Arkadia Jazz All-Stars - It's About Love

Styles: Jazz Contemporary
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:43
Size: 160,8 MB
Art: Front

(6:44) 1. Mood Indigo
(5:48) 2. A Summer Affair
(4:38) 3. My Cherie Amour
(8:37) 4. My Funny Valentine
(5:06) 5. Round Midnight
(4:27) 6. It's Really All About Love
(5:18) 7. The More I See You
(6:02) 8. Interlude
(5:53) 9. Passionata
(6:28) 10. Ask Me Now
(4:51) 11. I Want to Talk About You
(5:46) 12. A Perfect Couple

It could be said that jazz is really the musical language of Love. Like any quest, you have to seek jazz out, it never comes to you, and it may take a long time to truly understand its message but as soon as you hear it, you know you’ve found love. Jazz, like all personal relationships, has so many moods that it may confound you at first, but once you get to know it, there’s no turning back. Much of the repertoire of jazz has been dedicated to love and Arkadia Jazz All-Stars have recorded an album that celebrates the romantic, intimate side of jazz, and musically explores the unanswerable question: What is Love?

Starting off with Benny Golson’s sublime reading of Duke Ellington’s Mood Indigo, the stage is set for romance. The nylon strings of Nigel Clark are featured next in the breezy A Summer Affair, capturing the smoldering flame of passion. Joanne Brackeen performs Stevie Wonder’s pop standard My Cherie Amour in her own dynamic and totally individual way, and Randy Brecker’s Grammy Nominated performance on My Funny Valentine is a moment of real beauty. Both artists bring new depth to several of the all time great love songs. Paul Tobey’s sensitive and insightful rendition of Monk’s Round Midnight is rhapsodic, using subtle dissonances to create tension, released by his flowing lines.

T.K. Blue’s original composition, It’s Really All About Love features the flute, an instrument often tied with romanticism. The More I See You by Mary Pearson expresses the sentiment of undying love that we all long to have, as does the masterful ballad Interlude by the Billy Taylor Trio. Passionata was an unfinished composition by Kenny Drew Sr. that was completed and recorded by his son, Kenny Drew Jr., and is a testament to familial love. Eric Reed’s rendition of Monk’s Ask Me Now is a sparse, yet tender and eloquent doctrine on the state of love. David Liebman and Vic Juris show their gentle sides on the sparkling I Want To Talk About You, while pianist Uli Lenz’s mesmerizing A Perfect Couple brings this recording to a romantic close and is the perfect denouement for this CD, “It’s About Love.”

What happens to us when we fall in love, and when we hear or see something that kindles our passions? Our outlook on life becomes filled with possibilities. Jazz mirrors our life experiences, and we should try to remember that in our collective consciousness. As in our personal relationships, jazz is about the joy and creation of beauty and human emotion in real time. Share this music with someone; it has something to do with discovery and hope. It has something to do with love.

Whether looking surround yourself with beautiful ballads, or to set the mood for a romantic evening, or simply looking for a special Valentines Day gift all year round, “It’s About Love” is a wonderful collection that provides both the romantic atmosphere and world class music from some of the most influential sounds in Jazz.
https://arkadiajazzallstars.com/product/arkadia-jazz-all-stars-its-about-love/

Personnel: Carl Allen: Drums; James Weidman: Piano; Santi Debriano: Bass; Kenny Drew Jr.: Piano; Eric Reed: Piano; Peter Washington: Bass; Lewis Nash: Drums; Rodney Whitaker: Bass; Dave Liebman: Soprano sax; Vic Juris: Guitar; Dean Johnson: Bass; Ron Vincent: Drums;

It's About Love

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Tim Hagans - The Moon Is Waiting

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 61:37
Size: 141,8 MB
Art: Front

( 6:22)  1. Ornette's Waking Dream of a Woman
( 6:13)  2. The Moon Is Waiting
( 8:45)  3. Get Outside
( 6:17)  4. First Jazz
( 6:53)  5. Boo
( 7:11)  6. What I'll Tell Her Later Tonight
( 8:59)  7. Wailing Trees
(10:54)  8. Things Happen in a Convertible

Those who mine exploratory veins of music often eschew structure, confusing lack of form with freedom, but trumpeter Tim Hagans knows the difference. The new quartet that he's convened for The Moon Is Waiting is a malleable unit that thrives on bringing unpredictable ideas into structured environments. The music it makes isn't fusion, free jazz, or post-modern patchwork, but it borders on all of those territories. While the first three pieces were commissioned by the Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble, they don't require accompanying visual stimuli to be stimulating from an artistic stand point. "Ornette's Waking Dream Of A Woman" is introduced with the sounds of suspicion, leading to an explosive second act, while the title track is underscored by constant cacophony. A mysterious ten-note motif makes its mark as the last of these three pieces, "Get Outside," sets sail, but the music takes a drastic turn when drummer Jukkis Uotila shifts to piano. He delivers curious yet stable chordal statements which serve as dividing markers between abstract musings from Hagans and guitarist Vic Juris. Eventually, the piece erupts into a Black Sabbath-worthy groove in seven, with Hagans running rampant atop the mix.

