doublebass Archive
John Patitucci, bass – Irmao De Fe – Newvelle vinyl
Taking an audiophile journey to Brazil with John Patitucci… John Patitucci, bass – Irmao De Fe – Newvelle NV007LP – vinyl ****1/2: (John Patitucci – acoustic and electric bass; Yotam Silberstein – acoustic and electric guitars; Rogerio Boccato – drums, percussion) The first-year subscription series of audiophile LPs from Newvelle Records set a standard for pristine acoustics and coffee table-worthy gate-fold albums. The 180gm clear vinyl felt substantial, and once on the turntable, the music presented matched the presentation of the package. It is worth highlighting the first year of their subscription series: The Frank Kimbrough Quintet (NV001LP) provided straight ahead horn/piano based jazz with tracks both wistful and buoyant. Jack DeJohnette’s solo piano effort (NV002LP) was contemplative and comforting, deeply creative, much like Keith Jarrett, with whom Jack has provided backing for years. Saxophonist Noah Preminger (NV003LP) explored the many faces of blues ballads in a deeply satisfying effort. One of Don Friedman’s final projects (NV004LP) before his passing was a Newvelle project honoring the unsung compositional talents of trumpeter, Booker Little, presented with piano as the main instrument sans horn. It demanded rapt attention to fully appreciate Friedman’s skills in sharing the complex charts of Little, so advanced […]
Al Muirhead – Northern Adventures – The Canada Sessions Vol. 1 – Chronograph
Al Muirhead – Northern Adventures – The Canada Sessions Vol. 1 (TrackList follows) – Chronograph CRO 46, 57:58 [1/27/17] ***: A Canadian excursion into the Great American Songbook. (Al Muirhead – trumpet, Flugelhorn & bass trumpet; Tommy Banks – piano 2/6/10; Guido Basso – Flugelhorn 2/6/10; Mike Murley – tenor saxophone 4/9; Chris Andrew – piano 4/9; Campbell Ryga – soprano/ 5 & alto saxophone /11; Mike Rud – guitar 5/11; Don Thompson – piano 1/12, & doublebass/ 7; Reg Schwager – guitar 1/7/12; Laila Biali – vocals 3/8, piano /3; Ben Whitman – percussion /3; Kodi Hutchinson – doublebass 1/3/8) Given Canada’s population of slightly over 36 million inhabitants (California has close to 39 million), it is quite commendable that there are four independent record labels that are jazz-oriented namely: JustinTime from Montreal, Cornerstone from Toronto, CellarLive from Vancouver and Chronograph from Calgary. The latter label has recently released Northern Adventures which features the multi-talented brass-horn-player Al Muirhead. He has surrounded himself with a cross-section of well-known Canadian jazz artists to deliver a session constructed with compositions from the Great American Songbook. This group of consummate professionals does not break any new musical grounds, but does deliver a well-executed […]
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 […]
Howard Johnson & Gravity – Testimony – Tuscarora
Howard JOHNSON and Gravity – Testimony – Tuscarora 17-001, 53:39, (3/3/17) ****: (Howard Johnson: BB-flat tuba, baritone sax, pennywhistle/ Velvet Brown; Ens. leader, F-tuba/ Dave Bergeron; E-flat tuba/ Earl McIntyre; E-flat tuba/ Joseph Daley; BB-flat tuba/ Bob Stewart; CC tuba/ Carlton Holmes; piano/ Melissa Slocum; bass/ Buddy Williams; drums) Low rumbles, virtuosic soloing and great charts feature in newest Howard Johnson tuba ensemble session. At an impressionable moment in my youth, I encountered a stupendous work of art, Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, by Charles Mingus. In place of the leader’s bass, there was a massed rank of low