Eddie Henderson - Shuffle and Deal

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Size: 135,2 MB
Time: 59:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2020
Art: Front

1. Shuffle and Deal (5:30)
2. Flight Path (5:15)
3. Over the Rainbow (8:11)
4. By Any Means (3:15)
5. Cook's Bay (7:19)
6. It Might as Well Be Spring (9:22)
7. Boom (4:04)
8. God Bless the Child (6:53)
9. Burnin' (4:56)
10. Smile (4:13)

Heading into his 80th birthday, Eddie Henderson issues Shuffle And Deal a material addition to his vast oeuvre of leader dates. The album builds on several long-term creative relationships fostered during the trumpeter’s prolific career. He returns to the studio with practically the same winning lineup from his 2018 release, Be Cool, and daughter Cava Menzies and wife Natsuko Henderson again contribute compositions. Most notably, though, the aesthetic pull of the album derives from Henderson’s deep affinity with freakishly empathic pianist Kenny Barron.

The word “shuffle” is a play on the groove of the title cut a sophisticated, Miles Davis-inspired composition Henderson penned for the album but also describes the recurrence of tunes from his and his players’ established repertoire. Henderson includes two Barron compositions: “Flight Path,” a fervent, melodic imperative, and the charming Latin medium-tempo “Cook’s Bay.” There’s also altoist Donald Harrison’s “Burnin’” and four lovingly polished standards recognizable ballads rendered all the more touching alongside the rambunctious originals.

Besides Henderson’s own pieces, two other tunes are all-new with this release. Menzies’ clever, mixed-meter “By Any Means” delights with its clean horn lines and irresistible harmonic undertow, and Natsuko Henderson’s neo-soul “Boom” featuring Mike Clark’s high-velocity drumming sparkles with intensity.

But it is Henderson’s clarion trumpeting that guides the crush of talent on this album. His musical wisdom, gleaned during decades spent on the best jazz bandstands, informs every unerring note.By Suzanne Lorge
https://downbeat.com/reviews/detail/shuffle-and-deal

Personnel: Eddie Henderson, trumpet; Donald Harrison, alto saxophone; Kenny Barron, piano; Gerald Cannon, bass; Mike Clark, drums.

Shuffle and Deal

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Eddie Henderson - Witness to History

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2023
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:00
Size: 128,7 MB
Art: Front

(7:02) 1. Scorpio Rising
(8:35) 2. Why Not?
(7:40) 3. Sweet and Lovely
(8:45) 4. It Never Entered My Mind
(5:21) 5. Freedom Jazz Dance
(5:02) 6. I'm Gonna Miss You, My Darling
(7:04) 7. Totem Pole
(6:27) 8. Born to Be Blue

Make no mistake: it is the hot buttered soul, "Shaft"-like theme of "Scorpio Rising" that first snags one's attention. But once snagged, the old cool sets in and Witness To History, trumpeter Eddie Henderson's self curated soundtrack, unwinds with a wicked fervor. A deep, wicked joy.

Henderson who has pretty much seen it all from the impulsive, jazz rock Realization (Capricorn, 1973) through The Cookers to the still palpable Shuffle and Deal (Smoke Avenue, 2020) looks back for a PBS documentary due for release in early 2024 and knows for sure he has had a good run. He then intuitively and soulfully gathers a few wily and confident cohorts and it is away to the races.

But it is not that frantic metro influencer gallop for this crew. Not by any means. These cats are all pure blue, after-hours shuffle. Because not only is Henderson, now in his eighty-third orbit, at a zenith in said orbit, ditto that of Donald Harrison's blue venue sax and George Cables' pianistic touch. Splice all that in with the interstitial elasticity of bassist Gerald Cannon and drummers Lenny White andMike Clark and "Scorpio Rising" becomes an infectious roll through the back alleys of late 1970s urban noir. The liquid gold of "I Am Going to Miss You, My Darling," written by the trumpeter's wife, beautifully occurs.

It is very hard to learn that everyone should lay back on the groove, but to this group it is a banner taken into battle. A badge of honor. Witness To History is full of badges and banners. First heard on Lee Morgan's eventful The Sidewinder (Blue Note, 1964), "Totem Pole" holds all the flash and slink of the original but with its own immediate vibe. Cables' jumpy "Why Not" is a slow steamer highlighted by trumpet and saxophone punching the air. As it should be, "Sweet and Lovely" is all trad jazz with Cannon in the lead.

Maybe when and if it all becomes accountable, Witness To History does not stand the test of time. Maybe it does. The same can be said for all and any of us. But that does not make Witness To History any less of great record. In fact it just being makes it all that much better.By Mike Jurkovic https://www.allaboutjazz.com/witness-to-history-eddie-henderson-smoke-sessions-records__22447

Personnel: Eddie Henderson - trumpet; Donald Harrison - saxophone, alto; George Cables - piano; Lenny White - drums ; Gerald Cannon - bass

Witness to History

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Ed Wiley, Jr. - Sassy

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:45
Size: 135,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:15)  1. Room 608
(5:28)  2. Stretchin' Out
(4:07)  3. Sassy
(6:41)  4. Little Girl Blue
(4:50)  5. Lazarus
(8:29)  6. No Greater Love
(3:08)  7. Max The Maximum
(4:17)  8. Billy Boy
(5:13)  9. Do You Know A Good Thing When You See One?
(4:51) 10. Blues For Duane
(2:20) 11. Here, There And Everywhere
(4:00) 12. Sassy - (Alternate Take)

One of the tracks on Sassy, the Lennon-McCartney tune “Here, There and Everywhere,” says much about Ed Wiley’s fourth release for Swing Records. The album was compiled from three sessions recorded between 1999 and 2000 in Brooklyn, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and mixed in two Washington, D. C., studios. Not surprisingly the results are uneven. To Wiley’s credit, the one constant is his big, soulful Texas tenor. The other constants, despite an occasional clash of styles, include the adventurous minds of trumpeter Nicolas Payton, pianist Sir Roland Hanna and guitarist Mark Whitfield. Compare styles in the two versions of the title tune-a truly sassy line-that Wiley wrote in honor of Sarah Vaughan. B-3 organist Joey DeFrancesco propels the first version, while the second, lower and slower, relies on Whitfield’s guitar, but that soul-filled, down-home cushion is missing. Elsewhere, “Room 608,” a tricky bop line by Horace Silver, finds alto player Donald Harrison stealing some of the thunder from Wiley. 

