STEPS AHEAD — Magnetic (1986-2013) RM | Serie Jazz Best Collection 1000 – 10 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The last Steps Ahead recording to feature Michael Brecker, this album finds the band exploring the use of electronic instruments and synthesis. Michael Brecker's use of the Akai E.W.I. (electronic wind instrument) is astonishing. Paul Kohler
Tracklist :
1.    Trains 7:31
Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Guitar [Guitar Synthesizer] – Chuck Loeb
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums [Acoustic, Electric], Percussion – Peter Erskine
Engineer – Malcolm Pollack, Neil Dorfsman, Rick Kerr
Engineer [Assistant] – Jamie Chaleff, Ken Steiger, Rick Begin
Guitar – Hiram Bullock
Mixed By – Malcolm Pollack
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming] – Robby Kilgore
Synthesizer – Kenny Kirkland
Tenor Saxophone [Steiner Ewi] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes], Keyboards – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Mike Mainieri
2.    Beirut 8:15
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums [Acoustic, Electric], Percussion – Peter Erskine
Engineer [Assistant] – Scott Ansell
Engineer, Mixed By – James Farber
Guitar, Guitar [Guitar Synthesizer] – Chuck Loeb
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming] – Robby Kilgore
Saxophone [Steiner Ewi, Oberheim Xpander] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes], Keyboards – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – C. Loeb, M. Brecker, M. Mainieri, P. Erskine, V. Bailey
3.    Cajun 6:16
Banjo – Peter Schwimmer
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums – Peter Erskine
Engineer [Assistant] – Scott Ansell
Engineer, Mixed By – James Farber
Guitar, Guitar [Guitar Synthesizer] – Chuck Loeb
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming] – Robby Kilgore
Tenor Saxophone [Steiner Ewi, Oberheim Xpander] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes] – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Michael Brecker
4.    In A Sentimental Mood 3:30
Engineer – Joe Barbaria
Engineer [Assistant] – Bridget Daly
Keyboards – Mike Mainieri
Mixed By – Michel Sauvage
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming] – Phil Ashley
Saxophone [Steiner Ewi, Oberheim Xpander] – Michael Brecker
Written-By – Duke Ellington
5.    Magnetic Love 5:33
Backing Vocals – Diva Gray, Janis Pendarvis, Jocelyn Brown
Drum Programming – Jimmy Bralower
Engineer – Jay Rifkin, Joe Barbaria, Malcolm Pollack
Engineer [Assistant] – Bridget Daly, Jamie Chaleff, Robin Lane
Guitar – Paul Jackson
Lead Vocals – Dianne Reeves
Mixed By – Michael Brauer
Synthesizer – Mike Mainieri, Scott Martin 
Synthesizer [Synclavier Sampling] – Andy Topeka
Synthesizer, Synthesizer [Sequencing] – Phil Ashley
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Written-By – Mike Mainieri, Scott Martin 
6.    Sumo 5:50
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drum Programming – Jimmy Bralower
Drums, Percussion – Peter Erskine
Engineer – Neil Dorfsman, Rick Kerr
Engineer [Assistant] – Kevin Killian, Rick Begin, Tim Purvis
Guitar, Guitar [Guitar Synthesizer] – Chuck Loeb
Mixed By – Tom Lord-Alge
Programmed By [Synthesizer Programming], Piano – Robby Kilgore
Tenor Saxophone [Steiner Ewi] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes] – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Michael Brecker
7.    All The Tea In China 5:03
Bass – Victor Bailey
Engineer – Andrew Heermans
Engineer [Assistant] – Tim Purvis
Guitar – Chuck Loeb
Mixed By – Tom Lord-Alge
Programmed By [Oberheim Xpander Programming] – Robby Kilgore
Synthesizer – Mitchel Forman
Synthesizer, Percussion – Peter Erskine
Tenor Saxophone [Steiner Ewi, Oberheim Xpander] – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Peter Erskine
8.    Something I Said 4:23
Bass – Victor Bailey
Drums, Synthesizer – Peter Erskine
Engineer – James Farber
Engineer [Assistant] – Ken Steiger, Scott Ansell
Guitar – Chuck Loeb
Mixed By – Malcolm Pollack
Piano [Acoustic], Synthesizer – Warren Bernhardt
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone [Synthi-vibes] – Mike Mainieri
Written-By – Peter Erskine
9.    Reprise (Magnetic Love) 1:15
Written-By – Mike Mainieri, Scott Martin 

JACO PASTORIUS — Anthology : The Warner Bros. Years (2014) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Anthology: The Warner Bros. Years’ is one of many retrospectives of bass genius Jaco Pastorius’ work that have been issued since his tragic death at the age of 35. Containing music from his time with the Warner Bros. label, the vast majority of the album is made up of selections from his sophomore solo studio release ‘Word Of Mouth’ and live albums ‘The Birthday Concert’ and ‘Invitation’.

Among the four tracks which are not from these albums, first up is a live version of ‘Okonkole y Trompa’ from debut album ‘Jaco Pastorius’. This recording comes from the Japanese release ‘Twins I & II’ and stays pretty close to the original as an atmospheric piece featuring some beautiful French horn. ‘Nativity’ from Weather Report and Return To Forever percussionist Airto Moreira’s 1977 album, ‘I’m Fine, How Are You?’, continues in the atmospheric vein before a more upbeat mood is struck on ‘Mood Swings’ from Mike Stern’s ‘Upside Downside’.

While the idea of seeing Jaco in other settings could well provide some interest, if there are only a couple of token examples his work with Joni Mitchell or Pat Metheny would almost certainly lend more insight than the selections here. All three of the tracks here were in fact included on 2003’s ‘Punk Jazz: The Jaco Pastorius Anthology’ alongside some of his work with Mitchell and Metheny as well recordings from the beginnings of Jaco’s career in an altogether more cohesive and informative compilation.

The only completely new material is a previously unissued recording of ‘Donna Lee’ from ‘The Birthday Concert’ session. Mainly serving the purpose of trombone feature, it feels like little more than a play through of the standard and you can see why it didn’t make the original album.

