Andy Laverne - Spot On

Style: Piano Jazz
Size: 150,6 MB
Time: 65:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2024
Art: Front

1. Tune For Tyner (8:50)
2. Wistful Thinking (5:36)
3. Bassline (8:41)
4. Solace (7:25)
5. Spot On (5:46)
6. Interlude (8:41)
7. Flipside (7:11)
8. Prelude For Chick (6:35)
9. Corean (6:47)

Jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Andy LaVerne studied at Juilliard, Berklee, and the New England Conservatory, and took private lessons from legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans. The list of musicians with whom LaVerne has worked reads like a Who's Who in jazz: Frank Sinatra, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Lionel Hampton, Michael Brecker, Elvin Jones, and numerous others.

A prolific recording artist, his projects as a leader number over 50, the most recent are: Intuition, a duo with saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi (SteepleChase), and Epiphany, a collection of Andy’s newest compositions (ClaveBop).

LaVerne is also a prominent jazz educator, having released a series of instructional videos, Guide to Modern Jazz Piano, Vols. 1 &, 2, and Jazz Piano Standards (Homespun Tapes), featuring the Yamaha Disklavier, as well as the video, In Concert (Homespun Tapes), with guitarist John Abercrombie. He is the author of Handbook of Chord Substitutions, Tons of Runs (Ekay), Bill Evans Compositions 19 Solo Piano Arrangements, and is the pianist on The Chick Corea Play-Along Collection (Hal Leonard).

The Music Of Andy LaVerne (SteepleChase Publications) has recently been published. Forthcoming are Keyboard’s Jazz Piano Compendium (BackBeat Books), and Jazz Bach, and Jazz Chopin (Mel Bay). Countdown To Giant Steps (Aebersold Jazz) is a two CD play-a-long with companion book, of which LaVerne served as player/producer/writer, and Tunes You Thought You Knew (Aebersold Jazz) is a LaVerne play-a-long CD/book set. Secret of the Andes, a collection of LaVerne originals, is Andy’s newest offering from Aebersold Jazz.

Andy is a frequent contributor (since 1986) to Keyboard Magazine, and Piano Today Magazine. His articles have also appeared in Down Beat, Jazz Improv, Piano Quarterly, Jazz and Keyboard Workshop, and JazzOne.

Andy is the recipient of five Jazz Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and winner of the 2000 John Lennon Songwriting contest for his tune Shania. He has appeared at concerts, festivals, and clubs throughout the world, and has also given clinics and Master classes at universities, colleges, and conservatories worldwide. Recently he has toured and recorded with legendary singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka. LaVerne is Professor of Jazz Piano at The Hartt School (University of Hartford), and on the faculty of the Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops.
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/andy-laverne/

Spot On

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Andy LaVerne - Plays The Music Of Chick Corea

Styles: Piano Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1988
Time: 59:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 136,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:50) 1. Chick Corea
(3:18) 2. Bill Evans
(4:59) 3. Cornucopia
(5:50) 4. Turnaround
(6:51) 5. Folk Song
(3:44) 6. Psalm
(4:49) 7. Ghost Of Triengen
(3:27) 8. Softly As You Go
(4:17) 9. Like This
(3:01) 10. Romance
(5:55) 11. Heart To Heart
(4:59) 12. You´re Everything
(3:30) 13. Blues For Liebestraum

Jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Andy LaVerne studied at Juilliard, Berklee, and the New England Conservatory, and took private lessons from legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans. The list of musicians with whom LaVerne has worked reads like a Who's Who in jazz: Frank Sinatra, Stan Getz, Woody Herman, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Lionel Hampton, Michael Brecker, Elvin Jones, and numerous others.

A prolific recording artist, his projects as a leader number over 50, the most recent are: Intuition, a duo with saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi (SteepleChase), and Epiphany, a collection of Andy’s newest compositions (ClaveBop).

