band Archive
Kirk MacDonald Jazz Orchestra – Common Ground – Addo
Kirk MacDonald Jazz Orchestra – Common Ground [TrackList follows] – Addo AJR032 (2 CDs), 91:04 ****: This is a band that has an expressive command of some very challenging material. It doesn’t seem to be all that long ago, although perhaps it was, there were a number of significant jazz orchestras in Canada including Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass, Dave McMurdo’s Jazz Orchestra both in Toronto, Vic Vogel’s Le Jazz Big Band in Montreal and Tommy Banks Big Band in Edmonton. With changing times, fashion, and economics it is a challenge to maintain a jazz orchestra on a consistent basis. Kudos go to Kirk MacDonald for keeping this formation together for their third recording Common Ground. All of the compositions on this release were written by Kirk MacDonald with arrangements by trumpeter Joe Sullivan. Although Sullivan was born in Ontario, he has worked and lived for the better part of his career in Montréal. He is currently an Associate Professor at McGill University where he directs the University’s Jazz Orchestra as well as playing in his own sextet ad big band. Sullivan’s arrangements of MacDonald’s compositions are lengthy affairs in the manner of tone poems, with multilayered harmonics and […]
Mumford & Sons – Live From South Africa: Dust And Thunder, Blu-ray (2017)
Mumford & Sons – Live From South Africa: Dust And Thunder, Blu-ray (2017) British quartet impresses South African audience. Cast: Ted Dwane; Ben Lovett; Winston Marshall; Marcus Mumford; Chris Haas; Tom Hobden; Dave Williamson; Nick Etwell, Baaba Mal; Mamadou Sarre; The Brother Moves On; The Very Best; Beatenberg Studio: Eagle Rock Entertainment EVB335619 [2/3/1017] Director: Dick Carruthers Audio: Dolby Atmos 5.1, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, PCM 2.0 Video: 16×9 for 1080i HD, color Length: 94 minutes TrackList: Snake Eyes; I Will Wait; Below My Feet; Wilder Mind; Awake My Soul; Lover Of The Light; Tompkins Square Park; Believe; Ghosts That We Knew; The Cave; Ditmas; Dust Bowl Dance; Bona; Lampenda; There Will Be time; Little Lion Man; The Wolf Ratings: Audio: ***1/2 Video: **** Overall: **** Mumford & Sons formed their band in 2007. Despite having recorded only three studio albums (Sigh No More, Babel and Wilder Mind), they are beloved by their fans. Their genre-defying music takes advantage of the group’s multi-instrumental expertise. The combination of electric and bluegrass instrumentation envelopes literary contexts to create a unique musical expression. In 2016, they collaborated on an EP titled Johannesburg. Eagle Rock Entertainment has released […]
Joey DeFrancesco (B-3) + The People – Project Freedom – Mack Ave.
Joey DeFrancesco + The People – Project Freedom – Mack Avenue MAC 1121, 64:20 [3/10/17] ****1/2: B-3 master shows a lot of heart in debut for new label. (Joey DeFrancesco – organ, keyboards, trumpet; Jason Brown – drums; Troy Roberts – tenor sax, soprano sax; Dan Wilson – guitar) Joey DeFrancesco has always been proud of his Philadelphia roots. As a teenager, this emerging B-3 organist garnered praise from the likes of Hank Mobley and Philly Joe Jones. This led to a gig with Miles Davis that got his career off to a fast start. Recently, he returned to his hometown to receive a star on the Philadelphia Music Walk Of Fame. He joined jazz luminaries including John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Nina Simone. Like many other Philadelphia musicians, Joey has embraced the “heart and soul” aspects of his instrumental prowess. There is no organist who is regarded by his peers and critics to such a degree. (He has been voted best organist 11 of the last 15 years in Downbeat Magazine.) As a sideman, he has played with Diana Krall, George Benson, Jimmy Cobb, Ray Charles, Bobby Hutchinson, Larry Coryell, David Sanborn, James Moody and Nancy Wilson to name […]
Aretha Franklin – Yeah!!! – Columbia LP /Pure Pleasure vinyl