What is lacking in new material is somewhat made up for by the quality of the original albums. From the technical virtuosity of ‘Chromatic Fantasy’, to the superb ensemble sound of ‘Liberty City’ and compositional genius of ‘Three Views Of A Secret’, all facets of what made Pastorius such a fantastic musician are on show. However, they have been presented in a vaguely baffling way, presumably shifted around in order to warrant a compilation which is basically a triple album reissue of the aforementioned albums with double performances of tunes removed. The worst example of this is where ‘Chromatic Fantasy’ has been plonked carelessly between ‘Blackbird’ and ‘Word Of Mouth’, having the sole effect of destroying the intensity created by the segue on the original album. The fact that such a glaringly unmusical decision has made it onto this release is extraordinary.

A mercurial talent whose career was all too brief, you may think that there isn’t enough material in his back catalogue to warrant so many compilations. Anthology seems to lend some weight to that argument.

For a Jaco fan, there’s nothing much new here; to check out Pastorius for the first time, you’d be better off purchasing the albums separately and experiencing them as the artist intended. Joe Stoddart
Tracklist 1 :
1. Crisis 5:22
2. Blackbird 2:47
3. Chromatic Fantasy 3:19
4. Word Of Mouth 3:53
5. Three Views Of A Secret 6:09
6. John And Mary 10:53
7. Continuum 2:34
8. Liberty City 8:11
9. Soul Intro / The Chicken 8:00
10. Reza 10:36
11. Happy Birthday 1:48
Tracklist 2 :
1. Punk Jazz 4:35
2. Amerika 1:09
3. Invitation 6:42
4. Domingo 5:39
5. Sophisticated Lady 4:53
6. Fannie Mae 2:36
7. Eleven 0:25
8. Okonkole' Y Trompa 7:07
9. Nativity (Airto Moreira) 6:44
10. Mood Swings (Mike Stern) 6:06
11. Donna Lee (Previously Unreleased) 7:31    
feat: Jack DeJohnette, Mike Stern, Airto Moreira, Jaco Pastorius, Toots Thielemans, Michael Brecker, Hubert Laws, Wayne Shorter, Peter Erskine, Don Alias, Othello Molineaux, Bob Mintzer

JOHN PATITUCCI — On The Corner (1989) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    On The Corner    4:04
2.    Avenue "D"    4:11
3.    Venetian Moonlight    4:46
4.    A Better Mousetrap    3:02
5.    Vaya Con Dios    4:58
6.    Kingston Blues    4:40
7.    Painting    5:11
8.    Strength To The Weak    5:16
9.    Flatbush Ave    4:09
10.    The Storyteller    6:31
11.    Bertha's Bop    6:53
Credits :
Bass – John Patitucci
Drums – Al Foster (tracks: 3, 11), Alex Acuña (tracks: 5, 7), Vinnie Colaiuta (tracks: 2, 6, 10)
Drums, Percussion – Dave Weckl (tracks: 1, 4, 8, 9)
Electronics – Judd Miller (tracks: 1, 9)
Percussion – Jay Oliver (tracks: 4)
Piano – Chick Corea (tracks: 3, 11)
Piano, Synthesizer – John Beasley (tracks: 1, 2, 7 to 10)
Soprano Saxophone – Eric Marienthal (tracks: 6)
Synthesizer – David Witham (tracks: 1 to 10)
Tenor Saxophone – Kirk Whalum (tracks: 8), Michael Brecker (tracks: 2)
Vocals – Alfie Silas (tracks: 6), Howard McCrary (tracks: 6), Phyllis St. James (tracks: 6), Rick Riso (tracks: 6)

STEPS — Smokin' In The Pit (1979-1999) RM | 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded live at the Pitt Inn in Tokyo, Japan this superb double-disc is one of jazz music's finest moments. It includes the same lineup as Step by Step. None of the material on any of these three Japanese CDs is repeated on the other CDs. Buy all three, they're worth every penny!. Paul Kohler
Tracklist 1 :
1.    Tee Bag 13:44
Composed By – Mike Mainieri
2.    Uncle Bob (New Addition) 11:00
Composed By – Don Grolnick
3.    Fawlty Tenors 10:46
Composed By – Don Grolnick
4.    Lover Man 8:34
Composed By – James Davis, James Sherman, Roger Ramirez
5.    Fawlty Tenors (Alternate Take) 12:30
Composed By – Don Grolnick
6.    Song To Seth 13:02
Composed By – Mike Mainieri
7.    Momento (New Addition) 
Composed By – Don Grolnick
Tracklist 2 :
1.    Young And Fine 16:32
Composed By – Joe Zawinul
2.    Not Ethiopia 10:59
Composed By – Michael Brecker
3.    Soul Eyes 12:15
Composed By – Mal Waldron
4.    Recordame (New Addition) 10:10
Composed By – Joe Henderson
5.    Not Ethiopia (Alternate Take) 12:00
Composed By – Michael Brecker
6.    Sara's Touch 13:59
Composed By – Mike Mainieri
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Steve Gadd
Guitar – Kazumi Watanabe
Piano – Don Grolnick
Tenor Saxophone – Mike Brecker
Vibraphone – Mike Mainieri

CARMEN CUESTA-LOEB — Dreams (2002) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Dreams 5:46
Written-By – C. Cuesta
2    Invitation 5:23
Written-By – B. Kaper, P. F. Webster
3    Vuelvo A Ti 5:33
Written-By – C. Cuesta
4    No Te Olvidare 4:35
Written-By – C. Cuesta
5    Blue Kiss 4:12
Written-By – C. Cuesta, C. Loeb
6    Corcovado 4:45
Written-By – A. C. Jobim
7    Estrana 4:50
Written-By – C. Cuesta
8    The Shadow Of Your Smile 5:06
Written-By – J. Mandel, P. F. Webster
9    Something 4:00
Written-By – G. Harrison
10    Until 5:17
Written-By – C. Cuesta
11    The Garden 5:01
Written-By – C. Cuesta
12    My Romance 5:05
Written-By – L. Hart, R. Rodgers
Credits :
Arranged By, Producer [Produced By] – Carmen Cuesta-Loeb, Chuck Loeb
Backing Vocals – Lizzy Loeb (tracks: 6)
Bass – John Patitucci, Kevin Katz, Will Lee
Drums – Brian Dunne, Wolfgang Haffner
Flugelhorn – Till Brönner (tracks: 6)
Guitar, Keyboards, Drum Programming – Chuck Loeb
Keyboards, Piano – Mike Ricchiuti (tracks: 11)
Percussion – David Charles
Piano – Bob James (tracks: 4)
Tenor Saxophone – Andy Snitzer (tracks: 7), Michael Brecker (tracks: 1)
Vocals – Carmen Cuesta-Loeb 