LaVerne is also a prominent jazz educator, having released a series of instructional videos, Guide to Modern Jazz Piano, Vols. 1 &, 2, and Jazz Piano Standards (Homespun Tapes), featuring the Yamaha Disklavier, as well as the video, In Concert (Homespun Tapes), with guitarist John Abercrombie. He is the author of Handbook of Chord Substitutions, Tons of Runs (Ekay), Bill Evans Compositions 19 Solo Piano Arrangements, and is the pianist on The Chick Corea Play-Along Collection (Hal Leonard). The Music Of Andy LaVerne (SteepleChase Publications) has recently been published. Forthcoming are Keyboard’s Jazz Piano Compendium (BackBeat Books), and Jazz Bach, and Jazz Chopin (Mel Bay). Countdown To Giant Steps (Aebersold Jazz) is a two CD play-a-long with companion book, of which LaVerne served as player/producer/writer, and Tunes You Thought You Knew (Aebersold Jazz) is a LaVerne play-a-long CD/book set. Secret of the Andes, a collection of LaVerne originals, is Andy’s newest offering from Aebersold Jazz.

Andy is a frequent contributor (since 1986) to Keyboard Magazine, and Piano Today Magazine. His articles have also appeared in Down Beat, Jazz Improv, Piano Quarterly, Jazz and Keyboard Workshop, and JazzOne.

Andy is the recipient of five Jazz Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and winner of the 2000 John Lennon Songwriting contest for his tune Shania. He has appeared at concerts, festivals, and clubs throughout the world, and has also given clinics and Master classes at universities, colleges, and conservatories worldwide. Recently he has toured and recorded with legendary singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka. LaVerne is Professor of Jazz Piano at The Hartt School (University of Hartford), and on the faculty of the Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops.https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/andy-laverne/

Personnel: Andy LaVerne - Organ, Piano; John Abercrombie - Guitar; Mark Egan - Bass; Marc Johnson - Bass; Danny Gottlieb - Percussion, Drums

Plays The Music Of Chick Corea

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Larry Schneider - Blind Date

Styles: Saxophone Jazz

Year: 1992

File: MP3@224K/s

Time: 68:27

Size: 109,8 MB

Art: Front

(10:50)  1. Blind Date

( 9:28)  2. Stardust

(12:52)  3. Autumn Leaves

( 8:53)  4. Body and Soul

( 7:55)  5. How My Heart Sings

( 9:34)  6. Eye Care

( 8:53)  7. Peggy's Blue Skylight

Tenor saxophonist Larry Schneider and pianist Andy LaVerne make a great team. Their follow-up date to an earlier duo session for Steeplechase CD (Bill Evans Person We Knew) adds bassist Mike Richmond and drummer Keith Copeland to create a fiery quartet. LaVerne's "Blind Date" has an infectious hook and will invite obvious comparisons to the classic quartet of John Coltrane. But the heart of the CD is a trio of lush ballads, including "Stardust," "Autumn Leaves," and "Body and Soul," beautifully performed with lyrical treatments. Their buoyant setting of "How My Heart Sings," a favorite of Evans, is first rate, while their hip arrangement of Charles Mingus' "Peggy's Blue Skylight" is the perfect close to a rewarding release. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/blind-date-mw0000891911

Personnel: Larry Schneider (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Andy LaVerne (piano); Keith Copeland (drums).

Blind Date

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Larry Schneider - Mohawk

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1994
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 61:11
Size: 112,4 MB
Art: Front

( 4:43)  1. Mohawk
( 6:05)  2. Moose The Mooche
( 4:48)  3. She Rote
(10:39)  4. Yardbird Suite
( 2:59)  5. Donna Lee
( 7:51)  6. Anthropology
( 9:35)  7. Scrapple From The Apple
( 5:05)  8. Steeplechase
( 9:24)  9. Confirmation

Larry Schneider on this latest recording plays alto sax instead of tenor sax which is his instrument. And when a jazz saxophone player picks up alto, there is one thing in his mind: Charlie Parker. “Larry Schneider Plays Charlie Parker” is what this CD is all about. A formidable task superbly executed.

