NDR BIGBAND — Bravissimo : 50 Years NDR Big Band (1996) Serie : The World Greatest Jazz Orchestras – II | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"An excellent cross-section of the music of one of the best jazz orchestras in Europe" - (DER SPIEGEL) ACT
Tracklist :
1    The Cat 6:04
Arranged By – Horst Mühlbradt
Written-By – J.Griffin
2    Blue Monk 7:14
Arranged By – Stan Tracey
Written-By – T.Monk
3    Voodoo Chile 5:17
Arranged By – Howard Johnson
Written-By – J.Hendrix
4    Sagma 5:19
Arranged By – Joki Freund
Written-By – H.Sauer
5    Night In Tunesia 9:27
Arranged By – Horst Mühlbradt
Written-By – D.Gillespie
6    Take The A-Train 4:22
Arranged By – Steve Gray
Written-By – B.Strayhorn
7    Supraconductivity 5:30
Arranged By – Joki Freund
Written-By – A.Mangelsdorff
8    Sister Sadie
Arranged By – Lex Jasper
Written-By – Horace Silver
9    Mood Indigo
Arranged By – Hans Hammerschmid
Written-By – D.Ellington
10    Django
Arranged By – Horst Mühlbradt
Written-By – J.Lewis
11    Descent
Arranged By – Ralf Hübner
Written-By – Ch. Lauer
12    Country Roads
Arranged By – Michael Gibbs
Written-By – B.Burton
Credits :
NDR Bigband conducted by Dieter Glawischnig
except #3 - Rob Pronk, #8 - Jiggs Wigham, #12 - Michael Gibbs

McCOY TYNER — Tender Moments (1968-1987) Serie Blue Note CD Treasury – CP32-9545 | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

On this excellent set, McCoy Tyner had the opportunity for the first time to head a larger group. His nonet is an all-star aggregation comprised of trumpeter Lee Morgan, trombonist Julian Priester, altoist James Spaulding, Bennie Maupin on tenor, Bob Northern on French horn, Howard Johnson on tuba, bassist Herbie Lewis, and drummer Joe Chambers in addition to the pianist/leader. Tyner debuted six of his originals, and although none became standards (perhaps the best known are "The High Priest" and "All My Yesterdays"), the music is quite colorful and advanced for the period. Well worth investigating. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Mode To John    5:40
 McCoy Tyner
2    Man From Tanganyika    6:52
 McCoy Tyner
3    The High Priest    6:05
 McCoy Tyner
4    Utopia    7:35
 McCoy Tyner
5    All My Yesterday    6:03
 McCoy Tyner
6    Lee Plus Three    5:41
 McCoy Tyner
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute – James Spaulding
Bass – Herbie Lewis
Drums – Joe Chambers
French Horn – Bob Northern
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Bennie Maupin
Trombone – Julian Priester
Trumpet – Lee Morgan
Tuba – Howard Johnson

CARLA BLEY — Tropic Appetites (1974-1998) FLAC (image + .cue), lossless

Following their superb "chronotransduction," Escalator Over the Hill, composer Carla Bley and poet Paul Haines once again teamed up for Tropic Appetites, a somewhat different, but equally compelling effort. The instrumentation is scaled down to an octet and the lyrics revolve around trips to Southeast Asia, particularly Bali, made by Haines over the preceding years. Bley makes an inspired choice for lead vocalist by enlisting the extraordinary Julie Tippetts who had attained rock stardom in the late '60s (as Julie Driscoll) in Brian Auger's Trinity.

After a powerful introductory "overture" led by the still incendiary Gato Barbieri who, for contractual reasons, is referred to in the credits as "Unidentified Cat," the hothouse atmosphere of the recording is established by the next song, "In India," with its humid, surreal lyrics.Bley consistently provides rich, imaginative, and varied underpinnings for Tippett's crystalline vocal work. From the ferocious and angry "Enormous Tots" to the yearning "Caucasian Bird Riffles" to the delightful singsong "Funnybird Song" featuring priceless vocals from Howard Johnson and Bley's very young daughter Karen Mantler (who would go on to a career of her own), the music is strong and memorable throughout.

