More Live Music + Sultans 3

The Uncertainty Music Series, curated by bassist/composer Carl Testa, presents a 3-part show this Saturday December 15 at 8 p.m. in The Big Room, 319 Peck Street (Erector Square) in New Haven. Scheduled are 2 solo sets, one featuring Nick Millevoi on guitar and the other Keir Neuringer on saxophone.  Following them will be an unnamed Quartet composed of Annie Rhodes (voice), Adam Matlock (accordion), Ben Klein (tuba) and Maura Valenti (harp). Ms. Valenti is currently in the Masters of Music program at Yale University while the other 3 members have worked together on numerous occasions.  Mr. Millevoi is a Philadelphia, PA, resident known for his wild improvisations while Mr. Neuringer, also a Philadelphia resident, has worked with many improvising artists in Europe and the USA.

For ticket information and directions, go to uncertaintymusic.com.  There, you can check the very exciting schedule for the next 5 months including several Elm City favorites.

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

This past Monday, I wrote about the upcoming (12/20/12) appearance of the Canadian world music/folk/gypsy swing/etc. group Sultans of String at Infinity Hall in Norfolk, CT.  Violinist Chris McKhool and guitarist Kevin Laliberte opened for singer/songwriter Livingston Taylor in October impressing the audience and Hall ownership with their lively blend of musical styles and technical prowess.  Originally, I figured they would be touring with the quintet of musicians that appear on their CD, "Move" - instead, Messrs. McKhool and Lalaiberte will be making the 10 hour trip from their homes in Toronto, Ontario, Canada along with bassist Drew Birston.  I had a pleasant chat today with the violinist and he assured the music will be just as complex as one hears on the CDs (you can hear our chat this Sunday (12/16) at 11 a.m. on WLIS-1420 AM in Old Saybrook and WMRD-AM 1150 in Middletown. Hopefully our new "stream" will be up at www.wliswmrd.net.)  For tickets to the show, go to www.infinityhall.com.

Favorites From a Great Year! Gentlemen Now!

As I stroll through my reviews for the year, there are several CDs I did not get to review that are among my favorites.  Such is the case with the first on this part of the list.

Since he has been recording for his own label, Marsalis Music, Branford Marsalis has gone from strength to strength.  He has toured the world with his quartet, recorded with his Farther Ellis and brothers, played with symphony orchestras and worked with Harry Connick, Jr. to help rebuild in his native city of New Orleans.  His Quartet really began to hits its stride with the addition of pianist Joey Calderazzo who joined after the tragic passing of Kenny Kirkland.  Bassist Eric Revis joined in 1998 to create a versatile rhythm section with drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts; that human dynamo left amicably in 2009 (after 25 years!) and was replaced by 18 year old Justin Faulkner. "4 MFs Playin' Tunes" is his first recording with the band and an absolute joy to listen to.  The interactions of the musicians are so impressive and it's because this music is more about melodic invention than technical prowess. O yes, they can play and there are numerous fine solos but this program is the strongest Branford Marsalis (and his group) has ever put on CD or Lp.  For more information, go to www.branfordmarsalis.com.

When I first spoke to arranger Ryan Truesdell about his Gil Evans Project, it was just after he initiated the ArtistShare program to raise the money necessary to record and release this newly discovered treasure trove.  The result?  "Centennial" shows Evans' creativity that spanned 6 decades, from his beginnings in the Claude Thornhill Orchestra to pieces made famous by Miles Davis to works written for his own progressive big band that was active from the early 1970s to Evans death in 1988.  With 10 songs and 35 participants (including 3 vocalists), Truesdell has produced a musical document that one understands as the first salvo of arrangements and compositions that will only enhance the legacy of Gil Evans.  If you have yet to hear this delightful music, go to www.ryantruesdell.com.

"Anti-Mass" (Jekab's Music) is the 4th release from composer/trumpeter Erik Jekabson, filled with songs that reverberate in the mind long after one listens.  A resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, he has played and recorded with a score of fine musicians over the past 15 years.  This music, composed for a sextet that features saxophone, violin, viola, bass, and drums (plus vibes), is inspired by the composer's numerous walks through DeYoung Museum of San Francisco.  Like the various pieces of art, this music goes in many directions, with abrupt changes of tempo and dynamics, featuring finely constructed melodies and intelligent harmonies.  The title track, inspired by British sculptor Cornelia Parker's created from the charred remains of a Southern Baptist Church attacked by arsonists, is riveting thanks to the fine work of the soloists (saxophonist Dayna Stephens, violinist Mads Tolling and the leader) and the intricate work of the rhythm section.  To find out more, go to www.erikjekabson.com.

