ELVIN JONES ft. DAVID LIEBMAN — Earth Jones (1982-2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On this interesting but unfortunately out of print LP, the immortal drummer Elvin Jones teams up with four advanced but very different improvisers: Dave Liebman (doubling on soprano and flute), cornetist Terumasa Hino, pianist Kenny Kirkland and bassist George Mraz. Other than a lyrical version of "Never Let Me Go," the songs were contributed by either Jones ("Three Card Molly") or Liebman, whose "Day and Night" is not surprisingly based on the chord changes of "Night and Day." The solos are unpredictable but logical, and the blend between the lyrical Hino and Liebman is appealing. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Three Card Molly 8:04
Written-By – Elvin Jones
2    Is Seeing Believing? 7:58
Written-By – Elvin Jones
3    The Top Of The Middle 3:56
Written-By – David Liebman
4    Earth Jones 7:07
Written-By – David Liebman
5    Never Let Me Go 7:27
Written-By – Raymond Evans/Jay Livingston
6    Day And Night 7:46
Written-By – David Liebman
Credits :
Bass – George Mraz
Cornet – Terumasa Hino
Drums – Elvin Jones
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Producer [Associate] – David Liebman

ELVIN JONES — Brother John (1983-2003) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This out-of-print album is very much a showcase for saxophonist Pat LaBarbera, who doubles on tenor and soprano, for he also contributed five of the eight selections. With drummer Elvin Jones, pianist Kenny Kirkland and bassist Reggie Workman forming a formidable rhythm section, LaBarbera is heard throughout in fine form, playing in a style strongly influenced by (but not derivative of) John Coltrane. Unfortunately, this high-quality hard bop set will be difficult to find. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Necessary Evil 4:08
Composed By – P. LaBarbera
2    October's Child 5:16
Composed By – P. LaBarbera
3    Harmonique 4:52
Composed By – J. Coltrane
4    Whatever Possessed Me 6:12
Composed By – T. Dameron
5    Familiar Ground 4:24
Composed By – P. LaBarbera
6    Why Try To Change Me Now? 5:55
Composed By – Cy Coleman, J. A. McCarthy
7    Minor Blues 6:18
Composed By – P. LaBarbera
8    Brother John 4:18
Composed By – P. LaBarbera
Credits :
Bass – Reggie Workman
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Pat La Barbera

STANLEY JORDAN — Cornucopia (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The first half of this CD by the remarkable guitarist Stanley Jordan is so strong that it is a pity that things decline during the latter half. Jordan is quite outstanding on "Impressions" and "Autumn Leaves," emulates B.B. King on "Still Got The Blues", interprets a thoughtful "Willow Weep For Me" and performs a dazzling tour-de-force on the uptempo blues "Fundance"; the latter two are unaccompanied solos that sound like duets or trios. However a couple of funk pieces (including an unimaginative rendition of "What's Going On") and a New Age synthesizer selection are on a lower level. The title cut clocks in at 21:45 and, although it finds Jordan creating "impossible" technical feats on solo guitar, it meanders on indefinitely and gets boring very quickly. This is a frustrating release; get it for the good half if you see it at a budget price. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    Impressions 7:17
Written-By – John Coltrane
2.    Willow Weep For Me 4:39
Written-By – Anne Ronell
3.    Autumn Leaves 7:55
Written-By – Prevert, Mercer, Kozma
4.    Still Got The Blues 5:07
Written-By – Stanley Jordan
5.    Fundance 6:25
Written-By – Stanley Jordan
6.    What's Goin' On 4:32
Written-By – Al Cleveland, Marvin Gaye
7.    Always Know 4:32
Written-By – Bernard Wright, Yossi Fine
8.    Asteroids 4:44
Written-By – Stanley Jordan
9.    Cornucopia 21:45
Written-By – Stanley Jordan
Credits :
Bass – Charnett Moffett, Yossi Fine
Drums – J.T.Lewis, Jeff Watts, Kenwood Dennard, Michael Flythe
Guitar, Bass, Drum Programming – Stanley Jordan
Keyboards – Bernard Wright
Piano [Acoustic] – Kenny Kirkland
Synthesizer – Robert Zantay