It’s not meant to be a cutting session; Wiley is consistently generous with stretch-out room for his sidemen. “Lazarus” is interesting in that it begins with solos and ends with the written head for the ensemble. Included in four front lines is trombonist Al Grey, but he solos only on “No Greater Love.” Good to hear his Vic Dickenson inspired humor, but also bittersweet: he died before the CD was released. Overall, Wiley can be proud of this release, but he shouldn’t stray too far from his roots. ~ Harvey Siders https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/ed-wiley-jr-sassy/

Personnel: Ed Wiley Jr. - tenor saxophone; Roland Hanna - piano; Paul Bollenback - guitar; Al Grey - trombone; Nicholas Payton - trumpet; Donald Harrison - alto saxophone; Carl Allen - drums; Davey Yarborough - tenor saxophone.

Sassy

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Art Blakey And The Jazz Messengers - Oh-By The Way

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1982
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:08
Size: 101,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:30)  1. Oh-By The Way
(6:01)  2. Duck Soup
(4:54)  3. Tropical Breeze
(5:20)  4. One By One
(7:09)  5. Sudan Blue
(8:15)  6. My Funny Valetine
(5:56)  7. Alicia

When the Marsalis Brothers left The Jazz Messengers in early 1982, Wynton suggested that Art Blakey take a close listen to trumpeter Terence Blanchard (then 19) and 21-year old altoist Donald Harrison. The drummer took his advice, and after also adding young pianist Johnny O'Neal, Blakey soon had an exciting new version of The Jazz Messengers. Tenor saxophonist Bill Pierce and bassist Charles Fambrough were still present from the older band for this excellent LP. In the Blakey tradition, this set has five new compositions from bandmembers in addition to Wayne Shorter's "One by One" and the standard "My Funny Valentine"; the music is a fine example of high-quality hard bop.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/oh-by-the-way-mw0000526449

Personnel: Art Blakey (drums); Donald Harrison (alto saxophone); Bill Pierce (tenor saxophone); Terence Blanchard (trumpet); Johnny O'Neal (piano).

Oh-By The Way

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The Headhunters - On Top - Live In Europe Disc 1, Disc 2

Album: On Top - Live In Europe Disc 1

Styles: Jazz Funk
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:15
Size: 145,9 MB
Art: Front

( 7:56)  1. 4 String Drive
(10:44)  2. Swamp Thing
( 9:56)  3. Sly
(11:51)  4. Watermelon Man
( 9:10)  5. Loft Funk
(13:35)  6. Butterfly

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Album: On Top - Live In Europe Disc 2

Time: 22:06

Size: 51,5 MB

(8:01)  1. Neckbones

(4:26)  2. 4 String Drive - Radio Edit

(1:22)  3. God Make Me Funky

(5:22)  4. Butterfly - Radio Mix

(2:53)  5. Shekere Elegua

It's been said that true funk can be imitated but never duplicated. But in the case of the Headhunters's 2 CD live recording On Top, the band named after Herbie Hancock's 1973 groundbreaking release, Head Hunters (Columbia) continues to uphold the groove. Master percussionist Bill Summers, one of the original members since the 1970s, has kept the essence of Hancock's music alive through various releases including 2003's Evolution Revolution (Basin Street Records). Recorded in Paris, France, this live document also includes another longtime band member Mike Clark (drums) and newer members TM Stevens (bass), Mark Shim (saxophone), Jerry Z (keyboards), and saxophonist Donald Harrison on one track. The unrelenting performance engages an enthusiastic European audience in a wild party atmosphere (in contrast to typical U.S. jazz concerts); the music is a throwback to the sounds of James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and other funk progenitors. Heavy beats, thumping electric bass, iced keyboards, and intense solos are all part of the flow on tracks that include "Swamp Thing" and a most serious cover of "Sly" from Hancock's 1973 recording. Clark's drumming is superlative and Stevens's impressive bass work rivals the playing of three more renowned power bassists Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, and Victor Wooten's Thunder (Heads Up International, 2008). Jerry Z's groovy keyboarding and Shim's deep toned saxophone echoes the voices of Hancock's dazzling keys and Maupin's sinewy bass clarinet on earlier collaborations. Shim is of particular note, bringing not only Maceo Parker soulfulness but also avant-groove chops on "Loft Funk." Summers is like an African jazz/funk griot performing, engaging, and teaching where one of the highlights includes his famous bottle-whistling on the classic "Watermelon Man" as he instructs the audience on the melody's introduction. Another is the ever-smooth "Butterfly" featuring Donald Harrison's splendid horn. The second disk retreads a couple of radio-edit tracks but makes up for them with more live music and an eight minute bonus video of a performance in Bobigny, France. Fusion or jam band, old school or new school, for anyone else who digs da funk, this is the real deal.  ~ Mark F.Turner https://www.allaboutjazz.com/on-top-live-in-europe-headhunters-bhm-productions-review-by-mark-f-turner.php

Personnel: Mike Clark: drums; Mark Shim: saxophone; T.M. Stevens: bass, vocals; Bill Summers: percussion; Jerry Z: keyboards; Donald Harrison: saxophone.

