ANOUAR BRAHEM – بعد السماء الأخيرة = After The Last Sky (2025) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Oudist and composer Anouar Brahem has kept a low profile since 2017's Blue Maqams. He appeared with Anja Lechner and Francois Couturier on Lontano, but has otherwise been absent. Brahem enlists longtime collaborator/bassist Dave Holland and pianist Django Bates -- both appeared on Blue Maqams. Lechner appears in place of the last album's drummer, Jack DeJohnette, and is the first cellist to appear on one of Brahem's LPs. Recorded in Switzerland, it was produced by Manfred Eicher. The album's name echoes the title of a 1986 book by cultural critic, activist, and author Edward Said, and was derived from a line by Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish: "Where should the birds fly, after the last sky?" Begun before October 6, 2023, it is nonetheless deeply inspired by the horror and suffering experienced by Palestinians in Gaza. Brahem wrote new compositions and reworked some of the earlier ones to communicate and evoke raw emotion about this situation. Lechner's poignant cello is primary, up front. She and Brahem move through Eastern modes and motifs, blurring the lines between folk, classical, and jazz.

Opener "Remembering Hind" is a case in point. Under two minutes, the cello and piano deliver Brahem's minor-key melody with nearly processional grace and, despite the relative quiet, rippling emotion. The title track, at nearly six minutes, commences with an oud solo that foreshadows the melody. When Bates enters, he accedes to the restraint, at least until the cellist joins in, and it becomes a melancholy fantasia. The interplay between Holland and Brahem is almost symbiotic. "The Eternal Olive Tree," an oud/bass duet, showcases warmly dissonant harmonies in a celebration of survival and resilience. The duo embrace the blues directly in highlighting Gaza's struggle alongside modal and jazz motivics in their improvisation. "Awake," the set's hinge track, melds classical crossover, Tunisian folk styles, and restrained improv. The bass pattern that introduces "Dancing Under the Meteorites" is a constant pulse that evolves into a tango vamp. Lechner and Bates play around it, touching on the style in their joint conversation until Brahem's contrapuntal solo cements the tune as gorgeous tango-jazz fusion. He offers another lengthy improvisation on the bittersweet, musically riveting "The Sweet Oranges Of Jaffa"; Lechner joins him and delivers her own. Her long experience of improvised music guides her interaction with Brahem and underscores the harmonic invention in her solo. It and the labyrinthine, poignant, inventive "Never Forget" are offered here as hymns of remembrance, adding depth and dimension. It's followed by the tender piano and cello duet "Edward Said's Reverie." The set closes with his beloved "Vague," marking the third time he's recorded it.

The release also includes a long liner essay (for ECM) by U.S. editor of The London Review of Books Adam Schatz, who is also a noted journalist and critic. He offers key reflections on Brahem's music, the Palestinians' fight to exist, and the culture around both. After the Last Sky is a reflective, yet powerfully emotional and virtuosic listening experience. 
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <- 
Tracklist :
1.    Remembering Hind 1:52
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
2.    After The Last Sky 5:42
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
3.    Endless Wandering 8:11
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
4.    The Eternal Olive Tree 4:00
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem, Dave Holland
5.    Awake 8:49
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
6.    In The Shades Of Your Eyes 4:27
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
7.    Dancing Under The Meteorites 4:25
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
8.    The Sweet Oranges Of Jaffa 7:13
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
9.    Never Forget 7:49
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
10.    Edward Said's Reverie 2:58
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
11.    Vague 3:13
Composed By [Composition By] – Anouar Brahem
Credits :
Double Bass – Dave Holland
Oud – Anouar Brahem
Piano – Django Bates
Producer [Produced By] – Manfred Eicher
Violoncello – Anja Lechner

CHRIS POTTER — Unspoken (1997) 24-44.1Hz | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Working with drummer Jack DeJohnette, bassist Dave Holland, and guitarist John Scofield, saxophonist Chris Potter recorded his most adventurous record to date with Unspoken. Although his powerhouse rhythm section sometimes overwhelms him, Potter flexes more creative muscle throughout Unspoken, resulting in an engaging, frequently provocative listen. Leo Stanley
Tracklist :
1     Wistful     7:45
 Chris Potter 
2     Seven Eleven     9:08
 Chris Potter 
3     Hieroglyph     6:00
 Chris Potter 
4     Amsterdam Blues     7:50
 Chris Potter 
5     Et Tu, Bruté?     7:12
 Chris Potter 
6     Unspoken     5:41
 Chris Potter 
7     No Cigar     5:18
 Chris Potter 
8     Time Zone     8:55
 Chris Potter 
9     New Vision     7:11 
 Chris Potter 
Credits :
Chris Potter - Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Jack DeJohnette - Drums
Dave Holland - Bass
John Scofield - Guitar

