Jazz ♫ Music only | In the now, or recently, or that you love...

[Timcognito]

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[MoreWatts]

Tuesday 25, albums from 25 years ago, 1998, serves up a nice big band album.

Allmusic: “In 1997, bandleader/arranger Gerald Wilson was commissioned by the Monterey Jazz Festival to write an original piece to be performed at that year's festival… Highly recommended.” The album has 5 originals and 2 nice Gershwin covers. The album earned a Grammy nomination, Wilson’s 7th.

Wilson was a Los Angeles-based big band leader in a career that spanned from 1938-2012. This was his ~19th of ~24 albums he released with his various big bands from 1961-2011. To wrap up his life on a high note, he released 5 excellent big band albums between the ages of 85 and 93! He is the father of jazz guitarist Anthony Wilson, who played in dad’s big bands since 1986, in vocalist/pianist Diane Krall’s band since 2001, and has released ~13 of his own albums since 1997.

Layin’ on the kudos a bit because I saw the big band several times, and they were always a joy. He led the band for his Detroit album tour, at 92 years old! TBH, Anthony stood and directed the tunes as needed, but Gerald introduced and got most started. What’s your plan for 92?

Gerald Wilson Orchestra, Theme For Monterey, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

Previous 1998s (link upthread). Grammys: 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 Woods The 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; Mark Turner; Brian Blade Fellowship; Bennie Maupin Driving While Black; Julien Lourau City Boom Boom; Poncho Sanchez Afro-Cuban Fantasy; Dave Holland Points Of View; Tom Harrell The Art Of Rhythm; Red Records All Stars Together Again...; Chris Potter Vertigo; Lee Konitz Dialogues; Dave Brubeck So What’s New = 25.

 

[DarrylG]

 

[MoreWatts]

The Jimmy Smith suggestion above reminded me about 2 new organ-driven albums. Both have nice sax work. One includes drum legend Steve Gadd.

AllAboutJazz: “Whatever the mood or tempo, organist Chris Hazelton fits it like a glove, as do baritone saxophonist Brett Jackson (a real find) and the others, guitarist James Anderson, and drummer John Kizilarmut… Indeed, ‘seductive’ is a word that faithfully describes this album in its entirety.” This is Chris' 5th album since 2016.

Chris Hazelton, After Dark, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

This one will only consume 35 minutes of your day. JazzView: “Michael Blicher, saxophones; Dan Hemmer, Hammond organ; Steve Gadd, drums… Blicher also composed all the tunes; co-arranged them with Gadd and Hemmer and produced the album. This band has played together for more than ten years, touring extensively and recording three previous albums.” An LP with additional studio tunes is available. The video is a tune from an earlier album.

Gadd played on the Grammy nominated Center Stage, with the WDR Big Band, recommended upthread, with 2 videos. I saw the Gadd Band with organist Joey DeFrancesco (RIP), who also played some flugelhorn, and Ronnie Cuber (RIP) on bari sax. A very nice show.

Blicher Hemmer Gadd, It Will Be Alright, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

 

[BenjaminB]

Thanks, had no previous knowledge about these guys. Interesting, in its way.

 

[BenjaminB]

As we are into the Smith family, Tommy from Scotland has a lot to say en eg

which was one of his attempt of cross-over jazz and "classical".

There is certainly more by him ... as the more typical jazz "Standards" from 1991

 

[BenjaminB]

Did someone mention sax and organ? Oh well,

 

[DarrylG]

Thanks, had no previous knowledge about these guys. Interesting, in its way.

You're welcome. Neither did I, until a few days ago.

 

[DarrylG]

10 Albums You Need to Know: September 2023 - JAZZIZ Magazine

From captivating compositions to virtuosic performances, these releases encompass a wide range of styles and showcase the creativity and artistry of today's jazz musicians. Here is our curated selection of ten new jazz albums released this month (September 2023) that you need to know about! Kris...

www.jazziz.com

 

[MoreWatts]

AllAboutJazz: “A leading light on the London jazz circuit, multi-instrumentalist Tenderlonious, Ed Cawthorne, also works as a composer, producer and record label owner.

With You Know I Care, he has moved to an acoustic quartet… as a tribute to his jazz heroes who have been a source of inspiration. His partners in this project are pianist Hamish Balfour, bassist Pete Martin and drummer Tim Carnegie. It is the first time Tenderlonious has recorded on alto saxophone, along with his usual flute.

Individually and collectively, all the members of the quartet are on top form, making this a fresh and captivating album.”

This is his ~8th album since 2018.

Tenderlonious, You Know I Care, full album: Spotify link

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[MoreWatts]

Happy Friday. Time for an album from 1973, 50 years, or a half-century ago.

Allmusic: “The Other Road highlights the jazz side of percussionist Ray Barretto’s musical personality while still maintaining roots in Afro-Cuban and Latin sounds. Road features smooth, classy ensemble playing and inspired soloing from the likes of flutist Art Webb, trumpeters Manny Duran and Roberto Rodriguez.” Guillermo Edghill plays bass and Billy Cobham drums, with others.