On Top - Live In Europe Disc 1, Disc 2

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Irvin Mayfield - How Passion Falls

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:08
Size: 143,6 MB
Art: Front

( 8:33)  1. The Illusion
( 6:49)  2. Adam & Eve
( 6:46)  3. The Obsession
( 6:18)  4. Othello & Desdemona
( 8:29)  5. The Denial
( 2:57)  6. Romeo & Juliet
( 4:35)  7. The Affair
( 7:27)  8. David & Bathsheba
(10:11)  9. The Reality

How Passion Falls is Mayfield's second CD on Basin Street Records and it can hold its own with all the mainstream jazz that has been released in recent memory. The album contains ten original compositions (one track is "hidden" at the end) and deals with love and romance (what else, with a title like How Passion Falls). One of the most interesting things about this album is the song sequence. It could be called a jazz-opera because the tracks are ordered in a sort of acts and scenes format. It is a take, if you will, on the boy meets girl theme (with Biblical and Shakespearean overtones). The titles, in order, are: "The Illusion," "Adam & Eve," "The Obsession," "Othello & Desdemona," "The Affair," "The Denial," "Romeo & Juliet," "David & Bathsheba," and "The Reality." While not every love story features the betrayal of "The Affair" and "David & Bathsheba," let's give Mayfield some leeway. This CD does a wonderful job of displaying the talents and musicianship of its players. The interaction of bassist Edwin Livingston, drummer Jaz Sawyer and pianist Richard Johnson together with Mayfield's trumpet is mesmerizing. The interaction of the quartet with percussionist Bill Summers and saxophonist Aaron Fletcher on "Adam & Eve" is Latin-tinged blues-jazz at its finest. Delfeayo Marsalis (who also produced the album) plays on trombone on "The Denial." Other guests include Ellis Marsalis (no, he's not another brother; yes, he's Wynton, Branford and Delfeayo's father) on piano on "Romeo & Juliet," and saxophonist Donald Harrison, who is featured on "David & Bathsheba." The best track is "The Denial" with its call/response musical movement and its funk bass. This track really catches a groove and grabs the listener. The entire album has the feel and mysticism that could only be created in New Orleans by New Orleans musicians. Every selection finds a blues-soaked jazz/funk groove that is driven by African rhythms and Latin undertones. Only in New Orleans could this musical gumbo of styles be meshed into one cohesive broth. The CD also has enhanced CD-ROM capabilities which feature Wynton Marsalis in a video commentary and extensive liner notes. This is one well crafted album and lavishly produced package. It's a winner  through and through.~ Mike Perciaccante https://www.allaboutjazz.com/how-passion-falls-irvin-mayfield-basin-street-records-review-by-mike-perciaccante.php

Personnel: Ellis Marsalis - Piano; Bill Summers - Bata; Donald Harrison - Sax (Alto); Richard Johnson - Piano; Delfeayo Marsalis - Trombone; Edwin Livingston - Bass; Irvin Mayfield - Trumpet; Aaron Fletcher - Sax (Alto); Sax (Soprano) ; Jaz Sawyer - Drums 

How Passion Falls

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Terence Blanchard & Donald Harrison - New York Second Line

Styles: Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:39
Size: 79,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:22)  1. New York Second Line
(5:24)  2. Oliver's Twist
(3:28)  3. I Can't Get Started
(3:42)  4. Duck Steps
(6:05)  5. Doctor Drums
(3:46)  6. Isn't It So?
(7:50)  7. Subterfuge

Trumpeter Terence Blanchard and altoist Donald Harrison were both still members of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers when they co-led this colorful set; they would break away to form their own group in early 1986. "New York Second Line," which sounds like a crazy marching band and is an eccentric tribute to the co-leaders New Orleans heritage, is the most memorable selection but all of the group originals plus "I Can't Get Started" are given inventive treatment. With pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Lonnie Plaxico and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, this was a particularly strong early effort by Blanchard and Harrison. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-york-second-line-mw0000187728

Personnel:  Terence Blanchard – Trumpet;  Donald Harrison -Alto Saxaphone;  Mulgrew Miller -Pianist;  Lonnie Plaxico – Bassist;  Marvin “Smitty”Smith – Drummer

New York Second Line

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Donald Harrison, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham - New York Cool

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:24
Size: 146,5 MB
Art: Front

(10:51)  1. Body and Soul
(10:28)  2. Harrisburg Address
( 8:39)  3. Easy Living
( 9:31)  4. I'll Remember April
(10:34)  5. Star Eyes
( 8:32)  6. Third Plane
( 4:46)  7. Blues For Happy People

Altoist Donald Harrison gained his initial fame in the late '70s when he was a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, following that up by co-leading a notable quintet with trumpeter Terence Blanchard. Although he never quite became a poll winner or a major influential force, Harrison has always been a solid improviser. New York Cool moves his career up a notch and is one of his finest recordings to date. Reuniting in 2005 with bassist Ron Carter and drummer Billy Cobham (the trio had recorded Heroes for the Nagel Heyer label in 2002), Harrison and his sidemen constantly challenge each other, with each of the musicians feeling free to set the direction of the performances. The repertoire is comprised of "Body and Soul," "Harrisburg Address" (based on "I Got Rhythm"), "Easy Living," "I'll Remember April," "Star Eyes," Ron Carter's "Third Plane" (which deserves to become a standard), and the medium-tempo "Blues for Happy People." The musicians feed off each other's ideas and their interplay is full of subtle surprises and unpredictable moments. New York Cool demonstrates that there is plenty of life still to be found in bebop standards when they are played in creative fashion. Highly recommended.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-york-cool-live-at-the-blue-note-mw0000349623

Personnel:  Donald Harrison - alto saxophone;  Ron Carter - bass;  Billy Cobham - drums.