While Hagans has always been a visionary, capable of charting his own course without any outside help, influence or direction, his sidemen on this date help to determine how these pieces play out. Bassist Rufus Reid's tonal presence adds weight to every piece, and his ability to fatten up a unison riff or supply some saucy soloing ("Boo") make him a major asset. Guitarist Vic Juris' chameleon-like abilities help to broaden the sonic variety in the music and, while he's not as well-known as the other musicians, Jukkis Uotila proves to be a powder keg of percussive intensity. He swings in beyond-bop fashion, as Juris and a Freddie Hubbard-like Hagans show what they're made of ("First Jazz"), and he engages the rest of the musicians with perpetual drumming motion as he scampers across the rangy terrain of Hagans' compositions. His steady rhythmic barrage is actually one of the defining characteristics of this ensemble. Hagans has proven to be a master compositional architect in more formal settings, but his ability to let loose with this small group is the key to its success. The Moon Is Waiting is a marvel of elastic expressions from one of the most shrewd and intelligent minds in jazz today.~Dan Bilawsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/the-moon-is-waiting-tim-hagans-palmetto-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php
 

Personnel: Tim Hagans: trumpet; Vic Juris: guitar; Rufus Reid: bass; Jukkis Uotila: drums, piano.

The Moon Is Waiting

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Stephanie Nakasian - Bitter Sweet

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 57:55
Size: 134,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:54) 1. Almost In Your Arms
(6:08) 2. Too Many Tears
(4:55) 3. I'm All Smiles
(3:58) 4. When Your Lover Has Gone
(4:05) 5. By Myself
(5:08) 6. You Ain't Had The Blues
(4:54) 7. A Second Chance
(3:53) 8. Blizzard Of Lies - Little White Lies
(3:52) 9. If I Ruled The World
(4:32) 10. The Moth And The Flame
(5:49) 11. (You May Not Be an Angel But) I'll String Along With You
(3:05) 12. Love Is Just Around The Corner
(3:36) 13. Who Cares?

Born Patricia Stephanie Nakasian, 29 August 1954, Washington, DC, USA. Nakasian’s mother had been a singer in the 40s, working with the popular Meyer Davis band. Raised in Bronxville, New York, she studied classical music, becoming an accomplished pianist and violinist and she also sang in choral groups and studied voice privately. Planning a career in commerce, she attained an economics degree and worked for a while in banking and as a financial consultant. In 1980, she met pianist Hod O’Brien and soon thereafter abandoned her career and began singing with him (and later the couple were married). In the mid-80s, as a member of Jon Hendricks’ group, Company, she began attracting attention and capitalized on this with several well-received solo recordings.

Nakasian has played at many jazz festivals throughout Europe and the USA. With Jim Cullum, she has made numerous broadcasts, often in programmes of songs from the 30s and reflecting upon singers of that era, such as Helen Humes, Peggy Lee, Helen Ward and Lee Wiley. With the Pete Rugolo orchestra, she has appeared in a June Christy tribute and she has also worked with Dick Hyman on shows paying tribute to composers Hoagy Carmichael and Walter Donaldson. Among musicians with whom she has appeared both live and on record are Harry Allen, Wayne Andre, Urbie Green, Scott Hamilton, Milt Hinton, Vic Juris, Joe LaBarbera, Chuck Riggs, Clark Terry, Nabil Totah and Phil Woods.

She has also appeared in Denmark with the Danish Radio Big Band. Nakasian has toured her concert revues, The Great Ladies Of American Song and other tribute concepts, to venues around the USA, especially on the university circuit. One of Nakasian’s concept shows, Band Singers To Broadway, Bebop And Beyond, forms the basis of a course at the University of Virginia that she teaches. She also teaches jazz voice and vocal jazz improvisation at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Additionally, Nakasian conducts seminars and workshops on many aspects of singing at colleges and universities.https://www.allmusic.com/artist/stephanie-nakasian-mn0000024557/biography

Personnel: Stephanie Nakasian - vocal; Vic Juris - guitar; Mark Kirk - alto and soprano saxophones; Hod O'Brien - piano; Steve Gilmore - bass; Bill Goodwin - drums; Ed Hudak - congas

Bitter Sweet

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Stephen Riley - I Remember You

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 2021
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 70:19
Size: 161,5 MB
Art: Front

(6:58) 1. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
(7:45) 2. My Ideal
(8:17) 3. I'll Remember April
(8:22) 4. Wild Flower
(6:58) 5. I Remember You
(7:14) 6. Ugly Beauty
(8:22) 7. Alone Together
(9:07) 8. God Bless The Child
(7:11) 9. Equinox

American tenor saxophonist Stephen Riley lists John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz and Lester Young as his influences. When he just 17, Riley won the Stan Getz/Clifford Brown fellowship, and he has toured and recorded with a host of musicians including, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Levano, Joe Henderson and Michael Brecker. In other words, this man has chops. Riley had recorded around a dozen albums before this one as a leader, and decided that he wanted a change of direction, and use a guitarist rather than a pianist.

The player he chose was in fact, an old music teacher of his, Vic Juris, a guitarist who had played with the likes of Larry Coryell, Lee Konitz, Gary Peacock, Dave Liebman and Joe Locke. Sadly, these would be the last sessions Juris played, because he died from cancer soon after their conclusion. This gives the album’s title a certain poignancy, and on the band photograph on the back of the CD booklet, the three other band members have a trace of a smile on their faces, while Juris looks haunted. The album is dedicated to him.

Bassist Jay Anderson has been a sideman for many including, Bob Belden, Paul Bley, George Cables, Lee Konitz, Bob Mintzer and Maria Schneider. He’s also played with Frank Zappa and David Bowie. Drummer Jason Tiemann’s resume includes Benny Gilson, Dave Liebman and Harold Mabern.