PATTI AUSTIN — The Real Me (1988) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

And how! Austin tackles standards such as "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "They Can't Take That Away from Me," and succeeds brilliantly. Her version of Comden, Green, and Bernstein's "I Can Cook, Too" is enough by itself to make this a pick. William Ruhlmann
Tracklist :
1.    I Can Cook Too 5:11
Arranged By – David Pack
Arranged By [Horns] – David Pack, Greg Phillinganes, Jerry Hey
Arranged By [Vocals] – Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Bass [Synthesizer] – Greg Phillinganes
Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta
Guitar – David Pack
Horns [Synthesizer] – Greg Phillinganes
Lyrics By [Additional Coda] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Saxophone, Woodwind – Daniel Higgins
Synthesizer – David Benoit
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach 
Trumpet – Gary Grant, Jerry Hey
Written-By – Betty Comden And Adolph Green, Leonard Bernstein
2.    Stockholm Sweetnin' 1:34
Arranged By [Vocals] – Patti Austin
Written-By – Quincy Jones
3.    Smoke Gets In Your Eyes 4:13
Arranged By – David Benoit, David Pack, Patti Austin
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Bass – Nathan East
Congas [Electronic] – David Pack
Drums – George Perilli
Keyboards – David Benoit
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Saxophone [Solo] – Ernie Watts
Written-By – Jerome Kern, Otto Harbach
4.    True Love 3:46
Acoustic Bass – Roscoe Beck
Arranged By – David Pack
Arranged By [Strings] – David Benoit
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Drums – Jeff Porcaro
Harp – Gail Levant*
Keyboards – David Benoit
Percussion – George Perilli
Saxophone [Solo] – Michael Brecker
Vocals [Duet] – David Pack
Written-By – Cole Porter
5.    Across The Alley From The Alamo 3:44
Accordion – Bruce Hornsby
Acoustic Guitar, Baritone Guitar – David Pack
Arranged By – David Pack
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – David Pack, James Ingram, Michael McDonald
Body Percussion – David Pack
Lap Steel Guitar, Slide Guitar – David Lindley
Percussion [Bottle, Foot, Wall Banger] – Patti Austin
Percussion [Twang, Whistle, Shaker] – Paulinho Da Costa
Snare, Drum [Cardboard Box] – Burleigh Drummond
Written-By – Joe Greene 
6.    How Long Has This Been Going On? 4:05
Arranged By [Keyboards] – David Benoit
Arranged By [Strings] – Marty Paich
Conductor – Marty Paich
Harp – Gail Levant
Synthesizer [DX7] – David Benoit
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
7.    Lazy Afternoon 5:45
Arranged By – David Benoit, David Pack, Patti Austin
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Bass – Patti Austin
Classical Guitar – Earl Klugh
Drums – Jeff Porcaro
Flugelhorn [Solo] – Jon Faddis
Keyboards – David Benoit
Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa
Percussion [Electric] – David Pack
Written-By – Jerome Moross, John Latouche
8.    Love Letters 3:53
Arranged By – David Pack
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, James Ingram, Michael McDonald
Backing Vocals – David Pack, James Ingram, Michael McDonald
Bass – Roscoe Beck
Drums – John Robinson 
Guitar – David Pack
Piano – Michael McDonald, Richard Tee
Saxophone [Solo] – Ernie Watts
Synthesizer – David Benoit
Written-By – Edward Heyman, Victor Young
9.    They Can't Take That Away From Me 3:57
Arranged By – David Benoit, David Pack, Patti Austin
Arranged By [Horns] – David Benoit, David Pack, Jerry Hey, Patti Austin
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Greg Phillinganes
Drums – George Perilli
Keyboards, Synthesizer [Horns & Strings] – David Benoit
Saxophone, Woodwind – Daniel Higgins*
Synthesizer [Bass] – Greg Phillinganes
Trombone – Bill Reichenbach (2)
Trumpet – Gary Grant, Jerry Hey
Written-By – George & Ira Gershwin
10.    Mood Indigo 3:24
Arranged By – Patti Austin
Arranged By [Vocals] – Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Bass – Chuck Domanico
Clarinet – Johnny Rotella*
Conductor, Arranged By [Horns] – Jimmie Haskell
Guitar – Earl Klugh
Piano, Synthesizer – David Benoit
Saxophone – Gregory Huckins*
Trombone – Bill Watrous
Tuba – George Callender*
Written-By – Barney Bigard, Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
11.    Cry Me A River 4;18
Arranged By [Strings] – Marty Paich
Bass – Chuck Domanico
Conductor – Marty Paich
Harp – Gail Levant*
Piano – David Benoit
Synthesizer [Strings] – David Benoit
Trumpet [Solo] – Jon Faddis
Written-By – Arthur Hamilton
12.    Someone Is Standing Outside 3:54
Arranged By [Inspired By] – Jimmy Webb
Arranged By [Vocals] – David Pack, Patti Austin
Backing Vocals – Amy Holland, David Pack, Howard Hewett, James Ingram, Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, Patti Austin, Tata Vega
Bass – Joe Puerta
Drums – John Robinson (2)
Piano, Synthesizer [DX7] – Richard Tee
Synthesizer [Strings] – David Benoit
Written-By – Jimmy Webb
13.    Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most 5:07
Arranged By [Strings] – Marty Paich
Conductor – Marty Paich
Harp – Gail Levant*
Synthesizer [DX7] – David Benoit
Written-By – Fran Landesman, Tommy Wolf