STANLEY JORDAN — Live in New York (1998) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This concert was originally intended to be a video release showcasing Stanley Jordan in acoustic, electric and solo settings. His tight rhythm section -- including Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums, Kenny Kirkland on piano and Charnett Moffett on bass -- drives his complex and moving guitar playing through the standout acoustic tracks "Impressions" and "Cousin Mary," both by John Coltrane. But concert highlights are Jordan's two solo pieces, the bluesy "Willow Weep for Me" and classic show tune "Over the Rainbow," where he performs with an exhilarating freedom and virtuosity. Jordan resists the temptation to slip into the then-ubiquitous smooth jazz sound, making this a timeless release. Ryan Randall Goble
Tracklist :
1  Impressions  7:45
 John Coltrane
2  Autumn Leaves  7:52
Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer / Jacques Prévert
3  For You  5:43
 Charnett Moffett
4  Cousin Mary  6:12
 John Coltrane
5  Flying Home  5:16
 Stanley Jordan
6  Willow Weep For Me  4:44
 Ann Ronell
7  Over The Rainbow  5:24
 Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
8  Still Got The Blues  5:22
 Stanley Jordan
9  The Lady In My Life  7:22
 Rod Temperton
Credits :
Charnett Moffett (tracks: 1-4) - bass
J.T. Lewis (tracks: 8-9), Jeff "Tain" Watts (tracks: 1-4) - Drums
Yossi Fine (tracks: 8-9) - Electric bass
Stanley Jordan - Guitar
Bernard Wright (tracks: 8-9) - Keyboard
Kenny Kirkland (tracks: 1-4) - Piano

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 :

WYNTON MARSALIS - Wynton Marsalis (1981) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis's debut on Columbia, recorded when he was only 19, made it clear from the start that he was going to be a major force in jazz. At the time Marsalis (who was originally a bit influenced by Freddie Hubbard) was starting to closely emulate Miles Davis of the mid-'60s and his slightly older brother Branford took Wayne Shorter as his role model. The inclusion of Davis's rhythm section from that era (pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams) on four of the seven selections reinforced the image. The three other numbers feature such up-and-coming talents as pianist Kenny Kirkland, Charles Fambrough or Clarence Seay on bass and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, helping to launch the rise of the Young Lions. But although not overly original, there is a great deal of outstanding playing on this set, including a definitive version of Tony Williams's "Sister Cheryl" and the long tradeoff between Wynton and Branford on "Hesitation." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Father Time 8'14
Bass – Clarence Seay
Drums – Jeff Watts
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Trumpet, Written-By – W. Marsalis
2     I'll Be There When the Time Is Right 2'33
Bass – Clarence Seay
Drums – Jeff Watts
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Written-By – H. Hancock
3     RJ 3'50
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Written-By – R. Carter
4     Hesitation 5'42
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Written-By – W. Marsalis
5     Sister Cheryl 7'24
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Written-By – T. Williams
6     Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) 4'39
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Written-By – A. Newley, L. Bricusse
7     Twilight 8'39
Bass – Charles Fambrough
Drums – Jeff Watts
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Written-By – W. Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - Think of One (1983) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

