Homecoming! is a particularly high-spirited record for this stage in Hope's troubled career. Following an extended stay in Los Angeles, a number of the day's top players helped welcome a refreshed Hope back to New York on this session. Tenor saxophonists Frank Foster and Jimmy Heath, as well as trumpeter Blue Mitchell, form the front line on the sextet numbers, while on all tracks Hope is joined by the rhythm section of Percy Heath and Philly Joe Jones. Four of the album's (original) seven tracks are sextet performances and the two alternate takes only appear on the Fantasy Original Jazz Classics CD reissue. The Dameron-esque bop numbers sizzle and weave and the tenor work of Frank Foster is especially rewarding on the album's bouncing opener, "Moe, Jr.," take four on the CD. The three ballads are equally fresh and less doom-ridden than comparable performances found elsewhere in his catalog. Expect fine performances by all. This great hard bop record is highly recommended. Brandon Burke
Tracklist :
1 Elmo Hope Sextet– Moe, Jr. (Take 4) 5:52
Composed By – Elmo Hope
2 Elmo Hope Sextet– Moe, Jr. (Take 2) 4:37
Composed By – Elmo Hope
3 Elmo Hope Trio– La Berthe 3:10
Composed By – Elmo Hope
4 Elmo Hope Sextet– Eyes So Beautiful As Yours 6:28
Composed By – Elmo Hope
5 Elmo Hope Trio– Homecoming 5:04
Composed By – Elmo Hope
6 Elmo Hope Trio– One Mo' Blues 6:44
Composed By – Elmo Hope
7 Elmo Hope Sextet– A Kiss For My Love (Take 5) 5:29
Composed By – Elmo Hope
8 Elmo Hope Sextet– A Kiss For My Love (Take 4 - Previously Unissued) 5:35
Composed By – Elmo Hope
9 Elmo Hope Trio– Imagination 6:39
Composed By – Jimmy Van Heusen And Johnny Burke
Credits :
Bass – Percy Heath
Drums – "Philly" Joe Jones
Piano, Arranged By – Elmo Hope
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8), Jimmy Heath (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)
Trumpet – Blue Mitchell (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8)
1.7.24
ELMO HOPE — Homecoming! (1961-1992) RM | Original Jazz Classics Limited Edition Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
22.6.24
ELVIN JONES AND RICHARD DAVIS — Heavy Sounds (1968-1999) RM | Serie Impulse! Master Sessions | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
Tracklist :
1 Raunchy Rita 11:32
Frank Foster
2 Shiny Stockings 5:10
Frank Foster
3 M. E. 2:37
Billy Green / Billy Greene
4 Summertime 11:35
Composed By – Dubose & Dorothy Heyward, George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
5 Elvin's Guitar Blues 3:25
Elvin Jones
Guitar [Intro] – Elvin Jones
6 Here's That Rainy Day 7:02
Composed By – Jimmy Van Heusen And Johnny Burke
Credits :
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – Billy Greene (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6)
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: 1 to 3, 5, 6)
ELVIN JONES — Coalition (1971-2014) RM | SHM-CD | Serie Blue Note, The Masterworks | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
Drummer Elvin Jones' Blue Note sessions have long been underrated, partly because the label itself was declining during the era and also partly due to the rise of the avant-garde and fusion, which overshadowed Jones' passionate and advanced hard bop. In 1970, Elvin's band consisted of George Coleman and Frank Foster on tenors (Foster also plays bass clarinet on one number), bassist Wilbur Little, Candido on conga, and the drummer/leader. This was a particularly creative and often intense ensemble, attached to the hard bop tradition but always looking forward. On four group originals (including Coleman's "5/4 Thing") and "Yesterdays," the quintet generates a lot of heat, with the contrast between the tones of Coleman and Foster making this album (not yet reissued on CD) of particular interest. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Shinjitu 7:38
Composed By – K. Jones
2 Yesterdays 10:57
Composed By – J. Kern, O. Harbach
3 5/4 Thing 5:25
Composed By – G. Coleman
4 Ural Stradania 8:27
