ALPHONSE MOUZON — Funky Snakefoot (1973-2006) RM | BNLA Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although Alphonse Mouzon is celebrated largely for his drumming skills, the brilliant Funky Snakefoot is first and foremost a showcase for his keyboard prowess. Galvanized by its thick, greasy Arp, Moog, and organ solos, the album recalls Blue Note contemporaries like Gene Harris, albeit augmented by Mouzon's monster rhythms. Add his ragged-but-right vocals to the mix and Funky Snakefoot veers closer to mainstream R&B than virtually anything else the label ever released, but there's no denying the ferocity or virtuosity of this music. Mouzon's remarkable interplay with fellow keyboardists Harry Whitaker and Leon Pendarvis boasts a harmonic complexity that belongs solely to jazz, and the sheer vitality of cuts like "You Don't Know How Much I Love You" and "Where I'm Drumming From" is undeniable. Jason Ankeny
Tracklist :
1    I've Given You My Love    4:43
2    You Don't Know How Much I Love You    4:40
3    I Gotta Have You    2:46
4    My Life Is So Blue    4:37
5    Funky Snakefoot    3:45
6    My Little Rosebud    2:02
7    A Permanent Love    4:20
8    The Beggar    4:35
9    Oh Yes I Do    4:35
10    Tara, Tara    3:35
11    Where I'm Drumming From    1:20
12    Ism    3:08
Credits :
Bass – Gary King (tracks: 1 to 7, 9, 12)
Clavinet – Harry Whitaker (tracks: 3, 5, 10)
Congas, Bongos – Ray Armando (tracks: 1, 2, 7)
Drums – Alphonze Mouzon
Electric Piano – Leon Pendarvis (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)
Electric Piano, Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Mike Mandel (tracks: 3, 12)
Guitar – Richie Resnicoff (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 9)
Organ – Alphonze Mouzon (tracks: 9), Leon Pendarvis (tracks: 9, 10)
Pedal Steel Guitar, Banjo – Mark Harowitz (tracks: 6)
Percussion – Angel Allende (tracks: 1), Steve Berrios (tracks: 1)
Piano – Harry Whitaker (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6 to 9), Leon Pendarvis (tracks: 3, 5)
Piano [Tack] – Alphonze Mouzon (tracks: 1)
Saxophone – Andy Gadsden (tracks: 1, 5, 7, 9, 12)
Synthesizer – Alphonze Mouzon (tracks: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 to 10)
Trombone – Barry Rogers (tracks: 1, 5, 7, 9, 12)
Trumpet – Randy Brecker (tracks: 1, 5, 7, 9, 12)
Vocals – Alphonze Mouzon (tracks: 2 to 4, 7 to 10)

ALPHONSE MOUZON — Early Spring (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Drummer Alphonse Mouzon covers a lot of ground on this set, ranging from poppish R&B to straight jazz. Two selections have soulful vocals; Mouzon takes a pair of occasionally self-indulgent selections as features for his many overdubbed instruments; and the four instrumental quartet numbers feature either Gary Meek or Ronnie Laws on soprano or (in two cases) the heated tenor of Ernie Watts (who is best on "Seven Steps to Heaven"). Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Early Spring 5:14
2. Alone In Paris 5:38
3. Come And Fly With Me 4:03
4. We Almost Made It 6:03
5. The Lady In Red 4:32
6. Seven Steps To Heaven 4:17
7. I Can Give You Love 6:31
8. Waterfall 4:02
Recorded at George Tobin Studio, North Hollywood, CA
Juniper Studio, Burbank, CA
Mastered at Future Disk Systems, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Credits :
Jeff Daniel / Piano, Synthesizer
Brandon Fields / Sax (Alto)
Welton Gite / Bass, Piano
Ronnie Laws / Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Gary Meek / Sax (Alto)
Alphonse Mouzon /  Drums, Multi Instruments, Percussion, Synthesizer, Vocals, Vocals (Background)
Jana Sorenson / Vocals (Background)
Ernie Watts / Sax (Tenor)

LARRY CORYELL | ALPHONSE MOUZON — Back Together Again (1977-2002) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After going their separate ways upon the breakup of the Eleventh House, guitarist Larry Coryell, and drummer Alphonse Mouzon teamed up again for what turned out to be a disappointing reunion. This despite the added presence of guitarist Philip Catherine. The same high energy fusion that made each player so popular is on display here, but so is Mouzon's infatuation with disco. "Beneath the Earth," "Transvested Express," and "High Love" contain some impressive playing, but the disco/funk of "Get on Up (We Gonna Boogie)" and "Back Together Again" make for a dated and uneven recording. Robert Taylor

Tracklist :

