Rhoda Scott - Paris - New York Disc 1 And Disc 2

Album: Paris - New York   Disc 1

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2012
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:19
Size: 134,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:08)  1. Moanin'
(3:43)  2. Il Est Mort Le Soleil
(7:41)  3. Medley from ''West Side Story''
(4:13)  4. Take A Ladder
(4:43)  5. Ebb Tide
(2:47)  6. What Kind Of Fool Am I?
(2:26)  7. Count Basie (Lil Darlin)
(6:38)  8. Splanky
(4:29)  9. Mach II
(3:26) 10. Fire And Brimstone
(5:08) 11. Jeremy
(6:30) 12. Delilah
(3:20) 13. Blues At The Bilboquet

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Album: Paris - New York  Disc 2

Time: 43:57

Size: 101,4 MB

(4:32)  1. Mach 2

(4:33)  2. Tanikka

(5:02)  3. Rhoda Map

(4:15)  4. R And R

(4:34)  5. Charlotte's Walz

(5:08)  6. Walkin' About

(7:26)  7. Take A Ladder

(4:24)  8. La La Solitude

(4:00)  9. Quand Je Monte Chez Toi

In 1967, following in the footsteps of Tadd Dameron and Quincy Jones, Rhoda Scott arrives in France to take classes with Nadia Boulanger. Barely a year later, she recorded her debut album Barclay, Take a Ladder duet with one of the best drummers of the moment, Daniel Humair. A long series of albums will follow, two of which are particularly distinguished by the presence of first-rate accompanists: Mach II (1971) in which his long-time accomplice, American saxophonist / flutist Joe Thomas and especially Rhoda Scott in New York, participate. (1976), the result of the collaboration between the virtuoso organist and the great orchestra of Thad Jones / Mel Lewis. Translate by Google https://www.amazon.fr/Paris-New-York-Rhoda-Scott/dp/B007JNN1LG

Personnel: Organ [Hammond] – Rhoda Scott; Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Edward Xiques, Jerry Dodgion; Arranged By, Flugelhorn – Thad Jones; Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams; Bass – Bob Bowman ; Drums – Mel Lewis; Electric Piano – Harold Danko; Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Larry Schneider; Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Gregory Herbert; Trombone – Billy Campbell, Clifford Adams, Earl Mc Intyre, John Mosca; Trumpet – Al Porcino, Cecil Bridgewater, Earl Gardner, Lynn Nicholson

Paris - New York Disc 1,Disc 2

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Kirk Lightsey & Harold Danko - Shorter by Two

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1983
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:40
Size: 127,8 MB
Art: Front

(9:30)  1. Ana Maria
(4:27)  2. Delores
(6:57)  3. Dance Cadaverous
(3:01)  4. Pinocchio
(4:10)  5. Marie Antoinette
(3:40)  6. Armageddon
(3:08)  7. Lester Left Town
(5:49)  8. Witch Hunt
(6:38)  9. Iris
(4:18) 10. El Gaucho
(3:56) 11. Nefertiti

This CD is an off-the-wall project that was a big success. Kirk Lightsey and Harold Danko perform duo piano versions of 11 Wayne Shorter compositions. They dig into such Shorter tunes as "Ana Maria," "Pinocchio," "Lester Left Town," "Nefertiti," and quite a few obscurities, bringing out unexpected beauty during their very different interpretations of the complex and often haunting material. Highly recommended. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/shorter-by-two-mw0000204209

Personnel: Harold Danko (piano); Kirk Lightsey (piano)

Shorter by Two

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Lee Konitz - Yes, Yes Nonet

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1986
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:27
Size: 93,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:07) 1. Dearth Of A Nation
(6:15) 2. Languid
(8:06) 3. Footprints
(5:15) 4. Stardust
(6:35) 5. Primrose Path
(4:35) 6. Noche Triste
(3:31) 7. My Buddy

It was a tragedy that Lee Konitz's versatile nonet was not able to succeed commercially. Just like its leader, the group was able to stretch from swing standards, bop and cool jazz to freer improvisations and challenging originals. This SteepleChase release (featuring the nonet when it was comprised of such fine players as trumpeters Tom Harrell and John Eckert, trombonists Jimmy Knepper and Sam Burtis, baritonist Ronnie Cuber, pianist Harold Danko, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Billy Hart in addition to Konitz on alto and soprano) features the group at its best on such pieces as "Footprints," "Stardust," "My Buddy" and four songs by Jimmy Knepper. It's an excellent outing from a somewhat neglected group. By Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/yes-yes-nonet-mw0000651370

Personnel: Lee Konitz – alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; John Eckert, Tom Harrell – trumpet, flugelhorn; Jimmy Knepper – trombone; Sam Burtis – bass trombone; Ronnie Cuber – baritone saxophone, soprano saxophone; Harold Danko – piano; Buster Williams – bass; Billy Hart – drums

