STEVE KUHN TRIO — Live at Birdland (2007) APE (image + .cue), lossless

Steve Kuhn has been recording professionally for close to five decades, most of which time he's operated stealthily, rarely achieving the level of recognition he so richly deserves for contributing his immaculate pianistry to a range of jazz greats who have included John Coltrane, Stan Getz, Ornette Coleman, Art Farmer and others, or for leading his own diverse bands. In the mid-'80s Kuhn worked briefly in a trio setting with bassist extraordinaire Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster, cutting a pair of releases, The Vanguard Date and Life's Magic. Two decades later, that trio reconvened at New York's Birdland, and this exquisite aural document of their performance serves as a reminder that, at close to 70, Kuhn is one of jazz piano's unheralded giants. He is as sharp, imaginative and dexterous as he was during his younger years, and with Carter and Foster he is at home -- the musicians reportedly didn't rehearse for these shows, yet they sound as if they'd been at one another's sides for the past 20 years. At Birdland, the trio revisited four compositions that appeared on the earlier albums: Kuhn's own "Clotilde" and "Two by Two," Carter's "Little Waltz" and the Fats Waller standard "Jitterbug Waltz," the latter deconstructed into an 11-minute tour de force that, like much of the music in the set, allows the three musicians to explore a number of tempos, moods and tones. Kuhn, Carter and Foster alternately strut individually and lock intuitively into an airtight groove that takes surprising and pleasing twists before returning to the initial theme. Whether on the opening track, Frank Loesser's "If I Were a Bell," the fusing of Debussy's "La Plus Que Lente" and Billy Strayhorn's "Passion Flower," or the closer, Charlie Parker's "Confirmation," Kuhn establishes a template with light and sensitively executed solo figures before opening things up for all to take off to places unknown. There's a fine balance of simplicity and complexity at work here, but perhaps because he no longer needs to prove anything at this stage in his career, Kuhn seems to have lightened up -- the experimentalism of his ECM period has given way to an approach that is, while still at times blindingly intense, simultaneously light and playful. It's not a bad place for a master to be. Jeff Tamarkin
Tracklist :
1    If I Were A Bell 10:08
Written-By – Frank Loesser
2    Jitterbug Waltz 11:05
Written-By – Thomas Waller
3    Two By Two 7:04
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
4    La Plus Que Lente / Passion Flower 7:11
Written-By – B. Strayhorn, C. Debussy
5    Little Waltz 7:24
Written-By – Ron Carter
6    Lotus Blossom 6:13
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
7    Stella By Starlight 8:13
Written-By – N. Washington, V. Young
8    Slow Hot Wind 7:16
Written-By – H. Mancini, N. Gimbel
9    Clotilde 6:19
Written-By – Steve Kuhn
10    Confirmation 7:09
Written-By – Charlie Parker
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Steve Kuhn

DUKE PEARSON — Sweet Honey Bee (1966-1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

Pianist/composer Duke Pearson leads an all-star group on this run-through of seven of his compositions. The musicians -- trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, altoist James Spaulding, Joe Henderson on tenor, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Mickey Roker, and the pianist/leader -- are actually more impressive than many of the compositions, although the swinging minor-toned "Big Bertha" deserved to become a standard. The frameworks are quite intelligent, everyone doesn't solo on each selection, and the improvisations are concise and clearly related to each tune's melody and mood. Although not quite essential, this set has some rewarding music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Sweet Honey Bee    4:50
 Duke Pearson
2    Sudel    5:40
 Duke Pearson
3    After The Rain    4:25
 Duke Pearson
4    Gaslight    5:50
 Duke Pearson
5    Big Bertha    5:50
 Duke Pearson
6    Empathy    6:00
 Duke Pearson
7    Ready Rudy?    6:10
 Duke Pearson
Credits :
Freddie Hubbard - Trumpet
James Spaulding - Alto Sax & Flute
Joe Henderson - Tenor Sax
Duke Pearson - Piano
Ron Carter - Bass
Mickey Roker - Drums

