The Cedar Walton Sextet - Bambino: Plays the Music of Art Blakey

Styles: Hard Bop
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:47
Size: 114,4 MB
Art: Front

(10:09) 1. Arabia
( 8:12) 2. Wee Dot
( 7:20) 3. If I Had You
(16:06) 4. Blues March
( 7:58) 5. Along Came Betty

Cedar Walton's sextet recorded this session before an appreciative audience at Sweet Basil in New York in 1993. Joining the pianist for this date were trumpeter Philip Harper, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson, trombonist Steve Turre, bassist David Williams and drummer Billy Higgins. The recording was taped during two August nights at the club; alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson appears on "Wee Dot" and "If I Had You."

Four of the sextet are alumni of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers; moreover, Lou Donaldson's work experience with Blakey predates the founding of his Jazz Messengers. Horace Silver was with the ensemble at that time (the early 1950s) and likes to refer to The Jazz Messengers as "the Art Blakey College of Musical Education." Blakey's working unit remained at the vanguard of hard bop for 36 years, and included well-known jazz artists such as Benny Golson, Jackie McLean, Curtis Fuller, Lee Morgan, Cedar Walton, Freddie Hubbard, Keith Jarrett, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, and Wynton Marsalis (Blakey, who passed away in October 1990, used to introduce himself to audiences as "Mrs. Blakey's bambino, Arturo").

Curtis Fuller's "Arabia" features Turre's expressive trombone. J.J. Johnson's "Wee Dot" includes Walton's exciting hard bop piano work and fours from the ever-tasteful Billy Higgins. "If I Had You" is a gentle ballad that features Donaldson. Benny Golson's "Blues March" and "Along Came Betty" provide the most excitement, as each soloist pushes the envelope. Harper and Jackson are particularly creative in their solo spots, weaving quiet mouse-like lines together and building them into uproarious shouts. Art Blakey taught them well.By Jim Santella
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/bambino-cedar-walton-evidence-music-review-by-jim-santella

Personnel: Piano – Cedar Walton; Alto Saxophone, Guest – Lou Donaldson (tracks: 2, 3); Bass – David Williams (2); Drums – Billy Higgins; Tenor Saxophone – Javon Jackson; Trombone – Steve Turre; Trumpet – Philip Harper

Bambino: Plays the Music of Art Blakey

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David Hazeltine - A World For Her

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:14
Size: 145,2 MB
Art: Front

(10:45) 1. My Foolish Heart
( 5:02) 2. This One's For Bud
( 9:52) 3. A World For Her
( 6:00) 4. Moment's Notice
( 8:58) 5. Soul Eyes
( 7:28) 6. Old Devil Moon
( 7:21) 7. What'll I Do
( 7:44) 8. Bitter Sweet

Pianist David Hazeltine is the leader of this straight-ahead quartet date, contributes two originals, and is in superior form, but tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson often steals the show. Jackson, who in other settings sometimes hints strongly at Joe Henderson, on this occasion looks more toward late-'50s John Coltrane, particularly on a beautifully interpreted version of "Soul Eyes" and Trane's "Moment's Notice."

Other highlights include an extended "My Foolish Heart," Hazeltine's rightfully boppish "This One's for Bud," and "What'll I Do." Hazeltine and Jackson are joined by bassist Peter Washington and either Louis Hayes or Joe Farnsworth on drums, with vibraphonist Steve Nelson making a guest appearance on "Old Devil Moon." The music is quite enjoyable and very well played, one of Javon Jackson's finest recordings and a superior outing for David Hazeltine. ~Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/a-world-for-her-mw0000250980

Personnel: Piano – David Hazeltine; Bass – Peter Washington; Drums – Joe Farnsworth; Louis Hayes; Tenor Saxophone – Javon Jackson; Vibraphone – Steve Nelson

A World For Her

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Vanessa Rubin - Girl Talk

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:16
Size: 117,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:15)  1. Comes Love
(3:41)  2. Matchmaker, Matchmaker
(7:08)  3. Whatever Happens
(5:32)  4. But Not for Me
(7:51)  5. One for My Baby (And One More for the Road)
(4:25)  6. You'll Never Know (Until You Let Go)
(4:21)  7. Loving You
(4:34)  8. Girl Talk
(2:22)  9. Sex Is a Misdemeanor (The More You Miss de Meaner You Get)
(3:07) 10. Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You
(2:46) 11. Won't Have to Say Goodbye
(2:10) 12. If You Ever Go Away

