Cory Weeds - Home Cookin'

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:19
Size: 90,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:35) 1. Home Cookin'
(5:00) 2. Corner Kisses
(6:02) 3. Blossoms In May
(5:06) 4. Power Station
(5:03) 5. Thedia
(5:36) 6. Lullaby Of The Leaves
(6:54) 7. Metamorphosis

Cory Weeds a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene, has made a remarkable statement with his Little Big Band's latest album Home Cookin'. The session showcases a vibrant collection of compositions/arrangements carefully curated to resonate with his personal journey, including those by Horace Silver, Thad Jones and Oliver Nelson, which are essential to him for a variety of reasons. The band comprises ten of his favorite world-class Vancouver, BC-based musicians.

These previously mentioned influential tracks have been ingeniously adapted to harmonize flawlessly within the intimate framework of the little big band format, beginning with Horace Silver's composition and title track, "Home Cookin." This stylish swinger arranged by Jill Townsend touches all the bases with subtly illustrated music driven by tight ensemble playing interspersed with solid solos from Weeds on tenor sax and Steve Kaldestad alto sax. The other Silver original is "Metamorphosis," on which Townsend has again developed an engaging harmonic chart that shows an understanding of the intricacies of Silver's style, propelled by the drumming of Jesse Cahill. Weeds and Kaldestad are the principal go-to soloists, with baritone saxophonist Dave Say coming along, stuffing his notes with weight and force.

Bill Weeds (Cory's father) wrote the composition "Corner Kisses," and it is a burner with the chart by Bill Coon. Weeds again shows he is an audacious saxophonist, with pianist Chris Gestrin exhibiting resourcefulness in his solo. "Power Station," composed and arranged by pianist Micheal Weiss, is a bouncy number that seems to fit perfectly with a small band as it has an engaging contemporary flair. Both Weeds and Gestrin fill the solo space with new angles of engagement. Thad Jones' composition is entitled "Thedia," and it comes to life with a chart by Bill Coons and Jill Townsend, adding extra depth to the album. Weeds uses the occasion to demonstrate his versatility and his ability to integrate his tenor voice into the little big band sound.

The closer is "Lullaby of the Leaves," arranged initially by Oliver Nelson but adapted and transcribed for the band by Fred Stride. In this wonderfully crafted arrangement, Weeds is out front, flexing his powers and a bustling declaratory spirit. Gestrin's interjection shows he is a compatible and estimable pianist. The album is a testament to the talent of Cory Weeds and his Little Big Band.
By Pierre Girou https://www.allaboutjazz.com/home-cookin-cory-weeds-cellar-music-group

Personnel: Cory Weeds - tenor saxophone; Chris Gestrin - piano; John Lee - bass; Jesse Cahill - drums; Steve Kaldestad - lead alto; James Danderer - tenor saxophone; Dave Say - baritone saxophone; Brian Harding - trombone; Jim Hopson - trombone; Brad Turner - trumpet; Chris Davis - trumpet

Home Cookin'

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Cory Weeds - What is There to Say?

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2021
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:51
Size: 113,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:43) 1. At Dawning
(6:12) 2. The Phantom In The In Crowd
(5:58) 3. What Is There To Say
(6:06) 4. Love Is Wild
(4:46) 5. Waltz For Someone Special
(6:33) 6. Alana Marie
(6:35) 7. I Wish You Love
(6:54) 8. There's A Boat Leavin' Soon For New York

Tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds continues to search for new ways to explore and expand his personal musical horizons. In the release What Is There To Say?, Weeds looks to the expression "everything old is new again" and delivers an album backed by a fulsome string section reminiscent of sessions that both Charlie Parker and Bobby Hackett undertook in the 1950s. With sumptuous arrangements from pianist Phil Dwyer, Weeds is provided with a framework with which to explore the four corners of the compositions that were chosen for the recording.

To start this session, Weeds reaches back to the early part of the 20th Century(1906) for a little known song "At Dawning." This lovely winsome ballad is taken in a straight ahead fashion with Weeds keeping close to the melody to focus on the intimacy of the composition. Of the eight compositions recorded, three are originals by Weeds; "Waltz For Someone Special," "Alana Marie"and "Love Is Wild." Each is a diversified tasty morsel of style, substance, and mood, that provides a musical relationship between the strings and Weeds' horn.

An interesting double header is the coupling of Duke Pearson's "The Phantom" with "The In Crowd," a number that was made popular by pianist Ramsay Lewis. The tie that binds these numbers is the intricate rhythmic beat laid down by drummer Jesse Cahill and bassist John Lee. Weeds dances between the two themes with ease while picking up the layers of nuance that exist between them. Dwyer's piano sparkles with characteristic embellishments on the tonal associations with the compositions. To wrap things up, Weeds offers "There's A Boat (Dat's) Leavin' Soon For New York" written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin for their ground breaking folk opera "Porgy & Bess." The number swings along gaily with Weeds offering straight melody playing but making every note count. Dwyer takes his solo opportunity to indicate that he is a wellspring of improvisation. This is an attractive addition to the Cory Weeds discography.By Pierre Giroux https://www.allaboutjazz.com/what-is-there-to-say-cory-weeds-with-strings-cellar-music

Personnel: Cory Weeds: saxophone, alto; Phil Dwyer: saxophone, tenor; John Lee: bass; Jesse Cahill: drums.

What is There to Say?

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Cory Weeds - Just Like That

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2011
Time: 62:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 144,1 MB
Art: Front

(7:03) 1. Just Like That
(5:14) 2. Adanac
(6:40) 3. Have a Little Faith in Me
(4:59) 4. Noah's Dance
(6:28) 5. One a Clear Day
(5:03) 6. The Big H
(6:34) 7. Waltz for Someone Special
(5:29) 8. Rat Race
(7:29) 9. The Way She Was
(7:30) 10. You're as Right as Rain

Saxophonist Cory Weeds has been a professional musician for the better part of 15 years.

As a member of popular Vancouver band People Playing Music he toured Canada, the United States and Europe and recorded was a key part in the success of the band's Sette CD released in 1997. In 1998 he formed his instrumental band CRASH that he co-led with tenor saxophonist Jerry Cook. The band released its first CD entitled Crash in 1998 and toured Canada the same year playing at the prestigious Montreal Jazz Festival. The band went back into the studio in 1999 to record their sophomore release Candyshop. In 2003 the band was booked to back up Hammond B3 organ guru Dr. Lonnie Smith. This chance meeting resulted in the band's 3rd CD The Dr. Is In on Cellar Live featuring the renowned B3 Organist. The CD was a huge success and led to several tours of the Pacific Northwest.

