DAVE WECKL— Master Plan (1990) Two Version | APE (image+.cue), lossless & FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dave Weckl's recording career as a leader was off to a decent start with Master Plan -- not a fantastic start, but a decent one. The drummer had made a name for himself playing with Chick Corea's fusion-oriented Elektric Band and his straight-ahead Akoustic Band, and his admirers greeted this CD with high expectations. But while Master Plan isn't the mind-blowing gem it could have been, it's a competent, enjoyable jazz-rock outing. Weckl has talented guests in keyboardist Jay Oliver, tenor saxman Michael Brecker and Elektric Band colleagues Corea and Eric Marienthal (soprano and alto sax), and he is in good form on pieces that range from the funky "Tower of Inspiration" to the Afro-Cuban-influenced "Festival de Ritmo" and the Brazilian-minded "Auratune." The CD's only hard bop offering is "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise," which finds Weckl forming a trio with pianist Ray Kennedy and bassist Tom Kennedy. Master Plan isn't essential, but it isn't anything to be ashamed of either. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1    Tower Of Inspiration 3:58
Written-By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
2    Here And There 6:06
Written-By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
3    Festival De Ritmo 4:50
Written-By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
4    In Common 5:54
Written-By – Jim Mayer, Peter Mayer, Roger Guth
5    Garden Wall 4:32
Written-By – Jim Mayer, Peter Mayer, Roger Guth
6    Auratune 4:45
Written-By – Jay Oliver
7    Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise 4:49
Written-By – Oscar Hammerstein II, Sigmund Romberg
8    Master Plan 8:12
Written-By – Chick Corea
9    Island Magic 4:55
Written-By – Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Eric Marienthal (tracks: 2, 3)
Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 2 to 5, 8, 9), Tom Kennedy (tracks: 1, 7)
Drums – Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd (tracks: 8)
Guitar – Peter Mayer (tracks: 2, 4)
Keyboards – Jay Oliver (tracks: 1 to 6, 9)
Piano – Chick Corea (tracks: 8), Ray Kennedy (3) (tracks: 7)
Soprano Saxophone – Eric Marienthal (tracks: 2, 4)
Sounds [Brush Overdub] – Dave Weckl (tracks: 4)
Sounds [Sound Effects] – Jay Oliver (tracks: 1)
Synthesizer – Chick Corea (tracks: 5, 9), Jay Oliver (tracks: 6, 8, 9)
Synthesizer [Additional Synthesizer Horns] – Jay Oliver (tracks: 1, 3)
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker (tracks: 5)
Timbales – Dave Weckl (tracks: 2, 9)
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach (2) (tracks: 1, 3)
Trumpet – Jerry Hey (tracks: 1, 3), Scott Alspach (tracks: 6)
Vocals – Peter Mayer (tracks: 6)

DAVE WECKL — Heads Up (1992) Two Version | APE (image+.cue), lossless & FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On drummer Dave Weckl's GRP set the rhythms are funky but complex and intelligent, Weckl's sidemen are very complementary and the grooves are quite infectious. Altoist Eric Marienthal and tenor saxophonist Steve Tavaglione get to blow up a storm twice apiece over vamps, Jay Oliver's synth spot recalls Chick Corea on "Tomatillo" and there are strong cameos by trumpeters Randy Brecker and Jeff Beal. Listeners who hate the sound of electronics would best avoid this date, but within its genre Heads Up is a superior effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    7th Ave. South 5:13
Bass – Jimmy Earl
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Soprano Saxophone – Eric Marienthal
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
2    Heads Up 6:40
Bass, Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Piano, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Soprano Saxophone – Eric Marienthal
3    Taboo 5:21
Alto Saxophone – Eric Marienthal
Bass – Jimmy Earl
Bass [Solo, Melody] – John Patitucci
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
4    Tomatillo 5:34
Bass – Jimmy Earl
Drums, Percussion [Timbalitos] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
5    Peripheral Vision 5:11
Bass [Fretless] – Jimmy Earl
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
Trumpet – Jeff Beal
6    Tee Funk (For Richard Tee) 5:32
Alto Saxophone – Eric Marienthal
Bass – Jimmy Earl
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
7    Against The Wall 5:44
Bass, Keyboards – Gary Novak
Drums, Programmed By [Synth] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
8    Full Moon 5:37
Bass, Keyboards – John Patitucci
Drums, Programmed By [Synth] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards [Behind Sax Solo], Programmed By [Synth] – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
9    Trigger Happy 3:58
Performer [Everything], Drums – Dave Weckl