1 Beneath The Earth 2:58

Composed By, Arranged By – Alphonse Mouzon

2 The Phonse 3:43

Composed By, Arranged By – John Lee

3 Transvested Express 3:49

Composed By, Arranged By – Philip Catherine

4 Crystallization 3:17

Arranged By – Larry Coryell

Composed By – Julie Coryell

5 Rock 'N' Roll Lovers 4:02

Composed By, Arranged By – Alphonse Mouzon

6 Get On Up (We Gonna Boogie) 2:49

Composed By, Arranged By – Alphonse Mouzon

7 Reconciliation 2:30

Backing Vocals – Cheryl P. Alexander, Tawatha Agee

Composed By, Arranged By – Larry Coryell

8 Back Together Again 3:07

Composed By, Arranged By – Alphonse Mouzon

9 Mr. C 3:28

Composed By, Arranged By – Larry Coryell

10 High Love 5:49

Composed By, Arranged By – Larry Coryell

Credits:

Bass – John Lee  

Drums, Vocals, Producer – Alphonse Mouzon

Guitar – Philip Catherine

Guitar, Producer – Larry Coryell

THE GIL EVANS ORCHESTRA — Blues in Orbit (1980-2009) RM | Serie Enja · 24bit Master Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Arranger Gil Evans's first recording as a leader in five years found him leading an orchestra that could be considered a transition between his 1950s groups and his somewhat electric band of the 1970s. Several of these charts, particularly his reworking of George Russell's "Blues in Orbit," are quite memorable, and Evans utilizes his many interesting sidemen, including the distinctive voices of trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, Howard Johnson on tuba and baritone, tenor-saxophonist Billy Harper and guitarist Joe Beck, in unexpected and unpredictable ways. A near-classic release which has been made available on CD by Enja. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Thoroughbred 4:55
Baritone Saxophone – Howard Johnson 
Drums – Alphonse Mouzon
Flute, Soprano Saxophone – George Marge
Flute, Written-By – Billy Harper
French Horn – Ray Alonge
Percussion – Donald McDonald
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Ernie Royal, Johnny Coles
2 Spaced 3:03
Written-By – Gil Evans
3 Love In The Open 6:47
Written-By – Warren Smith
4 Variation On The Misery 3:01
Written-By – Gil Evans
5 Blues In Orbit 6:47
Baritone Saxophone – Howard Johnson
Drums – Alphonse Mouzon
Flute – Billy Harper
Flute, Soprano Saxophone – George Marge
French Horn – Ray Alonge
Percussion – Donald McDonald
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Ernie Royal, Johnny Coles
Written-By – George Russell
6 Proclamation 1:46
Written-By – Gil Evans
7 General Assembly 7:10
Written-By – Gil Evans, Miles Davis
8 So Long 2:27
Written-By – Gil Evans
Créditos
Bass – Herb Bushler
Drums – Elvin Jones (tracks: 2 to 4, 6 to 8)
Flute – Hubert Laws (tracks: 2 to 4, 6 to 8)
French Horn – Julius Watkins
Guitar – Joe Beck
Harp – Gene Bianco (tracks: 2 to 4, 6 to 8)
Percussion – Sue Evans (tracks: 2 to 4, 6 to 8)
Piano, Electric Piano, Arranged By, Conductor – Gil Evans
Tenor Saxophone – Billy Harper
Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland, Jimmy Knepper (tracks: 2 to 4, 6 to 8)
Trumpet – Snooky Young (tracks: 2 to 4, 6 to 8), Mike Lawrence (tracks: 2 to 4, 6 to 8)
Tuba – Howard Johnson

WEATHER REPORT - Weather Report (1971-2014) RM / Jazz Collection 1000 / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Here we have the free-floating, abstract beginnings of Weather Report, which would define the state of the electronic jazz/rock art from its first note almost to its last. Their first album is a direct extension of the Miles Davis In a Silent Way/Bitches Brew period, more fluid in sound and more volatile in interplay. Joe Zawinul ruminates in a delicate, liquid manner on Rhodes electric piano; at this early stage, he used a ring modulator to create weird synthesizer-like effects. Wayne Shorter's soprano sax shines like a beacon amidst the swirling ensemble work of co-founding bassist Miroslav Vitous, percussionist Airto Moreira, and drummer Alphonse Mouzon. Zawinul's most memorable theme is "Orange Lady" (previously recorded, though uncredited, by Davis on Big Fun), while Shorter scores on "Tears" and "Eurydice." One of the most impressive debuts of all time by a jazz group. by Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist:
1 Milky Way 2:30
Written-By – J. Zawinul, W. Shorter
2 Umbrellas 3:24
Written-By – J. Zawinul, M. Vitous, W. Shorter 
3 Seventh Arrow 5:20
Written-By – M. Vitous
4 Orange Lady 8:40
Written-By – J. Zawinul
5 Morning Lake 4:23
Written-By – M. Vitous
6 Waterfall 6:18
Written-By – J. Zawinul
7 Tears 3:22
Written-By – W. Shorter
8 Eurydice 5:43
Written-By – W. Shorter
Créditos
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Alphonze Mouzon
Percussion – Airto Moreira
Piano, Keyboards – Joe Zawinul
Saxophone – Wayne Shorter

