BOB JAMES — In Hi-Fi (2003) SACD | APE (image+.cue), lossless

11 favorites compiled by Bob James from the Tappan Zee years. Making this collection even more special are Bob's own liner notes giving his personal insights into each of the recordings.
Tracklist :
1. Touchdown 5:41
 Bob James
2. Spunky 6:59
 Bob James
3. Rush Hour 6:39
 Bob James
4. Zebra Man 6:06
 Marcus Miller
5. Heads 6:40
 Dave Brock / Bob James / R. Neville
6. Westchester Lady 7:25
 Bob James
7. Tappan Zee 6:51
 Bob James
8. Blue Lick 5:31
 Bob James
9. Nautilus 5:45
 Bob James
10. Angela (Theme From 'Taxi') 5:42
 Bob James
11. Farandole 8:33
 Georges Bizet
Credits :
ft. Hiram Bullock, Steve Khan, Eric Gale - Guitar
Jon Faddis, Art Farmer - Trumpet
Harvey Mason, Sr., Steve Gadd - Drums
Leonard "Doc" Gibbs - Percussion
Groover Washington, Jr., David Sanborn - Sax
Hubert Laws - Flute

JOHN TROPEA — Tropea (1975) Two Version (1996, Fusion Super 1800 Series) + (2014, RM | Blu-spec CD | FLAC (image+tracks+.cue), lossless

By the time guitarist John Tropea had recorded his solo debut on the tiny Marlin imprint in 1976, he had been a session guitarist for nearly a decade. His understated, decidedly non-show-off playing graced records by everyone from Laura Nyro to Deodato (including Prelude and Deodato 2), from Ashford & Simpson to Bo Diddley, from Billy Cobham to Peter Allen, from Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway to Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Luiz Bonfá, and Ray Bryant. After this he played with everyone from Alice Cooper to Lalo Schifrin and Kurtis Blow and way, way beyond. Tropea's cast of studio players is a who's who of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. The core band on this funky, squeaky clean, keyboard, horn, and guitar driven set are bassist Will Lee, keyboardist Don Grolnick, percussionist Rubens Bassini, and drummers Steve Gadd and Rick Marotta -- one in each channel. Some of the guest appearances are stellar: David Sanborn's trademark emotionally rich saxophone is heard on "Muff," and Bob Mintzer's wonderful flute playing on his "Cisco Disco" (which is truly funk and not disco), and Deodato plays keyboards on the beautiful "Dreams." There is a heavyweight reed section with Mintzer, Sanborn, and Michael Brecker among its members and horns that include Randy Brecker, Sam Burtis, and Dave Taylor, to name a few. Yes, this was the 1970s: there are strings with Gene Orloff among them. The tunes? Hip, funky numbers like "Tambourine," with a restrained but toothy fuzz solo by Tropea, great congas by Bassini, and a well balanced but dynamic horn chart. "7th Heaven" is a smoother workout, with punchy actual and keyboard basslines, with great breakbeat work by both drummers. Despite its mid-tempo jaunt, the thing is deep with enough of an uptown soul chorus to make it a popular stepper with the club crowd. It's tunes like these, as well as Mintzer's and Tropea's "The Jingle," that place records like this more on the CTI side of things than in the hardcore Fuzak realm. These selections are songs, not collections of riffs, vamps, and solos. When solos occur in these tunes, they do so with respect to arrangement and groove. It also sounds more lifelike than a lot of what was coming out of L.A. at the time, because it has a decidedly East Coast sensibility. Tropea's production job is expert and tight, but it's his arrangements and orchestrations that are really impressive. The opportunities for excess here with all these superchopper players are many, but not once does any of this album lapse into mere glossy show and sheen. This is one of the truly great forgotten jazz-funk sets of the '70s.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
 1.  Tambourine - 4:40
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea

Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – J. Tropea
2. 7th Heaven - 4:13
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Don Grolnick
3. The Jingle - 4:39
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Don Payne
Contrabass [Matracca] – C. Conrad
Drums – Alan Schwartzberg
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Kenny Ascher
Percussion – Nick Remo, Ron Tropea, Rubens Bassini
Written-By – John Tropea
4. Just Blue - 8:17
Alto Saxophone, Soloist – George Young
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Written-By – John Tropea
5. Muff - 5:59
Arranged By – R. Marotta, W. Lee
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Saxophone, Soloist – Dave Sanborn
Written-By – Marotta, Lee
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
6. Cisco Disco (Bob Mintzer) - 4:35
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Flute [Flutes] – Bob Mintzer
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
7. Tha Bratt (David Spinozza) - 5:07
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Lead Guitar – John Tropea
Rhythm Guitar, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – David Spinozza
Written-By – David Spinozza
8. Dreams - 4:46
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Rick Marotta
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Eumir Deodato
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Trombone, Soloist – Sam Burtis
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea

RON CARTER — Yellow And Green (1976-1987) RM | Serie The Original CTI Recordings Digitally Remastered For Compact Disc | APE (image+.cue), lossless