Weeds is a member of The Night Crawlers which released their debut CD, Presenting on Cellar Live in 2007, and was nominated for Album Of The Year at the National Jazz Awards in 2008. The Night Crawlers released their second CD/Record in early 2011 titled Down In The Bottom featuring a big band. The album won a Western Canadian Music Award for Best Album Of The Year. The B3 Kings is a seasonal quartet featuring Denzal Sinclaire on voice / drums, Chris Gestrin on b3 organ and Bill Coon on guitar. The band recorded a CD that was released in 2005 that has been a hit worldwide and their first full length Christmas CD You Better Watch Out! was released in December of 2011. The band continuously sells out venues in Western Canada during the Christmas season. Weeds is a charter member of Melody Diachun's EQ that released their debut CD in 2008 and Jennifer Scott's Brasiliera. They will be releasing a CD in mid 2012.

In 2006 Weeds was a member of the saxophone section that backed up Paul Anka and has also graced the horn section with singing sensation Nikki Yanoffsky. Weeds has also shared the stage with international superstars such as Lou Donaldson, David Fathead Newman, Charles McPherson, Harold Mabern, Scott Hamilton, Ian Hendrickson-Smith and Mike DiRubbo. He has also shared the stage with locals like Brad Turner, Mike Allen, Hugh Fraser, Don Thompson, Oliver Gannon, Cam Ryga and Ross Taggart.

Perhaps Weeds' biggest musical accomplishment came in January, 2008 when he recorded his first CD as a leader featuring New York heavyweights guitarist Peter Bernstein, organist Mike Ledonne and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Big Weeds was released to critical acclaim across the continent. The CD debuted on the JazzWeek chart at #49 and made it all the way up to #17. Big Weeds also graced Bob Parlocha's Top 40 Jazz Chart making it as high as #9. Big Weeds was nominated for Album Of The Year at the 2009 National Jazz Awards and was selected by Jazz Week as one of the Top 100 Releases of 2008.

In August, 2008 Weeds shared the stage with yet another New York heavyweight, trumpeter Jim Rotondi. The band recorded their first CD in January, 2009 in New York City featuring pianist Ross Taggart, bassist John Webber and drummer Willie Jones III. Everything's Coming Up Weeds shot up JazzWeek Charts making it as high as #6 and was voted #32 out of the Top 100 Jazz Recordings of 2009.

The Many Deeds Of Cory Weeds features the dynamic duo of organist Joey Defrancesco and drummer Byron Landham as well as trumpeter Chris Davis. The record debuted on the JazzWeek Chart at number 26 and remained in the Top 50 for 10 weeks.

Weeds' most recent release Just Like That featuring The Tilden Webb Trio has received critical acclaim. It graced the JazzWeek charts for 12 weeks making it as high as #7 and continues to receive airplay around the world. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/cory-weeds/

Personnel: Acoustic Bass – Jodi Proznick; Alto Saxophone – Cory Weeds; Congas – Chris Davis (tracks: 4); Drums – Jesse Cahill; Piano – Tilden Web

Just Like That

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Cory Weeds Meets Champian Fulton - Every Now And Then

Styles: Saxophone And Piano Jazz
Year: 2024
Time: 48:20
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 130,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:53) 1. Boss Tutch
(5:15) 2. It's Alright with Me
(5:47) 3. Too Marvelous For Words
(4:21) 4. Linger In My Arms a Little Longer Baby
(5:32) 5. The Best Things In Life Are Free
(4:20) 6. Carry Me Back to Old Manhattan
(3:49) 7. That's Not Your Donut
(7:21) 8. Every Now & Then
(6:57) 9. The Snapper

Cory Weeds saxophonist with an expressive sound rooted in Jazz tradition, a label owner tirelessly documenting unsung Jazz heroes, one of Canada’s most important Jazz impresarios, the hardest-working man in Jazz business Cory Weeds is all of these things, and much more.

Weeds may be best known as the founder and owner of Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver, which he successfully ran for more than 14 years. Weeds built the Cellar to become one of North America’s best Jazz clubs, where masters such as George Coleman, Jeff Hamilton, Louis Hayes, David “Fathead” Newman, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and the finest Jazz musicians from Vancouver and across Canada and the U.S. performed before it closed in February 2014.

But he wasn’t just the club owner. As a saxophonist who studied at the University of North Texas and Capilano University, Weeds spent many nights on the Cellar bandstand as a leader and sideman. He held his own when performing with icons like Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride. Weeds has also recorded twenty albums as a leader, including his latest Home Cookin' Just Coolin' (with Tilden Webb, John Lee and Jesse Cahill), What Is There To Say? (with Phil Dwyer and a 12 piece string section), O Sole Mio (with Eric Alexander, Mike LeDonne, Peter Bernstein and Joe Farnsworth), Day By Day (with David Hazeltine, Ken Lister and Jesse Cahill), Live at Frankie’s (with Terell Stafford and Harold Mabern) Explosion (with Gary Smulyan, PJ Perry, Steve Davis and Joe Magnarelli), Let’s Groove (with Mike Ledonne), Dreamsville (with The Jeff Hamilton Trio), It’s Easy To Remember (with David Hazeltine, Joe Magnarelli, Paul Gill and Jason Tiemann, reached #1 on the Jazz Week Charts) This Happy Madness, (with The Jeff Hamilton Trio, reached #1 on the Jazz Week Charts), Condition Blue, The Music Of Jackie McLean (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth)., As Of Now (with the Harold Mabern Trio), Let’s Go (with Steve Davis), the Juno-nominated Up A Step (Cory Weeds Quartet), With Benefits (with Lewis Nash and Peter Washington), Just Like That (with the Tilden Webb Trio), The Many Deeds of Cory Weeds (with Joey DeFrancesco), Everything’s Coming Up Weeds (with Jim Rotondi), and Big Weeds (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth).

While the Cellar is now a happy memory, the record label Weeds established in 2001 is alive and well. Rebranded in 2018, The Cellar Music Group has put out over 350 recordings, including many that have spent extensive time on the JazzWeek charts, been reviewed in acclaimed print publications and been featured on NPR's Fresh Air. Weeds has also served as producer on more than 200recordings. In 2017 Weeds celebrated a win at the 2017 Juno Awards when Metalwood won for Jazz Album Of The Year: Group. Another Weeds-produced album w Brad Turner Quartet with guest Seamus Blake - Jump Up was nominated in 2019 and The Ostara Project in 2023.

