B.J.Jansen - Common Ground

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:40
Size: 150,9 MB
Art: Front

(5:25)  1. Stacey's Pace
(5:39)  2. Carol's Dream
(5:58)  3. Street Walk
(4:50)  4. Brandon's Blues
(5:06)  5. Soul Loss
(4:24)  6. Angela's Aggravation
(5:32)  7. Bucket Full of Soul
(5:05)  8. Relaxin' with Jessica
(7:22)  9. Common Ground
(4:43) 10. Angela's Aggravation (Alternate Take)
(6:09) 11. Bucket Full of Soul (Alternate Take)
(4:20) 12. Stacey's Pace (Alternate Take)

Cincinnati-born baritone saxophonist B.J. Jansen's tenth album is titled Common Ground for good reason: his sextet consists of NEA Jazz Master trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, drummer Ralph Peterson, trumpeter Duane Eubanks, pianist Zaccai Curtis, and bassist Dezron Douglas all of whom revel in improvisation. His group's shared affinity for jazz in the straight-ahead vein compelled Jansen to employ a "hands-off" tactic as leader, prompting the end product's great diversity of playing and style. The album has its post- bop pieces, hard bop workouts, Coltrane-esque spirituals, and mellifluous ballads, constituting an album that sounds classic, yet modern in its permissive borrowing from jazz's past.  From the first muscular bars of "Stacey's Pace," the aura of Common Ground is made clear: uncluttered, timeless jazz that harkens back to the all-star sessions of the late '50s and early '60s. A nimble bass solo by Douglas ushers in spirited improvisation from the remainder of the group, assembling sounds that likely would've reverberated off the walls of the Five Spot in its heyday. Influenced by the harmonic intricacy of Charlie Parker's compositions, "Angela's Aggravation" swings with a bebop approach, featuring a blazing solo by Jansen that conveys unbridled passion without compromising clarity. Further venturing down jazz's stylistic evolution, "Street Walk" exudes a post-bop flavor with its angular melody and dynamic structure. Anchored by Peterson's intrepid, at times explosive, sense of rhythm, players are impelled to solo at their most dexterous. 

Not lacking in tranquility, ballads "Carol's Dream" and "Soul Loss" impart the sextet's softer side, with Jansen filling open space with languid phrasing throughout the latter. As the concluding piece, the improvised title track seems to hit the crux of the album resolute unity through music. Leading his band from a spiritual introduction to reckless free playing, Jansen's sinuous trajectory never falters due to this mutual perceptivity. If the Blue Note and Prestige sessions of old occupy a sizeable portion of your music collection, Common Ground is an essential new release (the album even includes three alternate takes, akin to modern jazz reissues). Backed with a band of the highest caliber, Jansen's adroitness and appreciation for jazz produces a sound that radiates with classic charm. While his influence lies in the traditional, Jansen's individuality will surely cement his position in the line of great baritone players. ~ Mattew Aquiline https://www.allaboutjazz.com/common-ground-bj-jansen-ronin-jazz-review-by-matthew-aquiline.php

Personnel: B.J. Jansen: baritone saxophone; Delfeayo Marsalis: trombone; Duane Eubanks: trumpet; Zaccai Curtis: piano; Dezron Douglas: bass; Ralph Peterson: drums.

Common Ground

---

B.J. Jansen - Ronin

Styles: Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:07
Size: 124,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. Ronin
(5:05)  2. Rose for Noriko
(8:44)  3. Best Fiend
(6:06)  4. The Cost
(6:04)  5. Blues for C.P.
(5:22)  6. Manhattan Trane'in
(7:16)  7. Brother Sid
(5:09)  8. Diamonds for Lil
(4:16)  9. The Code

His first new release in nearly two years, B.J. Jansen returns with a new quartet album RONIN. RONIN hits the streets March 4th, 2014 and features; Mamiko Watanabe on piano, Mike Boone on bass, Amanda Ruzza on bass, Chris Beck on drums and Dorota Piotrowska on drums.

During the feudal period in Japan (1185-1868), a Ronin was a samurai (knight) with no lord or master. A samurai could become masterless from the death or political fall of his master, or simply by the loss of his master's favor. Ronin amassed during periods of long peace when their warrior training was not needed. Some Lords released samurai for strictly financial reasons during these periods. By law a Samurai was forbidden to have a job, so many fell into poverty and lives of crime to feed themselves and their families. Others, simply disgraced committed suicide.

" The plight of the Ronin draws many similarities to what I have observed with those of us who adopt the way, or follow a life of the study of the art and craft of instrumental improvised music. Live performance and revenue streams have become increasingly scarce as society and technology have changed. However, like the Ronin, we artists persist as warriors and keepers of the flame, devoting our lives to the propagation of the Music. We have become drifters, outsiders, masterless and seeking the truth of who we are as artists and people.

RONIN was conceived with the inspiration and perspective of the ancient masterless samurai. I have reflected on my own trials, tribulations and triumphs along the path I have chosen. From reflections and life events I was inspired to write this collection of original compositions. I sincerely hope that you will join me on my journey along the path. " - B.J. Jansen  

http://www.jazzcorner.com/news/display.php?news=4279

Ronin

---