New York Cool

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Donald Harrison - The Burners

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 113:09
Size: 259.0 MB
Styles: New Orleans jazz, Saxophone jazz
Year: 2009
Art: Front

[5:18] 1. Playa Haters
[4:17] 2. Oleo
[5:43] 3. Keep The Faith
[5:54] 4. One Of A Kind
[7:59] 5. Double Trouble
[4:41] 6. Free Style
[6:04] 7. Get Your Swerve
[6:43] 8. So What
[8:01] 9. Well You Needn't
[7:03] 10. Free To Be
[8:46] 11. The Survivor
[9:05] 12. The Hook Up
[7:39] 13. Nouveau Swing
[6:58] 14. Mr. PC
[6:00] 15. Drum Line
[8:46] 16. I'm The Big Chief Of Congo Square
[4:02] 17. Two Of A Kind

Donald Harrison - alto sax; Christian Scott - trumpet; Mulgrew Miller - piano; Eric Reed - piano; Ron Carter - bass; Billy Cobham - drums.

Donald Harrison is being called one of the most important musicians of the new millennium by CBS Sunday Morning. The boundary leaping New Orleans alto saxophonist’s distinctive broad toned sound is immediately recognizable as his own, regardless of the environment in which it is being heard, be it bebop, hardbop, swing, New Orleans R & B or funk. Harrison has managed to forge his variegated influences and extensive experience into a uniquely personal style. Through talent and perseverance, Harrison has developed into one of the most significant artist to emerge in the last twenty years! The question with Harrison is not what he can do, but is there anything he can’t do? So far he has mastered and influenced everything he has touched.

The son of late great Big Chief Donald Harrison, Sr. began working with Roy Haynes at age 19 and Jack McDuff at age 20. He joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers at age 21. A few years later, he co-led a band with Terence Blanchard that had an enormous impact on the development of the "neo-conservative" movement.

The Burners mc
The Burners zippy

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Eddie Henderson - Be Cool

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 77:01
Size: 179,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:37)  1. Smoke Screen
(5:01)  2. Be Cool
(7:04)  3. After Youve Gone
(7:00)  4. Loft Funk
(6:25)  5. Fran Dance
(5:26)  6. The Moontrane
(7:07)  7. Naima
(6:44)  8. The Sand Castle Head Hunter
(8:17)  9. Nightride
(6:37) 10. Toys
(5:44) 11. Easy Living
(6:55) 12. Dla Juzi

Though he's run the challenging career gamut from Miles Davis to Herbie Hancock's lauded explorations with Mwandishi he was an integral part of 1973's watermark Sextant (Columbia Records) to a doctorate in psychiatry and acclaimed records of his own, ie: '93's Inspirations (Milestone Records), '73's electronic spaciness Realization (Capricorn Records) among others, trumpeter Eddie Henderson has managed to swing low under the horizon, a highly regarded, highly respected player in the circle of players and all knowing jazz heads.  As solid and sturdy as any band of vets, the cool unwinds with the soulful, bubbling syncopation of Kenny Barron's "Smoke Screen," heralding in Henderson's Be Cool, and we're off to the races real quick. In the service of cool, Henderson has enlisted hip help from pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Essiet Essiet, saxophonist Donald Harrison and drummer Mike Clark. All are on their A Game, especially Henderson, whose brassy, bluesy tone sets the pace, knowing this could be a record to be remembered for. 

The usually kicking "After You're Gone" is daringly taken here as a still, reflective conversation of souls and hearts between trumpeter, pianist, and bassist. "Loft Funk" written by drummer Mike Clark and Jerd Levy, brings back the sparkling bounce as Essiet holds forth, his cohorts jumping and funking around him, having a particularly playful time. A spirited "Fran Dance," a percolating reverie on Woody Shaw's "The Moontrane," Harrison's lavish "The Sand Castle Head Hunter" and a punchy nod to Herbie Hancock with "Toys" makes Be Cool a high point for veteran camaraderie and ensemble playing, with one standout tracking following on the heels of another, leaping from one bedrock to the the next. Before he walks out the door to his next gig, Henderson says that his wife always advises him to be cool. And you know what the philosopher's have passed down through the ages: "Happy wife, happy life." With it's sweet mix ballads and bop, Be Cool proves to be, for the moment, Henderson's best. It has taken the words of his missus to heart. ~ Mike Jurkovic https://www.allaboutjazz.com/be-cool-eddfie-henderson-smoke-sessions-records-review-by-mike-jurkovic.php

Personnel: Eddie Henderson: trumpet; Donald Harrison: saxophone; Kenny Barron: piano; Essiet Essiet: bass; Mike Clark: drums.

Be Cool

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Geoff Keezer - Here And Now

Styles: Piano Jazz 
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:08
Size: 140,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:26)  1. There But For The Grace Of...
(7:52)  2. Headed Off At The Pass
(9:49)  3. Leilanis Mirror
(5:39)  4. Agra
(4:05)  5. (It Was) Just One Of Those Things
(4:59)  6. Its The Thought That Counts
(7:50)  7. The Feeling Of Jazz
(4:22)  8. Turning Point
(4:22)  9. It Never Entered My Mind
(4:38) 10. Scandal In Shinjuku

Pianist Geoff Keezer, two months shy of his 21st birthday at the time of this session, sometimes recalls McCoy Tyner in his playing with touches of Herbie Hancock, although on a romping version of "Just One of Those Things," his interpretation is pure Bud Powell. Steve Nelson's vibes are most heavily influenced by Bobby Hutcherson and Milt Jackson, while the somewhat dry originals take quirky twists in the best tradition of Wayne Shorter. With bassist Peter Washington and drummer Billy Higgins completing the quartet (altoist Donald Harrison guests on three numbers), this is an excellent (if not innovative) modern mainstream set, a strong showcase for both Keezer and Nelson. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/here-and-now-mw0000264840

Personnel:  Geoff Keezer piano;  Steve Nelson vibraphone;  Peter Washington bass;  Billy Higgins drums;  Donald Harrison alto saxophone.