This, Vanessa Rubin's second album for Telarc, is one of her best. The play list is varied and the arrangements allow plenty of room to strut her personality and versatility. There's a "that's all folks" scat coda on "Comes Love". "Matchmaker" is a swinging waltz with Eric Alexander's Coltrane influenced sax delving in and around the melody line. She dubs herself in as a backup vocalist on a having some fun "Sex Is a Misdemeanor (the More You Miss De Meaner You Get)" done with just Lewis Nash's drums helping out. Etta Jones guests with Rubin on a couple of tracks. Her Esther Phillips like nasal quality is put to good use on a "But Not for Me" which also features the tenor of Javon Jackson and the special piano of Cedar Walton. The two go to town on the blues classic, "Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good to You" ending with some jiving girl talk with each other. Jones also did a guest stint on Jeannie Bryson's latest release, Deja Blue. A premier track is the lovely lilting "Whatever Happens", a Vanessa Williams favorite.

Rubin caresses a ballad as well as anyone in the business.Rubin doesn't set the world on fire with this album, nor does it appear that her intention. Rather the album is a platform for Rubin's straight forward jazz singing where she recognizes that lyrics she can also be concerned with lyrics to earn the sobriquet "jazz singer." The voice doesn't always have to be just an instrument. Rubin's vocalizing meshes well with the instruments with words delivered with intelligent emotion. Telarc has surrounded her with top level support with the sidemen on this set befitting for a singing personage of Rubin's stature. It's a no brainer to highly recommend Girl Talk. ~ Dave Nathan  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/girl-talk-vanessa-rubin-telarc-records-review-by-dave-nathan.php

Personnel: Vanessa Rubin, Etta Jones - Vocals; Eric Alexander, Javon Jackson - Tenor Saxophone; Steve Davis - Trombone; Lewis Nash - Drums; Cedar Walton, Larry Willis - Piano; David Williams - Bass

Girl Talk

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Louis Hayes - Louis at Large

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:35
Size: 141,4 MB
Art: Front

( 6:42)  1. Check In
( 5:19)  2. Rio
( 6:24)  3. Hen and Hub
(10:00)  4. My Ship
( 6:53)  5. Teef
( 7:33)  6. Dear Lou
( 5:49)  7. Dream Surreal
( 6:34)  8. My Old Flame
( 6:21)  9. Perambulation

For Louis Hayes' first domestic release in nearly 20 years the veteran drummer assembled a group consisting of tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson, trumpeter Riley Mullins, pianist David Hazeltine, and bassist Santi Debriano, took them into the studio, and recorded this collection of no-nonsense, high energy hard bop. Best known for his stints in the groups of Horace Silver (1956-59) and Cannonball Adderley (1959-65), Hayes is at his cymbal ridin', snare drum poppin' best, and the other musicians are up to the task, with Mullins' go-for-broke, high note filled solos giving Louis at Large much of its flavor. Favorites include the uptempo burners "Check In" written by Mullins and Hayes, and Mullins' "Hen and Hub," dedicated to Hayes' former bandmates Joe Henderson and Freddie Hubbard, the bop blues "Teef," which also appeared on Hayes' self-titled 1960 debut recording, and an uptempo arrangement of the standard "My Old Flame," with a medium tempo bridge throughout. This a welcome return to an American label for Hayes.~ Greg Turner https://www.allmusic.com/album/louis-at-large-mw0000082109

Personnel:  Louis Hayes - drums;  Riley Mullins - trumpet;  Javon Jackson - tenor saxophone;  David Hazeltine - piano;  Santi Debriano - bass.

Louis at Large

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Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Not Yet

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:33
Size: 122.6 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 1988/1993
Art: Front

[9:41] 1. Kenji's Mood
[7:25] 2. For Heaven's Sake
[6:48] 3. Not Yet
[3:49] 4. I'll Never Be The Same
[9:29] 5. Uranus
[9:22] 6. Falling In Love With Love
[6:58] 7. Kelo

Bass – Peter Washington; Drums – Art Blakey; Piano – Benny Green; Tenor Saxophone – Javon Jackson; Trombone – Robin Eubanks; Trumpet – Philip Harper. Recorded March 19, 1988 at Barigozzi Studio, Milano.

