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[MoreWatts]

Time for Friday 50, albums from a half-century ago, or 1973.

Allmusic: “Wildflower is… one of the better records of saxophonist Hand Crawford’s career, though jazz purists would never agree. Produced and arranged by Bob James with a smoking cast that includes guitarist Joe Beck, drummer Idris Muhammad, keyboardist Richard Tee, and bassist Bob Cranshaw, as well as a brass section of crack New York studio cats… Wildflower is indispensable as a shining example of '70s groove jazz at its best.”

Crawford released ~45 albums from 1961-2001, and Wildflower was his ~14th. Please enjoy 32 minutes of Hank Crawford at his ‘groove jazz’ best.

Hank Crawford, Wildflower, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

Previously (links to upthread): Dave Brubeck We’re All Together Again...; Gato Barbieri Bolivia; Elvin JonesMr. Jones; Donald Byrd Black Byrd; Dave Liebman First Visit; Don Ellis Soaring; Grover Washington Jr., Soul Box.

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[MoreWatts]

Gonna double up with a 2nd Friday 50, albums from a half-century ago, or 1973.

Allmusic: “One of bassist Ron Carter's better albums as a leader, All Blues features a very compact quartet comprised of tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, pianist Roland Hanna (Richard Tee on 1 tune), drummer Billy Cobham and Carter. All of the music has a blues feeling, and the quality of the solos is high.”

This was his ~6th album, since 1961, with now ~65 releases, and credits on over 2200 sessions! His 2023 Grammy nominated Remembering Bob Freedman was recommended upthread, with 2 videos. His 2022 album Finding The Right Notes, and 2016 big band album My Personal Songbook, were recommended upthread, with 2 videos.

Ron Carter, All Blues, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[MoreWatts]

My Collection Mondays (LP) brings forth Michael Brecker’s eponymous debut album from 1987.

Allmusic: “Although he had been a major tenor saxophonist in the studios for nearly 20 years and was quite popular for his work with the Brecker Brothers, this was his first set as a leader. Playing in a quintet with guitarist Pat Metheny, keyboardist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Charlie Haden, and drummer Jack DeJohnette. The music in general is straight-ahead but far from predictable; the tricky material really challenges the musicians and Michael Brecker is in consistently brilliant form, constantly stretching himself. Highly recommended.”

Michael Brecker, Michael Brecker, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[Timcognito]

View attachment 298233

Thanks I just have the first one. Can't wait to here this.

 

[MoreWatts]

Tuesday 25, albums from a quarter-century ago, or 1998.

Allmusic: “For their 14th album, the Yellowjackets include 4 vocal tracks. Fortunately, there is no difference here in the high level of musicianship and compositional quality long associated with this quartet… From start to finish, Club Nocturne is a satisfying addition to the Yellowjackets' catalog. While obviously seeking to expand their appeal to a wider audience, they have managed to avoid compromising their high musical standards.”

Kurt Elling sings 2, Jonathan Butler and Brenda Russel 1 each. With 6 more songs of Yellowjackets instrumental smoothness, led by saxophonist Bob Mintzer. Their 2023 Grammy nominated album Parallel Motion was recommended upthread, and their 2021 Grammy nominated album with the WDR Big Band Jackets XL was also recommended upthread, both posts include a video performance. Bob Mintzer's 2016 album L.A. Big Band was recommended upthread also.

Yellowjackets, Club Nocturne, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

Previously (link to upthread). Jazz Grammy for: Instrumental, Herbie Hancock Gershwin’s World; Big Band, Count Basie Orch. Count Plays Duke; Latin, Arturo Sandoval Hot House. And: Joanne Brackeen Pink Elephant Magic; Don Sebesky I Remember Bill; Erik Truffaz The Dawn; Phil WoodsThe Rev And I; Charlie Mariano An American In Italy; Joshua Redman Timeless Tales…; David Sanchez Obesion; Patrick Williams Sinatraland; Eric Alexander Mode For Mabes; Maceo Parker Funk Overload.

 

[MoreWatts]

Bigtakeover: “Trombonist Altin Sencalar opens the doors to the wider world on his third album In Good Standing. The New York-based Texan pulls in influences from mentors and inspirations and comes up with a rollicking, diverse album that leaks the spirit of jazz tradition.