FREDDIE ROACH — Good Move! (1963-2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Laid-back and loosely swinging, Good Move captures organist Freddie Roach near the peak of his form. Roach never leans too heavily on his instrument, preferring a calmer, tasteful attack, yet he is never boring because he has a strong sense of groove. He keeps things moving on slower numbers like Erroll Garner's "Pastel" and Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So," but the true highlights are on originals like "Wine, Wine, Wine" and "On Our Way Up," where the bluesy structures and fluid rhythms give Roach a chance to stretch out. Throughout the record, he is capably supported by guitarist Eddie Wright and drummer Clarence Johnston, as well as trumpeter Blue Mitchell and tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, who both contribute fine solos. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1. It Ain't Necessarily So (5:02)
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
2. When Malindy Sings (5:21)
 Paul Lawrence Dunbar / Oscar Brown, Jr.
3. Pastel (4:31)
 Erroll Garner
4. Wine, Wine, Wine (6:32)
 Freddie Roach
5. On Our Way Up (6:20)
 Freddie Roach
6. 'Tain't What You Do (4:59)
 Sy Oliver / Trummy Young
7. Lots of Lovely Love (4:59)
 Richard Rodgers
8. I.Q. Blues (5:21)
 Freddie Roach
Credits :
Freddie Roach - Organ
Blue Mitchell - Trumpet
Hank Mobley - Tenor sax
Eddie Wright - Guitar
Clarence Johnston - Drums

JACKIE McLEAN — Let Freedom Ring (1961) Two Version (2003, RM | Serie 24 Bit By RVG) + (2003, RM | Serie RVG Edition ) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless & APE (image+.cue), lossless

Jackie McLean had always been a highly emotional soloist, so it makes sense that he was one of the first hard bop veterans to find a new voice in the burning intensity of jazz's emerging avant-garde. McLean had previously experimented with Coltrane's angular modes and scales and Ornette's concept of chordal freedom, but Let Freedom Ring was the landmark masterpiece where he put everything together and ushered in the era of the modernists at Blue Note. A number of saxophonists were beginning to explore the ability of the instrument to mimic human cries of passion, and here McLean perfected a long, piercing squeal capable of expressing joy, anguish, fury, and more. The music on Let Freedom Ring remained more rooted in hard bop structure than Coleman's, and McLean was still recognizably himself, but that was precisely what was revolutionary about the album: It validated the avant-garde aesthetic, demonstrating that it had enough value to convert members of the old guard, and wasn't just the province of radical outcasts. There are only four pieces, one of which is the surging Bud Powell ballad "I'll Keep Loving You"; the other three are McLean originals ("Melody for Melonae," "Rene," and "Omega," dedicated to his daughter, son, and mother respectively) that spotlight his tremendous inventiveness on extended material and amaze with a smoldering fire that never lets up. Pianist Walter Davis takes the occasional solo, but the record is McLean's statement of purpose, and he accordingly dominates the proceedings, with the busy, free-flowing dialogues of bassist Herbie Lewis and Ornette drummer Billy Higgins pushing him to even greater heights. The success of Let Freedom Ring paved the way for a bumper crop of other modernist innovators to join the Blue Note roster and, artistically, it still stands with One Step Beyond as McLean's greatest work. Steve Huey
Tracklist :
1    Melody For Melonae    13:17
 Jackie McLean
2    I'll Keep Loving You    6:14
 Bud Powell
3    Rene    9:57
 Jackie McLean
4    Omega    8:30
 Jackie McLean
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Jackie McLean
Bass – Herbie Lewis
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – Walter Davis, Jr.
Recorded By, Remastered By – Rudy Van Gelder