DENNIS CHAMBERS — Outbreak (2002) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Drummer Dennis Chambers is a first-call session ace who is comfortable within a variety of settings and/or genres. He has also evolved into one of the most admired drummers on the globe due to his high-powered polyrhythmic funk beats and supercharged sense of swing. In short, he's a dynamo! With his second solo release, he enlists his former boss, guitarist John Scofield, amid jazz superstars such as brothers Michael (sax) and Randy (trumpet) Brecker among others. Here, Chambers drives it all home via his now infamous attack, consisting of complexly woven tom fills and snappy, funk-drenched rhythms. Much of the credit should be directed towards arranger/producer/keyboardist Jim Beard, who once again demonstrates his prowess for achieving the desired effects. On the piece titled "Otay," fusion bassist extraordinaire Gary Willis leads the way via his impossibly fast lines in concert with Scofield's sinewy plucking and Chambers' sweeping funk pulses. Some of these works are marked by the Brecker Brothers' chirpy unison choruses and the ensemble's morphing of gospel, fusion, and jazz-based grooves. Through it all, Chambers' presence is undeniably felt, while this outing also benefits from strong material and the soloists' zestful endeavors. Glenn Astarita
Tracklist :
 1. Roll Call (5:21) 
Alto Saxophone – Aaron Heick
Bass – Will Lee
Bass Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Bob Malach
Clavinet, Organ [Hammond] – Jim Beard
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Guitar – Jon Herington
Music By – Jim Beard
Shaker – Arto Tuncboyaciyan
Trombone – Michael Davis
Trumpet – Jim Hynes, Randy Brecker
2. Otay (7:03) 
Bass – Gary Willis
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Electric Piano [Rhodes], Synthesizer – Jim Beard
Guitar – John Scofield
Music By – Gary Grainger, John Scofield, Milton Chambers, Robert Aries
3. Groovus Interruptus (5:19)
Alto Saxophone – Aaron Heick
Bass – Will Lee
Bass Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Bob Malach
Congas – Danny Sadownick
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Guitar – Nick Moroch
Music By – Jim Beard
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Michael Davis
Trumpet – Jim Hynes, Randy Brecker
4. Paris on Mine (06:08) 
Bass – Matthew Garrison
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Guitar – Jon Herington
Music By – Jon Herington
Piano, Organ [Hammond] – Jim Beard
Tenor Saxophone – Bobby Malach
Trombone – Michael Davis
5. In Time (6:08) 
Alto Saxophone – Aaron Heick
Bass – Matthew Garrison, Rodney "Skeet" Curtis
Congas – Danny Sadownick
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Guitar – Jon Herington, Nick Moroch
Music By – Sylvester Stewart
Organ [Hammond] – Jim Beard
Tenor Saxophone – Bobby Malach
Trombone – Michael Davis
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
6. Plan B (4:31) 
 Bass, Guitar – Dean Brown
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Music By – Dean Brown, Dennis Chambers, Jim Beard
Synthesizer – Jim Beard
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
7. Outbreak (10:59) 
 Bass – Gary Willis
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Music By – Jim Beard, Jon Herington
Synthesizer, Electric Piano [Rhodes] – Jim Beard
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
8. Baltimore, D.C. (5:46) 
 Bass – Gary Willis
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Electric Piano [Wurlitzer] – Jim Beard
Guitar – John Scofield
Music By – John Scofield
9. Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothin' (6:01) 
 Alto Saxophone – Aaron Heick
Bass – Rodney "Skeet" Curtis
Bass Saxophone, Soloist – Bobby Malach
Congas – Danny Sadownick
Drums – Dennis Chambers
Guitar – Jon Herington, Nick Moroch
Guitar, Soloist – John Scofield
Music By – Bobby Byrd, James Brown
Organ [Hammond] – Jim Beard
Tenor Saxophone – Bobby Malach
Trombone – Michael Davis
Trumpet – Randy Brecker

HERBIE HANCOCK · MICHAEL BRECKER · ROY HARGROVE — Directions in Music : Live at Massey Hall (2002) Two Version | APE + FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

A double-milestone year for jazz, 2001 marked the 75th anniversary of the births of both Miles Davis and John Coltrane. With that in mind, Herbie Hancock went on tour with a quintet modeled after his V.S.O.P. bands of the '70s and '80s and the Tribute to Miles band of the '90s, which in turn were modeled after the 1965-1968 Miles Davis Quintet. The question this disc proposes: Can you go home yet again? Hancock preferred to dodge that one, saying that he was attempting to push the music onward in the Davis/Coltrane spirit of adventure rather than play for nostalgia. But essentially, despite the often unblinkingly hard-nosed soloing and the sometimes radical reworking of the old tunes, the conception of this idiom is that of Miles, and Michael Brecker's often brilliant, searching tenor sax work owes its soul to the example of Trane. Although the quintet's Los Angeles gig on October 11, 2001, was rather disappointing, the Toronto concert recorded here was a big improvement, with two weeks of roadwork evidently having the desired tightening effect. Though Hancock's piano gradually became more abstract and disconnected with its surroundings over the years, here he is in touch with his colleagues. Brecker provides the most fervent individual statement with an unaccompanied rendition of "Naima" that amounts to a virtual encyclopedia of tenor saxophone technique. Roy Hargrove does a serviceable job on trumpet and flügelhorn, trying to fill some heavy shoes, and as accomplished as the rhythm team of John Patitucci (bass) and Brian Blade (drums) is, you miss the irreplaceable combustion of Ron Carter and especially the late Tony Williams (compare the original Davis recording of "The Sorcerer" with this inward, less dynamic, less driving version). The most strikingly reworked cover tune is a slow, drawn-out, mournful take on "Impressions," almost an elegy for Coltrane, and Brecker delivers the eulogy with fire in the belly. There is new material from Hargrove ("The Poet"), Brecker ("D Trane"), and the three headliners ("Misstery"), none of which expands much beyond the parameters of the Davis and Coltrane models. While this quintet does not kick over old boundaries, it does make good, uncompromisingly intelligent music. Richard S. Ginell  
Tracklist :
1 The Sorcerer 8:54
Herbie Hancock
2 The Poet 6:35
Roy Hargrove
3 So What/Impressions 12:51
John Coltrane / Miles Davis
4 Misstery 8:16
Michael Brecker / Herbie Hancock / Roy Hargrove
5 Naima 7:29
John Coltrane
6 Transition 10:26
John Coltrane
7 My Ship 8:40
Ira Gershwin / Kurt Weill
8 D Trane 15:11
Michael Brecker
Credits :
Bass – John Patitucci
Drums – Brian Blade
Piano, Executive Producer – Herbie Hancock
Tenor Saxophone, Producer – Michael Brecker
Trumpet, Flugelhorn (tracks: 2, 7) – Roy Hargrove