Saxophonists Diego Rivera and Patrick Cornelius, pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston hone in on Sencalar’s vibe and settle in comfortably.”

Here’s links to posts about saxophonist Diego Rivera’s 2 recent albums, Mestizo (with a video) and Love & Peace.

Altin Sencalar, In Good Standing, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

 

[MoreWatts]

Blatant double post about Ukraine guitarist Igor Osypov, because the music is good. Here's a link to the original post in the 'Current Music From Ukraine...' thread for a Tiny Desk Concert that won't show up in this quote.

A native of Ukraine who studied at Jazz Institute Berlin under Kurt Rosenwinkel, guitarist Igor Osypov’s 2015 debut album ‘I’ is good Euro jazz. AllAboutJazz: “Osypov's original compositions are quite good and give a good idea of the author's artistic range. Alto saxophonist Logan Richardson, the featured soloist throughout this engaging disc, has a velvety-smooth sound, but his phrasing and note choices are bold and mercurial… ‘I’ is an impressive debut that does far more than merely impress.” The rest of the band is: Elias Stemeseder, piano; Martin Buhl Staunstrup, bass; Jesus Vega, drums; Kuba Gudz, drums.

Igor Osypov Quintet, I, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

He’s been busy with session work and in Richardson’s band, but has released a few hip-hop-jazz singles, now collected into an EP Our Retro Love.

Igor Osypov, Our Retro Love, full EP: YouTube link ; Spotify link

Igor plays on Richardson’s 2018 album Blues People. JazzTimes: “This is a thick sonic soup made from roaring and squealing guitars (Justus West, Igor Osypov), bludgeoning drums (Ryan Lee), and humming, droning electric bass (DeAndre Manning). In its rhythmic repetitions, its thunderous sonorities, and especially its grandiosity, this music has more in common with shred-guitar rock than jazz or blues.”

Logan Richardson, Blues People, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

The 3 releases feature straight-ahead jazz, hip-hop jazz, and jazz-rock fusion jazz. Igor is quite adept in all styles.

The video is a 2018 NPR Tiny Desk Concert for Richardson's Blues People, with Igor.

 

[MoreWatts]

Time for another Friday 50, albums from a half-century ago, or 1973. The 10th in the series, so a little extra.

Pianist Chick Corea and the Return To Forever (RTF) family were busy in 1973. RTF did 2 albums, and vocalist Flora Purim her debut.

Light As A Feather, the 2nd RTF album, and last with Purim, drummer/percussionist Airto, and sax/flutist Joe Farrell. Bassist Stanley Clarke would continue in Chick’s revamped, electric RTF.

Allmusic: “From a historical perspective, this is the most important effort of Corea's career, quite different from his prior previous progressive or improvising efforts, and the pivotal beginning of his career as the most popular contemporary jazz keyboardist in history.” Nominated for the Grammy Award.

Joe Farrell elevated this album, and he was a sideman on ~7 Corea albums after this. Chick’s Grammy nominated 1999 album, Change, was recommended upthread.

Chick Corea & Return To Forever, Light As A Feather, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

Allmusic: “Neatly capturing Flora Purim's many vocal strengths, Butterfly Dreams delivered on the great expectations generated by her work with RTF and turned out to be a high point in her recording career… RTF bandmate Stanley Clarke lent support on bass, and also contributed original compositions and arrangements. The rest of the supporting cast includes sax and flute man Joe Henderson, keyboard whiz George Duke, guitarist David Amaro, and Purim's other half, percussionist Airto.”

Flora’s latest, Grammy nominated album, If You Will, was recommended upthread.

Flora Purim, Butterfly Dreams, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

And now for something a bit more electric. Allmusic: “The second incarnation of RTF released only the magnificent Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy. Featuring a more rock-oriented approach, Corea and old standby Stanley Clarke join forces here with propulsive drummer Lenny White and electric guitarist Bill Connors… Corea continues his streak of simply timeless fusion albums.” No Spotify link, and the YT link is kludged together digital files, but sounds fine. Give it a listen while it’s available.