In his early years after leaving Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Wynton Marsalis strode forth with this excellent recording, his second as a leader, done in tandem with brother Branford, also out of Blakey's herd. The combination of the two siblings created quite a buzz in the music community, and this recording, which may stand the test of time as his finest, is one of the more solid mainstream jazz statements from the Young Lions movement of the early '80s. Top to bottom, this music sings, swings, simmers, and cooks with a cool verve that, in retrospect, would turn more overtly intellectual over time. A command of dynamics akin to those of Charles Mingus creates a signature sound, heard clearly in the opener, "Knozz-Moe-King," fueled by supercharged bop; the bold, extroverted, and precise trumpeting of the leader; and Kenny Kirkland's complementary piano comping. It could be the best single track of the entire recording career of Wynton. Ranking close behind is the tick-tock drumming of Jeff Watts, informing the pretty albeit dark musings of the brothers during "Fuchsia," and the sighing horns, samba bass of Phil Bowler, and stop-start modernities of an utterly original "The Bell Ringer." A bouncy treatment of the standard "My Ideal" shows Wynton's singing tone through his horn, a great interpretation of Thelonious Monk's "Think of One" is totally sly and slinky in low-register hues, and triplet phrases that have become a staple of the Marsalis musical identity accent "Later," adapted from a phrase similar to "Surrey with the Fringe on Top." At their unified best, Wynton and Branford shine on the tricky "What Is Happening Here (Now)?," a spillover residual of their time with Blakey. Think of One is a definitive statement for Wynton Marsalis, and though other efforts turned much more elaborate, none have been played better -- with more palpable spark and original ideas -- than this fine studio date. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1     Knozz-Moe-King 6'00
Wynton Marsalis
2     Fuschia 6'29
K. Kirkland
3     My Ideal 6'19
Newell Chase / Leo Robin / Richard A. Whiting
4     What Is Happening Here (Now) ? 4'06
Ray Drummond
5     Think of One 5'30
Thelonious Monk
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
6     The Bell Ringer 9'05
Wynton Marsalis
7     Later 4'09
Wynton Marsalis
8     Melancholia 2'49
Duke Ellington
Credits :
Bass – Phil Bowler, Ray Drummond (pistas: 2, 4, 7, 8)
Drums – Jeffrey Watts
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Producer, Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Branford Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - Hot House Flowers (1984-1997) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Wynton Marsalis, very much in his Miles Davis period, plays quite melodically throughout this ballad-dominated outing with strings. Branford Marsalis (on tenor and soprano), flutist Kent Jordan, pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Jeff Watts are strong assets but it is Wynton's subtle creativity on such songs as "Stardust," "When You Wish Upon a Star," Duke Ellington's "Melancholia," and "I'm Confessin'" that makes this recording special. The arrangements by Robert Freedman generally keep the strings from sounding too sticky and Wynton's tone is consistently. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Stardust 4'07
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish
2     Lazy Afternoon 5'03
John Latouche / Jürg Morgenthaler / Jerome Moross
3     For All We Know 6'15
J. Fred Coots / Sam M. Lewis
4     When You Wish Upon a Star 4'40
Leigh Harline / Ned Washington
5     Django 4'52
John Lewis
6     Melancholia 5'09
Duke Ellington
7     Hot House Flowers 5'46
Wynton Marsalis
8     I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) 5'41
Doc Daugherty / Al J. Neiburg / Ellis Reynolds
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Jeff "Tain" Watts
Flute [Alto] – Kent Jordan
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Saxophone [Tenor], Saxophone [Soprano] – Branford Marsalis
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - Black Codes (From the Underground) (1985) APE (image+.cue), lossless

This is probably the best Wynton Marsalis recording from his Miles Davis period. With his brother Branford (who doubles here on tenor and soprano) often closely emulating Wayne Shorter and the rhythm section (pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Charnett Moffett, and drummer Jeff Watts) sounding a bit like the famous Herbie Hancock-Ron Carter-Tony Williams trio, Wynton is heard at the head of what was essentially an updated version of the mid- to late-'60s Miles Davis Quintet (despite Stanley Crouch's pronouncements in his typically absurd liner notes about Marsalis' individuality). The music is brilliantly played and displays what the "Young Lions" movement was really about: young musicians choosing to explore acoustic jazz and to extend the innovations of the pre-fusion modern mainstream style. Marsalis would develop his own sound a few years later, but even at age 23 he had few close competitors. Scott Yanow
Tracklist
1 Black Codes 9:27
2 For Wee Folks 9:05
3 Delfeayo's Dilemma 6:46
4 Phryzzinian Man 6:44
5 Aural Oasis 5:32
6 Chambers Of Tain 7:37
7 Blues 5:24
Credits
Bass – Charnett Moffett (tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7), Ron Carter (tracks: 5)
Drums – Jeff "Tain" Watts
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

BRANFORD MARSALIS - Renaissance (1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The high point of Branford Marsalis' third Columbia release as a leader is a 15-minute version of Jimmy Rowles' "The Peacocks" played in a trio with pianist Herbie Hancock and bassist Buster Williams. The remainder of the program matches Marsalis with pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Bob Hurst, and drummer Tony Williams on a pair of standards ("Just One of Those Things" and a live version of "St. Thomas"), J.J. Johnson's "Lament," and originals by Marsalis and Williams. Although he did not have an immediately recognizable sound on tenor and soprano at this point, it was obvious from nearly the start that Branford Marsalis would have a very significant career. This is one of his better early efforts. by Scott Yanow

Tracklist:

1    Just One Of Those Things 7:46
Written-By – C. Porter
2    Lament 5:58
Written-By – J.J. Johnson
3    The Peacocks 15:00
Written-By – J. Rowles
4    Love Stone 6:24
Written-By – T. Williams
5    Citadel 10:42
Written-By – T. Williams
6    The Wrath (Structured Burnout) 6:29
Written-By – B. Marsalis
7    St. Thomas 4:50
Written-By – S. Rollins
Credits:
Bass – Buster Williams (tracks: 3), Bob Hurst (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
Drums – Tony Williams
Piano – Herbie Hancock (tracks: 3), Kenny Kirkland (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Branford Marsalis