Drummer/composer Harris Eisenstadt released 2 CDs this Spring and both deserve to be on this list.  "Canada Day III" (Songlines) features his Quintet of Nate Wooley (trumpet), Matt Bauder (tenor saxophone), Garth Stevenson (acoustic bass) and the wonderfully atmospheric vibraphone work of Chris Dingman. Eisenstadt's music for this group is highly melodic, at times playful, and filled with wonderful interactions.  The other CD, "Canada Day Octet" (482 Music), adds Ray Anderson (trombone), Dan Peck (tuba) and Jason Mears (alto saxophone) to the band to play the 40-minute long, 4-part suite titled "The Ombudsman" and a ballad. Far from being cluttered, the result is a fascinating journey with fine solos and intricate harmonies.  If you ever have the opportunity to see either one or both of these ensembles, you must do so. For more information, go to www.harriseisenstadt.com.

Other CDs on the list include "Multiverse" (Jazzheads), the raucous music of percussionist Bobby Sanabria and his Big Band, organist Brian Charette's "Music for Organ Sextette" (SteepleChase) and Bob Brookmeyer's final recording with his New Art Orchestra, "Standards" (ArtistShare).

Just a 5 or 6 more to go on this list and I'll get to them soon.  Be well all!

Favorites From a Great Year! Ladies First!

For me, 2012 was quite a year.  I became a grandparent for the first time, my teaching gig at Quinnipiac University was ever-so-satisfying and the amount of great music that crossed my desk was impressive.  As long-time readers (bless you all) might remember, I find it hard to contain myself to a Top Ten so here's Part 1 of a list that will ultimately stretch to over 20.

"Tales of the Unusual" (Jazzed Media), the 8th CD from singer-songwriter Lorraine Feather, was the first I had ever heard (writes I, blushing and embarrassed) and hooked me immediately with its literate lyrics, smashing vocals, superb musicianship and healthy dollop of humor.  Turns out, Ms. Feather has worked with many of the musicians and songwriters on this CD a number of times before.  Played it again the other day and reinforced my view that, though the "tales" may be "unusual", the music is stellar (and not just by starlight.)  Her next recording is a duo with the phenomenal young pianist Stephanie Trick - I have heard the music(they call their duo Nouveau Stride) and am saving a space in the 2013 "Favorites."

2012 was also the year I really listened to the music of Blossom Dearie (1924-2009), mainly due to the excellent "Digging Me, Digging You" (Anzic Records), the work of Amy Cervini.  To her credit, Ms. Cervini did not attempt to recreate Ms. Dearie's soft vocaliationss - instead, she assembled a fine rhythm section (pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Matt Aronoff and drummer Matt Wilson), chose 13 songs from across her subject's long career and asked her husband (Oded Lev-Ari) for some smart arrangements and the rest is an enjoyable tribute that stands on its own.  Not content with a great CD, Ms. Cervini and Mr Lev-Ari also produced a baby girl in 2012 - the hits just keep on coming!

That bassist/composer Linda Oh's second CD as a leader, "Initial Here" (Greenleaf Music) is as good as it is should come as no surprise - Ms. Oh is one intense musician. If you have ever seen in person (with Dave Douglas, for instance), you know she is always "inside" the music.  This recording features pianist Fabian Almazan, saxophonist Dayna Stephens and the fine drummer Rudy Royston (he'll show up again on this list) and the material ranges from straight-ahead jazz to music with classical influences and some well-played funk.  All in all, there is not a weak track - this music sticks in one's mind for a long time.

Anne Mette Iversen is also a bassist/composer and she also covers a wide swath of territory in her compositions.  For the sparkling 2-CD "Poetry of Earth" (BJU Records), the bassist created an aural wonderland for the words of poets  A.E. Housman, Thomas Hardy, John Keats, Lene Poulsen, Henrik Ibsen  as well as the contemporary Danish poet Svende Grøn and put them in the impressive hands and voices of pianist Dan Tepper, saxophonist/flutist/bass clarinetist John Ellis along with vocalists Maria Neckham and Christine Skou. The results are an impressive amalgam of jazz and contemporary classical music with nods to Kurt Weill and Danish folk melodies.  Even if you do not understand the poetry (Ms. Skou sings in Danish), the meotion of this music can't help but touch you.

