Mulgrew Miller - Wingspan

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:18
Size: 124,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:38)  1. Wingspan
(6:48)  2. One's Own Room
(6:08)  3. The Eleventh Hour - Early Take
(5:25)  4. I Remember You
(7:55)  5. Soul-Leo
(7:32)  6. You're That Dream
(7:15)  7. Sonhos Do Brasil (Dreams Of Brazil)
(7:33)  8. The Eleventh Hour - Later Take

A beautiful set from Mulgrew Miller one of his greatest albums as a leader, and exemplary of the kind of underground jazz that was still bubbling strong in the 80s! The set features Miller's quintet with Kenny Garrett on alto and flute, Steve Nelson on vibes, Charnett Moffett on bass, and Tony Reedus on drums led by Miller in a range of expressive styles carried off with effortless ease. There's some really nice numbers on here with a gentle and soulful groove mixing vibes, piano, and alto in wonderful shades of colors and tone. Titles include "Sonhos Do Brasil", "Wingspan", "One's Own Room", "The Eleventh Hour", and "Soul Leo".  © 1996-2019, Dusty Groove Inc.https://www.dustygroove.com/item/476436/Mulgrew-Miller:Wingspan

Personnel:  Mulgrew Miller – piano; Charnett Moffett – bass; Tony Reedus – drums; Rudy Bird – percussion (tracks: 2 5 7); Kenny Garrett – saxophone, flute; Steve Nelson – vibraphone

Wingspan

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Steve Slagle Quartet - Our Sound

Styles: Saxophone Jazz 
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:24
Size: 144,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:42)  1. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
(6:15)  2. Eve
(6:20)  3. Little Rootie Tootie
(6:01)  4. Theme For Ernie
(8:13)  5. Crazy She Calls Me
(6:55)  6. Haitian Fight Song
(4:45)  7. Lush Life
(8:45)  8. All Or Nothing At All
(8:24)  9. Beautiful Friendship

Steve Slagle is an American jazz saxophonist, flautist, and composer. Slagle was born in Los Angeles and grew up in suburban Philadelphia. He received a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music and received a master's degree in Music From Manhattan School of Music.. He came to New York in 1976, first working with Machito and his Afro-Cuban orchestra, and then toured and recorded with Ray Barretto, Steve Kuhn, Lionel Hampton, Brother Jack McDuff, and Carla Bley. He also performed and traveled with Woody Herman and Cab Calloway. In the mid-1980s, he began leading his own combos, first with Mike Stern and then with Dave Stryker; the combo is currently the main focus of Slagle's music. He has also played frequently with Joe Lovano and has featured on several of Lovano's albums, including the Grammy-winning 52nd Street Themes.

In the mid-1980s, global and especially Latin influences began to inflect Slagle's work, and he appeared on albums by Milton Nascimento and recorded Rio Highlife in Brazil. He toured frequently worldwide during the 1990s and 2000s, especially in Western Europe, Japan, South America and, latterly, Russia and Bulgaria. During the 1990s, he was a leading figure in the Charles Mingus Big Band. Ever since the late 1990s, Slagle has co-led a band with guitarist Dave Stryker. New New York, his 2000 release, has been seen as an evocation of the city's mood on the verge of 9/11 and an expression of Slagle's love for the city he has made his home. He has played with such diverse artists as Milton Nascimento, St. Vincent, Elvis Costello, the Beastie Boys, and Mac Rebennack (aka Dr. John). Slagle has taught at the Manhattan School of Music, Rutgers, The New School, NYU, and clinics through the Thelonious Monk Institute as well as the Mingus Jazz Workshop and master classes and clinics worldwide.

