FRANK MORGAN ALLSTARS — Reflections (1988) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Altoist Frank Morgan leads an all-star group on this excellent hard bop set. With tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster also in the sextet, it is not surprising that Morgan sounds a bit inspired. The musicians all play up to their usual level, performing "Caravan" (which was added to the CD version) and Sonny Rollins' "Sonnymoon for Two," plus a song apiece by Thelonious Monk ("Reflections"), Miller, Hutcherson, Henderson and Carter. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Old Bowl, New Grits 7:33
Composed By – Mulgrew Miller
2    Reflections 7:12
Composed By – Thelonious Monk
3    Starting Over 6:09
Composed By – Bobby Hutcherson
4    Black Narcissus 6:49
Composed By – Joe Henderson
5    Sonnymoon For Two 9:06
Composed By – Sonny Rollins
6    O.K. 6:11
Composed By – Ron Carter
7    Caravan 9:10
Composed By – Duke Ellington
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Ron Carter
Alto Saxophone – Frank Morgan
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Mulgrew Miller
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Vibraphone – Bobby Hutcherson

LARRY CORYELL — Fallen Angel (1993) Two Version (1993, Essential Jazz – ESJCD 237) + (1993, CTI Records – MA 70 01 236) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On Fallen Angel, Larry Coryell teams up with arranger Don Sebesky to produce a wide-ranging album full of sampled sounds and programmed tracks in an attempt to mix the old CTI sound of the '70s with the production techniques and rhythms of the '90s. "Inner City Blues" kicks things off with great promise, as Coryell jams over a pre-programmed rhythm track with background vocalists. On "(Angel on Sunset) Bumpin' on Sunset," he improvises along with a sampled Wes Montgomery, then turns Erroll Garner's classic "Misty" into a mid-tempo reggae jaunt through which he and pianist Mulgrew Miller travel lightly. The CTI connection is brought to the forefront with a remake of Deodato's "2001" hit called "Thus Spoke Z," on which the famous theme is implied but never stated. Other highlights include a funky, angular tribute called "Monk's Corner," Sebesky's attractive "I Remember Bill" and the solo "Westerly Wind." There are also two pleasant smooth jazz vocal pieces at the front of the album, the beautiful ballad, "Fallen," a duet between vocalists Klyde Jones and Jeanie Bryson, and the funky made-for-radio "Never Never," featuring saxophonist Richard Elliot and a vocal from Ms. Jones.
Fallen Angel was obviously an attempt to find Larry Coryell a place on the smooth jazz playlist, a task it didn't really accomplish. While it is not likely to appease those who bemoan the guitarist's failure to live up to his initial promise, it can be enjoyed if taken on its own terms. Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1. Inner City Blues (3:31)
Vocals – Klyde Jones
Written-By – James Nyx, Marvin Gaye
2. Fallen (3:45)
Saxophone [Tenor] – Richard Elliot
Vocals – Jeanie Bryson, Klyde Jones

Written-By – Lauren Wood
3. Never Never (3:34)
Lyrics By – Klyde Jones
Music By – Don Sebesky
Saxophone [Tenor] – Richard Elliot
Vocals – Klyde Jones
4. Angel On Sunset (5:40)
Electric Guitar – Wes Montgomery
Written-By – Don Sebesky, Wes Montgomery

5. Stardust (5:55)
Piano – Mulgrew Miller
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael, Mitchell Parish
6. Misty (4:32)
Piano – Mulgrew Miller
Written-By – Erroll Garner
7. I Remember Bill (3:07)
Written-By – Don Sebesky
8. Pieta (5:53)
Adapted By – Don Sebesky
Piano – Ted Rosenthal
Written-By – Rachmaninoff
9. Thus Spoke Z (4:49)
Adapted By – Don Sebesky, Larry Coryell
Piano – Mulgrew Miller
Saxophone [Alto] – Chris Hunter
Written-By – Richard Strauss
10. Stella By Starlight (4:31)
Written-By – Ned Washington, Victor Young
11. Monk's Corner (6:26)
Piano – Ted Rosenthal
Written-By – Don Sebesky, Larry Coryell
12. Westerly Wind (2:04)
Written-By – Larry Coryell
13. The Moors (2:53)
Written-By – Larry Coryell
Credits :
Arranged By – Don Sebesky
Electric Guitar – Larry Coryell