Other CDs on this part of the list (all led by vocalists) include "Silent Movie" by Melissa Stylianou (Anzic Records), "Freedom Flight", the debut CD from Nicky Schrire (self-released), "Unison" from Maria Neckham (Sunnyside Records) and "Blossom & Bee" by Sara Gazarek (Palmetto Records) - the last disk in the list also honors the music of Blossom Dearie and is quite different yet just as excellent as Ms. Cervini's recording.  (Author's note - forgot to include "Girl Talk" (Palmetto Records), the latest by Kate McGarry.)

There's more to come so check later in the week.

Happy Holidays & a very Happy New Year!

Firehouse Finale + Strings On Tour + Thomas Chapin

The Firehouse 12 Fall Concerts Series comes to a close this Friday (December 14) with a familiar sound, the cello of Daniel Levin.  This will be Vermont native's 8th appearance in the Elm City performance space, his 5th as a leader and the 2nd time he has closed a season.

This time around, Mr. Levin brings a quartet that features Nate Wooley (trumpet), Matt Moran (vibraphone) and Peter Bitenc (bass). This is the group that appears on the 2011 Clean Feed release "Organic Modernism" as well as 2010's "Bacalhau" (also on Clean Feed).  The ensemble's sense of adventure, textural experiments and interactions are quite impressive and, while all are fine technicians, their music often has more of a conversational quality.

The Daniel Levin Quartet will play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m. - for ticket information and reservations, call 203-785-0468 or go online to firehouse12.com. It's been a quite a season for the Nick Lloyd, Carl Testa and the rest of the Firehouse crew and there are many people already curious for Spring 2013.

 On Thursday December 20, the Toronto Canada-based Sultans of String will bring its exciting blend of folk, Gypsy Swing Middle-Eastern, Flamenco, and Latin American music to Infinity Hall, Route 44 in Norfolk CT.  Group founders Chris McKhool (6-string violin) and Kevin Laliberté (guitar) recently appeared at the Hall opening for Livingston Taylor (10/05/12) and were invited back to celebrate their 3rd CD, "Move" (self-released).  The full ensemble features bassist Drew Birston, Eddie Paton (acoustic guitar) and Rosendo "Chendy" Leon (percussion); in November, SOS won World Music Group of the Year at the 2012 Canadian Folk Music Awards.  In 2013, they'll be opening for The Chieftains as that group enters its 51st year (!) with a 6-week tour of the United States (they'll play the Palace Theater in Stamford, CT, on 3/12/13.)

Sultans of String play music that will excite, impress and move you.  To find out more about the band and its origins, go to www.sultansofstring.com - for ticket information and more from Infinity Hall, call 1-866-666-6306 or go to www.infinityhall.com. 

Received a Press Release from bassist/composer Mario Pavone and knew that I had to pass it on:  On Tuesday December 11, the public and fans of Connecticut jazz artist Thomas Chapin, who passed away at age 40 in 1998, are invited to a free reception to celebrate the release of "NEVER LET ME GO", a new 3-CD set of Chapin live-quartet performances from '95 and '96. The gathering will be hosted in person by Chapin’s widow Terri Castillo-Chapin from New York City and EMMY-winning filmmaker Stephanie J. Castillo from Hawaii at Hartford's Real Art Ways on Dec. 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. A 7-minute trailer about Castillo's new documentary film-in-the-making, "Night Bird Song: The Thomas Chapin Story", about the Manchester, CT, native's life and music, will also be shown. 

Real Art Ways is located at 56 Arbor Street in Hartford - for more information, go to www.realartways.org or call 860-232-1006.  The morning of the event, Chuck Obuchowski will interview Thomas's widow Terri and her sister Stephanie Castillo (the filmmaker) at 10 a.m. on WWUH-91.3 FM (you can listen online at www.wwuh.org.)

Alien in Name Only + Appreciating Mr. Brubeck

Chanukah commences at sundown this Saturday (December 8) - while not the religious celebration that Christmas is, the holiday celebrates a military victory as well as the the miracle of the oil that lasted 8 nights (read more here.)  Usually the holiday falls near the winter solstice and the light coming from the menorah is always a welcome site.