BILL FRISELL — Bill Frisell with Dave Holland and Elvin Jones (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Ever prolific avant-Americana guitarist Bill Frisell continues his Nonesuch odyssey with this trio that includes two jazz heavyweights: bassist Dave Holland (former Miles Davis band member and current ECM recording artist) and drum legend Elvin Jones (one-quarter of the classic John Coltrane Quartet of the '60s and still an indefatigable rhythmist). Frisell leads the threesome through a book of his own highly individual, atmospherically compelling tunes, including such recent favorites as "Strange Meeting" and "Blues Dream"; the trio also essays two vintage numbers that do a good job of bookending Frisell's own brand of rootsy lyricism - Henry Mancini's "Moon River" and Stephen Foster's "Hard Times." Hardly obvious candidates as Frisell collaborators, Holland and Jones warm well to the folk-inflected material, complementing the guitarist's offbeat charm and unerring taste with their muscular authority. Frisell fans will rejoice once again, and newcomers might find this an ideal introduction.
Tracklist :
1. Outlaws 7:55
 Bill Frisell
2. Twenty Years 3:15
 Bill Frisell
3. Coffaro's Theme 4:51
 Bill Frisell
4. Blues Dream 4:48
 Bill Frisell
5. Moon River 6:26
 Bill Frisell / Henry Mancini
6. Tell Your Ma, Tell Your Pa 9:07
 Bill Frisell
7. Strange Meeting 5:26
 Bill Frisell
8. Convict 13 3:56
 Bill Frisell
9. Again 7:33
 Bill Frisell
10. Hard Times 3:41
 Stephen Foster / Bill Frisell
11. Justice And Honor 4:49
 Bill Frisell
12. Smilin' Jones 5:02
 Bill Frisell
Credits :
Bill Frisell - Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Loops
Dave Holland - Bass
Elvin Jones - Drums

JACK DeJOHNETTE — Sorcery (1974-1994) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A lot of rambling takes place on this interesting but erratic LP. Drummer Jack DeJohnette (doubling on keyboards) performs three songs with a group featuring bass clarinetist Bennie Maupin and the guitars of John Abercrombie and Mick Goodrick; the music shows the influence of fusion (most obviously on "The Rock Thing") and has its strong moments (much of the nearly 14-minute "Sorcery #1"). But the attempt at humor on "The Right Time" is self-indulgent. The second half of this release, with trios by DeJohnette, bassist Dave Holland, and Michael Fellerman on metaphone (whatever that is), are less memorable. While one admires DeJohnette's willingness to take chances, this music has not dated well. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Sorcery, No. 1 - 13:50
 Jack DeJohnette
2. The Right Time - 2:21
 Jack DeJohnette
3. The Rock Thing - 4:14
 Jack DeJohnette
4. The Reverend King Suite: Reverend King/Obstructions/The Fatal Shot/Mourning/Unrest/New Spirits on the Horizon (John Coltrane/DeJohnette) - 14:19
 John Coltrane / Jack DeJohnette
5. Four Levels of Joy - 3:09
 Jack DeJohnette
6. Epilog (DeJohnette-Holland) - 3:11
 Jack DeJohnette / Dave Holland
Credits :
Jack DeJohnette - Drums, Keyboards, C-Melody Saxofone
Bennie Maupin - Bass Clarinet
John Abercrombie, Mick Goodrick - Guitars
Dave Holland - Bass
Michael Fellerman - Metaphone, Trombone

DON GROLNICK — Weaver of Dreams (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Don Grolnick was a busy session pianist/keyboardist who played on many kinds of dates, including jazz fusion and pop. But for a brief period in the late 1980s and early '90s, he detoured into playing post-bop. Weaver of Dreams was the first of his two CDs for Blue Note, featuring an all-star septet including the Brecker Brothers, Bob Mintzer, Dave Holland, Peter Erskine, and Barry Rogers. His intricate opener, "Nothing Personal," suggests the influence of George Russell, with its rapid-fire lines and unpredictable accents on trumpet and bass clarinet, along with the composer's tasty solo. There's a bit of reverb added to the unified trumpet and tenor sax in his "Or Come Fog," which touches briefly on its source, "Come Rain or Come Shine." Mintzer's wild bass clarinet is a highlight of the brisk setting of the standard "I Want to Be Happy," while the foot-patting treatment of "Weaver of Dreams" is a feature for the rhythm section alone. Weaver of Dreams lapsed from print, only to briefly reappear in a short-lived two-CD reissue. This is easily the finest recording led by Don Grolnick, who passed away in 1996. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1 Nothing Personal  5:44
Don Grolnick
2 Taglioni  8:41
Don Grolnick
3 A Weaver of Dreams  4:40
Jack Elliott / Victor Young
4 His Majesty the Bady  6:47
Don Grolnick
5 I Want to Be Happy  5:45
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
6 Persimmons  6:54
Don Grolnick
7 Or Come Fog  5:23
Don Grolnick
8 Five Bars  7:20
Don Grolnick
Credits :
Bass – Dave Holland
Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer
Drums – Peter Erskine
Piano, Producer, Arranged By – Don Grolnick
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Barry Rogers
Trumpet – Randy Brecker