The 1988 edition of The Jazz Messengers, which drummer Art Blakey had been leading for 33 years, showed a great deal of promise. Comprised of trumpeter Philip Harper (soon to form The Harper Brothers), trombonist Robin Eubanks, the tenor of Javon Jackson, pianist Benny Green and bassist Peter Washington, this band (whose average age without counting Blakey was around 25) performs one original apiece by Green and Jackson along with five older songs on this enjoyable release. The music may not have contained too many surprises or been startlingly new, but the results are quite pleasing. ~Scott Yanow

Not Yet mc
Not Yet zippy

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Brian Lynch Quintet - Back Room Blues

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:37
Size: 135,7 MB
Art: Front

(9:39)  1. Back Room Blues
(8:26)  2. I Waited For You
(8:47)  3. One For Mogie
(7:01)  4. Chandeks's Den
(9:36)  5. C.k.'s Bossa
(6:44)  6. Blues For Cramer Street
(7:23)  7. Confluence

Brian Lynch's second Criss Cross release features the fiery trumpeter in a hard bop quintet with tenor-saxophonist Javon Jackson, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Lewis Nash. Although the musical style might be familiar, the repertoire (five Lynch originals and one by Hazeltine plus the Dizzy Gillespie-associated "I Waited For You") is not. Lynch digs quite ably into the largely straightahead material and the results are predictably swinging and creative within the tradition. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/back-room-blues-mw0000269853

Personnel:  Trumpet – Brian Lynch;  Bass – Peter Washington;  Drums – Lewis Nash;  Piano – David Hazeltine;  Tenor Saxophone – Javon Jackson

Back Room Blues

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Three's Company - We'll Be Together Again

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:31
Size: 129.4 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[5:28] 1. For Toddlers Only
[5:25] 2. Dark Eyes
[4:59] 3. We'll Be Together Again
[5:56] 4. TJ
[7:25] 5. Candlelight
[4:48] 6. My Man Hubbard
[6:09] 7. Eddie's Theme
[4:09] 8. Danny Boy
[5:18] 9. Epistrophy
[6:53] 10. But Beautiful

Bass – Ron Carter; Drums – Billy Drummond; Tenor Saxophone – Javon Jackson. Recorded November 30, 2014.

The shadows of the Sonny Rollins trio and Joe Henderson trio (both having recorded classic albums at the Village Vanguard) hover over this sparse, revealing trio outing with Jackson, Carter and Drummond. And like his sax playing elders, Jackson put his own stamp on a set of well chosen jazz standards while also showcasing a few originals. “Sonny being a big influence on me, obviously there would be some things in there that would be reminiscent, or have that spirit anyway,” says Jackson, who just hit the half century mark this June.

And while playing without a chordal instrument was a challenge in some respects for the saxophonist, he explains that Carter’s presence more than made up for the absence of piano on this Chesky release. “Ron is kind of like a symphony behind you. He’s the bass player, but he’s the piano at times, he’s the drums and he’s out front with the melody. So he can be several things at once. With him there, there are so many colors that are available to me. So it’s not out of disrespect to the piano, it’s just that with Ron, we have a lot of opportunities. This trio setting just allows him to kind of roam a little bit and be more of a free safety, to use a football analogy.”

We'll Be Together Again mc
We'll Be Together Again zippy

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Javon Jackson - Me and Mr. Jones

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:16
Size: 131,4 MB
Art: Front

( 6:31)  1. Me and Mr. Jones
(11:11)  2. The Masquerade is Over
( 7:31)  3. Theme for Penny
( 8:31)  4. Opus One-Point-Five
( 8:04)  5. A Certain Attitude
( 8:54)  6. A Free Man?
( 6:31)  7. Buzz-At

Already possessing a very distinctive tenor sax sound, Javon Jackson's debut as a leader is an exceptional effort. Jackson, 26 at the time of the recording, joined forces with 40-year-old James Williams, 19-year-old Christian McBride and 64-year-old Elvin Jones to create a powerful musical statement that bridges the generations. "Mr. Jones" refers to the master drummer, whose presence and energy are felt throughout the recording, especially on the medium swingers "The Masquerade Is Over" and Williams' "A Certain Attitude," as well as on the title track and "Theme for Penny," two uptempo Jackson originals that begin with brief drum solos. Also making his presence felt is McBride, whose tone, time, and imagination belie his age. One of 1992's best releases. ~ Greg Turner https://www.allmusic.com/album/me-and-mr-jones-mw0000085280  

Personnel: Javon Jackson (tenor saxophone); James Williams (piano); Elvin Jones (drums, Christian McBride (bass).             