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone – Larry Schneider;  Bass – Steve LaSpina;  Drums – Anton Fig;  Piano – Andy LaVerne

Mohawk

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Andy LaVerne Plays Tadd Dameron - Tadd's Delight

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 64:28
Size: 103,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:04)  1. If You Could See Me Now
(4:07)  2. Tadd's Delight
(3:09)  3. Hot House
(5:08)  4. Tadley Ewing
(6:50)  5. The Squirrel
(6:45)  6. On a Misty Night
(3:17)  7. Good Bait
(5:56)  8. The Scene Is Clean
(6:27)  9. Soultrane
(5:49) 10. The Chase
(4:46) 11. Lady Bird
(6:05) 12. Our Delight

The music of the late Tadd Dameron remains timeless in the hands of a gifted pianist like Andy LaVerne. He integrates lush chords with lively runs into "Good Bait." The pianist makes "Hot House" sound slightly haunting with his sinister introduction. The lyrical, spacious interpretation of "On a Misty Night" is another gem. LaVerne's tribute to Dameron, "Tadley Ewing," successfully complements rather than copies the composer's style.By Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/tadds-delight-mw0000415962

Tadd's Delight

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Mike Richmond - Turn out the Stars

Styles: Contemporary, Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:57
Size: 142,2 MB
Art: Front

(9:10) 1. Mean To Me
(8:24) 2. Waltz For Debbie
(8:46) 3. Bill's Hit Tune
(8:38) 4. B Minor Waltz
(6:16) 5. Peri's Scope
(7:34) 6. Turn Out The Stars
(6:59) 7. Orbit (Unless It's You)
(6:07) 8. You Must Believe In Spring

Mike Richmond's fourth cello album focuses on Bill Evans' music. Award winning bassist Richmond has a long exceptional career performing with Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Horace Silver, Gil Evans and others. Richmond has recently been drawn more to playing cello which allows him a greater freedom in refined expressions.

Cello is wonderful in jazz. It's soulful, melodic, and is best in small combos. That's what you have in Mike Richmond: La Vie en Rose. ~ Cadence Magazine https://www.propermusic.com/sccd31941-turn-out-the-stars.html

Personnel: Mike Richmond: cello; Andy Laverne: piano; Jay Anderson: bass; Anthony Pimciotti: drums

Turn out the Stars

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Andy Laverne - Between Earth & Mars

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:30
Size: 157,7 MB
Art: Front

(8:53)  1. Retrospect
(8:23)  2. Gardenia
(5:35)  3. On Green Dolphin Street
(8:15)  4. Tenderly
(6:04)  5. Blue in green
(8:32)  6. Tri-tones
(8:18)  7. Maiden voyage
(8:39)  8. Between Earth & Mars
(5:48)  9. B.E.

Like label mate Harold Danko, pianist Andy LaVerne possesses talent that should be commensurate with a much broader public awareness. One of sax legend Stan Getz’s favorite accompanists, LaVerne has built a sizable catalog for SteepleChase over the past two decades- some 18 strong- with Between Earth & Mars serving as a reunion with vibraphonist Dave Samuels. Also thrown into the mix is bassist Jay Anderson, who completes this rather atypical trio. Far away from his visibility as a past member of the popular group Spyro Gyra, Samuels contributes a singular performance that reminds us that he is indeed one of the finest practitioners of his craft.

LaVerne strives in this type of configuration as his style is strongly rooted in a deep sense of lyricism and an advanced harmonic knowledge. Anderson does enough to keep things buoyantly afloat to the point that a drummer just isn’t missed. The piano and vibes combination is a real winner- of course Gary Burton and Chick Corea taught us that long ago- and LaVerne and Samuels have developed attractive arrangements that make the most of a smart mix of contemporary standards and originals. “Blue In Green” is especially arresting in this new form, taken a bit faster than the original (check out another fine duo performance of this one by Burton and Ralph Towner). The title cut, a LaVerne tune, is also a highpoint, sporting an intense solo from Samuels. It may have taken almost a decade for LaVerne and Samuels to create a follow-up to Fountainhead but it was well worth the wait. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/between-earth-and-mars-andy-laverne-steeplechase-records-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Andy LaVerne- piano, Dave Samuels- vibes, Jay Anderson- bass

Between Earth & Mars

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Jim Snidero - MD66

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:39
Size: 123,3 MB
Art: Front

(7:15)  1. MD66
(9:38)  2. Recursion
(5:48)  3. Free Beauty
(6:08)  4. Unified
(6:27)  5. Who We've Known
(6:42)  6. Un4Scene
(4:35)  7. Blue in Green
(6:02)  8. Purge