This is a straight-ahead jazz album, with the band playing nine covers, some of them standards from the pop and jazz worlds the composers include Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk and John Coltrane. The complementary nature of guitar and sax is strongly evident throughout the album, from the opening bossanova-tinged ‘You Stepped Out Of A Dream’ to the powerful closer, Coltrane’s ‘Equinox’. On the former, the influence of Getz is easy to discern, with Riley’s s airy sax phrases producing a cascade of wispy, sighs, and Juris comping excellently, before playing a solo with such touch and delicacy, that the notes sparkle like raindrops dancing off a lake.

On the nine-minute plus Billie Holiday number ‘God Bless The Child,’ Riley and Juris play together softly and tenderly - Juris’s opening, delicate chords and harmonics are a joy to listen to. The band plays a lovely swinging version of Arthur Schwartz’s ‘Alone Together.’ Riley’s opening, snaking solo is accompanied by more superb comping by Juris (just listen to the chiming chord he strikes at around the 1.45 mark). Wayne Shorter’s waltz-time composition ‘Wild Flower’ is played with some zest, while the title track composed by Gene DePaul is an uptempo, feet-tapping, rendition. A note should be made about the great support provided by the rhythm section of Anderson and Tiemann, Anderson also solos excellently on many tracks including, ‘You Stepped Out Of A Dream,’ ‘Equinox,’ and the band’s excellent interpretation of Monk’s haunting waltz, ‘Ugly Beauty.’

This album was a great pleasure to listen to, and one hopes that Riley reaches an even wider audience with it he deserves too. And it’s a fitting swansong to the talented and much-missed Vic Juris.~George Cole https://www.jazzviews.net/stephen-riley---i-remember-you.html

Personnel: Stephen Riley (tenor sax); Vic Juris (guitar); Jay Anderson (bass); Jason Tiemann (drums)

I Remember You

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Joe Locke - Slander (And Other Love Songs)

Styles: Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:36
Size: 127,9 MB
Art: Front

(8:08) 1. Song For Cables
(7:35) 2. Saturn's Child
(5:27) 3. Tuesday Heartbreak
(5:01) 4. Mission Impossible
(3:55) 5. Blue
(4:49) 6. Cecil B. DeBop
(9:03) 7. Slander
(6:36) 8. Can't Help Falling In Love
(4:58) 9. Second Story Man

This superb quintet session is the third, and undoubtedly best Milestone disc 39-year-old vibraphonist Joe Locke has released to date. Locke, a veteran of the Mingus Big Band and former Pepper Adams, Eddie Henderson, Dianne Reeve and Hiram Bullock sideman, has made his strongest personal statement with Slander (And Other Love Songs).

The influence of Bobby Hutcherson is overwhelming here especially as evidenced by the strong boppish originals Locke has crafted (the exceptional "Song for Cables," "Saturn's Child," "Cecil B. DeBop," "Second Story Man" and "Slander"). But Locke is a more aggressive, and at times, more interesting "inside" player.

The vibraphonist, whose inspiration comes from such horn players as Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, John Coltrane and Steve Grossman, is aided by some exceptional folks here too. Pianist Billy Childs, who has walked this ground before with Freddie Hubbard and Bobby Hutcherson, is muscular and consistently interesting as he alternates between acoustic and electric pianos. Bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Jackson round out the rhythm section. But it is undersung guitarist Vic Juris - appearing on five of the nine tracks here, a sort of cross between early Pat Metheny and jazzier John Scofield - who is the second star here. His commentary is really something special, providing an edgy counterpoint to the mellifluous strength of Locke's melodic vibe work.

A nice surprise is Locke's improving take on strong source material. In the past he's taken well-known works - like film themes or Henry Mancini's music - and found more than his share of sap to squeeze. But on Slander, he reworks, rethinks and reinvents Lalo Schifrin's "Mission: Impossible," refashions Joni Mitchell's "Blue" into a lovely piano/vibe duet and manages to restructure the pop hit, "Can't Help Falling In Love," transcending each into something truly personal. Nice touch.

Slander (And Other Love Songs), the tenth of Joe Locke's solo discs since his 1983 debut, is a memorable representation of what good contemporary mainstream jazz can accomplish. And, if things are right in the world, it should help Joe Locke ascend to become one of the more important figures in contemporary jazz. Recommended.~ Douglas Payne https://www.allaboutjazz.com/slander-and-other-love-songs-joe-locke-fantasy-jazz-review-by-douglas-payne.php

Personnel: Joe Locke Vibes; Billy Childs; Piano: Vic Juris; Guitar: Rufus Reid; Bass: Gene Jackson; Drums.

