tenor sax Archive
Matt Mayhall – Tropes – Skirl
A new perspective on West Coast cool jazz. Matt Mayhall – Tropes [TrackList follows] – Skirl 036, 34:02 [11/4/16] ****: (Matt Mayhall – drums, percussion, acoustic piano, Wurlitzer electric piano, Mellotron, Yamaha Portasound VSS-30; Jeff Parker – electric guitar; Paul Bryan – electric bass guitar, producer, engineer, editor, mixer; Chris Speed – tenor saxophone (tracks 2, 5); Jeff Babko – Hammond B-3, Fender Rhodes, Roland SH-1000 (tracks 1, 3, 6, 7)) Los Angeles-based drummer Matt Mayhall is equally at home in pop or jazz music. He was a member of alternative pop/slowcore band Spain. He’s toured with singer-songwriters Ted Leo and Aimee Mann; and performed with Liz Phair, John Doe of X fame, and Susanna Hoffs (of the similarly famous Bangles). On the jazz side, Mayhall has provided rhythm support for keyboardist Larry Goldings; bassist Eric Revis; and horn players Vinny Golia and Chris Speed. In late 2016, Mayhall added more to his credits by issuing his debut solo effort, the 34-minute, nine-track Tropes. Throughout his nine originals on Tropes, Mayhall maintains a steady, slightly downplayed stride, a sort of modern twist on the West Coast school of cool jazz. That’s not to mean Mayhall replicates the music of Chet […]
Patrick ZIMMERLI – Shores Against Silence – Songlines
Patrick ZIMMERLI – Shores Against Silence – Songlines 1619, 38:38 (11/4/16) ****: (Patrick Zimmerli, tenor sax/ Kevin hays; p./ Larry Grenadier. bass/ Tom Rainey, drums, Satoshi Takeishi, percussion) Previously unreleased quartet music from 1992 by heady classical/jazz composer Patrick Zimmerli. Given the technical mastery and expressive range of tenor saxophonist Patrick Zimmerli, it is surprising that he is not better known among the jazz cognoscenti. Perhaps that is because, by choice, he has never had both feet inside jazz. In an interview with Evan Iverson, he explained how his childhood circumstances account for his unusual path in life. Patrick’s older brother was a child prodigy at the piano. When the younger sibling (by three years) was still romping around on his hobby-horse, the older was playing the Well-Tempered Clavier in the nursery. A few years later, instead of making mischief around the neighborhood, the boys studied the scores of the Beethoven Sonatas together. His brother having already claimed it, the piano was off-limits, but the young Pat took up the saxophone and soon learned to play by ear and to improvise, two bids for autonomy. As his passion in music took over, he dedicated himself to imitative mastery of the […]
Ben Allison – Quiet Revolution – Newvelle Records – vinyl
Ben Allison’s drummer-less trio – honors Jim Hall & Jimmy Giuffre… Ben Allison – Quiet Revolution – Newvelle Records NV005LP – audiophile vinyl ****1/2: (Ben Allison – bass; Ted Nash – tenor sax & clarinet; Steve Cardenas – steel-string guitar) The concept of a drummer-less trio is not a new one for jazz. The concept goes back to at least trios with Oscar Peterson, and Nat King Cole. Having the trio not include a pianist is only a bit harder to find, but the trio of Lucky Thompson, Skeeter Best, and Oscar Pettiford come to mind. Among the most noted for utilizing this concept were guitarist Jim Hall and multi-reedist Jimmy Giuffre. Bassist Ben Allison is the latest to record with saxophone and guitar, and in a gorgeous-sounding audiophile vinyl just issued by Newvelle Records for their subscription series, Allison is paired with Ted Nash and Steve Cardenas to honor Giuffre and Hall. In addition to the honorees, Allison and Nash each contribute a composition as well as the inclusion of the “Love Theme from Spartacus.” What is immediately apparent in listening to this marvelous sounding LP is the joy and creative interplay between the trio. Watching a YouTube video […]
Cory Weeds Quintet featuring David Hazeltine – It’s Easy To Remember – CellarLive
Cory Weeds Quintet featuring David Hazeltine – It’s Easy To Remember – CellarLive CL031716, 52:58 ****: An enthusiastic session from understanding and open-minded partners. (Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone; David Hazeltine – piano; Joe Magnarelli – trumpet; Paul Gill – acoustic bass; Jason Tiemann – drums) Here comes Cory Weeds. In what surely must be some kind of record for the issuance of albums by a Canadian tenor saxophonist, It’s Easy To Remember is the latest addition to Weeds’ substantial discography. Recorded live at Small’s Jazz Club in New York City on March 17, 2016, Weeds has surrounded himself with some top-notch New York-based musicians including the savvy, thoughtfully tasteful pianist David Hazeltine. In a session songbook of the known, nearly known, and unknown compositions, the band has an eclectic mix of numbers with which to display their inventiveness and curiosity. Starting out with a Kenny Drew piece, “With Prestige,” which has an entertaining bebop frame, the band demonstrates their exploratory spirit. Each member takes a piece of the action with Weeds showing his meaningful command of the saxophone, as Hazeltine delivers some long structural lines on the piano. Bassist Gill also dives in with a brief arco solo. “Smoke […]
