazzRelease Date: December 13th 1994Re-release date: March 5th 2009Availabilty: CD, MP3 downloadThere are jazz albums and then there are jazz albums that are exceptional. "First Flight Out", almost unknown and just re-released by Arabesque, is very much in the latter category.Charles McPherson's alto sax playing is almost good enough to make you think that Charlie Parker is still with
The Very Best Of Prestige Records
PrestigeRecorded 1949 - 1969Release date: March 24th 2009Availability: CD, MP3 Download When Bob Weinstock launched the indy jazz label New Jazz in 1948 from his 48th Street New York store "The Record Corner" few would have guessed that this was the first step in the creation of what was to become Prestige Records. In the next thirty years (the last Prestige album appeared in 1978) the label
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Art Farmer - The Meaning Of Art
Arabesque JazzRecorded at Manhattan Beach Recording, New York on May 9th and 10th, 1995Release Date: October 17th, 1995 Re-release date: March 5th 2009Availabilty: CD, MP3 downloadThe Meaning of Art", the third of the Arabesque Jazz re-releases of Art Farmer's work for the label in the 90's, was originally issued in 1995, between "The Company I Keep" and "Silk Road". It is the same band as "The
Art Farmer & Tom Harrell- The Company I Keep
Arabesque JazzRecorded at Hip Pocket Recording Studios, New York, on January 11th and 12th, 1994Release Date: July 14th, 1994 Re-release date: March 5th 2009Availabilty: CD, MP3 download"The Company I Keep" brought together two of the great exponents of melodic Coltrane-influenced trumpet playing – Art Farmer and Tom Harrell – placed them in a tight sextet that included the excellent Ron Blake
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Art Farmer - Silk Road
Arabesque Jazz Original release date: June 11th, 1996Re-release date: March 5th 2009Availabilty: CD, MP3 download, iTunes Before 1992, the small Arabesque Recordings label was devoted mainly to classical piano and chamber music. The launch of Arabesque Jazz in that year was based around the signing of Art Farmer and Charles MacPherson who went on to produce a string of great albums for the
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Jackie McLean - Bluesnik
Blue NoteRecording Date: Van Gelder Studio. Englewood Cliffs, January 8th, 1961 Re-release date (RVG Edition): February 24th 2009Availabilty: CD, MP3 download, iTunesA year before "Let Freedom Ring" and two years before 'Destination Out!" and "One Step Beyond", Jackie Mclean was here with "Bluesnik" playing blues based bop with a still discernable influence of Charlie Parker. The band - Jackie
John Coltrane - Standard Coltrane
Prestige /OJCOriginal Release Date: July 11th 1958Re-release date (RVG Remaster): March 3rd 2009Availabilty: CD, MP3 download, iTunesPrestige in the 50s, along with other labels, was notorious in allowing no rehearsal time, leaving busy on-the-road musicians to make do as best they could in the studio itself. That meant that a strategy that could deliver and yet still offer quality of performance
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Grachan Moncur - Some Other Stuff
Blue Note
Original Release Date: July 6th, 1964
Re-release date (RVG Edition): February 24th 2009
Availabilty: CD, MP3 download, iTunes
Following the re-release of Jackie McLean's "One Step Beyond" earlier in February, "Some Other Stuff" goes further in revealing the radical departures in jazz being pioneered by trombonist Grachan Moncur III in 1964, a seminal year for his music and the
Original Release Date: July 6th, 1964
Re-release date (RVG Edition): February 24th 2009
Availabilty: CD, MP3 download, iTunes
Following the re-release of Jackie McLean's "One Step Beyond" earlier in February, "Some Other Stuff" goes further in revealing the radical departures in jazz being pioneered by trombonist Grachan Moncur III in 1964, a seminal year for his music and the
March 2009 - Jazz New Releases
March brings some interesting releases and re-releases. Tuesday March 3rd, Prestige/Fantasy re-release:Sonny Rollins "Worktime" (Fantasy)Miles Davis "Collectors' Items" (Prestige) John Coltrane "Standard Coltrane" (Prestige) Tuesday March 10th brings:Lee Konitz "Round And Round" (Nimbus)Ben Webster "Centennial Celebration" (Concord/OJC)Tuesday March 17th brings two releases
