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Barry Elmes Quintet – Dog’s Breakfast – Cornerstone Records

Barry Elmes Quintet – Dog’s Breakfast – Cornerstone Records

by | Dec 11, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

Barry Elmes Quintet – Dog’s Breakfast – Cornerstone Records CRST CD147 56:37*** A new release filled with self-assured playing ( Brian O’Kane – trumpet, flugelhorn; Mike Murley – tenor saxophone; Lorne Lofsky – guitar; Steve Wallace – bass; Barry Elmes – drums) With an unconventional title Dog’s Breakfast, this is the first release in seven years from the Barry Elmes Quintet. Featuring a combination of original material by Elmes, and some less frequently heard jazz compositions, the album gives these well-known Canadian musicians an occasion to demonstrate their acknowledgement of a shared avocation. Opening with Freddie Hubbard’s “Little Sunflower” bassist Wallace and guitarist Lofsky set the stage for the front line to develop the opening theme. Elmes keeps the rhythmic figures in a bracing attack as Murley and O’Kane delve into some abundant self-assured playing. The title tune “Dog’s Breakfast” is breezy little number guided by O’Kane’s muted trumpet not only through the opening bars, but for the balance of the number. Murley eventually jumps in demonstrating his exploratory instincts. “Beautiful Love” shines as a trio number with Elmes, Wallace and Lofsky,  driven by some tasty brush work from Elmes as he sets the pace with his declarative touch. Lofsky […]

The Lightning Fields—New music for trumpet and piano = Music by Michael DAUGHERTY, Kevin MCKEE, Richard PEASLEE, Anthony PLOG, Daniel SCHNYDER – Jason Bergman, trumpet & flugelhorn – Steven Harlos, piano – MSR

The Lightning Fields—New music for trumpet and piano = Music by Michael DAUGHERTY, Kevin MCKEE, Richard PEASLEE, Anthony PLOG, Daniel SCHNYDER – Jason Bergman, trumpet & flugelhorn – Steven Harlos, piano – MSR

by | Jul 13, 2017 | Classical CD Reviews

The Lightning Fields—New music for trumpet and piano = Music by Michael DAUGHERTY, Kevin MCKEE, Richard PEASLEE, Anthony PLOG, Daniel SCHNYDER – Jason Bergman, trumpet & flugelhorn – Steven Harlos, piano – MSR Classics Stereo CD MS 1630 (11/16/16) ****: Some fine contemporary music for trumpet and piano played with gusto, well recorded This disc is a world premiere recording of captivating contemporary music for trumpet or flugelhorn—some unaccompanied, some with piano. The music here is varied, but always dynamic. The trumpet and flugelhorn playing by Bergman is first rate, and as a former brass player myself, I’m impressed with the technique he offers, and the quality of his intonation. Most of the works are for piano and trumpet, but the McKee work, The Adventures of…. is for unaccompanied trumpet and it is a distinctive showpiece. Another standout is Plog’s Sonata for Trumpet and Piano, written in 2009. Plug has consistently written interesting contemporary music, and his Sonata is no exception. At the opening, the trumpet is almost treated like carillon bells, after which the dissonant piano enters to great effect. Michael Daugherty’s The Lightning Fields, from which the disc derives its title, I found to be quite enjoyable. The […]

Julian & Roman WASSERFUHR – Landed in Brooklyn – ACT

Julian & Roman WASSERFUHR – Landed in Brooklyn – ACT

by | Apr 13, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

Julian & Roman WASSERFUHR – Landed in Brooklyn – ACT 9829-2, 56:59 (3/17/17) ****½: Beautiful charts and ensemble work, highlighted by supremely confident and accomplished trumpet playing. (Julian Wasserfuhr; trumpet & Flugelhorn/ Roman Wasserfuhr; piano, marimba, seaboard/ Donny McCaslin; tenor saxophone/ Tim Lefebvre; bass/ Nate Wood; drums) It’s nice when siblings can get along, but one doesn’t expect them to play together as splendidly as do brothers Julian and Roman Wasserfuhr on their recent release Landed in Brooklyn. The fraternal rapport between Roman on the piano and his younger brother Julian on trumpet and Flugelhorn impresses throughout. The seven original charts and all arrangements bear both brothers’ names without distinction. I understand that that they got off to a brisk start in their native Germany as teenagers with much applauded releases on ACT label. This recording catches them on their first trip stateside. Apparently, no sooner were they out of customs, then they met up with rhythm section mates Tim LeFebvre and Nate Wood, took in the skyline, and headed towards the studio, heads filled with inspiration. Donny McCaslin, an outsized musical personality and the favored soloist with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, joins the quartet. His own musical brand, he […]