Lean – Lean – Music Wizards
Lean in and listen: trio music which is loose and lingering. Lean – Lean [TrackList follows] – Music Wizards 712411776534, 57:16 [9/16/16] ****: (Jerome Sabbagh – tenor and soprano saxes; Simon Jermyn – electric bass, effects; Allison Miller – drums, bike, effects) Lean is a New York City-based trio consisting of saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh, bassist Simon Jermyn and drummer Allison Miller. To appreciate what this forward-driving jazz threesome can do, follow the dictates of the trio’s self-titled debut…and lean in. Listen closely. Pay attention. This hour-long album is rich with compositional creation, improvisational imagination and masterful musicianship. Sabbagh is from France but has called NYC home since the early ‘70s. He’s played with Victor Lewis, Bill Stewart, Billy Drummond, and others; and has led or co-led several groups over the years. Jermyn was raised in Ireland and since moving to New York City has been on stage with John Hollenbeck, Tony Malaby, Dan Tepfer, and many more; issued solo records; and is associated with other NYC-area bands. Miller fronts Boom Tic Boom and is a member of Honey Ear Trio; has performed with songwriters Ani DiFranco and Natalie Merchant; and frequently sits in with the house band for late-night talk-show […]
Ronnie Cuber – Cuber Libre / Sam Jones – Changes and Things – both Elemental/Xanadu
Two more Xanadu reissues of note. Ronnie Cuber – Cuber Libre – Elemental/Xanadu 90607, 52:48 (1976) ****: (Ronnie Cuber – baritone sax) Sam Jones – Changes and Things – Elemental/Xanadu 906088, 41:58 (1977) ****:) (Sam Jones – bass; Blue Mitchell – trumpet; Slide Hampton – trombone; Bob Berg – tenor sax; Barry Harris – piano; Louis Hayes – drums) At the time that Cuber Libre was issued, Ronnie Cuber was 34 years old, and this was his debut as a leader. He was a sideman, and cut his teeth playing baritone sax for pop legends such as Aretha, Clapton, Steely Dan, and Dr. John. He continues to go strong today and his rock solid baritone anchors the tribute Mingus Big Band. Ronnie is noted for his big throaty baritone timbre and it is put to good use on an extended “Star Eyes.” It’s off to the races on”Rifftide” with Barry Harris quoting “Lady Be Good.” “Sudwest Funk” is a double-time 12 bar blues. Donald Byrd wrote this track and it’s fun to compare it to Byrd’s recorded version that featured Pepper Adams on baritone. Sam Jones’ Changes and Things from 1977 come highly recommended as it has a dream front […]
Houston Person & Ron Carter – Chemistry – HighNote
Houston Person & Ron Carter – Chemistry [TrackList follows] – HighNote HCD 7293 49:25 ****: An exuberant release from a definitive bassist and an earthy tenor saxophonist. (Houston Person – tenor saxophone; Ron Carter – bass) The word chemistry springs from the word alchemy which in its very early etymology was often seen as linked to the search to turn common metals such as iron into gold. This release is called Chemistry from Houston Person and Ron Carter, and the intermediate process has been eliminated, resulting in pure gold. In this session of standards, the tunes have been culled from the American Songbook with the intention of providing unabashed look at life, love youth and beauty. So if you want to hear two masters at work, playing off and for each other, this is the place to be. In addition, the dean of recording engineers Rudy Van Gelder brought his artistry to the session giving both instruments a deep full approachable sound that was a hallmark of his style. Miles Davis’ first great quintet recorded “Bye Bye Blackbird” and although Ron Carter was in the second iteration of the group, he was fully aware of the connection to the band. […]
One for All – The Third Decade – Smoke Session
A most welcome return… One for All – The Third Decade – Smoke Session SSR 1605, 66:02 (06/03/16) ****1/2: (Eric Alexander – tenor sax; Jim Rotondi – trumpet; Steve Davis – trombone; David Hazeltine – piano; John Webber – bass; Joe Farnsworth – drums) It’s been over five years since One for All has released a group effort. As this group is made up of some of the finest hard bop players on the scene with the front line horn section each heavily recorded with their own projects (and trumpeter Jim Rotondi spending time in Europe), it was feared that the group had run its course. Not so, as their new CD, Third Decade, is hitting the stores on June 3. This super group has been a favorite of hard bop devotees ever since their first CD was issued on Sharp Nine Records back in 1997. For over twenty years they have set a standard that hearkens back to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. They took their name from Blakey’s last studio album, and their cohesion, tight charts, and ensemble blend as a sextet is spot on. Being New York based they seldom toured but found a home at […]
Frank Kimbrough – Meantime – Newvelle (vinyl)