2023 has been a watershed year for Weeds and the label. In March pf 2023 Weeds and the label were awarded a Grammy for The Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra in the large ensemble category. Weeds was also recognized as a #2 Rising Star Producer in Downbeat Magazine and Cellar Music was #8 in Record Label Of The Year.
https://www.highresaudio.com/en/album/view/7mdjn6/cory-weeds-champian-fulton-every-now-and-then

Personnel: Cory Weeds – Alto Saxophone; Champian Fulton – Piano, Vocals

Every Now And Then

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Cory Weeds & Jeff Hamilton Trio - This Happy Madness

Styles: Saxophone Jazz, Bop
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:02
Size: 142,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:07)  1. Blow Your Horn
(7:02)  2. Get Out of Town
(4:01)  3. Early Morning Rain
(6:31)  4. Max
(5:20)  5. Out of the Night Came You
(4:56)  6. This Happy Madness
(6:19)  7. Young At Heart
(6:53)  8. I Thought About You
(6:38)  9. There's a Lull in My Life
(4:16) 10. Secret Love
(5:56) 11. Mr. Baggy Pants

Cory Weeds is at it again with another stellar addition to his impressive discography. Following his critically acclaimed Condition Blue he has teamed up with the always swinging Jeff Hamilton Trio for an invigorating romp through some Great American Songbook tunes, a few originals and a rarely heard Horace Silver tune. The album features the piano stylings of Tamir Hendelman, bassist Christoph Luty and renowned drummer Jeff Hamilton. If you like music that swings This Happy Madness will not disappoint.
~ Editorial Reviews  http://www.amazon.com/This-Happy-Madness-Cory-Weeds/dp/B013BB3W04

Personnel:  Jeff Hamilton ( Drums), Tamir Hendelman (Piano), Christoph Luty (Acoustic Bass), Cory Weeds (Tenor Saxophone)

This Happy Madness

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Cory Weeds Quartet - Just Coolin'

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2021
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:32
Size: 125,2 MB
Art: Front

( 6:48) 1. Just Coolin'
( 6:20) 2. Beep Durple
( 6:08) 3. Chicken N' Dumplins
( 6:10) 4. Bitter Sweet
(11:01) 5. We Three
( 6:03) 6. Street Scenes
( 5:41) 7. Vendetta
( 6:16) 8. Night Walk

In the summer of 2021 Cory Weeds put together the quartet on this recording for a gig at Frankie’s Jazz Club in Vancouver, BC. It was one of those nights where everything came together in every aspect. Club was packed with an appreciative and enthusiastic audience, the band was fired up and ready to go and Cory's dear friend and supporter of jazz Yvonne DeTroye was at her usual perch taking in the festivities. When the band was packing up, she approached Cory to tell him how wonderful the band sounded AND that should he ever decide to record she would be more than happy to lend financial support. Around this time, Weeds had just taken the Presidents role at The Fraser MacPherson Jazz Fund and started thinking about how he could use this recording as a fundraiser. After 18 months of a pandemic the fund was basically depleted and needed to increase its fundraising efforts and create some awareness. Yvonne donated to the FMJF to produce this 8 track set and 100% of the proceeds from the sales (in all formats) benefit The Fraser MacPherson Jazz Fund.

Thank you to Will and Norah Johnston for opening up their beautiful home to record in, the FMJF Board of Directors for their patience and for understanding the vision and Sheldon Zaharko for capturing the sound of the band so brilliantly. Special thanks to Tilden, John and Jesse for the incredible musicianship that they always display. It’s such an incredible pleasure to make music with this group. Extra special thanks to Yvonne DeTroye as she continues to make jazz dreams come true for so many of us and there are not enough words to express appreciation for all that you do for the jazz community. In existence since 1993 The Fraser MacPherson Jazz Fund has been dedicated to offering financial assistance and educational opportunities for jazz students in British Columbia. In addition to providing several yearly scholarships to BC’s most promising young jazz instrumentalists, the FMJF hosts public, free admission workshops by some of the world’s most renown jazz artists. https://coryweeds.bandcamp.com/

Personnel: Cory Weeds – tenor saxophone; Tilden Webb – piano; John Lee – bass; Jesse Cahill - drums

Just Coolin'

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Champian Fulton & Cory Weeds - Dream A Little...

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:51
Size: 139,9 MB
Art: Front

(2:58)  1. Dream A Little Dream Of Me
(4:41)  2. Fly Me To The Moon
(6:57)  3. Lullaby For Art
(7:18)  4. Darn That Dream
(5:53)  5. Pennies From Heaven
(5:58)  6. Once I Had A Secret Love
(9:07)  7. I Thought About You
(5:18)  8. Tangerine
(5:34)  9. I'd Give A Dollar For A Dime
(7:03) 10. Save Your Love For Me

“[Dream a Little] practically pants with unvarnished vitality….Fulton has set a high bar for herself since her 2007 debut Champian. In recent years she’s released a series of strong albums, each exposing a different aspect of her music. Dream a Little… might be her most pleasingly inviting. From the concise opening title track, she and Weeds establish the house rules with a conversational intimacy that bespeaks trust earned over many years and many gigs. It’s a loose session rife with quicksilver interplay. Fulton isn’t a subtle singer; she’s got an edge of brass in her voice that makes ballads, like a convincing version of “Darn That Dream,” more fulsome laments than whispered confessions. Weeds listens closely and responds in kind, often using his airy lower register as a tonal counterpoint when Fulton’s voice ascends. The album is also a showcase for her pianistic facility. She plays with such swinging joie de vivre on “Once I Had a Secret Love” that it’s easy to forget it’s not an instrumental track.” ~  Andrew Gilbert, JazzTimes

"At this point in jazz history, Champian Fulton is the best piano-playing singer and the best pianist who happens to be a singer. With her blend of precision and flair on the keys and her nuanced approach to the mic, she’s been unstoppable lately. Her career validates the old proverb that you get good at what you do: somehow, in between gigs, she manages to find the time to make albums....While this is first and foremost a collection of bittersweet love ballads, it’s also uproariously funny when least expected: Fulton has a subtle and often sly sense of humor, particularly on the keys. As if we need yet more proof that more artists should be making live records, this is it." ~ NY Music Daily https://champianfulton.bandcamp.com/album/dream-a-little

Dream A Little...

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Cory Weeds - Live At Frankie's Jazz Club

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:15
Size: 149,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:22)  1. Bluesanova
(6:39)  2. Mood Malody
(6:55)  3. Gypsy Blue
(6:10)  4. Consequence
(7:24)  5. Fabienne
(7:28)  6. Formidable
(8:15)  7. Up Tight's Creek
(5:21)  8. Tolypso
(8:38)  9. The Three Minros

Yes, this is saxophonist/master of all livelihoods Cory Weeds' quintet, the year is 2018, and the group is beyond a doubt Live at Frankie's Jazz Club in Vancouver, British Columbia. But close your eyes, open your ears and it's the unapologetic re-creation of a quintessential hard-bop session from the historic Blue Note / Prestige years of the 1950s-60s. Indeed, to underscore the point, the quintet's pianist is the venerable Harold Mabern who actually performed and/or recorded back in the day with such giants as Lee Morgan, Jackie McLean, Freddie Hubbard, Tina Brooks and a who's who of celebrated masters from a glorious age that may never return but whose legacy rests secure in the earnest hands of Weeds and his dexterous teammates. The buoyant concert gets under way on an assertive note with Morgan's walking "Bluesanova" (introduced by Michael Glynn's resonant bass) and segues into Mal Waldron's lyrical "Mood Malody" before delving into impressive original compositions by Brooks, McLean, Walter Davis Jr. and Swiss alto overseer George Robert. 