Ron Boustead – Unlikely Valentine – Art-Rock Music

Ron Boustead – Unlikely Valentine – Art-Rock Music

by | Feb 23, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

Ron Boustead – Unlikely Valentine – Art-Rock Music, 43:56 ***: A tasty treat. (Ron Boustead – vocals; Bill Cunliffe – piano, Fender Rhodes; Hammond B-3; Mitchel Forman – piano, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B-3, accordion; John Leftwich – acoustic bass; Jake Reed – drums, percussion; Pat Kelley – acoustic & electric guitar; Bob Sheppard – saxes, flute; Bob McChesney – trombone; Ron Stout – Flugelhorn; Fabiana Passoni – vocal track 5) Who was Ron Boustead’s Unlikely Valentine? A review of the set list from his latest release does not provide any clues. Nevertheless, Boustead’s lively vocals through both the covers and original compositions from this album will be welcomed by his devotees. Backed by a full-throated stylish band, Boustead dives into the tunes with an uncanny reflection of singer Mark Murphy. The opening title track “Unlikely Valentine” was written by pianist Bill Cunliffe based on the chord changes of My Funny Valentine with lyrics from Ron Boustead. It is a rousing bebop styled number, with a husky vocals from the artist. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller began their song-writing careers in Los Angeles and eventually became one of popular music’s songwriting legends. “Love Potion No. 9” was originally recorded in 1959 […]

Al Muirhead – Northern Adventures – The Canada Sessions Vol. 1 – Chronograph

Al Muirhead – Northern Adventures – The Canada Sessions Vol. 1 – Chronograph

by | Feb 10, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews

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 […]

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

by | Dec 29, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

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 […]

Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra – Portraits and Places – Origin

Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra – Portraits and Places – Origin

by | Aug 16, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Big band jazz which blends past and present. Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra – Portraits and Places [TrackList follows] – Origin 82710, 57:02 [5/9/16] ****: (Scott Reeves – conductor, Flugelhorn; Steve Wilson – soprano and alto saxophone, flute; Vito Chiavuzzo – alto saxophone, flute; Rob Middleton and Tim Armacost – tenor saxophone, clarinet; Jay Brandford – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet (tracks 1, 4); Terry Goss – baritone saxophone, bass clarinet (tracks 2-3, 5, 8); Seneca Black, Nathan Eklund, Bill Mobley, Andy Gravish – trumpet, Flugelhorn; Tim Sessions, Matt McDonald, Matt Haviland – trombone; Max Seigel – bass trombone; Jim Ridl – piano; Todd Coolman – bass; Andy Watson – drums; Sara Serpa – voice (tracks 3-4); Emi Miyajima Nobe, Yuzuki Nobe – Japanese dialogue (track 3)) There’s inspired music coursing through the debut album by the Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra. During the hour-long Portraits and Places, Reeves shows many inspirations, from pianist James Williams (his résumé includes stints with Art Blakey and Clark Terry as well as jazz education) to composers such as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. Through eight compositions (seven originals by Reeves plus one by Antonio Carlos Jobim), Reeves takes his large ensemble for a swinging ride replete […]

