You should think of "OTIS Pt 2" as the other albums that could have been in "Part 1" save for the space and attention span (mine). I love this music and the genuine creativity of the musicians makes me hope for a future that is bright and welcoming for our successors.
Fergus McCreadie – "Forest Floor" (Edition Records) – This is the third album from Scottish pianist McCreadie, the third to feature his trio of bassist David Bowden and drummer Stephen Henderson. All are busy on the growing Jazz scene in Scotland (and beyond) but when they come together to play McCreadie's music, magic happens! The pianist has become even more melodic in the past several years; though he can still play with exquisite technique, the pianist and the rhythm section are concentrating on telling stories and delivering messages in their music. One can still hear the influence of Highland reels, at times, and that is a welcome delight!
Listen to "The Unfurrowed Field":
Vadim Neselovskyi – "Odesa: a Musical Walk Through a Legendary City" – (Sunnyside Records) – Speaking of stories, four months after Russia invaded Ukraine (February 2022), pianist, composer, and educator Neselovskyi released this tribute to the city where he was born and raised (moving to Germany at the age of 17). One can not help but write that emotional pull of the terrible war (and the horrific stories we have heard and seen) gives this music heft––still, this is a tribute to the vibrant country where the pianist spent his formative years, to the family and friends he left behind, and to his desire that the country remain free. Since the album's release, Neselovskyi has toured extensively raising money to help refugees and the displaced within the country.
Walk down the "Potemkin Stairs":
Andrew Cyrille, William Parker, & Enrico Rava – "2 Blues for Cecil" (TUM Records) – This release was a delightful surprise when it was issued in late January. These three masters play tribute to pianist and composer Cecil Taylor, not be imitating him or covering his music but by demonstrating how the rhythmic innovations and startling melodic explorations can be interpreted so magically. Messrs. Cyrille and Rava (both born in 1939) sound great together and Mr. Parker (13 years their junior) keeps them on their musical toes. All three contribute compositions and there are four improvised plus a sweet version of "My Funny Valentine".
Here's "Ballerina":
Clark Sommers Lens – "Intertwine" (Outside In Music) – Bassist Sommers is often the glue in the various sideman projects he takes part––on his own, he shows a fine ear for melody, for allowing his music to breathe, and for giving his bandmates the room to create. There is a lot of music on "Intertwine" so let it roll through your brain and soon it will find its way to your heart. While I find the ballads most rewarding, there are several hard-edged pieces that sound great turned up loud! Great playing from the leader and from Chris Madsen (tenor sax), Geof Bradfield (bass clarinet, soprano and tenor saxes), Matt Gold (guitar), and Dana Hall (drums).
Here's "Second Guess":
Ernesto Cervini – "Joy" (TPR) – Drummer, composer, arranger, and publicist Cervini is a fan of the mysteries of Canadian author Louise Penny. And, for good reason. She writes mysteries where the lead character, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, spend many days and nights in the fictional town of Three Pines, Quebec, solving complicated murders and discovering just how magical a place it can be. The drummer has created a fascinating suite of music featuring members of Turboprop, Tune Town, and Tetrahedron, groups that he leads or co-leads. Also, there are a number of guests, all who work to describe the characters who inhabit the town as well as the Chief Inspector and two of his closest associates. It's a smart idea that covers a lot of musical and literary territory!
Blues inspired by duck? Listen here to "Ruth's Rosa":
David Murray Brave New World Trio – "Seriana Promethia" (Intakt Records) – Murray, who excels on bass clarinet and tenor, remains vital well into his seventh decade. This "power trio" date on Intakt features bassist Brad Jones and drummer Hamid Drake playing music that swings, rock, whispers, squalls, and, at times, that you can dance to. The music on this album, all originals from Murray, is neither dated nor imitative but vital, exciting, and impressive. There's not a wasted note in this program only music that will challenge, soothe, and ultimately remind you of the power and grace of Black American Music.