Here And Now

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The Brian Lynch/Eddie Palmieri Project - Simpático

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:43
Size: 153,9 MB
Art: Front

(7:54)  1. The Palmieri Effect
(5:25)  2. Que Seria La Vida
(8:52)  3. Guajira Dubois
(6:03)  4. Jazz Impromptu
(8:39)  5. Paginas De Mujer
(8:18)  6. Slippery
(8:24)  7. Jazzucar
(6:15)  8. Tema Para Marissa
(6:50)  9. Freehands

Two decades of working as a highly accomplished trumpeter in Eddie Palmieri's Latin jazz band has culminated for Brian Lynch with this completely ravishing recording alongside his musical mentor. While the name of the group might raise the question of "who's on first?", rest assured that this is an inspired collaboration with the less-celebrated Lynch firmly at the helm. Most of the tunes are his, and the versions of Palmieri's pieces are marked by Lynch's hand. In fact, this album marshals some playing from Palmieri, particularly on the tumbling "The Palmieri Effect," which opens the album with a roar from Palmieri's piano, that I've missed from some recent discs under Palmieri's leadership. While the program of Simpatico is clearly Latin jazz and Palmieri's salsified McCoy Tynerisms are resplendently prominent throughout, there are lovely selections that wouldn't be expected on a Palmieri album. One example is the Lynch original "Jazz Impromptu," which has a sound you'd expect from a hard-blowing Blue Note session from decades ago. The bop roots in Lynch's original compositions are even evident in a guajira-chacha like "Guajira Dubois," where guest alto saxophonist Phil Woods, hardly a supreme Latin jazzman, brings an interesting bop sensibility to the proceedings.

The seventeen musicians (in addition to the superstar Palmieri) are all playing at the top of their game, bringing out an acute brilliance in Lynch's playing that I've never heard so thrillingly projected. But the biggest surprise among this crowd of talent is the Mexican-American diva Lila Downs. Her vocals have a dusky sensuality and subtle understatement that compels re-visioning just how extroverted a great Latin jazz vocalist need be. Lynch may have revolutionized the already rising career of Downs by showcasing her in a context so far removed from her own recordings, which are deeply rooted in traditional Mexican song.  

There's a move afoot in the jazz world to expand the parameters of Latin jazz, with Hilary Noble, Rebecca Cline and Dafnis Prieto among the prime instigators. In his own sweet way, in spite of being less radical conceptually in breaking out of a traditional Latin jazz style than those three musicians, Lynch is triumphantly pushing Latin jazz boundaries. This is a magnificent recording, whatever label you pin on it, and it makes you hope for more Lynch collaborations with his mentor in the near future. ~ Norman Weinstein https://www.allaboutjazz.com/simpatico-eddie-palmieri-artistshare-review-by-norman-weinstein.php

Personnel: Brian Lynch: trumpet; Eddie Palmieri: piano; Lila Downs: vocals; Phil Woods: alto saxophone; Donald Harrison: alto saxophone; Conrad Herwig: trombone; Giovanni Hidalgo: congas; Dafnis Prieto: drums; other players including Gregory Tardy, Mario Rivera, Boris Kozlov, Ruben Rodriguez, Luques Curtis, Robby Ameen, Pedro Martinez, Johnny Rivero, Edsel Gomez, Marvin Diz, Pete Rodriguez.

Simpático

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Stanton Moore - With You In Mind

Styles: Jazz, Bop
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:57
Size: 122,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:06)  1. Here Come The Girls
(3:46)  2. Life
(4:56)  3. Java
(5:37)  4. All These Things
(6:00)  5. Night People
(4:19)  6. The Beat
(5:59)  7. Riverboat
(4:25)  8. Everything I Do Gone Be Funky
(6:10)  9. With You In My Mind
(7:33) 10. Southern Nights

Galactic drummer Stanton Moore is a busy man. Besides working with NOLA's funky sons, he teaches, does a copious amount of TV and film work, and works on solo projects. One of the latter is his acclaimed trio with organist David Torkanowsky and bassist James Singleton. The three had booked studio time in the fall of 2015 to cut a follow-up to the previous year's celebrated Conversations. That was put on hold when Crescent City icon Allen Toussaint died suddenly after a concert in Spain. Moore's trio didn't feel right proceeding on their own without acknowledging the artist's passing. Moore had done studio work with Toussaint, and the shadow of his influence on the trio looms large.