THE HORACE SILVER QUINTET & TRIO — Blowin' the Blues Away (1959) Two Version (2004, RM | Serie Blue Note 決定盤 1500 – 21) + (2011, RM | SACD, Hybrid | Serie The Blue Note Reissues) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Blowin' the Blues Away is one of Horace Silver's all-time Blue Note classics, only upping the ante established on Finger Poppin' for tightly constructed, joyfully infectious hard bop. This album marks the peak of Silver's classic quintet with trumpeter Blue Mitchell, tenor saxophonist Junior Cook, bassist Gene Taylor, and drummer Louis Hayes; it's also one of the pianist's strongest sets of original compositions, eclipsed only by Song for My Father and Horace Silver and the Jazz Messengers. The pacing of the album is impeccable, offering up enough different feels and slight variations on Silver's signature style to captivate the listener throughout. Two songs -- the warm, luminous ballad "Peace" and the gospel-based call-and-response swinger "Sister Sadie" -- became oft-covered standards of Silver's repertoire, and the madly cooking title cut wasn't far behind. And they embody what's right with the album in a nutshell -- the up-tempo tunes ("Break City") are among the hardest-swinging Silver had ever cut, and the slower changes of pace ("Melancholy Mood") are superbly lyrical, adding up to one of the best realizations of Silver's aesthetic. Also, two cuts ("Melancholy Mood" and the easy-swinging "The St. Vitus Dance") give Silver a chance to show off his trio chops, and "Baghdad Blues" introduces his taste for exotic, foreign-tinged themes. Through it all, Silver remains continually conscious of the groove, playing off the basic rhythms to create funky new time patterns. The typical high-impact economy of his and the rest of the band's statements is at its uppermost level, and everyone swings with exuberant commitment. In short, Blowin' the Blues Away is one of Silver's finest albums, and it's virtually impossible to dislike. Steve Huey
Tracklist :
1    Blowin' The Blues Away    4:44
 Horace Silver
2    The St. Vitus Dance 4:10
 Horace Silver
3    Break City    4:56
 Horace Silver
4    Peace    6:02
 Horace Silver
5    Sister Sadie    6:19
 Horace Silver
6    The Baghdad Blues    4:52
 Horace Silver
7    Melancholy Mood (New Version) 7:10
 Horace Silver
 – BONUS TRACK –
8    How Did It Happen    4:4
Credits :
Bass – Eugene Taylor
Drums – Louis Hayes
Piano – Horace Silver
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Junior Cook
Trumpet – Blue Mitchell

BIG JOHN PATTON — Got A Good Thing Goin' (1966-2003) RM | Blue Note Rare Groove Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Grant Green always brought out the best in Big John Patton. Almost any record that featured the guitarist and organist was dominated by their scintillating interplay, and it always sounded like they were trying to top each other's blistering, funky solos. Patton and Green rarely sounded better than they did on Got a Good Thing Goin', a 1966 session that functioned as a showcase for the pair's dynamic interaction and exciting, invigorating solos. In particular, the duo's mastery is evident because there are no horns to stand in the way -- only drummer Hugh Walker and conga player Richard Landrum provide support, leaving plenty of room for Green and Patton to run wild. All five numbers -- two originals by Patton and Green, two pop covers ("Ain't That Peculiar," "Shake"), and Duke Pearson's "Amanda" -- are simple blues and soul-jazz songs that provide ample space for the guitarist and organist to stretch out. And they do stretch out -- as a pair, they have never sounded so fiery or intoxicating. Fans of hard bop may find the songs a little too simple, but hot, up-tempo soul-jazz rarely comes any better than it does on Got a Good Thing Goin'. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1    The Yodel 8:15
Written-By – Green, Patton
2    Soul Woman 7:40
Written-By – Green, Patton
3    Ain't That Peculiar 6:45
Written-By – Tarplin, Rogers, Robinson, Moore
4    The Shake 7:44
Written-By – Sam Cooke
5    Amanda 6:08
Written-By – Duke Pearson
Credits :
Congas – Richard Landrum
Drums – Hugh Walker
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Grant Green
Organ – John Patton

KENNY DORHAM — Trompeta Toccata (1964) Two Version (1995, The BN Works 4100 Series) + (2006, RM | Serie RVG Edition) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It seems strange and somewhat tragic that this was trumpeter Kenny Dorham's last full album as a leader for he was only 40 at the time and still in his prime. Dorham contributed three of the four selections to the session (Joe Henderson's catchy "Mamacita" also receives its debut), and his very underrated abilities as a writer, trumpeter, and talent scout are very much in evidence. This modern hard bop quintet set with Henderson on tenor, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath served as a strong (if premature) ending to Dorham's impressive career as a solo artist. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Trompeta Toccata 12:28
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
2    Night Watch 5:48
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
3    Mamacita 11:06
Written-By – Joe Henderson
4    The Fox 8:02
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
Credits :
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Albert Heath
Piano – Tommy Flanagan
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trumpet – Kenny Dorham