Dance to the funky title track:
James Brandon Lewis Quartet – "Live: Molecular Systematic Music" (Intakt Records) – Bassist Jones (see directly above) is also a member of saxophonist and composer Lewis's "Molecular Music" Quartet. Along with Lewis and Jones are pianist Aruan Ortiz and drummer Chad Taylor. This double CD set was recorded on the opening night (May 15) of the ensemble's 2021 European tour, the first time the group had played together since they recorded the second album, "Codes of Being" (released in October of 2021). The excitement and enthusiasm of the musicians is palpable; the fiery playing may remind some of John Coltrane's classic Quartet but these songs display Lewis's growing maturity as a songwriter and a leader. He is quickly becoming a major voice as a musician, composer, and storyteller.
Hear "Of First Importance":
Art Hirahara – "Verdant Valley" (Posi-Tone Records) - Pianist and composer Hirahara is an impressive pianist (also plays organ on occasion) and has developed into a top-notch composer. His work for producer Marc Free and Posi-Tone Records (now eight albums as a leader and more as a sideman) sparkles with creativity and swings lustily with a softer side that is often lyrical and poetic. Joined here by bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston with saxophonist/ flutist Donny McCaslin showing up on over half the tracks, the album jumps out of the speakers with a joy and intensity second to none. This is another recording that will make you glad to be alive in this day and age!
Hear "Zero Hour":
Dave Douglas Quintet – "Songs of Ascent: Book 1 – Degrees" (Greenleaf Music) – Mr. Douglas and his "Be Still" Quintet––Jon Irabagon (saxophones), Matt Mitchell (piano), Linda May Han Oh (bass), and Rudy Royston (drums)––created these musical interpretations of Old Testament Psalms in a unique. The leader played all his parts, sent those of to Mr. Irabagon who played his parts and passed them on to Mr. Mitchell and so on. To these ears, this music is alive, feeling like the Quintet is playing together in a studio. That's a tribute to the composer's vision and the great talents of the ensemble.
There's a "Book 2" that is only available to subscribers of Greenleaf Music. Believe me, it's worth the investment! Go to https://greenleafmusic.com/ and find out more.
Listen to "Lift Up My Eyes":
Pablo Ablanedo – "Chistreza" (Newvelle Records Digital) – The folks at Newvelle Records have begun this year to release digital versions of the high quality vinyl albums that have captured listeners attention over the past six years. "Chistreza" is a gem from pianist-composer Ablanedo featuring the band he recorded his debut album with over 20 years before. What a band––violinist Jenny Scheinman, saxophonists Chris Cheek, Jerome Sabbagh, and Anat Cohen (clarinet only), trumpeter Diego Urcola, guitarist Ben Monder, bassist Fernando Huergo, and drummer Franco Pinna (with saxophonist Daniel Ian Smith on two tracks. Best of all, the original compositions are well-drawn, the arrangements sharp, and the soloists impressive.
Keyboard player, composer, and photographer Dave Stapleton originally started Edition Records in 2008 to release his albums (leader of the ensemble Slowly Rolling Camera) and recordings by friends––since 2008, the label has issued albums by Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, Gretchen Parlato and Jeff Ballard (among others) while nurturing younger artists such as Fergus McCreadie (see below), Daniel Herskedal, and Laura Jurd. Since Stapleton is a artist, he does not demand that his roster conform to any particular style and sound; therefore, the label is filled with many different approaches to Creative Music.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill is a native of Chicago, IL. Born on the city's South Side in 1987, he started his musical education at a young age playing drums but switched to trumpet in the sixth grade. During college and graduate school, Hill played in jam sessions along Chicago jazz greats Ernest Dawkins, Von Freeman, and Fred Anderson going on to play with the Chicago Jazz Orchestra. He won the Thelonious Monk Trumpet Competition in 2010 which led to a contract with Concord Jazz and the release of "New Gospel" in 2011.
Since then, he's released four more albums and a series of fusion albums on his Black Unlimited Music Group label. His latest album, "New Gospel Revisited", is his debut in Edition Records and looks back on his debut album, re-recording the record's tunes with a different lineup. Recorded in December of 2019 at Constellation, a fascinating music venue in his hometown, the 13-track program features Hill along with Walter Smith III (tenor saxophone), James Francies (piano), Joel Ross (vibraphone), Harish Raghavan (acoustic bass), and Kendrick Scott (drums). Within the first five minutes, one can tell that this band is "on". Although Hill is the leader and these are his compositions, he is very generous with the solo space. Four of the pieces "stretch out" to over nine minutes yet the cohesiveness of this band, the exciting solos, and the expressive work of the rhythm section keeps one glued to the speakers.