DON GROLNICK — Weaver of Dreams (1990) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Don Grolnick was a busy session pianist/keyboardist who played on many kinds of dates, including jazz fusion and pop. But for a brief period in the late 1980s and early '90s, he detoured into playing post-bop. Weaver of Dreams was the first of his two CDs for Blue Note, featuring an all-star septet including the Brecker Brothers, Bob Mintzer, Dave Holland, Peter Erskine, and Barry Rogers. His intricate opener, "Nothing Personal," suggests the influence of George Russell, with its rapid-fire lines and unpredictable accents on trumpet and bass clarinet, along with the composer's tasty solo. There's a bit of reverb added to the unified trumpet and tenor sax in his "Or Come Fog," which touches briefly on its source, "Come Rain or Come Shine." Mintzer's wild bass clarinet is a highlight of the brisk setting of the standard "I Want to Be Happy," while the foot-patting treatment of "Weaver of Dreams" is a feature for the rhythm section alone. Weaver of Dreams lapsed from print, only to briefly reappear in a short-lived two-CD reissue. This is easily the finest recording led by Don Grolnick, who passed away in 1996. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1 Nothing Personal  5:44
Don Grolnick
2 Taglioni  8:41
Don Grolnick
3 A Weaver of Dreams  4:40
Jack Elliott / Victor Young
4 His Majesty the Bady  6:47
Don Grolnick
5 I Want to Be Happy  5:45
Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans
6 Persimmons  6:54
Don Grolnick
7 Or Come Fog  5:23
Don Grolnick
8 Five Bars  7:20
Don Grolnick
Credits :
Bass – Dave Holland
Bass Clarinet – Bob Mintzer
Drums – Peter Erskine
Piano, Producer, Arranged By – Don Grolnick
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Trombone – Barry Rogers
Trumpet – Randy Brecker

JOHN TROPEA — Tropea (1975) Two Version (1996, Fusion Super 1800 Series) + (2014, RM | Blu-spec CD | FLAC (image+tracks+.cue), lossless

By the time guitarist John Tropea had recorded his solo debut on the tiny Marlin imprint in 1976, he had been a session guitarist for nearly a decade. His understated, decidedly non-show-off playing graced records by everyone from Laura Nyro to Deodato (including Prelude and Deodato 2), from Ashford & Simpson to Bo Diddley, from Billy Cobham to Peter Allen, from Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway to Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Luiz Bonfá, and Ray Bryant. After this he played with everyone from Alice Cooper to Lalo Schifrin and Kurtis Blow and way, way beyond. Tropea's cast of studio players is a who's who of the '70s, '80s, and '90s. The core band on this funky, squeaky clean, keyboard, horn, and guitar driven set are bassist Will Lee, keyboardist Don Grolnick, percussionist Rubens Bassini, and drummers Steve Gadd and Rick Marotta -- one in each channel. Some of the guest appearances are stellar: David Sanborn's trademark emotionally rich saxophone is heard on "Muff," and Bob Mintzer's wonderful flute playing on his "Cisco Disco" (which is truly funk and not disco), and Deodato plays keyboards on the beautiful "Dreams." There is a heavyweight reed section with Mintzer, Sanborn, and Michael Brecker among its members and horns that include Randy Brecker, Sam Burtis, and Dave Taylor, to name a few. Yes, this was the 1970s: there are strings with Gene Orloff among them. The tunes? Hip, funky numbers like "Tambourine," with a restrained but toothy fuzz solo by Tropea, great congas by Bassini, and a well balanced but dynamic horn chart. "7th Heaven" is a smoother workout, with punchy actual and keyboard basslines, with great breakbeat work by both drummers. Despite its mid-tempo jaunt, the thing is deep with enough of an uptown soul chorus to make it a popular stepper with the club crowd. It's tunes like these, as well as Mintzer's and Tropea's "The Jingle," that place records like this more on the CTI side of things than in the hardcore Fuzak realm. These selections are songs, not collections of riffs, vamps, and solos. When solos occur in these tunes, they do so with respect to arrangement and groove. It also sounds more lifelike than a lot of what was coming out of L.A. at the time, because it has a decidedly East Coast sensibility. Tropea's production job is expert and tight, but it's his arrangements and orchestrations that are really impressive. The opportunities for excess here with all these superchopper players are many, but not once does any of this album lapse into mere glossy show and sheen. This is one of the truly great forgotten jazz-funk sets of the '70s.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
 1.  Tambourine - 4:40
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea

Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – J. Tropea
2. 7th Heaven - 4:13
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Don Grolnick
3. The Jingle - 4:39
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Don Payne
Contrabass [Matracca] – C. Conrad
Drums – Alan Schwartzberg
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Kenny Ascher
Percussion – Nick Remo, Ron Tropea, Rubens Bassini
Written-By – John Tropea
4. Just Blue - 8:17
Alto Saxophone, Soloist – George Young
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Written-By – John Tropea
5. Muff - 5:59
Arranged By – R. Marotta, W. Lee
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Saxophone, Soloist – Dave Sanborn
Written-By – Marotta, Lee
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
6. Cisco Disco (Bob Mintzer) - 4:35
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Flute [Flutes] – Bob Mintzer
Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Written-By – Bob Mintzer
7. Tha Bratt (David Spinozza) - 5:07
Arranged By, Orchestrated By – John Tropea
Bass Guitar – Will Lee
Drums [Left Drums] – Rick Marotta
Drums [Right Drums] – Stephen Gadd
Keyboards – Don Grolnick
Lead Guitar – John Tropea
Rhythm Guitar, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – David Spinozza
Written-By – David Spinozza
8. Dreams - 4:46
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Rick Marotta
Keyboards, Arranged By, Orchestrated By – Eumir Deodato
Percussion – Rubens Bassini
Trombone, Soloist – Sam Burtis
Written-By, Guitar [Guitars] – John Tropea

JOHN PATITUCCI — John Patitucci (1988) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Stepping out from the shadows of Chick Corea's Elektric and Akoustic bands, Patitucci made a pleasing solo debut here largely on the strength of his brilliant up-front soloing on electric and acoustic basses. Adept at the popular funk slapping manner on electric bass, darting fluidly and jaggedly up high on the Smith/Jackson five-string bass, Patitucci always executes with the moves and body English of a bass player even when his instrument is up in the guitar range. Patitucci's compositions are pretty good, too, thoughtful and not too reliant upon jazz-rock cliches. He gets a lot of expert help from a variety of hot sidemen, including the astonishing Chick himself (who also produced the package), Chick's drummer Dave Weckl, other drummers like Peter Erskine and Vinnie Colaiuta, and the heated tenor sax of Michael Brecker. Without a doubt, this first opus enhanced Patitucci's developing reputation at the time. Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist :
1. Growing 4:35
 John Patitucci
2. Wind Sprint 6:10
 John Patitucci
3. Searching, Finding 5:05
 John Patitucci
4. Baja Bajo 5:46
 Chick Corea / John Patitucci
5. Change Of Season 3:53
 John Patitucci
6. Our Family 3:01
 John Patitucci
7. Peace And Quiet Time 4:59
 John Patitucci
8. Crestline 5:13
 John Patitucci
9. Zaragoza 3:57
 Chick Corea
10. Then & Now 5:38
 John Patitucci
11. Killeen 5:15
 John Patitucci
12. The View 5:39
 John Patitucci
Credits :
Bass – John Patitucci
Drums – Peter Erskine, Vinnie Colaiuta
Piano, Producer – Chick Corea
Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Synthesizer – David Witham, John Beasley

