YELLOWJACKETS — Politics (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A nearly complete departure from smooth jazz, Politics is arguably the Yellowjackets' strongest effort to date. True, there is the pure pop of the single "Local Hero" (which features a rhythm section more rock than jazz) and the accessible "Evening Dance" to be considered, but they're the exceptions rather than the rule. Like Four Corners before it, Politics engages in exotic, dreamy textures, the new wrinkle here being the joining of Russell Ferrante's keyboards and Marc Russo's saxophones to create intoxicating, complex themes (the opening pair of "Oz" and "Tortoise & the Hare" are the best examples of this technique). The disc also finds the Yellowjackets incorporating elements of post-bop ("Downtown," "Foreign Correspondent") and more traditional jazz ("Helix," which affords a rare opportunity to compare Ferrante's piano technique to those of artists like Chick Corea and Bill Evans). The biggest difference in sound comes from Russo, who downplays his typically smooth soloing for more cerebral fare. Jimmy Haslip's bass has grown steadily more subtle over time, though he does showcase his fretless skills on "Galileo (For Jaco)" and provides a perfect complement to Russo's sax on the romantic "Avance." The rhythms of William Kennedy have moved higher in the mix, which partially accounts for Haslip's diminished presence, with guest Alex Acuña again providing occasional percussion. It's a pleasure to hear the Yellowjackets move beyond smooth jazz to bring their talents to bear on more substantive music. Despite the variety of styles -- from giddy, Ponty-like patterns to thoughtful, unfolding ballads -- the Yellowjackets treat every song with care and craftsmanship. The band returned to self-producing after this, so some of the softness in tone that co-producer David Hentschel brought to the sessions was lost on The Spin. Of the four albums that the band made for MCA, Politics is the one to own. Dave Connolly  
Tracklist :
1     Oz 4:44
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
2     Tortoise & The Hare 5:32
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marc Russo
3     Local Hero 4:38
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / Marc Russo
4     Galileo (For Jaco) 5:05
Jimmy Haslip
5     Foreign Correspondent 5:43
Russell Ferrante / Jimmy Haslip / William Kennedy / Marc Russo
6     Downtown 4:02
Russell Ferrante
7     Helix 4:57
Russell Ferrante / William Kennedy
8     Avance 5:17
Russell Ferrante
9     One Voice 3:58
Russell Ferrante
10     Evening Dance 5:10
Russell Ferrante
Credits :
Guest, Musician, Percussion – Alex Acuna
Guest, Musician, Synthesizer [Synclavier] – Steve Croes
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Bass [5 String Bass] – Jimmy Haslip
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Drums – William Kennedy
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Keyboards [All Keyboards] – Russell Ferrante
Performer [Yellowjackets Are:], Saxophone [Saxophones] – Marc Russo

YELLOWJACKETS — Four Corners (1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Taking a cue from Weather Report (not to mention a percussionist, Alex Acuña), the Yellowjackets created more exotic textures for Four Corners, often with the use of Zawinul-like synthesizers from Russell Ferrante. The album otherwise represents a shift toward more traditional jazz, felt profoundly in the rhythm section of Jimmy Haslip and new drummer William Kennedy. The change in strategy is made plain on the opening "Out of Town," which finds everyone rethinking their instrument beyond the smooth jazz of Shades. While the atmospheric production of David Hentschel and the band lends an ominous air to the music, fans may see it as a poor tradeoff for the readily identifiable (and often instantly likeable) melodies of their previous work. Though nothing leaps off of Four Corners screaming "Hum me," sections of it are mesmerizing. "Past Ports" and "Wildlife" in particular absorb the listener into a breathing musical world. The disc isn't a full conversion from smooth jazz; Marc Russo's sax is still as sweet as ever, but on a track like "Open Road" the effect is icing on a spice cake. Haslip provides some noisy patterns that suggest he was striving for more substance; in fact, he and Ferrante seem to duke it out for control of "Postcards," while everyone throws their own wrench into "Room With a View." Four Corners is the product of four separate musicians striving to cultivate their own voice, a journey that discovers some interesting music along the way. That the Yellowjackets wanted to explore beyond the fringes of smooth jazz boded well for the band's future. Dave Connolly
Tracklist :
1    Out Of Town 5:02
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
2    Wildlife 6:03
Cello, Percussion [Additional] – Bill Gable
Vocals – Alex Acuña, Bill Gable, Brenda Russell, Diana Acuña, Jimmy Haslip
Written-By – Alex Acuña, Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
3    Sightseeing 5:52
Vocals – Bill Gable
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
4    Open Road 3:37
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
5    Mile High 4:12
Written-By – Bill Gable, Jimmy Haslip, Marc Russo, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
6    Past Ports 5:29
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
7    Postcards 5:28
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Russell Ferrante
8    Room With A View 4:28
Written-By – Russell Ferrante
9    Geneva 2:24
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip
10    Indigo 5:28
Written-By – Jimmy Haslip, Marc Russo, Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy
Credits :
Drums, Percussion – William Kennedy
Electric Bass [5-string Bass, Fretless Bass] – Jimmy Haslip
Percussion – Alex Acuña
Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer [All] – Russell Ferrante
Programmed By [Synclavier] – Gary Barlough
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Marc Russo

