Best of 2016 Continued

This group of albums released in 2016 includes a historical document, recording by gentlemen who started making music in the late 1960s and early 70s with the AACM, music that pays tribute, poems set to melodies, and much more!

Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra – All My Yesterdays (Resonance Records) - I did not pay much attention to this band in its early days as I was in the thrall of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.  But, while those groups were stealing the hearts of American teenagers, composer and trumpeter Thad Jones was writing some amazing songs and charts and organizing a Monday night "rehearsal" band with his friend, drummer Mel Lewis, one that began its tenure at the Village Vanguard in February 1966 and still plays there (under the monicker of the Vanguard Orchestra).  This package - 2 CDs and a 92-page booklet - includes music from the first set the TJ/MLO ever played in front of a live audience and a gig from six weeks later.  If you like big band music, you'll love this album. The music is raw yet polished, exciting, emotional, and downright joyous.  Bless George Klabin and Zev Feldman of Resonance Records for bringing this music to light!

For more information, go to www.resonancerecords.org.

Alexis Cuadrado - Poètica (Sunnyside Records) - Bassist, composer, and arranger Cuadrado turns his attention to contemporary writers on his latest recording. The poetry of  Melcion Mateu (also a native of Barcelona) and Rowan Ricardo Phillips (a NYC native fluent in Catalan) is put to new music performed by the poets alongside Cuadrado, Miles Okazaki (guitars), Andy Milne (piano, keyboards) and Tyshawn Sorey (drums).  This music has a harder sound, more of an urban edge, than his previous recordings, and one is thrilled and moved by how the poets and musicians mix their various voices. Urgent, thrilling, striking music that inhabits your mind with each listen.

For more information, go to alexiscuadrado.com.

Jane Ira Bloom - Early Americans (Outline Recordings) - The sound of soprano saxophone, in the right hands, is hypnotizing, sensual, and can paint pictures like no other instrument.  Put the rhythm section of Bobby Previte (drums) and Mark Helias (bass) in the studio with Ms. Bloom and magic happens. This album is magical, personal, interactive, and uncategorizable - just let the music play and lose yourself (or, maybe even find yourself) in it.

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

Here's an uptempo piece:

Matt Wilson - One Big Happy Family (Palmetto Records) - Drummer, composer, mad scientist Wilson leads a number of different ensembles and on this album, he makes music with current and past members. Some tracks include as many as 11 musicians. They came together to make a tribute recording to Wilson's wife Felicia who passed away in 2014.  In keeping with the drummer's passionate style, the music ranges from hard-hitting "raves" to folk-inspired and bluesy ballads.  The music is also a tribute to the power of people coming together to play and how this act of creativity can stave off the darkness.

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

Here's a delightful track:

Henry Threadgill Ensemble Double-Up - Old Locks and Irregular Verbs (Pi Recordings) - It's rare that Mr. Threadgill records with pianists yet this septet has two (Vijay Iyer and David Virelles); also rare is that the composer does not play on an album of his compositions but, here, he is just the conductor.  This group features the brilliant tuba player Jose Davila and cellist Christopher Hoffman (both members of Mr. Threadgill's Zooid), the "conversational" drumming of Craig Weinrib, and the twin altos of Curtis MacDonald and Roman Filiu. The four-part suite is dedicated to the composer's contemporary Lawrence "Butch" Morris (the composer, cornetist, and conductor) who passed on in 2013.  This swirling, whirling dervish, music has numerous moments of delight and others of mystery; even now, nearly 10 months since I first encountered the album, I am surprised by the stunning "Part IV" and his the opening two-piano conversations pulls me into its elegiac spirit and prayer-like feel.

For more information, go to pirecordings.com/albums/pi64.