Aretha Franklin – Yeah!!! – Columbia CS 9151 (1965)/Pure Pleasure vinyl (2016) PPAN CS9151, 35:23 ****: This vinyl re-master captures the early career of an iconic artist! (Aretha Franklin – vocals, piano; Teddy Harris – piano; Kenny Burrell – guitar; James “Beans Richardson – doublebass; Hindell Butts – drums) She was known as The Queen Of Soul. But that moniker does not begin to assess the musical force that is Aretha Franklin. As a young girl, she became a gospel recording star with a traditional, limited audience. That changed when she was signed to Columbia Records by none other than John Hammond. The label attempted to find a way to market Franklin. Her versatility was unusual. The mezzo-soprano was comfortable singing rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, pop and soul. The Queen never hit her stride at Columbia. However, at Atlantic Records, she became the greatest singer of all time, winning 18 Grammys. Aretha was the first woman inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. A lot of the Columbia sessions are becoming available once again. Pure Pleasure Records has released a 180-gram vinyl reissue of Aretha Franklin – Yeah!!!. This album reflects the label’s attempt to showcase Aretha […]
MOZART: Violin Concertos – Isabelle Faust/ Il Giardino Armonico – Harmonia mundi (2 CDs)
MOZART: Violin Concertos – Isabelle Faust/ Il Giardino Armonico – Harmonia mundi (2 CDs) 902230.32, 67:53, 61:26 (11/26/16) *****: (Isabelle Faust; violin/ cadenzas by Andreeas Staier) Mozart’s brilliant violin concertos are much enhanced by the fiddling of Isabelle Faust and newly composed cadenzas. Isabelle Faust has arrived at her preeminent position in the classical music world by an unusual route. Rather than putting personal flair and dazzling virtuosity to work on the popular repertoire in highly visible concerts and recording, she has developed a rigorously intellectual approach informed by an almost self-effacing aesthetic. As for imposing challenges on oneself, try to top this: her first three projects were Bartok, Beethoven (the complete sonatas) and the incomparable J.S Bach sei solo. She is much aided by her much-talked-about fiddle, the “sleeping beauty” 1704 Stradivarius. On the Bach partitas, this instrument was tamed with gut strings and a baroque bow. Ms. Faust illuminated the the architecture of these profound works with a celestial tone and unerring focus. While the pleasures of this recording are those of contemplation, the Beethoven sonatas, (with Alexander Melnikov) demonstrated a different sort of intelligence. Here the Strad sings with the full range human voices, now ravishing, now […]
A Portrait of Duke Ellington – Dizzy Gillespie and his Orchestra – Verve/ HDTT (DVD-A)
A compendium of 11 famous selections by Ellington, played by Dizzy and his Orchestra in hi-res. A Portrait of Duke Ellington – Dizzy Gillespie and his Orchestra – Verve/ HDTT, 41:09 192K/24-bit DVD-A *****: High Definition Tape Transfers has taken the old Verve 4-track pre-recorded tape from a 1960 NYC session and made a hi-res DVD copy using the ultimate in tape-to-digital equipment. Economic pressures forced Dizzy to give up his big band in 1950, but they appeared overseas after that and made this terrific recording. The HDTT liner notes have quite a bit of information about Dizzy and his playing of the unusual trumpet with the horn up at a 45-degree angle, and his cheeks blown out to drastic size. The package looks just like an ordinary CD but it is not. Although it says DVD-Audio, it will play on most any DVD deck or universal player. The sonics and the performances can’t be beat. TrackList: 1 In A Mellow Tone Written-By – Ellington* 3:44 2 Things Ain’t What They Used To Be Written-By – Ellington*, Persons* 4:50 3 Serenade To Sweden Written-By – Ellington* 4:23 4 Chelsea Bridge Written-By – Strayhorn* 2:34 5 Upper Manhattan Medical Group Written-By […]
Lee Konitz / Kenny Wheeler Quartet – Olden Times – Live At Birdland – Neuburg Double Moon
Lee Konitz / Kenny Wheeler Quartet – Olden Times – Live At Birdland – Neuburg Double Moon DMCHR 71146, 78:31 ****: Time has not diminished the astounding expressiveness of these two musical innovators. (Lee Konitz – alto saxophone/ Kenny Wheeler – trumpet, Flugelhorn/ Frank Wunsch – piano; Gunnar Plümer – drums) It would be futile to attempt to categorize the Lee Konitz / Kenny Wheeler Quartet re-release Olden Times. Both Konitz and Wheeler are unique players and have been associated with jazz categories as diverse as cool, post-bop, and avant-guarde. The music on this album probably fits all of these possibilities, and more. The original release of Olden Times was originally in 2000, but for a variety of reasons never caught on with the listening public, disappeared without a trace, and rarely showed up in most discographies. This remastering has enhanced the listening experience and the music is filled with thought and vitality. All of the tunes were written by the various band members, with Konitz and Wheeler carrying the bulk of the load. Konitz starts off the session with his own composition “Lennie’s” which begins abruptly with Konitz leaning into the number. Filled with long improvisation alto lines, it […]