All of the musicians are in top form, but special mention should be made of the dream rhythm team of David Holland and Paul Motian. Their tonal colors and supple interplay is a major factor of the success of this album. Tropic Appetites is one of Carla Bley's greatest successes; one could only wish that she had continued in this vein rather than opting for the jazz-funk bands she led from 1980 forward. Brian Olewnick
Tracklist :
1    What Will Be Left Between Us And The Moon Tonight?    11:04
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
2    In India    1:10
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
3    Enormous Tots    6:05
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
4    Caucasian Bird Riffles    5:06
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
5    Funnybird Song    1:18
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
6    Indonesian Dock Sucking Supreme    8:54
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
7    Song Of The Jungle Stream    10:15
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
8    Nothing    3:34
 Carla Bley / Paul Haines
Credits :
Cello, Acoustic Bass, Bass Guitar – Dave Holland
Drums, Percussion – Paul Motian
Producer – Carla Bley, Michael Mantler
Tenor Saxophone, Percussion – Gato Barbieri
Trumpet, Valve Trombone – Michael Mantler
Violin, Viola – Toni Marcus
Voice – Julie Tippetts
Voice, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Tuba [Tubas] – Howard Johnson
Voice, Recorder [Recorders], Piano, Electric Piano, Clavinet, Organ, Marimba, Celesta [Celeste], Percussion, Music By – Carla Bley

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 :

GIL EVANS & THE MONDAY NIGHT ORCHESTRA — Live at Sweet Basil (1985-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Gil Evans ran into his share of would-be defenders of his "tradition" when he began experimenting with rock songs and electronic instruments in the '70s and '80s. One of jazz's greatest arrangers was suddenly viewed as a charlatan in certain circles, and a band loaded with great players was now being dismissed as a crew of frauds. This second volume of songs done live during the band's long run as Sweet Basil's regular Monday night attraction proves decisively that neither Evans nor his band lost anything. The versions of Shorter's "Parabola" and Hancock's "Prince of Darkness" are multi-faceted and compare favorably with almost anything done by any previous Evans aggregation. It may not have been "cool," but it was most assuredly great jazz. Ron Wynn    Tracklist & Credits :

CHARLIE HADEN — Liberation Music Orchestra (1970) Two Version | 1996, RM | BONUS TRACK | Impulse! – IMP 11882 + 2001, RM | Impulse! Best 50 – 38 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A fascinating reissue that comfortably straddles the lines of jazz, folk, and world music, working up a storm by way of a jazz protest album that points toward the Spanish Civil War in particular and the Vietnam War in passing. Haden leads the charge and contributes material, but the real star here may in fact be Carla Bley, who arranged numbers, wrote several, and contributed typically brilliant piano work. Also of particular note in a particularly talented crew is guitarist Sam Brown, the standout of "El Quinto Regimiento/Los Cuatro Generales/Viva la Quince Brigada," a 21-minute marathon. Reissue producer Michael Cuscuna has done his best with the mastering here, but listeners will note a roughness to the sound -- one that is in keeping with the album's tone and attitude. Steven McDonald 
Tracklist :
1  The Introduction 1:15
Carla Bley 
2  Song of the United Front 1:52
Bertolt Brecht / Hanns Eisler 
3  El Quinto Regimiento (The Fifth Regiment)/Los Cuatro Generales (The Four G 20:58
Carla Bley / Traditional 
4  The Ending to the First Side 2:07
Carla Bley 
5  Song for Ché 9:29
Charlie Haden 
6  War Orphans 6:42
Ornette Coleman 
7  The Interlude (Drinking Music) 1:24
Carla Bley 
8  Circus '68 '69 6:10
Charlie Haden 
9  We Shall Overcome 1:19
Guy Carawan / Frank Hamilton / Zilphia Horton / Pete Seeger / Traditional 
Credits :
Bass, Producer – Charlie Haden
Clarinet – Perry Robinson
Cornet, Flute [Indian Wood Flute, Bamboo Flute] – Don Cherry (tracks: 3, 5) 
French Horn, Wood Block [Hand Wood Blocks], Bells, Reeds [Crow Call], Whistle [Military Whistle] – Bob Northern
Guitar, Kalimba [Thumb Piano] – Sam Brown (tracks: 1, 3 to 7) 
Percussion – Andrew Cyrille (tracks: 8), Paul Motian
Tambourine, Arranged By – Carla Bley
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Dewey Redman
Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet – Gato Barbieri
Trombone – Roswell Rudd
Trumpet – Michael Mantler
Tuba – Howard Johnson