AHMAD JAMAL TRIO — Count 'Em 88 (1956-1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This LP (not yet reissued on CD) was pianist Ahmad Jamal's first with his new group, a trio also including bassist Israel Crosby and drummer Walter Perkins. Although he was reasonably popular around the Chicago area at the time, Jamal's major breakthrough would be the following album, But Not for Me, recorded more than a year later. The "Jamal sound," with its expert use of dynamics, close interplay, space and subtle surprises was very much in place, and this out-of-print set is on the same level as his better-known hits to come. Highlights include "Green Dolphin Street," "How About You" and "Easy To Remember." Well worth searching for. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Volga Boatman 3:53
Ahmad Jamal
2    On Green Dolphin Street 3:20
Bronislaw Kaper / Ned Washington
3    How About You 5:30
R. Freed / Ralph Freed / Burton Lane
4    I Just Can't See for Lookin 2:04
Nadine Robinson
5    Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year 2:35
Frank Loesser
6    Beat Out One 5:28
Ahmad Jamal
7    Maryam 3:39
Ahmad Jamal
8    Easy to Remember 5:41
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
9    Jim Love Sue 2:51
Ahmad Jamal
Credits :
Double Bass – Israel Crosby
Drums – Walter Perkins
Piano – Ahmad Jamal

SPYRO GYRA — Rites Of Summer (1988) APE (image+.cue), lossless

1998's Rites of Summer is the album on which Spyro Gyra once and for all abandons every pretense toward being anything other than a slickly commercial instrumental pop outfit with occasional feints toward the smoothest of smooth jazz. As always with Spyro Gyra, the slower and more impressionistic tunes are much more interesting than the upbeat songs. Where "Daddy's Got a New Girl Now" sounds like the backing track to an unreleased Deniece Williams single and "No Man's Land" and "Captain Karma" sound as if they were written as background music for the local forecasts on The Weather Channel, "Claire's Dream," by bandleader and saxophonist Jay Beckenstein, is haunting and memorable, and keyboardist Tom Schuman's "Innocent Soul" is a downright lovely mélange of Brian Eno and Erik Satie at their most lyrical. Fans who admired the more complex and occasionally even edgy sound of Spyro Gyra's earliest albums will be disappointed, but those who liked the rest of their '80s releases will find this comfortingly familiar. Stewart Mason
Tracklist :
1    Claire's Dream    5:38
 Jay Beckenstein
2    Daddy's Got A New Girl Now    4:02
 Jay Beckenstein
3    Limelight 4:27
 Dave Samuels
4    Shanghai Gumbo 4:28
 Julio Fernandez
5    Innocent Soul    4:52
 Tom Schuman
6    No Man's Land    5:37
 Jeremy Wall
7    Yosemite    5:21
 Jeremy Wall
8    The Archer 4:59
 Richie Morales
9    Captain Karma    5:40
 Tom Schuman
Credits :
Bass – Oscar Cartaya
Drums – Richie Morales
Guitar – Julio Fernandez
Keyboards – Tom Schuman
Percussion – Dave Samuels
Producer, Saxophone – Jay Beckenstein
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming By] – Steve Shapiro