BOOKER ERVIN — The In Between (1968-1997) RM | Blue Note Connoisseur Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Booker Ervin headed to Blue Note in 1968 for The In Between, a record that found him continuing in the vein of his later Prestige sessions. Supported by trumpeter Richard Williams, pianist Bobby Few, bassist Cevera Jeffries and drummer Lennie McBrowne, Ervin created an album that pushed the boundaries of hard bop. Every song on The In Between is an Ervin original designed to challenge the musicians. The music rarely reaches avant-garde territory -- instead, it's edgy, volatile hard bop that comes from the mind as much as the soul. Appropriately, Ervin balances his full-bodied tone with a forceful, aggressive attack that even sounds restless on the slower numbers. The result is a satisfying, cerebral set of adventurous hard bop that finds Booker Ervin at a creative peak. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1    The In Between    7:39
 Booker Ervin
2    The Muse    7:14
 Booker Ervin
3    Mour    5:57
 Booker Ervin
4    Sweet Pea    5:33
 Booker Ervin / Tommy Roe
5    Largo    6:23
 Booker Ervin
6    Tyra    7:28
 Booker Ervin
Credits :
Bass – Cevera Jeffries Jr.
Drums – Lenny McBrowne
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – Bobby Few Jr.
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Booker Ervin
Trumpet – Richard Williams (tracks: 1 to 4, 6)

KENNY BURRELL — Midnight Blue (1963) Three Version (1986, Serie Blue Note CD Super 50 – 29) + (1999, RM | Serie RVG Edition) + (2010, RM | SACD, Hybrid, DSD | Serie The Blue Note Reissues | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless & FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This album is one of guitarist Kenny Burrell's best-known sessions for the Blue Note label. Burrell is matched with tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, bassist Major Holley, drummer Bill English, and Ray Barretto on conga for a blues-oriented date highlighted by "Chitlins Con Carne," "Midnight Blue," "Saturday Night Blues," and the lone standard "Gee Baby Ain't I Good to You." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Chitlins con Carne 5:30
Kenny Burrell
2 Mule 6:56
Kenny Burrell / Major Holley
3 Soul Lament 2:43
Kenny Burrell
4 Midnight Blue 4:02
Kenny Burrell
5 Wavy Gravy 5:47
Kenny Burrell
6 Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You 4:25
Andy Razaf / Don Redman
7 Saturday Night Blues 6:16
Kenny Burrell
8 Kenny's Sound 4:43
Kenny Burrell
9 K Twist 3:37
Kenny Burrell
Credits:
Bass – Major Holley, Jr.
Congas – Ray Barretto
Drums – Bill English
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Tenor Saxophone – Stanley Turrentine

THE THREE SOUNDS — Moods (1960-2005) Serie Blue Note 決定盤 1500 – 82 | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Three Sounds open their signature sound a bit on the romantic Moods. They retain the same light touch that made their early albums so enjoyable, but they add more textures to the mix. Light Latin rhythms permeate Moods, from the inventive reworking of Cole Porter's "Love for Sale" to Harris' original "Tammy's Breeze." Like its predecessor, Feelin' Good, this record has a bluesy, soulful streak to its personality, as evidenced by the mellow take on "On Green Dolphin Street," the hep swing of "Loose Walk," and the infectious cover of Ellington's "I'm Beginning to See the Light." Occasionally, the Three Sounds play it a little too cool -- while the slow, relaxed "Things Ain't What They Used to Be" manages to be engaging, "Li'l Darlin'" slows down to a crawl -- but on the whole, Moods is an endearing collection of appealing mainstream jazz. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1     Love For Sale    6:37
 Cole Porter
2    Things Ain't What They Used To Be    8:54
 Ted Persons
3    On Green Dolphin Street    5:36
 Bronislaw Kaper / Ned Washington
4    Loose Walk    4:56
 Johnny Richards / Sonny Stitt
5    Li'l Darlin'    4:51
 Neal Hefti
6    I'm Beginning To See The Light    2:29
 Duke Ellington / Don George / Johnny Hodges / Harry James
7    Tammy's Breeze    4:28
 Gene Harris
8    Sandu    4:20
 Clifford Brown
Credits :
Bass – Andrew Simpkins
Drums – Bill Dowdy
Piano – Gene Harris
Recorded By [Recording By] – Rudy Van Gelder