Davis' three-quarter time "Formidable" is one of several highlights with the ensemble in lock-step to undergird perceptive solos by Weeds, Terell Stafford and Glynn. Brooks' freewheeling "Up Tight's Creek," which follows, offers more of the same with Stafford's nimble trumpet brightening the landscape, Weeds in blue-chip form and Glynn adding another thoughtful statement. McLean, whose high-speed "Consequence" is heard earlier in the program, caps the evening with his sunny Caribbean-flavored "Tolypso" and "The Three Minors," whose irrepressible tempo and boppish licks epitomize the time in which it was written. Weeds, Stafford and Mabern are in superior form again, as is drummer Julian MacDonough who adds another driving solo on "Consequence." Robert (Weeds' longtime mentor who died far too soon, in 2016) wrote the handsome ballad "Fabienne," on which Weeds is featured, Brooks the smooth, Latin-leaning "Gypsy Blue," wherein Stafford, Weeds and Mabern are at their self-controlled and lyrical best. 

While tipping their hats to the past, Weeds and his able colleagues prove conclusively that music of this caliber is essentially timeless. A superior concert in every respect, one that should especially gladden the hearts of those who call to mind with fondness the short-lived but incomparable era of hard-bop jazz. ~ Jack Bowers https://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-at-frankies-jazz-club-cory-weeds-cellar-live-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Cory Weed: alto saxophone; Terell Stafford: trumpet; Harold Mabern: piano; Michael Glynn: bass; Julian Macdonough: drums.

Live At Frankie's Jazz Club

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Tim Tamashiro - Drinky

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:21
Size: 86,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:21)  1. I Won't Dance
(3:45)  2. Sunday In New York
(4:00)  3. You've Made Me So Very Happy
(2:23)  4. Have You Met Miss Jones'
(3:46)  5. Dream Weaver
(2:53)  6. I Get a Kick Out Of You
(2:51)  7. Accentchuate The Positive
(2:37)  8. How Do You Like Your Eggs In The Morning'
(3:11)  9. For Once In My Life
(3:25) 10. I'll Never Leave You
(5:04) 11. What A Wonderful World

Drinky is a new philosophy for you to relish jazz. I coined the phrase drinky jazz for a special reason. I've always yearned for people to see that jazz is fun music. But often just the mention of jazz freaks people out. When jazz is brought up in conversation many people react by tensing up. Then they almost always they say, I don't like jazz. When I mention the idea of drinky jazz to people they almost magically open up to jazz. Drinky jazz lets you drop the notion that all jazz is weird or thinky. Drinky jazz is fun because it's designed to be pleasing and interactive. You can bring your funnest friends along to eat, drink and laugh. Talk if you want to. If I'm doing my job singing drinky jazz I will EARN your ears. This drinky jazz philosophy promises you three things: great songs, cold drinks and bad jokes. I hope Drinky is the mark of a new jazz movement where you can discover the joy of jazz. It's incredible music with the most talented musicians anywhere. Let's go on this journey together and most of all let's have fun with a bit of swinging music! ~ Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Drinky-Tim-Tamashiro/dp/B0189FT5SU

Personnel:  Tim Tamashiro - Vocal; Tilden Webb -  Piano; Jodi Proznick - Bass; Jesse Cahill - Drums; Cory Weeds - Saxophone; Vince Mai - Trumpet; Rod Murray - Trombone

Drinky

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Cory Weeds Little Big Band - Explosion

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:24
Size: 138,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:04)  1. Minor Mishap
(6:01)  2. Soon
(8:05)  3. East Of The Village
(6:08)  4. Park Avenue Petit
(6:55)  5. My Girl Is Just Enough Woman F
(7:23)  6. Canadian Sunset
(6:03)  7. K.D.'s Motion
(7:03)  8. Please Send Me Someone To Love
(6:38)  9. Ready & Able

Renaissance Man Cory Weeds has the Midas Touch. Since attaining Vancouver-local escape velocity with his Cellar Jazz Club and then his record label with the same imprint, the musical entrepreneur has parlayed his notice worldwide with excellent recordings of himself and other noted artists. Weeds' Cellar Jazz focus is what would be defined as an "Arbors Jazz for Hard Bop." He is very much the keeper of the flame of the last great jazz genre-period to grab the "mainstream" designation. Weeds' previous recording, Let's Groove: The Music of Earth Wind & Fire (Cellar Live, 2017) was a well-received small combo consideration of the music of the fabled R&B band, featuring inventive arrangements and spirited, potent playing by all. On Explosion, Weeds follows the muse that created Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis' Trane Whistle (Prestige, 1960) and Gene Ammons' Late Hour Special (Prestige, 1962) to put together his "little big band" that sports eleven plays as opposed to the customary 15-18 that constitute a proper big band. Exploration of little big bands is nothing new if one considers Miles Davis' nonet recordings that resulted in The Birth of the Cool (Capitol Records, 1998). Another example is Art Pepper's Art Pepper + Eleven: Modern Jazz Classics (Contemporary, 1959). In all of these cases, the little big bands were made to sound larger through informed arrangements. Weeds employs the talents of conductor Jill Townsend and Bill Coon on Explosion and the results are more than acceptable. The nine selections contained herein are divided almost equally between the two arrangers, with Coon having the advantage. Coons' arrangements give his contributions a light-as-a-feather swing, one that smacks of perpetuum mobile in a global sound and rhythm with sound facile as a constant breeze. His treatment of Tommy Flanagan's "Minor Mishap" allows the soloists much room and a comfortable place to walk through. Coon's arrangement of Hank Mobley's "East of the Village" provides the piece with an urban, slightly Latin flavor that softens the hard bop edges. Weeds solos with ease, ideas coming easily. 

Coon addresses another hard bop gem in Kenny Dorham's "K.D.S Motion" highlighting the under-recognized talent of the trumpeter as a composer. Coon makes this blues a bright swing tune that is wide awake in the daylight. Townsend, for her part, provides a sepia-toned "Canadian Sunset" allowing Weeds to give a nod to his inspiration. "Gene Ammons." Time shifts are seamless as baritone saxophonist "Gary Smulyan" spins his deep web of chocolate tone. Townsend gives Percy Mayfield's "Please Send Me Someone to Love" a lush '40s foundation providing Weeds the environment to present perhaps his best solo on the recording. All of the playing on this recording is top notch, hopefully making it impossible for the leader to not make a follow-up to this fine recital.~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/explosion-cory-weeds-cellar-live-review-by-c-michael-bailey.php

Personnel: Cory Weeds: tenor saxophone; PJ Perry: alto saxophone; Steve Kaldestad: tenor saxophone; Gary Smulyan: baritone saxophone; Rod Murray: trombone; Steve Davis: trombone; Joe Magnarelli: Trumpet; Chris Davis: trumpet; Chris Gestrin: piano; Paul Rushka: bass; Jessie Cahill: drums; Jill Townsend: conductor.