A low point for bassist Ron Carter, this aimless set suffers from the malaise that hit the jazz scene after the fusion boom of the late '60s and early '70s. Somewhere about the time of this 1976 release, fusion's creative energies were being overtaken by a new drive to blend jazz with pop music. The theory was this would expand the jazz audience. The reality was music that only alienated jazz fans and held limited appeal to pop audiences. Yellow and Green is a representative product of this era. For the most part, it's a hollow, pointless exercise, afflicted by the stylistic tug of war inherent in the jazz-pop hybrids of the late '70s. The writing is directionless and the playing mainly indifferent. The LP chiefly serves as a showcase for Carter's overdubbed piccolo and acoustic basses. Unfortunately, the performances are too often a clutter of busy fingers, with the bassist's overly enthusiastic virtuosity getting in the way of any chance for musical dialogue between his instruments. Not surprisingly, the best tracks -- the respectable ballad "Opus 1.5" and a jaunty version of Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" -- are the most straight-ahead, done without overdubbing and with some decent piano from Kenny Barron. Elsewhere, Don Grolnick chimes blandly on electric piano and Hugh McCracken contributes wispy guitar accompaniment that serves no purpose, while drummer Billy Cobham tries to keep from being overwhelmed by the dullness of it all. An episode best forgotten. Jim Todd
Tracklist :
1    Tenaj 7:44
Composed By – Ron Carter
2    Receipt, Please 7:05
Composed By – Ron Carter
3    Willow Weep For Me 2:39
Composed By – Ann Ronell
4    Yellow & Green 6:13
Composed By – Ron Carter
Electric Bass – Ron Carter
Harmonica – Hugh McCracken
5    Opus 1.5 6:54
Composed By – Ron Carter
6    Epistrophy 6:08
Composed By – Kenny Clarke, Thelonious Monk
Drums – Ben Riley
– BONUS TRACK – (Alternate Takes)    
7    Receipt, Please 5:25
Composed By – R. Carter
8    Yellow & Green 5:03
Composed By – R. Carter
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Ron Carter (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 8)
Arranged By – Ron Carter
Bass [Piccolo Bass] – Ron Carter (tracks: 2 to 4)
Cowbell, Tambourine – Ron Carter (tracks: 2, 4)
Drums – Billy Cobham (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5), Steve Gadd (tracks: 7, 8)
Electric Piano – Don Grolnick (tracks: 2, 4), Richard Tee (tracks: 7, 8)
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Flute – Hubert Laws (tracks: 7, 8)
Guitar – Eric Gale (tracks: 7, 8), Hugh McCracken (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Percussion – Arthur Jenkins (tracks: 7, 8), Dom Um Romao (tracks: 2, 5), George Devens (tracks: 7, 8), Ralph MacDonald (tracks: 7, 8)
Piano – Don Grolnick (tracks: 2), Kenny Barron (tracks: 1, 5, 6)
Producer – Creed Taylor
Saxophone – Dave Sanborn (tracks: 7, 8), Mike Brecker (tracks: 7, 8), Phil Woods (tracks: 7, 8)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Alan Rubin (tracks: 7, 8), Randy Brecker (tracks: 7, 8)

THE GIL EVANS ORCHESTRA — Plays the Music of Jimi Hendrix (1974-2002) RM | Serie Bluebird First Editions | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD reissue (which adds additional material to the original LP program) is much more successful than one might have expected. Jimi Hendrix was scheduled to record with Gil Evans' Orchestra but died before the session could take place. A few years later, Evans explored ten of Hendrix's compositions with his unique 19-piece unit, an orchestra that included two French horns, the tuba of Howard Johnson, three guitars, two basses, two percussionists and such soloists as altoist David Sanborn, trumpeter Marvin "Hannibal" Peterson, Billy Harper on tenor, and guitarists Ryo Kawasaki and John Abercrombie. Evans' arrangements uplift many of Hendrix's more blues-oriented compositions and create a memorable set that is rock-oriented but retains the improvisation and personality of jazz. [This album was re-released in 2002 on the Bluebird label with four bonus tracks from the same sessions] Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. ANGEL 4:09
Arranged By – Tom Malone
Soloist, Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
2. CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC / LITTLE MISS LOVER 6:34
Arranged By – Tom Malone
Vocals – "Hannibal" Marvin Peterson
3. MEDLEY: CASTLES MADE OF SAND / FOXY LADY 11:30
Arranged By – Gil Evans, Warren Smith
Tenor Saxophone – Billy Harper
Tuba – Howard Johnson
4. UP FROM THE SKIES 10:39
Arranged By – Gil Evans
Electric Guitar – Ryo Kawasaki
5. 1983 – A MERMAN I SHOULD TURN TO BE 7:29
Arranged By – David Horowitz
Electric Guitar – Keith Loving
Flugelhorn – Lew Soloff
6. VOODOO CHILE 5:03
Arranged By, Tuba – Howard Johnson
7. GYPSY EYES 3:44
Arranged By, Soprano Saxophone – Trevor Koehler
8. LITTLE WING 6:34
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Arranged By – Gil Evans
Electric Bass – Herb Bushler
Vocals – "Hannibal" Marvin Peterson
– Alternate And Unused Takes –
9. ANGEL (ALTERNATE TAKE) 4:07
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Arranged By – Tom Malone
10. CASTLES MADE OF SAND (ALTERNATE TAKE) 5:04
Arranged By – Gil Evans
Tenor Saxophone – Billy Harper
Tuba – Howard Johnson
11. UP FROM THE SKIES (ALTERNATE TAKE) 10:02
Arranged By – Gil Evans
Electric Guitar – Ryo Kawasaki
Trumpet – "Hannibal" Marvin Peterson
12. GYPSY EYES (ALTERNATE TAKE) 3:23
Arranged By, Soprano Saxophone – Trevor Koehler
Personnel :
Gil Evans - Piano, Electric Piano, Arranger, Conductor
Hannibal Marvin Peterson - Trumpet, Vocals
Lew Soloff - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Piccolo Trumpet
Peter Gordon - French Horn
Pete Levin - French Horn, Synthesizer
Tom Malone - Trombone, Bass Trombone, Flute, Synthesizer, Arranger
Howard Johnson - Tuba, Bass Clarinet, Electric Bass, Arranger
David Sanborn - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute
Billy Harper - Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Trevor Koehler - Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute, Baritone Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Arranger
John Abercrombie, Ryo Kawasaki - Electric Guitar
Keith Loving - Guitar
Don Pate - Bass
Michael Moore - Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass
Bruce Ditmas - Drums
Warren Smith - Vibraphone, Marimba, Chimes, Latin Percussion
Sue Evans - Drums, Congas, Percussion