Tasty prix fixe jazz… Frank Kimbrough – Meantime – Newvelle NV001LP – vinyl ***1/2: (Frank Kimbrough – piano; Andrew Zimmerman – tenor sax; Riley Mulherkar – trumpet; Chris Van Vorst Van Beest – bass; RJ Miller – drums) There are those that love the best life has to offer. (Within reasonable limits) they pursue fine food, fine wine, and aural treats as well. For audiophiles, 180 gm vinyl has always fit the bill, even in times when digital releases smothered the market. There is a warmth and presence that a well-recorded and pressed analog LP has always claimed. A new marketing strategy by Newvelle Records will appeal to this market. They are offering a subscription series (beginning at $350) for six audiophile 180 gm LPs to be issued bi-monthly over the next year. Newvelle’s goal is to keep the signal chain short and clean utilizing vintage and tube microphones. Promising the best acoustics, recorded at East Side Sound in NYC, and pressed at MPO in France, the subscription features six intriguing titles. Besides the initial Frank Kimbrough issue, they include a solo piano recording by Jack DeJohnette, a Don Friedman Trio tribute to Booker Little, and Ben Allison Trio’s homage […]
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 […]
Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto – Getz/Gilberto ’76 – Resonance / Stan Getz – Moments in Time – Resonance
Two more archival historical releases from Resonance Records- Getz/Gilberto ’76 & Moments in Time… Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto – Getz/Gilberto ’76 – Resonance HCD 2021, 55:15 ****: (Stan Getz – tenor sax; Joao Gilberto – vocals, guitar; Joanne Brackeen – piano; Clint Houston – bass; Billy Hart – drums) Stan Getz – Moments in Time – Resonance HCD 2020, 64:41 ****1/2: (Stan Getz – tenor sax; Joanne Brackeen – piano; Clint Houston – bass; Billy Hart – drums) In early 1962 Stan Getz helped bring bossa nova to mainstream American audiences with the Jazz Samba recording with guitarist Charlie Byrd. In March 1964, he furthered the bossa nova craze by bringing famed Brazilian guitarist Joao Gilberto and pianist/composer Antonio Carlos Jobim to New York City to record Getz/Gilberto. It became one of the best selling jazz albums of all time and featured “The Girl from Ipanema” sung by Joao’s wife, Astrud Gilberto. Its intoxicating sensual groove proved irresistible to American audiences. Getz soon returned to straight-ahead jazz as well as fusion, and recorded with Gary Burton, Chick Corea, and Bill Evans. In May 1975, Stan reunited with Gilberto to record The Best of Two Worlds. It was released in […]
Ken Peplowski – Enrapture – Capri
Ken Peplowski – Enrapture – Capri 74141-2, 53:27 ****: The band has tons of experience and each of the players knows how to connect with each other for a harmonic musical experience. (Ken Peplowski – clarinet, tenor saxophone; Ehud Asherie – piano; Martin Wind – bass; Matt Wilson – drums, percussion) Finding a musical “hook” in today’s crowded CD releases is no easy matter. However it appears that Ken Peplowski has done so with his release Enrapture. By bringing together a set-list of mostly lesser-known numbers, from a diverse group of composers, he and his cohorts have found a musical story worthy of telling. Opening with a 1940s composition from Duke Ellington entitled “The Flaming Sword” the Latin-flavoured number is done in an up-tempo fashion with Peplowski featured on clarinet that is perfectly suited to the theme of the tune. Drummer Wilson lays down the intricate rhythm necessary to move the song along, and pianist Ahud Asherie acquits himself with style. In 1957, Leo McCarey directed An Affair To Remember , a love story starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. The title tune was sung over the opening credits by Vic Damone. Here it is done as mid-tempo ballad with […]
Teddy Edwards – Feelin’s – Muse/Xanadu/Elemental
The feelin’s right… Teddy Edwards – Feelin’s – Muse/Xanadu/Elemental 906077, 40:18 (1974) ****: (Teddy Edwards – tenor sax; Conte Candoli – trumpet; Dolo Coker – piano; Ray Brown – bass; Frank Butler – drums; Jerry Steinholz – congas and percussion) Teddy Edwards has never received enough accolades as a heavyweight straight-ahead jazz tenor sax player. Perhaps it was because he primarily stayed on the West Coast throughout his career, and did not get the New York exposure needed to be a breakout star. Nevertheless, Edwards made many standout albums and recorded well into his 70s. Feelin’s, recorded in 1974, is a welcome reissue in the Xanadu Master Edition series. Edwards has a super backing group comprised of Conte Candoli on trumpet, the iconic Ray Brown on bass, and the relatively unheralded Dolo Coker on piano, Frank Butler on drums and Jerry Steinholz on percussion. Recorded on March 25, 1974, at Wally Heider’s Hollywood Studio, this session consists of four Edwards’ originals, a blues from Ray Brown, and a nice cover of “Georgia on my Mind.” “Bear Tracks” is taken at a relaxed shuffle beat. Teddy blows some ultra low notes, much like those of a tugboat horn. “April Love” is […]
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.