Explosion

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Cory Weeds, Bill Coon Quartet - With Benefits

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:18
Size: 151.8 MB
Styles: Saxophone jazz
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[5:29] 1. Broadway And Alma
[5:17] 2. There's A Small Hotel
[7:27] 3. Cory's Story
[5:20] 4. Smile Stacey
[6:39] 5. East Of The Sun
[7:08] 6. With Benefits
[8:29] 7. Search For Peace
[8:43] 8. Just Squeeze Me
[7:09] 9. Wesology
[4:34] 10. Sunday Morning

Cory Weeds: tenor saxophone, Bill Coon: guitar, Peter Washington: bass, Lewis Nash: drums.

A saxophonist with an expressive sound rooted in Jazz tradition, a label owner tirelessly documenting unsung Jazz heroes, one of Canada’s most important Jazz impresarios, the hardest-working man in Jazz business – Cory Weeds is all of these things, and much more. Weeds may be best known as the founder and owner of Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver, which he successfully ran for more than 13 years. Weeds built the Cellar to become one of North America’s best Jazz clubs, where masters such as George Coleman, Jeff Hamilton, Louis Hayes, David “Fathead” Newman, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and the finest Jazz musicians from Vancouver and across Canada performed before it closed in February 2014.

But he wasn’t just the club owner. As a saxophonist who studied at the University of North Texas and Capilano College, Weeds spent many nights on the Cellar bandstand as a leader and sideman. He held his own when performing with icons like Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride. Weeds has also recorded twelve albums as a leader, including: Dreamsville (with The Jeff Hamilton Trio), It’s Easy To Remember (with David Hazeltine, Joe Magnarelli, Paul Gill and Jason Tiemann) This Happy Madness, (with The Jeff Hamilton Trio), Condition Blue, The Music Of Jackie McLean (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth), As Of Now (with the Harold Mabern Trio), Let’s Go (with Steve Davis), the Juno-nominated Up A Step (Cory Weeds Quartet), With Benefits (with Lewis Nash and Peter Washington), Just Like That (with the Tilden Webb Trio), The Many Deeds of Cory Weeds (with Joey DeFrancesco), Everything’s Coming Up Weeds (with Jim Rotondi), and Big Weeds (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth).

With Benefits mc
With Benefits zippy

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Cory Weeds - Let's Groove: The Music Of Earth Wind & Fire

Size: 149,6 MB
Time: 64:39
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Let's Groove ( 6:58)
02. Getaway ( 6:44)
03. Devotion ( 7:36)
04. You And I ( 6:08)
05. The Way Of The World ( 6:11)
06. Imagination ( 5:29)
07. Shining Star ( 8:21)
08. Kalimba (10:30)
09. After The Love Has Gone ( 6:39)

Exploring the upbeat, soulful melodies of Earth Wind and Fire, Let's Groove is a sizzling fresh take on this classic music for lovers of jazz, soul, and R&B music alike. NYC organist Mike Ledonne returns to the Cellar Live fold for his third collaboration with saxophonist Cory Weeds, with a stellar BC/New York band including Steve Kaldestad (BC), Dave Sikula (BC), and Jason Tieman (NYC).

Let's Groove

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Cory Weeds & The Jeff Hamilton Trio - Dreamsville

Size: 143,2 MB
Time: 61:28
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. Who Can I Turn To (7:24)
02. Lady Wants To Know (5:41)
03. How Do You Like Them Apples (3:09)
04. Blue Daniel (5:33)
05. Dreamsville (5:37)
06. Hammer's Tones (4:14)
07. Nothing To Lose (7:16)
08. Bennissimio (5:04)
09. Love Is A Now And Then Thing (5:55)
10. Robbin's Nest (6:18)
11. She Walks This Earth (5:13)

Featuring CORY WEEDS tenor saxophone, TAMIR HENDELMAN piano, CHRISTOPH LUTY bass, JEFF HAMILTON drums.

Tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds and the Jeff Hamilton Trio are at it again with a followup release to their critically acclaimed This Happy Madness recording. Dreamsville, a decidedly more melancholy recording features some lesser known gems such as Michael Franks' Lady Wants To Know, Henri Mancini's Nothing To Lose and a beautiful ballad by Anthony Newly called Love Is A Now And Then Thing.

Dreamsville

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Cory Weeds Quintet - Everything's Coming Up Weeds

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:04
Size: 120,0 MB
Art: Front

(6:33)  1. B.B.'s Blue Blues
(7:19)  2. Biru Kirusai
(5:42)  3. Ella's Walk
(5:22)  4. Little Unknown One
(5:59)  5. I've Never Been in Love Before
(5:48)  6. Bailin' on Lou
(4:44)  7. 323 Shuter
(5:14)  8. Cyclaman
(5:20)  9. The Pour

Everything's Coming Up Weeds, the 50th release from the Cellar Live stable, is a stellar recording featuring an extraordinary quintet. At first blush, it recalls the energy and fervor of wonderful Benny Golson bands and, if the memory can be stretched a wee bit further, also some memorable sessions of Jazztet or even a Jazz Messengers middle passage. The date is led by the big tenor sound of Cory Weeds saxophonist, broadcaster, jazz impresario extraordinaire and owner of Canada's leading West Coast nightspot, The Cellar Restaurant and Jazz Club. There is also excellent work from pianist Ross Taggart, trumpeter Jim Rotundi, bassist John Webber and drummer Willie Jones III.  There are several remarkable aspects to this record. First, the writing of the originals is of the very highest order. The music is wonderfully crafted with an extraordinary ear for tonal colors and rhythmic textures, whether it is a blues such as Taggart's "BB's Blue Blues," which appears to be an oblique tribute to Thelonious Monk, or an exotic narrative from Rotundi, "Biru Kirusai," which is almost a title in Bunga Emas (the language of Malaysia) and conjures up images of the sights and smells of exquisite Southeast Asia. The highlight, of course, is Weed's writing, which is mature and exquisitely crafted, with a fine sense of the sonority and sliding elegance of the tenor saxophone. On his "Little Known One," Weeds paints sonic images of Dexter Gordon. And like Gordon, Weeds is able to bend his fat sound to practically cry at the most tender moments of the song.

On Frank Loesser's "I've Never Been in Love Before," Cory Weeds establishes his mastery over the ballad, digging deep into his horn an extracting a genuine, glowing warmth that few tenor saxophonists today have been able to summon, even in balladry. Weeds also exhibits remarkable command of the bebop rhythm with his "Bailin' On You" and "323 Shuter." His chart, "The Pour," sounds like a classic tune from a Jazz Messengers songbook. But make no mistake, this is all Cory Weeds. This is, in fact, the second remarkable aspect of this record. It is bursting with ideas and superb expression. Few small ensembles playing today complement each other with sensitivity to each other's sound. It is like an Duke Ellington band, where each of the players, like alchemists, forge tones that meld into one another. The interplay is almost seamless, with Taggart's "Cyclaman" and Weeds' "The Pour" bringing that molten sound of the quintet to sublime fruition. This is also a wonderfully tongue-in-cheek title: Everything's Coming Up Weeds. If anything, there is jazz in full bloom here, end-to-end. ~ Raul D’Gama Rose https://www.allaboutjazz.com/everythings-coming-up-weeds-cory-weeds-cellar-live-review-by-raul-dgama-rose.php

Personnel: Cory Weeds: tenor saxophone; Jim Rotundi: trumpet; Ross Taggart: piano; John Webber: acoustic bass; Willie Jones III: drums.