Slander (And Other Love Songs)

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Brian Charette,George Coleman - Groovin' With Big G

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 69:13
Size: 159,5 MB
Art: Front

( 8:19)  1. Stella By Starlight
( 6:14)  2. Body And Soul
( 7:30)  3. On A Misty Night
( 8:27)  4. Alligator Boogaloo
( 8:21)  5. Maiden Voyage
( 7:02)  6. Father And Son
(10:00)  7. Autumn Leaves
( 8:45)  8. Never Let Me Go
( 4:32)  9. Tenor Madness

Groovin' With Big G was destined to come about. When a young Brian Charette was cutting his teeth on jazz piano gigs in his home state of Connecticut in the early '90s, he wound up working dates with drummer George Coleman Jr. The two struck up a friendship, and Coleman's encouragement helped Charette make the leap to New York a few years later. Coleman even let the budding pianist crash in his rehearsal studio for a spell.  Some time later, after transitioning into the world of jazz organ and going all in with the purchase of a Hammond B3, Charette's instrument took residence in that very same studio. There, this pair was free to practice and jam to its heart's content. On one particularly memorable occasion in said spot, the drummer's famed father George Coleman, Sr., the Memphis Mafia tenor titan known for his unflagging attitude and virtuosity dropped in to play with them. Whether they knew it or not at the time, the seeds for this album were planted at that very point.

Fast-forward more than two decades and we come to the moment when those aforementioned seeds began to sprout. The younger Coleman called Charette to see if he could join the elder in a gig in the saxophonist's hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. That fruitful collaboration, ultimately, led to this one. A wonderfully limber outing wedding the Colemans with Charette and ace guitarist Vic Juris, Groovin' With Big G maintains the jam session vibe that these men are so accustomed to. The tunes, save for a soulful "Father And Son" credited to Charette and shaped by this foursome, are all jazz warhorses. But this crew doesn't view these standards with a sense of "been there, done that" apathy. Instead, these musicians make a few tweaks here and there, saddle up, and enjoy seeing where the ride takes them. 

A comfortably swinging "Stella By Starlight" sets things in motion and leads to a light-as-air "Body And Soul," a performance modified with a waltzing gait ; a streamlined trip through Tadd Dameron's "On A Misty Night" ends with an arrival at Lou Donaldson's "Alligator Boogaloo," where some zany Charette-isms lighten up the outro; and the closing triptych a low-temperature "Autumn Leaves" enlivened by a vamping send-off, an appropriately tender "Never Let Me Go," and a quick jaunt through "Tenor Madness" offers all parties some room to shine in various lights. As if we need a reminder about the saxophone-wielding Coleman's stature, Charette also includes a take on Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" as the centerpiece. It nods to Coleman's work on the original while inhabiting its own dreamy space. There's such a natural fit from musician to musician and band to song here, and that shouldn't come as a real surprise. These men are in their element when digging into chestnuts like these, and this quartet is top-shelf all the way. The chance to hear Brian Charette grooving with George Coleman, Sr. and company is simply priceless. ~ Dan Bilawsky https://www.allaboutjazz.com/groovin-with-big-g-brian-charette-steeplechase-records-review-by-dan-bilawsky.php

Personnel:  Brian Charette: Hammond B3 organ; George Coleman: tenor saxophone; Vic Juris: guitar; George Coleman Jr.: drums.

Groovin' With Big G

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Vic Juris - Two Guitars

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 62:02
Size: 143,1 MB
Art: Front

(7:04)  1. Cerise
(4:59)  2. E. S. P.
(3:48)  3. In Three for Two
(6:52)  4. To John
(5:34)  5. Sarasota
(7:03)  6. A Chant for Larry
(7:38)  7. Julia
(5:02)  8. Dreaming
(7:02)  9. Mayaguez
(6:56) 10. Kirby's Scene

The title of Vic Juris’ latest release references one of the album’s chief strengths. Largely devoted to original, recently minted tunes, it’s brimming with tonal contrasts generated by hollowbody electric and steel-string acoustic guitars (both played by Juris, but not simultaneously). When you consider the colorful sonic spectrum, the fresh themes, and the alert, subtle, sometimes propulsive support provided by bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Adam Nussbaum, it’s no shocker that Juris regards Two Guitars as one of his finest recordings and the best illustration of how the trio currently sounds live. Certainly, fans of the late John Abercrombie and Larry Coryell will want to give a listen, as album highlights include striking Juris-penned tributes to them. A close friend of both guitarists and an occasional collaborator too, Juris imbues “To John” and “Chant for Larry” with a soulful air and abiding affection. Both of these electric performances conjure a distinctly evocative mood, thanks in part to the rhythm section’s customary finesse. Elsewhere in the session, reminders of Juris’ fascination with intriguing harmonic schemes surface. For starters, there’s “Cerise,” a tricky, brush-stroked theme deftly enhanced by Anderson’s sonorous interlude and the guitarist’s spiraling flights. In more straightforward electric settings, Juris’ engaging flair for offsetting single-note runs with resonant chords often comes into play, adding texture and drive to the tight arrangements. An imaginative take of Wayne Shorter’s “E.S.P.” moves from arpeggiated lines to swift angular swing; the shimmering acoustic waltz “In Three for Two” elegantly pairs Juris and Anderson. And yet another pleasure: hearing Juris, again on acoustic, join his session mates in orchestrating a pop hit as simple (on first listen) as Lennon and McCartney’s “Julia” without ever obscuring its tuneful allure. ~ Mike Joyce https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/vic-juris-two-guitars-steeplechase/

Personnel: Vic Juris (guitar), Jay Anderson (bass), Adam Nussbaum (drums)

Two Guitars

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Dave Liebman - Return Of The Tenor - Standards

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:18
Size: 164,7 MB
Art: Front

(10:19)  1. All The Things You Are
( 8:31)  2. Bye Bye Blackbird
( 7:04)  3. Loverman
( 9:56)  4. Secret Love
( 6:23)  5. There Will Never Be Another You
( 7:25)  6. Yesterdays
( 8:21)  7. No Greater Love
( 8:48)  8. Summertime
( 4:27)  9. All Of Me