DIZZY GILLESPIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1947-1949 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1102 (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

 Classics #1102 focuses on the explosive years of 1947-1949 when Dizzy Gillespie created some of the most innovative big band recordings, combining bebop and Afro-Cuban rhythms (courtesy of percussionist Chano Pozo). These sessions, recorded for Victor in December 1947, 1948, and early 1949, include future Dizzy standards "Manteca," "Cubana Be," and "Cubana Bop." The roster of musicians Gillespie employed played an important part in the shaping of modern jazz: Yusef Lateef, John Lewis (in one of his earliest sessions), Kenny Clarke, and Cecil Payne. With arrangements by Tadd Dameron, George Russell, Gil Fuller, Gerald Wilson, and the vocals of Johnny Hartman, Kenny "Pancho" Haygood, and Joe Carroll, volume four of Dizzy's chronological recording career is highly recommended. Al Campbell     Tracklist :

TEDDY HILL AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1935-1937 | The Classics Chronological Series – 645 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Saxophonist, bandleader and entrepreneur Teddy Hill is often remembered mainly as the organizer of informal after-hours jam sessions at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem during the early '40s. Those who delve a bit more assiduously into the history of jazz eventually learn that Teddy Hill led an excellent big band during the '30s. He started out playing drums and trumpet, then took up clarinet, soprano and tenor saxophones. Hill developed his chops during the '20s accompanying the Whitman Sisters then worked with George Howe, Frank Bunch & His Fuzzy Wuzzies and the Luis Russell orchestra, a fine band in which he nevertheless found few opportunities to solo (this almost certainly inspired his later decision to organize open-ended blowing sessions at Minton's). Hill put together his own band in 1934; this group secured steady employment broadcasting over the NBC radio network. All of their 1935 and 1936 recordings were derived from their radio work; they began making records in the Victor studios in 1937. Some of the singing may seem quaint or even saccharine; "Big Boy Blue," however, is full of pep and the stylized group vocal on "The Love Bug Will Bite You if You Don't Watch Out" is a bubbly delight. Note the inclusion of several Hill originals and a perfectly matched pair of atmospheric novelties: Larry Clinton's "Study in Brown" and Raymond Scott's "Twilight in Turkey." Some of Hill's players have become jazz legends -- Roy Eldridge, Bill Coleman, Frankie Newton, Shad Collins, Dicky Wells, Russell Procope and Chu Berry. Yet some folks will consider the presence of young Dizzy Gillespie on the session of May 17, 1937 as the main attraction; "King Porter Stomp" contains his very first recorded solo. Teddy Hill's entire recorded output fits neatly onto one compact disc. While this exact body of work has also been reissued on the Hep and Jazz Archives labels, the easy-to-consult layout of the Classics discography speaks strongly in its favor. arwulf arwulf  
Tracklist + Credits :

RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK - Kirkatron + Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real (2005) 2xCD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This issue combines two late-period Rahsaan Roland Kirk albums: Kirkatron, begun shortly before the major stroke that debilitated him and shortened his life, and Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real, his first attempt at a comeback and his final recording. Kirkatron hosts three tunes recorded for it, and nine more that were outtakes from the preceding 5000 Lb. Man sessions, and a few from the Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival concert. As such it does contain a number of tunes that define the man at the height of his powers including a cover of Leon Russell's "This Masquerade," the live "Serenade to a Cuckoo," and a fine "Bright Moments." His bandmates on the date include a young Hilton Ruiz on piano and Steve Turre. Boogie-Woogie String Along for Real does stand in contrast to Kirkatron. The intensity and intention is there, but it's more subtle, informed no doubt by the fact that Kirk had taught himself to play with only his left hand because his right had been rendered unusable by the accident. He also employed a full string section, taking his music into a new direction. But there are beautiful and deeply soulful moments here, as well, including "Summertime," the wonderfully up "Dorthaan's Walk," the deep blues of "Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor," and the barrelhouse title track which opens the set.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Kirkatron    
1    Serenade To A Cuckoo    3:38
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
2    This Masquerade    5:29
 Leon Russell
3    Sugar    3:27
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
4    Los Angeles Negro Blues    1:27
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk / Stanley Turrentine
5    Steppin' Into Beauty    6:42
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
6    Christmas Song    3:34
 Mel Tormé / Robert Wells
7    Bagpipe Medley    2:15
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
8    Mary McLeod Bethune    2:23
9    Bright Moments    4:11
 Todd Barkan / Rahsaan Roland Kirk
10    Lyriconon    4:10
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
11    Night In Tunisia    4:58
 Dizzy Gillespie / Frank Paparelli
12    J. Griff's Blues    7:43
Traditional
Credits :
Boogie-Woogie String Along For Real    
1    Boogie-Woogie String Along For Real    8:53
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
2    I Loves You, Porgy    1:48
 Ira Gershwin
3    Make Me A Pallet On The Floor    7:18
 Traditional
4    Hey Babebips    5:06
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
5    In A Mellow Tone    6:15
 Duke Ellington
6    Summertime    1:39
 George Gershwin
7    Dorthaan's Walk    7:12
 Rahsaan Roland Kirk
8        Watergate Blues    6:34
 Percy Heath
Credits :

RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK - The Return of the 5000 Lb. Man (1976) lp | 24bits-96hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless

The Return of the 5000 Lb. Man was Rahsaan Roland Kirk's first album for Warner Brothers, recorded before the stroke that impaired him. Kirk is at full creative and musical strength. These seven tracks are an utter astonishment. Kirk's playing of saxophones, harmonica, flutes, and euphonium is deep, soulful, and even profound in places. "Theme for the Eulipions" (which opens the album), "Giant Steps," and "There Will Never Be Another You" features an all-star band that includes Charlie Persip, a young Hilton Ruiz, bassist Buster Williams, Romeo Perique on baritone saxophone, and Howard Johnson on tuba. The version of "Sweet Georgia Brown," with its wacky percussion and whistling, is so utterly joyful and funky it's perhaps the definitive jazz version of the tune. But it's the readings of Minnie Riperton's "Loving You" and Charles Mingus' "Goodbye Porkpie Hat" that take the album to an entirely new place. They are, though very different from one another, so utterly moving and aesthetically beautiful, they elevate music to the level of poetry. This is one that's utterly necessary for fans, and a very fitting intro for the novice.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
SIDE A
1    Theme For The Eulipions 9:22
Music By – Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Solo Vocal – Maeretha Stewart
Words By, Speech – Betty Neals
2    Sweet Georgia Brown 5:07
Written-By – Ben Bernie, Kenny Casey, Maceo Pinkard
3    I'll Be Seeing You
Written-By – Irving Kahal, Sammy Fain
SIDE B
1    Loving You 4:42
Written-By – Minnie Riperton, Richard Rudolph
2    Goodbye Pork Pie Hat 6:17
Music By – Charles Mingus
Words By – Rahsaan Roland Kirk
3    There Will Never Be Another You 5:08
Written-By – Harry Warren, Mac Gordon
4    Giant Steps 6:11
Music By – John Coltrane
Words By – Betty Neals
Credits :
Arranged By – Frank Foster (pistas: A1, B3, B4), Rahsaan Roland Kirk (pistas: A2, A3, B1 to B3)
Backing Vocals – Adrienne Albert (pistas: A1, B3, B4), Arthur Williams (pistas: A1, B3, B4), Francine Carroll (pistas: A1, B3, B4), Hilda Harris (pistas: A1, B3, B4), Maeretha Stewart (pistas: A1, B3, B4), Milton Grayson (pistas: A1, B3, B4), Randy Peyton (pistas: A1, B3, B4)
Baritone Saxophone – Romeo Penque (pistas: A1, B3, B4)
Bass – Charles 'Buster' Williams (pistas: A1, B3, B4), Mattathias Pearson (pistas: B1, B2), Milton Hinton (pistas: A2)
Celesta – Hilton Ruiz (pistas: B4)
Drums – Bill Carney (pistas: A3), Charlie Persip (pistas: A1, B3, B4), Jerry Griffin (pistas: B1, B2)
Guitar – William Butler (pistas: A3, B1, B2)
Harmonica, Saxophone [Stritchaphone], Tenor Saxophone, Vocals, Producer – Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Keyboards – Arthur Jenkins (pistas: B1, B2)
Organ – Trudy Pitts (pistas: A3)
Percussion – Habao Texidor (pistas: A1, B1 to B4), Warren Smith (pistas: B1, B2)
Piano – Hank Jones (pistas: A2), Hilton Ruiz (pistas: A1, B1 to B3)
Tuba – Howard Johnson (pistas: A1, B3, B4)
Whistling – William Eaton (pistas: A2)