JOE SAMPLE — Carmel (1979-1985) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Pianist Joe Sample is a pioneer at creating melodic and accessible pop-jazz. His recordings of the 1970s and '80s were consistently popular, especially this best-seller. Sample is joined on most selections by fellow Crusader Stix Hooper on drums, electric bassist Abraham Laboriel, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, and, often, guitarist Dean Parks. Flutist Hubert Laws guests on "Midnight and Mist." The memorable melodies, clean harmonics, and Sample's fine playing make Carmel a high point among his solo recordings  Scott Yanow    
Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Voices in the Rain (1980) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

There is a fair amount of variety on this reasonably enjoyable but not essential release from keyboardist Joe Sample. Most of the tunes fall into the area of funky crossover with strong melodies, danceable rhythms and few chances taken. Flora Purim takes the vocal on "Shadows" and is joined by two other singers for the spirited "Burnin' Up The Carnival." The acoustic "Sonata In Solitude" has violinist L. Subramaniam, guitarist John Collins and bassist Ray Brown, but that is a one-time departure on what is basically a commercial set geared for radio airplay. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — The Hunter (1983) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Sample returns to the smooth jazz style of his popular albums Rainbow Seeker, Carmel, and Voices in the Rain on 1983's The Hunter. The keyboardist fills up a studio with like-minded session musicians including trumpeter Tom Browne, horn players Chuck Findley, Jerry Hey, and Ernie Watts, guitarists Dean Parks, David Spinozza, and Phil Upchurch, bassists Abraham Laboriel and Marcus Miller, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, and drummer Steve Gadd, and sets them loose on some rhythmic tracks with a rock/R&B feel. The beat is paramount, a constant augmented by funky, popping basslines, with guitar solos and horn charts overlaid. And, weaving in and out is Sample, on either acoustic or electric piano, finding room to solo extensively. The solos are more of the rock variety than what a conventional jazz fan would recognize, since they are anchored to the relentless beats. But Sample is one of the more accomplished players in smooth jazz, and his sidemen are able to support him and, when given the chance, match him in their playing. William Ruhlmann    Tracklist & Credits :

JOE SAMPLE — Oasis (1985) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Pianist Joe Sample, who has had easily the most successful solo career of any of the Crusaders, recorded a series of melodic and lightly funky sets for MCA in the 1980s. This particular outing (which is available on CD) is unfortunately quite weak due to the forgettable melodies. Sample is joined by Dean Parks, Carlos Fearing, David T. Walker and/or Barry Finnerty on guitars, either Wilton Felder, Abraham Laboriel or Nathan East on bass, drummer Ndugu, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa and occasional synthesizers and strings; he plays well enough, but the material is quite inferior. One song ("The Survivor") features Phyllis Hyman's over-the-top R&B singing. Otherwise, the program consists of lightweight instrumentals, pleasant but mundane. Get Sample's Carmel instead. Scott Yanow    Tracklist & Credits :

ALBERT AYLER - In Greenwich Village (1967-1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

During 1967-69 avant-garde innovator Albert Ayler recorded a series of albums for Impulse that started on a high level and gradually declined in quality. This LP, Ayler's first Impulse set, was probably his best for that label. There are two selections apiece from a pair of live appearances with Ayler having a rare outing on alto on the emotional "For John Coltrane" and the more violent "Change Has Come" while backed by cellist Joel Friedman, both Alan Silva and Bill Folwell on basses and drummer Beaver Harris. The other set (with trumpeter Donald Ayler, violinist Michel Sampson, Folwell and Henry Grimes on basses and Harris) has a strong contrast between the simple childlike melodies and the intense solos. However this LP (which was augmented later on by the two-LP set The Village Concerts) will be difficult to find. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     For John Coltrane 13'38
Albert Ayler
2     Change Has Come 6'24
Albert Ayler
3     Truth Is Marching In 12'43
Albert Ayler
4     Our Prayer 4'43
Donald Ayler
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Albert Ayler (tracks: 1)
Bass – Alan Silva (tracks: 1, 2), Bill Folwell, Henry Grimes (tracks: 3, 4)
Cello – Joel Friedman (tracks: 1, 2)
Drums – Beaver Harris
Producer – Bob Thiele
Tenor Saxophone – Albert Ayler (tracks: 2 to 4)
Trumpet – Donald Ayler (tracks: 3, 4)
 Violin – Michel Sampson (tracks: 3, 4)