Not sure if Anne-Marie of The Buttonwood Tree had Chanukah in mind when she booked Isra-Alien for this Saturday but the acoustic guitar duo of Oren Neiman and Gilad Ben-Zvi will definitely light up the performance space at 605 Main Street in Middletown. The duo, both natives of Israel, met during their compulsory military service in the Israeli army and have been friends ever since.  After moving to New York City in 2005, they formed this ensemble with Neiman on nylon-string guitar and Ben-Zvi on steel string.  They released their self-titled, self-produced and self-released debut CD in 2009 and their latest, "Somewhere Is Here" just a few months ago. Their music is a joyous blend of Middle-Eastern melodies, Eastern European klezmer tunes, jazz, and world music - one can hear the influence of Belgian guitar genius Django Reinhardt as well as tango in the duo's eclectic mix.

Isra-Alien will be in The Buttonwood's spotlight at 8 p.m. - for more information, go to www.buttonwood.org.  To learn more about the duo and hear selections of their infectious music, go to www.israalien.com.

The tributes have been pouring out since news of the passing of pianist/composer Dave Brubeck went public.  A prolific composer, excellent pianist, humble human being and activist, Mr. Brubeck had a long and full life (passing one day before his 92nd birthday.)  He was a champion of creative music in that he rarely stood still.  Best known for his 1959 mega-hit, "Take Five" (composed by his long-time saxophonist Paul Desmond), a feature for the gifted drummer Joe Morello, Brubeck often transcended labels.  Yes, he certainly played and composed "jazz" music but also produced an oratorio, a cantata, religious works and more. He mentored young musicians as he traveled the world over.

One of the better tributes can be read on The New Yorker website - click here to read it - written by trumpeter/composer Taylor Ho Bynum, the words paint an excellent portrait of a man who blazed musical trails and never compromised his values.  Bynum also explains Dave Brubeck's influence on musicians such as Anthony Braxton and Cecil Taylor.  I, also, recommend going to Doug Ramsey's blog Rifftides for a several fine postings.  And, if you really need to be cheered up, go to www.davebrubeck.com where you can listen to the pianist playing Holiday music.  Finally, see if you can find the Clint Eastwood produced documentary from 2010 that aired on Turner Classic Movies - "In His Own Sweet Way" (the title of one of Mr. Brubeck's lovelier pieces) does an excellent job of telling the pianist's story.  For more information, click here.

Thank you, sir, for brightening our lives with your music and inspiration.

Mallets For All + Drummers Shine (add-on)

Composer and marimba virtuoso Robert Paterson (born 1970 in Buffalo, New York) is one of the few musicians who has mastered the use of 6 mallets whilst playing his instrument.  One can imagine how impressive that must be to watch in person.  His new CD, "Six Mallet Marimba" (American Modern Recordings) features 9 Paterson originals composed for his style of playing and featuring members of the American Modern Ensemble.  The average listener won't necessarily be "wowed" by his technique but his music is quite a treat for the ears.

The program opens with 2 works for solo marimba, the lively and playful "Komodo" and the more slippery, impressionistic, "Piranha." The remainder of the pieces are duets including the feisty "Tongue and Groove" featuring alto saxophonist Jeremy Justeson, the sensuous and serious "Fantasia" (composed for marimba and tuba, here played by Dan Peck, a musician who also fronts a jazz trio) and the mysterious, jazzy, "Clarinatrix" (featuring the splendid bass clarinet playing of Meighan Stoops from the Da Capo Chamber Players.)

Other pieces include 2 works for marimba and violin, the dramatic "Braids" (featuring Paterson's wife Victoria) and the more up-tempo and fiery "Links & Chains" (featuring Robin Zeh of the Saratoga Chamber Players.)  Perhaps the loveliest piece on the CD, "Stillness" features the expressive oboe of Sarah Schram (who has played with the New Jersey Symphony and the New Haven Symphony as well as the Sonevole Wind Trio).  The longest piece on the program is the 3-part "Duo for Flute and Marimba", a lively, wide-ranging work that features the stunning flute and alto flute work of Sato Moughalian (a musician with numerous credits including serving as the Artistic Director of the Perspective Ensemble.)

"Six Mallet Marimba" deserves your full attention, not because of Robert Paterson's prodigious technique but because his compositions engage the listener on many levels (melodic, rhythmic and emotional.)  His interaction with the musicians on the duo works truly captures the ear and mind, so much so that one hears more each time he returns to the music.  For more information, go to either robpaterson.com or americanmodernensemble.org. 