SAM RIVERS | DAVE HOLLAND | BARRY ALTSCHUL — The Quest (1976-2023) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1. Expectation (Sam Rivers) - 6:34
2. Vision (Sam Rivers) - 12:20
3. Judgement (Sam Rivers) - 10:12
4. Hope (Sam Rivers) - 6:55
Credits :
Bass – Dave Holland
Drums – Barry Altschul
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Piano – Sam Rivers

CARLA BLEY — Tropic Appetites (1974-1998) FLAC (image + .cue), lossless

Following their superb "chronotransduction," Escalator Over the Hill, composer Carla Bley and poet Paul Haines once again teamed up for Tropic Appetites, a somewhat different, but equally compelling effort. The instrumentation is scaled down to an octet and the lyrics revolve around trips to Southeast Asia, particularly Bali, made by Haines over the preceding years. Bley makes an inspired choice for lead vocalist by enlisting the extraordinary Julie Tippetts who had attained rock stardom in the late '60s (as Julie Driscoll) in Brian Auger's Trinity.

After a powerful introductory "overture" led by the still incendiary Gato Barbieri who, for contractual reasons, is referred to in the credits as "Unidentified Cat," the hothouse atmosphere of the recording is established by the next song, "In India," with its humid, surreal lyrics.Bley consistently provides rich, imaginative, and varied underpinnings for Tippett's crystalline vocal work. From the ferocious and angry "Enormous Tots" to the yearning "Caucasian Bird Riffles" to the delightful singsong "Funnybird Song" featuring priceless vocals from Howard Johnson and Bley's very young daughter Karen Mantler (who would go on to a career of her own), the music is strong and memorable throughout.

All of the musicians are in top form, but special mention should be made of the dream rhythm team of David Holland and Paul Motian. Their tonal colors and supple interplay is a major factor of the success of this album. Tropic Appetites is one of Carla Bley's greatest successes; one could only wish that she had continued in this vein rather than opting for the jazz-funk bands she led from 1980 forward. Brian Olewnick
Tracklist :
1    What Will Be Left Between Us And The Moon Tonight?    11:04
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
2    In India    1:10
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
3    Enormous Tots    6:05
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
4    Caucasian Bird Riffles    5:06
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
5    Funnybird Song    1:18
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
6    Indonesian Dock Sucking Supreme    8:54
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
7    Song Of The Jungle Stream    10:15
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
8    Nothing    3:34
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
Credits :
Cello, Acoustic Bass, Bass Guitar – Dave Holland
Drums, Percussion – Paul Motian
Producer – Carla Bley, Michael Mantler
Tenor Saxophone, Percussion – Gato Barbieri
Trumpet, Valve Trombone – Michael Mantler
Violin, Viola – Toni Marcus
Voice – Julie Tippetts
Voice, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Tuba [Tubas] – Howard Johnson
Voice, Recorder [Recorders], Piano, Electric Piano, Clavinet, Organ, Marimba, Celesta [Celeste], Percussion, Music By – Carla Bley

CASSANDRA WILSON — Traveling Miles (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A tribute album by Cassandra Wilson to Miles Davis seems like a very logical idea, but this CD is actually less than one would expect. Wilson's deep voice gives a downbeat feel to the music, her lyrics for such Davis-associated songs as "Miles Runs the Voodoo Down," "Seven Steps to Heaven," "ESP," "Tutu," and "Blue in Green" are forgettable, and her interpretations smooth down most of the melodies, robbing them of their personality. Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" and "Someday My Prince Will Come" fare better, but most of the set (which includes three unrelated originals) is as boring as Cassandra Wilson's voice. Despite the presence of some notable all-stars (including Steve Coleman, Stefon Harris, Regina Carter, and Pat Metheny), this is a misfire. Scott Yanow

Tracklist :

1. Run the Voodoo Down – 4:36 

(Miles Davis, Cassandra Wilson) 

2. Traveling Miles – 4:52

(Wilson) 

3. Right Here Right Now – 5:57

(Marvin Sewell, Wilson)

4. Time After Time – 4:08

(Rob Hyman, Cyndi Lauper)

5. When The Sun Goes Down – 6:05

(Wilson)

6. Seven Steps" – 6:44

(Victor Feldman, Davis) 

7. Someday My Prince Will Come – 3:53

(Frank Churchill, Larry Morey) 

8. Never Broken – 5:13

 (Wayne Shorter, Wilson)

9. Resurrection Blues (Tutu) – 6:11 

(Marcus Miller, Wilson) 

10. Sky & Sea (Blue in Green) – 5:24 

 (Davis, Wilson) 

11. Piper – 5:03

 (Wilson) 

12. Voodoo Reprise – 4:15.

(Davis, Wilson, Angelique Kidjo)

Credits :