Throughout much of the '80s and '90s, Dave Liebman focused exclusively on soprano saxophone. On this 1996 date he proclaims the Return of the Tenor, taking up the larger horn once again for an inspired set of well-known standards. (One can read about Liebman's creative reasons for doing so in his self-penned liner notes.) Flanked by the members of his working band pianist Phil Markowitz, guitarist Vic Juris, bassist Tony Marino, and drummer Jamey Haddad Liebman chooses not to rearrange or reharmonize the tunes in any fundamental way. In his own words, this is a "blowing session," but players like these have a way of making a blowing session sound like a lot more. What Liebman is really doing, however, is publicly working out his issues on the tenor saxophone, and using familiar melodies and forms to do so. The varied ensemble formats duo, trio, quartet, quintet help to sustain the listener's interest. ~ David R.Adler https://www.allmusic.com/album/return-of-the-tenor-standards-mw0000183203

Personnel: Dave Liebman - tenor saxophone; Vic Juris - guitar; Phil Markowitz - piano;  Tony Marino - acoustic bass;  Jamey Haddad - drums, percussion

Return Of The Tenor - Standards

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The Dave Liebman Big Band - Live As Always

Styles: Saxophone, Flute Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:04
Size: 138,1 MB
Art: Front

( 9:10)  1. A Bright Piece
( 9:32)  2. As Always
(14:37)  3. Anubis
( 7:43)  4. New Breed
(11:24)  5. Philippe Under the Green Bridge
( 7:34)  6. Turn It Around

David Liebman's long list of accomplishments includes working in many different-sized groups in a variety of styles. For this big-band project the soprano saxophonist leads a big band in concert playing his compositions, though with arrangements by others and the band conducted by Gunnar Mossblad (who also plays several reed instruments). "Brite Piece" was first recorded by Liebman early in his career when he was a sideman with Elvin Jones. Although its composer dismisses it as "just a simple ditty with a vamp in the bridge," Andrew Rathbun's arrangement for big band provides Liebman with colorful backgrounds for his improvised flights. Trumpeter and alto flügelhornist Scott Reeves, who took part in the concerts, scored two songs. "Annubis" is an exotic, mysterious piece with the leader playing wooden flute in the introduction, with a solo by oboist Charles Pillow (with a delicious vamp behind him by bass clarinetist Chris Karlic), an understated Middle Eastern-flavored Vic Juris guitar solo, and an ominous synthesizer interlude by Jim Ridl, followed by spots featuring Liebman's piercing soprano sax and Reeves' spacious alto flügelhorn. The second Reeves chart is another early Liebman work, in which the arranger scored Liebman's original solo from his record with Elvin Jones for the sax section. The explosive finale, "Turn It Around," showcases drummer Marko Marcinko and Juris, in addition to the leader. Liebman hasn't been heard in a big-band setting often enough during his career; perhaps the success of Live: As Always will open doors for future recordings. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-as-always-mw0002013852

Personnel:  Soprano Saxophone, Flute [Wooden Flute], Composed By – Dave Liebman; Alto Saxophone, Oboe, Flute – Charles Pillow; Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Chris Karlic, Jay Brandford; Bass – Tony Marino; Bass Trombone – Jeff Nelson;  Directed By, Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Gunnar Mossblad; Drums – Marko Marcinko; Guitar – Vic Juris; Piano, Synthesizer – Jim Ridl; Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – David Lown; Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Dave Riekenberg; Trombone – Sam Burtis, Tim Sessions ; Trombone, Flugelhorn [Alto] – Scott Reeves; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Danny Cahn, Dave Ballou, Patrick Dorian, Bob Millikan

Live As Always

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Vic Juris & John Etheridge - Bohemia

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:42
Size: 97,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:46)  1. There Is No Greater Love
(4:16)  2. You've Changed
(6:17)  3. Con Alma
(6:20)  4. L
(4:51)  5. Georgeiana
(3:37)  6. Chips
(4:36)  7. A Keen Bat
(5:56)  8. Sim

A guitarist, Vic Julis, who was once called Pat Martino's successor. And John Etheridge, a guitarist from the United Kingdom who also worked with Stefan Grapperi and a software machine. This work is a two-headed leader by 1988. Miroslav Vitus participated in the base. Includes the standard "There Is No Greater Love" and the "Con Alma" of Gillespie.

Personnel: Vic Juris - guitar;John Etheridge - guitar; Miroslav Vitous - bass; Marcello Pellitteri - drums.

Bohemia

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Dave Liebman - In A Mellow Tone

Styles: Saxophone And Flute Jazz
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 53:10
Size: 122,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:34)  1. In A Mellow Tone
(6:09)  2. Child At Play
(6:40)  3. Chance Of Rain
(3:52)  4. The Sun King
(6:49)  5. Chant
(3:13)  6. My Heart Will Go On
(7:19)  7. Romulan Ale
(2:46)  8. Wow
(3:54)  9. Change Up
(7:49) 10. Vamp To Life