Yes,Yes Nonet

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Harold Danko - Rite Notes

Styles: Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:26
Size: 138,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:51) 1. Premonitions And Reflections
( 8:36) 2. Future Cast
( 3:20) 3. Address Unknown
( 8:22) 4. No Escape
( 6:59) 5. Rival Revelries
( 5:04) 6. Nirigama
( 4:59) 7. Rising Aspirations
(10:07) 8. Mystic Dancers
( 5:03) 9. Sprung

Pianist/composer Harold Danko is best known for his long-term associations with an impressive list of jazz legends including Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Lee Konitz and Woody Herman. Beginning his piano studies at the age of five, Harold became serious about pursuing a career in jazz at the age of fifteen when he commenced studies with Gene Rush in Youngstown, Ohio. After graduation from Youngstown State University and a stint in the Army band, Harold landed the piano chair in Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, which launched his career as a much sought after jazz musician. He also developed a reputation as a respected jazz educator and served on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music, the New School/Mannes, and Hartt College.

He has performed at major jazz venues throughout the world as well as on recordings, television and video. As a band leader he has been featured in Lincoln Center's “Meet the Artist” series, Washington (DC) Performing Arts Society series at J.F.K. Center, the Rochester International Jazz Festival, and numerous jazz festivals both in the USA and abroad. In 1995 he was awarded an NEA Fellowship to perform his own works in a series of concerts in New York City. Throughout the 90s Harold performed with and composed for his own quartet with Rich Perry (tenor saxophone), Scott Colley (bass) and Jeff Hirshfield (drums) and more recently a trio with Hirshfield and Michael Formanek (bass) with whom he has recorded a series of highly acclaimed CDs on the SteepleChase label. For more than two decades, Harold has won ASCAP awards, based on “the unique prestige value of [his] catalogue of original compositions.”

He accepted an appointment from the Eastman School of Music in 1998 and now chairs the Jazz and Contemporary Media department. He teaches jazz piano, directs the Jazz Performance Workshops, and heads the Eastman Jazz Trio, whose first CD was released in 2003. In addition to his own educational video, Jazz Keyboard Techniques, available only in Brazil, he can be seen and heard on video performances with Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, and Lee Konitz. Harold's featured column, “Solo Piano”, appeared in Keyboard Magazine for more than five years, and his keyboard improvisation method, the Illustrated Keyboard Series, is a widely used reference. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/harold-danko

Rite Notes

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Harold Danko - Spring Garden

Styles: Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:29
Size: 130,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:23) 1. Spring Winds
(4:46) 2. Envisage
(6:22) 3. Address Unknown
(6:59) 4. Blossom Tango
(3:04) 5. Earth Dance
(8:27) 6. Second Act
(6:37) 7. Rising Aspirations
(7:58) 8. Nevele
(2:08) 9. Mysterious Ancesters
(4:39) 10. The Chosen

In a career spanning more than a half century Harold Danko has established himself as a distinguished pianist, composer and band leader, fortified by an impressive resume of collaborations with legendary jazz artists, at prestigious jazz venues throughout the world as well as in recordings, television and video. His work is well documented and readily available on multiple CDs and youtube clips These include Chet Baker’s classic 1987 Tokyo concert with more than five million hits, as well as featured performances with Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Gerry Mulligan, Lee Konitz, and on James Moody’s version of “Giant Steps”.

As a leader Harold has been featured at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center’s “Meet the Artist” series, Washington DC Performing Arts Society series at J.F.K. Center, and numerous jazz festivals both in the USA and abroad. In the 1990’s he performed with and composed for his quartet with Rich Perry (tenor saxophone), Scott Colley (bass) and Jeff Hirshfield (drums), and in 1995 received an NEA Fellowship to perform his own works in a series of concerts in New York City. In recent years he has led a trio with Hirshfield and Michael Formanek or Jay Anderson (bass) in addition to adapting his compositions for solo piano performances, and can be heard in various formats on more than thirty CDs on the SteepleChase and SunnySide labels. Since 1980 he has earned ASCAP awards yearly for the value of his catalog of original compositions.

Danko holds Professor Emeritus status at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, where he chaired the jazz studies program for eleven years and established the Jazz Performance Workshop curriculum. In 2007 he received a Bridging Fellowship for research in the Linguistics Department of the University of Rochester on the relationship of speech and music. Prior to his appointment at Eastman he served on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music, the New School/Mannes, Hartt College, and other institutions. Harold’s featured column, “Solo Piano”, appeared in Keyboard Magazine for more than five years, and his keyboard improvisation method, “The Illustrated Keyboard Series”, is a highly regarded reference work. Beginning his piano studies at the age of five, he became serious about pursuing a career in jazz at the age of fifteen when he commenced studies with Gene Rush in Youngstown, Ohio. After graduation from Youngstown State University and a stint in the U.S. Army band Harold landed the piano chair in Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd, which launched his career as a much sought after jazz musician, composer, and educator.