Photo: Orel Chollette
There are moments that the music will remind the listener of classic Blue Note Recordings of the 1960s. There is the feel of Herbie Hancock and Joe Henderson on the title track. Notice the interaction of piano, vibes, bass, and drums on the opening of "Law and Order" and then into the melody––when Hill launches his intense solo, one hears a tinge of Freddie Hubbard. What makes this music timeless is that each musician gives his all, digging deeply into the music, filling a song such as "Autumn" with great emotion. Francies' piano flashes behind Hill's muted trumpet solo or how both the bassist and drummer create a bouncy rhythm without it being annoying. Rhagavan's funky bass line leads the band in on "Thump", a delightful slice of jazz blended with soul music. The soloists build their personal statements off that bass line, especially Ross followed by Francies who gets a bit frisky pushing the rhythm section to play with the tempo.
Photo: Shervin Lainez
Francies (pictured left) gets the last track, "Farewell", to himself, one of five shorter tracks that spotlights each member of Hill's Blacktet (the leader does not have one). Unlike the other pieces, the wide-ranging piano solo does not lead into another but feels like a summing-up of an album that looks back and looks forward at the same time. It's a piano take on "Goodbye Fred" from the original album; Francies plays with the melody and his responses result in a rush of notes, double-time, and a playful if a bit unfinished finish.
"New Gospel Revisited" is a sweet recording. Much of the music is clear and articulate, the musicians play with excitement making the music jump out at the listener. This is good music, a second starting point from which Marquis Hill move forward with creativity.
The Glasgow, Scotland-based pianist and composer Fergus McCreadie is 24 years old and has been a force on the the United Kingdom jazz scene since he was in his mid-teens. He played in the Tommy Smith Jazz Orchestra, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, has toured and/or recorded with drummer Graham Costello's Strata, singer-songwriter Luca Manning, saxophonist Matt Carmichael's Quartet, and the 11-member Corto.Alto. While studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the pianist formed a trio in 2016 with bassist David Bowden and drummer Stephen Henderson: they recorded and self-released their first album, "Turas", in 2018. The album received much critical acclaim and a number of awards in Scotland. Besides introducing the rest of the world to an amazing pianist and composer, the Trio was soon signed to Edition Records.
The Trio's Edition debut, "Cairn", was issued in late January 2021. Perhaps it was because of the ongoing pandemic or that the "vibe"of the music was so positive, the recording garnered scores of positive reviews and, like its predecessor, earned its share of awards. The influence of the band members' native home, in particular, the woods, mountains, and valleys seeped into the music. 14 months after its release comes "Forest Floor": the trio is intact, the Scottish folk melodies shine through nearly every song, and the emotional content is even deeper and more impressive. That written, the opening "Law Hill" bursts out of the gate like a race horse. McCreadie's fingers fly over the piano and, as the music moves forward, Henderson is right there with him while Bowden keeps the center throbbing and the foundation solid. There are moments that are reminiscent of Keith Jarrett's "The Windup"––one hear it the stop-and-start rhythm patterns as well as the powerful forward motion. "Landslide" roils forward on the rollicking left-hand piano figure and the locomotive rhythm created by the drummer. Considering how quickly McCreadie plays, you can hear every note even in the midst of the rhythmic storm. It's not unlike the clarity that Bruce Hornsby creates on many of his uptempo works.
What truly stands out are the ballads. Songs such as the title track, the whisper-soft "Morning Moon", or the heartwarming "Glade", are all different yet the music and the performances points to a deep understanding of how three musicians move together as well as in and around each other. Also, one can feel the love they have for their country's natural beauty, for the waterfalls, the lakes, the mountains, and what it does to a human being who dwells there.
"Forest Floor" is a delight from start to finish. Fergus McCreadie continues to grow as a composer and the interplay he has created with Stephen Henderson and David Bowden equals that of Jason Moran with Tarus Mateen and Nashheet Waits (the Bandwagon trio). Don;'t believe that the thje Scottish three have appeared in the United States yet but when they do, go check them––they make "living music".
