The Rest of the Best Of 2013 (Part 5) with Best Debut

I promise - this is it.  Making up my mind has always been an issue (except for my favorite flavor of ice cream) and this List is approaching record (no pun intended) numbers.

Noah Preminger released his 3rd CD as a leader and continues to mature as a musician and composer. "Haymaker" (Palmetto Records) features Ben Monder (electric guitar), Matt Pavolka (bass) and the exciting Colin Stranahan (drums).  The leader wrote 7 of the 10 tracks, building most of the pieces off the fine interplay of the rhythm section and Monder's often brilliant accompaniment.  A highlight of the young tenor saxophonist's career is his work on ballads which one hears on pieces such as "My Blues for You" and "Tomorrow" are exemplary. This is a working group so one would be wise to catch them in person.

Tenor saxophonist/composer Dayna Stephens also continues to impress with this smashing Sunnyside release "That Nepenthetic Place" - like Preminger above (and the saxophonists below), Stephens is a fine composer, playing to his (and his bandmates') strengths.  Joe Sanders (bass) and Justin Brown (drums) join Taylor Eigsti (piano) to create a formidable rhythm section.  With guest such as Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet), Jaleel Shaw (alto saxophone) and Gretchen Parlato (vocals), these tracks crackle with excitement and ingenuity.

Other highlights of 2013 include "Lifted Land" (Criss Cross) from David Binney, "Bridges" (PosiTone Records) from pianist/
composer David Ake (and a great sextet), "Time Travel", the newest collection from Dave Douglas and his new Quintet), and "Works" (Connection Works Records) from the trio of Michel Gentile (flute), Daniel Kelly (piano) and Rob Garcia (drums)

The Dickens Campaign is the trio of Kirk Knuffke (cornet), Jesse Lewis (guitar) and leader/drummer Deric Dickens and "Oh Lovely Appearance" (self-released) is a fine and fun collection of tunes dedicated to the work of musicologist Alan Lomax.  There's blues, gospel, country, folk, hard rock, jazz and more coursing through the 44-minute program.  Knuffke continues to impress as one of the more "soulful" young brass players and Dickens is a player who does not need to show off; instead, each song has its own personality.  Oh, what fun! For more information, go to www.dericdickens.com.

The latest Steve Coleman & Five Elements CD is a quintet hit titled "Functional Arrhythmias" (Pi Recordings); the music has a danceable quality thanks to the superb bass and drums of Sean Rickman and Anthony Tidd.  The rhythm guitar work of Miles Okazaki gives great support to the front line of Coleman (alto saxophone) and the fine young trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson.  As one works his way through the songs, melodies arise over the powerful rhythm tracks and you can really hear how the sax and trumpet weave through.  Funky, rich and pleasing listening, Steve Coleman continues to blaze trails.

Finlayson's debut as a leader came out this year on Pi Records as well.  "Moment and the Message" also features guitarist Okazaki alongside pianist David Virelles, bassist Keith Witty and drummer Damion Reid.  While the focus is most certainly on the excellent musicianship, do not ignore the leader's fine compositions as well as his smart arrangements.  There is so much going on that one is continually surprised when returning to the CD.  Information about this release and the Coleman disc can be found at pirecordings.com.

2013 was a splendid year for creative music and there is much to be thankful to for.  Most of all, I'm thankful to you, dear reader, as I begin the 5th year of blogging about music in Connecticut and the music that comes to me from around the world.  Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may 2014 bring the peace and tranquility that we all yearn for.

The Continuing Saga of The Best of 2013 (Part 4)

Grading is mostly done, meetings completed for this calendar so, now back to my favorite recordings of 2013.  These posts looks at ensembles of all shapes and sizes, save for big bands.

Tarbaby - the trio of Orrin Evans (piano), Nasheet Waits (drums) and Eric Revis (bass) - is an ensemble that never plays it safe. Its 3rd CD, "Ballad of Sam Langford" (HipNotic) is, at turns, raucous, political, experimental, "free" and funky, featuring Oliver Lake (alto saxophone) and Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet), both of whom display fire and flair when they play. The trio breathes as one throughout and never cut corners or look down on the listener.  Honest and brave music, deserving of a wider audience.  Honorable mention goes to bassist Revis's Clean Feed release of 2013 "City of Asylum", also a trio recording, this one featuring drum master Andrew Cyrille and the classy pianist Kris Davis. Recorded right after the group was formed, the music is free yet rarely formless.  Reports of the trio's live shows says the music is even more expansive as the musicians continue to push each other.