His newest CD, released in March 2021 on the SteepleChase label, is entitled “Spring Garden”: “This recording documents an important step in my continuing exploration of Stravinsky’s music for purposes of composition and improvisation – in this case harvesting my own garden growing directly from the Rite of Spring. The ten pieces developed from my studies then served as springboards for further investigation and improvisation by the quartet. My post production work sparked greater interest in finding more content to draw on from Stravinsky’s score, and since then the pieces have evolved into a kind of suite for solo piano, incorporating details that had to be left out of the quartet’s performance. I presented an abbreviated version of it last year at my Leap Year concert on February 29 in East Rochester and hope for more opportunities to perform it in the future in both solo and quartet formats. My modus operandi has always been to figure out the how and why of musical sounds, and from my earliest experiences determined that the instinct to improvise should come from inside the music, regardless of the genre, rather than from mere facility or cleverness. To mix analogies, my ongoing musical archeological expedition of the Rite consistently uncovers new treasures and is a source of inspiration as well as nourishing recreation.” https://www.esm.rochester.edu/faculty/danko_harold/

Personnel: Harold Danko (p); Rich Perry(ts); Jay Anderson (b); Jeff Hirshfield (ds)

Spring Garden

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Harold Danko - Fantasy Exit

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:17
Size: 141,9 MB
Art: Front

( 9:08)  1. Hi-Fly
( 3:58)  2. Mrs. Parker of Kc
( 8:21)  3. Fantasy Exit
(10:21)  4. Born to Be Blue
( 8:17)  5. Smoke House
( 3:28)  6. Rocker
( 7:16)  7. Tea Time
( 8:00)  8. In and Out
( 2:23)  9. Lullaby

Trio dates are somewhat of a rarity for Harold Danko, but he makes the most of the opportunity on this 2002 session for Steeplechase. With bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Jeff Hirschfield, he chooses a wide range of jazz compositions, starting with a radically different, more free-flowing than usual approach to Randy Weston's "Hi Fly." Danko's arrangement of Jaki Byard's "Mrs. Parker of K.C." (first recorded by its composer on a date as a sideman with Eric Dolphy) adds many twists and turns to an already challenging work. On the other hand, he sticks closer to the beautiful melody of Mel Tormé's ballad "Born to be Blue," while proving that Gerry Mulligan's upbeat "Rocker" can be a successful vehicle without the presence of a horn. The leader's twisting post-bop original "Smoke House" is clearly inspired by Tadd Dameron's "Hot House" (which is in turn based on the chord changes to Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love?"). This highly recommended date is easily one of the best of Harold Danko's long career. 

~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/fantasy-exit-mw0000990767

Personnel: Piano – Harold Danko; Bass – Michael Formanek; Drums – Jeff Hirshfield

Fantasy Exit

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Harold Danko - The Feeling Of Jazz

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:06
Size: 163,5 MB
Art: Front

(10:58)  1. In a Sentimental Mood
(10:06)  2. Take the Coltrane
( 8:02)  3. Big Nick
( 9:51)  4. Stevie
(12:39)  5. My Little Brown Book
(10:44)  6. Angelica
( 8:43)  7. The Feeling of Jazz

This is an unusual CD. Pianist Harold Danko, tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Jeff Hirshfield perform the same seven songs (in the same order) as Duke Ellington and John Coltrane did during the famous recorded meeting in 1962. These renditions are lengthier than the originals, and there is no attempt to imitate Duke and 'Trane, although their interpretations are purposely hinted at in places. In addition to "In a Sentimental Mood" and "Take the Coltrane," there are revivals of several songs that deserve to become standards: "Big Nick," "Stevie," and the catchy "Angelica." A very enjoyable outing. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-feeling-of-jazz-mw0000095137

Personnel: Piano – Harold Danko; Bass – Scott Colley; Drums – Jeff Hirshfield; Tenor Saxophone – Rich Perry

The Feeling Of Jazz

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Harold Danko - Stable Mates

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 74:00
Size: 170,3 MB
Art: Front

(8:20)  1. Con Alma
(6:37)  2. Quietude
(8:46)  3. Windows
(8:06)  4. Gingerbread Boy
(9:41)  5. Dolphin Dance
(4:08)  6. Solar
(6:08)  7. Seven Steps to Heaven
(7:32)  8. Nostalgia in Times Square
(6:21)  9. Line for Lyons
(8:17) 10. Stablemates