VINCE MENDOZA | ARIF MARDIN — Jazzpaña (1992) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

"JAZZPAÑA, the most ambitious recording project ever undertaken by Siggi Loch in a most active and extensive music business career, fuses American jazz and the flamenco music of Andalusia in a most imaginative, adventurous, and inspirational way. JAZZPAÑA is a showcase for the special compositional and arranging skills af Arif Mardin and Vince Mendoza, for the impeccable and dynamic section work of the WDR Big Band, for the exotic, extrovert artistry of Ramon El Portugues and Los Jovenes Flamencos, and for the assured and articulate playing of top jazz guest players Michael Brecker, Al Di Meola, Steve Khan, and Peter Erskine. Furthermore, JAZZPAÑA reveals Vince Mendoza as a composer and arranger of immense talent and imagination. This music inevitably prompts comparism with the classic Gill Evans - Miles Davis collaboration of 1959, Sketches of Spain. ...but Mendoza has his own individual identity, approaching the task of composing and arranging rather like a painter creating a landscape of canvas."
Nominated for two GRAMMY AWARDS in 1994. ACT
Tracklist :
1    El Vito Cante    3:44
2    Tangos    8:38
3    Entre Tinieblas    5:30
4    Tanguillo    7:46
5    Soy Gitano    4:49
6    Bulería    9:31
7    Suite Fraternidad (First Movement Generalife)    4:50
8    Suite Fraternidad (Second Movement Albacin)    8:22
9    El Vito El Gran Tamaño    9:19
Credits :
WDR BIGBAND conducted by Vince Mendoza
Guests:
Michael Brecker - Tenor Saxaphone
Al Di Meola - Electric Guitar
Peter Erskine - Drums
Dieter Ilg - Bass
Steve Khan - Electric Guitar
Freddie Santiago - Percussion

NILS LANDGREN FUNK UNIT — Paint It Blue 'A Tribute To Cannonball Adderley (1996) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

One of trombonist Nils Landgren's early inspirations was Cannonball Adderley's group. Paint It Blue is dedicated to Adderley with Landgren performing five songs associated with the altoist plus seven originals that pay tribute to Cannonball's bands. Some of the music is in the soul-jazz vein while other tunes (particularly the originals) are more modern, even incorporating a little bit of rap in a couple places. Landgren is a fine trombonist (sometimes a little reminiscent of Wayne Henderson) and he manages to keep up with Michael and Randy Brecker, who in this situation are superior supportive soloists. Without merely copying the past, Landgren expands on the legacy of Adderley quite successfully. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Walk Tall 5:17
Written-By – Nat Adderley
2    You Dig 6:13
Written-By – Janson, Price, Landgren
3    Why Am I Treated So Bad 5:24
Written-By – R. Staples
4    Brother Nat 4:18
Written-By – Nils Landgren
5    Inside Straight 3:55
Written-By – Nat Adderley
6    Cannonball 6:08
Written-By – Svensson, Landgren
7    Mercy Mercy Mercy 4:16
Written-By – Joe Zawinul
8    Mother Fonk 4:16
Written-By – Nils Landgren
9    Primitivo 7:06
Written-By – Julian Adderley
10    After The Party 4:53
Written-By – Nils Landgren
11    Love All, Serve All 4:08
Written-By – Price, Landgren
12    Julian 5:49
Written-By – Nils Landgren
Credits :
Guest [Plus], Bass Clarinet, Arranged By – Steffen Schorn
Guest [Plus], Drums, Arranged By – Bernard Purdie (tracks: 2)
Guest [Plus], Percussion, Arranged By – Airto Moreira (tracks: 6, 8, 9, 11), Marcio Doctor
Guest [Plus], Tenor Saxophone, Arranged By – Michael Brecker (tracks: 2)
Guest [Plus], Trumpet, Arranged By – Till Brönner (tracks: 9)
Guest [Plus], Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Arranged By – Randy Brecker (tracks: 2, 5)
Painting – Rolf Rose
Performer [The Funk Unit], Electric Bass [Fender Bass], Arranged By – Lars Danielsson
Performer [The Funk Unit], Guitar, Arranged By – Henrik Janson
Performer [The Funk Unit], Keyboards, Arranged By – Esbjörn Svensson
Performer [The Funk Unit], Saxophone [Saxophones], Arranged By – Per "Ruskträsk" Johansson
Performer [The Funk Unit], Trombone, Trumpet, Arranged By – Nils Landgren
Performer [The Funk Unit], Vocals, Synthesizer, Arranged By – Magnum Coltrane Price
Voice [Sample] – Rev. Jesse Jackson (tracks: 1)
Voice [Samples] – Cannonball Adderley (tracks: 3, 5, 7)