Everything's Coming Up Weeds

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Cory Weeds Quintet - It's Easy To Remember

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:57
Size: 121,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:16)  1. With Prestige
(5:54)  2. Emily
(5:47)  3. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(5:42)  4. Expose
(5:24)  5. Candy Man
(5:53)  6. It's Easy To Remember
(6:06)  7. Bossa For All
(5:56)  8. Kelp
(5:55)  9. The Mabe

A tenor saxophonist with an expressive sound rooted in Jazz tradition, a label owner tirelessly documenting unsung Jazz heroes, one of Canada’s most important Jazz impresarios, the hardest-working man in Jazz business – Cory Weeds is all of these things, and much more. Weeds may be best known as the founder and owner of Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver, which he successfully ran for more than 13 years. Weeds built the Cellar to become one of North America’s best Jazz clubs, where masters such as George Coleman, Jeff Hamilton, Louis Hayes, David “Fathead” Newman, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and the finest Jazz musicians from Vancouver and across Canada performed before it closed in February 2014. But he wasn’t just the club owner. As a saxophonist who studied at the University of North Texas and Capilano College, Weeds spent many nights on the Cellar bandstand as a leader and sideman. He held his own when performing with icons like Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride. Weeds has also recorded eleven albums as a leader, including: It’s Easy To Remember (with David Hazeltine, Joe Magnarelli, Paul Gill and Jason Tiemann)  This Happy Madnes, (with The Jeff Hamilton Trio),  Condition Blue, The Music Of Jackie McLean (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth)., As Of Now(with the Harold Mabern Trio), Let’s Go (with Steve Davis), the Juno-nominated Up A Step(Cory Weeds Quartet), With Benefits (with Lewis Nash and Peter Washington), Just Like That(with the Tilden Webb Trio), The Many Deeds of Cory Weeds (with Joey DeFrancesco),Everything’s Coming Up Weeds (with Jim Rotondi), and Big Weeds (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth).

While the Cellar is now a happy memory, the record label Weeds established in 2001 is alive and well. Cellar Live has put out over 100 recordings, including many that have spent extensive time on the JazzWeek charts, with many more releases planned. In addition to playing on numerous sessions, Weeds has also served as producer on more than 80 recordings. On the presentation front, Weeds is employed full-time by Coastal Jazz & Blues (the producers of the annual TD International Jazz Festival) where he serves as Programming Manager for Clubs & Special Projects. Cory Weeds Presents also presents music all over the city at various venues including The Italian Cultural Center, Hycroft at The University Women’s Club and Blue Frog Studios in White Rock. Beyond Vancouver, Weeds has a strong affinity with New York City. He brought so many of the Jazz mecca’s top players to his club, and has performed, toured, and recorded with many of them. Tapping in to his insider knowledge of the New York scene, he has led the New York With Weeds tour to NYC four times. Weeds leads about 40 Jazz lovers on each tour to Jazz clubs off the beaten track and private recording sessions. The sixth tour in March 2016 sold out in record time and 2017 will see the group head to Chicago, Illinois. Finally, Weeds has also worked as an educator, leading the BC Music Educators Association’s Honour Ensemble, giving clinics, and teaching privately. He has also been a Jazz disc jockey on Vancouver Co-Op Radio. http://coryweeds.com/bio/

Personnel:  Cory Weeds - tenor saxophone, Joe Magnarelli - trumpet, David Hazeltine - piano, Paul Gill - bass, Jason Tiemann - drums

It's Easy To Remember

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Cory Weeds - As of Now

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:41
Size: 121,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:54)  1. Rakin' and Scrapin'
(5:37)  2. Art Blakey, Art Blakey
(5:11)  3. Everybody Loves a Lover
(3:48)  4. Have You Met Joan
(5:50)  5. Lost in the Stars
(6:17)  6. Edward Lee
(5:26)  7. Jamaica Plum Jam
(7:11)  8. Pop Goes the Weasel
(6:24)  9. Aon

A tenor saxophonist with an expressive sound rooted in Jazz tradition, a label owner tirelessly documenting unsung Jazz heroes, one of Canada’s most important Jazz impresarios, the hardest–working man in Jazz business Cory Weeds is all of these things, and much more. Weeds may be best known as the founder and owner of Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver, which he successfully ran for more than 13 years. Weeds built the Cellar to become one of North America’s best Jazz clubs, where masters such as George Coleman, Jeff Hamilton, Louis Hayes, David "Fathead" Newman, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and the finest Jazz musicians from Vancouver and across Canada performed before it closed in February 2014.

But he wasn’t just the club owner. As a saxophonist who studied at the University of North Texas and Capilano College, Weeds spent many nights on the Cellar bandstand as a leader and sideman. He held his own when performing with icons like Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride. Weeds has also recorded nine albums as a leader, including: Condition Blue, The Music Of Jackie McLean (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth)., As Of Now(with the Harold Mabern Trio), Let’s Go (with Steve Davis), the Juno nominated Up A Step(Cory Weeds Quartet), With Benefits (with Lewis Nash and Peter Washington), Just Like That(with the Tilden Webb Trio), The Many Deeds of Cory Weeds (with Joey DeFrancesco),Everything’s Coming Up Weeds (with Jim Rotondi), and Big Weeds (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth). In November 2016 Weeds will release his 10th album: Happy Madness was recorded in L.A. in collaboration with The Jeff Hamilton Trio. While the Cellar is now a happy memory, the record label Weeds established in 2001 is alive and well. Cellar Live has put out close to 100 recordings, including many that have spent extensive time on the JazzWeek charts, with many more releases planned. In addition to playing on numerous sessions, Weeds has also served as producer on more than 80 recordings.

On the presentation front, Weeds founded a new non–profit organization: the Cellar Jazz Society. Dedicated to fostering public education, understanding, and appreciation of Jazz by presenting performances at public venues and educational institutions. CJS did exactly that by presenting its inaugural series of Jazz concerts in April 2014 at Pyatt Hall, a state–of–the–art theatre in downtown Vancouver. The society has since been put on hold as it joins forces with Coastal Jazz to present The Cellar Jazz Series.Weeds is also programming Jazz at the renowned Francesco’s Restaurant on Burrard Street and a monthly series at The Italian Cultural Center as well as presenting concerts at various other venues around Vancouver under Cory Weeds Presents.Beyond Vancouver, Weeds has a strong affinity with New York City. He brought so many of the Jazz mecca’s top players to his club, and has performed, toured, and recorded with many of them. Tapping in to his insider knowledge of the New York scene, he has led the New York With Weeds tour to NYC four times. Weeds leads about 40 Jazz lovers on each tour to Jazz clubs off the beaten track and private recording sessions. The sixth tour will happen in March 2016.