Drummer/composer Barry Altschul returned as a leader this year with "The 3Dom Factor" (TUM Records), an ensemble that features the elastic and exciting bass work of Joe Fonda alongside the ever-maturing saxophone playing of Jon Irabagon.  Like the trios above the music on this CD is expansive, fiery, often quite melodic, and, in Altschul's case, a true rhythmic treat.

Honorable mention goes to "Nameless Neighbors" (Sunnyside Records), the debut recording of the Nick Sanders Trio.  Young Mr. Sanders, who turned 26 last week, is a fine composer and pianist who's not afraid to be melodic and emotional as well as intense and swinging.  This is really good music.

Saxophonist/clarinetist released 2 CDs of poetry and original music in 2013, both featuring the dynamic French pianist Laurent Coq with the rhythm section of Yoni Zelnick (bass) and Karl Jannuska For this edition of (drums).  The initial release, "Words Project IV" (New Amsterdam Records), features the vocals of Christine Correa singing the words of poets such as Charles Simic, Carl Sandburg, Fernando Pessoa and George W. Bush (the former President might not view his effort as poetry), among others.  The interaction of the rhythm section with the front line not only supports the vocals but adds different colors.

At the same time this program was created, Sadigursky and Coq also recorded "Mots Croises: Crosswords" (self-released), more words and poetry but this time with a different.  The leaders chose 4 poems  - one each by D.H. Laurence, William Carlos Williams, Blaise Cendrars and Eugene Guillevec - the saxophonist and pianist wrote music for each tune, with Ms. Correa singing the English lyrics and French chanteuse Laurence Allison singing the French lyrics. As a bonus track, Sadigursky wrote music for a poem by Mariel Rukeyser and the vocalists both sang in English.  I'm not sure one disc is better than the other - I'd get them both.  For more information, go to samsadigursky.com.

Sam Sadigursky is also featured as part of the sextet on "Musica Para Un Dragon Dormida" (BJU Records), the impressive 3rd release by pianist/composer Emilio Teubal.  Percussionists Satoshi Takeishi and John Hadfield work alongside cellist Eric Friedlander and bassist Moto Fukushima to create a program that reflects the composer's Argentinean upbringing.  Many of the pieces have rhythms that percolate and undulate, with Sadigursky playing clarinet in his clear, entrancing, tones.  Teubal's music is often mesmerizing; one returns to this music to concentrate in the different musicians and their roles in this dramatic musical landscape. To find out more, go to www.emilioteubal.com.

Bassist/composer/arranger Alexis Cuadrado created a splendid program of music for the New York poems of Federico Garcia Lorca. "A Lorca Soundscape" (Sunnyside Records) utilizes the talents of Dan Tepfer (piano), Miguel Zenon (alto saxophone), Mark Ferber (drums) in support of and in tandem with the striking vocal of Claudia Acuna.   Percussionist Gilmar Gomes appears on 2 of the 7 tracks. The lyrics are dark, impressionistic, surrealistic, brooding, political and magical; the music is rhythmic, stark, melodic and, in its own way, magical.  Find out more and listen to the program by going to sunnysidezone.com/album/a-lorca-soundscape.

I'll wrap up my listening year in the next post. In the meantime, go safely and enjoy the Holidays.

Jim Hall Passes + Best of 2013: Large Ensembles

Jim Hall died on Tuesday, seemingly in the prime of his life.  That's an interesting thing to write about an 83 year-old person but he was still quite active as a performer and recording artist.  Best known for his work with drummer Chico Hamilton, saxophonist Sonny Rollins ("The Bridge"), clarinetist Jimmy Giuffre ("The Train and the River", "The Western Suite") and his duos with Ron Carter, Bill Evans and Bob Brookmeyer, Hall influenced a slew of musicians.  He toured and recorded with Pat Metheny and Bill Frisell, recorded many Lps and CDs under his own name for labels such as CTI, Concord, Telarc and, most recently, ArtistShare.  His innate sense of melody shown through every recording and live dates. When one would see him in concert, he did not play loud but, inevitably, the listener hung on every note - he wasted so few.

To get a taste of his recent work, go to jimhallmusic.com/.  He surely will be missed.

