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 — Mr. Jones (1973-2013) RM | Serie BNLA 999 Encore | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    One's Native Place 6:17
Written-By – Keiko Jones
2    Gee Gee 5:45
Written-By – Gene Perla
3    Mr. Jones 7:35
Written-By – Keiko Jones
4    What's Up-That's It 5:40
Written-By – Gene Perla
5    Soultrane 6:12
Written-By – Tadd Dameron
6    New Breed 6:55
Written-By – David Liebman
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Gene Perla (tracks: 1, 4 to 6)
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: 3)
Bass – Wilbur Little (tracks: 3)
Congas – Carlos "Patato" Valdes (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6)
Drums – Elvin Jones
Electric Bass – Gene Perla (tracks: 2)
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Flugelhorn – Thad Jones (tracks: 1, 2)
Flute – David Liebman (tracks: 1)
Percussion – Candido Camero* (tracks: 3), Frank Ippolito (tracks: 1, 4, 5)
Piano – Jan Hammer (tracks: 1, 2, 4)
Soprano Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 4), Steve Grossman (tracks: 1)
Tenor Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 2, 6), George Coleman (tracks: 3), Joe Farrell (tracks: 3), Steve Grossman (tracks: 2, 4 to 6)
Timpani – Albert Duffy (tracks: 1, 5)

ELVIN JONES — At This Point In Time (1973-1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This 1973 album features the legendary jazz drummer Elvin Jones in a rather unique musical setting. Joined by a large band (not to be mistaken with what is known in jazz as a "big band"), Jones knocks down the walls that separate jazz from rock, jazz from avant garde, and jazz from the generic "jam band" music that blossomed in the 1960's. That said, Jones' group consists of three saxophonists, a guitarist, pianist/keyboardist, bass, and four percussionists in addition to himself on drum set.

AT THIS POINT IN TIME is essentially jazz fusion. This music is an expansion of Jones' post-1966 groups using typically modal material. The music is strongly groove oriented, and attempts to use early drums machines (called rhythm boxes) and Moog synthesizers to augment the group's already huge sound. Percussionist Omar Clay's composition "Pauke Tanz" is memorable because of the vast array of electronically created sound effects. Also, Frank Foster's "The Unknighted Nations" is interesting because of its funky beat and electrifying keyboard solo by Jan Hammer. However, the highlight is definitely the lengthy (and virtuosic) drum solo that Jones takes on his wife's composition "Don't Cry." AllMusic
Tracklist :
1    At This Point In Time 7:32
Written-By – Frank Foster
2    Currents/Pollen 11:12
Written-By – D. Garcia, G. Perla
3    The Prime Element 8:16
Written-By – Omar Clay
4    Whims Of Bal 12:22
Written-By – Omar Clay
5    Pauke Tanz 6:32
Written-By – Omar Clay
6    The Unknighted Nations 6:25
Written-By – Frank Foster
7    Don't Cry 7:41
Written-By – Keiko Jones
Credits :
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams
Bass, Electric Bass – Gene Perla
Congas – Candido Camero
Drums – Elvin Jones
Guitar – Cornell Dupree
Percussion – Richie 'Pablo' Landrum
Percussion, Drum Machine [Programmable Rhythm Box] – Omar Clay
Piano, Electric Piano, Synthesizer – Jan Hammer
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster, Steve Grossman
Timpani [Tympani] – Warren Smith

ELVIN JONES — The Prime Element (1976) 2 x Vinyl, LP | The Blue Note Re-Issue Series | FLAC (tracks), lossless