brass, including tuba, that thrummed and growled with dark menace against the caterwauling soloist. I recall a hip elder remarking that this ensemble represented an absolute standard for “bottom” in a big band. That indelible, bone-rattling sound came back to me as I surveyed Howard Johnson’s 2017 Gravity, which features an ensemble of six tubas, and not at the expense of the doublebass. It looks like the bottom has only now been reached. With all due respect to that incomparable musician Mr. Howard Johnson, I was initially skeptical. Having reached an age of ripeness, if not deliquescence, I have an […]
Stephen Crump – Stephen Crump’s Rhombal – Papillon Sounds double vinyl
Stephen Crump – Stephen Crump’s Rhombal – Papillon Sounds PS51514 stereo double vinyl, TT: 59:33 ****: Jazz bassist and composer releases an unusual tribute album. (Adam O’Farrill – trumpet; Ellery Eskelin – tenor saxophone; Stephen Crump – doublebass; Tyshawn Sorey – drums) Stephen Crump has established a solid reputation as a musician, composer and bandleader. He is known as a member of the Vijay Iyer Trio and his own Rosetta Trio. In 2015, he put together the Rhombal Quartet, with drummer Tyshawn Sorey, trumpeter Adam O’Farrill and saxophonist Ellery Eskelin. His intention was to pay tribute to his late brother, Patrick. Stephen Crump’s Rhombal was released in 2016 on MP3 and CD and now is available on vinyl format. Side A opens (“No D For Nelson”) with a vampy doublebass line, that is maintained throughout the piece. Crump and drummer Tyshawn Sorey (who are previously band mates) interact in a precise, cohesive manner. The melodic instrumentation falls to trumpeter Adam O’Farrill and saxophonist Ellery Eskelin. They delve into some abstract structures together and find room for solos. There is also a nimble, accelerated tempo break. “Grovi” embraces a funkier, soulful feel centered by Crump’s deft bass work. Trumpet and saxophone […]
Brad MYERS & Michael SHARFE – Sanguinaria (Hopefulsongs) – Colloquy
Brad MYERS & Michael SHARFE – Sanguinaria (Hopefulsongs) – Colloquy 13214, 59:49 (1/30/17) ****½: (Brad Myers – guitar/ Michael Sharfe – doublebass/ Dan Dorff Jr. – drums/ Tom Buckley – drums/ Marc Wolfley – percussion/ Dan Karlsberg – melodica) Outstanding arrangements for guitar & bass duo rooted in classic jazz and midwestern Americana aesthetic. The new release Sanguinaria (Hopefulsongs) by well-established Cincinnati musicians Brad Myers and Michael Sharfe makes an immediate visual impression. A perfectly-rendered botanical illustration of the bloodroot plant is framed on the lower half of all six panels of the fold-out sleeve. On the cover, the subterranean root emerges into leaf and flower. Dabs of watercolor and a couple of industrious ants add detail. It is among the most striking images I have ever seen on a CD and is suggestive of a special artistic care and purpose. Mr. Myers explains in the liner notes the choice of the image as a metaphor for the duo format. “The plant sometimes produces a rare double flower… and when pierced or broken, it bleeds a reddish sap, which accounts for its Latin name.” There are multiple meanings here – that which is hidden, nourished over time, vulnerable to destruction, […]
The Clown – The Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop – Atlantic 1260 (1957)/ Warner Bros./ Speakers Corner