Over the course of the past three decades alto saxophonist and composer Jim Snidero has been constantly pushing himself to explore new territories and expand his outlook. In 1989 (!) his extraordinary album Blue Afternoon made its way into The Penguin Jazz Guide: The History of the Music in the 1001 Best Albums. Later on he made his mark in the sax-with-strings department, not only playing at the top of his game, but also composing and arranging all of the music on the project. Most recently he's impressed more than a few listeners with a spate of fine albums on Savant. On this his latest release, Snidero tackles open modal forms and uses his unfettered imagination as a portal into free(r) territory, and takes his soloing to the next level by working an inside/outside approach that's rooted in the structure and style of each song but radical enough to move in wildly unexpected directions. This is a musical promised land where revelations, whether subtle or seismic in nature, are guided by revolution. ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/MD66-Jim-Snidero/dp/B01ICUPAHM

Personnel:  Jim Snidero (alto saxophone);  Alex Sipiagin (trumpet);  Andy LaVerne (piano);  Ugonna Okegwo (bass);  Rudy Royston (drums).

MD66

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Andy LaVerne Feat. John Patitucci, Bob Sheppard, Dave Weckl - Pleasure Seekers

Styles: Piano Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:51
Size: 127,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:17) 1. Pleasure Seekers
(5:54) 2. Pleasure Centre
(4:45) 3. Chestnuts
(5:33) 4. My Name Only
(4:00) 5. Parisian Thoroughfare
(7:15) 6. Sticky Mike's Frog Bar
(4:23) 7. Triple 3 Double 2
(7:42) 8. Kissing Thru Glass
(5:22) 9. Reverse Osmosis
(3:35) 10. Clearer, Cleaner, Safer, Greener

On this CD, keyboardist Andy Laverne performs eight of his own compositions, one song co-written with guitarist Chuck Loeb, and Bud Powell's "Parisian Thoroughfare." Laverne's arrangements for the quartet (which also includes Bob Sheppard on tenor and various reeds, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Dave Weckl) use light funky rhythms and put an emphasis on melodic improvising.

With the exception of "Chestnuts" (based on "All the Things You Are"), the chord changes are all new. Somehow the quartet (which had only first come together just a few days earlier) sounds like a regularly working band. Overall, this is a pleasing session of accessible yet reasonably explorative jazz.By Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/pleasure-seekers-mw0000265528

Personnel: Piano – Andy LaVerne (tracks: 1-10); Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Patitucci (tracks: 1-10); Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Bob Sheppard (tracks: 1-10); Drums – Dave Weckl (tracks: 1-10)

Pleasure Seekers

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Andy Laverne - Severe Clear

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:36
Size: 146,2 MB
Art: Front

(7:23) 1. Severe Clear
(8:39) 2. No Guts, No Glory
(9:10) 3. Plasma Pool
(6:13) 4. Fact or Fiction
(6:31) 5. Rick's Trick
(7:59) 6. Trajectory
(9:16) 7. Three Times Twice
(8:20) 8. Ethereal Spheres

Augmented by trumpeter Tim Hagans, this recording finds Laverne in top gear playing some of the most incredible chord voicings. Rick Margitza (ts) is also prominently featured.
By Paul Kohler https://www.allmusic.com/album/severe-clear-mw0000415916

Personnel: Andy LaVerne – piano; Tim Hagans – trumpet; Rick Margitza – tenor saxophone; Steve LaSpina – bass; Anton Fig – drums

Severe Clear

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Scott Wendholdt - Jam Session Vol.5

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:30
Size: 157,0 MB
Art: Front

( 6:27)  1. Dig
( 8:22)  2. Up jumped spring
( 5:51)  3. Body and Soul
( 8:02)  4. Strikezone
( 4:47)  5. If you could see me now
( 5:57)  6. After Thought
( 4:31)  7. The Duke Ellington Sound Of Love
(10:01)  8. World Wide Web
( 8:27)  9. Onion Straw