GERARDO NÚÑEZ • CHANO DOMÍNGUEZ — Jazzpaña II (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"Terrific music" - (SPIEGEL).
Awarded the Quarterly Prize of the German Record Critics' Award 1/2001 and the German Jazz Award. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Calima 4:44
Acoustic Guitar – Gerardo Nuñez
Alto Saxophone – Perico Sambeat
Arranged By, Conductor – Colin Towns
Bass – Carles Benavent
Cajón – Cepillo
Composed By – Gerardo Nuñez
Drums – Tino Di Geraldo
Electric Guitar – Fareed Haque
Piano – Chano Dominguez
Soprano Saxophone – Jorge Pardo
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
2    Un Amor Real (Soleá Por Bulería) 3:24
Acoustic Bass – Renaud Garcia-Fons
Acoustic Guitar – Gerardo Nuñez
Composed By – Gerardo Nuñez
3a    La Liebre (Sevillanas) 1:23
Composed By – Pedro Peña
Vocals, Percussion – Las Corraleras
3b    Plaza Jazzpaña 3:49
Acoustic Guitar – Gerardo Nuñez
Alto Saxophone – Perico Sambeat
Bass – Carles Benavent
Cajón – Cepillo
Composed By – Gerardo Nuñez
Handclaps – Tino Di Geraldo
4    Alma De Mujer (Colombiana) 5:18
Acoustic Guitar – Fareed Haque
Alto Saxophone – Perico Sambeat
Arranged By, Conductor – Colin Towns
Bass – Carles Benavent
Composed By – Chano Dominguez
Drums, Percussion – Tino Di Geraldo
Piano – Chano Dominguez
Soprano Saxophone – Jorge Pardo
5    Blues For Pablo 6:08
Alto Saxophone – Perico Sambeat
Arranged By, Conductor – Colin Towns
Bass – Carles Benavent
Composed By – Gil Evans
Drums – Tino Di Geraldo
Electric Guitar – Fareed Haque
Piano – Chano Dominguez
Soprano Saxophone – Jorge Pardo
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
6    Latido Loco 4:48
Acoustic Bass, Arranged By – Renaud Garcia-Fons
Acoustic Guitar – Gerardo Nuñez
Bass – Carles Benavent
Composed By – Renaud Garcia-Fons
Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Jorge Pardo
Percussion – Tino Di Geraldo
Trumpet – Patxi Vrchegvi
7    Jerez-Chicago 4:47
Acoustic Guitar – Gerardo Nuñez
Cajón – Tino Di Geraldo
Composed By – Gerardo Nuñez
Electric Guitar – Fareed Haque
8    Paso For El 4:09
Bass – Carles Benavent
Composed By – Jorge Pardo
Drums – Tino Di Geraldo
Flute – Jorge Pardo
9    Mister Señor 3:54
Acoustic Guitar – Fareed Haque
Alto Saxophone – Perico Sambeat
Bass – Carles Benavent
Composed By – Chano Dominguez
Drums – Tino Di Geraldo
Piano – Chano Dominguez
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker
10    Que Tambien Es De Sevilla (Sevillanas) 2:07
Composed By – Beltrán, M. Clavero, P. Obregón, Leon
Piano – Chano Dominguez
Vocals – Esperanza Fernandez
11    Samaruco (Bulería) 4:06
Acoustic Guitar – Gerardo Nuñez
Cajón – Cepillo
Composed By – Gerardo Nuñez
12    Para Chick 3:50
Acoustic Guitar – Gerardo Nuñez
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Perico Sambeat
Bass – Carles Benavent
Composed By – Chano Dominguez
Drums, Percussion – Tino Di Geraldo
Flute – Jorge Pardo
Piano – Chano Dominguez
13    Bluesoléa 5:10
Acoustic Guitar – Gerardo Nuñez
Composed By – Gerardo Nuñez

DAVID FRIESEN — Two for the Show (1993) APE (image+.cue), lossless

David Friesen's Two for the Show is a series of brilliant duets featuring the bassist with six different musicians. Not only does he set an incredibly fast tempo for tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker as he introduces Sonny Rollins' "Airegin," but his complex line inspires Brecker to some of his best playing of his career. The perennial favorite "Old Folks" finds Friesen taking a back seat to the brittle, very personalized guitar of John Scofield. Uwe Kropinski sticks to acoustic guitar for his two tracks, including Friesen's adventurous "On the Road With Jazz" and Kropinski's gypsy-flavored "Pianola." "Alone Together" opens with alto saxophonist Bud Shank unaccompanied before Friesen's imaginative bassline weaves in underneath him in a spellbinding improvisation. Friesen's duets with frequent partner Denny Zeitlin are always magical; their two tracks, taken from a 1992 gig at the Jazz Bakery, include the bassist's lyrical ballad "In Times Past," while the pianist's bittersweet ballad "Maybe in Spring" also packs an emotional punch. Their chemistry together, as always, is perfect. But it is hard for anyone to upstage Clark Terry, whose instantly recognizable sound commands attention. Both Terry (on flugelhorn) and Friesen pull all stops on a brisk take of "I Want to Be Happy"; Terry switches to muted trumpet for the understated swinger "Breeze." It is hard to imagine David Friesen and his guests wanting to stop recording after two tracks during each session, because it's obvious that they were having a great time and it would have been easy to imagine an entire CD by the bassist with any one of the artists. Here's hoping that there are still tracks left in the vault for a follow-up release. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Airegin 4:56
Written-By – Rollins
2    True Blue 7:48
Written-By – Friesen
3    I Want To Be Happy 2:55
Written-By – Caeser, Youmans
4    In Times Past 7:12
Written-By – Friesen
5    Alone Together 4:46
Written-By – Dietz/Schwartz
6    On The Road With Jazz 4:53
Written-By – Friesen
7    Signs And Wonders 6:04
Written-By – Friesen
8    Old Folks 6:15
Written By – Hill / Robinson
9    Breeze    5:18
10    Maybe In Spring 7:46
Written-By – Zeitlin
11    Double Take 3:14
Written-By – Friesen
12    Pianola 4:10
Written-By – Kropinski
Credits :
Acoustic Guitar – Uwe Kropinski (tracks: 6, 12)
Alto Saxophone – Bud Shank (tracks: 5, 11)
Electric Guitar – John Scofield (tracks: 2, 8)
Flugelhorn, Trumpet – Clark Terry (tracks: 3, 9)
Grand Piano [Acoustic] – Denny Zeitlin (tracks: 4, 10)
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker (tracks: 1, 7)

STEPS AHEAD — Modern Times (1984) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

By 1984, Steps Ahead's personnel had stabilized with original keyboardist Warren Bernhardt rejoining the group and teaming up with tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker, bassist Eddie Gomez, drummer Peter Erskine, and vibraphonist Mike Mainieri; guitarist Chuck Loeb guests on one selection, as does Tony Levin, who is heard on the Chapman stick. This outing is very electronic and does not quite reach the heights of Steps Ahead's earlier Elektra album, but it certainly has plenty of spirit and power. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Safari    6:58
 Michael Brecker
2    Oops    6:20
 Mike Mainieri
3    Self Portrait    6:02
 Mike Mainieri
4    Modern Times    6:17
 Warren Bernhardt
5    Radio-Active    8:49
 Warren Bernhardt / Craig Peyton
6    Now You Know    6:25
 Peter Erskine
7    Old Town    6:19
 Mike Mainieri
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums, Percussion, Drum Machine [DMX] – Peter Erskine
Guitar – Chuck Loeb (tracks: 6)
Keyboards – Warren Bernhardt
Saxophone – Michael Brecker
Vibraphone, Marimba – Mike Mainieri