ROLAND KIRK - Introducing Roland Kirk (1960-1990) The Original Chess Jazz Masters | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although the title suggests otherwise, Introducing Roland Kirk is actually Kirk's second long player. Poor distribution kept his debut, Triple Threat, from receiving the attention it deserved until subsequent reissues of the album in the early '70s. On these sides, Kirk is accompanied by a quartet including: Ira Sullivan (trumpet/tenor sax), William Burton (keyboards), Don Garrett (bass), and Sonny Brown (drums). Kirk leads the ensemble with his "triple threat" -- consisting of a variation of the soprano sax called a manzello; a stritch, which is a variant of the straight alto saxophone; and a slightly modified tenor sax -- all of which he could maneuver simultaneously. Although Kirk's performances are exceedingly reserved on this album, there is little doubt of his technical proficiencies. The three sides penned by Kirk are among the most interesting as they allow for a certain degree of openness that is essential when spotlighting his unique talents. This autonomy yields some exceptional interplay between Kirk and Ira Sullivan -- highlighted on "The Call" and "Soul Station." One of the motifs evident throughout Kirk's career involved his ability to personalize pop standards into his very distinctive mold as "Our Love Is Here to Stay" aptly exemplifies. Although some free jazz and avant-garde purists may find Introducing Roland Kirk not challenging enough, it provides a solid basis for his increasingly bombastic post-bop experiments throughout the remainder of the '60s and '70s. Lindsay Planer  
Tracklist :
1     The Call 8'42
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
2     Soul Station 5'57
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
3     Our Waltz 4'51
David Rose
4     Our Love Is Here to Stay 4'50
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
5    Spirit Girl 5'33
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
6     Jack the Ripper 7'32
William Burton
Credits :
Bass – Don Garrett
Drums – Sonny Brown
Piano, Organ – William Burton
Tenor Saxophone, Saxophone [Manzello, Strich] – Roland Kirk
Trumpet, Tenor Saxophone – Ira Sullivan

MATT DENNIS – Plays and Sings Matt Dennis (1954-1989) 24-96Hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Recorded at the Tally-Ho in Hollywood, Matt Dennis Plays and Sings Matt Dennis is a program of what visitors to his supper-club sets could expect from one of the best lounge singers in an era before the term became a dirty word. Accompanying himself on the piano with bass and drums for backing, Dennis sings 12 of his own tunes, including an avalanche of standards -- "Will You Still Be Mine," "The Night We Called It a Day," "Angel Eyes," "Violets for Your Furs," "Everything Happens to Me," and "Let's Get Away from It All." Though his voice doesn't quite match his notable composing skills, Dennis uses his narrow range and soft, high-tenor tone to craft a sensitive vocal style. His deft sense of humor also comes in handy during several hilarious offsides to the audience and listener, often in the middle of a line. Virgina Maxey duets with him on "We Belong Together" and "When You Love a Fella." John Bush
Tracklist :
1 Will You Still Be Mine 2:36
Lyrics By – Tom Adair
2 Junior And Julie 2:46
Lyrics By – Bob Carson 
3 The Night We Called It A Day 2:17
Lyrics By – Tom Adair
4 Angel Eyes 3:06
Lyrics By – Earl K. Brent
5 Violets For Your Furs 2:19
Lyrics By – Tom Adair
6 Everything Happens To Me 3:10
Lyrics By – Tom Adair
7 Compared To You 3:00
Lyrics By – Paul Herrick
8 That Tired Routine Called Love 2:25
Lyrics By – Ted Steele
9 It Wasn't The Stars That Thrilled Me 2:53
Lyrics By – Dave Gillam
10 Let's Get Away From It All 2:22
Lyrics By – Tom Adair
Credits :
Bass – Gene Englund
Drums – Mark Barnett
Written-By – Matt Dennis