Cassandra Wilson – vocals, acoustic guitar

Doug Wamble – acoustic guitar

Eric Lewis – piano

Jeffrey Haynes, Kevin Breit – acoustic, electric, resophonic & e-bow guitars, electric mandolin, mandocello, bazouki

Lonnie Plaxico – acoustic bass

Marcus Baylor – drums, percussion

Marvin Sewell – acoustic, classical & electric guitars, bazouki

Mino Cinelu – percussion

Perry Wilson – drums

Vincent Henry – harmonica

Dave Holland – bass

Olu Dara – cornet

Steve Coleman – alto sax

Pat Metheny – classical guitar

Angelique Kidjo – vocals

Regina Carter – violin

Stefon Harris – vibraphone 

LEE KONITZ — Satori (1975-1997) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is an excellent release that is fairly typical of a Lee Konitz program from the 1970s and '80s. There are a few standards (such as "Just Friends," "Green Dolphin Street" and "What's New"), a few fairly advanced pieces ("Satori" and "Free Blues"), thoughtful improvisations and a bit of hard-swinging. Inspired by the presence of pianist Martial Solal, bassist David Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette, Konitz stretches himself as usual and comes up with consistently fresh statements while generally playing at a low introspective volume. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Just Friends 7:00
Composed By – John Klenner, Sam Lewis
2 On Green Dolphin Street 5:43
Composed By – Bronislaw Kaper, Ned Washington
3 Satori 9:02
Composed By – Dave Holland, Jack DeJohnette, Lee Konitz, Martial Solal
Composed By, Electric Piano – Dick Katz
4 Sometime Ago 7:18
Composed By – Sergio Mihanovich
Electric Piano – Martial Solal
5 What's New 3:22
Composed By – Bob Haggart
6 Hymn 2:43
Composed By – Lee Konitz
7 Free Blues 7:50
Composed By – Lee Konitz
Credits
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – David Holland
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Piano – Martial Solal
Producer – Dick Katz

DAVE HOLLAND | EVAN PARKER | CRAIG TABORN and CHES SMITH - Uncharted Territories (2018) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1-1    Thought On Earth    7:37
1-2    Piano - Bass - Percussion T1    5:47
1-3    Q&A    4:40
1-4    Tenor - Percussion W2    3:25
1-5    QT12    6:10
1-6    Tenor - Bass W3    2:44
1-7    QW2    8:17
1-8    Tenor - Piano - Bass T2    5:36
1-9    Organ - Vibes W1    6:14
1-10    Bass - Percussion T2    5:07
1-11    Tenor - Piano - Percussion T1    9:35
2-1    QT13    6:25
2-2    Tenor - Piano - Percussion T2    4:10
2-3    Piano - Percussion W3    5:01
2-4    QT5    6:54
2-5    Tenor - Bass W1    4:16
2-6    Piano - Bass - Percussion T2    5:37
2-7    Unsteady As She Goes    5:38
2-8    Bass - Percussion T1    6:03
2-9    QW5    2:26
2-10    Tenor - Bass - Percussion T1    5:18
2-11    Tenor - Bass W2    3:46
2-12    QW1    10:01
Credits :
Bass – Dave Holland
Composed By – Ches Smith (pistas: 1-1, 2-7), Dave Holland (pistas: 1-3)
Percussion – Ches Smith
Piano, Organ, Keyboards, Electronics – Craig Taborn
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] – Evan Parker

CIRCLE - Paris-Concert (1971-1990) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Of all of the recordings from the short-lived avant-garde quartet Circle, this double-LP is the most rewarding. Cut live in Paris, this set features pianist Chick Corea, the reeds of Anthony Braxton, bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Barry Altschul playing a wide variety of fairly free explorations. Highlights include their reinterpretation of the standard "There Is No Greater Love," the playful "Toy Room - Q & A," Braxton's "73 Degrees Kelvin," and "Nefertiti." The music is often quite abstract but generally colorful and innovative; Chick Corea would soon break up the band for other musical adventures, but this set remains one of the high points of his productive career. Scott Yanow
Tracklist
1.1     Nefertitti 19:16
Wayne Shorter
1.2     Song For The Newborn 6:50
Dave Holland     
1.3     Duet 10:40
Anthony Braxton / Chick Corea
1.4     Lookout Farm/Kelvin 73° [Variation 3] 16:07
Barry Altschul / Anthony Braxton   
2.1     Toy Room/Q & A 24:43
Dave Holland
2.2     No Greater Love 17:38
Isham Jones / Marty Symes    
Credits :
Bass, Cello – David Holland
Percussion – Barry Altschul
Piano – Chick Corea
Producer – Manfred Eicher
Reeds, Percussion – Anthony Braxton

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Town Hall 1972 (2002) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