GIL EVANS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – There Comes a Time (1976-2014) Serie Jazz Collection 1000 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 This CD reissue of Gil Evans' There Comes a Time differs greatly from the original LP of the same name. Not only are there three previously unreleased performances ("Joy Spring," "So Long," and "Buzzard Variation"), but "The Meaning of the Blues" has been expanded from six minutes to 20, and two numbers, "Little Wing" and "Aftermath the Fourth Movement/Children of the Fire," have been dropped (the former was reissued on Evans' Jimi Hendrix tribute album) and the remaining four tracks were re-edited and remixed under Evans' direction. So in reality, this 1987 CD was really a "new" record when it came out. The remake of "King Porter Stomp," with altoist David Sanborn in Cannonball Adderley's spot, is a classic. The "new" version of "The Meaning of the Blues" is memorable, and overall the music (which also has solos by Billy Harper and George Adams on tenors, along with trumpeter Lew Soloff) is quite rewarding, it's a creative big band fusion that expertly mixes together acoustic and electric instruments. This was one of Gil Evans' last truly great sets. [This is the original issue without the bonus tracks.] Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

GIL EVANS – Priestess (1977-1983) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After the success of his studio sessions of the early to mid-'70s, Gil Evans primarily recorded live in concert during the remainder of his career. This is one of the better sets, for although two of the four selections are over 12 minutes long ("Priestess" exceeds 19 1/2 minutes), the music is generally under control. Evans's eccentric 16-piece group consists of three trumpets, trombone, French horn, two tubas, three saxes and a five-piece rhythm section including Pete Levin on synthesizer. With such soloists as altoists David Sanborn and Arthur Blyte, trumpeter Lew Soloff and George Adams on tenor, the music is quite stimulating and exciting. Scott Yanow
Tracklist & Credits :

MAYNARD FERGUSON - Primal Scream (1976-2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

An all-star cast assists Maynard Ferguson in this disco-tinged big-band outing. Ferguson's trademark trumpet playing is featured in all its screaming glory, and Mark Colby contributes a couple of high-energy sax solos. "Primal Scream" and "Invitation" sound as though they were lifted right off the mid-'70s disco dancefloor, complete with T.S.O.P.-type strings and pulsing rhythms. "Pagliacci," too, has the disco beat pounding underneath a Jay Chattaway adaptation of an operatic melody, with Bobby Militello featured on an energetic, overblown flute solo. Chick Corea's "The Cheshire Cat Walk" sounds like latter-day Return to Forever, as Corea's synth trades licks with Ferguson's horn over a familiar RTF rhythmic/chordal bassline sequence. The final cut, Eric Gale's "Swamp," stands out because of its reggae beat. This album was an obvious attempt to jump on the disco-funk bandwagon, and serves as a well-played, though dated, document of that era. by Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1     Primal Scream 7:09
Jay Chattaway / Maynard Ferguson
2     The Cheshire Cat Walk 10:09
Chick Corea
3     Invitation 5:32
Bronislaw Kaper
4     Pagliacci 5:55
Jay Chattaway / Ruggero Leoncavallo
5     Swamp 7:24
Eric Gale
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn
Bass – Gary King
Bass Trombone – David Taylor, Paul Faulise
Cello – Alan Shulman, Charles McCracken
Drums – Steve Gadd
Flute, Baritone Saxophone – Bobby Militello
French Horn – Brooks Tillotson, Earl Chapin
Guitar – Eric Gale, Jeff Mirenov, Jerry Friedman
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Piano, Synthesizer [Arp], Clavinet – Bob James
Producer – Bob James
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Mark Colby
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Farrell
Trombone – Tony Studd
Trumpet – Marvin Stamm
Trumpet [All Solos] – Maynard Ferguson
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Bernie Glow, Jon Faddis, Stan Mark
Viola – Emanuel Vardi, Theodore Israel
Violin – Charles Libove, David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Frederick Buldivini, Harry Cykman, Joseph Malin, Max Ellen, Paul Gershman
Vocals – Hilda Harris, Lani Groves, Patti Austin 