THE ELEVENTH HOUSE - Introducing The Eleventh House with Larry Coryell (1974-1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Eleventh House during 1972-1975 was one of the stronger working groups in fusion, led by one of the unsung heroes of the idiom, guitarist Larry Coryell. This CD reissue brings back The Eleventh House's first recording and, in addition to Coryell's guitar, most heavily featured are trumpeter Randy Brecker (who would later be replaced by Mike Lawrence) and keyboardist Mike Mandel; bassist Danny Trifan and drummer Alphonse Mouzon are strong in backup roles. The influence of Miles Davis, Weather Report, and Herbie Hancock is apparent, but The Eleventh House also offered a sound of their own. Brecker's solos are often both fiery and lyrical (although his use of an occasional electric wah-wah device is less interesting). Coryell and Mandel blend together quite well, and the original grooves on this set often have distinctive personalities. Pity that the reissue does not have any liner notes, otherwise it is easily recommended to fans of early fusion. by Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

1. Birdfingers ( 3:07 ) 

2. The Funky Waltz ( 5:10 )

3. Low Lee Tah ( 4:17 )

4. Adam Smasher ( 4:30 ) 

5. Joy Ride ( 6:08 ) 

6. Yin ( 6:03 ) 

7. Theme For A Dream ( 3:26 )

8. Gratitude ( 3:21 )

9. Ism-ejercicio ( 3:59 )

10. Right On Yàll ( 4:21 )

Total Time : 44:47

Musicians

Randy Brecker – horn, trumpet

Larry Coryell – guitar

Mike Mandel – piano, synthesizer

Alphonse Mouzon – drums, percussion

Danny Trifan – bass

THE ELEVENTH HOUSE ft. LARRY CORYELL - Level One (1975-2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This was the follow-up to the legendary Introducing the Eleventh House recording. While it never achieved the classic status of its predecessor, it is an excellent follow-up that captures the band at their creative and technical peak. From the whimsical "Diedra" to the intense "Nyctophobia," Coryell leads his group with an understated refrain. He has always been at his best when acting as an equal within a group's space rather than as the centerpiece. His one indulgence here is the pretty, acoustic guitar solo "Eyes of Love." Of particular interest on this recording is the ferocious drumming of Alponse Mouzon, who displays a style of speed and power that rivals that of Billy Cobham. This is a forgotten gem from the fusion era. by Robert Taylor

Tracklist:

1 Level One 3:04

Twelve-String Guitar – Steve Khan

Written-By – Mike Mandel

2 The Other Side  4:37

Written-By – Michael Lawrence 

3 Diedra 3:59

Written-By – Mike Mandel

4 Some Greasy Stuff 3:31

Written-By – Alphonze Mouzon 

5 Nyctaphobia 4:06

Written-By – Alphonze Mouzon 

Suite (5:32)

Written-By – Larry Coryell

6a Entrance

6b Repose

6c Exit

7 Eyes Of Love 2:27

Written-By – Larry Coryell

8 Struttin' With Sunshine 3:26

Written-By – Larry Coryell

9 That's The Joint 4:04

Written-By – John Lee 

Credits:.

Bass Guitar – John Lee 

Guitar – Larry Coryell

Keyboards – Mike Mandel

Percussion – Alphonse Mouzon

Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Michael Lawrence

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF | JACO PASTORIUS | ALPHONSE MOUZON – Trilogue Live! (1976-2000) RM | Most Perfect Sound Edition – 26 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For those of you looking for some funky, chunky Jaco Pastorius jams, this isn't the place. For those looking for extremely free playing where Mangelsdorff's trombone runs wild and chaotic, this isn't it either. For the fusion freaks entranced by Alphonse Mouzon's skittering drum work that stops and starts on a sliver of light, best look elsewhere. For the rest who are seeking great jazz in any configuration, this just might be your ticket. Trilogue Live! was recorded at The Berlin Jazz Days in 1976 and originally issued on LP while Pastorius was at the height of his tenure with Weather Report. Playing an all-Mangelsdorff selection, this trio

delivers an inspired performance that relies on timing, virtuosity, and a little humor for its bread and butter. The title track is the opener, and its slight abstraction is quickly replaced by Pastorius suggesting the frame of the melody to his counterparts, who pick it up and glide. On "Zores Mores," knotty little post-bop lines are woven into an easy framework of Mouzon's dancing hands and a solid yet very flexible interplay between the trombonist and Pastorius' ever-inquisitive basslines. The shimmering tension between the trio's members is all heat on "Accidental Meeting," the closest piece to pure abstraction here, but Mangelsdorff insists on, at the very least, the articulation of jazz formalism. "Foreign Fun" starts out like surreal circus music, but quickly walks the razor's edge between Weather Report's more adventurous material and noirish jazz. The set closes with the groaning humor of "Ant Steps on Elephant's Toe," a bumping, bubbling, dub-style cut that features Mangelsdorff blowing fully out of the blues and Pastorius playing the very best Aston Barrett he can. The dub effect gives way to funk about halfway through, and Mouzon becomes animated, doubling and tripling his cohorts in a joyful dance of curiosity and discovery. This cut is street-tough, plenty nasty, and leaves the audience -- and listeners too, no doubt -- begging for more.
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Tracklist + Credits :