For those seeking the deep roots of Anthony Braxton's numbered series of compositions -- numbering close to 200 -- this 1972 concert is essential in that it features live recordings of "Composition 1" (for percussionist Jerome Cooper), "Composition 2" (for pianist Frederic Rzewski), and "Composition 3." This marks a return home, albeit a temporary one, for the composer and multi-instrumentalist -- Braxton left the United States for France in 1968, where he made a few recordings for European labels. Braxton showcases his work in a number of settings here -- in a pair of trios with bassist Dave Holland and drummers Phillip Wilson and Barry Altschul, and on "Composition 3" (for vocalist Jeanne Lee) saxophonist John Stubblefield and Lee herself become a part of the band. Also in the mix is in a wildly abstract but street-tough read of "All the Things You Are." On "Composition 1," Braxton, Holland, and Wilson establish early on what would be a trait in the composer's improvisations, which is the notion of a theme thoroughly stated, abstracted, deconstructed, and reconstructed into something wholly other while remaining recognizable. Critics have argued this, but those who deny it just don't listen closely enough. Here Braxton's first quotations from Warne Marsh make their way onto tape, and his manner of shifting pitch against chromatic and even whole-tone harmonics to create the appearance of diatonic abstraction comes into play as the body of the work. Holland plays away from it, moving toward Braxton's outer reach while Wilson moves inside the thematic construct, opening it up enough to keep Holland within reach of the subtle shifts some of the improvisation requires for articulation. On "Composition 2," the center moves outward with Altschul and Holland playing on the perimeter; Braxton's complex but nonetheless readily apparent lyric fragments keep them rooted to a space just within his reach improvisationally, inverting the traditional operation of a trio. Finally, on "Composition 3," Lee adds a kind of (a)tonal center as Braxton tries out six different reeds. Stubblefield offers a muscular counterpart to Braxton's more speculative tone, and offers a spatial figure for all things to exist in equally. Silence is an integral part of the dynamic in this quintet, where no player oversteps her or his placement within the construct of the whole. And while it is true, other than the cover tune, none of this "swings" per se; it doesn't reek of academia either. The playing here is soulful and engaging throughout it features some crack improvisation. This is a welcome reissue in Braxton's voluminous back catalog.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1    Composition I: Dedicated To Composer-Percussionist Jerome Cooper / Composition II: Dedicated To Composer-Pianist Frederic Rzewski    18:21
2    All The Things You Are    14:33
3    Composition III: Dedicated To The Vocalist Jeanne Lee    35:38
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Contrabass Clarinet, Clarinet, Percussion, Composed By, Producer [Concert] – Anthony Braxton
Double Bass – Dave Holland
Percussion, Marimba – Barry Altschul (pistas: 3)
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet, Gong, Percussion – John Stubblefield (pistas: 3)
Voice – Jeanne Lee (pistas: 3)

ANTHONY BRAXTON — Trio and Duet (1974-2002) FLAC (tracks), lossless

 This is a well-rounded album that features the remarkable Anthony Braxton in two separate settings. Braxton (on clarinet, contrabass clarinet and percussion) interacts with trumpeter Leo Smith and Richard Teitelbaum's synthesizer on an abstract original for 19 minutes. The remainder of the program has Braxton (on alto) performing three standards ("The Song Is You," "Embraceable You" and "You Go To My Head") in duets with bassist Dave Holland; those successful interactions are superior to Braxton's earlier "In The Tradition" projects. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    HM 421 (RTS) 47 19:00
Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet, Chimes, Bass Drum – Anthony Braxton
Composed By – Anthony Braxton
Synthesizer [Moog], Percussion – Richard Teitelbaum
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Trumpet [Pocket], Percussion, Performer [Small Instruments] – Leo Smith
2    The Song Is You 12:00
Written-By – Jerome Kern And Oscar Hammerstein II
3    Embraceable You 5:39
Written-By – George And Ira Gershwin
4    You Go To My Head 8:33
Written-By – Haven Gillespie, Fred Coot
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Anthony Braxton (pistas: 2 to 4)
Bass – Dave Holland (pistas: 2 to 4)

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Five Pieces 1975 (1976) lp | FLAC (tracks), lossless

This out-of-print album features one of Anthony Braxton's great combos, a quartet with trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, bassist Dave Holland and drummer Barry Alstchul. Braxton (who switches between alto, clarinet, sopranino, flutes and contrabass clarinet) explores four of his diverse originals plus the standard "You Stepped Out Of A Dream." The tightness of his very alert and versatile group and the strength of the compositions make this one of Anthony Braxton's most rewarding records of the mid-1970's. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
A1    You Stepped Out Of A Dream 7:09
Words By – Gus Kahn
Written-By – Macio Herb Brown
A2    G - 647 (BNK - []    4:35
Composed By – Anthony Braxton
A3    4038 -- NBS 373 6    8:05
Composed By – Anthony Braxton
B1    4 8 9 M 70 - 2 -- (TH - B) M    17:17
Composed By – Anthony Braxton
B2    BOR - - - - H N - K 64    3:23
Composed By – Anthony Braxton
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Sopranino Saxophone, Flute, Contrabass Clarinet, Alto Flute – Anthony Braxton
Bass – Dave Holland
 (pistas: A2 to B2)
Drums – Barry Altschul
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Kenny Wheeler