In 2015, his duo recording with pianist Bill O'Connell, a tribute album to Kenny Drew Jr. was released as The Power of Two. In February 2016, Routes (by the Stryker/Slagle Band-Expanded) was released. It was produced by Rick Simpson, with 4-horn arrangements by Steve Slagle. With much critical acclaim, Routes reached #2 on the national radio charts. Slagle plays and endorses Yanagisawa saxophones  the WO-10 alto saxophone and S9930 soprano saxophone. Steve has also been a long time player of Haynes flutes. On tenor sax, Steve plays a mid-60's Selmer Mark VI, and on baritone sax, a 1947 Silver Conn. In 2011, Slagle published a composition and improvisation workbook for the creative musician, and stories about his life in "Scenes, Songs and Solos" (Schaffner Press). His many original compositions are published with Slagle Music, BMI. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Slagle

Our Sound

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Dave Stryker - The Chaser

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:54
Size: 145,1 MB
Art: Front

(7:06)  1. The Great Divide
(7:15)  2. Brighter Days
(7:32)  3. I Wish You Love
(7:03)  4. Close To You
(5:52)  5. The Chaser
(7:08)  6. Katmandu
(7:12)  7. Mode J.W. (For James Williams)
(6:41)  8. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
(7:03)  9. Our Miss Brooks

This chapter in guitarist Dave Stryker's musical book, which already includes some 25 titles as a leader or co-leader in settings ranging from trios and quartets to his Blue to the Bone band, Trio Mundo and the exciting Stryker/Slagle Band, is a neoclassic organ trio outing providing ample opportunity for his agile playing with its warm, resonant tone. He's accompanied by organist Jared Gold, whose sound exhibits the influences of Larry Young's harmonic chording and Jimmy Smith's virile attack, along with drummer Tony Reedus, whose percussive embellishments and integral, exhilarating work help to create this group's fat sound. Stryker's musical interests and ability are such that each project affords listeners an often unique and exciting listening experience. The guitarist worked in the bands of organist Brother Jack McDuff and, later, tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine between the mid-'80s and mid-'90s, honing his chops in the presence of the masters. He also developed that most revered of musical traits a distinctive sound on his instrument. His style embraces influences of Delta blues, Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino while being individualistic, mature and showing an eagerness to evolve. 

The Chaser is anything but predictable, featuring five Stryker originals including a couple straight-ahead burners the title track as well as "The Great Divide," which has a stunning change in tempo from Stryker's fiery exploration of the melody to a smoldering walk as Gold begins his solo. "Brighter Days" is an effervescent swinger, "Katmandu" a bluesy samba; "Mode J.W.," a remembrance of late pianist James Williams, boils with intensity and passion. There's a fine, up-tempo waltz treatment of "I Wish You Love," the arrangement in contrast to a more sedate, if equally delicious, reading of this tune on Grant Green's Street of Dreams album from the '60s. "Close to You" is done as a delicately crafted ballad, while the standard "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" is captivating in its use of shifting meters. The album closes in a soulful visit with Harold Vick's good and greasy line "Our Miss Brooks," which surely had Stryker thinking of his time with McDuff. It's in the bag. If you're not already hip to Stryker, The Chaser is a grand introduction to his superior playing and should whet your appetite for other elements in his discography. If you're already a fan, the album should speak for itself. 

~ Rick Erben https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-chaser-dave-stryker-mel-bay-records-review-by-rick-erben.php

Personnel: Dave Stryker: guitar; Jared Gold: organ; Tony Reedus: drums.

The Chaser

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James Williams - After Ego

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1984
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:31
Size: 113,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:20)  1. Black Scholars
(6:49)  2. Alter Ego
(7:27)  3. Havana Days
(5:29)  4. Fourplay
(6:39)  5. A Touching Affair
(6:36)  6. Waltz For Monk
(6:43)  7. Beauty Within
(3:24)  8. Yours And Mine

Pianist James Williams learned a great deal from his stint with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and when he emerged from the group he was perfectly qualified to be a bandleader. His Sunnyside session features such up-and-coming players as guitarist Kevin Eubanks, the reeds of Billy Pierce and Bill Easley, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Tony Reedus on a set of original material. Five of the seven songs were composed by Williams, while the other two (including the memorable "Waltz for Monk") were contributed by Donald Brown. The frequently exciting music (high-quality modern hard bop) still sounds fresh. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/alter-ego-mw0000106677