Wadada Leo Smith - America's National Parks (Cuneiform Records) - Mr. Smith, like Mr. Threadgill, has created his own musical language through his long career, telling stories this country needs to hear about the power of music to transform society as it explores its myriad issues and relationships.  This 2-CD collection of songs not only celebrates the natural wonders (such as The Mississippi River and Yosemite) but also people (Eileen Jackson Southern, pioneering Black musicologist) and the city of New Orleans. Mr. Smith leads his Golden Quintet - Anthony Davis (piano), John Lindberg (bass), and its newest members, drummer Pheeroan akLaff and cellist Ashley Walters - his crackling trumpet riding the powerful rhythm section, caressing his fascinating melodies, and allowing moments of beauty to linger.  Don't bother to tack labes onto the music of both Henry Threadgill and Wadada Leo Smith - there are few contemporary composers with their vision, compassion, and continuing brilliance.

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

Peter Brendler - Message in Motion (Posi-Tone Records) - Bassist and composer Brendler's second recording for the LA-based Posi-Tone Records employs the same trio of musicians as his 2014 debut - drummer Vinnie Sperrazza, saxophonist Rich Perry, and trumpeter Peter Evans - and covers as much musical territory.  Guitarist Ben Monder joins the ensemble on 4 tracks filling out the sound with his chordal magic and special solos.  This is another album that sounds better each time one listens as you can concentrate on the intelligence of the arrangements, the breadth of the compositions, and the brilliant inter actions as well as wonderful solos.

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

Dig the "swing" of "Splayed":

René Marie - Sound of Red (Motema Music) - The word "sassy" has always been associated with the great vocalist Sarah Vaughan yet is equally appropriate for this splendid performer, storyteller, and composer. With songs that touch your heart and others that make you want to dance, these "Sounds" swing, dance, strut, as well as make you aware of the fragility of the human condition.  Ms. Marie's longtime rhythm section of bassist Elias Bailey, drummer/co-producer Quentin E. Baxter plus pianist John Chin is  on the mark throughout and the various guests add their special magic.  In the long run, it's that lively and alive voice that brings you back again and again.  

For more information, go to renemarie.com. 

Here's Renè Marie and her Trio playing three songs from the album for NPR's "Tiny Desk Concert" series - you can't help notice what a delightful performer she is:

Nick Sanders & Logan Strosahl - Janus (Sunnyside Records) - Pianist Sanders and saxophonist Strosahl have been friends for a decade, ever since meeting in the rehearsal rooms at The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA.  For this intimate yet open album of duets, the musicians plays music that swings, sings, soars, and soothes with tunes from the classical world (pre-Baroque and 20th Century modern), the expansive mind of Thelonious Monk, jazz standards, and even a tune inspired by a video game.  Respect intermingles with a sense of playfulness and exploration throughout the program; like so many recordings included here, this music sounds better each time I hear it.

For more information, go to nicksandersmusic.com or to www.loganstrosahl.com.

Here's a piece by Olivier Messiaen:

Best of 2016, Part One

It's an honor being asked to participate in a Critics Poll, fun going back and listening to albums that you really enjoyed writing about, and downright nerve-wracking trying to pick 10, especially in a year where so many good recordings crossed my desk.

2016 was a very busy year in my life and a quick glance at the number of posts over the past 12 months is evidence that I did not have as much time to sit, to listen, to contemplate, and to write.  Connecticut is a small state with a decent amount of venues for live music but, due to numerous obligations, I rarely took the opportunity to just bask in the glory of watching and listening to musicians create, interact, to give of themselves, to transport listeners beyond the mundane and into worlds of endless possibilities.  The albums listed below (and in subsequent posts) are the ones that made days special, that made me think, helped me see the "real" world in a different light, and gave me great joy.

As one gets older, it's often tough to find joy when the world is in such upheaval.  Music not only gives us a haven from the daily insanity but, like poetry, theater, books, film, sports and more, also sheds light on the issues we should not, cannot, and often ignore.

Here's Part One:

Camila Meza - "Traces" (Sunnyside Records) - This recording, issued in late Winter, is utterly delightful. Not only is Ms. Meza a fine vocalist but this recording illustrates what a good guitarist, arranger, and band member she can be.  Her group - Shai Maestro (keyboards), Matt Penman (bass), Kendrick Scott (drums), Bashiri Johnson (percussion), Jody Redhage (cello) and guest vocalist Sachal Vasandani - creates sounds that make each one of these songs stand out. In February, I wrote "Chances are good you will not hear a better CD this year." That statement, for me, still stands. (Ms. Meza is also a member of trombonist Ryan Keberle's group Catharsis whose 2016 album appears in Part Two of this list).