This two-LP set consists of a pair of unrelated Elvin Jones Blue Note sessions that had not been previously released. The earlier date features Jones in a septet with the tenors of George Coleman and Joe Farrell along with trumpeter Lee Morgan, while the 1973 album has an 11-piece group that includes a large rhythm section, baritonist Pepper Adams and the tenors of Steve Grossman and Frank Foster. The challenging modal material (an extension of John Coltrane's music of the early '60s) and diverse soloists make this two-fer into a rather stimulating listen. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
A1    At This Point In Time 7:30
Written-By – F. Foster
A2    Currents / Pollen 11:06
Written-By – D. Garcia, G. Perla
B1    The Prime Element 6:14
Written-By – O. Clay
B2    Whims Of Bal 12:22
Written-By – O. Clay
C1    Inner Space 6:28
Written-By – C. Corea
C2    Once I Loved (O Amor E Paz) 6:18
Lyrics By – V. De Moraes
Translated By – R. Gilbert
Written-By – A. C. Jobim
C3    Raynay 7:54
Written-By – E. Jones
D1    Champagne Baby 10:20
Written-By – J. Farrell
D2    Dido Afrique 11:14
Written-By – E. Jones
Credits :
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: A1 to B2)
Bass – Wilbur Little (tracks: C1 to D2)
Congas [Conga] – Candido Camero
Drums – Elvin Jones
Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass – Gene Perla (tracks: A1 to B2)
Electric Guitar – Cornell Dupree (tracks: A1 to B2)
Percussion – Miovelito Valles (tracks: C1 to D2), Omar Clay (tracks: A1 to B2), Richie "Pablo" Landrum (tracks: A1 to B2)
Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Piano [Acoustic] – Jan Hammer (tracks: A1 to B2)
Tenor Saxophone – George Coleman (tracks: C1 to D2)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: A1 to B2), Steve Grossman (tracks: A1 to B2)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Alto Flute – Joe Farrell (tracks: C1 to D2)
Timpani – Warren Smith (tracks: A1 to B2)
Trumpet – Lee Morgan (tracks: C1 to D2)

DIZZY GILLESPIE — Afro (1955-2002) RM | Serie LP Reproduction | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pairing Dizzy Gillespie with Cuban arranger/composer Chico O'Farrill produced a stunning session which originally made up the first half of a Norgran LP. O'Farrill conducts an expanded orchestra which combines a jazz band with a Latin rhythm section; among the participants in the four-part "Manteca Suite" are trumpeters Quincy Jones and Ernie Royal, trombonist J.J. Johnson, tenor saxophonists Hank Mobley and Lucky Thompson, and conga player Mongo Santamaria. "Manteca," written during the previous decade, serves as an exciting opening movement, while the next two segments build upon this famous theme, though they are jointly credited to O'Farrill as well. "Rhumba-Finale" is straight-ahead jazz with some delicious solo work by Gillespie. A later small-group session features the trumpeter with an all-Latin rhythm section and flutist Gilberto Valdes, who is heard on "A Night in Tunisia" and "Caravan." Both of the Latin versions of these pieces are far more interesting than "Con Alma," as the excessive percussion and dull piano accompaniment add little to this normally captivating theme. Long out of print, this 2002 CD reissue will only be available until May 2005; it is well worth acquiring. Ken Dryden 
Tracklist :
1 Manteca Theme 4:11
2 Contrastes 2:46
3 Jungla 4:44
4 Rhumba-Finale 4:39
5 A Night In Tunisia 4:15
6 Con Alma 5:01
7 Caravan 7:20
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – George Dorsey (tracks: 1 to 4), Hilton Jefferson (tracks: 1 to 4)
Arranged By, Conductor – Chico O'Farrill (tracks: 1 to 4)
Baritone Saxophone – Danny Bank (tracks: 1 to 4)
Bass – Roberto Rodriguez, Lou Hackney (tracks: 1 to 4)
Bongos – José Manguel
Congas – Candido Camero, Mongo Santamaria (tracks: 1 to 4)
Drums – Charlie Persip (tracks: 1 to 4)
Flute – Gilberto Valdez (tracks: 5, 7)
Percussion – Rafael Miranda (tracks: 5 to 7)
Piano – Ray Concepcion (tracks: 1 to 4), Rene Hernandez (tracks: 5 to 7), Wade Legge (tracks: 1 to 4)
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley (tracks: 1 to 4), Lucky Thompson (tracks: 1 to 4)
Timbales – Ubaldo Nieto
Trombone – George Matthews (tracks: 1 to 4), J.J. Johnson (tracks: 1 to 4), Leon Comegys (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trumpet – Dizzy Gillespie, Ernie Royal (tracks: 1 to 4), Jimmy Nottingham (tracks: 1 to 4), Quincy Jones (tracks: 1 to 4)
Notes
Tracks 1-4: Recorded May 24, 1954 at Fine Sound, New York City
Tracks 5-7: Recorded June 3, 1954 at Fine Sound, New York City