Personnel:  Piano – James Williams; Double Bass – Ray Drummond; Drums – Tony Reedus; Guitar – Kevin Eubanks; Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Bill Easley; Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Billy Pierce

After Ego

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Walt Weiskopf Quartet - Recorded Live April 8, 2008 - Koger Hall, University of South Carolina

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:49
Size: 161,0 MB
Art: Front

( 6:50)  1. Man of Many Colors
(10:49)  2. Little Minor Love Song
( 9:27)  3. Dizzy Spells / Jay-Walking
( 7:52)  4. Blues in the Day
( 8:47)  5. Scottish Folk Song
( 7:52)  6. Blame It On My Youth
( 8:41)  7. Love for Sale
( 9:29)  8. Breakdown

Walt Weiskopf led a quartet with pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Paul Gill, and drummer Tony Reedus in the spring of 2008 at the University of South Carolina. Although the musicians knew the live concert documented here was being recorded, the recording was initially intended for archival needs rather than as a commercial release. Around the time that the tenor saxophonist realized how good the performances were from the concert, Reedus collapsed and died from an embolism upon his return from a European tour in November 2008. The quartet members are at their very best throughout this concert, as they bring life to Weiskopf's compositions with their brilliant improvising and on the money accompaniment. There are two standards, an expressive "Blame It on My Youth," featuring Weiskopf's powerful solo, and a lighthearted, breezy "Love for Sale." Aside from the traditional "Scottish Folk Song" (introduced by the leader with Gill playing arco), played at a loping, nostalgic tempo, the remaining tracks are primarily Weiskopf's compositions. One exception is Rosnes' brilliant "Dizzy Spells" (a delicious reworking of the late trumpeter's "Con Alma"), which is combined in a medley with an extended workout of Weiskopf's "Jay-Walking." Other highlights include the tricky, constantly shifting "Blues in the Day" and the turbulent post-bop vehicle "Breakdown." Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/recorded-live-april-8-2008-koger-hall-university-of-south-carolina-mw0002120267

Personnel:  Tenor Saxophone – Walt Weiskopf; Piano – Renee Rosnes;  Bass – Paul Gill; Drums – Tony Reedus

Recorded Live April 8, 2008 - Koger Hall, University of South Carolina

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James Spaulding - Smile of the Snake

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:46
Size: 135,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:52)  1. Third Avenue
(5:51)  2. Serenity
(6:07)  3. The Smile of the Snake
(4:58)  4. Lenora
(7:20)  5. Tonight Only
(7:00)  6. Premonition
(5:46)  7. Yes It Is
(5:08)  8. Panchito
(5:51)  9. Love Is Not a Dream
(5:48) 10. Havana Days (Cuba 1954)

One of the most underrated saxophonists of the post-1960 era, James Spaulding has long been a passionate postbop altoist and a warm flutist. On this superior outing he is heard in top form on both of his axes (plus two appearances on bass flute) in a quartet with pianist Richard Wyands, bassist Ron McClure and drummer Tony Reedus. Producer Donald Sickler helped advise Spaulding on the material and the result is a high-quality set of obscurities by Wyands, McClure, Clifford Jordan, Donald Brown, Geoff Keezer and Idrees Sulieman. Spaulding digs into the songs, displays a great deal of versatility and certainly has his fiery moments. One of James Spaulding's finest allround recordings. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/smile-of-the-snake-mw0000038736

Personnel:  Alto Saxophone – James Spaulding;  Bass – Ron McClure;  Drums – Tony Reedus;  Flute – James Spaulding;  Flute [Bass Flute] – James Spaulding;  Piano – Richard Wyands

Smile of the Snake

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Woody Shaw Quintet - Lotus Flower

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1982
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 42:57
Size: 99,9 MB
Art: Front

( 9:45)  1. Eastern Joy Dance
( 6:46)  2. Game
( 7:01)  3. Lotus Flower
( 8:04)  4. Rahsan's Run
(11:21)  5. Songs of Song

This CD features one of trumpeter Woody Shaw's finest groups, a quintet with trombonist Steve Turre, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Stafford James, and drummer Tony Reedus. The five-song program has an original apiece by each of the musicians (other than Reedus) with two by the leader. Shaw was one of the great trumpeters of all time, as he shows on such advanced yet swinging numbers as "Eastern Joy Dance," "Rahsaan's Run," and "Song of Songs." Virtually every Woody Shaw recording is well worth acquiring, including this one. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/lotus-flower-mw0000308958

Personnel:  Woody Shaw (trumpet); Steve Turre (trombone); Mulgrew Miller (piano); Stafford James (bass); Tony Reedus (drums).