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

Enjoy this live version of the title song:

Billy Hart & The WDR Big Band - The Broader Picture (ENJA/Yellowbird) - Arranged and conducted by Christopher Schweizer, this album is a knockout from beginning to end.  Mr. Hart, who is most often heard in quartets ands quintets, is right at home pushing and prodding a large ensemble, especially one as talented as the WDR Big Band.  This album gives us the opportunity to hear the drummer's compositions in a different light and, golly, do they ever sound good.  Great drumming, impressive compositions, sparkling arrangements, and powerful solos, all add to a splendid album.

Here's a nice long track to enjoy:

Anthony Branker & Imagine - Beauty Within (Origin Records) - Dr. Branker is a composer and arranger who has been involved with music as a musician, conductor, and educator for over three decades.  His CV is deeply impressive (read it here) and his music keeps getting stronger. It's political and topical in the manner of Charles Mingus and Max Roach and this particular quintet of musicians - Fabian Almazan (piano, Pete McCann (guitars), Ralph Bowen (tenor and soprano saxophones), Linda Oh (bass), and Rudy Royston (drums) - play with such fire and finesse that this music is alive and powerful, lovely and emotionally strong.

For more information, go to sonsofsound.com/artist/anthony-branker/.

Here's a track to chew on:

Greg Ward & 10 Tongues - Touch My Beloved's Thoughts (Greenleaf Music) - The story of how this music came to life is quite fascinating (read it here); suffice to say, it's origins lay in saxophonist and composer Ward listening to Charles Mingus's "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady" (1963).  Ward's work for 10 musicians, created for a concert of music and dance, is filled with blues, sparkling solos, and intelligent arrangements that spark comparison to Mingus's work in its scope but does not imitate it.  Especially impressive is the piano playing of Dennis Luxion and the rhythm section of Jason Roebke (bass) and Marcus Evans.

For more information, go to www.greenleafmusic.com/about-greg-ward/.

Here's a live reading of one of the album's cuts:

Patrick Cornelius Octet - While We're Still Young (Whirlwind Recordings) - Saxophonist, flutist, composer, and arranger Cornelius created this fine recording as a musical response to the stories of A.A. Milne that he was reading to his children at bedtime.   With an impressive band -  John Ellis (tenor sax, bass clarinet), Jason Palmer (trumpet), Nick Vayenas (trombone), Miles Okazaki (guitars), Gerald Clayton (piano), Peter Slavov (bass), and Kendrick Scott (drums) - and a smart group of compositions, this album features music that is contemplative yet swings, with musicians telling "stories" that flow thanks to the fine ensemble arrangements and individual solos.  My review (read it here) includes quotes from both Cornelius and co-producer Kyle Saulnier.  

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

Here's one of the delightful tracks:

These are just five of my favorites - more to come in the next several weeks.  Enjoy!

7/21 - 7/23: Picks of the Week Live & Recorded

A generous helping of youth and age is on tap for two CT venues this week.  On Friday July 22, The Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme presents saxophonist and composer Jovan Alexandre and Collective Consciousness.  Young Mr. Alexande, a native of Wallingford CT,  is a veteran of the Hartford Jazz scene having first travel to the Insurance City to study at Jackie McLean's Artists Collective and then went on to the McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of the University of Hartford.  He's had the opportunity to record with drummers Ralph Peterson Jr and Wnard Harper as well as legendary saxophonist Frank Wess.

Collective Consciousness - Andrew Renfroe (guitar), Taber Gable (piano), Matt Dwonszyck (bass), and Jonathan Barber (drums) - has been a unit for several years, releasing its debut self-titled album in February of 2015. The music is powerful and melodic, with its youthful exuberance standing out even as the musicians get more work under their belts.

They'll take The Side Door Stage at 8:30 p.m.  For more information, call 860-434-0886.  To learn about the leader and his music, go to jovanalexandre.com.