ARCHIE SHEPP / BILL DIXON - Quartet (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1 - Trio
2 - Quartet
3 - Somewhere
4 - Peace
Archie Shepp - tenor sax
Bill Dixon - trumpet
Don Moore - bass
Reggie Workman - bass on track 4
Paul Cohen - drums
Howard McRae - drums on track 4
Recorded:October, 1962    New York
5 - Where Poppies Bloom (Where Poppies Blow)
6 - Like A Blessed Baby Lamb
7 - Consequences
Archie Shepp & The New York Contemporary Five
Archie Shepp - tenor sax
John Tchicai - alto sax
Don Cherry - pocket cornet on track 7
Ted Curson - trumpet, piccolo trumpet on tracks 5 & 6
Ronnie Boykins - bass
Sunny Murray - drums
Recorded: February 9, 1964    New York
8 -13 Winter Song Section
14 - The 12th December
Bill Dixon Septet
Bill Dixon - trumpet
George Barrow - tenor sax
Ken McIntyre - alto sax, oboe
Howard Johnson - tuba, baritone sax
David Izenzon - bass
Hal Dodson - bass
Howard McRae - drums
Recorded: February 4, 1964    New York

ARCHIE SHEPP - Mama Too Tight (1967-1998) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The octet Archie Shepp surrounded himself with in 1966 was filled with new and old faces. The twin trombones of Roswell Rudd and Grachan Moncur III embodied this, but so did bassist Charlie Haden and trumpeter Tommy Turrentine, while familiar figures like drummer Beaver Harris and tubaist Howard Johnson had been part of Shepp's regular band. There are four tracks on Mama Too Tight, all of them in some way acting as extensions of the opening three-part suite "A Portrait of Robert Thomson (As a Young Man)." Shepp had hit his stride here compositionally. The track is, at first, a seeming free jazz blowout, but then traces the history of jazz, gospel, and blues breeze through its three sections. Certainly there is plenty of atonality, but there is plenty of harmonic and rhythmic invention, too. The piece, almost 19 minutes in length, has an intricate architecture that uses foreshadowing techniques and complex resolution methods. The title track is a post-bop blues swinger with a killer frontline riff turning in and out as the trombones go head to head. And finally, "Basheer," with an Eastern modality that transposes itself toward blues and folk music, becomes a statement on the transitional ties the '60s were ushering in musically. Here again, lots of free blowing, angry bursts of energy, and shouts of pure revelry are balanced with Ellingtonian elegance and restraint that was considerable enough to let the lyric line float through and encourage more improvisation. This is Shepp at his level best.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
Portrait Of Robert Thompson (As A Young Man)    18:58
1a    Prelude To A Kiss
Written-By – Ellington, Gordon, Mills
1b    The Break Strain-King Cotton
Written-By – Public Domain
1c    Dem Basses
Written-By – Public Domain
2    Mama Too Tight 5:26
Written-By – Archie Shepp
3    Theme For Ernie 3:22
Written-By – Fred Lacey
4    Basheer 10:39
Written-By – Archie Shepp
Credits
Bass – Charlie Haden
Clarinet – Perry Robinson
Drums – Beaver Harris
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone, Liner Notes [Original] – Archie Shepp
Trombone – Grachan Moncur III, Roswell Rudd
Trumpet – Tommy Turrentine
Tuba – Howard Johnson

