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)

ELVIN JONES — Live At The Lighthouse Vol.1 (1972-2013) RM | Limited Edition | Serie BNLA 999 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Drummer Elvin Jones' 45th birthday (September 9, 1972) was a good excuse to record his group of the period. The results were originally released as a double-LP and have been reissued as two CDs with over an hour of new music added. Jones' pianoless quartet features two masterful saxophonists (both doubling on tenor and soprano) who at the time sounded very close to John Coltrane. Dave Liebman and Steve Grossman were among the first young saxophonists not closely associated with Coltane who used his style as a starting point in their search for their own musical identities. Their high-powered and sometimes rowdy flights are consistently stimulating. With Gene Perla's alert, sensitive, and inventive bass holding the unit together, Elvin Jones was able to play as free as he desired. The first volume (taken from three sets at the Lighthouse) has six fiery selections, four of which were previously unreleased. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Introduction: Bill Chappell / Announcer: Rick Holmes    1:42
2    Fancy Free 21:05
Written-By – Donald Byrd
3    New Breed 12:04
Written-By – David Liebman
4    Small One 7:08
Written-By – David Liebman
5    Sambra 13:10
Written-By – Gene Perla
6    My Ship 8:51
Written-By – I. Gershwin, K. Weill
7    Taurus People 6:15
Written-By – Steve Grossman
8    For All Those Other Times / Announcement 4:43
Written-By – Gene Perla
Credits :
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Flute – Dave Liebman (tracks: 4, 6)
Soprano Saxophone – Dave Liebman (tracks: 2), Steve Grossman (tracks: 4)
Tenor Saxophone – Dave Liebman (tracks: 3, 5, 7, 8), Steve Grossman (tracks: 2, 3, 5 to 8)

ELVIN JONES — Live At The Lighthouse Vol.2 (1973-2013) RM | Limited Edition | Serie BNLA 999 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of two CDs featuring music recorded at the Lighthouse during a marathon session is the equal of the first. Greatly expanded from the original two-LP set, this disc has a pair of selections from the two-fer ("Sweet Mama" and "The Children, Save the Children") and three performances ("I'm a Fool to Want You," "Britt Piece," and the 28-and-a-half-minute "Children's Merry-Go-Round") that were previously unreleased at the time of this 1990 package. Dave Liebman (on tenor and soprano) is heard in one of his finest pre-Miles Davis recordings; the young tenor Steve Grossman keeps up with him, and bassist Gene Perla acts as a bridge between the fiery saxophonists and explosive drummer Elvin Jones. Exciting and adventurous music that stretches the boundaries of modal hard bop jazz. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Introduction / Happy Birthday Greeting 0:52
Written-By – M.J. Hill, P.S. Hill
2    Sweet Mama 15:29
Written-By – Gene Perla
3    I'm A Fool To Want You 11:33
Written-By – F. Sinatra, J. Wolf, J. Herron
4    The Children, Save The Children 7:59
Written-By – Don Garcia
5    Brite Piece 13:17
Written-By – David Liebman
6    The Children's Merry-Go-Round March 28:28
Written-By – Keiko Jones
Credits :
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Flute – Dave Liebman (tracks: 6)
Soprano Saxophone – Dave Liebman (tracks: 4 to 6), Steve Grossman (tracks: 5)
Tenor Saxophone – Dave Liebman (tracks: 2, 3, 6), Steve Grossman (tracks: 2, 4 to 6)

ELVIN JONES — Mr. Jones (1973-2013) RM | Serie BNLA 999 Encore | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    One's Native Place 6:17
Written-By – Keiko Jones
2    Gee Gee 5:45
Written-By – Gene Perla
3    Mr. Jones 7:35
Written-By – Keiko Jones
4    What's Up-That's It 5:40
Written-By – Gene Perla
5    Soultrane 6:12
Written-By – Tadd Dameron
6    New Breed 6:55
Written-By – David Liebman
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Gene Perla (tracks: 1, 4 to 6)
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams (tracks: 3)
Bass – Wilbur Little (tracks: 3)
Congas – Carlos "Patato" Valdes (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 6)
Drums – Elvin Jones
Electric Bass – Gene Perla (tracks: 2)
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Flugelhorn – Thad Jones (tracks: 1, 2)
Flute – David Liebman (tracks: 1)
Percussion – Candido Camero* (tracks: 3), Frank Ippolito (tracks: 1, 4, 5)
Piano – Jan Hammer (tracks: 1, 2, 4)
Soprano Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 4), Steve Grossman (tracks: 1)
Tenor Saxophone – David Liebman (tracks: 2, 6), George Coleman (tracks: 3), Joe Farrell (tracks: 3), Steve Grossman (tracks: 2, 4 to 6)
Timpani – Albert Duffy (tracks: 1, 5)