Since I began this blog in 2009, I realized that every Top Ten list has a number 11, 12, and so on. When hundreds of recordings are released every year, it's physically impossible to give every one of those albums the time it deserves to be heard but I believe that every reviewer/ critic has favorites that could quite easily replace several, if not more, of the recordings listed 1-10. Ergo, here's Part 2.
Fergus McCreadie – "Cairn" (Edition Records) – The young Scottish pianist and composer has proven himself to be a technical wizard but this album shows he has a delightful and potent lyrical side. Wit an equally impressive rhythm section, this music sings.
Joe Fiedler's "Open Sesame" – "Fuzzy and Blue" (Multiphonics Music) – Trombonist, orchestrator, and composer Fiedler has the music director of "Sesame Street" for over a decade embraces his playful side. Along with trumpeter Steven Bernstein, saxophonist Jeff Lederer, bassist Sean Conly, drummer Michael Sarin, and (occasional) vocalist Miles Griffith, he takes this "kids music" and brings out the funky, jazzy, side.
William Parker – "Migrations of Silence Into and Out of the Tone World" (AUM Fidelity) – 10 albums, 10 different ensembles, hours of fascinating music: released early in 2021, this collection continues to display/ uncover the bassist's endless springs of creativity each time you play one or more of the recordings. In those hours when the despair in the world has tried to overtake the days/ nights, Mr. Parker's music reminds one that music is a welcome oasis.
In 2021, the Finnish label TUM Records celebrated Wadada Leo Smith's 80th birth year by releasing four projects, three in multi-disk boxed sets that the trumpeter, composer, and conceptualist recorded in the past six year. All four deserve to to be listed in Part 1 of these posts and in any "Best of" list. The picture on the left is the cover of "A Love Sonnet for Billie Holiday" featuring Wadada with drummer/ percussionist Jack DeJohnette and pianist/ organist/ synth player Vijay Iyer.
"Trumpet" (pictured left) is three albums of solo trumpet music recorded in St Mary's Church in Pohja, Finland. Before you shake your head and walk away, know that this is an amazing journey filled with introspection, joy, feistiness, freedom, and more, never failing to satisfy the adventurous listener. One can hear the spirits of Louis Armstrong, Lester Bowie, Booker Little, and Clifford Brown shaking their collective heads and shouting "Amen"!
"Sacred Ceremonies" is also a three-CD set, one with Wadada and percussionist Milford Graves, one with the trumpeter and bassist Bill Laswell, the third with all three artists. The sound quality of these albums is stunning, one feels as he or she in the middle of a room watching the the musicians creating in the moment. Music without borders played by musicians who love and respect each other so they create without ego.
Go to https://tumrecords.com/tum-info to find out more and also to check the 38-minute video of Wadada's 80th Birthday tribute.
Gabriel Vicéns – "The Way We Are Created" (Inner Circle Music) – Puerto Rican-born guitarist and composer Vicéns strikes gold with his third album as a leader. His mature, intelligent, and playful compositions are performed by a splendid sextet including Roman Filiú (alto sax), Glenn Zaleski (piano), Rick Rosato (bass), E.J. Strickland (drums), and Victor Pablo (percussion). One can get lost, entranced, in the flow of this wonder-filled collection.
Roxana Amed - "Ontology" (Sony Music/Latin) – The Argentinean-born, Miami, FL, vocalist, composer, and educator has had a long and distinguished career in Latin America. Since moving to the US, Ms. Amed has created alongside Guillermo Klein, Frank Carlberg, Leo Genovese, and others – this album runs the gamut from introspective ballads to performances in a "freer" style and a voice that move one to the edge of his seat.
Jen Shyu – "Zero Grasses: Ritual for the Losses" (Pi Recordings) – There are albums and artists whose music enters my brain and soul yet I cannot really describe why. Ms. Shyu, an amazing composer, musician, and performer has the innate ability to make "foreign" sounds feel familiar; in the case of this album, much of which is inspired by the loss of her father, it's because she is telling a story mostly all of us live through, facing pain with the need to create music that "frees" feelings. Her ensemble – Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet), Dan Weiss (drums, percussion), Thomas Morgan (bass), and Mat Manieri (viola) – aids in her quest with creativity and dignity for the subject matters.