It’s a shame that we see so little press for those few working bands currently in existence. It’s bad enough that money and schedules make it difficult to keep any kind of firm line-up in place for very long, making such business enterprises almost unviable these days. Little beyond their developing catalog of SteepleChase sides seems to suggest that the Harold Danko Quintet will be taking the world by storm any time soon, yet the group happens to be of the first rank when it comes to the kind of sympathetic and empathetic ensembles that were almost the norm back in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Together for most of the ‘90s, the Danko Quartet’s fifth set for SteepleChase, Stable Mates, gathers a selection of the type of tunes many developing jazz artists have used to cut their teeth on over the years. The Miles Davis connection is a strong one too, with “Solar” and “Seven Steps to Heaven” on tap, as well as classics from former Davis sidemen Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Victor Feldman, and Jimmy Heath. The sign of a group certain in its abilities and identity, there’s a sense of relaxed confidence that permeates. As a result, the previously mentioned “Seven Steps to Heaven,” which in lesser hands can merely be a lessen in pure speed, bounces at a medium tempo with the support of bassist Scott Colley’s well-placed “steps”. Saxophonist Rich Perry distinguishes himself once again with a liquid tone and seamless technique, the perfect match to Danko’s refined lyricism. Stable mates, band mates, whatever the terminology, the Harold Danko Quartet proves again that it’s all in the chemistry. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/stable-mates-harold-danko-steeplechase-records-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Harold Danko- piano, Rich Perry- tenor saxophone, Scott Colley- bass, Jeff Hirshfield- drums

Stable Mates

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Harold Danko, Kirk Knuffke - Play Date

Styles: Piano And Cornet Jazz 
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:02
Size: 148,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:58)  1. Flight to Denmark (Take 1)
(2:26)  2. Openepo
(8:17)  3. Misty Thursday
(2:36)  4. Marmot's Muse
(4:43)  5. Stonewall Blues
(4:22)  6. Chance and Choice
(3:54)  7. Flight to Denmark (Take 2)
(2:40)  8. Lanota
(4:38)  9. Wut'less
(2:30) 10. Keko
(6:35) 11. Undecided Lady
(3:47) 12. No Score
(6:26) 13. Layout Blues
(2:55) 14. The Aleators
(3:09) 15. Flight to Denmark (Take 3)

A really beautiful little record one that continues the best recent Steeplechase modes of both of the musicians the tribute recordings of pianist Harold Danko, and the use of the cornet of Kirk Knuffke in very intimate, special sorts of settings! The tribute in this case is Duke Jordan whose music comprises half of the set, and is then balanced by co-creations by Danko and Knuffke the sorts of tunes that are perfect for the meeting of these two very distinct instrumentalists, especially Kirk whose way of phrasing the cornet really seems to bring out all these different sides and shapes that we're not sure we've ever heard in Harold's music before. The set features three very distinct takes on "Fight To Denmark", plus "Openepo", "Marmot's Muse", "Misty Thursday", "Wutless", "The Aleators", "Layout Blues", "Keko", and "Undecided Lady".  © 1996-2019, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/914985

Personnel:  Piano – Harold Danko;  Cornet – Kirk Knuffke

Play Date

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Monica Zetterlund - It Only Happens Every Time

Styles: Vocal 
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 36:53
Size: 85,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:12)  1. It Only Happens Every Time
(3:38)  2. Long Daddy Green
(4:37)  3. Silhouette
(5:06)  4. He Was Too Good To Me
(4:07)  5. The Groove Merchant
(4:14)  6. Love To One Is One To Love
(4:16)  7. Happy Again
(5:40)  8. The Second Time Around

Swedish singer Monica Zetterlund is backed by the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra on the Inner City LP It Only Happens Every Time. Her phrasing is precise, but her vocal style doesn't always blend well with the big band. Jones' "It Only Happens Every Time" comes off under-rehearsed, as if the chart is still in a state of flux, a similar problem that occurs during "The Second Time Around." Better is the swinging treatment of "Long Daddy Green" and the tearjerker ballad "He Was Too Good to Me." Sadly, none of the instrumental soloists is identified, though Pepper Adams shines on baritone sax in two compositions by the late Lars Gullin, one of Europe's best players of the instrument; this was also Adams' final recording with the band. Overall, this is a good, though hardly essential record. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/it-only-happens-every-time-mw0000852532

Personnel:  Monica Zetterlund – vocals; Thad Jones – flugelhorn; Mel Lewis – drums; Harold Danko – piano; Rufus Reid – bass; Jerry Dodgion – saxophone, flute; Ed Xiques – saxophone, flute, clarinet; Rich Perry – saxophone, flute, clarinet; Dick Oatts – saxophone, flute, clarinet; Pepper Adams – saxophone; Frank Gordon – trumpet; Earl Gardner – trumpet; Jeff Davis – trumpet; Larry Moses – trumpet; Earl McIntyre – trombone; John Mosca – trombone; Clifford Adams – trombone; Billy Campbell – trombone