ARCHIE SHEPP - Things Have Got to Change (1971-1992) RM | FLAC (tracks), lossless

1    Money Blues    18:25
1.1    a) Part 1    5:54
1.2    b) Part 2    5:47
1.3    c) Part 3    6:41
2    Dr. King, The Peaceful Warrior    2:30
3    Things Have Got To Change    16:59
3.1    a) Part 1    9:07
3.2    b) Part 2    7:51
Credits
Alto Saxophone, Piccolo Flute – James Spaulding (pistas: 1,3)
Backing Vocals – Anita Branham (pistas: 1,3), Anita Shepp (pistas: 1,3), Barbara Parsons (pistas: 1,3), Claudette Brown (pistas: 1,3), Ernestina Parsons (pistas: 1,3), Jody Shayne (pistas: 1,3), Joe Lee Wilson (pistas: 3), Johnny Shepp (pistas: 1,3), Sharon Shepp (pistas: 1,3)
Baritone Saxophone – Howard Johnson (pistas: 1,3)
Bass – Roland Wilson (pistas: 1,3)
Cello – Calo Scott (pistas: 3)
Drums – Beaver Harris (pistas: 1,3)
Electric Piano – Cal Massey (pistas: 2), Dave Burrell (pistas: 1,3)
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Billy Butler (pistas: 1), David Spinozza (pistas: 1)
Percussion – Calo Scott (pistas: 1), Hetty 'Bunchy' Fox (pistas: 1,3), Juma Sutan (pistas: 1,3), Ollie Anderson (pistas: 1,3)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Archie Shepp
Trombone – Charles Greenlee (pistas: 1,3), Grechan Moncur III (pistas: 1,3)
Trumpet – Roy Burrowes (pistas: 1,3), Ted Daniel (pistas: 1,3)
Violin – Leroy Jenkins (pistas: 3)
Vocals – Joe Lee Wilson (pistas: 1)

ARCHIE SHEPP - Tray of Silver (1989) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1     No Smokin' 7'21
Horace Silver
2     If You Could See Me Now 13'20
Tadd Dameron / Carl Sigman
3     Nica's Dream 12'01
Horace Silver
4     Cookin' at the Continental 10'25
Horace Silver
Credits :
Baritone Saxophone – Howard Johnson (pistas: 3)
Bass – Takashi "Gon" Mizuhashi
Drums – Roy Brooks
Piano – Mickey Tucker
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp
Tuba – Howard Johnson (pistas: 4)