March 2009 - Focus On Pat Metheny
Pat Metheny is as important to jazz as he is to progressive rock. Here is a summary of where his work appears in our reviews: "Bright Size Life" "Day Trip""Tokyo Day Trip""Metheny Mehldau"Metheny Mehladu "Quartet" "The Way Up - Live" (DVD)Earlier:September 2008: Focus on Hank MobleyOctober 2008: Focus on Miles DavisNovember 2008: Focus on John ColtraneDecember 2008: Focus on Lee MorganJanuary
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monk De-Funked
Occasional musings on jazz
Hans Groiner
Release date: April 1st 2009
Availability: MySpace
"If it doesn't itch, don't scratch it." Many would agree. But not Hans Groiner. When he knows that something is wrong, he can't stand back and just let it rest. How can people have listened to Thelonious Monk all these years without realizing that the great man had been terribly wrong in allowing
Hans Groiner
Release date: April 1st 2009
Availability: MySpace
"If it doesn't itch, don't scratch it." Many would agree. But not Hans Groiner. When he knows that something is wrong, he can't stand back and just let it rest. How can people have listened to Thelonious Monk all these years without realizing that the great man had been terribly wrong in allowing
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Does Jazz Sound Warmer on Vinyl?
Does jazz sound 'warmer' on vinyl?
Do you get a buzz from collecting your music with LP size artwork and liner notes?
If yes, this new feature will be of interest.
Check out the bestsellers in jazz on vinyl LP format
Amazon Jazz on Vinyl charts
Here is our listing of recently re-pressed and reissued vinyl LP versions
of the best jazz available
Cannonball Adderley / Miles Davis "
Do you get a buzz from collecting your music with LP size artwork and liner notes?
If yes, this new feature will be of interest.
Check out the bestsellers in jazz on vinyl LP format
Amazon Jazz on Vinyl charts
Here is our listing of recently re-pressed and reissued vinyl LP versions
of the best jazz available
Cannonball Adderley / Miles Davis "
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Joe Locke - Force Of Four
Origin
Recorded on March 6th, 2008 at Bennett Studios, Englewood, NJ
Release date: September 23rd 2008
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Following the fusion influenced "Live In Seattle" (with Geoffrey Keezer) in 2006 and "Sticks And Strings" (with Jonathan Kreisberg) in 2007, "Force of Four" continues vibe player Joe Locke's very strong recent run of inventive albums.
The new
Recorded on March 6th, 2008 at Bennett Studios, Englewood, NJ
Release date: September 23rd 2008
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Following the fusion influenced "Live In Seattle" (with Geoffrey Keezer) in 2006 and "Sticks And Strings" (with Jonathan Kreisberg) in 2007, "Force of Four" continues vibe player Joe Locke's very strong recent run of inventive albums.
The new
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Jackie McLean - One Step Beyond
Blue NoteRecording Date: Van Gelder Studio. Englewood Cliffs, April 30th, 1963 Re-release date (RVG Edition): February 7th 2009Availabilty: CD, MP3 download, iTunesLong unavailable, the re-release of this great album is welcome. Together with "Destination Out!", recorded in the same year, "One Step Beyond" charts the opening up of the hard bop that Jackie McLean had helped to originate to new
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Chick Corea and Hiromi - Duet
Concord
Recorded live at The Tokyo Blue Note, September 2007
Release date: February 4th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Hiromi Uehara was born in Shizuoka, Japan, in 1979, taking her first piano lessons at age six before enrolling in the Yamaha School of Music a year later. By age 14, she had played with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. She came to the United States in 1999
Recorded live at The Tokyo Blue Note, September 2007
Release date: February 4th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Hiromi Uehara was born in Shizuoka, Japan, in 1979, taking her first piano lessons at age six before enrolling in the Yamaha School of Music a year later. By age 14, she had played with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. She came to the United States in 1999
Sunday, February 1, 2009
What are the 100 Greatest Jazz Albums?