It Only Happens Every Time

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Harold Danko - Triple Play

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:08
Size: 147,8 MB
Art: Front

( 9:06)  1. Total Obsesson
( 6:47)  2. Sky Blues
( 6:15)  3. Mademoisselle Dreamy
( 5:16)  4. A Quiet Dawn
(10:48)  5. Triple Play
( 7:47)  6. Shallow Waters
( 4:12)  7. Classified Attachment
( 7:13)  8. Ancient and Distant
( 6:40)  9. Stream of Tears

Harold Danko sounds wonderful here with his long-established trio a group so well-matched, most of the songs on this set arose from collective improvisations during the recording sessions! Yet these aren't outside, avant tunes in which all players roam freely in space and instead, they're melodic, rhythmic, very tuneful extrapolations that are often based on older standards but which are so transformed, you can't really hear any roots of the originals as the players take flight in that magical collaborative creation that marks jazz at its best! Danko plays piano, Jay Anderson is on bass, and Jeff Hirshfield is on drums  and titles include "Sky Blues", "Stream Of Tears", "Shallow Waters", "Mademoiselle Dreamy", "Total Obsession", and "Ancient & Distant".  © 1996-2019, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/865149/Harold-Danko:Triple-Play

Personnel:  Harold Danko - piano; Jay Anderson - bass; Jeff Hirshfield - drums

Triple Play

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Harold Danko - Tidal Breeze

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:25
Size: 143,9 MB
Art: Front

( 7:29)  1. Tidal breeze
( 7:06)  2. Blue Swedish wildflower
( 7:58)  3. Wayne Shorter
( 6:32)  4. McCoy's passion
( 7:00)  5. Swift shifting
( 8:50)  6. Personal cornucopia
( 5:23)  7. Soaring thru space
(12:02)  8. Pastoral landing

One of many fine outings by Harold Danko for Steeplechase, this quartet session is a bit different from most of his CDs for the label, as he mostly focuses on revisiting his older compositions. With the solid tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Jeff Hirschfield rounding out this talented group, the pianist explores songs written during several different decades. His richly textured tribute "Wayne Shorter" is an excellent portrait featuring Perry, while the turbulent descending line of "McCoy's Passion" captures the energy of McCoy Tyner perfectly. The upbeat "Swift Shifting" is described by Danko as a blues of sorts, though few listeners will likely think of his driving post-bop anthem in that way. The one new song making its debut is the quirky "Personal Cornucopia," which alternates between its complex theme and soft, introspective passages for the rhythm section. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/tidal-breeze-mw0000443423

Personnel:  Piano, Composed By – Harold Danko; Bass – Scott Colley; Drums – Jeff Hirshfield; Tenor Saxophone – Rich Perry

Tidal Breeze

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Dick Oatts - South Paw

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:44
Size: 147,0 MB
Art: Front

(7:59)  1. King Henry
(7:23)  2. One for Jack
(8:45)  3. Reconcile
(7:29)  4. Raised nine ball
(8:39)  5. South paw
(8:00)  6. Totomlane
(9:17)  7. What's new
(6:06)  8. Barbarian

Dick Oatts' fourth SteepleChase outing is wholly original, save for an unusual, vamp-based reading of "What's New" that winds up sounding a little like "Bemsha Swing." Joining the saxophonist are his regular rhythm mates, bassist Dave Santoro and drummer James Oblon, along with trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, who proves to be a stirring presence throughout. In this sparse and harmonically suggestive environment one really gets to soak in the wonderful timbre of the horns although pianist Harold Danko makes three strong guest appearances, adding variety to the session. Highlights include the placid and melodic waltz "Reconcile," the challenging, up-tempo "Raised Nine Ball," and the lightly bouncing, unorthodox title track. Oatts plays alto sax almost exclusively, recalling at times the silky, rich tones of Lee Konitz and Paul Desmond; he switches to tenor for the closing "Barbarian," a tricky, ever-modulating blues. ~ David R.Adler https://www.allmusic.com/album/south-paw-mw0001250092

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Dick Oatts; Bass – Dave Santoro; Drums – James Oblon; Piano – Harold Danko; Trumpet – Joe Magnarelli

South Paw

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Woody Herman - The Raven Speaks

Styles: Saxophone, Clarinet Jazz
Year: 1972
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:36
Size: 96,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:36)  1. Fat Mama
(5:42)  2. Alone Again (Naturally)
(5:16)  3. Watermelon Man (Sandia Chicano)
(4:18)  4. It's Too Late
(4:30)  5. The Raven Speaks
(6:27)  6. Summer of '42
(6:53)  7. Reunion at Newport 1972
(3:51)  8. Bill's Blues