PHAROAH SANDERS — Izipho Zam (1973-2006) RM | Serie 70年代ジャズを味わう!! – 11 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Two years after the death of his mentor and boss, John Coltrane, and just before signing his own contract with Impulse!, Pharoah Sanders finally got around to releasing an album as a leader apart from the Impulse! family. Enlisting a cast of characters no less than 13 in number, Sanders proved that his time with Coltrane and his Impulse! debut, Tauhid, was not a fluke. Though hated by many of the jazz musicians at the time -- and more jazz critics who felt Coltrane had lost his way musically the minute he put together the final quintet -- Sanders followed his own muse to the edges of Eastern music and sometimes completely outside the borderlines of what could be called jazz. That said, Izipho Zam is a wonderful recording, full of the depth of vision and heartfelt soul that has informed every recording of Sanders since. Guests include Sonny Sharrock, Lonnie Liston Smith, Chief Bey, Cecil McBee, Sirone, Sonny Fortune, Billy Hart, Howard Johnson, and others. The set begins with a gorgeous soul tune in "Prince of Peace," with Leon Thomas doing his trademark yodel, croon, and wail as Smith, McBee, and Hart back him and Sanders fills the gaps. Next is "Balance," the first blowing tune on the set, with the African drums, the modal horns, and Sanders' microtonal investigations of sonic polarity contrasted with Johnson's tuba, leaving the rhythm section to join him as Sharrock and Smith trade drone lines and Sanders turns it into a Latin dance from outer space about halfway through to the end -- it's astonishing. Finally, on the 28-minute title track, the band members -- all of them -- begin a slow tonal inquiry, a textured traipse into the abyss of dissonance and harmonic integration, with Thomas as the bridge through which all sounds must travel on their way to the ensemble. From here, percussion, bells, whistles, Sharrock's heavily chorded guitar -- all provide rhythm upon interval upon tonal figure until the horns enter at about 12 minutes. They move slowly at first and gather force until they blast it right open at 20 minutes and the last eight are all free blowing and an endurance ride for the listener because, with four minutes left, Sanders leads the band in a gorgeous lyric ride that brings together all disparate elements in his world and ours, making this track -- and album -- an exhilarating, indispensable out jazz experience.
> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <
Tracklist :
1     Prince of Peace 8:50
Pharoah Sanders    
2     Balance 12:43
Pharoah Sanders    
3     Izipho Zam 28:50
Pharoah Sanders    
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Sonny Fortune
Bass – Cecil McBee, Sirone (Norris Jones)
Drums – Billy Hart, Majeed Shabazz
Drums [African] – Chief Bey
Guitar – Sonny Sharrock
Percussion – Nat Bettis, Tony Wylie
Piano – Lonnie Liston Smith
Saxophone, Percussion, Composed By – Pharoah Sanders
Tuba – Howard Johnson
Vocals, Percussion – Leon Thomas

HANK MOBLEY - A Slice of the Top (1966-1995) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley's more intriguing sessions, for the talented composer had an opportunity to have four of his originals, plus the standard "There's a Lull in My Life," performed by an octet in the cool-toned style of Miles Davis's "Birth of the Cool" nonet, arranged by Duke Pearson. Although recorded in 1966, this date was not released until 1979 (and reissued on CD in 1995). Mobley, who continued to evolve into a more advanced player throughout the 1960s, fits right in with such adventurous players as altoist James Spaulding, trumpeter Lee Morgan (with whom Mobley recorded frequently), pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Billy Higgins. The inclusion of Kiane Zawadi on euphonium and Howard Johnson on tuba adds a lot of color to this memorable outing. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Hank's Other Bag 7'10
Hank Mobley
2     There's a Lull in My Life 5'23
Mack Gordon / Mark Gordon / Harry Revel    
3     Cute 'N Pretty 7'34
Hank Mobley    
4     A Touch of Blue 8'44
Hank Mobley
5     A Slice of the Top 9'40
Hank Mobley
Notas.
Originally issued as BN LT-995, on which Reggie Workman was mistakenly identified as bassist.
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – James Spaulding
Arranged By – Duke Pearson
Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Drums – Billy Higgins
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Euphonium – Kiane Zawadi
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Tenor Saxophone – Hank Mobley
Trumpet – Lee Morgan
Tuba – Howard Johnson