Me and Mr. Jones

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Javon Jackson - For One Who Knows

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:59
Size: 114,6 MB
Art: Front

(8:02)  1. For One Who Knows
(5:46)  2. Etcetera
(5:33)  3. Angola
(7:25)  4. Notes in Three
(6:23)  5. Jane's Theme
(6:40)  6. Paradox
(5:48)  7. Useless Landscape
(4:19)  8. Formosa (Gorgeous)

This CD only has one fault, but it is a major one. It seems that no matter what he plays (whether it be an obscure song by Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, or Antonio Carlos Jobim, or one of his two originals), Javon Jackson sounds too close to comfort to Joe Henderson; in fact there are times when the tenor-saxophonist sounds identical. That is a real pity, for Jackson consistently shows the ability to take chances successfully, and his supporting cast (particularly pianist Jacky Terrasson and acoustic guitarist Fareed Haque), is quite strong. The music, essentially advanced hard bop with hints of the avant-garde, is stimulating and generally unpredictable. Now, if only Javon Jackson would put away his Joe Henderson records for a few years. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/for-one-who-knows-mw0000176785

Personnel: Javon Jackson (tenor saxophone); Jacky Terrasson (piano); Fareed Haque (acoustic guitar); Peter Washington (bass); Billy Drummond (drums); Cyro Baptiste (percussion).      

For One Who Knows

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Javon Jackson - Have You Heard

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:34
Size: 125,7 MB
Scans: Front

(6:39)  1. In This Corner
(8:05)  2. Dance Floor
(6:03)  3. Have You Heard
(3:52)  4. Breakin' Up Somebody's Home
(5:46)  5. Dr Smith
(5:40)  6. Summertime
(5:32)  7. Move On Up
(5:26)  8. Quik
(3:59)  9. That’s The Way I Feel About Cha’
(3:27) 10. Funky In Here (Reprise)

Continuing down the path he laid with '03's Easy Does It, tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson's latest, Have You Heard, is another groove-happy release that turns away from his earlier straight-ahead discs on Criss Cross and Blue Note, moving even further towards a soulful, funky vibe with greater crossover appeal. Lightweight it may be, but it's also a lot of fun and, if assessed on its own merits, successful in an easy-on-the-ears kind of way. Back from Easy Does It are organist Dr. Lonnie Smith and guitarist Mark Whitfield, with bassist Kenny Davis and drummer Terreon Gully fleshing out the rhythm section. Gully is proving he can handle anything from the cerebral post bop of vibraphonist Stefon Harris' Grand Unification Theory to his more accessible Evolution. Singer Lisa Fischer has worked with everyone from Luther Vandross and the Rolling Stones to Patti Labelle over the past twenty years or so; she adds sultry vocals to the Jackson/Matthews blues tune "Feel Like Breakin' Up Somebody's Home," a more vivacious chorus to the disco-fied Roger Troutman hit, "Dance Floor," and some soulful wails on the equally dance-worthy "Funky in the House (reprise)."

Covering material by Curtis Mayfield (the surprisingly up-tempo "Move on Up") and Bobby Womack (the more appropriately soulful and balladic "That's the Way I Feel About Cha'"), the emphasis is on accessibility in the grooves, arrangements, and solos. Jackson's own originals flesh out a programme that also includes an upbeat version of the standard "Summertime," suggesting how it might sound had it been written by Stevie Wonder or Sly Stone, instead of Cole Porter.Jackson, Whitfield, and Smith contribute appropriately blues-informed solos to the session, but while everyone's playing is strong throughout, nothing really stands out. Less about virtuosity and more about vibe, it's perhaps that very definition that makes the album well-crafted, but more than a little generic at the end of the day. While the playing is too defined and the approach too organic to be classified as smooth jazz, this recording veers perilously close, with most songs relying on catchy vamps and eminently danceable rhythms to maintain interest. It's not as if other artists aren't incorporating contemporary elements into their music to make it more approachable, but Jackson seems to have done a complete reversal with his past couple of discs totally rejecting his past, as opposed to finding ways to integrate more accessible concepts with his own style and development. Still, Have You Heard is never less than engaging, although more of the body than the mind. A little more meat and a bit more spice might make Jackson's attempts at broader acceptance more palatable to both his existing fan base and the new one he's clearly trying to cultivate. ~ John Kelman https://www.allaboutjazz.com/have-you-heard-javon-jackson-palmetto-records-review-by-john-kelman.php