***********************************************************

2013 was another banner year for large ensemble recordings. It's extremely hard to pick one above the others.  We'll start with "In This Life", the latest Sunnyside release from flutist/composer Jamie Baum - the music, written for her Septet +, takes its cues from Ms. Baum's journeys to the Middle East and beyond as well as her love for the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The arrangements are smashing, the musicianship exciting (the group includes trumpeter Amir ElSaffar, saxophonist/bass clarinetist Douglas Yates, guitarist Brad Shepik, pianist John Escreet, bassist Zachary Lober, drummer Jeff Hirschfield, French hornist Chris Komer, plus guests Dan Weiss (tablas), Taylor Haskins (trumpet) and Samuel Torres (percussion) with the results dazzling and emotionally strong.  For more information, go to www.jamiebaum.com.

Guitarist/composer Joel Harrison wisely titled his 2013 Sunnyside release "Infinite Possibility" - he created the 6 compositions for a 19-member ensemble that includes a number of great soloists (saxophonists Donny McCaslin and Ned Rothenberg, trumpeters Taylor Haskins and Justin Mullens plus trombonists Alan Ferber (see below) and Jacob Garchik) and a stellar rhythm section (bassist Kermit Driscoll, pianist Daniel Kelly, percussionist James Shipp and drummer Rob Garcia). With influences of modern classical and progressive rock music rubbing musical elbows with jazz and blues, the music rises out of the speakers with a majestic roar and hushed poetic images.  Mr. Harrison has shown himself to be one of the most creative voices in contemporary music - you can truly hear that on this CD.  For more information, go to joelharrison.com.

The third of 3 excellent Sunnyside releases to feature large ensembles (I never had the opportunity to hear the John Hollenbeck release from earlier in the year) comes from trombonist/composer Alan Ferber. "March Sublime" bristles with energy, blending intelligent compositions with exciting arrangements and splendid soloists.  Powered by the leader's twin  brother Mark on drums, bassist Matt Pavolka, pianist David Cook and guitarist Anthony Wilson,  the songs feature smart solos by the likes of Taylor Haskins, saxophonists John O'Gallagher, Chris Cheek and John Ellis, trombonists Ferber, Josh Roseman and Ryan Keberle plus others.  For more information and the opportunity to hear 2 tracks, go to sunnysidezone.com/album/march-sublime.

In 2012, Wadada Leo Smith issued "10 Freedom Summers", this year "Occupy The World" (TUM Records) with the TUMO Orchestra.  While the music on the former recording celebrates and/or commemorates the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s (and beyond), the music on the latter not only has political overtones but also includes dedications to Marion Brown and bassist John Lindberg.  The 22-member ensemble, comprised of the finest improvisers from Finland and the Nordic region, gives life to Mr. Smith's stunning abstract compositions.  As usual, the trumpeter plays with a clarity and brilliance that stands out above the melodies.

To find out more, go to www.tumrecords.com/037-2-occupy-the-world.  

Most recently, Marty Ehrlich's Large Ensemble is featured on "A Trumpet In The Morning" and it deserves to be on the "Best of" list for this and every year as does "Wild Beauty", a celebration of the music of Joe Lovano as arranged by Gil Goldstein and performed by the Brussels Jazz Orchestra.  I'm saving both for next year.

Next time out, "Best of" trios, quartets, quintets and sextets.

Firehouse Finale, Side Door Shows, More Uncertainty and 2013 Best-Of: Solo Piano

Bassist/composer Mark Dresser and his accomplished Quintet are featured in this Friday's concert (12/13) at Firehouse 12 in New Haven, the ultimate show in the Fall 2013 Concert Series.  The bassist, who last appeared in the venue as part of Trio M (with Myra Melford and Matt Wilson) in April 2012, is touring with the musicians (all but drummer Tom Rainey) from his most recent recording for Clean Feed Records, "Nourishments." Notice the "m" theme as the group includes Michael Sarin (drums), Denman Maroney (piano), Rudresh Mahanthappa (alto saxophone) and Michael Dessen (trombone).  The interactions displayed by the musicians on the CD translate well to live performance as Dresser's compositions blend composed "through lines" and improvisations.  The blend of the vibrant alto saxophone with the blustery yet melodic trombone, spurred on by the strong piano work, involves the listener multiple levels.  Maroney's celebrated "hyper-piano" is in full bloom throughout the session.

The Mark Dresser Quintet plays 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - tickets are still available so go to firehouse12.com or call 203-785-0468 for more information.