Lorraine Feather – "My Own Particular Life" (Relarion Records) – Ms. Feather has proven herself time and time again to be one of the finest lyricists of the past 20 years. Over the past decade, her albums have become even more personal even as she displays quite a love for science as well as more arcane subjects. This may be her most personal album as there are songs that address her former husband's battle with dementia, how one lives a real life during the pandemic, and a few more. But there are also new examples of her delightful humor. The band, all recorded remotely (including the late percussionist Michael Shapiro who recorded his work in the Philippines!), is her usual band of suspects including the wondrous violin of Charlie Bisharat.
Art Hirahira – "Open Sky" (Posi-Tone Records) – Over the past decade, pianist and composer Art Hirahira has issued six albums as a leader for the Los Angeles-based Posi-Tone Records: he started out strong in 2011 with "Noble Path" and his music has only gotten stronger and more delightful since. Here, he is backed by Posi-Tone's "pandemic" rhythm section (bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston with guests vibraphonist Behn Gillece and tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover performing on selected tracks) and the results are exciting, lyrical, exploratory, and so much more.
Chuck Owen & The Jazz Surge – "Within Us" (MAMA Records/ Summit Records) – Composer, arranger, and educator Owen (who retired this year) has produced one fine large ensemble album. The lyricism, the musicianship, the delightful violin of guest artist Sara Caswell, and a 19-piece band that is so responsive that the music flows seemingly without effort, Mr. Owen has kept this band together for 25 years (this album celebrates that longevity), continuing to produce music filled with ideas, possibilities, dreams, and realities.
Pianist Fergus McCreadie, a native of Scotland and resident of Glasgow, is one of the bright young stars of the European jazz scene. At 22, he's already garnered a slew of awards –– in 2019, his self-released debut album, "Turas", was named "Album of the Year" at the Parliamentary and Scottish Jazz Awards. In 2020, was named "Best Instrumentalist" at the Scottish Jazz Awards. In 2015, the pianist and composer recruited bassist David Bowden and drummer Stephen Henderson; they have developed into a delightful interactive trio (watch the video below). McCreadie is also a member of drummer Graham Costello's STRATA and has recorded a duo album with vocalist Luca Manning.
In 2020, the pianist signed with Edition Records and just issued his first album for the label (second overall). "Cairn", named for a mound of rough stones usually seen on hilltops (especially in Scotland), features nine new original pieces by the pianist. Opening with the trance-like "North", the music pulls the listener in on the strength of the melodies, the emotional richness, and the splendid musicianship. The trio seems to breathe as one, no one musician hogs the solo space, and you can tell they listen closely to each. Whereas the debut album came together in the studio, this time the ensemble had the luxury of playing this music on numerous gigs. The title track ups the tempo but yet it's the rich melody that really stands out. McCreadie's delightful solo brings Bruce Hornsby to mind while the fire of the rhythm section adds considerable power to the mid-section of the song.
Photo: Dave Stapleton
Pay close attention to the fine playing of both Bowden and Henderson. The bassist, who leads the jazz-fusion sextet Meczla, is a strong, foundational, musician as well as a melodic soloist. Henderson is a member of Bowden's other ensemble Square One and is a powerful drummer yet also has a subtle side. Listen to his hand-drumming on the intro to "Across Flatlands" and again on "Tree Climbing". The latter tune has the feel of the music from "Riverdance" at the outset but as the bassist gets into his solo, the music builds on the piano chords –– McCreadie's solo starts quietly but builds to an energetic, powerful, climax, egged on by the drummer's percussive barrage. Not surprising that "Jig" has a similar feel. This tune starts in high gear but listen to how the piece develops. Reminiscent of McCoy Tyner in his Blue Note period, the music swings, twists and turns, sparks flying among the musicians. Henderson gets a spotlight near the close of the piece that dances with glee in the manner that Eric Harland's solos often do.
Photo: Dave Stapleton
There is also power in the lyricism of pieces such as "Tide" and "An Old Friend". The former track should remind the listener of standing by the ocean on a days when are climbing up the sand. One can feel the tidal pull in the flow of the pianist's left hand while the cymbal splashes suggest the crashing whitecaps. There's a trace of Randy Newman in the opening moments "...Friend" in both the gentle chords that lead in the simple yet emotional melody. As the piece progresses forward on the piano chords and melody, the bassist and drummer enter quietly (soft brushes work) and Bowden creates a rich emotional and melodic solo. The music does reach a powerful climax but goes out on the gentle feel of the opening.