Personnel: Javon Jackson (tenor saxophone); Lisa Fischer (vocals); Mark Whitfield (guitar); Dr. Lonnie Smith (organ); Kenny Davis (electric bass); Terreon Gully (drums)

Have You Heard

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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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Louis Hayes Sextet - Blue Lou

Styles: Straight Ahead Jazz

Year: 1993

File: MP3@256K/s

Time: 65:51

Size: 121,1 MB

Art: Front

( 6:32)  1. Blue Lou

(10:17)  2. Quiet Fire

( 7:15)  3. Honey Dip

( 6:54)  4. Lament for Love

( 9:59)  5. The Walk

( 9:38)  6. Sweet and Lovely

( 7:58)  7. New Endings

( 7:14)  8. Spur of the Moment

Louis Sedell Hayes was born May 31, 1937 in Detroit Michigan. He was always surrounded by music, actually first starting with the piano, before his father gave him a set of drums at age 10. A cousin noticed his talent, took him under his wing and made sure that his approach to the instrument would serve him well. And well it did, for after developing his skills in the fertile musical ground of Detroit in the 1950's with the likes of Yusef Lateef, Kenny Burrell, Doug Watkins and others, Louis found himself at the tender age of 18 in New York as a member of the great Horace Silver Quintet. His first recording with Horace, the classic Six Pieces Of Silver would introduce him to the jazz world as a new force to be acknowledged. Louis continued to enhance his reputation with Horace from 1956 until 1959 when he joined Cannonball Adderley where he propelled the quintet to joyous musical heights and timeless recordings through 1965. He joined piano master Oscar Peterson from 1965-67 during which time he and bassist Sam Jones became known as the "dynamic duo", recognized as the most powerful rhythm duo in jazz. Louis would rejoin Oscar in 1971 for a year. For the next decade or more he became leader or co-leader of a series of electrifying groups which included musicians such as Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Barron, Junior Cooke, Woody Shaw and Dexter Gordon. Louis also spent several years touring with McCoy Tyner. The Louis Hayes Group with Herald Mabern and Frank Strozier culminated four years of artistry with the album; Variety Is The Spice which received five stars, truly an accomplishment during a period when his style of hard driving, "bebop" was less preferred. He continuously traveled throughout the United States, Europe and Japan making musical history wherever he performed. Louis has played and recorded with jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, J J Johnson, Sonny Rollins, Jackie McLean, Wes Montgomery, Joe Henderson, Cedar Walton, George Benson as well as Ravi Shankar, John Lee Hooker and others. http://www.louishayes.net/about.html

Personnel:  Ronnie Mathews Piano;  Javon Jackson Sax (Tenor);  Eddie Allen Trumpet;  Gerald Hayes Sax (Alto);  Louis Hayes Drums;  Clint Houston Bass; 

Blue Lou

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Elvin Jones - Youngblood

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:23
Size: 145.1 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 1992
Art: Front

[3:52] 1. Not Yet
[7:39] 2. Have You Seen Elveen
[8:43] 3. Angel Eyes
[7:17] 4. Ding-A-Ling-A-Ding
[9:27] 5. Lady Luck
[3:56] 6. The Biscuit Man
[6:11] 7. Body And Soul
[4:12] 8. Strange
[6:12] 9. My Romance
[5:51] 10. Youngblood

Bass – George Mraz (tracks: 1 to 3,5 to 10); Drums – Elvin Jones; Tenor Saxophone – Javon Jackson (tracks: 1,2,5,6,8,10), Joshua Redman (tracks: 1 to 3,5,6,8,10); Trumpet – Nicholas Payton (tracks: 1,2,5 to 8,10). Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder at Van Gelder Studios, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. on April 20&21, 1992.