The Danish Steeplechase imprint has long recognized the fertile dynamics of jam sessions, fronting the resources for many in its roster of players to convene in just such supportive surroundings. Volumes 5 and 6 in the continuing series offer up vernal combinations and surprises while upholding producer Nils Winther’s credo of “positively no rehearsal.” Volume 5 follows the template of past entries, at least in theory, focusing on a single frontline instrument, in this particular case the trumpet. Earlier volumes, incidentally, have focused on saxophone and guitar. Fortunately Wendholt, Gisbert and Ballou are markedly different stylists on their respective brass and the resulting diversity dispels any sense of homogeneity from the bandstand. The first two players have close ties to the mainstream tributaries of bop and hard bop, while Ballou straddles these strains and also shows a strong affinity for freer forms of improvisation. Laverne heads up the rhythm section with sensitivity and poise, while Anderson and Drummond fulfill their support roles in equally amicable fashion. 

Miles Davis’ “Dig” delivers perfect fodder for the three front men to flex their embouchres and each solos brightly in loose succession. Gisbert’s tart tone contrasts with Ballou’s more rounded note runs, but it’s Wendholt who proves the smoothest of the three, peeling off buttery streams that dance and cavort against the bustling rhythm before a string of expressive exchanges takes the tune out. Freddie Hubbard’s statuesque standard “Up Jumped Spring” serves as well-chosen follow-up, as Ballou and Wendholdt don their mellow ballad hats and blow soothingly through the tune’s demulcent changes. Laverne’s elegant but understated comping acts as accommodating foil. All three also enjoy a tune apiece, individually. Wendholt steps up first, trying his hand at a romance-laden rundown of “Body and Soul,” and the rhythm section shines right alongside him, fitting his solo improvisations like hand in glove. For Gisbert it’s a lovely reading of the Tad Dameron chestnut “If You Could See Me Now.” Reclining on the plush changes, the trumpeter eases back into a solo of measured restraint and makes full use of his instrument’s satin tone. Ballou proves the most adventurous of the three, tackling Mingus’ “The Duke Ellington Sound of Love” and capturing the spirit of both departed composers in the gilded bell of his horn. A pair of Laverne-penned originals provides clever interludes while still fitting seamlessly into the overall programmatic scheme. On “Afterthought” Ballou’s pitch-perfect appraisal of the theme paves a path for the composer’s own brief but beguiling variation and a stately unison close. The somewhat regrettably titled “World Wide Web” belies the triviality of its name through another circle of outstanding brass statements and even a rare solo turn from Anderson. Everything comes together on the closer, Ballou’s “Onion Straw,” a modal tune built on dark structures reminiscent of Andrew Hill’s Sixties work for Blue Note, opening plenty of space for blowing. Trumpet fans take note: this disc is chock full of the sort of spot on playing that the instrument was designed and built for. ~ Derek Taylor https://www.allaboutjazz.com/jam-session-volume-5-various-steeplechase-records-review-by-derek-taylor.php

Personnel: Scott Wendholt- trumpet; Dave Ballou- trumpet; Greg Gisbert- trumpet; Andy Laverne- piano; Jay Anderson- bass; Billy Drummond- drums.

Jam Session  Vol.5

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Andy Laverne - Rhapsody

Styles: Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:18
Size: 147,8 MB
Art: Front

(9:14) 1. Waltz For Debby
(6:35) 2. Retroactive
(8:48) 3. My Foolish Heart
(5:42) 4. Autumn Leaves
(6:09) 5. Vignette
(8:25) 6. All The Things You Are
(7:38) 7. Lunar
(5:04) 8. Stella By Starlight
(6:38) 9. Rhapsody

Andy LaVerne, a veteran of over five decades in performing, composing and educating often teaches masterclasses at the famed Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshop. At this workshop in 2019 Andy LaVerne met and performed with Zach Brock for the first time. The Grammy Award Winning violinist Zak Brock left huge impression on the pianist. Andy invited Zak to record together three months later. The collaboration between LaVerne the master of reharmonization and contrafacts and Zach the star member of the crossover jazz group Snarky Puppy turned out to be a true rhapsody, with an intriguing program.“The album is filled with stimulating originals, most of which seem to be newly written for the session.... Shangri-La is another valuable addition to Andy LaVerne’s discography.” ~ Ken Dryden, The New York City Jazz Record on ‘Shangri-La’ https://www.horizonsmusic.co.uk/products/andy-laverne-rhapsody