Lotus Flower

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Steve Nelson - Communications

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 68:24

Size: 156.6 MB

Styles: Bop, Vibraphone jazz

Year: 1990

Art: Front

[ 7:21] 1. Blues All The Time

[ 7:33] 2. I Didn't Know What Time It Was

[ 4:06] 3. The Song Is You

[ 6:38] 4. Aten Hymn

[10:17] 5. What's New

[ 7:23] 6. Blues For Bob

[ 6:23] 7. Festival

[10:01] 8. Dignity

[ 8:39] 9. I Hear A Rhapsody

Steve Nelson (Vib); Mulgrew Miller (P); Ray Drummond (B); Tony Reedus (D). Recorded December 30, 1987 & October 11, 1989 in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, USA by Rudy Van Gelder

This outstanding vibraphonist and composer was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Rutgers University with both Masters and Bachelors degrees in music and his teaching activities have included a position at Princeton University. As a resident of the New York area he has performed and recorded with many great musicians including Kenny Barron, Bobby Watson, Mulgrew Miller, David Fathead Newman, Johnny Griffin and Jackie McLean.

He has appeared at concerts and festivals worldwide and has made three recordings as the leader of his own group. His recordings as a leader include Live At Acireale (Red Records), Full Nelson (Sunnyside) and Communications (Criss Cross). Recordings with others include Mulgrew Miller, David “Fathead” Newman, Kenny Barron, Jackie McLean and Johnny Griffin.

Communications

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Anthony Wonsey Trio - Blues For Hiroshi

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 56:50

Size: 130.1 MB

Styles: Piano jazz

Year: 2004

Art: Front

[5:18] 1. Damn That Reality

[5:41] 2. Waltz For Debby

[6:17] 3. Brother Hiroshi

[6:58] 4. Just In Time

[9:25] 5. The Peacocks

[5:14] 6. Just You, Just Me

[6:37] 7. Black Fairy Tales

[6:51] 8. Nobody Else But Me

[4:25] 9. Relaxin' At Camarillo

Anthony Wonsey (piano), Richie Goods (bass), Tony Reedus (drums).

Sharp Nine Records' slogan is "Straight ahead and in the pocket." How well does Sharp Nine's offering from Anthony Wonsey fit the bill? In the last decade, pianist Anthony Wonsey has been associated with prominent names like Nicholas Payton, Wallace Roney and the late Elvin Jones' Jazz Machine. So it's a surprise that Blues for Hiroshi is only the second album under Wonsey's leadership. (The album is the trio's first American release.) The disc is nicely paced with three originals and six standards that display Wonsey in a variety of mainstream settings from waltzes, ballads, bop and the blues and even a little stride.