JOE LOVANO NONET — On This Day At The Vanguard (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded live at the Village Vanguard, On This Day...At the Vanguard is saxophonist Joe Lovano's first recording with his award-winning nonet since the release of 52nd Street Themes in 2000. Having recorded in a variety of settings ranging from those of big-band leaders Woody Herman and Mel Lewis to duets with Mulgrew Miller on Tenor Legacy to quartets featuring such stellar artists as Dave Holland, John Scofield, and Al Foster (collectively known as Scolohofo), Joe Lovano proves with this CD that his artistry remains highly adaptable to any musical setting. Opening the program with the first of two originals written for this recording is Lovano's swinging "At the Vanguard." It has a harmonic sequence based on "Stompin' at the Savoy," and features outstanding solos by Lovano, alto saxophonist Steve Slagle, trumpeter Barry Ries, and pianist John Hicks. "Focus" and John Coltrane's "After the Rain" offer listeners two exceptional contrasts of Lovano's playing style, while "On This Day Just Like Any Other" is a 15-minute free jazz offering with amazing improvisations that Lovano wrote around the time drummer Billy Higgins passed away. The recording closes with "My Little Brown Book," a beautiful, serene ballad that returns the music to the quartet sound and served as the show's encore. Overall, On This Day...At the Vanguard captures the essence of Lovano's reverence and enthusiasm for the jazz venue that has supplied a great deal of his musical inspiration over the course of his jazz career. Paula Edelstein
Tracklist :
1    At The Vanguard 9:30
Composed By, Arranged By – Joe Lovano
2    Focus 8:09
Arranged By – Willie Smith
Composed By – Tadd Dameron
3    After The Rain 7:34
Arranged By – Steve Slagle
Composed By – John Coltrane
4    Good Bait 14:09
Arranged By – Joe Lovano
Composed By – Tadd Dameron
Orchestrated By [Orchestration] – Willie Smith
5    Laura 5:22
Arranged By – Joe Lovano, Willie Smith
Composed By – David Arksin
Orchestrated By [Orchestration] – Willie Smith
6    On This Day (Just Like Any Other) 15:22
Composed By, Arranged By – Joe Lovano
7    My Little Brown Book 9:04
Composed By – Billy Strayhorn
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Steve Slagle
Baritone Saxophone – Scott Robinson
Bass – Dennis Irwin
Drums – Lewis Nash
Piano – John Hicks
Tenor Saxophone – George Garzone, Joe Lovano, Ralph Lalama
Trombone – Larry Farrell
Trumpet – Barry Ries

PAUL CHAMBERS SEXTET — Whims of Chambers (1956-2010) RM | SACD Hybrid | Serie The Blue Note Reissues | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Of the seven songs on this Blue Note date, four are more common than the other three because they contain solos by tenor saxophonist John Coltrane and have therefore been reissued more often. Actually there are quite a few solos in the all-star sextet (which includes the bassist-leader, Coltrane, trumpeter Donald Byrd, guitarist Kenny Burrell, pianist Horace Silver, and drummer Philly Joe Jones) and all of the players get their chances to shine on this fairly spontaneous hard bop set. Coltrane's two obscure compositions ("Nita" and "Just for the Love") are among the more memorable tunes and are worth reviving. "Tale of the Fingers" features the quintet without Coltrane, the rhythm section stretches out on "Whims of Chambers," and "Tale of the Fingers" is a showcase for Chambers' bowed bass. This is a fine effort and would be worth picking up by straight-ahead jazz fans even if John Coltrane had not participated. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Omicron 7:17
Written-By – Donald Byrd
2    Whims Of Chambers 4:05
Written-By – Paul Chambers
3    Nita 6:31
Written-By – John Coltrane
4    We Six 7:40
Written-By – Donald Byrd
5    Dear Ann 4:19
Written-By – Paul Chambers
6    Tale Of The Fingers 4:42
Written-By – Paul Chambers
7    Just For The Love 3:41
Written-By – John Coltrane
Credits :
Bass – Paul Chambers
Drums – "Philly" Joe Jones
Guitar – Kenny Burrell
Piano – Horace Silver
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – John Coltrane
Trumpet – Donald Byrd