Return To Forever, Hymn Of The Seventh Galaxy, full album: YouTube link

Previous 1973s (link upthread): Dave Brubeck We’re All Together Again...; Gato Barbieri Bolivia; Elvin JonesMr. Jones; Donald Byrd Black Byrd; Dave Liebman First Visit; Don Ellis Soaring; Grover Washington Jr., Soul Box; Hank Crawford Wildflower; Ron Carter All Blues.

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[DarrylG]

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[MoreWatts]

Two new releases, and some history.

AllAboutJazz: “Chet Remembered is the 2nd disc pianist Enrico Pieranunzi has recorded with a big band in as many years. Both are what used to be called ‘concept albums.’ 2022's offering, Blues & Bach [recommended upthread], celebrated the compositions of John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet.

The new one is Chet Remembered, on which Pieranunzi salutes trumpeter Chet Baker. It’s made with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band, arranged/conducted by trumpeter Bert Joris, who also plays the Chet parts. Enrico toured with Chet, and less frequently recorded, on and off between 1979 and Baker's passing in 1988.

Most of the 9 tunes, all composed by Pieranunzi and arranged by Joris, are among those Pieranunzi recorded with, and in some cases composed for, Baker… These arrangements are mellifluous without ever being saccharine or rococo. They are also rhythmically vigorous, a facet of Baker's playing which is often passed over.” This is Enrico’s ~3rd album with Bert.

Enrico Pieranunzi & The Frankfurt Radio Big Band, Chet Remembered, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

Baker recorded 1 album (that I found) with Enrico’s ‘Space Jazz Trio’ in 1988, Little Girl Blue, a completely Italian production with Enzo Pietropaoli on bass and Fabrizio Sferra on drums. This was recorded 2 months before Baker passed, and is touted as ‘Chet’s Last Studio Album.’ He sings the title track. A perfect late-night play, as Chet would have wanted.

Chet Baker, Little Girl Blue, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

Bert Joris just released Jazz Master Tracks Vol. 3: Octet Sessions. AllAboutJazz: “Joris was tasked with rearranging 8 of his splendid compositions for large ensembles for an octet. He chose to do so with a six-horn front line with no piano or other chordal instrument… Joris' admirable themes are harmonically and rhythmically modern yet firmly grounded in jazz custom, of the fabled Birth of the Cool era in the ‘40s-'50s… This is a near-classic album, and certainly one of the finest small-group jazz recordings of 2023.”

The video is the 1st album tune in a Zoom performance. Please enjoy 3 cool jazz albums.

Bert Joris, Jazz Master Tracks Vol. 3: Octet Sessions, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[MoreWatts]

Another album from a quarter-century ago, 1998, for Tuesday 25.

Allmusic: “Tenor saxophonist Mark Turner’s eponymous 2nd effort as a leader is impressive, particularly because he had the guts to invite earlier tenor sax wunderkind Joshua Redman to join him on 3 tracks… The strong rhythm section of pianist Edward Simon, bassist Christopher Thompson and drummer Brian Blade provides all that a newcomer could ask for during his first date leading a group.”

Mark has released ~15 albums since 1995, his latest is Return From The Stars for ECM in ‘22.

Two Joshua Redman albums were recommended upthread: 1998s Changing Tales (For Changing Times); 1993s Tenor Legacy he did with fellow tenor Joe Lovano.

Brian Blade’s 1998 debut album, Brian Blade Fellowship, will eventually be posted in this series.

Mark Turner, Mark Turner, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

Previous 1998s (link upthread). Jazz Grammy for: Instrumental, Herbie Hancock Gershwin’s World; Big Band, Count Basie Orch. Count Plays Duke; Latin, Arturo Sandoval Hot House. And: Joanne Brackeen Pink Elephant Magic; Don Sebesky I Remember Bill; Erik Truffaz The Dawn; Phil WoodsThe Rev And I; Charlie Mariano An American In Italy; Joshua Redman Timeless Tales…; David Sanchez Obesion; Patrick Williams Sinatraland; Eric Alexander Mode For Mabes; Maceo Parker Funk Overload; Yellowjackets Club Nocturne.