Peter Zak - Blues On the Corner

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:08
Size: 129,3 MB
Art: Front

(7:57)  1. Blues On the Corner
(4:53)  2. Three Flowers
(8:20)  3. The Man from Tanganyika
(4:36)  4. Sunset
(4:38)  5. May Street
(6:37)  6. Ballad for Aisha
(5:28)  7. The Camel
(5:23)  8. All My Yesterdays
(8:11)  9. Peresina

McCoy Tyner has justifiably been heralded as one of the most important jazz pianists of the past 50 years, both for his seminal work with the classic John Coltrane Quartet in the 1960s and for the four decades of consistently exhilarating work as a leader that followed. But while his heavily percussive style, unique chord voicings and the sheer emotional force of his playing have influenced countless followers, he has seldom been appreciated for his contributions as a composer. That's beginning to change a bit, however, with the SF Jazz Collective's 2009 Tyner tribute and New York pianist Peter Zak 's Blues on the Corner: The Music of McCoy Tyner.  Zak is a top-flight modern mainstream player who appears regularly with respected artists like Ryan Kisor, Walt Weiskopf and Jim Snidero. He is wise enough not to try to mimic the raw power of Tyner's style; he has a more lyrical and restrained, but still hard swinging, approach. But Zak and his impressive working trio (Paul Gill on bass and Quincy Davis on drums) capture the spirit of Tyner's music on eight tunes drawn from throughout his long career. The diversity and energy of the selections, ranging from old-school bebop to searing, avant-leaning explorations to unabashedly beautiful ballads give testament to Tyner's breadth as a composer.

Highlights include the bouncy blues of the title track, Zak's whirlwind post-bop playing on the explosive "May Street," the bowing prowess of Gill on "Three Flowers" and the sense of playfulness the entire trio brings to the lively "Man from Tanganyika." The lovely, expressive ballad, "All My Yesterdays," given a thoughtful treatment here, should serve as an antidote to those who still view Tyner simply as Coltrane's fiery foil. The lone Zak original, "The Camel," is an edgy, forward-looking number that fits in well with the overall Tyner theme. Peter Zak and his trio have made a fine album that shines new light on a too-often neglected aspect of McCoy Tyner's legacy. ~ Joel Roberts https://www.allaboutjazz.com/blues-on-the-corner-the-music-of-mccoy-tyner-peter-zak-steeplechase-records-review-by-joel-roberts.php
 

Personnel: Peter Zak: piano; Paul Gill: bass; Quincy Davis: drums.

Blues On the Corner

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Peter Zak - Seed Of Sin

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 67:10
Size: 108,9 MB
Art: Front

(6:20)  1. All Day Long
(4:12)  2. Minor Apprehension
(9:47)  3. Propinquity
(8:22)  4. Poor People's March
(7:18)  5. Horace's Dream
(6:38)  6. Shala
(4:23)  7. Perhaps
(5:08)  8. Seed Of Sin
(7:05)  9. Memories Of You
(7:53) 10. King Cobra

Peter Zak's fourth release for Steeplechase finds him returning to a trio, with his regular bassist Paul Gill and Quincy Davis taking over on drums. Zak covers a number of jazz styles during this wide-ranging session. His buoyant, swinging treatment of Billy Strayhorn's lesser known "All Day Long" and lyrical setting of Eubie Blake's "Memories of You" have great appeal. Gill is featured extensively in the opening to Charlie Parker's "Perhaps," accompanied sparsely by Davis' brushes with minimal backing by the leader until he takes over. The trio devours Jackie McLean's intense hard bop vehicle "Minor Apprehension," showcasing Davis extensively early on. Harold Land's "Poor People's March" is another lost gem polished by the trio, a driving post-bop vehicle. Zak dives head first into Herbie Hancock's intriguing, constantly evolving "King Cobra." The pianist's compositions are just as strong. "Horace's Dream" quickly reveals its inspiration with the catchy rhythm favored by Horace Silver. The brisk bossa nova "Propinquity" and the melodic"Shala" (the latter introduced with a bit of free improvisation) are also signs of Peter Zak's gifts as a composer. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/seed-of-sin-mw0001441360

Personnel: Peter Zak (piano); Quincy Davis (drums); Paul Gill (bass).