The best of his Fantasy releases of the '70s, this well-rounded CD is highlighted by a great jam on "Reunion at Newport" and strong soloing from Herman (on soprano and clarinet), pianist Harold Danko, trumpeter Bill Stapleton and the tenors of Gregory Herbert and Frank Tiberi. The Herman orchestra performs a couple of modern ballads ("Alone Again Naturally" and "Summer of '42"), some blues and a few swinging numbers, showing off their versatility with expertise and spirit. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-raven-speaks-mw0000677670

Personnel: Woody Herman - alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, clarinet;  Al Porcino - trumpet, leader;  Charles Davis - trumpet;  John Thomas - trumpet;  Bill Stapleton - flugelhorn;  Bill Byrne - trumpet;  Bob Burgess - trombone, leader;   Rick Stepton - bass trombone;  Harold Garrett - bass trombone;  Frank Tiberi - tenor saxophone, flute, cowbell;   Greg Herbert - tenor saxophone, piccolo, alto flute, flute;  Steve Lederer - baritone saxophone;  Tom Anastas - baritone saxophone;  Joe La Barbera - drums;  Alphonso Johnson - bass;  Harold Danko - fender rhodes electric piano;  Pat Martino - guitar;  John Pacheco - congas.

The Raven Speaks

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Rich Perry - Gone

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:28
Size: 150,5 MB
Art: Front

(11:32)  1. Gone With the Wind
( 8:10)  2. Theme for Ernie
( 8:20)  3. Don't Blame Me
(12:16)  4. Emily
( 7:50)  5. You Say You Care
( 8:40)  6. Estate
( 8:37)  7. Nancy With the Laughin' Face

Like many American jazz musicians, Rich Perry has found abundant opportunities to record for the Danish label Steeplechase. The tenor saxophonist and alum of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (among many other bands) is heard leading a quartet full of regular collaborators consisting of pianist Harold Danko (with whom Perry also often appears on the pianist's own Steeplechase CDs), bassist Jay Anderson, and drummer Jeff Hirschfield. The session is dominated by familiar standards, though Perry chooses atypical paths in their explorations of them. "Gone with the Wind" is frequently subjected to rather breezy treatments, while the tenor saxophonist prefers to simmer the music in an extended post-bop workout. His approach to "Don't Blame Me" has a strolling undercurrent backing his whimsical tenor. The lovely "Emily" is another extended workout, though it never loses its lyricism, highlighted by Danko's lush solo. The spacious setting of the ballad "You Say You Care" conveys the sense of melancholy perfectly, as does their haunting rendition of the bittersweet bossa nova "Estate." The music throughout the date comes across so effortlessly that it wouldn't be surprising to learn that the musicians completed everything in one or two takes and left the studio early. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/gone-mw0000832907 

Personnel: Rich Perry (tenor saxophone); Harold Danko (piano); Jeff Hirshfield (drums).

Gone

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Harold Danko Quintet - Oatts & Perry

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 66:24
Size: 123,6 MB
Art: Front

(10:18)  1. Softly As In A Morning Sunrise
( 8:48)  2. Like Sonny
( 8:14)  3. Evol Deklaw Ni
( 6:31)  4. Peace
( 9:11)  5. I Mean You
( 9:04)  6. Unit 7
( 8:01)  7. Tidal Breeze
( 6:13)  8. Don't Get Sassy

Not long after saxophonists Dick Oatts and Rich Perry joined the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, pianist Harold Danko (who was already in the band) was very impressed with their abilities, and he began to conceive of a record date featuring both men by the early '80s, though it wouldn't come to fruition for another quarter century. Together with his regular rhythm section (bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Jeff Hirschfield), they dove headfirst into a date featuring Danko's intriguing arrangements. The tense, extended workout of "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise" (the session's only standard) finds both Oatts (alto) and Perry (tenor) departing from conventional approaches and engaging in a live series of exchanges with the leader. John Coltrane's "Like Sonny" (one of his less frequently performed works) lets the quintet reveal its possibilities. Horace Silver's dreamy ballad "Peace" and Thelonious Monk's snappy "I Mean You" also are in good hands, with fine solos all around. It's only natural that the group would explore some of the repertoire of the Jones/Lewis band, with a spirited interpretation of Jones' well-named blues "Don't Get Sassy" and the cheerful, loping ballad "Evol Deklaw Ni." The pianist's one original of the date is the brisk "Tidal Breeze," providing a brief showcase for Formanek and highlighted by the saxophonist's adventurous solos. This rewarding CD is well worth investigating. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/oatts-perry-mw0000543335

Personnel:  Harold Danko (piano); Dick Oatts (alto saxophone); Rich Perry (tenor saxophone); Michael Formanek (bass instrument); Jeff Hirshfield (drums).

