Les McCann “Never a Dull Moment” 2 cd set, disc 2
RIP Les. Thanks for all the great music.
Chet Baker Strollin’ Enja/Solid Records Japan.
Chet with just Philip Catherine on guitar and Jen-louis Rossinfosse on bass. Recorded live at the 7th Jazz Festival Münster, West Germany, June 1985.
One of the pleasures of inventorying and archiving my record collection is the opportunity offered to return to LPs long forgotten. I picked up a copy of Chase Pure Music when initially released, and at the time didn’t care for it. Just played it today and am enjoying it. The LP documents Bill Chase moving into a new direction, electric fusion, but still maintaining a strong trumpet sound. Chicago vocalist Jim Peterik is featured on a couple of tracks. Peterik remainsa Chicago fixture, best known for his 70’s work with the Ides of March; particularly the song Vehicle.
Ken Vandermark’s latest incarnation Edition Redux will be releasing Better a Rook than a Pawn on CD. I picked up an advance copy at the year’s end DKV performances in Chicago. Edition Redux is a new project bringing younger, under 30, musicians new to the Chicago scene to the forefront. The ensemble offers a new sound from the house of Vandermark, with Erez Dessel - piano/electronics, Beth McDonald - tuba/electronics, and Lily Finnegan - drums. Pianist Erez Dessel is wonderful on this release, check-out the third track Double Negative/Still Bresson/Aperto.
Erez Dessel
Thanks for the mention, just ordered cd from Bandcamp. I usually tread lightly when it comes to Vandermark, but the sample track was great…fingers crossed.
I’d like to think you will enjoy it. A bit toned down for Ken IME.
Joe Martin “Etoilee”
Quite a nice cd from bassist Martin. Turner was the lure for me, but this is a very interesting quartet.
Cold this morning. To be honest the system sounds best when the ambient room temperature is a bit lower.
Started off with disc one of the new Blu-Spec CD2 of Miles Davis “Black Beauty.” Wow. Over the years I’ve become more accustomed to the way this is recorded (especially the first quarter) and appreciative of the raw energy and the early interpretations of some of this material. Fascinating, churning sounds.
On to something different.Pulled this from the shelves and it is drawing me in as Fiona the dachshund settles down. Great sounding disc of warm bouncy music.
Magos Herrera “Distancia”
Starting the day off with some great vibes from Cal Tjader.
Cal Tjader “Catch The Groove (Live At The Penthouse 1963-1967)” Jazz Detective 2 cd set, disc 2
Followed by some great performances by Kenny Burrell at Catalina’s.
Kenny Burrell “Special Requests (and other Favorites)” High Note cd
Nicole Mitchel & Alexander Hawkins At Earth School, a live recording captured at Cafe Oto October 2, 2022, and recently released on the Asral Spirits label. Opportunities for me to hear the wonderful British pianist Alexander Hawkins have been somewhat elusive. Hearing this live duo set has convinced me that I need to step-up my efforts to see him perform the next time he’s in the States.
Snow on the trees outside my second floor window behind the system. Beautiful and serene in that cold quiet.
This disc has won me over with its clear sound and the expressive and interactive playing. Her pianism reminds me of that of an Austin pianist/trumpeter that i got to know well, Mel Winters and his touch and ideas. He is the most mathematical pianist I’ve ever known, and so immediately conversant with any chord mixture available. Hers is a bit more emotionally infused, but of a similar decisive blending. And then there’s Mark Turner, not on all tracks here, but always “just right.”
Miki Yamanaka “Stairway to the Stars”
Followed by
Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers “Buhaina’s Delight” Blue Note reissue LP
Far more energy . . . how do the grooves hold it all!