Don't let the title of Dave Liebman's latest disc, In a Mellow Tone, fool you. While the ambience is generally more relaxed than his usual fare, this is no easy-going collection of standards; instead what we have is an album that, for all its mellifluous aspirations, has a subtle intensity, and a certain feeling that all is not what it seems. Leading off with a radically reharmonized version of the Ellington classic, "In a Mellow Tone," Liebman sets the tone for the whole album. While the recognizable theme is there, the underlying feel is one of brooding darkness. With bassist Tony Marino and drummer Jamey Haddad eschewing the more expected ambling lope, instead lightly implying a certain sense of peril, Liebman's arrangement may be accessible, but it is hardly easy listening. Liebman's playing is less aggressive than usual, but his expressionist leanings remain intact. Guitarist Vic Juris continues to surprise and enlighten. With a style that sits, for the most part, somewhere between the melodious sound of Pat Metheny and the more oblique lyricism of John Abercrombie, he demonstrates a musical breadth of which few guitarists are capable. From the impressionistic self-penned "Chance of Rain," which is so visual one can see the clouds rolling in and hear the distant thunder, to Liebman's "The Sun King," originally written in the '70s when he was playing with Indian percussionist Badal Roy, Juris demonstrates a knowledge of everything from post bop harmonies to Indian raga form. 

Liebman even manages to take the soporific melodrama of James Horner's "My Heart Will Go On," from the Titanic movie soundtrack, and turn it into a rubato tone poem that is poignant and pensive. "Change Up" is a free piece that features rich interplay between Liebman's soprano saxophone and Marino's bowed bass, before leading into a classical guitar solo by Juris that continues to demonstrate his broad stylistic abilities. Sadly this is the final recording of the current version of Liebman's group that began in '91, following the dissolution of his more outgoing post-Coltrane band, Quest. Liebman states in the liner notes that a long-standing band "both artistically and from the listener's standpoint is consistently at a higher level than in temporary formations." With the effortless way in which the quartet navigates the material on In a Mellow Tone, Liebman's assumption is clearly supported. What will come next is anybody's guess, but In a Mellow Tone is a fitting swan song for a group; easy on the ears without losing its sense of adventure, and the culmination of a lot of obviously joyful hours spent playing together. ~ John Kelman https://www.allaboutjazz.com/in-a-mellow-tone-dave-liebman-zoho-music-review-by-john-kelman.php

Personnel: Dave Liebman (soprano and tenor saxophones, wooden flute), Vic Juris (acoustic and electric guitar, guitar synthesizer), Tony Marino (acoustic and stik bass), Jamey Haddad (drums, percussion)

In A Mellow Tone

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Vic Juris, Dick Oatts, Jay Anderson, Jeff Hirshfield - Remembering Eric Dolphy

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 60:49
Size: 140,0 MB
Art: Front

(4:41)  1. Miss Ann
(7:51)  2. Vaults
(5:56)  3. Latin's Lamp
(7:24)  4. Emphasizing Eric
(7:19)  5. Tone Rose
(5:29)  6. South St. Exit
(6:33)  7. Something Sweet, Something Tender
(7:35)  8. He Me
(4:12)  9. Gentle
(3:44) 10. Out There

As a significant statement of its own by guitarist Vic Juris and his sympathetic ensemble, Remembering Eric Dolphy is an undeniable success. As the tribute affair its title suggests it proves to be far more illusive. For one thing, out of the ten selections only four happen to be Dolphy originals, while the rest are new compositions by Juris and reedman Dick Oatts. Although you can interpret the next point in two ways, it seems that the instrumentation is a bit unusual in that Dolphy never recorded with a guitarist. Still, Juris’ gumption for tackling this project and doing so in such an idiosyncratic manner is nothing to sneeze at. All of the foregoing aside, Juris’ writing is exceptionally strong throughout, touching on many moods. The catchiest of the lot are “Latin’s Lamp” and “He Me,” with the former not unlike Berlin’s “Remember” (is there some connection there to the album’s title?) and the latter making leaps towards some “giant steps” before changing directions. As for the Dolphy tunes, “South St. Exit” is probably the most unforgettable due to Oatt’s flute work and one ends up wishing his burnished tone on that instrument was heard from more than just on this one track. Juris’ guitar sound is strikingly similar to that of John Abercrombie. He arrives at a processed tone that on more than one occasion puts me in mind of such Abercrombie ECM sides as “Getting There” and “Current Events.” As for the rest of the crew, hats off to Oatts for not attempting to imitate Dolphy in any way and accolades to bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Jeff Hirshfield for being so responsive to the character of each composition. So once again, I’m not sure how well this works as a Dolphy homage but I am sure that this is one of Juris’ best records to date. ~ C.Andrew Hovan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/remembering-eric-dolphy-vic-juris-steeplechase-records-review-by-c-andrew-hovan.php

Personnel: Vic Juris- guitar; Dick Oatts- alto & soprano sax and flute; Jay Anderson- bass; Jeff Hirshfield- drums

Remembering Eric Dolphy

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Vic Juris - Blue

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 64:12
Size: 147.0 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2015
Art: Front

[6:18] 1. Lonely Woman
[5:00] 2. What's Goin' On
[5:49] 3. Ugly Beauty
[6:20] 4. Tereza My Love
[7:43] 5. The Wrong Blues
[7:27] 6. All The Things You Are
[7:07] 7. Slow Hot Wind
[5:45] 8. Blue
[6:37] 9. I Wish I Knew
[6:00] 10. Remembering The Rain

VIC JURIS guitar; JAY ANDERSON bass; ADAM NUSSBAUM drums.