DAVE WECKL — Hard-Wired (1994) APE (image+.cue), lossless

 What was true of Master Plan is also true of Dave Weckl's third album as a leader of Hard-Wired -- it isn't the fusion masterpiece Weckl is capable of delivering, but it certainly isn't bad either. This time, the drummer's guests include keyboardist Jay Oliver and bassist Anthony Jackson as well as bassist John Patitucci, who like Weckl, was no longer a member of Chick Corea's Akoustic and Elektric Bands and was making his own albums a priority. The album's main emphasis is fusion that is fairly accessible, yet substantial and improvisatory. Tunes like the Asian-influenced title song and the groove-oriented "Crazy Horse" weren't recorded with hard bop's hard-liners in mind, but at the same time, they don't pander to NAC radio. As enjoyable as this album is, it isn't essential. One sensed that Weckl's best work as a leader was yet to come. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1    Hard-Wired 4:02
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument – Steve Tavaglione
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Dave Weckl
Synth – Jay Oliver
2    Afrique 5:53
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Synth – Jay Oliver
Trumpet – Scott Alspach
3    Dis' Place This 6:38
Bass Guitar – Anthony Jackson
Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
Trumpet, Flugelhorn [Melody] – Scott Alspach
4    In Flight 6:11
Bass Guitar – John Patitucci
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Synth – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
5    Crazy Horse 5:41
Alto Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
Bass Guitar – James Genus
Drums – Dave Weckl
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Trumpet – Scott Alspach
6    Just An Illusion 5:09
Bass Guitar – James Genus
Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Dave Weckl
Electronic Wind Instrument [Harmonica] – Steve Tavaglione
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
7    Where's Tom? 5:09
Bass Guitar – James Genus
Drums, Programmed By [Percussion] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
8    In The Pocket 5:29
Alto Saxophone, Saxophone [Section] – Steve Tavaglione
Drums, Loops [samples solo] – Dave Weckl
Keyboards, Organ, Synth, Programmed By [Bass] – Jay Oliver
Trumpet [Section] – Scott Alspach
9    Tribute 5:09
Drums – Dave Weckl
Fretless Bass, Acoustic Bass – John Patitucci
Keyboards, Synth, Piano – Jay Oliver
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Tavaglione
Credits
Bass – Anthony Jackson (tracks: 1, 2, 3,), James Genus (tracks: 5, 6, 7), John Patitucci (tracks: 4, 9)
Bass [Programming] – Jay Oliver (tracks: 8)
Drum, Drum Programming – Dave Weckl
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument – Steve Tavaglione
Synthesizer, Piano, Organ – Jay Oliver
Trumpet – Scott Alspach

SPYRO GYRA ft. JAY BECKENSTEIN — Fast Forward (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Spyro Gyra's first album for MCA after their longtime label, GRP-Crescendo, was absorbed into its corporate parent, 1990's Fast Forward carries the curious band subtitle "featuring Jay Beckenstein." Saxophonist Beckenstein has certainly always been the band's leader, writing a good chunk of the material and producing the albums, but given that the lineup is basically unchanged from the previous few Spyro Gyra albums, the new nomenclature is puzzling. It also goes against Spyro Gyra's entire musical aesthetic, as the group's unabashedly commercial and melodic style works against the traditional jazz concept of soloists and sidemen. Everyone on Fast Forward plays the melody, the whole melody, and nothing but the melody, with no improvisations or sidebars. The resulting tunes are unfailingly pleasant -- there's nothing here that would cause anyone to leap immediately to the forward skip button on their CD player -- but this relentlessly safe smooth jazz is unfortunately deficient on memorable songs, expressive playing, or foot-tapping tunes. It doesn't really "feature" anyone in particular. Stewart Mason
Tracklist :
1    Pipo's Song 4:53
Written-By – Julio Fernandez
2    Introduction To Breathless 1:05
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
3    Breathless 5:19
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
4    Introduction To Real Time 0:23
Written-By – Dave Samuels
5    Real Time 3:56
Written-By – Dave Samuels
6    Jennifer's Lullaby 5:40
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
7    Whitewater 6:12
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
8    Inside Your Love 4:07
Written-By – Jeremy Wall
9    Nothing To Lose 5:03
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein, Julio Fernandez
10    Three Wishes 4:47
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
11    Gliding 4:50
Written-By – Dave Samuels, Jay Beckenstein
12    Cabana Carioca 5:18
Written-By – Jeremy Wall
13    Rollercoaster 4:29
Written-By – Tom Schuman
14    Three Wishes Reprise 1:41
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
Credits :
Bass – Scott Ambush
Drums – Joel Rosenblatt
Guitar – Julio Fernandez
Keyboards – Tom Schuman
Marimba, Vibraphone – Dave Samuels
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa
Saxophone – Jay Beckenstein, Larry Williams
Trombone, Bass Trumpet – Bill Reichenbach
Trumpet – Gary Grant
Trumpet, Arranged By [Horn Section] – Jerry Hey

SPYRO GYRA — Three Wishes (1992) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Pipo's Song 4:53
Written-By – Julio Fernandez
2    Introduction To Breathless 1:05
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
3    Breathless 5:19
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
4    Introduction To Real Time 0:23
Written-By – Dave Samuels
5    Real Time 3:56
Written-By – Dave Samuels
6    Jennifer's Lullaby 5:40
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
7    Whitewater 6:12
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
8    Inside Your Love 4:07
Written-By – Jeremy Wall
9    Nothing To Lose 5:03
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein, Julio Fernandez
10    Three Wishes 4:47
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
11    Gliding 4:50
Written-By – Dave Samuels, Jay Beckenstein
12    Cabana Carioca 5:18
Written-By – Jeremy Wall
13    Rollercoaster 4:29
Written-By – Tom Schuman
14    Three Wishes Reprise 1:41
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
Credits :
Bass – Scott Ambush
Drums – Joel Rosenblatt
Guitar – Julio Fernandez
Keyboards – Tom Schuman
Marimba, Vibraphone – Dave Samuels
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa
Saxophone – Jay Beckenstein, Larry Williams
Trombone, Bass Trumpet – Bill Reichenbach
Trumpet – Gary Grant
Trumpet, Arranged By [Horn Section] – Jerry Hey