Finally, Weeds has also worked as an educator, leading the BC Music Educators Association’s Honour Ensemble, giving clinics, and teaching privately. He has also been a Jazz disc jockey on Vancouver Co-Op Radio.  http://www.turnerentertainmentgroup.com/coryweeds.html
 

Personnel:  Cory Weeds: Tenor Saxophone;  Harold Mabern: Piano;  John Webber: Acoustic Bass;  Joe Farnsworth: Drums

As of Now

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The Cory Weeds Quintet featuring Steve Davis - Let's Go

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@VBR ~245K/s
Time: 73:14
Size: 128,7 MB
Art: Front

( 7:25)  1. Tonk
( 9:31)  2. Something Borrowed, Something Blue
( 7:54)  3. Rabbit Run
( 9:14)  4. Thinking of You
( 7:22)  5. Not So Solid
( 9:01)  6. Younger Than Springtime
( 4:41)  7. Let's Go!
( 6:40)  8. Tetracosmos
(11:22)  9. Close To Home

A tenor saxophonist with an expressive sound rooted in Jazz tradition, a label owner tirelessly documenting unsung Jazz heroes, one of Canada’s most important Jazz impresarios, the hardest-working man in Jazz business Cory Weeds is all of these things, and much more. Weeds may be best known as the founder and owner of Cory Weeds’ Cellar Jazz Club in Vancouver, which he successfully ran for more than 13 years. Weeds built the Cellar to become one of North America’s best Jazz clubs, where masters such as George Coleman, Jeff Hamilton, Louis Hayes, David “Fathead” Newman, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and the finest Jazz musicians from Vancouver and across Canada performed before it closed in February 2014.

But he wasn’t just the club owner. As a saxophonist who studied at the University of North Texas and Capilano College, Weeds spent many nights on the Cellar bandstand as a leader and sideman. He held his own when performing with icons like Joey DeFrancesco and Christian McBride. Weeds has also recorded nine albums as a leader, including: Condition Blue, The Music Of Jackie McLean (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth)., As Of Now(with the Harold Mabern Trio), Let’s Go (with Steve Davis), the Juno-nominated Up A Step(Cory Weeds Quartet), With Benefits (with Lewis Nash and Peter Washington), Just Like That(with the Tilden Webb Trio), The Many Deeds of Cory Weeds (with Joey DeFrancesco),Everything’s Coming Up Weeds (with Jim Rotondi), and Big Weeds (with Peter Bernstein, Mike LeDonne, and Joe Farnsworth). In November 2o16 Weeds will release his 10th album: Happy Madness was recorded in L.A. in collaboration with The Jeff Hamilton Trio.

While the Cellar is now a happy memory, the record label Weeds established in 2001 is alive and well. Cellar Live has put out close to 100 recordings, including many that have spent extensive time on the JazzWeek charts, with many more releases planned. In addition to playing on numerous sessions, Weeds has also served as producer on more than 80 recordings.On the presentation front, Weeds founded a new non-profit organization: the Cellar Jazz Society. Dedicated to fostering public education, understanding, and appreciation of Jazz by presenting performances at public venues and educational institutions. CJS did exactly that by presenting its inaugural series of Jazz concerts in April 2014 at Pyatt Hall, a state-of-the-art theatre in downtown Vancouver. The society has since been put on hold as it joins forces with Coastal Jazz to present The Cellar Jazz Series.

Weeds is also programming Jazz at the renowned Francesco’s Restaurant on Burrard Street and a monthly series at The Italian Cultural Center as well as presenting concerts at various other venues around Vancouver under Cory Weeds Presents Beyond Vancouver, Weeds has a strong affinity with New York City. He brought so many of the Jazz mecca’s top players to his club, and has performed, toured, and recorded with many of them. Tapping in to his insider knowledge of the New York scene, he has led the New York With Weeds tour to NYC four times. Weeds leads about 40 Jazz lovers on each tour to Jazz clubs off the beaten track and private recording sessions. The sixth tour will happen in March 2016. Finally, Weeds has also worked as an educator, leading the BC Music Educators Association’s Honour Ensemble, giving clinics, and teaching privately. He has also been a Jazz disc jockey on Vancouver Co-Op Radio. http://coryweeds.com/bio/

Personnel:  Cory Weeds: Tenor Saxophone / Steve Davis: Trombone / Tilden Webb: Piano / Ken Lister: Acoustic Bass / Jesse Cahill: Drums

Let's Go

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Cory Weeds - Condition Blue: The Music Of Jackie McLean

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:28
Size: 141,0 MB
Art: Front

(5:25)  1. Condition Blue
(6:04)  2. Slumber
(6:35)  3. Capuchin Swing
(5:52)  4. My Old Flame
(5:42)  5. 'Snuff
(5:21)  6. Marilyn's Dilemma
(6:04)  7. Das Dat
(6:05)  8. Jacknife
(7:42)  9. Bluesanova
(6:33) 10. Blues In a Jiff

Jackie McLean was a hard-bop alto saxophonist with a fiery tight tone, who recorded extensively in the ‘50s and ‘60s mainly with Blue Note Records. Although his forays with an organ was confined to two albums with Jimmy Smith Open House and Plain Talk, Cory Weeds’ decision to use an organ on this session does not stray off the mark. Condition Blue accomplishes the band’s intention, to acknowledge a saxophonist who had an exploratory vision. In a set list of either McLean originals, or compositions associated with him, this tight-knit band delivers the goods in firm, yet flexible style. The key players in this session in addition, to the cooly effective altoist Weeds, are Mike LeDonne, a B-3 player of energetic disposition, and creative guitarist Peter Bernstein. Also along is drummer Joe Farnsworth who is a propulsive player.

The session begins with the title track “Condition Blue” which is one of McLean’s own compositions. From the getgo, this is a hard swinger with Weeds doggedly self-assured,  Bernstein then following in an unfussy fashion, before LeDonne briskly adds his voice. Another McLean original is “Capuchin Swing” which along with the previous number comes from McLean’s album of the same name for Blue Note in 1960. Driven by Farnsworth’s quicksilver drumming, Bernstein sets the pace with a long sinewy solo, after which Weeds shows that he is a skilfully inspired player. Not to be outdone, LeDonne  chimes in with some bopish phrasing.