Pop – Post Pop Depression – Live at Royal Albert Hall – Blu-ray + 2 CDs (2016)
Pop – Post Pop Depression – Live at Royal Albert Hall, Blu-ray + 2 CDs (2016) Legendary proto-punk artist proves his relevance once again. Performers: Iggy Pop; Joshua Homme; Dean Fertita; Matt Helders, Troy Van Leeuwen; Matt Sweeney Studio: Eagle Vision EVB335569 Director: Nick Wickham Video: 16×9 for 1080i HD, color Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, PCM Stereo 2.0 TrackList (Blu-ray + CD) : Lust For Life; Sister Midnight; American Valhalla; Sixteen; In The Lobby; Some Weird Sin; Funtime; Tonight; Sunday; German Days; Mass Production; Nightclubbing; Gardenia; The Passenger; China Girl; Break Into Your Heart; Fall In Love With Me; Repo Man; Baby; Chocolate Drops; Paraguay; Success Length: 118 minutes Rating: Audio: **** Video: **** Overall: **** James Newel Osterber Jr. began his musical career as a high school musician in Ann Arbor Michigan during the late sixties His first association with a band was the Iguanas. After that group the now re-named Iggy traveled to Chicago to absorb big-city blues culture. There Iggy Pop (full new moniker) began observing performance styles of The Doors, James Brown and the MC5. Iggy Pop and The Stooges worked small clubs and caught the attention of John Cale who […]
Jeff Libman, guitar – Strange Beauty – CellarLive
Jeff Libman, guitar – Strange Beauty [TrackList follows] – CellarLive CL040916, 51:01 ***: A straightforward release with a strong unimpeded style. (Jeff Libman – guitar; Michael Kocour – piano; Ben Hedquist – acoustic bass; Dom Moio – drums) There is a maxim in George Bernard Shaw’s play Man And Superman which goes as follows:” He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches”. Fortunately, this does not apply to Jeff Libman, who is Clinical Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University. In this release for the CellarLive label entitled Strange Beauty, Libman shows unequivocally that he can do, and does so with a vision and creativity. While this session should not be construed as breaking any new ground, it is nevertheless straightforward, and showcases a strong unimpeded style from all the participants. Leading off with John Lennon’s “And I Love Her,” the melody is set out in 3/4 time with Libman running through the theme and not straying far from centre. Pianist Kocour makes the most of his solo time. ”A Portrait Of Jenny” has a samba style that works well, and sets a frame for Libman’s Latin-flavoured guitar runs. Kocour’s piano solo is effervescent and avoids clichés. Three […]
Free Nelson Mandoomjazz – The Organ Grinder – RareNoise
The doom metal/jazz innovators veer toward a stronger jazz vibe.. Free Nelson Mandoomjazz – The Organ Grinder – RareNoise RNR068, 70:02 [9/30/16] ****: (Rebecca Sneddon – saxophone; Colin Stewart – electric bass; Paul Archibald – drums, percussion, piano (track 5), organ (track 11); Luc Klein – trumpet (tracks 2, 5-6, 9); Patrick Darley – trombone (tracks 4, 6)) Jazz has shown an ability to combine with many other musical genres since its inception. Soul-jazz. Third stream music. Jazz-rock. One of the newer crosshatchings melds doom metal with jazz and is one of the most extreme confluences, in terms of loudness, aggressiveness and amplification. The multi-national trio Free Nelson Mandoomjazz (formed in Scotland, but only one member now resides in that area), has quickly become the vanguard for this unique and vociferous type of jazz fusion. For those unfamiliar with doom metal (which developed in the 1980s), the genre has a much thicker or heavier sound than other metal genres, and is characterized by slow tempos, low-tuned guitars and an impending perception of despair or doom. Not the kind of fare some jazz fans would be attracted to, but cuisine readymade for the RareNoise label, which promotes avant jazz and improvisatory […]
Jane Bunnett & Maqueque – Oddara – Linus Ent.