SPYRO GYRA — Dreams Beyond Control (1993) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Spyro Gyra mostly sticks to their formula of danceable melodic music on this GRP release but there are a few temporary departures. The harmonica of the talented Howard Levy is used prominently on "Breakfast at Igor's," two different horn sections pop up on a few songs and there are a pair of throwaway pop vocals from Alex Ligertwood. However, longtime Spyro Gyra fans have little to fear for the solos of saxophonist Jay Beckenstein and vibraphonist Dave Samuels are predictably pleasant, the light funk rhythms push the ensembles and the band's sound remains distinctive, familiar and comfortable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Walk The Walk 4:20
Baritone Saxophone [Tower Of Power Horns] – Stephen "Doc" Kupka*
Tenor Saxophone [Tower Of Power Horns] – David Mann, Emilio Castillo
Trumpet [Tower Of Power Horns] – Al Chez
Trumpet [Tower Of Power Horns], Arranged By [Tower Of Power Horns] – Greg Adams
Written-By – Julio Fernandez
2    Patterns In The Rain 4:38
Vocals – Alex Ligertwood
Written-By – Foster Paterson
3    Breakfast At Igor's 5:23
Baritone Saxophone [Tower Of Power Horns] – Stephen "Doc" Kupka
Harmonica – Howard Levy
Tenor Saxophone [Tower Of Power Horns] – David Mann, Emilio Castillo
Trumpet [Tower Of Power Horns] – Al Chez
Trumpet [Tower Of Power Horns], Arranged By [Tower Of Power Horns] – Greg Adams
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein, Scott Ambush
4    Waltz For Isabel 4:43
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
5    South Beach 5:13
Percussion – Marc Quiñones
Tenor Saxophone [No Sweat Horns], Flute [No Sweat Horns], Piccolo Flute [No Sweat Horns] – Scott Kreitzer
Trombone [No Sweat Horns], Bass Trombone [No Sweat Horns] – Randy Andos
Trumpet [No Sweat Horns], Flugelhorn [No Sweat Horns], Arranged By [No Sweat Horns] – Barry Danielian
Written-By – Julio Fernandez
6    Send Me One Line 4:57
Backing Vocals – Lani Groves, Vaneese Thomas, Will Lee
Vocals – Alex Ligertwood
Written-By – John Martyn
7    Bahia 5:08
Percussion – Cyro Baptiste Ciari, Marc Quiñones
Tenor Saxophone [No Sweat Horns], Flute [No Sweat Horns], Piccolo Flute [No Sweat Horns] – Scott Kreitzer
Trombone [No Sweat Horns], Bass Trombone [No Sweat Horns] – Randy Andos
Trumpet [No Sweat Horns], Flugelhorn [No Sweat Horns], Arranged By [No Sweat Horns] – Barry Danielian
Written-By – Dave Samuels
8    Kindred Spirit 4:05
Written-By – Tom Schuman
9    Birks Law 4:36
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein
10    Same Difference 5:25
Tenor Saxophone [No Sweat Horns], Flute [No Sweat Horns], Piccolo Flute [No Sweat Horns] – Scott Kreitzer
Trombone [No Sweat Horns], Bass Trombone [No Sweat Horns] – Randy Andos
Trumpet [No Sweat Horns], Flugelhorn [No Sweat Horns], Arranged By [No Sweat Horns] – Barry Danielian
Written-By – Jay Beckenstein, Julio Fernandez
11    The Delicate Prey 5:33
Percussion – Cyro Baptiste Ciari
Written-By – Jeremy Wall
12    Friendly Fire 4:57
Credits :
Bass – Scott Ambush
Drums – Joel Rosenblatt
Guitar – Julio Fernandez
Keyboards – Tom Schuman
Percussion [Mallets] – Dave Samuels
Saxophone, Producer – Jay Beckenstein

DAVE VALENTIN — Tropic Heat (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Flutist Dave Valentin's 16th album for GRP is one of his best. His regular group (a quartet with pianist Bill O'Connell, bassist Lincoln Goines, and drummer Robbie Ameen) is augmented by two percussionists and an excellent seven-member horn section that consists of the reeds of Dick Oatts, Mario Rivera, and David Sanchez; trombonist Angel "Papo" Vasquez; and three trumpeters, including Charlie Sepulveda. All of the horns get their opportunities to solo and the result is a particularly strong Latin jazz session. Valentin continues to grow as a player and he cuts loose on several of these tracks.  Scott Yanow

Tracklist :