“My Old Flame” is offered in a relaxed groove, with Weeds running through the melody before Bernstein picks up the bridge, and Weeds again completes the theme, before taking off in solo mode. Throughout the number, the band shows that they can play with uncomplicated cohesion. The two other McLean originals are “‘Snuff” and “ Das Dat”. On the former, the number starts off with some intricate interplay between Weeds and Bernstein, before Weeds expands the theme with a sure-footed solo. Bernstein then slides into an incisive improvisation, with LeDonne swirling around on the B-3. On the latter composition, the band finds an earthiness in the structure of the tune, that inundates the music with fluency. Of the remaining tracks, one of the more interesting is “Bluesanova” written by Lee Morgan, that appeared on McLean’s album Consequence, on which he shared the front line with trumpeter Morgan.  The band pitches their interpretation with a bossa nova time signature, coupled with a hard-bop line, and some soul-jazz thrown in for good measure. All in all, the band shows that they are sympathetic and sophisticated collaborators.~ Pierre Giroux http://audaud.com/2015/07/cory-weeds-condition-blue-the-music-of-jackie-mclean-cellar-live/

Personnel: Cory Weeds (alto saxophone); Peter Bernstein (guitar); Mike LeDonne (Hammond b-3 organ); Joe Farnsworth (drums)

Condition Blue: The Music Of Jackie McLean

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Cory Weeds Quartet - Big Weeds

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:30
Size: 154,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:35)  1. Darben the redd foxx
( 8:31)  2. Corrupted Mango
( 9:29)  3. For Fathead
( 6:29)  4. Blossoms In May
( 7:55)  5. It's Only a Paper Moon
( 9:07)  6. Simply Said
(10:41)  7. No Bull
( 7:39)  8. Modal Issue

Big Weeds could well herald the return of the big, bad saxophone. Its protagonist, Cory Weeds, blazes his masterful way through a monstrous set, alternating on tenor and alto. And in one fell swoop, Weeds joins the ranks of the instrument's great storytellers. On tenor he is as bold and dramatic as Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins. On the smaller and more sensuous alto, he is a younger version of (when he is racy) David "Fathead" Newman or, at times, as wry and ironic as Lee Konitz even puckish like Paul Desmond. And so, in acquitting himself with aplomb on tenor and alto, Weeds gives notice that he has a soulful understanding of both horns no mean achievement, by any saxophonist's standards.

Now here is another thing: Not only does Weeds play two horns so subtly different from each other unlike, say, tenor and soprano but he can make each horn bend to his will. So if he is playing a ballad, as he does so memorably on this record, or if he is roaring through a racy straight-ahead bop-ish tune, he simply 'becomes' the horn he is playing. His innate ability to inhabit the soul of a song is near perfect and this leads him to an exquisite sense of phrasing and pace. For instance Ol' Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, can almost be heard as Weeds 'sings' his way through "Blossoms in May," a tender chart dedicated to his wife. On "For Fathead," a more obvious tribute to Newman, he is shy and respectful as he dances around his homage; it's almost possible to see the saxophonist approach an idol with great diffidence.

That Weeds wrote both the above charts is a testament to his prowess as a songwriter as well. It is not, after all, about form, but more so about subtlety and nuance. And here Weeds is in great company as well. The mighty Mike LeDonne joins Weeds on Hammond B3, Peter Bernstein is added on guitar and Joe Farnsworth holds down the drum chair. Together this is a band that locks tight on James Moody's relatively little-known classic, "Darben the Redd Foxx." And their interpretation of "It's Only a Paper Moon" is wonderfully exhilarating. LeDonne, better known for his piano work for Benny Golson, is often spare yet wholesome on B3 especially on "Corrupted Mango," that oblique reference to the chord changes on Sonny Rollins' "St Thomas," while on "Simply Said," he opens up the organ in heartfelt wails and moans like no other B3 organist does not even the great Joey DeFrancesco. Farnsworth plays with wonderful taste and lyricism throughout.

It is hard to believe that this is Cory Weeds' first record as a leader. This is real old school 'saxophonism' at its very best by a saxophonist about whom much will be heard in the years to come. And it features music that will echo in a room long after the notes of the last bar fades. ~ Raul D’Gama Rose http://www.allaboutjazz.com/big-weeds-cory-weeds-cellar-live-review-by-raul-dgama-rose.php

Personnel: Cory Weeds: alto and tenor saxophone; Mike LeDonne: Hammond B3; Peter Bernstein: guitar; Joe Farnsworth: drums.

Big Weeds

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Cory Weeds - Up A Step: The Music Of Hank Mobley

Size: 139,5 MB
Time: 60:22
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2012
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. A Dab Of This And That (7:25)
02. Up Over And Out (7:13)
03. Bossa For Baby (6:10)
04. Baptist Beat (8:30)
05. Up A Step (8:06)
06. I See Your Face Before Me (8:28)
07. Straight, No Filter (6:34)
08. Perfectly Hank (7:53)

Featuring Cory Weeds, tenor saxophone / Oliver Gannon, guitar / Mike LeDonne, Hammond B3 organ / Jesse Cahill, drums

Last fall, the Vancouver, B.C.-based tenor saxophonist Cory Weeds (b.1973) began planning this CD–his fifth as a leader. “Over a number of years,” says Weeds, “I’ve gotten to know (the New York-based pianist and organist) Mike LeDonne (b.1956) as a friend,” he explains, “and we’ve played together a lot. I’ve booked him at my jazz club in Vancouver (Weeds, of course, owns The Cellar there) several times. And I recorded my first CD as a leader (2008's BIG WEEDS, Cellar Live CLO11308) with him (and Peter Bernstein and Joe Farnsworth). So I decided to bring him to The Cellar for two nights, put together a little tour for right after that–two nights in Bellingham (Washington), two in Seattle, and two in Edmonton–and the last night of the tour, do a live record.”
But, from there, Weeds was in the weeds. “I needed an original concept for the album,” he says. “Then I talked to Mike (LeDonne), and he suggested doing an album of Hank Mobley tunes. And I thought that was a fantastic idea, but I wanted to avoid things like ‘This I Dig of You,’ which has been recorded a lot…So I started looking up what Hank had written…”Weeds immediately zeroed in on one of his favorite Mobley songs: “A Baptist Beat,” from Mobley’s 1960 album ROLL CALL. And, LeDonne singled out five others: “A Dab Of This And That” and “Bossa For Baby” from Mobley’s 1967 date FAR AWAY LANDS; “Up A Step,” from Mobley’s 1963 LP NO ROOM FOR SQUARES; “Up, Over And Out” from the 1968 Mobley album REACH OUT; and “Straight No Filter,” from Mobley’s LP of the same name (recorded in 1963, but unreleased until 1985). Then, the two agreed on a Weeds choice, the Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz ballad “I See Your Face Before Me,” from the 1937 Broadway show BETWEEN THE DEVIL–recorded by Mobley on his 1965 album DIPPIN’, as well as by John Coltrane, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Hartman and Miles Davis–and a blues, LeDonne’s own “Perfectly Hank.” And, the organist went to work writing arrangements.

Up A Step

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