Here is our list so far.....John Coltrane "Blue Train"Hank Mobley "Soul Station"Wynton Kelly/ Wes Montgomery "Smokin' At The Half Note"Grant Green "Solid"Freddie Hubbard "Ready For Freddie"Sonny Clark "Cool Struttin'"Sonny Rollins "Tenor Madness"Weather Report " Night Passage"Lee Morgan "The Sidewinder"Bobby Hutcherson "The Kicker"Thelonious Monk "Live At The It Club"Miles Davis "
Benny Golson - New Time, New 'Tet
Concord JazzRelease date: January 20th 2009Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes Benny Golson, who appeared on Art Blakey's "Moanin'" alongside Lee Morgan, one of the best jazz albums of all time, reaches 80 and celebrates with his first new album in five years. "New Time, New 'Tet" recalls the famous Jazztet with Art Farmer which Benny Golson co-founded in 1959.The new sextet is: Benny Golson
Tom Harrell - Prana Dance
HighNote Recorded at Bennett Studios, Englewood NJ on May 29th and June 10th, 2008Release date: January 27th 2009Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes This much awaited album features the same band as on his successful 2007 record "Light On" - Tom Harrell (trumpet, flugelhorn), Wayne Escoffery (tenor sax), Danny Grissett (piano and Fender Rhodes) Ugonna Ukegwo (bass) and Jonathan Blake (drums).
February 2009 Jazz New Releases
Is 2009 going to produce the best jazz of this decade?While still trying to take in four albums of sheer brilliance in January:Ravi Coltrane "Blending Times" (Savoy Jazz)Blue Note 7 "Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records" (Blue Note)Joshua Redman "Compass" (Nonesuch)Tom Harrell "Prana Dance" (HighNote)February brings still more important releases. February 3rd, Jeff "
Saturday, January 31, 2009
February 2009 - Focus on Joe Henderson
Joe Henderson was unheralded in comparison with John Coltrane or Sonny Rollins and he spent many years in relative obscurity before finally winning the acclaim he deserved in the 80's and 90's. His work featured on many of the best jazz albums. Here is a summary of where he appears in our reviews: "In 'N' Out" Power To The People"Lee Morgan: "The Sidewinder""Bobby Hutcherson: The Kicker"Andrew
February 2009 Jazz New Releases
Is 2009 going to produce the best jazz of this decade?While still trying to take in four albums of sheer brilliance in January:Ravi Coltrane "Blending Times" (Savoy Jazz)Blue Note 7 "Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records" (Blue Note)Joshua Redman "Compass" (Nonesuch)Tom Harrell "Prana Dance" (HighNote)February brings still more important releases. February 3rd, Jeff "
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Tom Harrell - Prana Dance
HighNote
Recorded at Bennett Studios, Englewood NJ on May 29th and June 10th, 2008
Release date: January 27th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
This much awaited album features the same band as on his successful 2007 record "Light On" - Tom Harrell (trumpet, flugelhorn), Wayne Escoffery (tenor sax), Danny Grissett (piano and Fender Rhodes) Ugonna Ukegwo (bass) and Jonathan
Recorded at Bennett Studios, Englewood NJ on May 29th and June 10th, 2008
Release date: January 27th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
This much awaited album features the same band as on his successful 2007 record "Light On" - Tom Harrell (trumpet, flugelhorn), Wayne Escoffery (tenor sax), Danny Grissett (piano and Fender Rhodes) Ugonna Ukegwo (bass) and Jonathan
The Blue Note 7 - Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records
Blue Note
Release date: January 13th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
To celebrate the 70 year anniversary of the founding of the Blue Note record label by Alfred Lion, a stellar group – the Blue Note 7 – has been formed to release the album "Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records" and to undertake a wide ranging US tour.