1 My Favorite Things 4:40

Oscar Hammerstein II / Richard Rodgers

Arranged By – Bill O'Connell

2 Sweet Lips 6:12

Bill O'Connell / Dave Valentin

3 Don Q 5:05

Arranged By – Bernd Schoenhart

Written-By – Bernd Schoenhart

4 Danzon for My Father 6:08

Arranged By – Oscar Hernandez

Written-By – Oscar Hernandez

5 Mr. Evil 4:54

Bill O'Connell 

6 Bello Amanecer 4:44

Tito Enriquez

Arranged By – Angel "Papo" Vasquez

7 Sam's Groove 6:13

Bill O'Connell

8 Tasty Mango 4:01  

Arranged By, Written-By – Angel "Papo" Vasquez

9 Sangria 5:48
Dave Valentin
Arranged By – Bill O'Connell, Dave Valentin
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Dick Oatts
Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Vocals – Mario Rivera
Congas – Jerry Gonzalez
Congas, Percussion – Milton Cardona
Drums – Robby Ameen
Electric Bass – Lincoln Goines
Flute, Producer – Dave Valentin
Guitar – Bernd Schoenhart
Piano – Bill O'Connell
Tenor Saxophone – David Sanchez
Timbales, Percussion – Andreu Johnny Almendra
Trombone – Angel Papo Vazquez
Trumpet – Charlie Sepulveda, David "Piro" Rodríguez, Ray Vega

JOE SAMPLE — Roles (1987) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist & Credits :

DIZZY GILLESPIE – New Faces (1985) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Gillespie was teamed up with Branford Marsalis for this decent effort. His own trumpet playing had faded quite a bit by this time (he was already age 67), but he sounds enthusiastic on five of his compositions (including "Birk's Works"), "Tin Tin Deo," and Mike Longo's "Every Mornin'," trading ideas with such young turks as Marsalis, pianist Kenny Kirkland and bassist Lonnie Plaxico. Scott Yanow   Tracklist + Credits :

ALBERT AYLER - Love Cry (1968-1991) RM | GRP Presents The Legendary Masters Of Jazz | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

From the time he was signed to Impulse in 1966, it was assumed that Albert Ayler's releases on that label would be motivated by an attempt at commercialism. While the music was toned down from his earlier ESP recordings, by no means did Ayler ever make commercial records. Much in the same way John Coltrane's later-period Impulse releases weren't commercial, Ayler simply took advantage of a larger record company's distribution, trying to expose the music to more people. Ayler's uncompromising musical freedom mixed with his catchy combination of nursery rhythms and brass band marches remained prominent on Love Cry. The interplay between the Ayler brothers also remained fiery as younger sibling Donald is heard playing trumpet for the last time on a recording with his brother. Donald was fired from the band (at the suggestion of Impulse) and, unfortunately, was committed to a mental institution for a short stay after these sessions were made. The rhythm section of Alan Silva on bass and Milford Graves on drums continually instigates and propels this music into furious militaristic march territory. Unhappily, the four tracks in which Call Cobbs is featured on harpsichord tend to drag the music down; it's unfortunate his gospel-inspired piano or organ playing couldn't have been utilized instead. Al Campbell  
Tracklist :
1     Love Cry 3'55
Albert Ayler
2     Ghosts 2'49
Albert Ayler
3     Omega 3'19
Albert Ayler
4     Dancing Flowers 2'24
Albert Ayler
5     Bells 3'09
Albert Ayler
6     Love Flower 3'32
Albert Ayler
7     Love Cry II (Previously Unissued) 7'15
Albert Ayler
8     Zion Hill (Alternate Take) 4'14
Albert Ayler
9     Universal Indians (Alternate Take) 7'36
Albert Ayler
10     Zion Hill 6'08
Albert Ayler
11     Universal Indians (Previously Unissued Full Length Version) 9'50
Albert Ayler
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Albert Ayler (pistas: 1, 10)
Bass – Alan Silva
Drums – Milford Graves
Harpsichord – Call Cobbs (pistas: 3, 4, 6, 8, 10)
Tenor Saxophone – Albert Ayler
Trumpet – Donald Ayler (pistas: 1 to 3, 5, 7, 9, 11)
Vocals – Albert Ayler (pistas: 1, 9, 11)

ARCHIE SHEPP - On This Night (1966-1993) RM | GRP Presents The Legendary Masters Of Jazz | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tenor saxophonist Archie Shepp's third release for the Impulse label collects valuable loose ends recorded between March and August 1965. Among the highlights are a passionate reading of Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" and the title piece, a moving tribute to W.E.B. DuBois, featuring the haunting soprano vocalist Christine Spencer employing a distinct 20th century classical influence, with Shepp on piano. Shepp is the solo horn on these dates, playing at peak form with contributions from vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson early in his career, David Izenzon or Henry Grimes on bass, and four rotating drummers, including Rashied Ali, J.C. Moses, Joe Chambers, and Ed Blackwell, playing a variety of percussion. Al Campbell
Tracklist :
1    On This Night (If That Great Day Would Come) 10'00
Bass – Henry Grimes
Drums – Rashied Ali
Tenor Saxophone, Piano – Archie Shepp
Timpani – Joe Chambers
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Bobby Hutcherson
Vocals [Soprano Voice] – Chirstine Spencer
2    The Mac Man 7'27
Bass – Henry Grimes
Drums – Rashied Ali
Percussion [Rhythm Logs] – Ed Blackwell
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Bobby Hutcherson
3    The Mac Man (Alternate Take) 9'27
Bass – Henry Grimes
Drums – Rashied Ali
Percussion [Rhythm Logs] – Ed Blackwell
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Bobby Hutcherson
4    The Original Mr. Sonny Boy Williamson 5'58
Bass – Henry Grimes
Drums – J.C. Moses
Percussion [Rhythm Logs] – Ed Blackwell
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Bobby Hutcherson
5    In A Sentimental Mood 3'18
Bass – Henry Grimes
Drums – Joe Chambers
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Bobby Hutcherson
Written-By – Duke Ellington
6    The Chased (Take 1) 11'42
Bass – David Izenzon
Drums – J.C. Moses
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp
7    The Chased (Take 2) 6'10
Bass – David Izenzon
Drums – J.C. Moses
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp
8    The Chased (Take 3) 5'11
Bass – David Izenzon
Drums – J.C. Moses
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp
9    The Pickaninny (Picked Clean -- No More -- Or Can You Back Back Doodlebug) 7'22
Bass – David Izenzon
Drums – J.C. Moses
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp
10    Malcolm, Malcolm, Malcolm, Semper Malcolm 4'50
Bass – David Izenzon
Drums – J.C. Moses
Tenor Saxophone, Voice [Recitation] – Archie Shepp
Note:
Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on August 12, 1965 (#1-5) and March 9, 1965 (#6-10)
Tracks 3, 6 to 8, 10: Bonus cuts, not included on the original album [tray insert]
"Gingerbread, Gingerbread Boy" which appeared on the original LP of On This Night, was recorded live at Newport and now appears on the CD of New Thing At Newport by Shepp and John Coltrane.
"Malcolm" originally appeared on Fire Music (AS-86). The Third Take of "The Chase" originally appeared on The Definitive Jazz Scene - Volume Three (AS 9101). The first two takes of "The Chase" and the alternate take of "The Mac Man" first appeared on Further Fire Music (IA-9357). The output of these August and March, 1965 sessions is presented completely on this CD.
[booklet]