MIROSLAV VITOUS - Guardian Angels (1978-1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Miroslav Vitous has long been one of Europe's premier jazz bassists, while John Scofield is a great American guitarist. Their team-up yields music that is immaculately presented but often deficient in the energy and soul departments. That seems by design; such numbers as "Inner Peace" and "Shinkansen" have subdued arrangements, and the players carefully solo without ever straining or exerting themselves. At other times, Vitous and company move into more of a funk or upbeat style and seem even less sure. Vitous' bass work, especially his acoustic bowing, is marvelous, while Scofield plays in a sharp, concise, impressive manner, although without the characteristic edge and rock/blues stylings. by Ron Wynn
Tracklist:
1 His Meaning / Rising / Resolution 8:30
Written-By – Miroslav Vitous
2 Inner Peace 6:01
Written-By – Kenny Kirkland
3 Guardian Angels 5:45
Written-By – Miroslav Vitous
4 Off To Buffalo 5:07
Written-By – John Scofield
5 Eating It Raw 7:51
Written-By – John Scofield
6 Shinkansen 6:09
Written-By – Kenny Kirkland
Credits:
Bass, Electric Bass, Synthesizer [Mini-Moog, Solina String-ensemble] – Miroslav Vitous
Drums [Yamaha] – George Ohtsuke
Guitar – John Scofield
Music Director – Miroslav Vitous
Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes, Yamaha CP-70 (electric grand)], Synthesizer [Yamaha CS-50 (polyphonic), Mini-Moog] – Kenny Kirkland
Soprano Saxophone – Mabumi Yamaguchi

MIROSLAV VITOUS - First Meeting (1980) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This 1980 quartet session, unavailable in the U.S., features a young Kenny Kirkland on piano along with John Surman on soprano sax and bass clarinet and Jon Christensen on drums. Vitous wrote all but the title track, a tension-filled group improvisation. The dramatic "Silver Lake" begins the disc with rubato filigree and evolves into a driving yet impressionistic feel. "Beautiful Place To" follows, with its odd, Zen-like repeated melody, leading into "Trees," another rubato exploration with a short, precise melodic theme at its core. "Recycle," the album's high point, is prefaced by a beautiful piano and bass clarinet duo passage that sets the stage for hard-swinging improvisation. Vitous is unaccompanied on "Concerto in Three Parts," giving his warm, ardent arco style an extended feature (he bows throughout much of the disc as well). The lilting "You Make Me So Happy" serves as the finale. Recommended but hard to find, First Meeting documents the strength of Vitous' writing and playing and also yields a satisfying encounter with the late Kirkland, early in his career. by David R. Adler
Tracklist:
1 Silver Lake 10:49
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
2 Beautiful Place To 5:06
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
3 Trees 6:06
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
4 Recycle 10:08
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
5 First Meeting 4:44
Composed By – Surman, Christensen, Kirkland, Vitous
6 Concerto In Three Parts 5:28
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
7 You Make Me So Happy 4:33
Composed By – Miroslav Vitous
Credits:
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Jon Christensen
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Producer – Manfred Eicher
Soprano Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – John Surman

MICHAEL BRECKER - Michael Brecker (1987) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Although he had been a major tenor saxophonist in the studios for nearly 20 years and was quite popular for his work with the Brecker Brothers, this MCA/Impulse set was Michael Brecker's first as a leader. Playing in a quintet with guitarist Pat Metheny, keyboardist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Charlie Haden, and drummer Jack DeJohnette, Brecker performs three of his originals, two by producer Don Grolnick, and Mike Stern's "Choices." The music in general is straight-ahead but far from predictable; the tricky material really challenges the musicians and Michael Brecker is in consistently brilliant form, constantly stretching himself. Highly recommended.  by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Sea Glass 5:49
Michael Brecker
2 Syzygy 9:44
Michael Brecker
3 Choices 8:06
Mike Stern
4 Nothing Personal 5:29
Don Grolnick
5 Cost of Living 7:49
Don Grolnick
6 Original Rays 9:04
Michael Brecker / Don Grolnick / Mike Stern
Bonus Tracks
7 My One and Only Love 8:16
Robert Mellin / Guy Wood
Credits:
Bass – Charlie Haden
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Guitar – Pat Metheny
Keyboards – Kenny Kirkland
Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Michael Brecker