ELVIN JONES — Elvin Jones Is "On The Mountain" (1975-1994) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This 1975 date for the brilliant drummer, with Jan Hammer on keyboards and bassist Gene Perla, is a minor, if somewhat overlooked, classic from the tail-end of the early '70s to the mid-70s' run of great jazz fusion releases. Both Perla and Hammer worked with Elvin Jones between 1971 and 1973, in bands featuring saxophonists Frank Foster, Joe Farrell, Steve Grossman and Dave Liebman. Here, the smaller format allows for a tight group sound with openings for strong solos and fluid interplay throughout. Jones is well up in the mix, giving fans a front-row opportunity to enjoy the drummer, both in all-over-the-kit, rolling-thunder mode and in the subtler moments of his peerless brushwork. The trio perform a half-dozen originals by Perla and Hammer. The impressive writing has a definite jazz sensibility, but Hammer's Moog and electric piano work, Perla's alternating between electric and acoustic basses, and Jones' own fierce eruptions provide a satisfying, rock wallop in several spots. Jim Todd
Tracklist :
1    Thorn Of A White Rose 5:07
 Jan Hammer
2    Namuh 7:47
 Gene Perla
3    On The Mountain 4:37
 Gene Perla
4    Smoke In The Sun 4:00
 Jan Hammer
5    London Air 5:29
 Jan Hammer
6    Destiny 7:28
 Gene Perla
Credits :
Bass – Gene Perla
Drums – Elvin Jones
Keyboards – Jan Hammer

LARRY CORYELL — Barefoot Boy (1971-2000) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Produced by Bob Thiele and recorded at Electric Lady studios with engineer Eddie Kramer, Barefoot Boy is one of Larry Coryell's finest recordings as a leader. "Gypsy Queen" was recorded prior to bassist Mervin Bronson's arrival at the studio, and features the percussion section locking into a groove over which Coryell lays down a riff and Steve Marcus cuts loose with a fiery soprano sax solo. When it's his turn to solo on this opening number, Coryell turns up the heat, sounding like a cross between Jimi Hendrix and Sonny Sharrock. (Coryell played with Sharrock on Herbie Mann's Memphis Underground.) "The Great Escape" finds Coryell cooking over a bass and percussion groove, with Marcus on tenor sax. "Call to the Higher Consciousness" is a side-long 20-minute jam in which all the players take a ride, with Marcus once again cooking on the soprano sax. Roy Haynes is superb throughout, working in tandem with the percussionists to keep the music moving. This recording is a noteworthy example of the possibilities inherent in the early days of fusion, blending the electrifying energy of rock with the improvisational excitement of jazz.  Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1    Gypsy Queen 11:50
Congas – Lawrence Killian
Drums – Roy Haynes
Guitar – Larry Coryell
Percussion – Harry Wilkinson
Soprano Saxophone – Steve Marcus
Written-By – Gabor Szabo
2    The Great Escape 8:39
Bass – Mervin Bronson
Congas – Lawrence Killian
Drums – Roy Haynes
Guitar – Larry Coryell
Percussion – Harry Wilkinson
Soprano Saxophone – Steve Marcus
Written-By – Coryell
3    Call To The Higher Consciousness 20:00
Bass – Mervin Bronson
Congas – Lawrence Killian
Drums – Roy Haynes
Guitar – Larry Coryell
Percussion – Harry Wilkinson
Piano – Mike Mandel
Tenor Saxophone – Steve Marcus
Written-By – Coryell

JOHN MCLAUGHLIN — Where Fortune Smiles (1971-1993) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Where Fortune Smiles is really a John Surman recording, but subsequent re-releases have passed the credit on to John McLaughlin (for obvious reasons). The music is similar to but more dense than Extrapolation. McLaughlin's raw sound was starting to take shape by this time and his impeccable chops are on full display. So too are those of the underrated vibraphonist Karl Berger and, of course, soprano saxophonist Surman. The foundation is held loosely in place by bassist Dave Holland and drummer Stu Martin. It's a challenging but interesting listen, especially given McLaughlin's later success and popularity. Although his creativity would peak with the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Shakti, he never sounded more free and exploratory than he does here. Highly recommended for its historical significance as well as some excellent playing. Robert Taylor
Tracklist :
1 Glancing Backwards 8:54
2 Earth Bound Hearts 4:15
3 Where Fortune Smiles 4:01
4 New Place,Old Place 10:24
5 Hope 7:19
Credits:
Bass – Dave Holland
Drums – Stu Martin
Guitar – John McLaughlin
Saxophone – John Surman
Vibraphone – Karl Berger