Jane Bunnett & Maqueque – Oddara – Linus Ent., 270244, 53:51****: Oddara is a surging, rhythmic, muscular offering. (Jane Bunnett – flutes, soprano sax, whistling; Danae Olano – piano, vocals; Celia Jimenez – bass, vocals; Magdelys Savigne – percussion ,vocals; Yissy Garcia – drums; Elizabeth Rodriguez – violin ,vocals; special guests: Melvis Santa – vocals; Dayme Arocena – vocals) Canada’s ties to Cuba go back to the 18th Century, and the Canadian Government has maintained an Embassy in the country continuously since 1945 (unlike the U.S.). Cuba has been a favourite Canadian tourist destination for many years (and also Portland Unitarians), and thus jazz musician Jane Bunnett’s fascination with the Afro-Cuban music tradition is not some Johnny-come-lately affair. Her latest foray into the genre with her all-female band Maqueque is entitled Oddara and is a surging, rhythmic, and muscular offering. Jane Bunnett’s accomplishments as a soprano saxophonist are well documented. The group of female musicians that she leads are primarily from Cuba, but spend significant amounts of time in Canada both recording and performing, when they are not on tour around the world in support of their music. In this release, the music has been penned, for the most part, […]
Ray Charles – Swiss Radio Days Vol. 41/ Zurich 1961 – TCB
The jazzy side of Brother Ray… Ray Charles – Swiss Radio Days Vol. 41/ Zurich 1961 – TCB 02412, 78:43 [Distr. by Naxos] (11/11/16) ****: (Ray Charles – piano, vocals; Marcus Belgrave, Wallace Davenport, Phil Guilbeau, John Hunt – trumpets; Henderson Chambers, Dickie Wells, Keg Johnson – trombones; Rudy Powell – alto sax; Hank Crawford – alto sax, band leader; David “Fathead” Newman – tenor sax and flute; Don Wilkerson – tenor sax; Leroy Cooper – baritone sax; Elbert Forriest – guitar; Edgar Willis – bass; Bruno Carr – drums; Quincy Jones – arranger {#1, 2, 9-11, 17}. With the Raelettes: Pat Lyles, Margie Hendricks, Gwen Berry, and Darlene McCrea – vocals) Although Ray Charles had been recording for Atlantic Records since 1957, his impact had primarily been in the United States as a rhythm-and-blues artist. In October, 1961, Ray took his full orchestra to Europe in order to expand his stature worldwide. At the beginning of the tour he played in Zurich on Oct. 18, 1961. As part of the Swiss Radio Days Series (now 41 volumes strong), TCB is releasing this date in great digitally-remastered sound. Ray brought an outstanding orchestra to Europe. Four trumpets, three trombones, and […]
Song Of Lahore – The Sachal Ensemble (2016)
Song Of Lahore – The Sachal Ensemble (2016) A compelling documentary about a Pakistani jazz group! Studio: Broadgreen Pictures 94174630 Directors: Andy Schocken & SharmeenObaid-Chinoy featuring The Sachal Ensemble and guest performers – Wynton Marsalis and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Video 1.78:1 for widescreen 16:9, color Length: 82 minutes Ratings: Audio: **** Video: ***1/2 Overall:***1/2 It’s not often that a musical documentary tackles complicated socio-political issues and provides great music. But Song Of Lahore does exactly that. This is a tale of a Pakistani musical group, older in age, trying to navigate the intrinsic need to reconcile their artistic vision and heritage (with a decidedly American jazz influence) with the overall restrictive cultural limitations of Sharia law. There is a seventies montage that provides the historical context for this complicated narrative. Bitterness doesn’t overtake the life of Nijat Ali as he tries to manage the music group at The Sachal Studios. Following the previously mentioned Sharia law in the seventies, the ties that bind have been breached. The struggle is with reviving this special music and band and extricating them from generational conflicts that serve as a sub-text for the […]
Bobby Avey – Inhuman Wilderness – Innervoice Jazz