Composed By – F. Foster
5 Simone 6:29
Composed By – F. Foster
Credits :
Alto Clarinet – Frank Foster (tracks: 1)
Bass – Wilbur Little
Congas – Candido (tracks: 1, 3 to 5)
Drums – Elvin Jones
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tambourine – Candido (tracks: 1)
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: 2 to 5), George Coleman
ELVIN JONES — Merry Go Round (1972-2010) RM | Limited Edition | Serie Blue Note Best & More 1100 Encore – 178 | 24bits-192Hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless
Inexcusably, there are no date or personnel listings on this LP from Blue Note's declining years, but the music is generally quite worthwhile, if a bit eclectic. The personnel changes throughout the session, despite all the performances being apparently recorded on the same day. The great drummer Elvin Jones is joined by the reeds of David Liebman, Steve Grossman and Joe Farrell; baritonist Pepper Adams is also on two numbers, keyboardists Chick Corea and Jan Hammer generally alternate (although they both appear on a few tunes together), guitarist Yoshiaki Masuo has guest appearances on two songs, and most selections include bassist Gene Perla and percussionist Don Alias. The group mostly plays concise versions of band originals, including Corea's classic "La Fiesta." An interesting set, but Elvin Jones has recorded many more rewarding albums. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 'Round Town 3:25
Composed By – Gene Perla
Soloist – David Liebman, Steve Grossman
2 Brite Piece 4:46
Composed By – David Liebman
Soloist – David Liebman, Jan Hammer
3 Lungs 2:22
Composed By – Jan Hammer
Soloist – Jan Hammer
4 A Time For Love 4:48
Composed By – Joe Farrell
Soloist – Chick Corea, Joe Farrell
5 Tergiversation 3:26
Composed By – Art Wiggens, Gene Perla
Soloist – Chick Corea, Jan Hammer
6 La Fiesta 6:05
Composed By – Chick Corea
Soloist – Chick Corea, Joe Farrell
7 The Children's Merry-Go-Round March 2:47
Composed By – Keiko Jones
Soloist – Elvin Jones
8 Who's Afraid... 4:21
Composed By – Frank Foster
Credits :
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass [Fender] – Gene Perla
Alto Clarinet – Frank Foster (tracks: 8)
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: 7)
Congas – Don Alias (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 6)
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Flute – Joe Farrell (tracks: 4, 7)
Guitar – Yoshiaki Masuo (tracks: 1, 4)
Piano, Electric Piano – Chick Corea (tracks: 4, 5, 6)
Piano, Electric Piano, Glockenspiel – Jan Hammer (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7)
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 1, 2, 6 to 8), Joe Farrell (tracks: 2, 6, 8)
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Grossman (tracks: 1, 2, 6, 7)
ELVIN JONES — Genesis (1971-2014) RM | SHM-CD | Serie Blue Note The Masterworks | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
The graphics are kind of dull on this late-period Blue Note LP, but the music is anything but boring. Elvin Jones' band had expanded during 1969-1971 from a pianoless trio to a three-horn quintet. With Dave Liebman and the returning Joe Farrell on tenor and soprano and Frank Foster contributing some tenor, alto flute, and bass clarinet (bassist Gene Perla completes the group), it would not be an overstatement to call this a powerful unit. On five originals by bandmembers (best known is Jones' "Three Card Molly"), the musicians take long, heated solos that straddle the boundary between hard bop and the avant-garde. Their album has plenty of invigorating music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :1 P.P. Phoenix 5:01
Written-By – Gene Perla
2 For All The Other Times 10:06
Written-By – Gene Perla
3 Slumber 5:32
Written-By – Dave Liebman
4 Three Card Molly 8:27
Written-By – Elvin Jones
5 Cecilia Is Love 10:09
Written-By – Frank Foster
Credits :
Alto Flute – Frank Foster (tracks: 1)