MIKE STERN - Neesh (1983-2004) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The debut recording by this former Miles Davis sideman incorporates many elements of jazz, most notably fusion. This work also features David Sanborn (s). by Paul Kohler
Tracklist :     
1     Zee Frizz 6:44
Mike Stern
2     Fine Line 5:29
Mike Stern
3     Bruze 6:49
Mike Stern
4     Mumbley Peg 7:13
Mike Stern
5     Up-ology 5:16
Mike Stern
6     Banacos 1:49
Mike Stern
7     Neesh Zone 6:08
Mike Stern
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Bass Guitar – Tom Barney
Drums – Victor Lewis
Guitar, Composed By, Arranged By – Mike Stern
Percussion – Buggsy Moore
Producer, Guitar – Hiram Bullock

BOB MINTZER & THE HORN MAN BAND - Papa Lips (1983) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded in 1983 and previously only released in Japan on Cheetah, Papa Lips is Bob Mintzer's third album as a leader. A step ahead of the rather sterile production of his previous album for the label Source (both are now available in the U.S. on CD courtesy of the Elore Records imprint), Papa Lips features a stellar band playing a program comprised almost entirely of Mintzer tunes, the lone exception is the standard "I Hear a Rhapsody." The band here is stellar and includes in various places Michael and Randy Brecker, Lew Soloff, Don Grolnick, David Sanborn, Will Lee, Peter Erskine and Marvin Stamm, among others. The material is more Latin in flavor, and the arrangements are less funk-oriented than its predecessor's. The sound is still quite slick, but the material is stronger and there are no vocal performances this time out. The remarkable thing here is that the Michael and Randy Brecker and David Sanborn were not particularly well known as big band players at this time, but their execution of these often complex charts is remarkable -- check the title cut that opens the set with a fine Randy Brecker solo; it's knotty and multi-textured with colors coming from all over the tonal spectrum. "Lazy Day," a gospel flavored soul tune for big band is reminiscent of Thad Jones' and Mel Lewis' orchestra, with fine solo s from Mintzer on tenor and Grolnick on piano. Other standouts include "Latin Dance," with a great Sanborn flight on alto, and the remake of "Mr. Fonebone." It appeared on Source as well, but is much faster and more aggressive here, and Lee is less busy than Jaco Pastorius was. "I Hear a Rhapsody" contains an excellent, deeply emotional solo by Michael Brecker, though the tune itself is a bit flowery for this recording. In sum, however, Papa Lips is a fine record; it is still slick -- but that's how they made jazz records in the '80s -- but it's sheer musicality, muscle, and sophistication make it an excellent listen. 

(This comment is posted on allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower our blog O Púbis da Rosa)
Tracklist
1 Papa Lips 6:33
2 Lazy Day 9:30
Bob Mintzer
3 I Hear a Rhapsody 4:13
Dick Gasparre
4 Latin Dance 7:59
5 Truth 7:18
6 Mr Fonebone 6:42
Credits
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Pete Yellin
Arranged By, Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute, Clarinet – Bob Mintzer
Baritone Saxophone, Flute – Roger Rosenberg
Bass – Tom Barney (tracks: 2, 4, 6), Will Lee (tracks: 1, 3, 5) 
Bass Trombone – Dave Taylor (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 6), George Moran (tracks: 3, 5) 
Congas – Frankie Malabe (tracks: 1, 4) 
Drums – Peter Erskine
Flute – Carla Poole (tracks: 6) 
Piano – Don Grolnick
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Michael Brecker
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute – Lawrence Feldman
Trombone – Dave Bargeron, Keith O'Quinn
Trumpet – Laurie Frink, Lew Soloff, Marvin Stamm, Randy Brecker
Written-By – Bob Mintzer