Born in Japan and now a New York City resident (since 1997), Makoto Nakura is a master marimba and vibraphone player who has worked with orchestras, opera companies and poets.  He is, also, a champion of new music for his instrument; his new CD, "Wood and Forest" (American Modern Recordings) features 6 new works commissioned by the marimbist from composers Jacob Bancks (born 1982, now based in Chicago), Kenji Bunch (born in Oregon in 1973), Carlos Sanchez-Gutierrez (born 1964 in Mexico City, Michael Torke (born 1961 in Milwaukee) and Robert Paterson (see above).  The music ranges from Bunch's romantic, wistful and fanciful "Duo for Viola and Vibraphone: From the Verdant Kingdom" (featuring the composer on viola and the leader on the largest vibraphone in the world, an instrument which resides in Japan) to the fiery and rhythmical "Winik/Te for Solo Marimba" by Sanchez-Gutierez.  Torke's "After the Forest Fire" was composed for marimba, flute (played by David Fedele) and cello (Wilhelmina Smith) and has moments that range from Baroque to French Impressionism.  Bancks contributes 2 works, the 3-part "The Trees Where I Was Born" inspired by the poetic imagery in Walt Whitman's "O Magnet-South" (published in 1860) and "Arbor Una Nobilis" ("Noblest of Trees") for marimba and violin (played by Jesse Mills).  The latter work has moments that are whisper quiet and draw the listener in close - there are also stretches when the volume rises quickly.  Paterson's "Forest Shadows" is a solo marimba based on the composer's appreciation for the nature and landscape paintings of several 19th Century artists.

I love how the sound of the marimba fills the room, the warmth of its tones helping to ease the tensions from the day.  The vibraphone on Bunch's 3-part composition has a "sharper" sound, especially on the up-tempo third section; yet, this music neither grates nor alienates.  Jazz fans should seek both Paterson and Nakura's recordings out as both are satisfying, often adventurous and sonically rich.  For more information, go to makotonakura.com.

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

Colorado-native Jeff Davis is a composer and drummer who has worked and recorded with numerous creative musicians including the Jesse Stacken Trio, Michael Bates Outside Sources, Kirk Knuffke Quartet, the Amanda Monaco 4Ben Holmes Quartet,  Pedro Giruado Jazz Orchestra, Jon Irabagon’s Outright!, and Eivind Opsvik’s Overseas.  He first began percussion studies playing marimba, going on to study at the University of Colorado and earning a Master's Degree from the Manhattan School of Music. Having seen him play in several different ensembles, he is capable of not only "driving" a band but also creating masterful colors.

"Leaf House" (Fresh Sound New Talent) is the debut recording from his New Trio.  Featuring bassist Eivind Opsvik and pianist Russ Lossing, the music goes in multiple directions but rarely where one might expect a piano trio to go.  The title track opens the program with Lossing playing a percussive repeated figure before the rhythm section enters.  The powerful rhythmic surge beneath the pianist lurches forward as he plays a fragmented solo.  "Faded" is a bit subdued with the piano supplying a melody that blends blues and hard bop.  Opsvik "walks" or plays furious driving lines then moves around both the piano and drums, adding a solo that slows the proceedings, allowing the listener to breathe.

Davis leads the Trio through "Overath", moving around his kit and cymbals with stealth and somewhat manic determination. The shortest track at 2:23, "Saint Albert" has forceful Trio opening before the leader takes center stage for a solo that shows he can be powerful and melodic.  The majestic, deliberate, arco bass opening of "Catbird" sets the pace for a dramatic ballad.  At times, Lossing plays deep low notes while the bassist moves up into his higher registers.  The interaction of the Trio in the body of the piece is intelligent, free-wheeling and makes the piece feel like a "free improvisation" because of the way the music continually changes shapes.  The fiery "Lion Mouth" closes the CD, featuring a "wicked" bass and drum dialogue, a mouth-dropping bass solo and a piano solo taken at half-tempo (for a while) as the rhythm section pushes with abandon.

The intuitive interactions throughout "Leaf House" will thrill and fascinate the eager listener.  Jeff Davis challenges his fellow Trio mates and the audience with music that does not bow to any fashion; instead, the 8 pieces blaze trails that transcend mainstream jazz for their own particular world.  For more information, go to www.jeffdavisdrums.com.  

Home Stretch for the Firehouse + Drummers Shine on CD

New Haven resident, Wesleyan grad, and Firehouse 12 Records co-owner Taylor Ho Bynum brings his Sextet home to Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street on Friday December 7 for the penultimate show in the performance space's Fall 2012 Concert Series. Cornet and trumpet player Bynum has created new music for his group that features Bill Lowe (tuba), Jim Hobbs (alto saxophone), Ken Filiano (bass, electronics), fellow Wesleyan grad Mary Halvorson (guitar) and long-time friend Tomas Fujiwara (drums).   Bynum has worked with this lineup for several years now; they can breathe as one, support each other as the soloists take flight, and truly inhabit the music.