McCOY TYNER — Tender Moments (1968-1987) Serie Blue Note CD Treasury – CP32-9545 | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

On this excellent set, McCoy Tyner had the opportunity for the first time to head a larger group. His nonet is an all-star aggregation comprised of trumpeter Lee Morgan, trombonist Julian Priester, altoist James Spaulding, Bennie Maupin on tenor, Bob Northern on French horn, Howard Johnson on tuba, bassist Herbie Lewis, and drummer Joe Chambers in addition to the pianist/leader. Tyner debuted six of his originals, and although none became standards (perhaps the best known are "The High Priest" and "All My Yesterdays"), the music is quite colorful and advanced for the period. Well worth investigating. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Mode To John    5:40
 McCoy Tyner
2    Man From Tanganyika    6:52
 McCoy Tyner
3    The High Priest    6:05
 McCoy Tyner
4    Utopia    7:35
 McCoy Tyner
5    All My Yesterday    6:03
 McCoy Tyner
6    Lee Plus Three    5:41
 McCoy Tyner
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute – James Spaulding
Bass – Herbie Lewis
Drums – Joe Chambers
French Horn – Bob Northern
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Bennie Maupin
Trombone – Julian Priester
Trumpet – Lee Morgan
Tuba – Howard Johnson

ELVIN JONES — The Ultimate (1968-2014) RM | SHM-CD | Serie Blue Note, The Masterworks | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of Joe Farrell's finest recordings. Switching between tenor, soprano and flute, Farrell had to be good because he was joined in the pianoless trio by bassist Jimmy Garrison and drummer Elvin Jones. The group performs two standards, three Garrison originals and one by Farrell; it is a tossup as to who takes honors. Farrell is in consistently creative form but Garrison's occasional solos and Jones's polyrhythmic accompaniment are also noteworthy. This LP is long overdue to reappear on CD. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    In The Truth 5:04
Written-By – Joe Farrell
2    What Is This? 7:07
Written-By – Jimmy Garrison
3    Ascendant 5:13
Written-By – Jimmy Garrison
4    Yesterdays (From The Musical Production "Roberta") 5:37
Written-By – Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach
5    Sometimes Joie 10:37
Written-By – Jimmy Garrison
6    We'll Be Together Again 3:05
Written-By – Carl T. Fischer, Frankie Laine
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Garrison
Drums – Elvin Jones
Flute – Joe Farrell (tracks: 6)
Recorded By [Recording By] – Rudy Van Gelder
Soprano Saxophone – Joe Farrell (tracks: 2, 3)
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Farrell (tracks: 1, 4, 5)

THE NEW ELVIN JONES TRIO — Puttin' It Together (1968-2014) RM | SHM-CD | Limited Edition | Serie Blue Note, The Masterworks | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Farrell (heard on tenor, soprano, and flute) did some of his finest playing while with drummer Elvin Jones' trio during 1968-1969. Joined by bassist Jimmy Garrison (in one of his first post-Coltrane recordings), Farrell really digs into group originals, obscurities, "For Heaven's Sake," and Jimmy Heath's "Gingerbread Boy." With Jones pushing him and Garrison sounding quite advanced, Farrell was consistently inspired to play at the peak of his creativity. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Reza 7:12
Written-By – Edu Lobo, Ruy Guerra
2    Sweet Little Maia 7:47
Written-By – Jimmy Garrison
3    Keiko's Birthday March 6:50
Written-By – Elvin Jones
4    Village Greene 5:08
Written-By – William Greene
5    Jay-Ree 3:48
Written-By – Joe Farrell
6    For Heaven's Sake 5:04
Written-By – Don Meyer, Elise Bretton, Sherman Edwards
7    Ginger Bread Boy 5:10
Written-By – Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Bass – Jimmy Garrison
Drums – Elvin Jones
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Piccolo Flute – Joe Farrell