GIL EVANS — Svengali (1973-2012) RM | Serie Jazz Best Collection 1000 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of Gil Evans's finest recordings of the 1970s. He expertly blended together acoustic and electronic instruments, particularly on an exciting rendition of "Blues in Orbit" (which includes among its soloists a young altoist named David Sanborn). All six selections have their memorable moments (even a one-and-a-half minute version of "Eleven"); colorful solos are contributed by guitarist Ted Dunbar, Howard Johnson on tuba and flügelhorn, the passionate tenor of Billy Harper, and bassist Herb Bushler, among others; and Evans's arrangements are quite inventive and innovative. Rarely would he be so successful in balancing written and improvised sections in his later years. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Thoroughbred 6:33
Composed By – B. Harper
Soloist, Bass – Herb Bushler
Soloist, Guitar – Ted Dunbar
Soloist, Tuba – Howard Johnson 
2 Blues In Orbit 10:14
Composed By – G. Russell
Soloist, Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Soloist, Bass – Herb Bushler
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Billy Harper
3 Eleven 1:40
Composed By – G. Evans, M. Davis
Soloist, Trumpet – Richard Williams
4 Cry Of Hunger 10:18
Composed By – B. Harper
Soloist, Baritone Saxophone – Trevor Koehler
Soloist, Flugelhorn – Howard Johnson 
Soloist, Tenor Saxophone – Billy Harper
5 Summertime 3:55
Composed By – D. Heyward, G. Gershwin
Soloist, Guitar – Ted Dunbar
6 Zee Zee
Composed By – G. Evans 7:40
Soloist, Trumpet – Hannibal Marvin Peterson
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn
Drums – Bruce Ditmas
Electric Bass – Herb Bushler
Electric Guitar – Ted Dunbar
Flute, Baritone Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Trevor Koehler
Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Billy Harper
French Horn – Peter Levin, Sharon Freeman
Other [Anagram Of Gil Evans: Svengali] – Gerry Mulligan
Percussion – Susan Evans
Piano, Electric Piano, Producer, Arranged By, Conductor – Gil Evans
Synthesizer – David Horowitz
Trombone, Tuba – Joseph Daley
Trumpet – Hannibal Marvin Peterson (tracks: 6), Richard Williams, Tex Allen (tracks: 1 to 5)
Tuba, Flugelhorn, Baritone Saxophone – Howard Johnson

STEVE KHAN - Tightrop (1977) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

What do you get when you have a superb rhythm section, saucy keyboards, a hot and brassy mini-horn section, and one very tasteful jazz- and chops-laden guitarist all come together with some jazz and some fusion in mind? You have the magic of Steve Khan and the Brecker Brothers coming together. With folks like this, and Steve Gadd and Bob James too, you have a formula for success.
Khan's compositions are smooth yet lively enough not to bore. His unique drive, and pristine flourish and tone on his modded Fender Telecaster, and even his deft acoustic work, all come together to make a very satisfying blend of sexy jazz and funked-up, be bop fusion. Yet there is that special touch that only Steve Khan can add that makes his releases a signature sound on each outing. If you listen closely, you will hear Larry Coryell-ian riffs and stylings (as Khan and Coryell used to jam together, and did record together).
Much ado is made about Mike Stern's guitar work in the '80s and '90s, but one listen to Khan and you will immediately hear who his big inspiration was. Next time you pick up an old Stern release you stand a good chance of seeing the words "produced by Steve Khan." by John W. Patterson   
Tracklist:
1 Some Punk Funk 5:20
Piano [Acoustic] – Don Grolnick
Written-By – Steve Khan
2 Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet, Tender, Love) 6:29
Written-By – Gamble & Huff
3 Tightrope (For Folon) 5:44
Written-By – Steve Khan
4 The Big Ones 6:02
Alto Saxophone [Solo], Soloist – Dave Sanborn 
Written-By – Randy Brecker
5 Star Chamber 5:19
Written-By – Steve Khan
6 Soft Summer Breeze 5:00
Written-By – Eddie Heywood, J. Spencer 
7 Where Shadows Meet 3:40
Written-By – Steve Khan
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn (tracks: 2, 3, 5)
Arranged By – Bob James (tracks: 2, 6), Steve Khan (tracks: 1, 3 to 5, 7)
Bass – Will Lee
Clavinet – Don Grolnick (tracks: 3 to 5)
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Bob James (tracks: 1, 4, 5), Don Grolnick (tracks: 2, 3, 6, 7)
Guitar – David Spinozza (tracks: 3, 7), Jeff Mironov (tracks: 2, 4 to 7), Steve Khan (tracks: 1 to 4, 6, 7)
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Producer – Bob James
Synthesizer [Oberheim Polyphonic] – Bob James (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Mike Brecker (tracks: 1, 3, 4)
Trumpet – Randy Brecker (tracks: 3, 4)
Twelve-String Guitar [Electric] – Steve Khan (tracks: 1, 5, 7)