Oatts & Perry

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Harold Danko & Ron McClure - Wonderland

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 60:48
Size: 99,0 MB
Art: Front

(7:40)  1. Wonderland
(5:33)  2. I Made You Laugh
(4:56)  3. Nardis
(6:22)  4. To Start Again
(5:10)  5. Liz Ann
(3:26)  6. Freezin'
(6:40)  7. Midnight Grazer's Dilemma
(5:24)  8. I Do It Better At Night
(3:58)  9. Stella By Starlight
(6:50) 10. Beautiful Friendship
(4:44) 11. Nitequest

Although not particularly well known, bassist Ron McClure has been one of those utility musicians that everyone seems to have played with at one time or another in the past 40 years. He first came to the attention of the public at large in Charles Lloyd's popular quartet with Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette and in the late '60s he was a member of the fine early fusion band The Fourth Way. Since then he's been bassist for such players as Joe Henderson, Chet Baker, Paul Bley, Dave Liebman and many others as well as leading his own sessions for a variety of labels. Pianist Harold Danko and McClure have traveled in the same circles for years yet never recorded together. Wonderland rectifies this oversight. They are very simpatico players, both strong on melody and with a keen sense of the history of this music. There's a lot of give and take in these duets with each voice gracefully trading leads as the other slips into accompaniment. The program consists of five originals (four by McClure and one by Danko) rounded out by several lesser-known compositions by jazz masters including the title track, a later Benny Carter composition, and a jaunty Earl Hines creation, "I Do It Better At Night." By choosing this format, both reach a little out of their comfort zones and are forced not to rely on cliches. This lifts this music out of the obvious and both fly along the changes with creative verve.

McClure is reunited with his former Charles Lloyd rhythm section partner Jack DeJohnette on Hungarian pianist Kalman Olah's disc Always. Olah has made his mark at European festivals with a two-fisted style drawn not only from jazz but also from classical and folk music. He's always imbued his music with a strong sense of swing but here with McClure and DeJohnette in his corner, he rises above the occasion, attacking the music with what at times seems like an almost manic energy. The first half of the disc focuses on Olah's compositions. The title track, an energetic opener, won the 2006 Thelonious Monk Institute's best composition prize. But it's "Polymodal Blues" with its shifting tonalities and "Hungarian Sketch No. 1"'s dissonant splashes and roiling drums that really catch the ear. Elsewhere, a lengthy unaccompanied intro to "Stella By Starlight" shows Olah's individuality. McClure and DeJohnette sound invigorated by this material, providing a stellar accompaniment to Olah's unique excursions.

The Fourth Way (with keyboardist Mike Nock, violinist Michael White and drummer Eddie Marshall) was an early fusion quartet that released three fine albums between 1969-71, none of which has been reissued on CD. Between Or Beyond was an album released in 1970 by the German MPS label and credited to the Mike Nock Underground, basically the Fourth Way minus White. Given its time and place (recorded in Germany in June of 1970), sonically, it's very much of its time. But it's a corker of an album that is the equal to any of the Fourth Way discs as well as a lot of other better-known electric jazz experiments of the time. McClure plays electric bass and it's mixed to the foreground so it functions as much as a frontline instrument as in the rhythm section. While some of this disc dwells in the area of adventurous acoustic piano trio jazz ("Hobgoblin" and McClure's "Denim Dance"), most of it is electric piano based jazz/rock. Nock sounds like he's having a lot of fun making his piano do a lot of things the old acoustic couldn't do. A point of reference might be Canterbury bands' forays into jazz improv. Nock's disc is a good demonstration that before it devolved into formulaic demonstrations of soulless technique, some highly enjoyable recordings were released under the fusion banner. Good to see this one back in print, although it may be hard to come by since it's a Japanese reissue. ~ Robert Iannapollo https://www.allaboutjazz.com/ron-mcclure-wonderland-always-and-between-or-beyond-by-robert-iannapollo.php
 

Personnel: Harold Danko: piano; Ron McClure: bass.

Wonderland

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Harold Danko - Oatts & Perry III

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 73:46
Size: 171,0 MB
Art: Front

( 8:08)  1. Epistophy
( 6:45)  2. Chelsea Bridge
(11:03)  3. Well You Needn't
( 9:09)  4. High Priest
( 9:14)  5. Contemplation
( 6:41)  6. Dance of the Infidels
( 8:57)  7. Straight No Chaser
( 6:08)  8. Quietude
( 7:37)  9. Dis Here

“ This album is a true sleeper. the date is beautifully planned and recorded …”, commented Thomas Conrad of JazzTimes on the first “Oatts & Perry” (SCCD 31588) released in 2006. Following the equally highly acclaimed sequel “Oatts & Perry II” (SCCD 31689) of 2010 this latest addition to Harold Danko’s favorite project proves again the pianist/leader Danko’s endless ideas to keep the perfect conversation going between Dick Oatts (alto) and Rich Perry (tenor), arguably the two best on the scene today.