Matt Lavelle’s 12 Houses – Solidarity – Unseen Rain

Matt Lavelle’s 12 Houses – Solidarity – Unseen Rain

by | Jul 26, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Big band free jazz is more than discordant noise. Matt Lavelle’s 12 Houses – Solidarity [TrackList follows] – Unseen Rain UR-9945, 48:52 [5/6/16] ****: (Matt Lavelle – cornet, Flugelhorn, alto clarinet, conductor; Lee Odom – soprano sax, clarinet; Charles Waters – alto sax, clarinet; Ras Moshe Burnett – soprano sax, tenor sax, flute, bells; Tim Stocker – baritone sax, bass clarinet; Mary Cherney – flute, piccolo; Claire de Brunner – bassoon; Chris Forbes – piano; Laura Ortman – violin; Gil Selinger – cello; Anders Nillson – guitar; Jack DeSalvo – banjo, mandola; John Pietaro – vibraphone, percussion; François Grillot – doublebass; Ryan Sawyer – drums; Anaïs Maviel – voice) Matt Lavelle likes to use the fullest spectrum of instruments as possible. The multi-horns player (cornet, Flugelhorn and alto clarinet) includes 16 musicians on Solidarity, his debut as the leader/conductor of 12 Houses. Lavelle also penned the six originals. Instead of pursuing a typical jazz big band or large ensemble approach, Lavelle focuses on sweeping improvising, with cues provided by his compositional writing. In other words, while there are moments of melodic, lyrical and harmonic construction, there are many more where instrumentalists apply elements of free jazz or open soloing. Lavelle’s […]

Adam Meckler Quintet – Wander – Shifting Paradigm

Adam Meckler Quintet – Wander – Shifting Paradigm

by | Jul 11, 2016 | Jazz CD Reviews

Trumpeter Adam Meckler is on the move. Adam Meckler Quintet – Wander [TrackList follows] – Shifting Paradigm 78:54 [4/23/16] ****: (Adam Meckler – trumpet, Flugelhorn, producer; Nelson Devereaux – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone (tracks 2-9); Joe Mayo – tenor saxophone (track 1); Zacc Harris – guitar; Graydon Peterson – bass; Greg Schutte – drums) Adam Meckler is among a handful of jazz artists who are helping put Minneapolis on the map as a jazz/improv scene worth a road trip. Meckler’s nine originals on his sophomore album, Wander, follow a progressive, explorative route and are peppered by elements from RnB, pop, indie rock and more. Groove is paramount on many cuts, as is impeccable melodicism, underlying lyricism, and rhythms which seem straightforward but often are not. Meckler (who also uses flugelhorn on some tracks) is joined by other Twin City jazz players. Nelson Devereaux is on tenor sax and soprano sax; the rhythm section comprises drummer Greg Schutte and bassist Graydon Peterson; Zacc Harris is on guitar; and tenor saxophonist Joe Mayo guests on the opening number. Movement—going from destination to destination—is the CD’s clearest aesthetic connection. Meckler states, “I’ve spent a lot of time on the road over the last […]

NIGEL CLARKE, “Music for Thirteen Solo Strings” – Soloists/Longbow Ens. – Toccata Classics

NIGEL CLARKE, “Music for Thirteen Solo Strings” – Soloists/Longbow Ens. – Toccata Classics

by | Feb 14, 2016 | Classical CD Reviews

NIGEL CLARKE, “Music for Thirteen Solo Strings” = Parnassus; The Scarlet Flower; Dogger, Fisher, German, Bight, Huber, Thames, Dover, Wight; Pulp and Rags; Epitaph for Edith Carvell – Sebastien Rousseau, Flugelhorn/ Malene Sheppard Skaerved, speaker/ Peter Sheppard Skaerved, violin/ Longbow ensemble – Toccata Classics TOCC 0325, 72:10, [Distr. By Naxos] (9/28/15) ***: A little bit of a mixed bag from this English composer. First, I had never heard of English composer Nigel Clarke until this disc, I admit. Clarke studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music with Paul Patterson, winning the Josiah Parker Prize (adjudicated by Sir Michael Tippett) and the Academy’s highest distinction, the Queen’s Commendation for Excellence. He has held positions as Head of Composition at the London College of Music and Media, visiting tutor at the Royal Northern College of Music, Associate Composer to the Black Dyke Band and many others. In 1997, Clarke joined the United States International Visitor Leadership Program sponsored by the US Information Agency. He is currently a Visiting Composer to the Middle Tennessee State University Bands. The music herein is interesting to be sure but I found it a bit of a mixed bag. One of the main premises of this […]