Personnel: Andy Laverne (piano), Zach Brock (violin), Mike Richmond (bass, cello), Jason Tiemann (drums)

Rhapsody

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Eddie Daniels - Brief Encounter

Styles: Saxophone, Clarinet And Flute Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:37
Size: 99,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:34) 1. Brief Encounter
(5:37) 2. A Child Is Born
(9:20) 3. Path
(5:22) 4. Sway
(8:15) 5. There Is No Greater Love
(8:26) 6. Ligia

Eddie Daniels splits his time almost equally on this underrated LP between tenor, flute and clarinet. Joined by keyboardist Andy Laverne, bassist Rick Laird and drummer Billy Mintz, Daniels is in consistently creative form on the six selections with highlights include his clarinet on the uptempo "There Is No Greater Love" and his work on four overdubbed flutes (one of which is a bass flute) for a haunting rendition of "A Child Is Born." It seems strange that it would still be another eight years before Eddie Daniels gained recognition as a masterful improviser and technician for in 1977 he was already pretty much there. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/brief-encounter-mw0000197209

Personnel: Bass – Rick Laird; Clarinet, Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Eddie Daniels; Drums – Billy Mintz; Synthesizer [String Ensemble], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Andy Laverne

Brief

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Andy Laverne - Shangri-La

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:11
Size: 147,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:48)  1. Noteification
(5:59)  2. Give and Take
(5:56)  3. It's All Good
(6:47)  4. Waltz King
(6:51)  5. Bluestrain
(7:12)  6. Shangri-La
(5:45)  7. Resolute Pursuit
(9:11)  8. Guiding Light
(9:40)  9. Two in One

The previous recording in Andy LaVerne’s large SteepleChase discography (Faith, 2017) featured trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, bassist Mike Richmond, and drummer Jason Tiemann. This new album adds Jerry Bergonzi on tenor saxophone. Some good news about Shangri-La: Sipiagin and Bergonzi are special players. Sipiagin’s solos are complete bold statements and his tone on both trumpet and flugelhorn is penetrating and pure. Bergonzi’s tenor sound is delightfully impure, full of flutters and abrasions and nasal intensities. LaVerne writes some graceful themes. “Guiding Light” is one of two tunes here for the late John Abercrombie, LaVerne’s friend and collaborator. Sipiagin and Bergonzi take turns with the melody in heartfelt calls and responses, touching new emotions of love and loss on each pass. Nine LaVerne originals, balanced among blues, ballads, and postbop shout-outs, are carefully crafted. Some other news about Shangri-La: LaVerne’s well-made tunes sometimes sound generic. “Noteification” is rather like at least 100 convoluted anthems on at least 100 records since the birth of bebop. “Bluestrain” is also vaguely familiar because it could be anybody’s blues. 

When LaVerne solos, the level of creativity drops. His innocuous, pleasant piano work lacks compelling ideas. An unqualified success is the recorded sound of engineer Chris Sulit. In an era when great studios (Systems Two, Avatar, Bennett) keep closing, Sulit, working in his Trading 8s Studio in Paramus, New Jersey, has become a keeper of the flame. Shangri-La is a vivid, dynamic sonic portrayal of an accomplished new-millennium jazz quintet. ~ Thomaz Conrad https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/andy-laverne-shangri-la-steeplechase/

Personnel: Andy Laverne - piano; Alex Sipiagin - trumpet, fluegelhorn; Jerry Bergonzi - tenor saxophone; Mike Richmond - bass; Jason Tiemann - drums

Shangri-La

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Andy LaVerne Quartet - Four Miles

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 70:13
Size: 112,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:28)  1. When you wish upon a star
(4:52)  2. Summertime
(8:22)  3. Maiden voyage
(7:32)  4. Some say my prince will come
(6:41)  5. Song for my father
(7:41)  6. All blues
(7:58)  7. Mr Syms
(7:26)  8. Cantaloupe island
(4:29)  9. Round midnight
(6:40) 10. On green dolphin street