This is a lovely remastering of one of Mingus’ best albums – his 1957 mono release. The Clown – The Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop – Atlantic 1260 (1957)/ Warner Bros./ Speakers Corner – mono vinyl [11/4/6] *****: (Charles Mingus, doublebass/ Curtis Porter, alto & tenor sax/ Jimmy Kneeper, trombone/ Wade Legge, piano/Donnie Richmond, drums) These four tracks were all composed and performed by the amazing bassist Mingus, and have been reissued on various poor discs (some with terrible cover art), so it is wonderful to finally have this Mingus masterpiece in a really good version that preserves everything that happened in that studio in March of 1957. The original packaging includes detailed notes on the back by Nat Hentoff. He spends a lot time on the volatile personality of Mingus. Mingus said, “Just because I’m playing jazz, I don’t forget about me…My music is alive and it’s about the living and the dead, about good and evil. It’s angry, yet it’s real because it knows it’s angry.” The folk spirit of “Haitian Fight Song” open the first side. It also has a bit of the old black church in it. “Blue Cee” is a standard blues which Mingus feels has […]
Dave Holland, doublebass – Aziza – Dare2
Dave Holland, doublebass – Aziza [TrackList follows] – Dare2 DR2-009, 68:34 (10/14/16) ****: (Dave Holland – bass/ Lionel Loueke – guitar/ Chris Potter – saxophones/ Eric Harland – drums) Dave Holland Quartet keeps the intensity alive. With legendary Bassist Dave Holland celebrating his 70th birthday this year, we might reasonably expect him to settle down and apply himself to something a little more sedate and reflective. Perhaps, a “Gateway Trio Unplugged does Bob Dylan,” or better yet an orchestral version of “Conference of the Birds with lyrics by Rumi.” But that isn’t Dave; Instead, we get another version of the Dave Holland Band, now stripped down to a quartet, playing some of the most raucous, funky, and spirited jazz of the year. The record under review appears on his own label, which he founded in 2005. His long tenure with ECM, a label on which Dave’s brand of energy jazz seemed to be incongruous, and seems to be over. We might wonder if this signals a new direction in his music. The answer is no. There is no swerving or slowing for Mr. Holland. Joining the band is Lionel Loueke. Lionel is originally from Benin and arrived in United States […]
Phronesis – Parallax – Edition EDN
Jazz which covers food to fish, astronomy to harmonization. Phronesis – Parallax [TrackList follows] Edition EDN 1070 [Distr. by Harmonia mundi] 56:47 [4/8/16] ****: (Jasper Høiby – doublebass; Ivo Neame – piano; Anton Eger – drums) Pan-European trio Phronesis escalates an atmosphere of adventure, veered jazz and interplayed imagination on sixth album overall—and fourth for the Edition label. Danish bassist Jasper Høiby, British pianist Ivo Neame and Swedish drummer Anton Eger create undulating, modern jazz which is independent from traditional norms but remains approachable. The nine original tracks (three apiece penned by each member) were taped during a single day at London’s Abbey Road studio. The result is music of the moment. There is absorbing spontaneity, regardless if time might have gone into rehearsal or pre-planning. The hour-long presentation commences with two memorable cuts. Eger’s aptly driving “67000 MPH” has unpredictable thematic variations and expressive tempo changes. The fast-paced rhythmic alterations mirror the title, which refers to the speed the earth orbits the sun. The metrical back-and-forth between piano and drums offers a lesson in cadenced communication. Neame’s punningly-titled “OK Chorale” has a name inspired by the famous American Western shoot-out, but the music is far from cattle country. Chorales […]
Kenny Barron Trio – Book Of Intuition – Impulse!