Although this superior set features three of the top Young Lions (tenors Joshua Redman and Javon Jackson and trumpeter Nicholas Payton), along with the fine bassist George Mraz, drummer Elvin Jones, 64 at the time, sounds like the youngest member of the group. The well-rounded CD has individual features for Redman ("Angel Eyes"), Payton ("Body and Soul") and Mraz ("My Romance"), along with the leader (the unaccompanied drum solo "Ding-A-Ling-A-Ling"), and has consistently inspired playing from all of the musicians. An excellent effort. ~Scott Yanow

Youngblood

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Elvin Jones - Going Home

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:22
Size: 133.6 MB
Styles: Bop
Year: 1993
Art: Front

[12:02] 1. The Shell Game
[ 4:51] 2. Going Home
[ 3:34] 3. Cross Purpose
[ 8:36] 4. You've Changed
[11:51] 5. Truth
[ 3:59] 6. East Of The Sun
[ 6:36] 7. In 3 4 Thee
[ 6:49] 8. April 8th

Elvin Jones - drums; Nicholas Payton - trumpet; Kent Jordan - flute, piccolo; Ravi Coltrane - soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone; Javon Jackson - tenor saxophone; Willie Pickens - piano; Brad Jones - bass.

On Elvin Jones' third Enja CD of the 1990s, the legendary drummer continues with the same formula used on his previous recording, Youngblood, with one exception. Jones adds the veteran Chicago pianist Willie Pickens to a group of younger players -- trumpeter Nicholas Payton, saxophonists Javon Jackson and Ravi Coltrane, flutist Kent Jordan, and bassist Brad Jones -- as they perform a program of standards and originals powered by Jones' always dynamic drumming. Never known as a composer, Jones wrote three of the eight compositions on Going Home. "The Shell Game" sounds like a figure Jones would play on the drums; it's a brief melody that serves as a springboard for the soloists. "April 8th" begins with Jones playing a march that quickly develops into an up-tempo burner with a march-like bridge, while the title track is a down-home blues featuring Pickens' piano. "Truth," written by Jones' wife Keiko, begins with a drum solo that develops into a Japanese folk song-like melody, then develops into a finger-poppin' groove. Payton, 19 years old at the time of this recording, shows the promise here that makes him a player to watch in years to come. A welcome addition to Jones' extensive discography. ~Greg Turner

Going Home

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Tim Hagans, Marcus Printup - Hub Songs: The Music of Freddie Hubbard

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1998
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:34
Size: 150,5 MB
Art: Front

( 7:12)  1. Backlash
( 5:19)  2. Happy Times
( 4:25)  3. Hub Cap
( 5:56)  4. Lament For Booker
( 7:01)  5. On the Que-Tee
( 8:34)  6. Crisis
( 5:08)  7. Byrd Like
( 6:30)  8. Thermo
( 4:31)  9. Up Jumped Spring
(10:53) 10. Life Flight

Hub Songs not only functions as a heartfelt, loving tribute to Freddie Hubbard, one of the greatest trumpeters in bop history, but it's a dynamic, engaging session in its own right. Both Tim Hagans and Marcus Printup had established themselves as two of the finest hard bop trumpeters of the '80s and '90s, and they were well prepared for this session. Working with pianist Benny Green, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, as well as guest musicians Javon Jackson on tenor sax and Vince Herring on alto sax, the duo manages to recapture the driving spirit of Hubbard's best recordings while stamping each song with individual, adventurous solos. It's one of the finest hard bop records of the late '90s. ~ Leo Stanley  http://www.allmusic.com/album/hub-songs-the-music-of-freddie-hubbard-mw0000031683

Personnel: Tim Hagans, Marcus Printup (trumpet); Vincent Herring (alto saxophone); Javon Jackson (tenor saxophone); Benny Green (piano); Peter Washington (bass); Kenny Washington (drums).

Hub Songs: The Music of Freddie Hubbard

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Dave Stryker - Messin' With Mister T

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:37
Size: 162,4 MB
Art: Front

(7:04)  1. La Place Street
(6:49)  2. Pieces of Dreams
(8:13)  3. Dont Mess With Mister T
(6:27)  4. In a Sentimental Mood
(9:10)  5. Impressions
(6:29)  6. Gibraltar
(7:02)  7. Salt Song
(6:55)  8. Sugar
(5:40)  9. Side Steppin'
(6:43) 10. Let It Go

On Messin' with Mister T, guitarist Dave Stryker could have enlisted only his organ trio to salute friend, mentor and musical hero Stanley Turrentine; instead, he chose to step back and let other voices do most of the talking. The encomiums are thus provided by ten of the world's most accomplished tenor saxophonists, making this one of the most unique and impressive testimonials ever recorded. Turrentine would no doubt have been pleased to see such heavyweights as Houston Person, Jimmy Heath, Don Braden, Chris Potter, Bob Mintzer, Eric Alexander and others lining up to pay homage to his artistry, and even more pleased that every one of them, in Stryker's words, "came immediately on board" when asked to take part in the enterprise.