JOHNNY HODGES — Everybody Knows Johnny Hodges (1992) GRP Presents The Legendary Masters Of Jazz | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The solo projects of Johnny Hodges were not so much individualistic divergences away from his duties with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, but served more as extensions of the vintage, classic style of jazz tailored to his personalized sound away from what he had to compete with sitting next to the raft of talent in Duke's big band. Working here in the mid-'60s with groups ranging from an octet to a 12-member (featuring nine extra tracks not included on the original 33 1/3 LP) or 15-piece group, Hodges showcases many of his original compositions. He primarily employs Ellington personnel, with the exception being the quite able Jimmy Jones at the piano on the majority of these selections. His son Johnny Hodges, Jr. plays drums on two tracks when Grady Tate or Gus Johnson sits out, while bass players chosen by the legendary alto saxophonist include the formidable Ernie Shepard and a young Richard Davis. These quite famous numbers are loaded with pungent solos by cream of the crop jazzmen such as trumpeter Cat Anderson, woodwind specialists Russell Procope and Jimmy Hamilton, the deeply soulful tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, and nimble trombonist Lawrence Brown. If you are a devout fan, you'll easily recognize favorites like the harmony-strewn evergreen "Main Stem" with fluttering clarinet and a patented Anderson solo, the Billy Strayhorn ballad "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing" where Hodges is fully featured, "Mood Indigo" where the group is stripped down to four horns in guarded repast, and the very slow "Jeep's Blue" as the piano of Jones takes center stage. Brown's introduction and theme for "Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me" sweetly showcases the underappreciated trombonist. Hodges wrote or co-wrote several of these tracks, including the lesser-known spiky-accented and vibrato-laden "Papa Knows" as offshoots of its precedent, "Mama Knows," and the two-note bass-heavy title track, delivered quicker than the established 4/4 rhythm. "Good Queen Bess" is a basic Count Basie-type bluesy theme, and there's the distinctly Ellingtonian blues "Little Brother" and the always rousing "Stompy Jones," where Procope and the gang trade lines profusely. It would be difficult to pick a favorite or a clunker, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anything more inspired or another project loaded with this much talent. Everybody knows Johnny Hodges and this stellar collection of all-stars, because they are absolutely the best at what they do. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1     Everybody Knows 7'25
Johnny Hodges    
2     A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing 3'04
Billy Strayhorn    
3     Papa Knows 6'52
Johnny Hodges    
4     310 Blues 4'34
Billy Strayhorn    
5     The Jeep Is Jumpin' 2'45
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges / Billy Strayhorn
6     Main Stem 3'28
Duke Ellington    
7     Medley : I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart / Don't Get Around Much Anymore 4'44
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Henry Nemo / John Redmond / Bob Russell
8     Open Mike 3:09
Cat Anderson    
9     Stompy Jones 4'00
Duke Ellington    
10     Mood Indigo 4'25
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
11     Good Queen Bess 3'07
Johnny Hodges    
12     Little Brother 5'11
Cue Hodges / Johnny Hodges    
13     Jeep's Blues 5:43
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges
14     Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me 2'34
Duke Ellington / Bob Russell
15     Ruint 3'21
Mercer Ellington / Johnny Hodges
16     Sassy Cue 3'42
Cue Hodges / Johnny Hodges
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Johnny Hodges (pistas: 1 to 4, 9 to 16), Russell Procope (pistas: 5 to 16)
Baritone Saxophone – Harry Carney (pistas: 5 to 8)
Bass – Ernie Shepard (pistas: 1 to 4), Richard Davis (pistas: 9 to 16)
Drums – Grady Tate (pistas: 1 to 4), Gus Johnson (pistas: 9, 11, 13 to 16), Johnny Hodges, Jr. (pistas: 10, 12)
Engineer – Bob Simpson (pistas: 1 to 8), Rudy Van Gelder (pistas: 9 to 16)
Piano – Jimmy Jones (pistas: 1 to 4, 9 to 16)
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Hamilton (pistas: 5 to 8), Paul Gonsalves (pistas: 1 to 4, 9 to 16)
Trombone – Britt Woodman (pistas: 5 to 8), Buster Cooper (pistas: 5 to 16), Lawrence Brown (pistas: 1 to 4, 9 to 16)
Trumpet – Cat Anderson (pistas: 1 to 4, 9 to 16), Herb Jones (pistas: 5 to 8), Ray Nance (pistas: 1 to 4, 9 to 16), Rolf Ericson (pistas: 5 to 8)
Notas.
Tracks 1-8 Recorded On February 6, 1964 At Capitol Studios, New York City.
Tracks 9-16 Recorded On March 8, 1965 At The Van Gelder Studio In Englewood Cliffs,New Jersey.
Tracks 1-8 from "Johnny Hodges - Everybody Knows Johnny Hodges"
Tracks 9-16 from "Lawrence Brown's All-Stars With Johnny Hodges ‎– Inspired Abandon"