DIZZY GILLESPIE – 1953-1954 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1424 (2006) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Volume ten in the Classics Dizzy Gillespie chronology documents this trumpeter's recording activities from December 9, 1953 to June 8, 1954. As one of producer Norman Granz's many star players, Diz was able to organize both hard bop and Cuban-styled bop bands comprised of able improvisers. The opening track, "Impromptu," is a nearly-eight-minute jam taken at 75mph by the "Dizzy Gillespie-Stan Getz Sextet" with lightning-fingered pianist Oscar Peterson, guitarist Herb Ellis (heard here in an unusually rambunctious mood); bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Max Roach. The 20-piece big band assembled on May 24, 1954 recorded a piquant 16-and-a-half-minute "Manteca" suite in five movements using arrangements by Chico O'Farrill. The personnel listing is extraordinary, with J.J. Johnson, Ernie Royal and Quincy Jones in the brass section with Diz; Hilton Jefferson, Hank Mobley, Lucky Thompson and Danny Bank in the reed department, as well as two bassists and four expert Latin American percussionists augmenting the kit drumming of Charlie Persip. On the following day, four members of this mammoth ensemble returned to form a quintet; in addition to pianist Wade Legge and bassist Lou Hackney, Hank Mobley was the designated saxophonist for this assignment, a relaxed blowing session with two vocals by the leader. Gillespie put together an octet for the next date, which took place on June 3, 1954, using flautist Gilbert Valdez and a lively Latino rhythm section including conga master Candido Camero. Four titles cut on June 8, 1954 by the Dizzy Gillespie Sextet featured trombonist Jimmy Cleveland in addition to the five men who comprised the Quintet from two weeks earlier. (Although a note in the enclosed discography claims that Cleveland is omitted on "Rumbola," he is clearly audible throughout). This last session, and indeed this entire segment of Gillespie's career, resulted in substantial music of great passion and depth. "Blue Mood" is particularly satisfying because Gillespie, like Charlie Parker, was an adept bluesman. arwulf arwulf    Tracklist :

ERROLL GARNER – 1953-1954 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1423 (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The 16th installment in the Classics Erroll Garner chronology combines eight numbers recorded for Columbia in New York on March 30, 1953; eight more for the same label cut in Detroit on July 8, 1954; and two tracks for Mercury Records in Chicago on July 27, 1954. At this point in his career, Garner became increasingly inventive, expressive, and rambunctious, as his bluesy take on Jerome Kern's "Yesterdays" and knuckle-busting renditions of "Frenesi" and "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" illustrate. The Detroit session is remarkable for the presence of Woody Herman. Familiar to the public as a clarinet-blowing big-band leader with a penchant for rowdy novelty tunes and a tendency, during the late '40s, to employ young musicians with bop sensibilities, Herman appears with the Erroll Garner Trio as a warm and persuasive vocalist. Track nine, a medley lasting nearly 11 minutes, traces a progression from new love to romance to hopeless infatuation to heartbreak. Each successive vocal track is a gem, and the mutual enjoyment felt by Herman and Garner is palpable. Throughout this entire compilation, Garner's bassist was Pittsburgh native Wyatt "Bull" Ruther and his drummer was Eugene "Fats" Heard, who had worked with Lionel Hampton and Coleman Hawkins and who would leave Garner's band in 1955 to settle down and make steady money as a businessman in his hometown of Cleveland, OH. This album closes with two examples of what the Erroll Garner Trio sounded like when spiced up by the conga drumming of Cuban percussionist Candido Camero. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