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

MICHAEL BRECKER GROUP — The Cost Of Living (1989-1994) WV (image+.cue) lossless

Tracklist :
1    Istbynne Reel    9:35
2    Chime This    18:19
3    Choices    11:16
4    The Cost Of Living    16:25
5    Nothing Personal    18:15
Credits
Drums – Adam Nussbaum
Electric Bass [El. Bass] – Jay Anderson
Piano – Joey Calderazzo
Tenor Saxophone, Electronic Wind Instrument [EWI] – Michael Brecker

RON CARTER — Yellow And Green (1976-1987) RM | Serie The Original CTI Recordings Digitally Remastered For Compact Disc | APE (image+.cue), lossless

A low point for bassist Ron Carter, this aimless set suffers from the malaise that hit the jazz scene after the fusion boom of the late '60s and early '70s. Somewhere about the time of this 1976 release, fusion's creative energies were being overtaken by a new drive to blend jazz with pop music. The theory was this would expand the jazz audience. The reality was music that only alienated jazz fans and held limited appeal to pop audiences. Yellow and Green is a representative product of this era. For the most part, it's a hollow, pointless exercise, afflicted by the stylistic tug of war inherent in the jazz-pop hybrids of the late '70s. The writing is directionless and the playing mainly indifferent. The LP chiefly serves as a showcase for Carter's overdubbed piccolo and acoustic basses. Unfortunately, the performances are too often a clutter of busy fingers, with the bassist's overly enthusiastic virtuosity getting in the way of any chance for musical dialogue between his instruments. Not surprisingly, the best tracks -- the respectable ballad "Opus 1.5" and a jaunty version of Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy" -- are the most straight-ahead, done without overdubbing and with some decent piano from Kenny Barron. Elsewhere, Don Grolnick chimes blandly on electric piano and Hugh McCracken contributes wispy guitar accompaniment that serves no purpose, while drummer Billy Cobham tries to keep from being overwhelmed by the dullness of it all. An episode best forgotten. Jim Todd
Tracklist :
1    Tenaj 7:44
Composed By – Ron Carter
2    Receipt, Please 7:05
Composed By – Ron Carter
3    Willow Weep For Me 2:39
Composed By – Ann Ronell
4    Yellow & Green 6:13
Composed By – Ron Carter
Electric Bass – Ron Carter
Harmonica – Hugh McCracken
5    Opus 1.5 6:54
Composed By – Ron Carter
6    Epistrophy 6:08
Composed By – Kenny Clarke, Thelonious Monk
Drums – Ben Riley
– BONUS TRACK – (Alternate Takes)    
7    Receipt, Please 5:25
Composed By – R. Carter
8    Yellow & Green 5:03
Composed By – R. Carter
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Ron Carter (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 8)
Arranged By – Ron Carter
Bass [Piccolo Bass] – Ron Carter (tracks: 2 to 4)
Cowbell, Tambourine – Ron Carter (tracks: 2, 4)
Drums – Billy Cobham (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5), Steve Gadd (tracks: 7, 8)
Electric Piano – Don Grolnick (tracks: 2, 4), Richard Tee (tracks: 7, 8)
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Flute – Hubert Laws (tracks: 7, 8)
Guitar – Eric Gale (tracks: 7, 8), Hugh McCracken (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Percussion – Arthur Jenkins (tracks: 7, 8), Dom Um Romao (tracks: 2, 5), George Devens (tracks: 7, 8), Ralph MacDonald (tracks: 7, 8)
Piano – Don Grolnick (tracks: 2), Kenny Barron (tracks: 1, 5, 6)
Producer – Creed Taylor
Saxophone – Dave Sanborn (tracks: 7, 8), Mike Brecker (tracks: 7, 8), Phil Woods (tracks: 7, 8)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Alan Rubin (tracks: 7, 8), Randy Brecker (tracks: 7, 8)

BILLY COBHAM — Crosswinds (1974-2001) RM | Atlantic Masters Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Billy Cobham's second date as a leader was one of his better sessions. Four songs (all originals by the leader/drummer) comprise "Spanish Moss -- A Sound Portrait," and, in addition, Cobham contributed three other pieces. The selections team him with guitarist John Abercrombie, both of the Brecker Brothers, trombonist Garnett Brown, keyboardist George Duke, bassist John Williams, and Latin percussionist Lee Pastora. In general, the melodies and the vamps are reasonably memorable. Cobham also takes an unaccompanied drum solo on "Storm." Worth searching for by fusion collectors. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
Spanish Moss - "A Sound Portrait" 17:08
1.a Spanish Moss 4:08
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams 
Guitar – John Abercrombie
Keyboards – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Percussion [Latin] – Lee Pastora
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Woodwind – Michael Brecker
1.b Savannah The Serene 5:09
Acoustic Bass – John Williams  
Acoustic Guitar – John Abercrombie
Keyboards [Solo] – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Trombone [Solo] – Garnett Brown
1.c Storm  2:46
Percussion [Solo] – Billy Cobham
1.d Flash Flood 5:05
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams  
Guitar [Solo] – John Abercrombie
Keyboards – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Percussion [Latin] – Lee Pastora
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet [Solo] – Randy Brecker
Woodwind – Michael Brecker
2 The Pleasant Pheasant 5:11
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams  
Guitar – John Abercrombie
Keyboards [Solo] – George Duke
Percussion [Latin, Solo] – Lee Pastora
Percussion [Solo] – Billy Cobham
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Woodwind [Solo] – Michael Brecker
3 Heather 8:25
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams  
Guitar – John Abercrombie
Keyboards [Solo] – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Percussion [Latin] – Lee Pastora
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Woodwind [Solo] – Michael Brecker
4 Crosswind 3:39
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – John Williams 
Guitar [Solo] – John Abercrombie
Keyboards – George Duke
Percussion – Billy Cobham
Percussion [Latin] – Lee Pastora
Trombone – Garnett Brown
Trumpet – Randy Brecker
Woodwind – Michael Brecker