COLEMAN HAWKINS - Wrapped Tight (1966-1991) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Hawkins's last strong recording finds the veteran, 43 years after his recording debut with Mamie Smith's Jazz Hounds, improvising creatively on a wide variety of material on this CD, ranging from "Intermezzo" and "Here's That Rainy Day" to "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" and "Indian Summer." Best is an adventurous version of "Out of Nowhere" that shows that the tenor-saxophonist was still coming up with new ideas in 1965. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Wrapped Tight 3:30
Written-By – Albam
2 Intermezzo 3:38
Written-By – Mascagni
3 Out Of Nowhere 3:44
Written-By – Heyman, Green
4 Indian Summer 5:04
Written-By – Dubin, Herbert
5 Red Roses For A Blue Lady 2:27
Written-By – Brodsky, Tepper
6 Marcheta 3:08
Written-By – Schartzinger
7 Beautiful Girl 4:29
Written-By – Freed, Brown
8 She's Fit 2:45
Written-By – Hawkins
9 And I Still Love You 3:14
Written-By – Rivelli, Roberts, Clayton
10 Bean's Place 2:54
Written-By – Hammer, Clayton
Credits :
Bass – Buddy Catlett
Drums – Eddie Locke
Piano – Barry Harris
Tenor Saxophone – Coleman Hawkins
Trombone – Urbie Green (tracks: 1, 8)
Trumpet – Bill Berry (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 7, 8), Snooky Young (tracks: 4, 5, 6)

CLARK TERRY - The Happy Horns Of Clark Terry (1964-1994) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This all-star LP has plenty of memorable moments. Flugelhornist Clark Terry teams up with altoist Phil Woods (who doubles on clarinet), tenor great Ben Webster, pianist Roger Kellaway, bassist Milt Hinton, and drummer Walter Perkins for a varied program that includes a rollicking version of "Rockin' in Rhythm," Bix Beiderbecke's "In a Mist," a Duke Ellington medley, and "Return to Swahili," which is mostly a flügelhorn-drums duet. The lively music is quite enjoyable. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Rockin' in Rhythm 4'40
Harry Carney / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
2     In a Mist 4'08
Bix Beiderbecke
3     Return to Swahili 3'05
Clark Terry
4     Ellington Rides Again: Dont' Get Around Much Anymore/Perdido/I 2'57
Duke Ellington / Johnny Hodges / Harry James / Bob Russell / Juan Tizol
5     Impulsive 4'40
Johnny Hodges
6     Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me 3'36
Duke Ellington / Bob Russell
7     Jazz Conversations 4'31
Buck Clayton / Bob Hammer
8     High Towers 3'48
Phil Woods
9     Hammerhead Waltz 2'49
Bob Hammer
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Phil Woods
Bass – Milt Hinton
Drums – Walter Perkins
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – Roger Kellaway
Tenor Saxophone – Ben Webster
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Clark Terry

DAVE GRUSIN / LEE RITENOUR - Harlequin (1985) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Harlequin (Arlequim Desconhecido) 4:42
Composed By – Ivan Lins
Lyrics By – Victor Martins
2    Early A.M. Attitude 4:59
Composed By – Dave Grusin
3    San Ysidro 4:59
Composed By – Lee Ritenour
4    Before It´s Too Late (Antes Que Seja Tarde) 5:18
Composed By – Ivan Lins
Lyrics By – Victor Martins
5    Silent Message 6:09
Composed By – Dave Grusin
6    Cats Of Rio 5:18
Composed By – Don Grusin
7    Beyond The Storm (Depois Dos Temporais)     5:37
Composed By – Ivan Lins
Lyrics By – Victor Martins
8    Grid-Lock 4:03
Composed By – Lee Ritenour
9    The Bird 5:48
Composed By – Harvey Mason, Mike Lang
Credits :
Backing Vocals – Carol Rogers (faixas: 1, 4), Marietta Waters (faixas: 1, 4), Regina Werneck (faixas: 1, 4)
Bass – Abraham Laboriel (faixas: 5, 8), Jimmy Johnson (faixas: 1 to 4, 6, 7)
Drums – Carlos Vega (faixas: 1 to 4, 5, 6), Harvey Mason (faixas: 1, 4)
Guitar, Producer, Arranged By – Lee Ritenour
Percussion – Alex Acuña (faixas: 1, 8), Paulinho Da Costa
Piano, Keyboards – Dave Grusin
Programmed By [Drums] – Harvey Mason
Programmed By [Midi-piano] – Randy Goodrum
Programmed By [Synthesizer] – Marcus Ryle
Vocals – Ivan Lins (faixas: 1, 4)