Kenny Barron Trio – Book Of Intuition – Impulse! B0024648-02, 58.23 ****: A master class in taste, swing, and imagination. (Kenny Barron – piano; Kiyoshi Kitagawa – doublebass; Johnathan Blake – drums) Kenny Barron is one of those pianists who is “beyond category” as it relates to taste, swing, and imagination, along with the likes of other now departed luminaries such as Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan, and Cedar Walton. In this latest release entitled Book Of Intuition, Barron uses his own compositional repertoire as the foundation of the session, with a couple of Thelonious Monk’s more obtuse themes, plus a delightful Charlie Haden number. Working with his long time compatriots bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa and drummer Johnathan Blake, Barron uses sympathy and understanding from his band-mates to provide an elegant and smart mainstream session. “Magic Dance” sets the pace with a lively swinging Brazilian-styled excursion that has all the elements needed to engage the participants. As the name implies, “Bud Like” has Bud Powell written all over it from the strong single-note lines and blistering pace to the Powell phrasing. Barron takes advantage of Blake’s rhythmic drumming to both “walk the walk” and “talk the talk”. In 2010, the film Another […]
Bill Evans – Some Other Time – Resonance (2 CD set)
Bill Evans – Some Other Time – Resonance HCD-2019, 93:06 (2-CD set) [now 1/17] ***** (the release date has been delayed): A rare 1968 Bill Evans recording is another brilliant achievement. (Bill Evans – piano; Eddie Gomez – double bass; Jack DeJohnette – drums) Resonance Records has uncovered a terrific unreleased recording of legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans. Some Other Time – The Lost Sessions From The Black Forest was recorded on June 20, 1968, five days after Bill Evans appeared at Montreux. There are primarily duo and trio performances that examine yet another exceptionally creative period. The opening track, “You Go To My Head” (previously recorded by the pianist in 1962) quickly adopts the “percussive poet” as the trio swings. Evan’s playing is assured and up-tempo, choosing to emphasize the rhythmic dynamics and brisk solo runs. Gomez’ extended bass solo is extraordinary. DeJohnette’s nimble, cohesive drumming brings the trio together. This recording leans heavily on American Songbook material. “My Funny Valentine” (Rodgers/Hart) has become a jazz staple over the years. Evans combination of lyrical finesse and finger-snapping cool is revelatory. There is a late crescendo that is wonderful. From Kismet, “Baubles Bangles And Beads” has a medium-swing waltz groove […]
Harry “Sweets” Edison – Sweetenings – Roulette (1958) /Pure Pleasure – vinyl
Harry “Sweets” Edison – Sweetenings – Roulette SR 52023 (1958)/Pure Pleasure PPAN R52023 (2015), 32:46 mono vinyl ****: (Harry “Sweets” Edison – trumpet; Jimmy Forrest – tenor saxophone; Jimmy Jones – piano; Kenny Drew – piano; Joe Benjamin – doublebass; Charlie Persip – drums) Harry “Sweets” Edison enjoyed three careers. He came to initial prominence with Count Basie. There (thanks to Lester Young and others), he picked up his nickname and became a longtime (twelve years) member of one of the greatest big bands in any era. The second installment was as a highly in-demand Hollywood session musician. He was featured on several movie scores, including Oklahoma and The Man With The Golden Arm. In a surprise move, Edison turned his back on the lucrative movie business, and moved to New York. There he realized his musical vision as a jazz artist, signing with Roulette Records. ”Sweets” Edison recorded for more than forty years, played with jazz giants and joined their legendary ranks. Pure Pleasure Records has released Sweetenings (1958), re-mastered to 180-gram vinyl. Part of the Birdland Sessions, there are twelve concise tracks that focus primarily on the trumpeter. Utilizing standard and jazz originals, Edison glides through the material […]
Raoul Bjorkenheim/eCsTaSy – Out of the Blue – Cuneiform
Finnish jazz and improvisation which is unpredictable and eclectic. Raoul Bjorkenheim/eCsTaSy – Out of the Blue [TrackList follows] – Cuneiform, Rune 413, 41:23 [10/16/15] ****: (Raoul Bjorkenheim – electric guitar, producer; Pauli Lyytinen – tenor, bass and soprano saxophones, mey; Jori Huhtala – doublebass; Marrku Ounaskari – drums) There is a side to modern jazz where allogamy, or cross-fertilization, is the norm rather than the opposite. It’s where lines get blurred: jazz fusion, prog rock, postmodern material, raucous noise, and more commingle. Guitarists such as Nels Cline, Bill Frisell and Sonny Sharrock have fused those lines. Finland’s Raoul Bjorkenheim is another guitarist who tackles disparate, but somehow connected, improvisational ground. His quartet, eCsTaSy, put out a debut in 2014. In late 2015 Raoul Bjorkenheim/eCsTaSy issued a sophomore release, the eight-track, 40-minute outing, Out of the Blue. Like its predecessor, Out of the Blue is a mix of harder-edged tunes and longer pieces which have elliptical shapes. Moods can suddenly shift, textures can be intimate one moment and strident the next. The overriding process is music which is very aware of its own individuality. Several tracks showcase Bjorkenheim’s electric guitar, and are paced with tinges of rock and toughened jazz. Opener […]
Chuck Israels: Rhythm and Romance (2016)
A short but interesting film on jazz bassist Chuck Israels.