The album opens with Wonsey's "Damn That Reality," his hard bop take on "Darn That Dream," with Goods and Reedus nicely kicking along the tempo. Next comes the ghost of Bill Evans in "Waltz for Debby," dragging his chain of "Bill Evans chords" mixed with your basic Wynton Kelly-type bop. "Brother Hiroshi" is dedicated to Hiroshi Imaizumi, Wonsey's patron, who has provided extensive exposure for the pianist at his Tokyo clubs. The modal-but-funky tune, coupled with Wonsey's locked hands chording and anachronistic mannerisms make it an interesting side-dish, but rather unmemorable. Wonsey offers a welcome change of pace with "Just In Time": the out-of-tempo piano intro gives way to a lively swing as Reedus grabs his brushes. Goods contributes a melodic, nimble solo here. Jimmy Rowles' lovely tune "The Peacocks" is a little disappointing. The beautiful melody can easily be made cloying in the wrong hands. Wonsey thankfully misses that mine, but errs on the side of caution. His touch (or is it the instrument?) fails to tap into the sensitivity of the line. "Just You, Just Me" is delightful collaboration between Wonsey, Monk, and Nat King Cole, with another solo spot for Goods. The third original is Wonsey's "Black Fairy Tales," a dreamy rubato reverie that segues into an impressionistic waltz. "Nobody Else But Me" begins with some Tin Pan Alley-style stride—perhaps the way it was played when Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern wrote it for Showboat in 1927. Then Wonsey swings it when bass and brushes after a chorus. Wonsey cedes the spotlight to Goods and Reedus for some unexceptional solos. The trio goes out with Bird's blues "Relaxin' at Camarillo." If you're expecting some fire-breathing bebop here, you need to readjust your sights to something more like a swing-to-bop JATP session. Oscar Peterson's got nothing to worry about here, though. ~David S. Birk

Blues For Hiroshi

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Benny Golson - Up, Jumped, Spring

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:53
Size: 142,0 MB
Art: Front

(10:14)  1. Up, Jump, Spring
( 7:59)  2. Voyage
(14:55)  3. Beautiful Love
( 7:37)  4. Goodbye
(10:10)  5. Gypsy Jingle-Jangle
(10:56)  6. Stable Mates

Since Laserlight is a budget CD label, it is easy not to take its releases overly seriously, particularly since its personnel listings and dates are often wrong. In the case of this CD, however, the music is excellent, and the listing of musicians (Benny Golson on tenor, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Tony Reedus) is accurate, although the dates are not given and there are several errors with the listing of composers for the songs. Golson is heard throughout in top form, stretching himself on Freddie Hubbard's "Up Jumped Spring" (listed as an original called "Up, Jump, Spring!"), Kenny Barron's "Voyage" and his own "Stable Mates." On the latter, Golson plays an effective and intense duet with drummer Reedus. 61 at the time, Benny Golson is heard here at the peak of his powers.~Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/benny-golson-quartet-mw0000083916

Personnel:  Bass – Rufus Reid;  Drums – Tony Reedus;  Piano – Mulgrew Miller;  Tenor Saxophone – Benny Golson

Up, Jumped, Spring

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Jim Snidero Quartet - While You Are Here

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:36
Size: 125,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:45)  1. While Your Here
(6:44)  2. Intimacy
(6:44)  3. A Few to Many
(4:18)  4. Fly Little Bird Fly
(7:57)  5. State Of Affairs
(9:25)  6. I Concentrate On You
(6:49)  7. I Can't Get Started
(6:50)  8. Front Line

A fine post-bop improviser and alto saxman, Jim Snidero is a bit underrated but is well-appreciated by his fellow musicians. He attended the University of North Texas and moved to New York in 1981. Snidero toured and recorded with Jack McDuff, he's been a member of the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra since the mid-'80s, has worked with the backup bands of Frank Sinatra and Eddie Palmieri, and has spent time playing with the Frank Wess Sextet, the Mel Lewis Orchestra, and the Mingus Big Band. As a leader, Jim Snidero has recorded for the Japanese East World label (1984), Ken, Square Discs, Red, and Criss Cross. He has also recorded as a sideman with Brian Lynch, Conrad Herwig, and Tom Varner, and been active in jazz education both as a teacher and as an author of instructional books. ~ Scott Yanow  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jim-snidero/id218375938#fullText

Personnel: Jim Snidero (alto saxophone); Benny Green (piano); Tony Reedus (drums).

While You Are Here

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Woody Shaw - The Time Is Right

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:54
Size: 107,5 MB
Art: Front

(12:16)  1. From Moment to Moment
(12:03)  2. Time Is Right
(12:14)  3. You and the Night and the Music
(10:19)  4. We'll Be Together Again

Although the quintet featured on this CD reissue from the Italian Red label was one of trumpeter Woody Shaw's finest, it failed to make much of an impact before breaking up. Teamed with trombonist Steve Turre, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Stafford James and drummer Tony Reedus for an Italian concert, Shaw stretches out on two of his originals plus "You And The Night And The Music" and "We'll Be Together Again"; all four of the numbers clock in between 10-12 minutes apiece. High-quality advanced hard bop. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/time-is-right-mw0000098485

Personnel: Woody Shaw (trumpet); Steve Turre (trombone); Mulgrew Miller (piano); Tony Reedus (drums).