Despite the CD's title, most of the music on this date does not have any close connection to Miles Davis; in fact five of the ten songs were not even recorded by Davis. In addition, trumpeter Randy Brecker, who joins the Andy Laverne Trio (which is comprised of pianist Laverne, bassist George Mraz and drummer Al Foster) sounds closer to Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan than to Davis. However, if one does not think about the tribute aspect (or lack of), the music is quite enjoyable. Laverne and Brecker have many fine solos within the hard-bop tradition on such numbers as "When You Wish Upon a Star," "Maiden Voyage," "All Blues" and "Cantaloupe Island." An excellent modern straight-ahead date that falls just a little short of being essential. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/four-miles-mw0000025762

Personnel:  Piano – Andy Laverne; Bass – George Mraz; Drums – Al Foster; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker

Four Miles

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Andy LaVerne - Know More

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:33
Size: 153,1 MB
Art: Front

(7:53)  1. Fire wire
(6:21)  2. Think tank
(9:03)  3. Sudden wealth syndrome
(7:09)  4. Where and when
(6:22)  5. Wiggle room
(7:32)  6. Waltz king
(5:00)  7. Know more
(8:54)  8. Wholistic
(8:14)  9. Happenstance

Andy LaVerne's long relationship with Steeplechase has produced many memorable dates, and this trio session of original works, with bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Billy Hart, is no exception. The lively, constantly shifting opener "Fire Wire" is actually based on the chord changes to "Stella by Starlight," but one has to play close attention. "Where or When" is a bittersweet ballad (which has no relation to the standard "Where or When"), while "Wholistic" seems to have its roots as a blues, but the wild improvisation that is built upon its base is pure magic. 

"Sudden Wealth Syndrome," although a funny title, is a driving post-bop piece with dark overtones and a catchy hook. While it is unlikely that any of LaVerne's tunes may catch on well enough to become jazz standards, they will stand up to repeated listening over the decades very nicely indeed. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/know-more-mw0001180896

Personnel:  Piano, Composed By – Andy LaVerne;  Bass – Jay Anderson; Drums – Billy Hart

Know More

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Andy Laverne - Three's Not A Crowd

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 76:03
Size: 174,3 MB
Art: Front

( 9:48)  1. Fourth Right
( 9:56)  2. Three's Not A Crowd
( 9:11)  3. Bird Song
( 7:56)  4. As Always
(10:48)  5. Flashback
( 8:00)  6. Embrace
(10:52)  7. Leave The Blues Behind
( 9:30)  8. Destiny

The "Three" of "The Three Is Not A Crowd" goes way back to 1977 when Andy LaVerne, Mike Richmond and Billy Hart comprised the rhythm section for the great Stan Getz quartet. Andy LaVerne cut his debut album with Richmond and Hart that year in Copenhagen which was released as "Another World" on SteepleChase. 35 years later the "Three" convened in a NJ studio to record. The result here is not just a reunion but a new world of creative outpouring by the three mature artists. Recorded December 2011.  https://www.propermusic.com/product-details/Andy-LaVerne-Threes-Not-a-Crowd-146948

Personnel: Andy Laverne (piano), Mike Richmond (bass), Billy Hart (drums)

Three's Not A Crowd

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Andy Laverne - True Colors

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:52
Size: 139.4 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2017
Art: Front

[ 5:39] 1. True Colors
[ 4:39] 2. Maximum Density
[ 5:56] 3. Song Is You
[ 5:17] 4. Cubic Zirconia
[ 5:23] 5. Night And Day
[ 6:13] 6. Once I Loved
[ 6:00] 7. I Hear A Rhapsody
[ 3:51] 8. Pannonica
[ 5:51] 9. If I Were A Bell
[12:01] 10. In Your Own Sweet Way

Andy LaVerne's True Colors is a 1987 meeting with old friend Jerry Bergonzi, with whom he has recorded on a number of occasions; rounding out the quartet are the outstanding bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Danny Gottlieb. The saxophonist sits out the trio numbers. One surprise is the dark arrangement of pop vocalist Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors"; another, the tense buildup of "The Song Is You," which disguises the piece rather well. LaVerne's offbeat rhythmic accents in "Night and Day," with Gottlieb's adept brushwork and Johnson's spacious bassline, keep it sounding fresh. The pianist's playful introduction to "If I Were a Bell" begins with a chime-like lick, then delves into a bit of down-home gospel before the rhythm section makes its entrance. Bergonzi plays (unaccredited) soprano sax on LaVerne's driving "Maximum Density," which was inspired by "Stella by Starlight." Another LaVerne original is the percolating "Cubic Zirconia," which is a hidden jewel. The saxophonist was quite at home with Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way" due to his several years playing with its composer, though LaVerne's conception of the piece is dramatically different, utilizing a rewritten bridge and changing the melody as well. Finally, Thelonious Monk's "Pannonica" is the leader's chance to showcase his immense talent in a solo setting. ~Ken Dryden