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Soprano Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 5), Joe Farrell (tracks: 4)
Tenor Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 1 to 4), Frank Foster (tracks: 2, 4, 5), Joe Farrell (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
21.6.24
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 — Elvin Jones Live at the Town Hall : John Coltrane Memorial Concert (1975) Vinyl, LP | FLAC (tracks), lossless
Elvin Jones Live was taken from a John Coltrane Memorial Concert performed at New York's Town Hall, Sept. 12, 1971, and featured his group at that time, Frank Foster on soprano and tenor saxes, Chick Corea's piano, Joe Farrell's sax and flute and Gene Perla's bass on two extended compositions...This was five strong individual artists giving exceptionally of themselves, bringing forth a record where the dynamics of the whole were equal to the sum of the parts, making for an exceptional and truly beautiful record. Bob Rusch
Tracklist :
A Shinjitu 22:00
Composed By – Keiko Jones
B Simone 23:53
Composed By – Frank Foster
Credits :
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – Chick Corea
Producer – Gene Perla
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Joe Farrell
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Frank Foster
ELVIN JONES — The Main Force (1976-2019) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
This inconsistent 1976 release from the mighty Elvin Jones is most successful when it draws on the high-energy, advanced hard bop style of the drummer's post-Coltrane period. It's a different story when it comes to the date's superfluous accommodations to fusion. Ryo Kawasaki's squelchy wah-wah guitar serves as the date's chief fusion device. At times, Kawasaki functions usefully in a role somewhat based on John McLaughlin's approach with Miles Davis in the late '60s. Mostly, he comes across as an additional flavor calculated to skew the music's appeal to the rock audience. Still, the opening track, Kawasaki's "Salty Iron," is wonderful, funky, jazz fusion, but it's not a track that calls for Jones' peerless gifts. "Philomene" and "Mini Modes" are in a more hard bop vein, but their potential is undermined by Kawasaki's trendy licks and the tinny chime of Al Dailey's electric piano. The highlight is Gene Perla's "Sweet Mama." Here, guest saxophonist Dave Liebman fires up some tasty, apocalyptic mayhem over a roiling, rhythm-section tempest. There's also a magical solo spot from Jones. This track is helped considerably by Dailey more suitably playing an acoustic piano and bassist Dave Williams setting aside his electric in favor of his upright. As for the 16-plus-minute "Song of Rejoicing," this marathon of collective, percussive noodling, including extensive pad slapping from reed players Pat Labarbera and Frank Foster, is simply an ill-conceived shamble. Jim Todd
Tracklist :
1 Salty Iron 5:15
Written-By – Ryo Kawasaki
2 Sweet Mama 6:22
Written-By – Gene Perla
3 Mini Modes 10:32
Written-By – David Williams
4 Philomene 4:38
Written-By – Ed Bland
5 Song Of Rejoicing After Returning From A Hunt 15:43
Adapted By [From The Djoboko Rhythm Of The Ba-benzele Pygmies] – Elvin Jones
Arranged By – Gene Perla
Credits :
Bass – Dave Williams
Drums – Elvin Jones
Guitar – Ryo Kawasaki
Percussion – Dave Johnson (tracks: 1, 2)
Reeds – Dave Liebman (tracks: 1, 2), Frank Foster (tracks: 3 to 5), Pat LaBarbera, Steve Grossman (tracks: 2 to 5)
20.6.24
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)
ELVIN JONES JAZZ MACHINE — Dear John C. Live in Japan 1978 (1993) 2xCD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
Tracklist 1 :
1 E.J. Blues 15:29
Elvin Jones
2 House That Love Built 10:17
Frank Foster
3 A Love Supreme 26:37
John Coltrane
Tracklist 2 :
1 Keiko's Birthday March 15:36
2 Bessie's Blues 4:51
3 Antigua 15:42
4 E.J. Blues 7:06
Credits :
Bass – Andy McCloud
Drums – Elvin Jones
Guitar – Roland Prince