The Time Is Right

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David Hazeltine - Good Hearted People

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:39
Size: 127,8 MB
Art: Front

(7:22)  1. Blueslike
(6:06)  2. Caliente Blues
(6:41)  3. Imagination
(6:58)  4. Demasiado Dulce
(7:12)  5. Good-Hearted People
(8:12)  6. Quiet Now
(6:37)  7. Cozytine
(6:28)  8. Barbados

Another solid Criss Cross date from David Hazeltine, this one featuring an unusual front line: Jim Snidero on alto sax and Steve Davis on trombone. (Straight-ahead groups more routinely feature trumpet and sax, with trombone as a possible third horn.) Bassist Nat Reeves and drummer Tony Reedus drive the rhythm; guitarist Jesse Van Ruller replaces the horns on a seductive rendition of Denny Zeitlin's "Quiet Now" and joins the full band for a closing romp on Charlie Parker's "Barbados." Steve Davis gets two writing spots with the deliciously relaxed "Cozytine" and the sun-bright, hard-swinging title track. Hazeltine's two creations are the grooving, mid-tempo "Blueslike" and the moody bossa "Demasiado Dulce." (Snidero plays flute on the latter.) ~ David R.Adler  http://www.allmusic.com/album/good-hearted-people-mw0000014383 

Personnel: David Hazeltine (piano); Jesse Van Ruller (guitar); Jim Snidero (flute, alto saxophone); Steve Davis (trombone); Tony Reedus (drums).

Good Hearted People

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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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Joe Magnarelli - Mr. Mags

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:08
Size: 122,1 MB
Art: Front

( 5:20)  1. 215 #1
( 8:19)  2. Our Song
( 5:38)  3. Passage
( 7:16)  4. I Should Care
( 5:54)  5. Mean What You Say
( 5:01)  6. Oh' Suzanne
(10:45)  7. Blue Opus
( 4:50)  8. Mississippi Jazz Club

At a time when many contemporary jazz trumpeters seem to be pushing to the extremes (i.e. Russell Gunn’s rap/world beat groove or Dave Douglas’ avant stance), a player like Joe Magnarelli might seem more like a throw back to the past. A great reader and reliable sideman, Magnarelli can run down the bebop or blow pretty, depending on what the situation calls. He also possesses a crisp and burnished tone that is immediately attractive. But it would be unfair to suggest that the trumpeter is stuck in a time warp. More accurately, Magnarelli excels in the mainstream tradition and has found his own voice within such structures. His third set as a leader for Criss Cross, Mr. Mags is certainly nothing radically different from past endeavors, yet it offers further sustenance in an area where swing and melodic integrity are at a premium. 

Pacing is particularly strong, as the rapid “215 #1” (Coltrane’s “Countdown” seems to be an inspiration here) gives way to the lilting waltz tempo of “Our Song.” Pure bebop marks Jim Snidero’s “Passage,” “I Should Care” provides for Magnarelli’s ballad feature, “Oh, Suzanne” is a Latin romp, and “Blue Opus” taps, of course, the blues. It’s not often these days that we hear a trumpet-alto sax front line, so the pairing of Magnarelli and Snidero seems like a very sagacious choice. So too, pianist David Hazeltine puts his stamp on the proceedings with his advanced sense of harmony. So if your tastes run toward the adventurous this may not cut it for you, but those with middle-of-the-road sensibilities will find much to sink their teeth into. ~ C.Andrew Hovan  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/mr-mags-joe-magnarelli-criss-cross-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php
 

Personnel: Joe Magnarelli (trumpet), Jim Snidero (alto sax & flute), David Hazeltine (piano), John Webber (bass), Tony Reedus (drums)

Mr. Mags

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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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