True Colors mc
True Colors zippy

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John Abercrombie & Andy Laverne Quartet - Now It Can Be Played

Styles: Guitar And Piano Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:47
Size: 153,3 MB
Art: Front

(7:46)  1. Now It Can Be Played
(8:29)  2. I Wish I Knew
(8:33)  3. Shadow and Fog
(7:32)  4. John's Waltz
(9:09)  5. Cat Nap
(8:08)  6. Yesterdays
(7:57)  7. Labour Day
(9:08)  8. Waltz King

John Abercrombie and Andy LaVerne had worked together on a number of occasions with each other, and with bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Jeff Hirschfield, though Now It Can Be Played marked the first occasion for all four musicians to work together on a recording session. The standard "I Wish I Knew" is a sparkling example of their listening to one another, while the influence of the late Bill Evans is obvious in LaVerne's solo. Their setting of "Yesterdays" is a bit unconventional, taking an angular post-pop approach that opens up new possibilities within this decades-old standard. LaVerne contributed several originals, including the intricate "Shadows and Fog" and the exotic "Waltz King." Abercrombie penned the mid-tempo cooker "Labour Day" and "John's Waltz," the latter previously recorded by the composer with LaVerne for their duo CD Natural Living. This is a fine date that is filled with many interesting twists. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/now-it-can-be-played-mw0000916762

Personnel: John Abercrombie (guitar); Andy LaVerne (piano); Jeff Hirshfield (drums).

Now It Can Be Played

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Andy LaVerne Trio - Intelligent Design

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:07
Size: 138,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:06)  1. Short Story
(6:59)  2. Ultra Sound
(6:05)  3. Note Worthy
(6:21)  4. Upside
(7:57)  5. Remembrance
(6:52)  6. Ambrosia
(6:20)  7. Tsunami
(6:25)  8. Can You Glue Do This
(5:58)  9. Intelligent Design

Certainly not your household name by any stretch of the imagination, pianist Andy LaVerne is nonetheless a particularly adept pianist who has worked with many jazz legends over the years including Stan Getz, Frank Sinatra, Michael Brecker and Lionel Hampton. He's also a respected educator and has been largely documented on almost forty dates as a leader for the Danish SteepleChase imprint, including Intelligent Design. It is an out-of-the-ordinary ensemble that LaVerne assembles for the date at hand, although this particular trio has one previous album under its belt, recorded for another label. In hindsight, it's surprising that the piano and organ format has been so rarely utilized in jazz because it makes so much sense. The B3 is able to provide a bass line and a unique textural counterpoint that can complement as well as step forward. Seeing that Gary Versace is an accomplished pianist as well as a B3 practitioner, he makes the perfect foil for LaVerne because he knows how not to get in the way when Andy's up front and his own improvisations are highly musical statements that transcend the instrument itself. A unique group make-up or concept itself does not alone make for a great album and, had LaVerne decided to go for standards or a "grits and gravy approach, it might have actually been the downfall for this set. Instead, it's Andy's superb originals that supply the fodder for this most rewarding collection. The lively bop of "Note Worthy possesses a melody that vaguely sounds familiar, but speaks in its own distinct manner. By contrast, a piece like "Tsunami has more of a through-composed flavor to it, floating and brooding with a darker sense of drama. Somewhere in between is the chipper "Upside, a good primer on how important drummer Danny Gottlieb's musical contributions are to the overall success of this venture. Really one of the most welcomed surprises of the season, Intelligent Design lives up to its name as one of LaVerne's best efforts thus far and one of the finest jazz releases of the year. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/intelligent-design-andy-laverne-steeplechase-records-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Andy LaVerne: piano; Gary Versace: B3 organ; Danny Gottlieb: drums.

Intelligent Design

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