JACO PASTORIUS - Jaco Pastorius (1976-2000) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It's impossible to hear Jaco Pastorious' debut album today as it sounded when it was first released in 1976. The opening track -- his transcription for fretless electric bass of the bebop standard "Donna Lee" -- was a manifesto of virtuosity; the next track, the funk-soul celebration "Come On, Come Over" was a poke in the eye to jazz snobs and a love letter to the R&B greats of the previous decade (two of whom, Sam & Dave, sing on that track); "Continuum" was a spacey, chorus-drenched look forward to the years he was about to spend playing with Weather Report. The program continues like that for three-quarters of an hour, each track heading off in a different direction -- each one a masterpiece that would have been a proud achievement for any musician. What made Jaco so exceptional was that he was responsible for all of them, and this was his debut album. Beyond his phenomenal bass technique and his surprisingly mature compositional chops (he was 24 when this album was released), there was the breathtaking audacity of his arrangements: "Okonkole Y Trompa" is scored for electric bass, French horn, and percussion, and "Speak Like a Child," which Pastorious composed in collaboration with pianist Herbie Hancock, features a string arrangement by Pastorious that merits serious attention in its own right. For a man with this sort of kaleidoscopic creativity to remain sane was perhaps too much to ask; his gradual descent into madness and eventual tragic death are now a familiar story, one which makes the bright promise of this glorious debut album all the more bittersweet. (This remastered reissue adds two tracks to the original program: alternate takes of "(Used to Be a) Cha Cha" and "6/4 Jam"). by Rick Anderson  
Tracklist:
1 Donna Lee 2:28
2 Come On, Come Over 3:52
Vocals – David Prater, Sam Moore
3 Continuum 4:33
4 Kuru/Speak Like A Child 7:42
5 Portrait Of Tracy 2:22
6 Opus Pocus 5:29
7 Okonkole Y Trompa 4:25
8 (Used To Be A) Cha-Cha 8:57
9 Forgotten Love 2:14
10 (Used To Be A) Cha-Cha (Alternate Take - Previously Unreleased) 8:49
11 6/4 Jam (Alternate Take - Previously Unreleased) 7:45
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Baritone Saxophone – Howard Johnson
Bass Trombone – Peter Graves
Cabasa [Afuche], Bells, Bongos, Congas, Bata [Okonkolo Lya], Percussion – Don Alias
Cello – Alan Shulman, Beverly Lauridsen, Charles McCracken, Kermit Moore
Concertmaster, Violin – David Nadien
Conductor [Strings] – Michael Gibbs
Double Bass – Homer Mensch, Richard Davis
Drums – Bobby Economou, Lenny White, Narada Michael Walden
Electric Bass, Arranged By [String Arrangement] – Jaco Pastorius
Electric Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Alex Darqui
Flute, Piccolo Flute – Hubert Laws
French Horn – Peter Gordon
Liner Notes [CD] – Pat Metheny
Liner Notes [Original] – Herbie Hancock
Piano [Acoustic], Clavinet, Keyboards, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Herbie Hancock
Soprano Saxophone – Wayne Shorter
Steel Drums – Leroy Williams, Othello Molineaux
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Trumpet – Randy Brecker, Ron Tooley
Viola – Al Brown, Manny Vardi, Julian Barber, Selwart Clarke
Violin – Arnold Black, Harold Kohon, Harry Cykman, Harry Lookofsky, Joe Malin, Matthew Raimondi, Max Pollikoff, Paul Gershman

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN - Electric Guitarist (1979-1990) RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

Since John McLaughlin's first two post-Shakti albums -- Electric Guitarist and Electric Dreams -- featured the word "electric" in their titles, it seems that the guitarist wanted to emphasize his more plugged-in side to those who might not have followed along on three previous releases featuring his acoustic world music band. He also thumbed through his impressive phone book to call in some of the cream of the 1977 crop of jazz fusionists to help him out on Electric Guitarist, a true return to form. Ex-Mahavishnu members Jerry Goodman and Billy Cobham assist in kicking things off just like in the old days with "New York on My Mind," a tune that could have been an outtake from his earlier Mahavishnu Orchestra work. Also along for the ride are Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, David Sanborn, Carlos Santana, Jack Bruce, and four legendary drummers including Cobham, Tony Williams, Jack DeJohnette, and Narada Michael Walden. Unfortunately, the credits don't specify who plays on which track (well-written liner notes would help there), but anyone familiar with the distinctive styles of these artists can easily pick them out. McLaughlin is in fine form throughout, especially when playing clean, staccato, bent notes on the ballad "Every Tear from Every Eye." The majority of the selections stay in a more subtle but amped-up groove as McLaughlin shifts from dreamy to a faster, more straight-ahead tempo on the seven-minute "Do You Hear the Voices that You Left Behind?" A duet with Billy Cobham on "Phenomenon: Compulsion" provides the set's most frantic fireworks as both musicians air out their chops on a breathless, galloping piece with some of the guitarist's most furious picking. by Hal Horowitz  
Tracklist  
1 New York On My Mind 5:46
Bass – Fernando Saunders
Drums – Billy Cobham
Electric Piano, Organ, Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Stu Goldberg
Violin – Jerry Goodman
2 Friendship 7:01
Bass – Neil Jason
Congas – Armando Peraza
Drums – Narada Michael Walden
Guitar – Devadip Carlos Santana 
Organ – Tom Coster
Percussion – Alyrio Lima
3 Every Tear From Every Eye 6:51
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Drums – Tony Smith
Electric Bass, Bass [Taurus Bass Pedal] – Alphonso Johnson
Piano – Patrice Rushen
4 Do You Hear The Voices That You Left Behind? 7:40
Acoustic Bass – Stanley Clarke
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Piano, Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Chick Corea
5 Are You The One? Are You The One? 4:41
Bass – Jack Bruce
Drums – Tony Williams 
6 Phenomenon: Compulsion 3:21
Drums – Billy Cobham
7 My Foolish Heart 3:26
Arranged By – John McLaughlin
Composed By – N. Washington, Victor Young