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Creative Orchestra Music 1976 (1987) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of Braxton's most interesting recordings. Six of his compositions are performed by groups ranging from 15-20 pieces and featuring such soloists as trumpeters Cecil Bridgewater, Leo Smith, Kenny Wheeler and Jon Faddis, baritonist Bruce Johnstone, trombonist George Lewis, reed player Roscoe Mitchell, bassist Dave Holland, pianist Muhal Richard Abrams and Braxton himself. There is a lot of variety on this set. One of the pieces finds Braxton combining free elements with a Sousa-type march while another one looks toward Ellington. There are quite a few memorable moments on this program. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Piece One 5:10
Alto Saxophone – Anthony Braxton, Seldon Powell
Baritone Saxophone – Bruce Johnstone
Bass – Dave Holland
Bass Trombone – Earl McIntyre
Conductor – Leo Smith
Drums – Warren Smith
Piano – Muhal Richard Abrams
Tenor Saxophone – Ronald Bridgewater
Trombone – Garrett List, George Lewis
Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater, Jon Faddis, Kenny Wheeler
Tuba – Jonathan Dorn
2    Piece Two 7:36
Bass – Dave Holland
Bass Clarinet – Bruce Johnstone
Bass Trombone – Jack Jeffers
Clarinet – Ronald Bridgewater, Seldon Powell
Contrabass Clarinet – Anthony Braxton
Gong [Gongs], Percussion – Barry Altschul
Percussion – Philip Wilson
Piano – Frederic Rzewski, Muhal Richard Abrams
Soprano Saxophone – Roscoe Mitchell
Synthesizer – Richard Teitelbaum
Timpani, Bass Drum – Warren Smith
Trombone – Garrett List, George Lewis
Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater, Jon Faddis, Kenny Wheeler, Leo Smith
Tuba – Jonathan Dorn
3    Piece Three 6:43
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Clarinet – Anthony Braxton
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Flute – Seldon Powell
Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax], Bass Clarinet – Bruce Johnstone
Bass – Dave Holland
Bass Drum – Frederic Rzewski
Bass Saxophone [Bass Sax] – Roscoe Mitchell
Bass Trombone – Jack Jeffers
Cymbal [Marching Cymbals] – Philip Wilson
Glockenspiel – Karl Berger
Snare [Snare Drum] – Barry Altschul, Warren Smith
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] – Ronald Bridgewater
Trombone – Garrett List, George Lewis
Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater, Kenny Wheeler
Trumpet [Solo Trumpet], Conductor – Leo Smith
Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet – Jon Faddis
Tuba – Jonathan Dorn
4    Piece Four 6:26
Bass Clarinet – Bruce Johnstone
Bass Trombone – Jack Jeffers
Bells, Percussion, Chimes [Orchestra] – Barry Altschul
Cello – Dave Holland
Clarinet – Ron Bridgewater
Drums, Percussion – Philip Wilson
Flute – Seldon Powell
Flute, Bass Saxophone [Bass Sax] – Roscoe Mitchell
Flute, Contrabass Saxophone [Contrabass Sax] – Anthony Braxton
Marimba [Bass Marimba], Chimes [Orchestra] – Warren Smith
Piano – Frederic Rzewski, Muhal Richard Abrams
Trombone – Garrett List, George Lewis
Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater, Jon Faddis, Kenny Wheeler, Wadada Leo Smith
Tuba – Jonathan Dorn
Vibraphone, Xylophone, Chimes [Orchestra] – Karl Berger
5    Piece Five 7:19
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax] – Seldon Powell
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Contrabass Saxophone [Contrabass Sax] – Anthony Braxton
Baritone Saxophone [Baritone Sax] – Bruce Johnstone
Bass – Dave Holland
Bass Trombone – Jack Jeffers
Conductor – Leo Smith
Drums – Warren Smith
Piano – Muhal Richard Abrams
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] – Ron Bridgewater
Trombone – Garrett List, George Lewis
Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater, Jon Faddis, Kenny Wheeler
Tuba – Jonathan Dorn
Vibraphone – Karl Berger
6    Piece Six 6:40
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Soprano Saxophone [Soprano Sax], Bass Saxophone [Bass Sax] – Roscoe Mitchell
Bass Clarinet – Bruce Johnstone
Bass Trombone – Earl McIntyre
Cello – Dave Holland
Clarinet – Ronald Bridgewater
Conductor – Muhal Richard Abrams
Flute – Seldon Powell
Sopranino Saxophone [Sopranino Sax], Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet – Anthony Braxton
Trombone – Garrett List, George Lewis
Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater, Jon Faddis, Kenny Wheeler, Leo Smith
Tuba – Jonathan Dorn
Credits :
Composed By [All Music Composed By], Arranged By [All Music Arranged By] – Anthony Braxton