Nefertiti – Miles Davis Q. – Columbia/Mobile Fidelity 45 rpm vinyl + Filles de Kilimanjaro – Miles Davis Q. – Columbia/Mobile Fidelity 45 rpm vinyl
A pair of the top Miles Davis albums remastered at 45rpm speed.
Bennie Wallace – Moodsville – Prestige/ Groove Note
Bennie Wallace – Moodsville – Prestige/ Groove Note GRV1010-1 two 45 rpm vinyls, 50:53 ****: Saxophonist combines traditional jazz plus hi-resolution. (Bennie Wallace – tenor saxophone; Peter Washington – doublebass; Mulgrew Miller – piano; Lewis Nash – drums) Jazz saxophonist Bennie Wallace draws heavily on his Tennessee roots. From his early days with the high school jazz orchestra, he understood the varied tempo signatures and moods of American post-bop jazz. Wallace has played with Barry Harris, Buddy Rich and Ray Anderson. His most significant recording output has come as a band leader. His albums have included Tommy Flanagan, Kenny Barron, Jack DeJohnette, Dr. John, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Scofield, Elvin Jones and Chick Corea. For nearly four decades, Wallace has explored jazz from many stylistic perspectives. Wallace’s latest release, Moodsville pays homage to the great Prestige and Moodsville label sessions of the late 1950s. This double 45 rpm. vinyl has been recorded in full analog technology with accessible results. Utilizing a classic jazz quartet, (tenor, piano, double bass and drums) Wallace offers melodic interpretations of standards and complex jazz compositions. Side A opens with a cover of “I’ll Never Smile Again”. For anyone familiar with Harry James’ big band version […]
Tim Garland – Return To The Fire – Edition Records
British musician captures the pure spirit of jazz.
![Barry Altschul’s 3dom Factor – Tales of the Unforeseen [TrackList follows] – TUM](https://www.audaud.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Altschul.jpg)
Barry Altschul’s 3dom Factor – Tales of the Unforeseen [TrackList follows] – TUM
Freedom as defined by three.
BERNSTEIN: Overture to Candide; ALBENIZ: Suite espanola; MARK GLENTWORTH: Blues for Gilbert; ALLEN SHAWN: Three Dance Portraits, GERSHWIN: Rhapsody in Blue – Blue Chamber Quartet – Coviello Classics
An exciting German classical crossover quartet in hi-res surround.
![Ciaramella Dances on Movable Ground [TrackList follows] – Ciaramella Ens./Adam K. Gilbert & Rotem Gilbert, directors – Yarlung 45 rpm vinyl (2)Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet, Vol. I – Yarlung 33 rpm vinyl](https://www.audaud.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CiaramellaSophLady2.jpg)
Ciaramella Dances on Movable Ground [TrackList follows] – Ciaramella Ens./Adam K. Gilbert & Rotem Gilbert, directors – Yarlung 45 rpm vinyl (2)Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet, Vol. I – Yarlung 33 rpm vinyl
Two vinyl albums of exceptional fidelity and music from the same label.
Ciaramella Dances on Movable Ground [TrackList follows] – Ciaramella Ens./Adam K. Gilbert & Rotem Gilbert, directors – Yarlung 45 rpm vinyl (2)Sophisticated Lady Jazz Quartet, Vol. I – Yarlung 33 rpm vinyl
Two vinyl albums of exceptional fidelity and music from the same label.
John Clark – The Odd Couple Quintet + 1 – Composers ConcordanceMark Taylor – Quiet Land – Mapleshade
Two CDs featuring the most difficult orchestral instrument for jazz – the French horn.
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