Instead of cutting an original record, the three assembled a host of NOLA luminaries for this masterful presentation of Toussaint's multi-faceted compositions. Vocalist Cyril Neville fronts the band on half the set's tunes, including the raucous "Here Come the Girls" (with a burning solo by Trombone Shorty). Neville's also there on the syncopated, second-line funk of "Life," whose horn section boasts solos by trumpeter Nicholas Payton and saxophonist Skerik, as well as a killer backing chorus comprised of Erica Falls and Jolynda Chapman. The latter of these two fronts the trio on the soulful ballad "All These Things." There are excellent instrumentals to boot. "Java," a famous Toussaint jazz tune synonymous with Al Hirt, is realized with Torkanowsky laying down his most "humid" piano lines amid a knotty, hard-swinging horn section comprised of Big Chief Donald Harrison, Jr., Payton, and Shorty, with Moore and Singleton driving the rhythm home. The altoist and trumpeter also join the trio on the bluesy, nocturnal "Riverboat," with its gospel overtones and shimmering atmospheric vibe adorned by gently rolling snare, tom-toms, and electric piano. On the deep funk tip, there's the eternal "Everything I Do Gon' Be Funky from Now On" that joins Moore's trio to sax players Maceo Parker and Skerik, trumpeter Eric Bloom and trombonist Mark Mullins. Neville and the backing vocalists emphasize the Mardi Gras Indian-styled chant in the refrain as the groove thunders. Toussaint was nothing if not a supreme melodist. In the title track, Singleton lays down a gorgeous solo before Moore and Torkanowsky follow to improvise on the harmony with grace and elegance. Actor Wendell Pierce guests on the classic "Southern Nights." He speaks the lyric with a jazzman's swing and a rapper's sense of time. Then Payton takes over the unmistakable sweet soul melody on a B-3 while Torkanowsky adds fills with an electric piano; Singleton and Moore frame it all with a laid-back groove. The icing on the cake is Payton's Louis Armstrong-inspired trumpet solo to carry it out. It's likely that other tributes to Toussaint's genius will follow, but it's just as likely that few will be as heartfelt and discerning as the Stanton Moore Trio's With You in Mind. ~ Thom Jurek http://www.allmusic.com/album/with-you-in-mind-mw0003047826

Personnel: Stanton Moore (drums); David Torkanowsky (keyboards). Featuring: Jolynda Kiki Chapman, Cyril Neville, Nicholas Payton, Donald Harrison, Trombone Shorty, Maceo Parker, Nicholas Payton and Wendell Pierce.

With You In Mind

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Delfeayo Marsalis - Minions Dominion

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:10
Size: 145,5 MB
Art: Front

( 7:33)  1. Brer Rabbit
(11:15)  2. Lone Warrior
( 9:11)  3. If You Only Knew
( 8:49)  4. Minions Dominion
( 9:27)  5. Just Squeeze Me
( 6:46)  6. Weaver Of Dreams
(10:05)  7. Lost In The Crescent

What does the term "mainstream" mean to you? In jazz, the label is applied to music which has time-tested, codified rhythm and structure. After that, it can get more mainstream if the melody and harmony are easily understood. This is not a value judgment about good or bad music, but rather a way of placing the music within a framework of expectation. However, that expectation can be quite different depending on one's individual experience and personality. Some listeners enjoy having such expectations fulfilled, while others revel in being set up and fooled. Many people with wide listening habits are on the lookout for music that manages to hold together without doing the expected, and actually relish feeling the musical ground constantly shifting under their feet.  Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis' Minions Dominion is absolute dead-center mainstream music for people who like well-played jazz that is just thorny enough to elicit a smile (or grimace, as the case may be). However, this music will not have that "sound of surprise" enjoyed by more adventurous listeners, which draws them to jazz in the first place. They will be able to pull out Blue Note reissues that have almost the same feel. Moreover, mainstream does not have to mean music which sounds old. Two recent, and quite different, albums, David Braid's Zhen and Andrew Rathbun's Shadow Forms, both sit in the mainstream camp, but they also bend the rules and thwart expectations enough to be quite surprising and memorable.

The liner notes for Minions Dominion actually anticipate this whole issue. The 2002 session is special in that it was the great Elvin Jones' last studio session. Marsalis had an ongoing apprenticeship with the drummer, and at one point asked him whether his playing would benefit from "less tradition and more avant-garde?" Some might think that asking such a question might indicate that Marsalis was missing the point. You cannot just decide to "play avant-garde." A real avant-garde player feels that style as deeply within himself as does the traditional player his own. Jones, perhaps sensing this whole conundrum, and being a trailblazer himself, answered perfectly, saying that if Marsalis continued studying and playing, in a few years he should "understand the tradition well enough that you can take it into whatever direction you'd like." Given all of this philosophy, the record does swing like hell in the expected way for sure, but it is nonetheless very deep and irresistible. The bass players, Robert Hurst III and Edwin Livingston, along with Jones (of course) should get much of the credit for this. Also, pianist Mulgrew Miller, as a member of the rhythm section, plays in a very wide and deep pocket; there is no question of his feel for this style. He also plays outstanding accompaniment: one can hear him listening to and echoing the soloists, providing just the right touch whenever he plays.

Jones himself is in fine form and in general pushes the proceedings, adding intensity to the session, including the famous polyrhythms of his John Coltrane years' lore, as in the evocative "Lone Warrior." He can also just flat out swing as in "Brer Rabbit," which is a good track to show why this record falls flat. The bass starts the tune with a walking line that sounds at first like an ear-catching mistake but is not, but then the piano has trouble synching up with him, as do the drums with the other two. Eventually, they all get hooked up and build a head of steam, but this beginning screams "studio recording," with the musicians interacting through headphones and not by really being there. Saxophonists Branford Marsalis and Donald Harrison provide most of the fireworks, which to these ears sound forced within the context of the rest of the playing and could almost be the expected "avant-ness."  The leader's trombone tone is quite clean, warm and inviting. He certainly likes to throw a quote in during his soloing, but it is not subtle at all. The high point of the record for me is his sumptuous playing on the ballad "If You Only Knew."  All in all, the music sounds trapped in the past, especially "Lost In The Crescent," which just reeks of the Marsalis jazz-through-slavery prism refracted through Coltrane. ~ Budd Kopman https://www.allaboutjazz.com/delfeayo-marsalis-minions-dominion-by-budd-kopman.php

Personnel: Delfeayo Marsalis: trombone; Donald Harrison: alto saxophone; Branford Marsalis: tenor and soprano saxophones; Mulgrew Miller: piano; Sergio Salvatore: piano; Robert Hurst III: bass; Edwin Livingston: bass; Eric Revis: bass; Elvin Jones: drums.