Not only did Stryker's guests agree enthusiastically to appear on the album, each of them, doubtless in deference to Turrentine, brought his "A" game, an observation that is borne out on every number. No one is phoning anything in, from Person who opens the session with Turrentine's bluesy "La Place Street" to young lion Tivon Pennicott who seals it with another engaging Turrentine composition, "Let It Go." The highlights are many, among them Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood," played with warmth and dexterity by eighty-eight-year-old Jimmy Heath, and Potter's emphatic reading of John Coltrane's "Impressions." Alexander is eloquent on the powerful "Salt Song," as are Braden on Marvin Gaye's "Don't Mess with Mister T," Mintzer on Freddie Hubbard's funky "Gibraltar," Javon Jackson on Turrentine's jazz evergreen "Sugar," Mike Lee on the enchanting "Pieces of Dreams" and Steve Slagle on Stryker's frisky "Sidesteppin,'" introduced by Turrentine in 1995 on the album T Time.

As for the organ trio, it is there to offer unflagging support, amplified on most numbers by tasteful solos from Stryker and organist Jared Gold. Drummer McClenty Hunter, a diligent and sturdy timekeeper, is aided and abetted on half a dozen tracks by percussionist Mayra Casales. Together, they make sure that each guest is loose and comfortable. The result is an album whose artistry and passion mirror that of its honoree, the sublime Stanley Turrentine. Kudos to everyone involved, and especially to Stryker for bringing them together. ~ Jack Bowers  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/messin-with-mister-t-dave-stryker-strikezone-records-review-by-jack-bowers.php

Personnel: Dave Stryker: guitar; Jared Gold: Hammond B3 organ; McLenty Hunter: drums; Mayra Casales: percussion (2, 6-10). Special guests – Houston Person: tenor sax (1); Mike Lee: tenor sax (2); Don Braden: tenor sax (3); Jimmy Heath: tenor sax (4); Chris Potter: tenor sax (5); Bob Mintzer: tenor sax (6); Eric Alexander: tenor sax (7); Javon Jackson: tenor sax (8); Steve Slagle: tenor sax (9); Tivon Pennicott: tenor sax (10).

Messin' With Mister T

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Javon Jackson - Expression

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:57
Size: 158,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:22)  1. One By One
(9:10)  2. Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing
(8:44)  3. T.J.
(8:29)  4. When I Fall In Love
(7:42)  5. Think on Me
(6:13)  6. Mr. Taylor
(5:09)  7. Where Is the Love
(4:57)  8. Lelia
(8:02)  9. Richard's R.A.P.
(4:03) 10. 88 Strong

As one of the last saxophonists to be a part of Art Blakey's Messengers line up, it is apropos that Javon Jackson lead off his Smoke Sessions debut, Expression, with Wayne Shorter's "One By One." Like Herring, it is interesting to ponder Jackson's maturity over the years. The harder edge of his tone as heard with Elvin Jones back in the late '80s is now tempered with a more fluid and likable attack that is still nonetheless incendiary. He blows up a storm on this opening gambit, as does pianist Orrin Evans, who worries a phrase to make an ever so eloquent point. In fact, not taking anything away from Jackson, Evans sounds especially inspired throughout.

Like many of his contemporaries, Jackson decides to delve into some choice pop music of the '70s with his inclusion of Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing." Evans kills the opener with his Tyner-inflected runs before Jackson rides the bossa wave stoked by drummer McClenty Hunter. The George Cables line, "Think on Me," is another great choice and shows Jackson at his most fluid and relaxed. Among his own originals are tributes to Richard Davis ("Richard's R.I.P.") and McCoy Tyner ("88 Strong"), maintaining a superb level of diversity in material and an excellent chance to hear Jackson in his element. ~ C.Andrew Hovan  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/smoke-sessions-a-threesome-from-herring-jackson-and-hazeltine-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Javon Jackson: tenor sax; Orrin Evans: piano; Corcoran Holt: bass; McClenty Hunter: drums.