ERROLL GARNER – 1954 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1447 (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Volume 17 in the complete recordings of Erroll Garner as compiled and reissued by the Classics Chronological Series contains 19 magnificent performances recorded at Universal Recording Studios in Chicago and Fine Sound Studios in New York during the month of July 1954 and subsequently released on the Mercury albums Contrasts and Mambo Moves Garner. Supported by Wyatt Ruther, Eugene "Fats" Heard,and Afro-Caribbean drum master Candido Camero, Garner is able to express himself with panache, good taste,and skillful reckless abandon. Perhaps the most thrilling surprise in this package is a romping rendition of "I've Got to Be a Rug Cutter," a tune popularized years earlier by Duke Ellington and Ivie Anderson. Most Erroll Garner recordings from the '50s are enthusiastically inspired, exciting,and at times dazzling. The music within this collection is some of the best that Garner ever made. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

CANDIDO ft. AL COHN - Candido (1956-2004) RM / WV (image+.cue), lossless

This album, first issued by ABC-Paramount, marked Cuban percussionist Candido Camero's recording debut as a leader, and while he obviously has a prominent role, these 1956 sessions represent far more than a vehicle for his conga and bongo playing. The band includes the always inspired tenor saxophonist Al Cohn, pianist Dick Katz, bassist Whitey Mitchell, guitarist Joe Puma, and drummer Ted Sommer. The selections include gems from the swing era, show tunes, and originals, all of which swing like mad. The group is at its very best in the driving "Stompin' at the Savoy," due to its inspired solos and the tradeoffs between Cohn and the leader (on bongos). Puma contributed the easygoing "Candi Bar," while Sommer's "Candido's Camera" is a snappy vehicle showcasing Candido and Al Cohn. One can easily imagine enjoying the lively interpretation of "Perdido" in a Cuban nightclub. The leader's march-like tempo introducing "Poinciana" suggests Ravel's Bolero before he relaxes his cadence into a more swinging setting. A romp through "Cheek to Cheek" provides a satisfying finale to a very enjoyable CD. Finally reissued in the summer of 2004, this remastered Verve limited edition should be considered essential for fans of Latin jazz. by Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1     Mambo Inn 4:57
Mario Bauzá / Edgar Sampson / Bobby Woodlen
2     I'll Be Back for More 4:23
Candido / Edgar Sampson
3     Stompin' at the Savoy 3:26
Benny Goodman & His Orchestra / Andy Razaf / Edgar Sampson / Chick Webb
4     Candi Bar 4:14
Joe Puma
5     Broadway 4:13
Lew Brown / Buddy DeSylva / Ray Henderson
6     Perdido 3:49
Ervin Drake / Hans Lengsfelder / Juan Tizol
7     Indian Summer 5:43
Al Dubin / Victor Herbert
8     Candido's Camera 4:09    
Sommer
9     Poinciana 4:17
Buddy Bernier / Nat Simon
10     Cheek to Cheek 4:19
Irving Berlin
Credits :
Bass – Whitey Mitchell
Bongos, Congas – Candido Camero
Drums – Teddy Sommer
Guitar – Joe Puma
Mastered By – Bob Irwin, Jayme Pieruzzi
Piano – Dick Katz
Producer [Original Recordings Produced By] – Creed Taylor
Tenor Saxophone – Al Cohn 

CANDIDO - Thousand Finger Man (1969-1999) RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