ARTURO SANDOVAL - Flight to Freedom (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In July 1990, after playing trumpet in his native Cuba for 28 of his 41 years, Arturo Sandoval had the opportunity to defect from Cuba along with his family. A brilliant virtuoso, Sandoval finally was able to play whatever music he wanted without having to satisfy a dictator, and his potential was enormous. On his American debut, Sandoval mostly performs boppish jazz (other than the dull "Marianela") with slight touches of rock and spiced with Latin percussion. The trumpeter shows restraint on the ballads (including a tasty "Body and Soul") and displays plenty of fire on the often-funky uptempo romps, not overdoing the effortless high notes. With the assistance of the high-powered tenor of Ed Calle, the versatile guitarist Rene Luis Toledo, and a variety of talented sidemen (including guest Chick Corea on three songs), Arturo Sandoval's long overdue debut is well-rounded, exciting, and highlighted by a fast rendition of Dizzy Gillespie's "Tanga." by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Flight To Freedom 3:50
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Dave Weckl
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Chick Corea
Saxophone – Ed Calle
Synthesizer – Danilo Perez
Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
2    Last Time I Saw You 5:04
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Dave Weckl
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Chick Corea
Saxophone – Ed Calle
Synthesizer – Richard Eddy
Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
3    Caribeno 5:59
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Orlando Hernandez
Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI], Tenor Saxophone, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Ed Calle
Guitar, Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – Rene Luis Toledo
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Mike Orta
Trumpet, Timbales, Cowbell, Lead Vocals – Arturo Sandoval
4    Samba De Amore 6:09
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Orlando Hernandez
Flugelhorn – Arturo Sandoval
Flute – Ed Calle
Guitar – Rene Luis Toledo
Piano – Mike Orta
Strings – Alfred Brown, Elliot Rosoff, Eugene Moye, Gene Orloff, Harry Zaratzian, Jesse Levy, John Pintavalle, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Sanford Allen
5    Psalm 7:47
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Drums – Dave Weckl
Flute – Ed Calle
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Chick Corea
Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
6    Rene's Song 5:08
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Orlando Hernandez
Flugelhorn, Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
Guitar – Rene Luis Toledo
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Mike Orta
Saxophone – Ed Calle
7    Body And Soul6:43
Acoustic Guitar – Rene Luis Toledo
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Dave Weckl
Flugelhorn – Arturo Sandoval
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Mike Orta
Strings – Alfred Brown, Elliot Rosoff, Eugene Moye, Gene Orloff, Harry Zaratzian, Jesse Levy, John Pintavalle, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Sanford Allen
8    Tanga 5:53
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Dave Weckl
Guitar – Rene Luis Toledo
Percussion – Long John
Piano – Mike Orta
Saxophone – Ed Calle
Trumpet, Synthesizer – Arturo Sandoval
9    Caprichosos De La Habana 5:08
Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Rene Luis Toledo
Bass, Vocals – Nicky Orta
Drums, Vocals – Orlando Hernandez
Percussion – Long John, Portinho
Synthesizer, Vocals – Mike Orta
Tenor Saxophone, Vocals – Ed Calle
Trumpet, Percussion, Vocals – Arturo Sandoval
Vocals – Joel Dorn, Julia Fuller, Pete King
10    Marianela 5:50
Bass – Nicky Orta
Drums – Dave Weckl
Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Ed Calle
Strings – Alfred Brown, Elliot Rosoff, Eugene Moye, Gene Orloff, Harry Zaratzian, Jesse Levy, John Pintavalle, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Sanford Allen
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Synthesizer – Arturo Sandoval

ARTURO SANDOVAL - Dream Come True (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of trumpeter Arturo Sandoval's more restrained sessions but he cuts loose effectively in some spots. Accompanied by one of two orchestras arranged and conducted by Michel Legrand on most of the selections, Sandoval displays his warm tone and infuses songs such as "Little Sunflower," "Once Upon a Summertime" and "To Diz with Love" with lots of feeling; his duet with Legrand on Dizzy Gillespie's "Con Alma" is touching. The ten-minute "Dahomey Dance" (which also has solos from tenor-saxophonist Ernie Watts and trombonist Bill Watrous) and a hyper "Giant Steps" are among the many highlights of this recommended disc. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Dahomey Dance 10:24
Bass – Brian Bromberg
Drums – Peter Erskine
Piano – Michel Legrand
Tenor Saxophone – Ernie Watts
Trombone – Bill Watrous
Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
Written-By – John Coltrane
2    Once Upon A Summertime 5:16
Written-By – Michel Legrand
3    Giant Steps 3:30
Written-By – John Coltrane
4    Little Sunflower 6:08
Bass – Brian Bromberg
Drums – Peter Erskine
Flugelhorn – Arturo Sandoval
Keyboards – Otmaro Ruiz
Percussion – Carlos Gomez, Mitchell Sanchez
Piano – Michel Legrand
Tenor Saxophone – Ernie Watts
Trombone – Bill Watrous
Written-By – Freddie Hubbard
5    Con Alma 2:28
Piano – Michel Legrand
Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
Written-By – Dizzy Gillespie
6    Blue 93 4:23
Bass – Brian Bromberg
Drums – Aaron Serfaty
Percussion – Carlos Gomez, Mitchell Sanchez
Piano – Otmaro Ruiz
Trumpet – Arturo Sandoval
Written-By – Arturo Sandoval
7    How Do You Keep The Music Playing 6:44
Written-By – Michel Legrand
8    Naima 6:12
Written-By – John Coltrane
9    Vida Real 4:14
Written-By – Arturo Castro
10    To Diz With Love 5:12
Written-By – Arturo Sandoval 