Personnel: Harold Danko (piano), Dick Oatts (alto saxophone), Rich Perry (tenor saxophone), Michael Formanek (bass), Jeff Hirshfield (drums)

Oatts & Perry III

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Harold Danko - Oatts & Perry II

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 67:31
Size: 124,4 MB
Art: Front

( 7:51)  1. Ain't Nothin' Nu
( 7:30)  2. Blue Swedish Wildflower
( 8:48)  3. Suspended Sentence
( 6:18)  4. Soon
( 7:12)  5. Chest Frenzy
( 9:25)  6. Gregory Is Here
( 9:58)  7. Sid's Ahead
(10:27)  8. I Remember You

Harold Danko met alto saxophonist Dick Oatts and tenor saxophonist Rich Perry while all three were members of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. Over the years, they have had opportunities to play together, with Perry and Danko appearing on each other's CDs a number of times and a successful 2005 record date entitled Oatts & Perry. So it was only natural that the pianist desired to have both reedmen together for a follow-up recording, which took place in early 2009, adding Danko's regular bassist, Michael Formanek, and drummer, Jeff Hirschfield. It is hardly surprising that the three men would have an affinity for the music of Thad Jones, and the late drummer's driving, rarely recorded "Ain't Nothin' Nu" proves to be a great opener, with terrific solos all around. Danko's "Blue Swedish Wildflower" might sound like a Wayne Shorter piece to the uninitiated, but this lovely work was written back in the 1970s when the pianist was playing with Jones and Lewis. Formanek's understated solo and the intricate harmonies of the two saxes in the ensembles make this ballad glisten. Shorter is represented with his demanding "Suspended Sentence" (a demanding work penned for a Lee Morgan session), with solid interplay by the saxophonists. Horace Silver's "Gregory Is Here" is another forgotten gem, with great support by the rhythm section. Standards aren't ignored, represented by an intimate setting of Richard Rodgers' "Soon" and a lengthy exploration of "I Remember You" that has Oatts showing a bit of influence from Lee Konitz. This rewarding date should lead to future studio reunions of the full quintet. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/oatts-perry-vol-2-mw0002014016

Personnel: Dick Oatts (alto saxophone); Rich Perry (tenor saxophone); Harold Danko (piano); Jeff Hirshfield (drums).

Oatts & Perry II

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Harold Danko - Prestigious: A Tribute to Eric Dolphy

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 69:33
Size: 111,5 MB
Art: Front

( 7:08)  1. Les
( 4:01)  2. 17 West
( 9:15)  3. Gw
( 9:35)  4. 245
( 5:20)  5. Far Cry/Out There
( 8:41)  6. Serene
( 7:32)  7. Miss Ann
( 7:37)  8. The Prophet
(10:19)  9. Number Eight (Potsa Lotsa)

This ambitious quintet session led by pianist and arranger Harold Danko covers ten compositions by the late Eric Dolphy, whose works have only been recorded on a sporadic basis since his death in 1964 and rarely, if ever, make up an entire release (Jerome Harris' Hidden in Plain View came close). The rhythm section includes bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Jeff Hirshfield, with tenor saxophonist Rich Perry and trumpeter Dave Ballou. Perry has the greatest challenge on the date, as he has to come across as effectively as the composer while utilizing only one instrument versus Dolphy's alto sax, flute, and formidable bass clarinet. Fortunately, the object of the CD is to explore new paths through these pieces rather than attempt re-creations of the original recordings by Dolphy (which would be rather pointless since all of Dolphy's Prestige sessions are readily available). The opener, "Les," captures the excitement of Dolphy's version, with the leader darting in and out on piano as Perry and Ballou interweave contrasting lines. Since "17 West" was from a pianoless date, Danko chooses to strum the piano strings throughout the piece, creating an interesting effect behind Ballou's muted horn and Perry's dancing tenor. "G.W." stays much closer to the original, but the group handles its tricky unorthodox line with nary a misfire. "Serene," one of Dolphy's prettiest ballads (which is actually a disguised blues), becomes more spacious and subtle with Danko's change of its meter. "Miss Ann" is almost unrecognizable during its introduction, as the theme is considerably fragmented before Perry and Ballou begin playing snippets of it and quickly bring it into shape. Danko's excellent liner notes add to the value of this worthy tribute to Eric Dolphy, the composer. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/prestigious-a-tribute-to-eric-dolphy-mw0001892240

Personnel: Harold Danko (piano); Rich Perry (tenor saxophone); Dave Ballou (trumpet); Jeff Hirshfield (drums).

Prestigious: A Tribute to Eric Dolphy

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