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Pat LaBarbera
ELVIN JONES | McCOY TYNER QUINTET — Love & Peace (1982-1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
With the exception of one number ("House That Love Built") from 1978 that matches drummer Elvin Jones with the reeds of Frank Foster and Pat LaBarbera, guitarist Roland Prince and bassist Andy McCloud, this CD reissue focuses on an unusual and generally successful reunion session. Drummer Jones and pianist McCoy Tyner have not recorded together that often since leaving John Coltrane's Quartet in late 1965. With Pharoah Sanders (who was part of the reason they departed) on tenor, bassist Richard Davis in the late Jimmy Garrison's spot, and guitarist Jean-Paul Bourelly an added wild card, the musicians avoid Coltrane tunes in favor of newer originals and the standard "Sweet and Lovely." Sanders sounds very much like late-1950s Coltrane; Bourelly is a bit out of place, and Tyner easily takes solo honors. An interesting but not overly memorable outing that was originally cut for the Japanese Trio label and made available in the U.S. by the now-defunct Black-Hawk company. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Little Rock's Blues 4:35
Pharoah Sanders
2 Hip Jones 7:27
Pharoah Sanders
3 Korina 5:35
Gene Perla
4 For Tomorrow 7:08
McCoy Tyner
5 Sweet And Lovely 6:52
Gus Arnheim / Jules LeMare / Harry Tobias
6 Origin 5:05
Pharoah Sanders
7 House That Love Built 10:27
Frank Foster
Credits :
Bass – Andy McCloud (tracks: 7), Richard Davis
Drums – Elvin Jones
Electric Guitar – Jean-Paul Bourelly
Guitar – Roland Prince (tracks: 7)
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Soprano Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster (tracks: 7), Pat LaBarbera (tracks: 7), Pharoah Sanders
7.4.24
CARMEN LUNDY — Old Devil Moon (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
The deep voice of Carmen Lundy is well showcased on this varied set. With assistance from an impressive backup crew (pianist Billy Childs, flugelhornist Randy Brecker, Frank Foster or Bob Mintzer on tenor, and a pair of rhythm sections), Lundy performs six standards, four of her stimulating originals, and Donny Hathaway's "Flying Easy." The music ranges from fairly straight-ahead to more R&B-oriented, with Carmen Lundy's appealing voice being the main star. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Star Eyes 4:42
Gene DePaul / Don Raye
2 When Your Lover Has Gone 4:46
Einar A. Swan
3 Just One More Chance 4:46
Sam Coslow / Arthur Johnston
4 You're Not in Love 4:35
5 I Didn't Know What Time It Was 3:21
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
6 Flying Easy 4:14
Donny Hathaway / Walter Lowe
7 I'm Worried About You Baby 3:30
Carmen Lundy
8 Old Devil Moon 4:24
E.Y. "Yip" Harburg / Burton Lane
9 At the End of My Rope 4:24
Carmen Lundy
10 In a Sentimental Mood 6:29
Duke Ellington / Manny Kurtz / Irving Mills
11 Love Me Forever 4:26
Carmen Lundy
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Santi Debriano
Arranged By – Carmen Lundy
Drums – Omar Hakim, Winston Clifford
Electric Bass – Victor Bailey
Flugelhorn – Randy Brecker
Keyboards – Harry Whitaker
Piano – Billy Childs
Tenor Saxophone – Bob Mintzer, Frank Foster
Vocals – Carmen Lundy
2.2.20
COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1952-1953 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1387 (2005) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless
COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1953-1954 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1446 (2007) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless
13.9.17
ELMO HOPE – The All Star Sessions (1976-1989) APE (tracks+.cue), lossless
Tracklist + Credits :
+ last month
e.s.t. — Retrospective 'The Very Best Of e.s.t. (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless
"Retrospective - The Very Best Of e.s.t." is a retrospective of the unique work of e.s.t. and a tribute to the late mastermind Esb...