Percussionist Candido plays quite well throughout the six selections on this CD reissue, but otherwise the music is largely a waste. The songs are immediately forgettable, there are few other solos from the nonet of mostly no-names (other than an out-of-tune soprano solo from Joe Grimm) and Frank Anderson's organ sounds quite dated. This set (originally from Solid State) would have been better if it had been just been exclusively percussion, for the other players add little, if anything, to the lightweight music. Since Candido has rarely led his own record dates, this effort is a definite disappointment. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Jump Back 8:03
Rufus Thomas
2     Come on Choo-Choo Train 5:08     
K. Montgomery    
3     Soul Limbo 5:47
Steve Cropper / Donald "Duck" Dunn / Booker T. Jones / Al Jackson, Jr.
4     Tony's Theme 5:57
Hugo Montenegro
5     Hallelujah! I'm Comin' Home 5:55
K. Montgomery
6    Thousand Finger Man 6:52
Joe Cain / Candido
Credits :
Arranged By – Joe Cain
Congas, Bongos – Candido Camero
Drums – Herbie Lovelle
Electric Bass – Chuck Rainey (faixas: 4, 5), Gerry Jemmott (faixas: 1-3, 6)
Guitar – David Spinozza
Mastered By – Ron McMaster
Piano, Organ – Frank Anderson
Producer – Duke Pearson
Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute – Joe Grimm
Trombone, Bass Trombone – Alan Raph
Trumpet – Jimmy Sedlar, Pat Russo

CANDIDO - Beautiful (1970-2003) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Featuring his usual touring band, conga master Candido released the funky Beautiful in 1970. His first release for Blue Note -- following his Solid State debut, Man of a Thousand Fingers -- is a dance-oriented project that features lots of go-go-style blues jams propelled along by Candido's high-energy percussion, Richard Davis' electric bass, and Frank Anderson's juicy organ backgrounds. While jazz improvisation isn't really the point of the music, saxophonist Alan Ralph does get in some nice post-bop and modal-style choruses and the two-part "Ghana Spice" gives Candido a nice chance to stretch out. Re-released in 2003 as part of Blue Note's Rare Groove Series, Beautiful isn't the most essential of Candido's recordings, but should hold a fascination for funk-jazz enthusiasts. by Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1     I'm on My Way 3:11
Richie Havens
2     Tic Tac Toe 4:03
Steve Cropper
3     Hey, Western Union Man 3:29
Jerry Butler / Kenny Gamble / Leon Huff
4     Serenade to a Savage 4:36
Joe Garland
5     New World in the Morning 3:28
Roger Whittaker
6     Beautiful 2:54
Joe Cain / Candido
7     I Shouldn't Believe 3:26   
K. Montgomery
8     Money Man 5:07
Joe Cain / Candido
9     Ghana Spice, Pt. 1 3:06
Joe Cain / Candido
10     Ghana Spice, Pt. 2 4:22
Joe Cain / Candido
Credits :
Bass [Fender] – Jerry Jemmott, Richard Davis (faixas: 4, 6 to 10)
Congas, Bongos – Candido
Drums – Herbie Lovelle
Guitar – David Spinozza
Piano, Organ – Frank Anderson
Producer, Arranged By – Joe Cain
Saxophone, Flute – Joe Grimm
Trombone – Alan Raph
Trumpet – Bernie Glow, Pat Russo 

BENNIE GREEN - Blows His Horn [1955] Prestige /OJC / FLAC

Bennie Green, one of the few trombonists of the 1950s not to sound somewhat like a J.J. Johnson clone, always had a likable and humorous style. He blends in well with tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse on these standards, blues, and jump tunes, two of which have group vocals. With a fine rhythm section (pianist Cliff Smalls, bassist Paul Chambers, drummer Osie Johnson, and Candido on congas), Green and his band show that there is no reason that swinging jazz has to be viewed as overly intellectual and esoteric. This CD (a reissue of the original LP) is a fine example of Bennie Green's talents and winning musical personality. by Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

1. Sometimes I'm Happy 

2. Laura 

3. Body And Soul 

4. Say Jack 

5. One Track

6. Groovin' The Blues (Take 1)

7. Groovin' The Blues (Take 2)

8. Travelin' Light

9. Hi Yo Silver 

Credits:

Bennie Green-trombone

Paul Chambers-bass

Candido-congas

Osie Johnson-drums

Cliff Smalls-piano

Charlie Rouse-tenor saxophone

BENNIE GREEN - Blows His Horn [1955]
(1991) Prestige /OJC / FLAC 

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