GARY BARTZ - The Red and Orange Poems (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Alto veteran Gary Bartz may not have made it as big as originally predicted, but as shown on this 1994 studio date, he developed a sound of his own and was always capable of coming out with exciting yet thoughtful music. Joined by such associates as trumpeter Eddie Henderson, John Clark on French horn, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Dave Holland, drummer Greg Bandy and percussionist Steve Kroon, Bartz is in excellent form on a variety of standards (including "By Myself" and "But Not for Me") and originals. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     By Myself 7:02
Howard Dietz / Arthur Schwartz    
2     Nusia's Poem 9:27
Gary Bartz    
3     I'm Gonna Laugh You Right out of My Life 5:56
Cy Coleman / Joseph McCarthy    
4     J Seas 6:45
Gary Bartz    
5     Relentless 9:56
Gary Bartz    
6     Along the Twelve 4:12
Gary Bartz    
7     Soul Mate 5:58
Gary Bartz    
8     But Not for Me 9:25
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Producer, Arranged By – Gary Bartz
Bass – Dave Holland
Drums – Greg Bandy
French Horn – John Clark
Percussion – Steve Kroon (pistas: 2, 7)
Piano – Mulgrew Miller
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Eddie Henderson

DAVE HOLLAND SEXTET - Pass It On (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dave Holland's quintets and big bands have set a new high standard for modern mainstream and progressive jazz since the late '90s. While not a new assertion, and considering his entire body of work, Holland has time and time again proven his compositional theorems as valid, accessible, ever interesting, and especially memorable. Using a sextet, upright bassist Holland sets the bar even higher, adding the always tasteful pianist Mulgrew Miller and a four-horn front line that is relentless. This group continues to define jazz perfectly in the 21st century. Evidence is offered in the jaunty opening "The Sum of All Parts," a 5/4 African percussion-based piece led out by the always interesting Robin Eubanks, with folded-in alto and trumpet, witty counterpoint, and the always engaging, joyous sound that Holland has perfected in the past decade. Adding a light samba feel during the upbeat "Fast Track" with the horns in perfect unison, the ensemble shifts up to hard bop, the hip piano of Miller adding to the enjoyability quotient. A 10/8 choppy and bouncy "Modern Times" also uses Brazilian inferences and a clarion call, and has Antonio Hart switching to soprano. On the soulful side, the title track recalls visions of Horace Silver courtesy of Miller -- a groovy, fun boogaloo that has "radio hit" written all over it, while "Lazy Snake" takes the soul element deep underground -- there's one on every Holland CD -- and contrasts it with a suggestion of stark surrealism. Then there's the near 14-minute, free-based, diffuse "Rivers Run" (dedicated to Sam Rivers) accented by the bowed bass of Holland, building in intensity as the horns step up the sonic density in darker hues. Of course, this band can easily drive music hard, as on the post-bopper "Equality," which turns sullen and funky, then swings angularly. "Double Vision" sports a Native American spirit feel in a feature for Hart's stylistic alto, and the serene, lucid ballad "Processional" in 5/4 time is further support to the notion that intellectual music need not be devoid of warm blue notes infused into its fabric. The addition of the wonderful trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, the ever-maturing trombone playing of Eubanks (who wrote "The Sum of All Parts" and "Rivers Run"), and the nearly perfect percussive propulsion of the extraordinary drummer Eric Harland make this band practically unstoppable, and unprecedented in seizing mantles for its sheer talent level. Another triumph among many solid efforts the clearly brilliant and effusive Holland has strung together, this should certainly be a popular item among listeners and critics, and is a strong contender for best jazz CD of 2008. by Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1     The Sum of All Parts 8:11
Robin Eubanks
2     Fast Track 6:30
Dave Holland
3     Lazy Snake 10:07
Dave Holland
4     Double Vision 8:07
Dave Holland
5     Equality 9:09
Dave Holland
6     Modern Times 5:58
Dave Holland
7     Rivers Run 13:45
Dave Holland
8     Processional 4:33
Dave Holland
9     Pass It On 7:56
Dave Holland
Credits :
Drums – Eric Harland
Piano – Mulgrew Miller
Double Bass – Dave Holland
Saxophone [Alto] – Antonio Hart
Trombone – Robin Eubanks
Trumpet – Alex "Sasha" Sipiagin

RON CARTER - The Golden Striker (2003) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

The Golden Striker is jazz bassist Ron Carter's attempt to break out of a rut. Teamed with pianist Mulgrew Miller and guitarist Russell Malone, Carter attempts to climb out of the pleasant but sleepy, largely academic role he's made recordings in for the past decade or so. It works only partially. The material chosen for this session, from the title track by the late John Lewis to Carter's own swinging contrapuntal study "N.Y. Slick" to an interesting read of the now standard "Concierto de Aranjuez," comes off as too relaxed, too low-key, and basically uninspiring. No one can question anyone's credentials on this date, but there is no spark, no fire, nothing but admirably executed moves in harmony and melody. Given the lack of a drummer, rhythmic responsibility rests on Carter's shoulders more heavily, and on his own he abdicates. The Golden Striker is rote at best in the rhythm department. Malone's usually percussive chord voicings are considerably breezier here and lend less in that department, and Carter feels like he's going through the motions. It's almost as if he has deliberately chosen to make records that are unnaturally quiet and staid, trying to offer to the listener some "point" about how music can be made in the jazz idiom without giving listeners a compelling emotional reason for it. Ultimately, most of Carter's compositions feel bloodless, quizzically interesting in a mathematical way but devoid of anything other than musical brain stem life. It's just too bad.
(This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist :
1     The Golden Striker 5:22
John Lewis
2     On and On 3:01
Mulgrew Miller
3     NY Slick 4:08
Ron Carter
4     Concierto de Aranjuez (Adagio Theme) 7:02
Joaquín Rodrigo
5     Cedar Tree 5:04
Russell Malone
6     A Quick Sketch 6:27
Ron Carter
7     Parade 5:32
Ron Carter
8     A Theme in 3/4 5:20
Ron Carter
9     Autumn Leaves 6:18
Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer / Jacques Prévert
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Guitar – Russell Malone
Piano – Mulgrew Miller