The band is: Nicholas Payton (trumpet), Steve
Release date: January 13th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
To celebrate the 70 year anniversary of the founding of the Blue Note record label by Alfred Lion, a stellar group – the Blue Note 7 – has been formed to release the album "Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records" and to undertake a wide ranging US tour.
The band is: Nicholas Payton (trumpet), Steve
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Benny Golson - New Time, New 'Tet
Concord JazzRelease date: January 20th 2009Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes Benny Golson, who appeared on Art Blakey's "Moanin'" alongside Lee Morgan, one of the best jazz albums of all time, reaches 80 and celebrates with his first new album in five years. "New Time, New 'Tet" recalls the famous Jazztet with Art Farmer which Benny Golson co-founded in 1959.The new sextet is: Benny Golson
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Joshua Redman - Compass
Nonesuch
Recording date: March 24th-26th 2008 at Avatar Studios, New York
Release date: January 13th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
While touring to promote his successful album "Back East", Joshua Redman found himself thinking about what further possibilities there might be for the pianoless saxophone trio format:
"Initially, my idea was to just find one trio, one drummer
Recording date: March 24th-26th 2008 at Avatar Studios, New York
Release date: January 13th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
While touring to promote his successful album "Back East", Joshua Redman found himself thinking about what further possibilities there might be for the pianoless saxophone trio format:
"Initially, my idea was to just find one trio, one drummer
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Johnny Griffin - Introducing Johnny Griffin
Blue NoteOriginal release date: April 17th 1956Re-release date (RVG Edition): February 6th 2007 As a tribute to Johnny Griffin, we are republishing our review of his first album for Blue Note: "Introducing Johnny Griffin" Overshadowed by the acknowledged greats of jazz tenor saxophone such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, Johnny Griffin was the equal of most; a fine, fast, bop stylist with
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Ravi Coltrane - Blending Times
Savoy Jazz
Release date: January 13th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
With this much anticipated release featuring his working quartet - Ravi Coltrane (tenor saxophone), Luis Perdomo (piano), Drew Gress (bass) and E.J. Strickland (drums) – Ravi Coltrane has taken a giant step forward.
Planned initially with input from his mother, Alice, and then coming to fruition after her
Release date: January 13th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
With this much anticipated release featuring his working quartet - Ravi Coltrane (tenor saxophone), Luis Perdomo (piano), Drew Gress (bass) and E.J. Strickland (drums) – Ravi Coltrane has taken a giant step forward.
Planned initially with input from his mother, Alice, and then coming to fruition after her
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Peter Bernstein - Monk
Xanadu
Release date: January 13th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
For his first album as leader in over four years, guitarist Peter Bernstein is partnered by Doug Weiss (bass) and Bill Stewart (drums) in a pianoless trio playing twelve compositions by Thelonious Monk.
The dangers of attempting to prettify Thelinious Monk's work are evident. The point, of course, is that
Release date: January 13th 2009
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
For his first album as leader in over four years, guitarist Peter Bernstein is partnered by Doug Weiss (bass) and Bill Stewart (drums) in a pianoless trio playing twelve compositions by Thelonious Monk.
The dangers of attempting to prettify Thelinious Monk's work are evident. The point, of course, is that
Friday, January 2, 2009
Joris Roelofs - Introducing Joris Roelofs
Material Records
Recorded September 8th and 9th 2007, Peter Karl Studio, Brooklyn, New York
Release date: September 28th 2008
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Not yet 25, Netherlander Joris Roelofs has produced an album for the Material Records label that should propel him on to widespread recognition. Released so far in Japan and available on import, "Introducing ……" deserves a US
Recorded September 8th and 9th 2007, Peter Karl Studio, Brooklyn, New York
Release date: September 28th 2008
Availability: CD, MP3 Download, iTunes
Not yet 25, Netherlander Joris Roelofs has produced an album for the Material Records label that should propel him on to widespread recognition. Released so far in Japan and available on import, "Introducing ……" deserves a US
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