Expression

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Javon Jackson, David Hazeltine, Tony Reedus, Paul Gill - Sugarhill: The Music Of Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:11
Size: 124.1 MB
Styles: Hard bop, Standards
Year: 2007
Art: Front

[5:19] 1. Caravan
[6:29] 2. Warm Valley
[5:54] 3. In My Solitude
[7:10] 4. Prelude To A Kiss
[5:03] 5. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
[6:36] 6. Chelsea Bridge
[5:34] 7. In A Mellow Tone
[7:02] 8. In A Sentimental Mood
[5:00] 9. Lotus Blossom

This is a tight little quartet date led by saxophonist Javon Jackson, celebrating the music of the Duke. His co-conspirators on the session are arranger/pianist David Hazeltine, drummer Tony Reedus, and bassist Paul Gill. The material ranges from the obvious like "Caravan," "Chelsea Bridge," and "Lotus Blossom," to selections usually not played by quartets such as "In My Solitude." The emphasis here is on the bluesier and moodier side of Ellington's music, which works beautifully. The colors and textures a larger orchestra display may be richer, but in the quartet setting they can go deeper. It puts additional pressure on the individual players, but Jackson and Hazeltine as front line soloists are more than up to the challenge. The greatest proof of this lies in the ballads like "Warm Valley," and in the more lithe and slightly more up-tempo tunes like "In a Sentimental Mood." This is a fine session, and utterly lyrically beautiful all around. ~Thom Jurek

Sugarhill: The Music Of Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn

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The Harper Brothers - Artistry

Styles: Jazz, Straight-Ahead Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 65:54
Size: 151,6 MB
Art: Front

(8:39)  1. 1239A
(5:42)  2. Dakini
(3:36)  3. J.W.
(8:58)  4. Artistry
(7:11)  5. In God We Trust
(5:25)  6. Reflections
(5:55)  7. Belulah
(6:24)  8. Yes Sir, That's My Baby
(5:31)  9. A Mother's Love
(8:30) 10. Down on Duncan

During 1988-1992, the Harper Brothers were one of the leading Young Lions groups in jazz, younger musicians playing within the style of hard bop as typified by the 1960s recordings on Blue Note. The third of the Harper Brothers' four recordings is very much in the tradition, and much of the time sounds very much like 1965 or the early-'60s Jazz Messengers. Philip Harper's style mixes together aspects of Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard, Javon Jackson could almost pass for Joe Henderson, and the rhythm section is laid-back, soulful, supportive, and swinging. The originals are in the hard bop style (with "J.W." influenced by "Giant Steps"), and even "Yes Sir, That's My Baby" undergoes an effective transformation. The results are enjoyable if derivative. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/artistry-mw0000263268

The Harper Brothers: Phillip Harper (trumpet); Winard Harper (drums). Additional personnel: Javon Jackson (saxophone); Kevin Hayes (piano); Nedra Wheeler (bass).

Artistry

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Jackson, Hazeltine, Reedus, Gill - Sugar Hill : The Music Of Duke Ellington And Billy Strayhorn

Styles: Jazz, Hard Bop
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:09
Size: 124,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:18)  1. Caravan
(6:29)  2. Warm Valley
(5:54)  3. In My Solitude
(7:10)  4. Prelude To A Kiss
(5:02)  5. Things Ain't What They Used To Be
(6:36)  6. Chelsea Bridge
(5:33)  7. In A Mellow Tone
(7:02)  8. In A Sentimental Mood
(5:01)  9. Lotus Blossom

This is a tight little quartet date led by saxophonist Javon Jackson, celebrating the music of the Duke. His co-conspirators on the session are arranger/pianist David Hazeltine, drummer Tony Reedus, and bassist Paul Gill. The material ranges from the obvious like "Caravan," "Chelsea Bridge," and "Lotus Blossom," to selections usually not played by quartets such as "In My Solitude." The emphasis here is on the bluesier and moodier side of Ellington's music, which works beautifully. The colors and textures a larger orchestra display may be richer, but in the quartet setting they can go deeper. It puts additional pressure on the individual players, but Jackson and Hazeltine as front line soloists are more than up to the challenge. The greatest proof of this lies in the ballads like "Warm Valley," and in the more lithe and slightly more up-tempo tunes like "In a Sentimental Mood." This is a fine session, and utterly lyrically beautiful all around.      ~ Thom Jurek   http://www.allmusic.com/album/sugar-hill-music-of-duke-ellington-and-billy-strayhorn-mw0000795709

Sugar Hill

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