KENNY GARRETT · JOHN SCOFIELD · MICHAEL BRECKER · DAVID FRIESEN — Old Folks (1999) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

This West Wind album, recorded at various studio sites in Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, Berkeley, CA, and New York City between 1987 and 1994, has Kenny Garrett as the leader, but a closer reveal might more accurately hand that title to David Friesen. The bassist is on five of the nine tracks, in duet performances with John Scofield, Michael Brecker, or Denny Zeitlin, while Garrett does lead the other four selections in larger ensemble contexts. Extraordinary musicianship is present throughout, making for an interesting musical experience, and with great appeal for fans who enjoy any of these talented musicians.
Longtime friends Scofield and Friesen reunite for a somber take of "Old Folks" and a brighter "True Blue," Brecker's tenor sax joins the bassist for a great, spirited version of the Sonny Rollins classic "Airegin" and the heavy duty, hip neo-bop original "Signs & Wonders," with the two occasionally merging in tandem phrases. A final track for bass and piano with the brilliant Zeitlin allows them to interpret the great Wayne Shorter composition "Speak No Evil" over nine minutes with a symmetry and balance unparalleled in most duet recordings, especially over long lengths of time via the wonderfully inventive acoustic keyboardist. Garrett leads a sextet with less dominant trombonist Julian Priester, a pronounced Bill Frisell and sublimated Robben Ford on electric guitars. They do the sly Duke Ellington evergreen "Wanderlust" proud under a deep bassline by Anthony Cox, while the outstanding track of the album "The Oyster Dance" slips from 7/8 time to fractured beats at will in a funky yet scattered method quite reminiscent of Thelonious Monk. Another quintet with Steve Nelson and Mulgrew Miller offers up a different sonic challenge, as they do pianist Miller's "Wingspan" in hard bop fashion with Garrett's alto alongside Nelson's vibraphone in fully charged bright moments, while "Sonhos Do Brasil" offers a contrasting, sleek, and softer bossa nova style, with percussionist Rudy Bird as special guest. The listening skills of the larger ensembles is quite evident, while Garrett -- at this time a 27-year-old phenom -- is still learning his craft but growing very quickly in the company of these well-chosen super-pro partners. Drummers Jerry Granelli and Tony Reedus are especially notable for rhythmically moving things along quite nicely for Garrett and friends. This material deserves high marks simply for the great musicians participating, and though uneven, retains full intrigue in one-of-a-kind session status, any of which could have been full-blown concepts -- one of which (sigh) might have been a Garrett-Brecker project that is not here. Michael G. Nastos 
Tracklist :

1.     Old Folks    6:15
Dedette Lee Hill / Willard Robison
2.     Wanderlust    7:46 
Kenny Garrett
3.     True Blue    7:48
David Friesen
4.     Airegin    4:56
Sonny Rollins
5.     Signs and Wonders    6:04
David Friesen
6.     Speak No Evil    8:42
Wayne Shorter
7.     Wingspan    5:36
Mulgrew Miller
8.     The Oyster Dance    5:04
Kenny Garrett
9.     Sonhos Do Brasil (Dreams of Brazil)    7:14
Kenny Garrett
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Kenny Garrett (tracks: 2,7-9)
Banjo – Bill Frisell (tracks: 2)
Bass – Anthony Cox (tracks: 2,8), Charnett Moffett (tracks: 7,9), David Friesen (tracks: 1,3-6)
Drums – Jerry Granelli (tracks: 2,8), Tony Reedus (tracks: 7,9)
Grand Piano – Denny Zeitlin (tracks: 6)
Guitar – Bill Frisell (tracks: 2,8), John Scofield (tracks: 1,3), Robben Ford (tracks: 2,8)
Percussion – Rudy Bird (tracks: 9)
Piano – Mulgrew Miller (tracks: 7,9)
Tenor Saxophone – Michael Brecker (tracks: 4,5)
Trombone – Julian Priester (tracks: 2,8)
Vibraphone – Steve Nelson (tracks: 7,9)