Minions Dominion

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Irvin Mayfield - Irvin Mayfield

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:35
Size: 139,9 MB
Art: Front

(9:04)  1. The Great M.D.
(6:01)  2. Right Here, Right Now
(6:33)  3. Body And Soul
(6:55)  4. Immaculate Conception
(9:06)  5. Midnight Theme
(5:42)  6. You're My Everything
(8:50)  7. Lascivious Intervention
(3:25)  8. Giant Steps
(4:54)  9. Ninth Ward Blues

Trumpeter Irvin Mayfield released half a dozen albums before he was 25 years old. His youth, as well as his willingness to contribute his time and knowledge in the spheres of both classical and jazz studies, make him a popular figure in educational music clinics in his home state of Louisiana. He frequently participates in free clinics that serve hundreds of school children. In addition, he has presided over master classes and a variety of workshops in classical and jazz studies at the Chandler Jazz Festival, Loyola University, the University of North Carolina, and the University of New Orleans. A Crescent City native, Mayfield attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. He leads his own group, the Irvin Mayfield Sextet, as well as a modern jazz band called Los Hombres Calientes with Bill Summers. His performances have seen him sharing the stage with artists from a variety of genres, including Quincy Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Doc Cheatham, Chucho Valdes, Nicholas Payton, Ellis Marsalis, Moses Hogan, Ani DiFranco, and Terence Blanchard. Mayfield and Los Hombres Calientes earned an award from Billboard in 2000 for the group's eponymous debut. The New Orleans Museum of Art commissioned him to compose a jazz suite to accompany its exhibition of works by Gordon Parks. The result, "Half Past Autumn," was first played publicly in the summer of 2000 at the museum. ~ Linda Seida http://www.allmusic.com/artist/irvin-mayfield-mn0000084934/biography

Personnel:  Irvin Mayfield - trumpet, bandleader;  Peter Martin, Victor Atkins III – piano;  Ellis Marsalis (track 3) – piano;  David Pulphus - double bass;  Delfeayo Marsalis – trombone;  Donald Harrison - alto saxophone;  Jaz Sawyer, Reuben Rogers, Adonis Rose, Troy Davis - drums

Irvin Mayfield

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Rodney Jones - The Undiscovered Few

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:34
Size: 145,3 MB
Art: Front

(6:27)  1. The Undiscovered Few
(5:58)  2. Light And Shadows
(4:47)  3. Tradewinds
(5:58)  4. Dreamers In Love
(5:41)  5. My Favorite Things
(2:55)  6. Through The Eyes Of A Child
(5:22)  7. Oliver & Thad
(5:18)  8. The Message
(6:16)  9. Lesson Time
(4:06) 10. Tears Of A Forgotten Child
(5:08) 11. Circus Wheel
(4:33) 12. 3Rd Orbit

Guitarist Jones has a few other CDs that made you stop and listen, but this one is a true revelation. It explores the music from an expanded compositional standpoint as opposed to the A-B (with solos) -A format. The improvisational aspect of the leader is not de-emphasized, but this superb music, with its mainstream inclinations and joyous horn-embellished large group charts, comes out in a stunning and refreshing manner. Jones has substantial help from top-notch peers as saxophonists Donald Harrison, Greg Osby, and Tim Reis; trumpeters Tim Hagans and Earl Gardner; pianists Shedrick Mitchell, Mike Renzi, and Mulgrew Miller; bassist Lonnie Plaxico; and drummer Eric Harland, among others. As a player on his hollow bodied, non-treated electric guitar, Jones is economical, crisp, and driving. The music he makes is richly constructed, filling up space. Horns cry out, swing like mad, commanding attention. These charts are quite remarkable with presence and effective clarity. "Light & Shadows," "The Message," "Circus Wheel," and "Third Orbit" pop and bop, crackling with syncopated underpinnings. A tour de force blues "Oliver & Thad" for Oliver Nelson and Thad Jones swells with an orchestral quality and expansive concept that is a common theme throughout. The music jumps out at you. Smaller groupings give Jones no less room to stretch as on the Latin-inspired "Tradewinds," or duets with violinist Regina Carter on "Tears of a Forgotten Child," and cellist Jesse Levy on "Through the Eyes of a Child (For Cara)." You're going to exclaim a huge "wow!" upon hearing this one for the first time and with repeated listenings gain more enjoyment from this exciting recording. Clearly an extraordinary modern jazz effort, certainly the best of Jones' career, and a solid candidate for Jazz CD of 1999. ~ Michael G.Nastos http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-undiscovered-few-mw0000245489

Personnel: Rodney Jones (guitar); Greg Osby, Morris Goldberg (alto saxophone); Donald Harrison, Tim Ries (tenor saxophone); Tim Hagans, Earl Gardner (trumpet); Charles Gordon (trombone); Regina Carter (violin); Jesse Levy (cello); Mark Sherman (vibraphone); Shedrick Mitchell, Mike Renzi, Mulgrew Miller (piano); Lonnie Plaxico, Benjamin Brown (bass); Lewis Nash, Eric Harland (drums); Robert Allende (percussion).