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - The Brecker Bros. (1975-2015) 24-96

Tracklist:

1 Some Skunk Funk 5:51

2 Sponge 4:05

3 A Creature Of Many Faces 7:40

4 Twilight 5:43

5 Sneakin' Up Behind U 4:54

6 Rocks 4:39

7 Levitate 4:31

8 On My Stars 3:13

9 D.B.B. 4:46

Credits:

Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn

Drums – Harvey Mason

Electric Bass – Will Lee

Guitar – Bob Mann

Keyboards – Don Grolnick

Percussion – Ralph MacDonald

Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker

Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker

Vocals – Randy Brecker, Will Lee

THE BRECKER BROTHERS - Back to Back (1976) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:

1 Keep It Steady (Brecker Bump) 6:24

Written-By – D. Sanborn, L. Vandross, R. Brecker, S. Khan

2 If You Wanna Boogie...Forget It 3:58

Written-By – D. Grolnick, S. Khan, W. Lee

3 Lovely Lady 6:18

Written-By – A. Willis, C. Crossley, R. Brecker

4 Night Flight 6:15

Written-By – M. Brecker

5 Slick Stuff 4:48

Written-By – R. Brecker

6 Dig A Little Deeper 4:00

Written-By – A. Willis, D. Lasley, D. Grolnick, W. Lee

7 Grease Piece 5:47

Written-By – D. Sanborn, M. Brecker, R. Brecker, S. Khan

8 What Can A Miracle Do 4:16

Written-By – D. Grolnick, L. Vandross

9 I Love Wastin' Time With You 6:32

Written-By – A. Willis, C. Crossley, M. Brecker

Credits:

Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn

Baritone Saxophone – Lew Del Gatto (tracks: 2)

Drums – Christopher Parker, Steve Gadd (tracks: 4, 9)

Electric Bass, Lead Vocals – Will Lee

Guitar – Steve Khan

Keyboards – Don Grolnick

Marimba – Dave Friedman (tracks: 6)

Percussion – Ralph MacDonald, Rafael Cruz (tracks: 4), Sammy Figueroa (tracks: 4)

Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Michael Brecker

Trumpet, Trumpet [Electric Trumpet], Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker

CHRIS MINH DOKY - Minh (1998) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist:
1 I Told You So 3:25
2 Every Breath You Take 4:06
3 Welcome 0:11
4 Waiting On You (Jungle Vibe) 2:46
5 Sleepless Dream 5:03
6 Chhaya 0:04
7 Lean On Me 5:37
8 I Just Wanna Stop 4:53
9 A New Day 4:49
10 Ken & Mai 0:08
11 It Once Was 5:36
12 Mardi Chez Lionel 3:41
13 Messages 0:27
14 Home Sweet Home 5:40
15 New York City 0:19
16 Don't Get Funny With My Money 5:02
Credits:
Jim Beard - Keyboards
Michael Bland - Drums
Michael Brecker - Sax (Tenor), Saxophone
Randy Brecker - Composer, Guitar, Trumpet, Vocals
Hiram Bullock - Guitar
Joey Calderazzo - Piano
Joe Caro - Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic)
Chris Minh Doky - Arranger, Bass, Bass (Acoustic), Bass (Electric), Composer, Keyboards,  Producer, Vocals
David Gilmore - Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic)
Larry Goldings - Piano
Lalah Hathaway - Composer, Vocals
Lasse Janson - Piano
Norbert Lucarain - Clay Pot, Percussion, Wood Box
Adam Nussbaum - Drums
Chris Parks - Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, Producer, Programming
Ricky Peterson - Fender Rhodes, Keyboards, Organ (Hammond), Piano
Dianne Reeves - Vocals
Alex Riel - Drums
David Sanborn - Sax (Alto), Saxophone
Vivian Sessoms - Vocals
St. Paul - Drums, Guitar
Mike Stern - Guitar, Guitar (Electric)
Lenny White - Drums
Louis Winsberg - Composer, Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic)