ELVIN JONES — Poly-Currents (1969-2014) RM | SHM-CD | Serie Blue Note, The Masterworks | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Poly-Currents features drummer Elvin Jones leading a sextet full of notables, who include the underrated tenor great George Coleman; Joe Farrell on tenor, flute, and English horn; baritonist Pepper Adams; bassist Wilbur Little, and Candido on congas. They stretch out on group originals highlighted by "Mr. Jones" and "Whew." In addition, flutist Fred Tompkins teams up with Farrell's flute, Little, and Jones on his own "Yes." Advanced modal hard bop with all of the musicians playing in top form. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Agenda 13:50
Written-By – E. Jones
2    Agappe Love 5:52
Written-By – J. Farrell
3    Mr. Jones 7:35
Written-By – K. Jones
4    Yes 2:22
Written-By – F. Tompkins
5    Whew 9:33
Written-By – W. Little
Credits :
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: 1 to 3)
Bass – Wilbur Little
Bass Flute – Joe Farrell (tracks: 4)
Congas – Candido Camero (tracks: 1 to 3)
Drums – Elvin Jones
English Horn – Joe Farrell (tracks: 1)
Flute – Fred Tompkins (tracks: 4), Joe Farrell (tracks: 2)
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – George Coleman (tracks: 1 to 3, 5), Joe Farrell (tracks: 3, 5)

ELVIN JONES — Coalition (1971-2014) RM | SHM-CD | Serie Blue Note, The Masterworks | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Drummer Elvin Jones' Blue Note sessions have long been underrated, partly because the label itself was declining during the era and also partly due to the rise of the avant-garde and fusion, which overshadowed Jones' passionate and advanced hard bop. In 1970, Elvin's band consisted of George Coleman and Frank Foster on tenors (Foster also plays bass clarinet on one number), bassist Wilbur Little, Candido on conga, and the drummer/leader. This was a particularly creative and often intense ensemble, attached to the hard bop tradition but always looking forward. On four group originals (including Coleman's "5/4 Thing") and "Yesterdays," the quintet generates a lot of heat, with the contrast between the tones of Coleman and Foster making this album (not yet reissued on CD) of particular interest. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Shinjitu 7:38
Composed By – K. Jones
2    Yesterdays 10:57
Composed By – J. Kern, O. Harbach
3    5/4 Thing 5:25
Composed By – G. Coleman
4    Ural Stradania 8:27
Composed By – F. Foster
5    Simone 6:29
Composed By – F. Foster
Credits :
Alto Clarinet – Frank Foster (tracks: 1)
Bass – Wilbur Little
Congas – Candido (tracks: 1, 3 to 5)
Drums – Elvin Jones
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tambourine – Candido (tracks: 1)
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: 2 to 5), George Coleman

ELVIN JONES — Merry Go Round (1972-2010) RM | Limited Edition | Serie Blue Note Best & More 1100 Encore – 178 | 24bits-192Hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Inexcusably, there are no date or personnel listings on this LP from Blue Note's declining years, but the music is generally quite worthwhile, if a bit eclectic. The personnel changes throughout the session, despite all the performances being apparently recorded on the same day. The great drummer Elvin Jones is joined by the reeds of David Liebman, Steve Grossman and Joe Farrell; baritonist Pepper Adams is also on two numbers, keyboardists Chick Corea and Jan Hammer generally alternate (although they both appear on a few tunes together), guitarist Yoshiaki Masuo has guest appearances on two songs, and most selections include bassist Gene Perla and percussionist Don Alias. The group mostly plays concise versions of band originals, including Corea's classic "La Fiesta." An interesting set, but Elvin Jones has recorded many more rewarding albums. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    'Round Town 3:25
Composed By – Gene Perla
Soloist – David Liebman, Steve Grossman
2    Brite Piece 4:46
Composed By – David Liebman
Soloist – David Liebman, Jan Hammer
3    Lungs 2:22
Composed By – Jan Hammer
Soloist – Jan Hammer
4    A Time For Love 4:48
Composed By – Joe Farrell
Soloist – Chick Corea, Joe Farrell
5    Tergiversation 3:26
Composed By – Art Wiggens, Gene Perla
Soloist – Chick Corea, Jan Hammer
6    La Fiesta 6:05
Composed By – Chick Corea
Soloist – Chick Corea, Joe Farrell
7    The Children's Merry-Go-Round March 2:47
Composed By – Keiko Jones
Soloist – Elvin Jones
8    Who's Afraid... 4:21
Composed By – Frank Foster
Credits :
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass [Fender] – Gene Perla
Alto Clarinet – Frank Foster (tracks: 8)
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: 7)
Congas – Don Alias (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 6)
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Flute – Joe Farrell (tracks: 4, 7)
Guitar – Yoshiaki Masuo (tracks: 1, 4)
Piano, Electric Piano – Chick Corea (tracks: 4, 5, 6)
Piano, Electric Piano, Glockenspiel – Jan Hammer (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7)
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 1, 2, 6 to 8), Joe Farrell (tracks: 2, 6, 8)
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Grossman (tracks: 1, 2, 6, 7)