Vic Juris’ new album “Blue” is heavily focused on ballads, which Vic’s signature fluid sound backed up by his mature artistry fits perfectly. One of today’s premier jazz guitarists Vic Juris has been active on the scene for over four decades amassing an impressive discography.

“Vic Juris is a versatile and impressively accomplished guitarist. His playing exudes warmth, intelligence and respect for the tradition. Perhaps best of all, he seems to understand that the foregoing positives also apply to a legion of contemporary guitarists, and he looks for ways to set his work apart, in terms of sound, approach, or material. “ ~Duck Baker/JazzTimes

Blue mc
Blue zippy

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Vic Juris - Vic Juris Plays Victor Young

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:44
Size: 155.1 MB
Styles: Guitar jazz
Year: 2016
Art: Front

[7:15] 1. Love Letters
[5:45] 2. Street Of Dreams
[6:19] 3. Stella By Starlight
[7:54] 4. Johnny Guitar
[6:02] 5. A Weaver Of Dreams
[6:23] 6. My Foolish Heart
[8:52] 7. When I Fall In Love
[5:04] 8. Golden Earrings
[6:33] 9. Beautiful Love
[7:33] 10. Ghost Of A Chance

VIC JURIS guitar; JAY ANDERSON bass; ANTHONY PINCIOTTI drums; KATE BAKER vocal. Recorded March 2014.

Stella By Starlight, My Foolish Heart, Johnny Guitar, Beautiful Love – just a few of the iconic American Songbook titles by Victor Young, whose music has been an important part of the repertoire of guitarist Vic Juris for many years. Juris dedicates the whole album here to the undisputed giant of the American film music composer of the last century.

“Two outstanding qualities characterize Vic Juris’ playing. One is his embodiment of the jazz tradition, while always stretching his scope and reaching for new possibilities and concepts. The other is his almost uncanny ability to hear and communicate the totality of the music he is playing, from beginning to end, including what is going on around him in the group and his many references to the jazz legacy.” ~Victor L. Schermer

Vic Juris Plays Victor Young mc
Vic Juris Plays Victor Young zippy

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Vic Juris - Eye Contact

Size: 157,3 MB
Time: 67:40
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Jazz
Art: Front

01. United (4:05)
02. Ruby (7:46)
03. I Fall In Love Too Easily (7:02)
04. We See (7:21)
05. Sim (5:01)
06. Pinocchio (4:16)
07. Sweet And Lovely (6:49)
08. Domo's Delight (3:44)
09. Time Remembered (7:36)
10. Eye Contact (7:29)
11. To Love And Be Loved (6:27)

Vic Juris has added another guitar trio masterpiece here on his ever-growing body of recorded works. He is joined by bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Adam Nussbaum.

Since his SteepleChase debut album 'Night Tripper' of 1994, guitarist Vic Juris has been presenting unique musical universe of unassuming virtuosity and versatility, of which John Kelman of AllAboutJazz once pertinently described as "fresh, in-the-moment and connected to the broadest possible tradition."

"Vic Plays Victor Young is a sensitive melodically exploratory album of standards and rarely covered airs, as should be expected from a seasoned ensemble with a compatible repertoire." ~Howard Mandel

Personnel: Vic Juris (guitar), Jay Anderson (bass), Adam Nussbaum (drums).

Eye Contact

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Vic Juris - Night Tripper

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:43
Size: 152.7 MB
Styles: Post bop, Guitar jazz
Year: 1995
Art: Front

[4:51] 1. I Heard You Cried Last Night
[5:44] 2. Dekooning
[8:36] 3. Liebeslied
[5:21] 4. Next Victim
[9:49] 5. Estate
[4:06] 6. Night Tripper
[6:16] 7. Without You
[7:45] 8. Falling In Love With Love
[7:00] 9. For Harry
[7:11] 10. Marigold

Bass – Steve LaSpina; Drums – Jeff Hirshfield; Guitar – Vic Juris; Piano – Phil Markowitz. Recorded April 1994.

During some of the selections on his SteepleChase CD, guitarist Vic Juris displays an echoey tone reminiscent of John Scofield while on a few other numbers he has a dryer and subtle acoustic sound. Juris' improvising is on a high level, performing "Estate," "Falling in Love With Love," two obscurities, and six group originals (four of which are his) with creativity. His sidemen (pianist Phil Markowitz, bassist Steve LaSpina, and drummer Jeff Hirshfield) are alert and have quick reactions. Two high points are the eccentric "Dekooning" and a tasteful bossa nova rendition of "Estate," numbers that best show off Juris' impressive flexibility. ~Scott Yanow

Night Tripper

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Steve LaSpina - Destiny

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2011
File: MP3@256K/s
Time: 65:43
Size: 121,4 MB
Art: Front

( 7:41)  1. Odd Times
( 8:59)  2. Destiny
( 9:18)  3. Aberration
( 6:37)  4. Beyond
(10:44)  5. Possibility
( 6:13)  6. Up
(10:42)  7. Sunday
( 5:26)  8. Frags