COLEMAN HAWKINS - Hollywood Stampede (1945-1989) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Hawkins led one of his finest bands in 1945, a sextet with the fiery trumpeter Howard McGhee that fell somewhere between small-group swing and bebop. This CD contains all of that group's 12 recordings, including memorable versions of "Rifftide" and "Stuffy"; trombonist Vic Dickenson guests on four tracks. This CD concludes with one of Hawkins' rarest sessions, an Aladdin date from 1947 that finds the veteran tenor leading a septet that includes 20-year-old trumpeter Miles Davis. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     April in Paris 2'54
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
2     Rifftide 2'52
Coleman Hawkins
3     Stardust 3'11
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish
4     Stuffy 3'00
Coleman Hawkins
5     Hollywood Stampede 3'07
Coleman Hawkins
6     I'm Through With Love 3'11
Gus Kahn / Fud Livingston / Matty Malneck
7     What Is There to Say? 3'17
Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
8     Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams (And Dream Your Troubles Away) 3'04
Harry Barris / Ted Koehler / Billy Moll
9     Too Much of a Good Thing 2'50
Coleman Hawkins
10     Bean Soup 3'04
Coleman Hawkins
11     Someone to Watch over Me 2'46
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
12     It's the Talk of the Town 3'04
Jerry Livingston / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes
13     Isn't It Romantic? 3'04
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
14     Bean-A-Re-Bop 2'30
Coleman Hawkins / Hank Jones
15     The Way You Look Tonight 2'46
Dorothy Fields / Jerome Kern
16     Phantomesque 2'53
Coleman Hawkins
Credits :
Tracks 1-4: Los Angeles, February 23, 1945
Howard McGhee: t
Coleman Hawkins: ts
Sir Charles Thompson: p
Allan Reuss: g
Oscar Pettiford:b
Denzil Best: d
Tracks 5-8: Los Angeles, March 2, 1945
Same as above, except Vic Dickenson: tb is added.
"Rifftide" from the same session was unissued but a tape exists.
Tracks 9-12: Los Angeles, March 9, 1945
Same as tracks 1-4, except John Simmons replaces Pettiford.
Tracks 13-16: NYC, June, 1947
Miles Davis: t
Kai Winding: tb
Howard Johnson: as
Coleman Hawkins: ts
Hank Jones: p
Curly Russell: b
Max Roach: d
Digital transfers: Ron McMaster

JIMMY HEATH - New Picture (1985) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Ten years after his most recent set as a leader, Jimmy Heath (heard here on tenor and soprano) finally had another opportunity to lead an album of his own. This date, reissued on CD, finds Heath playing in a largely unchanged style from his earlier days, although some of his freer flights hint slightly at the avant-garde. With strong support given by pianist Tommy Flanagan, guitarist Tony Purrone (an alumnus of the Heath Brothers), bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Al Foster, Heath performs four originals, "Lush Life," and Charlie Parker's "Dewey Square," and "Sophisticated Lady." Three numbers add two French horns, a trombone and a tuba to the ensembles for color; Heath provided the arrangements. A tasteful and swinging effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     New Picture 5'00
Jimmy Heath
2     Lush Life 8'06
Billy Strayhorn
3     Changes 5'59
Jimmy Heath
4     Keep Love Alive 5'21
Jimmy Heath
5     Dewey Square 4'05
Charlie Parker
6     Sophisticated Lady 6'44
Duke Ellington / Irving Mills / Mitchell Parish
7     Togetherness 5'10
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Bass – Rufus Reid
Drums – Al Foster
Electric Piano [Rhodes] – Tommy Flanagan (pistas: 3, 4)
French Horn – Bob Routch (pistas: 2, 4, 6), John Clark (pistas: 2, 4, 6)
Guitar – Tony Purrone
Piano [Acoustic] – Tommy Flanagan (pistas: 1, 2, 6, 7 , 8)
Producer – Jimmy Heath, Orrin Keepnews
Recorded By, Engineer [Remix] – Rudy Van Gelder
Soprano Saxophone – Jimmy Heath (pistas: 4 to 7)
Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath (pistas: 1 to 3, 5)
Trombone – Benny Powell (pistas: 2, 4, 6)
Tuba – Howard Johnson (pistas: 2, 4, 6)