"Cairn" closes on "Cliffside", the bassist joining with the piano chords to play the melody over the shimmering and insistent piano chords. Those chords never let up even during the piano, pushing the rhythm section to build the intensity until McCreadie's right hand is flying over the keys. Technically virtuosic? Yes. Emotionally satisfying? Absolutely! Fergus McCreadie, David Bowden, and Stephen Henderson have created a striking and highly fascinating album that will resonate in your heart and mind long after the last notes fade.
Pianist and composer Yoko Miwa moved to the United States from her native Japan in 1997 to attend Berklee College of Music. Though she only intended to stay for one year, Ms. Miwa stayed and is an active member of the Boston jazz scene and on the faculty of her alma mater. She has issued eight recordings as a leader either in a trio or quartet setting and all with her husband Scott Goulding on drums. Bassist Will Slater makes his first appearance on 2012's "Act Naturally" album and remains with the Trio to this day, occasionally spelled by Brad Barrett.
After the pandemic stopped the Trio last March, Ms. Miwa had to cancel her April 2020 recording session. Not only that but also her father died of complications from Alzheimer's Disease. The studio reopened in July, the pianist set the dates with the Trio and results can be heard on her ninth album, "Songs of Joy" (Ubuntu Music). Kicking off with a powerful version of Richie Havens' "Freedom", one can hear how much the musicians needed to be back in the studio as well as how much Ms. Miwa was celebrating life in the face of tragedy. The influence of McCoy Tyner can be heard in the thundering piano chords and how her solo rolls forward (her left hand is relentless) –– Goulding takes a short solo before the musicians return to the powerful reading of the melody. The pianist learned the title track from vocalist Sheila Jordan. Composed by Billy Preston, one can hear the influence of blues and gospel on the melody lines and Ms. Miwa's splendid solo. Her two-handed explorations throughout the performance raises the level of intensity.
Photo: Chris Lee
The 11-song program includes five originals and six covers. Among the former group is "The Lonely Hours"; dedicated to the pianist's father, it's her response to not being able to be there in his final days (in the early weeks of the pandemic, international travel was very limited as was access to the hospitals and hospices). One can hear Ms. Miwa's classical training in the composition yet the music blurs the lines between genres. Check out her "Largo Desolato" below. While the title refers to "a slow, solitary, grand phrase", this music rises from a blues-soaked bass line into a powerful performance (you might catch a "grand phrase" at the onset of the piano solo but, mostly, this song swings). "Small Talk" really swings. The bounce in the piano playing has a strong hint of Harold Mabern and dig how Ms. Miwa plumbs the lower notes of the keyboard throughout. The lovely intro to "Inside a Dream" reflects the influence of Bill Evans as does the flow of the music (note how Slater plays in unison with the pianist plus his fine solo and counterpoint).
The final two tracks on the album are "Tony's Blues" and "Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You". The former, composed by former Berklee colleague Tony Germain, is another display of the pianist's deep understanding of the blues/ r'n'b styles of Bobby Timmons and the afore-mentioned Mabern. Most people recognize the latter track as a Led Zeppelin track (off their debut album). Composed by American folk singer Anne Bredon and made famous in the early 1960s by Joan Baez, the Trio's version here (augmented by the bowed bass of Brad Barrett on his only appearance) captures the longing in the song. Ms. Miwa's insistent piano work really pushes the music forward.
"Songs of Joy" is notable for many reasons. The strong material, the powerful piano work, the solid yet fluid rhythm section, and the fact that the music is so positive. Yes, there are "blues" songs and the leader does create a musical response to the passing of her father but the overall emotion one gets while listening is joy. The joy of performance, of camaraderie, and doing what you are meant to do –– bring pleasure to the listener. Yoko Miwa does that and more, making one so glad to be in the presence of these fine musicians!
For more information, go to www.yokomiwa.com. Check out her interview with Jason Crane on "The Jazz Session" by going to the top right of this post.
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