Steve LaSpina has long been one of Steeplechase producer/owner Nils Winther's favorites, as he has been a frequent sideman on record dates and Destiny marks his 12th CD as a leader for the label. This 2010 session features the bassist with the seasoned guitarist Vic Juris (an old friend), plus pianist Klaus Mueller and drummer Matt Kane, interpreting eight of the leader's originals. The tricky "Odd Times" with its demanding switches in time signatures keeps the musicians on their toes, showcasing Kane in an extended solo with the band vamping behind him. "Destiny" is a slow, poignant ballad with a slight bittersweet air, featuring Juris' lush guitar and LaSpina's mellow, spacious bass. The ballad "Beyond" blends a soft samba rhythm with a mysterious theme. The extended work "Possibility" has a tense, brooding air with LaSpina's bright sound prominent. One can almost imagine a breezy walk in the fall afternoon inspiring the exuberant "Sunday," with Juris' intricate guitar solo buoyed by the potent rhythm section. The ballad "Frags" honors a longtime friend of LaSpina's who died the year prior to the record date; Kane provides the perfect accompaniment to the leader and Juris in this intimate performance. Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/destiny-mw0002150462

Personnel: Steve LaSpina (bass); Klaus Mueller (piano); Vic Juris (guitar); Matt Kane (drums).

Destiny

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Steve LaSpina - The Bounce

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 67:36
Size: 156,8 MB
Art: Front

( 7:43)  1. The Bounce
( 6:23)  2. Only Now
( 4:51)  3. My One And Only Love
( 9:51)  4. Seven F
(11:03)  5. Ask Me Now
( 8:28)  6. Let Me Go
( 6:06)  7. I've Heard That Song Before
(13:06)  8. How Deep Is The Ocean

Bassist Steve LaSpina's seventh outing on SteepleChase features Dave Ballou on trumpet and flugel, Billy Drewes on tenor and soprano, Vic Juris on guitar, and Jeff Hirshfield on drums. The leader presents four originals: "The Bounce," based on a swinging bass ostinato; "Only Now," a ballad with beautiful chording from Juris; "Seven F," a medium waltz with mellifluous soloing by Drewes, Ballou, and LaSpina; and "Let Me Go," a free bop tune with multiple tempo shifts and a real romp for the horns (Drewes on soprano). Juris contributes "I've Heard That Song Before," which he plays on acoustic guitar (horns lay out), while LaSpina steps forward with a solo rendition of "My One and Only Love," wringing polyphonic possibilities from his instrument. 

The quintet also explores Monk's "Ask Me Now" and closes with a semi-abstract "How Deep Is the Ocean." Beautiful playing from everyone involved. ~ David R.Adler http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-bounce-mw0001203847

Personnel:  Steve LaSpina (bass);  Billy Drewes (tenor sax, alto sax, clarinet, bass clarinet);  Dave Ballou (trumpet);  Jeff Hirshfield (drums);  Vic Juris (guitar)

The Bounce

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Steve LaSpina Quintet - When Children Smile

Styles: Jazz, Post-Bop 
Year: 1997
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 65:31
Size: 105,3 MB
Art: Front

( 7:44)  1. When Children Smile
( 8:03)  2. Solar
(10:11)  3. There Is no Moon At All
( 8:47)  4. Under a Spell
( 9:28)  5. Ramblin'
( 5:01)  6. Cosenza
( 8:44)  7. Your Heart Alone
( 7:31)  8. Tailspin

This is an impressively thoughtful offering from a bassist often found in the company of thoughtful musicians. As a bassist, LaSpina evokes a wonderful sound, bent to the task by a solid time concept and intonation. That his understanding of the instrument is comprehensive comes through loud and clear on his solo on the CD’s final tune, “Tailspin,” which includes some very musical excerpts from the book of unorthodox techniques. His supporting cast is led by guitarist Vic Juris, who always seems to find an original route through any piece, with Dave Ballou on trumpet, Billy Drewes on tenor and soprano sax, and Jeff Hirshfield on drums rounding out the band. LaSpina’s half dozen compositions carry us through a range of musical and emotional scenes, and the interpretations of Miles’ “Solar” and Ornette’s “Ramblin'” are fresh in both conception and execution. ~ Bill Bennett https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/steve-laspina-when-children-smile/

Personnel: Steve LaSpina – Bass;  Dave Ballou – Trumpet;  Billy Drewes – Saxophone;  Jeff Hirshfield – Drums; Vic Juris – Guitar.

When Children Smile

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Vic Juris - Songbook

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:45
Size: 145.9 MB
Styles: Bop, Guitar jazz
Year: 2000
Art: Front

[4:46] 1. Billie's Bounce
[6:37] 2. I Won't Dance
[5:07] 3. Luiza
[4:17] 4. All The Things You Are
[7:08] 5. Soul Eyes
[5:38] 6. Touch Me Lightly
[5:58] 7. Nuages
[7:05] 8. Moment To Moment
[3:28] 9. Time Remembered
[7:53] 10. Songbook
[5:44] 11. Milestones

Following up on his ambitious Eric Dolphy tribute, Vic Juris returns to the basics: a straight-ahead guitar trio, playing all standards and jazz classics (save for Juris' title track). Songbook offers an especially clear and sustained look at the artist's approach to standard harmony. His rhythm section players, bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Jeff Hirshfield, give him expert support, as they've done over the course of several albums. Juris sounds decidedly Metheny-esque at times, but he makes even the most visited material his own, particularly "All the Things You Are," played as a duo with Hirshfield. In a new twist, Juris plays nylon-string acoustic guitar on "Luiza" and "Nuages," the latter a breathtaking duet with Anderson. He also offers an unaccompanied steel-string acoustic rendition of Bill Evans' "Time Remembered." This is certainly one of Juris' most representative recordings to date. ~David R. Adler

Songbook

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