The Undiscovered Few

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Mickey Tucker - Hang in There

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:48
Size: 132,4 MB
Art: Front

(13:10)  1. Wombat Children
( 7:30)  2. Hang In There
( 8:32)  3. Happy
( 8:21)  4. Cloud Seven
( 8:11)  5. Star Eyes
( 5:30)  6. Mickey's Tucker
( 6:32)  7. Hook-Turns And Hectares

For pianist Mickey Tucker's second Steeplechase recording he gathered a group of fine young players, saxophonists Javon Jackson and Donald Harrison, trumpeter Greg Gisbert, and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, augmented by veteran bassist Ray Drummond, to perform a challenging program of six hard bop-oriented originals, four by Tucker, and a nice trio arrangement of the standard "Star Eyes." With two former Jazz Messengers and Jackson and Harrison on the front line, the music takes on a Jazz Messenger-like flavor, with the melodies of "Happy" and "Hook Turns and Hectacres" adding a modern twist. Tucker's "Happy" has one of the fastest-moving melodies one will ever hear. Starting with a fast piano-drums duet, the composition moves into a tricky line so fast the horns can hardly play it, then into blazing uptempo for the soloists fueled by Smith's driving drumming. Other favorites include the finger poppin "Wombat Children," the funky "Cloud Seven," and another up-tempo burner, "Mickey's Tucker." A welcome addition to Tucker's small discography. ~ Greg Turner http://www.allmusic.com/album/hang-in-there-mw0000423309

Personnel:  Mickey Tucker (Piano);  Javon Jackson and Donald Harrison (Saxophone); Greg Gisbert (Trumpet);  Marvin ‘Smitty’ Smith (Drums);  Ray Drummond (Bass).

Hang in There

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Laird Jackson - Quiet Flame

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:24
Size: 133.7 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz, Standards
Year: 1994
Art: Front

[6:40] 1. How Long Has This Been Going On
[6:51] 2. Save Your Love For Me
[5:46] 3. Love Won't Let Me Wait
[7:33] 4. My Foolish Heart
[3:47] 5. Traveling Light
[4:31] 6. Mood Indigo
[6:02] 7. Ill Wind
[5:51] 8. My One And Only Love
[5:31] 9. Speak Low
[5:47] 10. Blame It On The Sun

Bass – Chris Thomas; Drums – Clarence Penn; Piano – Cyrus Chestnut; Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Donald Harrison; Vibraphone – Steve Nelson; Vocals – Laird Jackson.

Known for her personalized renditions of pop and jazz standards, jazz chanteuse Laird Jackson has also written her own music on top of her renowned covers. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Jackson grew up near Detroit and stayed in Michigan until she graduated from college. After that, she moved to New York City and started working on the club scene. Developing a reputation in the area for her fiery live shows, she recorded Quiet Flame in 1994 and released it the same year. Blending covers of 30's and 40's jazz standards with her own compositions, Jackson drew attention to herself with the record and hit the European jazz scene for a short period while promoting it. After that, she took the next eight years to put together another album, continuing to play live while taking care of personal projects at home. Ready to record again in the spring of 2002, the singer put together Touched out of several self-penned tracks as well as covers of Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, and many others. ~bio by Bradley Torreano

Quiet Flame

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Donald Harrison - Spirits Of Congo Square

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:06
Size: 138,6 MB
Art: Front

(1:12)  1. And How That Rhythm
(7:51)  2. Two Way Pockey Way
(3:29)  3. Don't Drink The Water
(4:07)  4. Bye-Ya
(7:34)  5. Crisis
(5:40)  6. Bob's Place
(5:19)  7. Oleo
(7:01)  8. Spirits Of Congo Square
(6:16)  9. True Or False
(2:39) 10. Just A Close Walk With Thee
(8:53) 11. The Second Line

Altoist Donald Harrison's disc utilizes New Orleans parade rhythms on all of the selections, even while most of the solos (until the final three numbers) are more hard bop than New Orleans jazz. John O'Neal verbally pays tribute to the rhythms on the opening "And How That Rhythm." The other selections include an augmented bop blues ("Two Way Pocky Way"), the tricky "Don't Drink the Water," Thelonious Monk's "Bye-Ya," a pair of Freddie Hubbard tunes well worth reviving ("Crisis" and "Bob's Place"), Sonny Rollins' "Oleo," and the catchy "Spirits of Congo Square." Throughout these performances there are many colorful solos from trumpeters Nicholas Payton and Marlon Jordan, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, Victor Goines on tenor, and Harrison. Roy Haynes' "True of False" is Dixieland-ish in its own eccentric way, with clarinetist Louis Ford and trumpeter Jamil Sharif being added to the band. Finally, Payton plays beautifully on a respectful rendition of "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and all seven horns romp and riff throughout "The Second Line," which is really "Joe Avery's Blues." Overall, this colorful album is full of spirit, always holds on to one's interest, and is highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/spirits-of-congo-square-mw0000604855

Personnel: Donald Harrison (alto saxophone); John O'Neal (vocals); Victor Goines (tenor saxophone); Nicholas Payton, Marlon Jordan, Jamil Sharif (trumpet); Delfeayo Marsalis (trombone); Louis Ford (clarinet); Peter Martin (piano); Elton Heron (bass); Adonis Rose (drums).

Spirits Of Congo Square

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Terence Blanchard & Donald Harrison - Discernment

Styles: Trumpet And Saxophone Jazz

Year: 1986

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 45:41

Size: 104,8 MB

Art: Front

(6:45)  1. Worth the Pain

(4:01)  2. When the Saints Go Marching In

(5:38)  3. When I Fall in Love

(6:03)  4. Directions

(1:39)  5. Discernment

(6:10)  6. Are You Sleeping?

(6:01)  7. Akira

(9:19)  8. Dorchester House

The second recording co-led by trumpeter Terence Blanchard and altoist Donald Harrison (both of whom had become stars with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers) mixes together the influences of New Orleans (they even perform a somber version of "When The Saints Go Marching In"), hard bop and the avant-garde. With pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Phil Bowler and the colorful drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr. making strong contributions, the quintet performs spirited renditions of four Blanchard originals, two Harrison songs, "The Saints" and the ballad "When I Fall In Love."~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/discernment-mw0000191552http://www.allmusic.com/album/discernment-mw0000191552

Personnel:  Donald Harrison (saxophone), Terence Blanchard (trumpet), Mulgrew Miller (piano), Phil Bowler (bass), Ralph Peterson (drums)

Discernment

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