Bynum has composed a new set of material for the Sextet and, after they play it on Friday night, they'll record it the next day.  The first set starts at 8:30 p.m. - call 203-785-0468 or go to firehouse12.com for ticket information.

Since drummer/composer Scott McLemore lives in Iceland, the title of his new CD "Remote Location" is quite accurate. The Virginia-native has always been a melodically-minded percussionist and this new CD is no exception.  Featuring his wife Sunna Gunnlaugs on piano and Wurlitzer, Óskar Guðjónsson (tenor saxophone), Andrés Thor (acoustic and electric guitar), and Róbert Þórhallsson (contrabass, electric bass and acoustic bass guitar), the music has a lightness yet there is plenty of substance. Pieces like "Citizen Sitting Zen" and "Dunegrass" are multi-sectioned, with intelligent use of dynamics and pleasing interplay.. The textural blends of electric guitar and acoustic piano as well as Guðjónsson's evocative tenor saxophone work allows the listener to float inside the music - on "Secrets of Earth", the gentle sway of the rhythm section gives the saxophonist, Ms. Gunnlaugs and Thor a lovely cushion to move atop.  "Woods at Night", which opens with an evocative piano solo, is one of the highlights - Mclemore's martial drumming underneath the early part of the tenor sax solo is so "right" while his melodic and percussive interaction with the band near the end shines. The program closes with "Movement for Motian", a shimmering tribute to the late drummer that would not sound out of place on one of Motian's Trio  or Electric Bebop band recordings - Guðjónsson's gentle lines against the lyrical piano and soft guitar are one of the many highlights of the CD.

"Remote Location" is anything but remote or mechanical.  McLemore's melodic music and the manner in which the 5 participants work with each other invite the listener to explore as well as just let the sounds take you where they will.. To find out more, go to www.scottmclemore.com which will lead you to the drummer's BandCamp page where you can listen to and purchase this excellent recording.

George Schuller is a musician who impresses with the power and joy in his playing, whether he's in a trio, quintet or nonet.  While he does record as a sideman with great frequency, CDs under his name are always a treat when they show up in the mailbox.  "Listen Both Ways" (Playscape Recordings) is the 3rd recording by his Circle Wide group and first in 5 years. The 8 tracks are evenly split between 2 sessions, the first in May of 2010, the latter in late May of 2012 - both feature the same 5 musicians including Peter Apfelbaum (tenor saxophone, melodica), Brad Shepik (electric guitar), Tom Beckham (vibraphone) and Dave Ambrosio (bass) with Schuller on drums and percussion as well composing 6 of the 8 tracks.  3 pieces clock in at over 10 minutes but never feel boring or overdone.  "Store Without a Name" (inspired by Schuller's grandfather and his business in Fargo, North Dakota") features a handsome melody that takes its time to unfold gradually moving into a hardbop rhythm that drives to the melodic coda.  One can hear the influence of Keith Jarrett on the composer's style, especially in the sweep of the melody line.  Apfelbaum unveils his melodica (a "free-reed" instrument that one blows into and has a keyboard) for the gentle arrangement of Carla Bley's "Jesus Maria" which also features excellent guitar work. The melodica returns several times in the program, even leading the way on "Newtoon", interacting with the bass and brushes.    Beckham shines on the boppish "A Map Would Help" - his supporting lines create intelligent counterpoint throughout the track.  He truly dances on his solo during "Edwin" a piece that composer Margo Guryan created for the drummer's bass-playing brother Ed when he was a toddler. The melody has a happy-go-lucky feel should make the listener smile.  The same goes for "Bed Head", the romp that closes the program.  Schuller lays downs a solid beat while tenor sax, guitar and vibes "trade 4s."  Bassist Ambrosio is solid; his counterpoint beneath the soloists on "Could This Be The Year" is impressive without being showy.

There's a quality of airiness, of calm, and purpose that permeates "Listen Both Ways" - yes, there is heat on several cuts yet the music is never turgid or stodgy.  George Schuller's grace and caring shine in his melodies while the creative fire of his years of pushing, driving and supporting various ensembles remains unchanged.  Find this music, play it often and it will give you much pleasure.  For more information, go to www.georgeschuller.net.