Mack Avenue Superband – Live From The Detroit Jazz Festival 2015 – Mack Avenue
A supersession from a superband.
Joe Farrell – Skate Board Park – Xanadu/Elemental Music & Kenny Barron – At the Piano – Xanadu
Two great additions to the Xanadu Master Edition catalog – Joe Farrell & Kenny Barron. Joe Farrell – Skate Board Park – Xanadu/Elemental Music 906078 – 1979 – 39:55 – ****: (Joe Farrell – tenor sax; Chick Corea – acoustic & electric piano; Bob Magnusson – bass; Lawrence Marable – drums) Although veteran multi-reed jazz artist Joe Farrell mastered clarinet, flute, and soprano saxophone, it was the tenor sax to which he was most attracted. Farrell recorded his first album with Maynard Ferguson, and followed up with Jaki Byard for a period. Gigs with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band was well as an extended tenure with drummer Elvin Jones prepared him for stints with Woody Herman, Horace Silver and Herbie Hancock. In the early 1970s he was a charter member of Chick Corea’s Return to Forever fusion band (for which he is most known). In 1978 Joe was ready and excited about a date for Xanadu where he could return to his straight-ahead bebop roots in a quartet setting. Backed by Corea and long time mate West Coast bassist, Bob Magnusson, iconic drummer Lawrence Marable was added to make a first-rate quartet. The song list was a mix of […]
Lisa Hilton – Nocturnal – Ruby Slippers
Exploring the human “experience” with Lisa Hilton… Lisa Hilton – Nocturnal – Ruby Slippers 1020, 51:34 (1/22/16) ***1/2: (Lisa Hilton – piano; Antonio Sanchez – drums; J.D. Allen – tenor sax; Terell Stafford – trumpet and Flugelhorn; Gregg August: bass) Lisa Hilton’s new CD explores human emotions that often emerge during late evening personal reflections. Whether it be issues of love, illness, or abandonment, Hilton’s compositions and melodies bear repeat listening sessions. I found myself returning to this CD several times both in the intimate listening space of car audio as well as in quiet evening home audio settings. Hilton is backed by a front line of accomplished stars: Terell Stafford and J.D. Allen, who contribute to the moodiness that brings on active thought. “A Spark in the Night” would be at home in a detective noir movie as Allen and Stafford support Hilton’s catchy theme. “Seduction” is blues-based and haunting. “Whirlwind” has a bees nest of activity with the horns leading the way and August’s bass providing an active pulse. “Willow Weep for Me” has a sumptuous arrangement and Terell is a perfect choice for taking the lead on this classic track. The Pixies’ “Where is My Mind?” is […]
Scott Hamilton & Jeff Hamilton Trio – Live In Bern – Capri
A fulfilling and abundantly creative session.
Mike LeDonne (B-3) – AwwRight! – Savant
More than AwwRight…
John Fedchock New York Big Band – Like It Is – MAMA
A smartly cohesive celebration of sparkling musicianship.
J.R. Monterose – Live In Albany 1979 – Uptown Records
J.R. Monterose is a saxophonist with a bold sound and a probing style.
Wes Montgomery – In the Beginning – Resonance Records (3 LP set)
The exploration of Wes Montgomery’s roots continues…
Stereotypes Audio
Cembal d’amour
Pure Pleasure / Speakers Corner
Cedille