ANTHONY BRAXTON - The Complete Braxton (1973-1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This two-LP set features the innovative multireedist in a variety of settings. Recorded while he was a member of the group Circle, Braxton is heard in two duets with pianist Chick Corea, three fairly exciting quartet tracks with trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, bassist Dave Holland and drummer Barry Altschul, an unaccompanied solo on contrabass clarinet, a piece (which Braxton wrote but does not play on) for five tubas, and a selection in which he overdubbed four sopranino saxes. Lots of very interesting performances come from a master of the avant-garde who has always followed his own musical path. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Up Thing [N 508-10 (4G)] 4:35
Piano – Chick Corea
Soprano Saxophone – Anthony Braxton
2    Quartet Ballad [J-572 (431)] 16:35
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Anthony Braxton
Bass, Cello – Dave Holland
Percussion, Bells – Barry Altschul
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Kenny Wheeler
3    March [67M F-12] 5:15
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Anthony Braxton
Bass, Cello – Dave Holland
Percussion, Bells – Barry Altschul
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Kenny Wheeler
4    Four Sopranos [ZM-F-K] 15:00
Soprano Saxophone [Four Parts Overdubbed] – Anthony Braxton
5    Be Bop [R76-4] 9:47
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Anthony Braxton
Bass, Cello – Dave Holland
Percussion, Bells – Barry Altschul
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Kenny Wheeler
6    Five Tubas [3-24 (Tuba Realization)] 8:01
Ensemble – The London Tuba Ensemble
Tuba [C] – Paul Lawrence (2)
Tuba [E Flat] – Geoffrey Adams (2), James Anderson (6), John Fletcher (2), Michael Barnes (4)
7    Soprano Ballad [JNK 4 Degrees] 14:32
Piano – Chick Corea
Soprano Saxophone – Anthony Braxton
8    Contra Basse [4-16 CJF] 6:18
Contrabass Clarinet [Contrebasse] – Anthony Braxton

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Quartet (Dortmund) 1976 (2001) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Braxton has produced many excellent recordings through the years, but only a small number stand out from the pack the way this one does. This version of his pianoless quartet is captured live in an inspired, energized performance at the first Dortmund Jazz Festival in Germany. Trombonist George Lewis had only recently joined the group, replacing the more introspective trumpeter Kenny Wheeler. Braxton's compositions are uniformly brilliant, incorporating marching band themes, lightening-fast hard bop-influenced runs, and strings of non-syncopated eighth notes, all of which contribute to a sense of wonder and excitement. Also, Braxton is in marvelous form on his varied horns, springing forth an arsenal of seemingly endless ideas. His lengthy solo on "Composition 40 F" is among his best on disc, garnering a well-deserved enthusiastic reaction from the audience. By bringing Lewis into the group, Braxton helped to nurture one of the most astonishing and technically virtuosic trombonists in all of jazz. The young Lewis is hardly intimidated by the celebrity quality of the group, and from the outset, he engages in mouth-watering displays that match the saxophonist note for note. Whether playing open or muted, Lewis was one of the most effective interpreters of Braxton's complex compositions. There are fine contributions, too, from drummer Barry Altschul and especially bassist Dave Holland, but the intricate compositions themselves and the incredible soloing of the horns are what mark this one for the big leagues. Graham Lock's knowledgeable, erudite liners are a big plus in helping to understand this difficult but highly rewarding music. Steve Loewy  
Tracklist :
1    Composition 40 F / Composition 23 J    26:10
2    Composition 40 (O)    6:40
3    Composition 6 C    9:48
4    Composition 40 B    13:58
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Contrabass Saxophone, Sopranino Saxophone, Clarinet, Clarinet [Eb], Contrabass Clarinet, Composed By – Anthony Braxton
Bass – Dave Holland
Drums, Percussion – Barry Altschul
Trombone – George Lewis

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Live (1977-1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Anthony Braxton's 1975 two-LP set comes close to definitive. Braxton (mostly on alto and clarinet but also playing contrabass clarinet, flute, and sopranino) is heard with two of his best quartets on these live performances. Featured are either trumpeter Kenny Wheeler or trombonist George Lewis along with bassist Dave Holland and drummer Barry Altschul in exciting group improvisations based on six of Braxton's difficult compositions. There is a surprising amount of humor on one of these selections, and the interplay between these masterful musicians (making expert use of space and dynamics) sometimes borders on miraculous. The fourth side of this two-fer contains a lengthy performance of Braxton and Lewis playing with the Berlin New Music Group that is of slightly lesser interest. Scott Yanow
Medley    (21:49)
1a    Composition 1 (No. 40 N)   
1b    Composition 2 (No. 23 J)   
2    Composition 3 (No. 40 (O))    7:37
Medley    (23:50)
3a    Composition 4 (No. 6 F)   
3b    Composition 5 (No. 40 K)   
4    Composition 6 (No. 6 C)    10:01
Credits :
Bass – Dave Holland
Composed By – Anthony Braxton
Contrabass Clarinet – Anthony Braxton (pistas: 1, 2)
Contrabass Saxophone, Flute – Anthony Braxton (pistas: 3, 4)
Drums, Percussion – Barry Altschul
Gong [Gongs] – Barry Altschul (pistas: 1, 2)
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Anthony Braxton
Trombone – George Lewis (pistas: 3, 4)
Trumpet – Kenny Wheeler (pistas: 1, 2)
Notas.
Tracks 1-2 recorded live on 20 July 1975 at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland.
Tracks 3-4 recorded live on 4 November 1976 at the Berlin Jazz Days, Berlin, Germany.
Side 4 from the original 2 LP is omitted