ELVIN JONES — Genesis (1971-2014) RM | SHM-CD | Serie Blue Note The Masterworks | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The graphics are kind of dull on this late-period Blue Note LP, but the music is anything but boring. Elvin Jones' band had expanded during 1969-1971 from a pianoless trio to a three-horn quintet. With Dave Liebman and the returning Joe Farrell on tenor and soprano and Frank Foster contributing some tenor, alto flute, and bass clarinet (bassist Gene Perla completes the group), it would not be an overstatement to call this a powerful unit. On five originals by bandmembers (best known is Jones' "Three Card Molly"), the musicians take long, heated solos that straddle the boundary between hard bop and the avant-garde. Their album has plenty of invigorating music. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :
1    P.P. Phoenix 5:01
Written-By – Gene Perla
2    For All The Other Times 10:06
Written-By – Gene Perla
3    Slumber 5:32
Written-By – Dave Liebman
4    Three Card Molly 8:27
Written-By – Elvin Jones
5    Cecilia Is Love 10:09
Written-By – Frank Foster
Credits :
Alto Flute – Frank Foster (tracks: 1)
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Soprano Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 5), Joe Farrell (tracks: 4)
Tenor Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 1 to 4), Frank Foster (tracks: 2, 4, 5), Joe Farrell (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)

ELVIN JONES — Live At The Lighthouse Vol.1 (1972-2013) RM | Limited Edition | Serie BNLA 999 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Drummer Elvin Jones' 45th birthday (September 9, 1972) was a good excuse to record his group of the period. The results were originally released as a double-LP and have been reissued as two CDs with over an hour of new music added. Jones' pianoless quartet features two masterful saxophonists (both doubling on tenor and soprano) who at the time sounded very close to John Coltrane. Dave Liebman and Steve Grossman were among the first young saxophonists not closely associated with Coltane who used his style as a starting point in their search for their own musical identities. Their high-powered and sometimes rowdy flights are consistently stimulating. With Gene Perla's alert, sensitive, and inventive bass holding the unit together, Elvin Jones was able to play as free as he desired. The first volume (taken from three sets at the Lighthouse) has six fiery selections, four of which were previously unreleased. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Introduction: Bill Chappell / Announcer: Rick Holmes    1:42
2    Fancy Free 21:05
Written-By – Donald Byrd
3    New Breed 12:04
Written-By – David Liebman
4    Small One 7:08
Written-By – David Liebman
5    Sambra 13:10
Written-By – Gene Perla
6    My Ship 8:51
Written-By – I. Gershwin, K. Weill
7    Taurus People 6:15
Written-By – Steve Grossman
8    For All Those Other Times / Announcement 4:43
Written-By – Gene Perla
Credits :
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Flute – Dave Liebman (tracks: 4, 6)
Soprano Saxophone – Dave Liebman (tracks: 2), Steve Grossman (tracks: 4)
Tenor Saxophone – Dave Liebman (tracks: 3, 5, 7, 8), Steve Grossman (tracks: 2, 3, 5 to 8)