Seed Of Sin

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Cory Weeds Quintet - It's Easy To Remember

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

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

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

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

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

It's Easy To Remember

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Grant Stewart - Plays The Music Of Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:24
Size: 136,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:26)  1. Raincheck
(7:46)  2. Tonight A Shall Sleep
(8:18)  3. Angelica
(7:22)  4. I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
(5:53)  5. It Don't Mean A Thing
(7:07)  6. Something To Live For
(7:18)  7. The Star Crossed Lovers
(9:10)  8. The Feeling Of Jazz

Here's a refreshing take on Ellingtonia, one that doesn't rely on the overdone ("Take the A Train," "Perdido") or easy ("C-Jam Blues"). Canadian native Grant Stewart brings a post-Swing, combo approach to his Ellingtonia, even going so far as to reference Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk/John Coltrane collaboration. The tenor saxophonist, whose own distinctive style has echoes of Clifford Jordan and later Al Cohn in tone and conception, leads a pos tbop/hard bop-leaning quartet with pianist Tardo Hammer, bassist Paul Gill and drummer Joe Farnsworth.

All of the material here should be familiar to fans of Ellingtonia with one exception: "Tonight I Shall Sleep," a ballad the Ellington Orchestra first recorded in 1945 with guest soloist Tommy Dorsey limning the melody on trombone. Stewart brings a rich warm tone and Dorsey-like legato approach to both the melody and his lyrical solo. Hammer's delicate, mostly single-note solo lines are reminiscent of the late John Lewis. And the ending tenor coda, with its unresolved chord echoing the conclusion of "Lush Life," suggests Strayhorn may have had a hand in the tune, although it's credited solely to Ellington. Stewart ups the tempo, via Bob Mover's chart, of "Something to Live For," revs up "It Don't Mean a Thing" to bebop speed and excavates a bluesy groove on "The Feeling of Jazz." "Raincheck" and "I Let A Song Go Out of My Heart" demonstrate the charms of melodic substance to swing, while "Star-Crossed Lovers" from The Shakespearean Suite, is a tribute to alto saxophonist Johnny Hodges' sumptuous style. ~ George Kanzler  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/plays-the-music-of-duke-ellington-and-billy-strayhorn-grant-stewart-sharp-nine-records-review-by-george-kanzler.php

Personnel: Grant Stewart: saxophone; Tardo Hammer: piano; Paul Gill: bass; Joe Farnsworth: drums.

Plays The Music Of Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn

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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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Grant Stewart - Grant Stewart + 4

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:57
Size: 137,5 MB
Art: Front

(7:29)  1. You 'N' Me
(8:39)  2. Yesterdays
(6:42)  3. Cohn On The Cob
(5:57)  4. Limehouse Blues
(8:59)  5. The Folks Who Live On The Hill
(8:27)  6. Sabia
(7:22)  7. Lonely Town
(6:20)  8. You Leave Me Breathless

Grant Stewart is a young Canadian tenor saxophonist with a big, burly sound and plenty of drive. On Grant Stewart + 4, he demonstrates his command of both his instrument and the hard bop idiom. He swings without pretense and his top-shelf sidemen move things along with considerable brio. Stewart's improvisations are marked by long, rolling lines and heated swing. He displays a cohesive sense of invention even at the fastest tempos, as on "Limehouse Blues," for example. And while Stewart is deeply indebted to Sonny Rollins, he's clearly looking for his own approach, making interesting and original note choices throughout. His flaring solo on "Lonely Town" is especially good. Guitarist Joe Cohn is also a big part of the success of this album, through sleek, clean solos and clever arrangements, which serve to lift these proceedings well above the usual blowing date. Cohn is highlighted on "Yesterdays," on which he interacts sensitively with Stewart, and where his arrangement adds a fresh dimension to the oft-played chestnut. 

Pianist Bill Charlap nearly steals the album. His improvising is absolutely fresh and distinctive, using space to advantage, varying phrase lengths, and overall providing a classic reminder that jazz is, after all, supposed to be the sound of surprise. In keeping with the sound of surprise, Grant Stewart + 4 successfully mines the tricky terrain of repertoire with rarely played songs, clever originals, and less conventional song treatments. "You Leave Me Breathless," for example, is played as an up-tempo romp, rather than a ballad. In fact, most of the program is played at fast and even faster tempos, and Stewart's cooking rhythm section nails it every time. Even at the fearsome speeds of "Limehouse Blues" and "You Leave Me Breathless," bassist Paul Gill and drummer Willie Jones III maintain solid, vibrant swing. Grant Stewart + 4 may not be innovative, but it is very, very good. ~ AAJ Staff  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/grant-stewart--4-grant-stewart-criss-cross-review-by-aaj-staff.php#.VGgmxcmHmtg

Personnel: Grant Stewart: tenor saxophone; Joe Cohn: guitar; Bill Charlap: piano; Paul Gill: bass; Willie Jones III: drums.

Grant Stewart + 4

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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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