The Side Door Cafe at the Old Lyme Inn has another busy weekend of great music.  Friday, they present the Bruce Barth Quartet, an ensemble that finds the pianist (pictured left) in musical conversation with the great Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Vicente Archer (bass) and Montez Coleman (drums).  Nelson appears on several of Barth's CD including 2012's "Three Shades of Beauty" (Savant).  Barth is a fine pianist who can play with equal shades of fire and gentleness, has a penchant for strong melodies and intelligent interactions.

On Saturday, pianist Kevin Hays returns to The Side Door, this time with a Trio featuring bassist Rob Jost and drummer Greg Joseph. Together, they go by the name of The New Day Trio and have been performing a new book of pieces Hays composed for the ensemble. Hays, who spent his childhood in Greenwich, CT, has worked with Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Benny Golson, Roy Haynes and many others yet has also led his own groups for nearly 2 decades.

For more information about these shows and upcoming ones as well, go to thesidedoorjazz.com or call 860-434-0886.

The Uncertainty Music Series continues on Saturday (12/14) with a double bill that features the Joe Moffett/Kristin Slipp Duo plus Jacket Thor.  The latter is the name for the duo of Ryan Kalentkowski (guitar) and Marco Vernacatola (drums).  Their music blends folk, rock, punk and other influences.  Trumpeter Joe Moffett has worked with vocalist Kristin Slipp for the past 5 years, creating music under the name of Twins of El Dorado. They call themselves a "modern song ensemble", music that brings in myriad influences from different genres.  Ms. Slipp also works with keyboard artist Dov Manski - their debut CD was issued earlier this year on Sunnyside Records.

The show starts at 8 p.m. and takes place at Never Ending Books, 810 State Street in New Haven.  For more information, go to uncertaintymusic.com.
***********************************************

The Best of 2013 continues with 2 solo piano recordings.

Having seen and heard Myra Melford play solo over 2 decades ago, I often wondered why the pianist/composer did not do that more often.  She has a strong left hand - actually she's quite the two-handed pianist  -and has recorded numerous duos with the likes of Marty Ehrlich, Tanya Kalmanovitch and Han Bennink. She became inspired by the paintings of Don Reich, a family friend and, like the pianist, a long-time resident of California.  Reich's work has always been a source of inspiration for Ms. Melford and he gave her a group of paintings as well as drawings to hang in her studio to see what might happen.  "Life Carries Me This Way" (Firehouse 12 Records) is the result; the package comes complete with the paintings that inspired the music.  This is a wonderfully personal experience, contemporary music that wears any of its influences very lightly and truly invites the listener in.  Look at the paintings, listen to the piano, forget about drawing conclusions, just soak in these sounds.

For more information and to listen for yourself, go to firehouse12records.com/album/life-carries-me-this-way.

There's a similar feel to "Piano Sutras" (Thirsty Ear), the latest solo venture from pianist/composer Matthew Shipp. The notoriously outspoken Mr. Shipp rarely has sounded as good as he does on these 13 tracks, all but 2 - "Giant Steps" and "Nefertiti", the shortest ones - original compositions.  He has such a fertile mind, such a great sense of dynamics, with melodies that often sound like either short stories or fragments of poems.  Also enjoyable is that one seems to hear something new each time out.  I'm not sure Matthew Shipp has ever gotten enough credit for the strength of his compositions; these are among his finest.  The presence of the piano on this CD stands out from the rest of his Thirsty Ear catalogue, even his most recent solo effort, 2010's "4 D."

For more information, go to www.matthewshipp.com.

Next post will include the Best of Large Ensembles and there are a slew.

2013 Best of - The Vocal List(s)

I've been writing about music since my Freshman year in college, nearly 5 decades.  Starting with reviews of live performances and moving on to Lps, then to cassettes, the CDs and now mp3s, digital downloads or a combination of list, save for cassettes, music has been a major part of my existence. My first date with the young lady who became my wife was a show that featured the Paul Butterfield Blues Band on tour supporting the release of "The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw", a band that featured guitarist Elvin Bishop, drummer Phil Wilson and alto saxophonist David Sanborn.  We ended up back in Middletown, CT (our hometown) and a great place to be if one was interested in expanding his musical vocabulary. Over the decades, Wesleyan University has had a strong music department, especially in African American music and ethnomusicology.  People such as Bill Barron, Bill Lowe, Anthony Braxton, Jay Hoggard, Alvin Lucier, Ron Kuivila, and Ed Blackwell have taught students such as Royal Hartigan, David Bindman, Taylor Ho Bynum, Chris Dingman, Matt Bauder, Mike Hefley, Mary Halvorson, Tyshawn Sorey, and Carl Testa, all of whom I got to see and hear perform.