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 | MASABUMI KIKUCHI — Hollow Out (1973-2015) Serie We Remember Poo | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Apple    10:28
Composed By – Masabumi Kikuchi
2    Ginkai    8:31
Composed By – Masabumi Kikuchi
3    Little Abi    6:06
Composed By – Masabumi Kikuchi
4    Bell    4:25
Composed By – Masabumi Kikuchi
5    Hollow Out    5:47
Composed By – Masabumi Kikuchi
Credits :
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – Masabumi Kikuchi
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder

ELVIN JONES — Elvin Jones Is "On The Mountain" (1975-1994) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This 1975 date for the brilliant drummer, with Jan Hammer on keyboards and bassist Gene Perla, is a minor, if somewhat overlooked, classic from the tail-end of the early '70s to the mid-70s' run of great jazz fusion releases. Both Perla and Hammer worked with Elvin Jones between 1971 and 1973, in bands featuring saxophonists Frank Foster, Joe Farrell, Steve Grossman and Dave Liebman. Here, the smaller format allows for a tight group sound with openings for strong solos and fluid interplay throughout. Jones is well up in the mix, giving fans a front-row opportunity to enjoy the drummer, both in all-over-the-kit, rolling-thunder mode and in the subtler moments of his peerless brushwork. The trio perform a half-dozen originals by Perla and Hammer. The impressive writing has a definite jazz sensibility, but Hammer's Moog and electric piano work, Perla's alternating between electric and acoustic basses, and Jones' own fierce eruptions provide a satisfying, rock wallop in several spots. Jim Todd
Tracklist :
1    Thorn Of A White Rose 5:07
 Jan Hammer
2    Namuh 7:47
 Gene Perla
3    On The Mountain 4:37
 Gene Perla
4    Smoke In The Sun 4:00
 Jan Hammer
5    London Air 5:29
 Jan Hammer
6    Destiny 7:28
 Gene Perla
Credits :
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Keyboards – Jan Hammer

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 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)

THE ELVIN JONES JAZZ MACHINE — The Truth : Heard Live At The Blue Note (2004) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This 1999 live set features the great drummer Elvin Jones leading an all-star group. The repertoire, comprised of three jazz standards (including John Coltrane's lesser-known "Wise One"), three originals and an adaptation of a folk song, generally featuring one or two soloists on each cut. The straight-ahead and basic "E.J.'s Blues" has spots for trumpeter Darren Barrett (who sounds a bit like Freddie Hubbard) and Jones, while "Straight No Chaser" puts the spotlight on trombonist Robin Eubanks (in a J.J. Johnson mood), pianist Carlos McKinney and the drummer. Michael Brecker is very restrained on "Body and Soul" while "Truth" is a modal piece that has Antoine Roney on soprano sounding a bit like Coltrane. Brecker stretches himself much more on "A Lullaby of Itsugo Village," McKinney is showcased with the trio on an episodic "Wise One," and the closing "Three Card Molly" has contributions from Barrett and Jones. All of the musicians are in top form and were clearly inspired to be playing with Elvin Jones. Although falling short of being a classic, this set has many bright moments. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    E.J.'s Blues 8:22
Composed By – Elvin Jones
2    Straight No Chaser 7:39
Composed By – Thelonious Monk
3    Body And Soul 9:47
Composed By – Edward Heyman, Johnny Green, Robert Sour
4    Truth 7:17
Composed By – Keiko Jones
5    A Lullaby Of Itsugo Village 7:42
Traditional
Arranged By – Keiko Jones
6    Wise One 12:27
Composed By – John Coltrane
7    Three Card Molly 7:10
Composed By – Elvin Jones
Credits :
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – Carlos McKinney
Saxophone – Antoine Roney, Michael Brecker
Trombone – Robin Eubanks
Trumpet – Darren Barrett