Freddy Cole, the younger brother of Nat "King" Cole (who's amazingly been gone for over 5 decades), has built quite a successful career of his own since the early 1950s. To his credit, he's followed own path, creating his own niche as a pianist and vocalist. The younger Mr. Cole does not have that silky, smooth, voice of his elder brother but has a charming stage demeanor, a bluseier approach to his material, and has recorded a wide variety of pieces. For the last decade+, he's recorded for the High Note label with his latest CD "He Was The King" (released this past March), the first time he's recorded a full album dedicated to music associated with his brother.

Freddy Cole and his Quartet, which usually features guitarist Randy Napoleon, bassist Elias Bailey, and drummer Quentin Baxter (the latter two musicians work with vocalist René Marie as well, return to The Side Door Jazz Club for an 8:30 p.m. show this Saturday (7/22) - chances are good that this show will sell out so call 860-434-0886 or go to thesidedoorjazz.com and make your reservation.  This music is well worth the drive to the CT shoreline.

To learn more about Freddy Cole's impressive career, go to freddycolemusic.com.

Greeleytribune.com

This should be a nice weekend to journey up to the Litchfield Hills in northwestern CT.  Sarah's Wine Bar, inside Bernard's Restaurant, 20 West Lane (Route 35) in Litchfield, has started presenting live music. This Sunday evening as part of its Jazz Masters Seies, the venue presents the duo of Dick Hyman (piano) and Ken Peplowski (clarinet, tenor saxophone) - do I have to write anything more? Really?  Mr. Hyman, who is eight months away from his 90th birthday, has been involved with contemporary music as well as music of the 1920s and 30s since the 1940s, has worked with artists such as Charlie Parker, Ruth Brown, Woody Allen, and so many others.  Mr. Peplowski (32 years younger) is one of the finest clarinet players in the world - he can and does play just about every style of  modern music. Together, they probably know several thousand songs.
You'll definitely need reservations so call 203-438-8282 or go to www.bernardsridgefield.com/#/jazz-masters-series/.

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Having recently spent several weeks in Chicago and its environs, I read about and listened to a number of artists from the Midwest (I recommend checking out Peter Margasak at The Chicago Reader (go here) and Howard Reich at The Chicago Tribune (look here). Pianist and composer Bryan Nichols is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He spent from 2001 - 2005 working, studying, and playing in Chicago but returned home and has been very busy teaching and performing.  His debut CD, "Bright Places", is a quintet album of originals issued in 2011.  His follow-up,
"Looking North" (Shifting Paradigm Records), is a solo piano recording and one of the finer releases of 2016.

The 10-song program includes with originals and 2 fascinating covers.  Nichols plays with drummer/composer Dave King (The Bad Plus) is his Gang Font quartet (not on their 2007 album); here, he performs King's ballad "Lullaby For Sharks" (first recorded by TBP on its debut CD and it's a shimmering work, the melody moving so slowly as it moves up and outwards, never losing its gentle Aaron Copland-inspired melody. The other "cover" is "Lonesome Tremolo Blues" from the Minnesota-based trio The Pines. Nichols creates quite a gentle flow in his left hand, pushing the melody forward with a gospel tinge.

Nichols is no hurry throughout the album, imbuing the music with a contemplative feel.  Several tracks start out energetically, such as  "Act Natural" and, about halfway through, the pianist slows down to build up there solo that goes in such intriguing directions.  The solemnity of "We Live Here", the even-tempered "Fractures", and the poetic "Lake View" treats the listener to the composer's views of Minnesota, allowing nature to enter into the music (not unlike how Maria Schneider has created her autobiographical works).  There's a touch of Erik Satie's minimalist approach on "Very Low Impact", especially the opening melodic section.  Elsewhere on the recording, there are few moments of dissonance but this music just seems to flow out of the speakers.

"Looking North" is music that allows the listener to relax, to listen, to create images, to enter a musical world where melody is much more important than technical prowess.  This is not music for the car but can be played when the sun shines through the window in the morning or as the moon rises in the late winter afternoon. or after the children go to sleep.  If you like solo piano music that forgoes "standards" but has its foundation in folk song, blues, and contemporary music, yet sounds quite original, it's all here in the music of Bryan Nichols.

For more information, go to www.bryannichols.org.