ANTHONY BRAXTON - Town Hall (Trio & Quintet) 1972 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Composition 6 N Dedicated To Jerome Cooper / Composition 6 (O) Dedicated To Frederic Rzewski    18:18
Written-By – Anthony Braxton
2    All The Things You Are 14:12
Written-By – Jerome Kern
3    Composition 6 P I    13:46
Written-By – Anthony Braxton
4    Composition 6 P II Dedicated To Jeanne Lee    21:25
Written-By – Anthony Braxton
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Anthony Braxton
Double Bass – Dave Holland
Drums – Phillip Wilson (pistas: 1, 2)
Percussion, Marimba – Barry Altschul (pistas: 3, 4)
Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Contrabass Clarinet [Contrabasse], Soprano Clarinet, Clarinet [B-Flat], Percussion – Anthony Braxton (pistas: 3, 4)
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet, Gong, Percussion – John Stubblefield (pistas: 3, 4)
Voice – Jeanne Lee (pistas: 3, 4)

BARRY GUY | ANTHONY BRAXTON & THE LONDON JAZZ COMPOSER'S ORCHESTRA — Zurich Concerts (1988-1995) 2CD | FLAC (tracks), lossless

This double-CD outing of Barry Guy's London Jazz Composers' Orchestra features two compositions, one by Guy, which takes up disc one -- he also conducts and plays bass on it. The other disc is taken up with four works by Anthony Braxton with sundry others from his book augmenting them, as is his wont. Braxton directs but does not play on his own pieces. First up is the nearly 40-minute work by Guy, beginning with Steve Wick's tuba calling out a melodic frame for the rest of the band -- which includes but is not limited to Evan Parker, Trevor Watts, Phil Wachsman, Barre Phillips, Dave Holland, Paul Lytton, Tony Oxley, Radu Malfatti, Jon Corbett, and Paul Dunmall. There are 19 players in all. What is most notable about Guy's "Polyhymnia" is its insistence on the ostinato and elongation of tonal sequences that often move far beyond the duration of modes and intervals. These tonal sequences can be comprised of any number of instruments at a given time, and are charted only to follow the director's feeling for dynamic and duration. Their dramatalurgical and linguistic individuations are free for the manipulation by the given player. There are certainly crescendos over this long stretch, but more importantly there are silences that equate one instrument with another tonally -- especially microtonally -- rather than pit them against each other. Give a listen to the way the basses engage the tuba and the violin in intricate patterns of exchange and elucidation and you'll get the heart of the entire piece. And it has considerable heart. On Braxton's works, dynamic and drama are the order of the day. As is usual with a large group, he begins very quietly, establishing the tonal color palette at his disposal, and for the edification of the audience. He moves through the band in sections, directing them to utterance in small, parsed phrases before opening up the entire orchestra to a wellspring of sonic inquiry. The questioning happens on the level of linguistic possibility: How much can a group of instruments speak in unified freedom to one another without falling off into the abyss of ego and riffing? For nearly an hour, Braxton examines inside and outside the context of group interplay, how micro and polytonal universes examine and explain one another in the context of a musician's attack and phrasing as well as his improvisational ideas. In this sense, this is among Braxton's most fascinating larger-ensemble works, and will hopefully be one of his most enduring. Indeed, the attendees at these Zurich concerts were treated to the most intimate and prophetic of expressions in these two evenings. They were also given evidence of the very ground on which free improvisation and new composition stand linked to one another.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1-1    Polyhymnia 37:30
Composed By, Directed By [Director] – Barry Guy
2-1    Compositions 135 (+41,63,96), 136 (+96), 108B (+86,96),135 (+96) 56:47
Composed By, Directed By [Director] – Anthony Braxton
Credits :
Bass – Barre Phillips (pistas: 1-1), Barry Guy, Dave Holland (pistas: 2-1)
Cornet – Marc Charig
Drums – Paul Lytton, Tony Oxley (pistas: 2-1)
Piano – Howard Riley
Reeds – Evan Parker, Paul Dunmall, Peter McPhail, Simon Picard, Trevor Watts
Trombone – Alan Tomlinson, Paul Rutherford, Radu Malfatti
Trumpet – Henry Lowther, Jon Corbett
Tuba – Steve Wick
Violin, Electronics – Phil Wachsmann