CHICK COREA ELEkTRIC BAND - Light Years (1987) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The second recording by Chick Corea's Elektric Band was the first to feature altoist Eric Marienthal and guitarist Frank Gambale in addition to bassist John Patitucci, drummer Dave Weckl and the leader/keyboardist. Unlike most other fusion groups, these musicians displayed original musical personalitites and Corea's compositions tended to be memorable. This is one of The Elektric Band's better releases. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
 1 Light Years 3:54
Chick Corea / John Patitucci / Dave Weckl
2 Second Sight 4:24
Chick Corea
3 Flamingo 4:10
Edmund Anderson / Ted Grouya
4 Prism 3:30
Chick Corea
5 Time Track 5:03
Chick Corea
6 Starlight 3:52
Chick Corea / John Patitucci
7 Your Eyes 3:56
Chick Corea
8 The Dragon 5:30
Chick Corea / John Patitucci
9 View from the Outside 6:30
Chick Corea
10 Smokescreen 4:13
Chick Corea
11 Hymn of the Heart 6:39
Chick Corea
12 Kaleidoscope 8:04
Chick Corea
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Eric Marienthal (tracks: 2, 5, 6, 8, 9)
Arranged By, Written-By – Chick Corea (tracks: 2 to 5, 6, 7, 9 to 12)
Double Bass [Acoustic Bass], Electric Bass – John Patitucci (tracks: 1 to 9, 11, 12)
Drums – Dave Weckl
Electric Guitar – Carlos Rios (tracks: 3, 7), Frank Gambale (tracks: 1, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12)
Keyboards – Chick Corea
Mixed By – Bernie Kirsh, Chick Corea, Dave Weckl, Jay Oliver, John Patitucci

CHICK COREA ELEKTRIC BAND - Beneath the Mask (1991) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The fifth and final recording by the original version of Chick Corea's Elektric Band is not quite up to the level of the past few sets due to some forgettable compositions. The keyboardist/leader, guitarist Frank Gambale, and saxophonist Eric Marienthal create some fine solos and the ensembles (with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Dave Weckl) are tight, making this a worthwhile but not essential release from the top fusion group. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Beneath the Mask 3:31
Chick Corea / John Patitucci / Dave Weckl
2 Little Things That Count 3:47
John Patitucci / Dave Weckl
3 One of Us Is Over 40 4:55

Chick Corea / John Patitucci / Dave Weckl

4 A Wave Goodbye 4:45
Chick Corea / Dave Weckl
5 Lifescape 5:10
Chick Corea
6 Jammin E. Cricket 6:51
Chick Corea / John Patitucci / Dave Weckl
7 Charged Particles 5:17
Chick Corea
8 Free Step 7:44
Chick Corea
9 99 Flavors  3:52
Chick Corea
10 Illusions 09:44
Chick Corea / John Patitucci / Dave Weckl
Credits:
Bass – John Patitucci
Drums – Dave Weckl
Guitar – Frank Gambale
Keyboards – Chick Corea
Saxophone – Eric Marienthal

BILLY TAYLOR TRIO - My Fair Lady Loves Jazz (1957-1994) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Recorded at a time when My Fair Lady was a big Broadway hit (but a few years before it became a film), this CD reissue brings back one of the very best jazz interpretations of the classic score. The focus throughout is on the Billy Taylor trio (which included bassist Earl May and drummer Ed Thigpen), but Quincy Jones' arrangements for the seven horns are quite memorable. There is room for short solos from such players as trumpeter Ernie Royal, trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, altoist Anthony Ortega, and baritonist Gerry Mulligan, and their presence clearly inspires pianist Taylor to some of his finest playing. Highly recommended. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1. Show Me    4:49
2. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face    3:45
3. With A Little Bit Of Luck    4:34
4. The Rain In Spain    3:06
5. Get Me To The Church On Time    4:19
6. Wouldn't It Be Loverly ?    5:03
7. I Could Have Danced All Night    4:04
8. On The Street Where You Live    3:44

Credits:

Baritone Saxophone – Gerry Mulligan

Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Charlie Fowlkes (tracks: 2, 6, 8)

Bass – Earl May

Drums – Ed Thigpen

Mastered By – Bob Thiele, Rudy Van Gelder

Piano – Billy Taylor

Producer – Creed Taylor

Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Anthony Ortega

Trombone – Jimmy Cleveland

Trumpet – Ernie Royal

Tuba – Don Butterfield (tracks: 2), Jay McAllister

Vibraphone, Bongos, Mellophone, Trumpet – Don Elliott