I have had the privilege to write for The New Haven Advocate, CADENCE Magazine, and The Hartford Courant and have had the opportunity to vote in the Downbeat Critics Poll and the yearly Jazz & Pop Poll.  I have met so many fine people, musicians such as Noah Baerman, Jaki Byard, Kevin O'Neil, Henry Lugo, Professor Neely Bruce, Anna Barron, Joe Fonda, Michael Pestel, Mario Pavone, Thomas Chapin, Ben Allison, Ron Horton, Frank Kimbrough as well as music supporters Chuck Obuchowski, Jason Crane (on-line, at least), Ed Krech, Robert & Susan Rusch, Ann Braithwaite, Maurice Robertson, Joe Rybczyk and so many more. I owe them all great thanks.

I'm usually not so nostalgic at the end of the year (no, only every day) but 2013 has had numerous challenges, triumphs and sadness.  Through it all, music played in the foreground, in the background and running through my sub-conscious.

Loyal readers know that there is no such thing as the Step Tempest Top 10 or, even, 15.  This year, I'm breaking my favorite recordings into 5 categories e.g., vocalists, large ensembles, solo, trios-quartets-quintets, and modern classical.  Your feedback is always welcome.

Depending on the day and my mood, my favorite vocal CD this year has either been "Space and Time" (self-released) by Nicky Schrire and "Attachments" (Jazzed Media) by Lorraine Feather.  Ms. Schrire's 2nd CD, produced by Matt Pierson, is a series of duets, 4 tracks each with pianists Gil Goldstein, Gerald Clayton and Fabian Almazan.  The pianists bring different individual strengths while Ms. Schrire sings with clarity, with emotional strength and a joyousness that cannot be faked (one knows when a singer is not honest - doesn't bother everyone but....).  From originals to standards to popular songs to pieces that reflect her South African upbringing, Nicky Schrire's music just might transcend space and time.

"Attachments" is truly wonderful music that blends jazz, pop, soul, classical, funk, and country-rock into a satisfying stew.  Discovering the music of Lorraine Feather has made my life infinitely better - no, honestly - because these songs are the work of someone who is nearly a contemporary and proves there is no need to be fenced in by a genre or subject matter or that "playing music" can truly be "playing."  The work of the pianists - Dave Grusin, Shelly Berg and Russell Ferrante - is splendid as are the contributions of bassist Michael Valerio, guitarists Grant Geissman and Eddie Arkin (also an arranger and co-writer), drummers Michael Shapiro and Gregg Field, percussionist Tony Morales, the bass clarinet of Bob Mintzer and especially the super violin playing of Charles Bisharat. At the forefront is that voice, at times plaintive, on occasion with a wise-guy attitude, smooth and clear (her background vocals are mighty impressive) and above all, emotionally honest.

This was not the only release from Ms. Feather in 2013.  She partnered with pianist Stephanie Trick to create the duo "Nouveau Stride" and the CD titled "Fourteen" (Relarion Records). Rags and stride tunes, most blessed with Ms. Feather's fun and insightful lyrics, that should be heard.

Then, there is "WomanChild" (Mack Avenue), the second CD from 23-year old Cecile McLorin Salvant. With influences ranging from Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Billie Holiday, Ms. Salvant brings a dramatic quality to this set of tunes that range from traditional pieces to early jazz to originals and, yes, a playfulness that should not be ignored.  Her version of "John Henry", powered by bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Herlin Riley, will knock you from your seat.  When pianist Aaron Diehl enters, damping the strings to get a "banjo" sound, the intensity level jumps even higher. The sensual feel of the opening of "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" breaks into a romp that touches on Ella without imitating her (and Mr. Diehl's solo is splendid.)

Other strong releases include "Liquid Soul", Gregory Porter's Blue Note debut, "Winter Morning Walks" (Artist Share), the glorious orchestral music Maria Schneider composed for vocalist Dawn Upshaw and the soulful swing yet very adult subject matter of "What I See" (Jazzed Media), the latest release from Judy Wexler. All are worth your time and attention.

More to follow.