JOE LOCKE QUARTET — Moment To Moment : The Music Of Henry Mancini (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Vibraphonist Joe Locke offers a fresh look at works by Henry Mancini on this release, as he leads a powerhouse quartet that includes pianist Billy Childs, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Gene Jackson. His dramatic and spacious treatment of one of Mancini's most beloved works, "Moon River," gives the oft-recorded song a very new sound, while another frequently played number, "Days of Wine and Roses," begins with a dreamy introduction before progressing into a head-shaking hard bop arrangement. "Charade" is another well-loved movie theme that gets a thorough revamping; in Billy Childs' chart the piano alternates between a swirling line that contrasts with the leader as he plays its theme with a straight-ahead bop segment. But the group is not content just to stick to Mancini's best-known songs; "Loss of Love" is a straight-ahead ballad nailed on the first take, while "Whistling Away the Dark" showcases Eddie Gomez's lovely arco bass. When one combines great compositions and inventive, talented musicians such as the member of the Joe Locke Quartet, the results have to be highly recommended. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Slow Hot Wind    7:30
 Norman Gimbel / Henry Mancini
2    Moon River    6:43
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
3    Moment To Moment    6:43
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
4    Whistling Away The Dark    3:37
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
5    Charade    6:22
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
6    Loss Of Love    7:27
 Henry Mancini / Bob Merrill
7    The Days Of Wine And Roses    6:29
 Henry Mancini / Johnny Mercer
8    Two For The Road    5:38
 Leslie Bricusse / Henry Mancini
9    Dreamsville    5:46
  Henry Mancini
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Gene Jackson
Piano – Billy Childs
Vibraphone – Joe Locke

DAVE HOLLAND QUARTET - Dream of the Elders (1995) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Stylewise, the music on this CD sounds much closer to a mid-'60s Blue Note release than what one might expect from ECM. Although the general sound of the ensembles is light, the music is often filled with inner heat, a little reminiscent of a Wayne Shorter record. Altoist Eric Person and vibraphonist Steve Nelson work well together, bassist Dave Holland takes plenty of solo space, drummer Gene Jackson keeps the momentum flowing and guest vocalist Cassandra Wilson does a fine job on Maya Angelou's poem "Equality." Holland's originals have plenty of variety in moods while close attention is paid to dynamics. A satisfying and thought-provoking session. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 The Winding Way 11:57
Dave Holland
2 Lazy Snake 12:25
Dave Holland
3 Claressence 7:28
Dave Holland
4 Equality 7:08
Lyrics By [Poem] – Maya Angelou
Vocals – Cassandra Wilson
5 Ebb & Flo 11:59
Dave Holland
6 Dream Of The Elders 11:07
Dave Holland
7 Second Thoughts 8:06
Dave Holland
8 Equality 6:40
Maya Angelou / Dave Holland
Credits
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Eric Person
Double Bass – Dave Holland
Drums – Gene Jackson
Vibraphone, Marimba – Steve Nelson