One more Kenny Barron/Dave Holland listen for this morning. The Art of Conversation, a 2014 Impulse recording.
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I’m intrigued. Now I’m going on a hunt for these discs starting with the EG you mentioned
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These were the discs I compared:
The second is the expanded Plangent Process release. It was a lot cheaper directly from amazon a month or so ago and for a while, it may be cheaper elsewhere.
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I have both the 3 CD Box set and the Double LP of The Complete Concert By the Sea, and really paid no attention to the fact the CD set was a Plangent Process reissue. Interesting, as I listen to the first CD now. Very nice indeed. At the moment my LP copy is not handy for immediate comparison. Either is an easy recommendation for Erroll Garner fans.
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Barney Wilen Trio, prominently featuring pianist Mal Waldron on French Story Movie Themes From France. Wilen and Waldron are in fine form with ample support from the rhythm section.
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Looks the late great Geri Allen produced the collection. I was fortunate to have seen her perform several times.
Taking it back to 1993 with Fourplay’s Between the Sheets — smooth crossover jazz at its absolute finest.
Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason brought pure magic on this one. The title track (featuring Chaka Khan & Nathan East on vocals) is an instant classic, but the whole album is filled with those lush grooves and silky arrangements that defined 90s contemporary jazz.
It’s one of those records that works perfectly for a late-night vibe, a road trip, or just unwinding after a long day. Timeless musicianship, flawless production, and a sound that never gets old.
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Just came across Barney this last year on the Venus label. Very good.
1960 look back to some down-to-earth jazz with a great lineup of musicians. Hearing the Curtis Fuller and Clark Terry solos in the final track, Sandu, a Clifford Brown piece, is worth the price of admission all on their own.
The reissue is sourced from an Epic “Stereorama” original pressing in the ongoing Vinyl Records Restoration series from HDTT. If you love the sound of great vinyl from the golden age of stereo, listening to this reissue this will bring back loving memories in its warm, slightly tubey, somewhat rounded sound that is still filled with excellent detail and very natural instrumental timbre. It is an excellent transfer from the vinyl that I’m just delighted to have in my record library.
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As you like this one I highly recommend looking into Bailey’s Epic LP “Gettin’ into Something” and his Jazz Line LP “Bash.” Both are excellent jazz dates.
https://www.discogs.com/master/390555-The-Dave-Bailey-Sextet-Gettin-Into-Somethin
https://www.discogs.com/master/587127-The-Dave-Bailey-Sextet-Bash
I have excellently mastered Japanese cd reissues of both.
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A 2014 4 LP Trost Records release, The Sun Ra Arkestra Live in Nickelsdorf. A somewhat scaled down Arkestra playing fine if one excuses embouchure problems John Gilmore was experience on Springtime Again. Even so his solo is outstanding. Sonically it is just fine but nothing special for a live Arkestra set.
The Arkestra being:
Sun Ra
John Gilmore - tenor sax, clarinet, electronics
Eloe Omoe - alto sax
Marshall - Allen - alto sax
Danny Ray Thompson - baritone sax
James Jackson - flute, congas
Ronnie Brown - trumpet
Rollo Radford - electric bass
Don Mumford - drums
Matthew Brown - congas
Album Reflections: Pat Metheny Unity Group – Kin (←→)
After multiple listens, this record feels like a full journey rather than just a collection of songs. Metheny and the Unity Group stretch the boundaries of jazz fusion here—balancing tight ensemble playing with expansive, cinematic soundscapes.
Highlights: The transitions are seamless, moving from lyrical, almost orchestral passages into raw improvisational bursts. There’s a sense of storytelling woven into the textures, with each instrument given space to shine while still serving the whole.
Overall Critique: At times, the density of ideas can feel overwhelming—like there’s too much brilliance at once—but that’s also part of the magic. It’s not background music; it demands attention and rewards patience.
Final take: Kin (←→) is ambitious, daring, and deeply rewarding. A must-listen for anyone who wants to hear jazz move into fresh, unexpected territory.
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Spinning Fourplay’s debut album again today, and it never gets old. Smooth, soulful, and timeless — this one set the standard for contemporary jazz. Pure magic from start to finish.
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Now spinning Bob James / Earl Klugh’s Cool — and the title says it all. Smooth, elegant, and laid-back, Klugh’s acoustic guitar just flows with ease. Perfect background for relaxing, but also full of those subtle melodies that stick with you. A reminder of why Klugh’s touch on the guitar is unmatched.
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This is a remarkable track at the end of Brad Mehldau’s latest release. A beautiful warm recording with nuance and spirit. Turn the lights low and let the music float you.
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Paul Brown’s So Much To Say is smooth jazz done right — funky grooves, soulful ballads, and that signature guitar tone that makes every track shine. From the upbeat title cut to his fresh spin on “Summertime,” this album is full of vibe and class. A must-hear for fans of George Benson-style jazz and anyone who loves music that grooves and soothes.
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