The human condition becomes musically portrayed on pianist Bobby Avey’s latest. Bobby Avey – Inhuman Wilderness [TrackList follows] – Innervoice Jazz IVJ 102, 45:43 [6/24/16] ****: (Bobby Avey – piano, producer; John O’Gallagher – alto saxophone (tracks 2-3, 6, 8); Thomson Kneeland – bass; Jordan Perlson – drums) It may not be readily apparent when listening to pianist Bobby Avey’s fifth album, Inhuman Wilderness, but Avey has produced a record replete with concept, specifically the tragedy of man’s inhumanity to fellow men and also to the world/nature around them. Avey’s eight originals (which range from over nine minutes long to under two minutes) cover topics such as American military drone operations in the Middle East, to the unwritten stories of people who form the fabric of historical events; from the disproportionate costs of gentrification and escalating rents, to the need for societal changes. Since this 45-minute project has no vocals—this is quartet jazz music, not a spoken word or lyric-driven achievement—Avey and his band convey and communicate via musical cues, themes and stimuli. Avey’s eloquence, compassion and occasional indignation can be heard from start to finish, and are brought into focus by his new quartet: bassist Thomson Kneeland and drummer […]
Warren Wolf, vibes – Convergence – Mack Avenue
Warren Wolf, vibes – Convergence – Mack Avenue MAC 1105 67:51 ****: A sure-footed investigation of a smart jazz aesthetic (Warren Wolf – vibes, marimba 5/6/9/10/11, Fender Rhodes 2/9, piano 9; Christian McBride – bass 1/2/3/5/6/7/8/9/10; Brad Mehldau – piano 1/2/4/5/7; John Scofield – guitar 1/7; Jeff “Tain” Watts – drums 1/2/5/6/7/8/9/10) There was a period back in the 1970s or so, when rock supergroups were all the rage with the likes of Cream, Traffic, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young among others. Jazz never quite went in that direction apart from the unintended exception of The Quintet ( which came together for one performance only at Massey Hall, Toronto in 1953, and the historic recording that followed) and perhaps VSOP. One never quite thought of the classic Bill Evans Trio or Oscar Peterson Trio or the original Miles Davis Quintet along those lines although it would have been possible to do so. The Warren Wolf release Convergence has combined star power and individuality, and thus has all the attributes of a supergroup. Thankfully no such promotional efforts have detracted from the breadth and scope of the originality of the music coming from this band. With a judicious mix of original […]
Vanessa Fernandez – When The Levee Breaks – Groove Note (3-45 rpm vinyls)
Vanessa Fernandez – When The Levee Breaks – Groove Note Records 45 rpm stereo vinyl (3 discs), (5/16/2016), 63:33 ****1/2: Singer pays homage to Led Zeppelin in acoustic glory! (Vanessa Fernandez – vocals; Tim Pierce – guitars, arrangements; Jim Keltner – drums; Chris Chaney – bass; Jim Cox – keyboards; Charlie Bisharat – violin; Luis Conte – percussion) Vanessa Fernandez began her career as part of the hip hop groups Urban Xchange and Parking Lot Pimp. The Singapore native remained a local act and recorded an EP, titled Vandetta in 2013. Additionally she became a renowned radio personality, hosting a hip hop show. It seemed that her musical expansion might be limited. That changed in 2014 with the release of her debut, Use Me on Groove Note Records. (*******). This album featured quality studio covers of soul artists like Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers and Al Green. There were also versions of Blood Sweat & Tears and Queen. The auspicious project featured top-notch musicians that included Tim Pierce (guitars) and Jim Cox (keyboards). There was significant anticipation for her sophomore effort. In keeping with her maverick sensibility, Fernandez has chosen to put together a tribute to rock legend Led Zeppelin. When […]
Herlin Riley – New Direction – Mack Avenue
Herlin Riley – New Direction – Mack Avenue MAC1101, 63:35 ****: A captivating and vigorous release from this propulsive drummer. (Herlin Riley – drums & vocals; Bruce Harris – trumpet; Godwin Louis – alto & soprano sax; Emmet Cohen – piano; Russell Hall – bass; Special guests – Mark Whitfield – guitar on track 1; Pedrito Martinez – conga on tracks 2,3,6) Herlin Riley is a powerfully authoritative and concisely proficient drummer from New Orleans, who earned his chops in both smaller groups and more prominently as the drummer with the Wynton Marsalis lead Jazz At Lincoln Centre Orchestra. In this release New Direction, he heads a band of young whipper-snappers, who dive into a set list of mostly Herlin Riley originals that run the gamut of styles, but are still jazz-oriented. The title track “New Direction” kicks things off in exemplary fashion with Riley laying down a rhythmic direction that signifies his inventiveness, with pianist Cohen offering an inspired solo, and guitarist Mark Whitfield demonstrating why he was included in this session. “Spring Fantasy” is a Latin infused number with a bluesy feel, that has some stellar alto work by Godwin Louis. Pianist Cohen also shows some smart single-note […]