This was Barretto’s ~17th of >40 albums as a leader from 1961-2005. Ray won a Grammy with 16 more nominations. Ray played on The Orisha Suite recommended upthread.

Ray Barretto, The Other Road, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

Previous 1973s (link upthread): Dave Brubeck We’re All Together Again...; Gato Barbieri Bolivia; Elvin Jones Mr. Jones; Donald Byrd Black Byrd; Dave Liebman 1st Visit; Don Ellis Soaring; Grover Washington Jr. Soul Box; Hank Crawford Wildflower; Ron Carter All Blues; Return to Forever Light As A Feather & Hymn Of The 7th Galaxy; Flora Purim Butterfly Dreams; Steve Grossman Some Shapes To Come; Archie Shepp The Cry Of My People; Dave Holland Conference Of The Birds; Gary Bartz I've Known Rivers...; Joe Henderson Multiple; Don Sebesky Giant Box; Fela Kuti Gentleman; Chuck Mangione Land Of Make Believe; Crusaders 2nd Crusade; Freddie Hubbard Keep Your Soul Together; Weather Report Sweetnighter = 23.

 

[MoreWatts]

Friday 50, albums from a quarter-century, or 50 years ago, 1973 doubles-up.

Allmusic: “This is one of bandleader/composer/arranger Gil Evans's finest recordings of the 1970s. He expertly blended together acoustic and electronic instruments. Soloists include a young altoist David Sanborn, Howard Johnson on tuba and flügelhorn, and the passionate tenor of Billy Harper. Evans's arrangements are quite inventive and innovative. Rarely would he be so successful in balancing written and improvised (freeish ) sections in his later years.”

This was Evans’ ~8th of ~20 albums from 1957-’87, and was Grammy-nominated. Evans won 4 and was nominated for 9 more Grammys. A good enough live recording to enjoy the nice work by Sanborn and Harper.

David Sanborn’s 2003 album timeagain was recommended upthread.

Gil Evans, Svengali, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

 

[MoreWatts]

How about a trio of albums from 50 years ago, 1973. Jazz band backed-by-orchestra productions were en vogue. Here’s one by soul jazz tenor sax great Stanley Turrentine.

Allmusic: “The epitome of silky- smooth 70's soul jazz, and possibly the best example of Creed Taylor's vision for the genre. Sympathetic and perfectly mixed large ensemble supporting the core group, with Mr. T's fat soulful tone making for a perfect late night listen. Highly recommended.

The core band is Ron Carter on bass, Eric Gale on guitar, Billy Cobham on drums and Richard Tee on keyboards. Pianist Harold Mabern and drummer Idris Muhammad guest. The orchestra has Randy Brecker on trumpet, Pepper Adams on bari sax and Joe Farrell on tenor sax, among others. A who's who of jazz horn talent.”

This was Turrentine’s ~30th of >50 albums from 1960-’99. FYI, Stanley was ‘Mr. T’ at least 10 years before the ‘A-Team’ television show (1983-’87) and Laurence Tureaud appropriated the term. The video is the title track live, with nice sound, and a comment from Stanley.

See this post above and this post above for links to posts about 25 nice albums from 1973.

Stanley Turrentine, Don’t Mess With Mr. T, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

 

[MaxBuck]

The Jimmy Smith suggestion above reminded me about 2 new organ-driven albums. Both have nice sax work. One includes drum legend Steve Gadd.

AllAboutJazz: “Whatever the mood or tempo, organist Chris Hazelton fits it like a glove, as do baritone saxophonist Brett Jackson (a real find) and the others, guitarist James Anderson, and drummer John Kizilarmut… Indeed, ‘seductive’ is a word that faithfully describes this album in its entirety.” This is Chris' 5th album since 2016.

Chris Hazelton, After Dark, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

View attachment 310112

This one will only consume 35 minutes of your day. JazzView: “Michael Blicher, saxophones; Dan Hemmer, Hammond organ; Steve Gadd, drums… Blicher also composed all the tunes; co-arranged them with Gadd and Hemmer and produced the album. This band has played together for more than ten years, touring extensively and recording three previous albums.” An LP with additional studio tunes is available. The video is a tune from an earlier album.

Gadd played on the Grammy nominated Center Stage, with the WDR Big Band, recommended upthread, with 2 videos. I saw the Gadd Band with organist Joey DeFrancesco (RIP), who also played some flugelhorn, and Ronnie Cuber (RIP) on bari sax. A very nice show.

Blicher Hemmer Gadd, It Will Be Alright, full album: YouTube link ; Spotify link

View attachment 310113

Steve Gadd is as underappreciated a musician as can be. Marvelously musical drummer.

 

[DanielT]

I found a playlist on Spotify that I like. I am sharing it with you. Hope you who use Spotify will also like it:

https://spotify.link/Q5FtRfOQWCb

 

[Ralph_Cramden]

 

[Ralph_Cramden]