RANDY BRECKER - 34th N Lex (2003) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Randy Brecker is one of the most proficient trumpeters of his generation and brilliantly shows why he has achieved this stature on 34th N Lex. The 11-song paean to his Manhattan, NY, neighborhood is a potent, in-your-face program of hard bop and funky jazz with the likes of his brother, Michael Brecker, on tenor sax; David Sanborn on alto saxophone; Ronnie Cuber on baritone saxophone; and the great trombonist Fred Wesley. The set opens with the free funk and hard bop fusion of horn blasts and honks in different registers, which depict the hustle and bustle of "34th N Lex." The ensemble pulls this off without a hitch and clearly conveys the energy associated with this street corner. On "All 4 Love," Randy Brecker adds a mute to his trumpet and gives a cool tone to the swaggering funk of Gary Haase's programming and urban vocals supplied by J Phoenix. The funk gets funkier on "Let It Go," a party jam with vocal effects and prime horn playing that lends itself to the younger generation but clearly represents the talent of jazz masters in an awesome blowing session. "Foregone Conclusion" is a beautiful ballad that features outstanding cool harmonizing and modal synchronicity that is reminiscent of Miles Davis in his heydey. As a whole, Randy Brecker clearly outdoes himself on this one and it's clearly evident that these musical masters came to play. by Paula Edelstein 

JOHN SCOFIELD - Electric Outlet (1984) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Guitarist John Scofield's music of the '80s (mostly recorded for Gramavision) blended together funk with post-bop improvising. Although not as timeless as much of his work of the '90s, there are always moments of interest on his many recordings. For Electric Outlet, Scofield performs eight originals (the best-known is "Pick Hits") with a notable quintet and also including altoist David Sanborn, trombonist Ray Anderson, Pete Levin on synthesizer and drummer Steve Jordan; there is no bassist, although the leader often plays basslines. Intriguing music. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Just My Luck 5:21
2 Big Break 5:15
3 Best Western 5:41
4 Pick Hits 6:03
5 Filibuster 5:51
6 Thanks Again 4:50
7 King For A Day 2:28
8 Phone Home 5:12
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – , David Sanborn
Drums – Steve Jordan
 Guitar, Drum Programming [Dmx], Bass, Composed By – John Scofield
Synthesizer – Peter Levin
Trombone – Ray Anderson

TONY WILLIAMS - The Joy Of Flying (1979-1997) RM / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It would be an understatement to say that there was a fair amount of variety on this set. Drummer Tony Williams is heard in two duets with keyboardist Jan Hammer, with a quartet also including keyboardist Herbie Hancock, Tom Scott (who unfortunately sticks to lyricon) and bassist Stanley Clarke, and he welcomes rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose, keyboardist Brian Auger, guitarist George Benson, Hammer and tenorman Michael Brecker on other tracks. Much of this music is closer to R&B than to jazz, although there are many strong moments. But the most interesting selection is certainly "Morgan's Motion" which matches Williams with pianist Cecil Taylor in a powerful (and completely atonal) collaboration. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. Going Far (Jan Hammer) - 4:13
Drums – Tony Williams
Engineer [Assistant] – Bob Schachner
Engineer, Synthesizer [Moog, Oberheim, Polymoog], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Jan Hammer
2. Hip Skip (George Benson) - 8:03
Alto Saxophone – Dave Sanborn
Arranged By [Horns] – William Eaton
Baritone Saxophone – Ronnie Cuber
Drums – Tony Williams
Electric Bass – Paul Jackson
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer [Mini-Moog] – Jan Hammer
Engineer – Don Puluse
Engineer [Assistant] – Ken Robertson
Engineer [Assitant, Horn Recording] – Michael Barry
Engineer [Horn Recording] – Jack Malken
Guitar – George Benson
Mixed By – Tony Williams, Jack Malken
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Barry Rogers
Trumpet – Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker
3. Hittin' on 6 (Tom Scott) - 6:16
Clavinet [Hohner D6], Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer [Mini-Moog] – Herbie Hancock
Drums – Tony Williams
Electric Bass – Stanley Clarke
Engineer – Fred Catero
Engineer [Assitant] – Leslie Ann Jones
Lyricon – Tom Scott
4. Open Fire (Ronnie Montrose, Edgar Winter) - 6:18
Bass – Mario Cipollina
Drums – Tony Williams
Engineer – Tom Suzuki
Engineer [Assitant] – Tetsuro Tomita
Guitar – Ronnie Montrose
Mixed By – Tony Williams, Jack Malken
Organ, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog] – Brian Auger
5. Tony (Stanley Clarke) - 6:50
Drums – Tony Williams
Electric Bass – Stanley Clarke
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer [Oberheim, Prophet V], Piano [Acoustic] – Herbie Hancock
Engineer – Fred Catero
Engineer [Assitant] – Leslie Ann Jones
Lyricon – Tom Scott
6. Eris (Hammer) - 3:33
Drums – Tony Williams
Engineer – Jan Hammer
Engineer [Assitant] – Bob Schachner
Synthesizer [Moog, Oberheim, Polymoog] – Jan Hammer
7. Coming Back Home (Hammer) - 6:06
Drums – Tony Williams
Electric Bass – Paul Jackson
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Synthesizer [Moog] – Jan Hammer
Engineer – Don Puluse
Engineer [Assitant] – Ken Robertson
Guitar – George Benson
Mixed By – Tony Williams, Jack Malken
8. Morgan's Motion (Cecil Taylor) - 8:18
Drums – Tony Williams
Engineer – Stanley Tonkel
Engineer [Assitant] – Ken Robertson
Grand Piano [Concert Grand Piano] – Cecil Taylor