Walt Weiskopf, sax – The Way You Say It – Posi-Tone
Walt Weiskopf – The Way You Say It – Posi-Tone PR 8150, 51:32 ****: A spirited and accomplished session from a creative band. (Walt Weiskopf – tenor saxophone; Brian Charette – organ; Behn Gillece – vibraphone; Steve Fidyk – drums) A review of the discography of Walt Weiskopf, either as a leader or sideman, points to a versatile player who appears to be at home in a variety of musical forms and circumstances. His early influences were John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, and although they still poke their noses in his style today, nevertheless, he is very much his own man and his latest release The Way You Say It shows it. Working with a cohort that includes organist Brian Charente, vibraphonist Behn Gillece and drummer Steve Fidyk, the quartet tackles a set list of predominantly Weiskopf originals but sprinkled with three tasty covers including Charlie Parker’s “Segment”, the Joe Zawinul/Wayne Shorter number “Scarlet Woman” and that old standby “Candy” written by Alex Kramer, Mack David and Joan Whitney. Starting with “Coffee And Scones” which sounds more like breakfast than a musical number, the band deals with it in exemplary fashion as Weiskopf shows incisive poise, and vibraphonist Gillette is […]
FISCHER TULL: 7 works + interview with composer – Keystone Wind Ens. – Klavier
Fischer Tull is a man whose music is definitely worth exploring. FISCHER TULL: Terpsichore; Prelude and Double Fugue; Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble; Cryptic Essay; Jargon; Accolade; Sketches on a Tudor Psalm; Interview with Composer – Keystone Wind Ens./ Jack Stamp – Klavier K11207, 79:37 [Distr. by Naxos] ****: Fisher Mickey Tull (1934-94) is not a name that rings a bell for most music fans, but for those in the know, or those who were involved in the school band program after 1965 the name stands as an icon for all that is good and true and noble in the production of a certain kind of twentieth century music. Although his catalog is rather small due to an early death, his compositions for orchestra, band, and chamber ensemble are pretty much equal in number, about 80 total. But it is his band music that continues to live on, and his tonal-oriented excursions into medieval and renaissance forms coupled with a high rhythmic energy and fluent contrapuntal skill make every work he penned an adventure in the utmost compositional craftsmanship. This new disc, containing a number of lesser played works (but still as good as they get) is a rich […]
Art Pepper Live At Fat Tuesday’s – Elemental Music
An edgy style with undertones of fantasy.
HAYDN: Symphony No. 101 – Scottish Ch. Orch./ Robin Ticciati – Linn 45 rpm vinyl
Terrific vinyl sonics as well as performance. 45 rpm!
Sonny Sharrock – Ask the Ages – M.O.D. Technologies
Rediscovering one of the undervalued heroes of jazz guitar. Sonny Sharrock – Ask the Ages [TrackList follows] – M.O.D. Technologies MOD0016, 44:37 (orig. release: 1991)[11/13/15] ****: (Sonny Sharrock – electric guitar, co-producer; Pharoah Sanders – tenor and soprano saxophone; Elvin Jones – drums; Charnett Moffett – acoustic bass; Bill Laswell – co-producer) Sonny Sharrock (who passed away in 1994) is one of the best guitarists many may never have heard. He primarily worked in the jazz field, but his fearless and adventurous style was typically so far out and advanced, that traditional jazz fans rarely, if ever, listened to him, which why is the reissue of Sharrock’s final jazz album, the 45-minute Ask the Ages (originally released in 1991), is an important record to discover or rediscover [Note: Sharrock’s last official work was the 1994 Space Ghost Coast to Coast soundtrack, which is not considered by most to fit into the jazz spectrum]. Sharrock made his initial recording appearance on saxophonist Pharoah Sanders’ inaugural LP, Tauhid, in 1966. Sharrock subsequently teamed up with Herbie Mann’s group; and played uncredited on Miles Davis’ A Tribute to Jack Johnson. Producer/bassist Bill Laswell invited Sharrock to join the avant/punk-jazz group Last Exit in […]
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
