ELVIN JONES — The Main Force (1976-2019) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This inconsistent 1976 release from the mighty Elvin Jones is most successful when it draws on the high-energy, advanced hard bop style of the drummer's post-Coltrane period. It's a different story when it comes to the date's superfluous accommodations to fusion. Ryo Kawasaki's squelchy wah-wah guitar serves as the date's chief fusion device. At times, Kawasaki functions usefully in a role somewhat based on John McLaughlin's approach with Miles Davis in the late '60s. Mostly, he comes across as an additional flavor calculated to skew the music's appeal to the rock audience. Still, the opening track, Kawasaki's "Salty Iron," is wonderful, funky, jazz fusion, but it's not a track that calls for Jones' peerless gifts. "Philomene" and "Mini Modes" are in a more hard bop vein, but their potential is undermined by Kawasaki's trendy licks and the tinny chime of Al Dailey's electric piano. The highlight is Gene Perla's "Sweet Mama." Here, guest saxophonist Dave Liebman fires up some tasty, apocalyptic mayhem over a roiling, rhythm-section tempest. There's also a magical solo spot from Jones. This track is helped considerably by Dailey more suitably playing an acoustic piano and bassist Dave Williams setting aside his electric in favor of his upright. As for the 16-plus-minute "Song of Rejoicing," this marathon of collective, percussive noodling, including extensive pad slapping from reed players Pat Labarbera and Frank Foster, is simply an ill-conceived shamble. Jim Todd
Tracklist :
1    Salty Iron 5:15
Written-By – Ryo Kawasaki
2    Sweet Mama 6:22
Written-By – Gene Perla
3    Mini Modes 10:32
Written-By – David Williams
4    Philomene 4:38
Written-By – Ed Bland
5    Song Of Rejoicing After Returning From A Hunt 15:43
Adapted By [From The Djoboko Rhythm Of The Ba-benzele Pygmies] – Elvin Jones
Arranged By – Gene Perla
Credits :
Bass – Dave Williams
Drums – Elvin Jones
Guitar – Ryo Kawasaki
Percussion – Dave Johnson (tracks: 1, 2)
Reeds – Dave Liebman (tracks: 1, 2), Frank Foster (tracks: 3 to 5), Pat LaBarbera, Steve Grossman (tracks: 2 to 5)

ELVIN JONES JAZZ MACHINE — Dear John C. Live in Japan 1978 (1993) 2xCD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist 1 :
1    E.J. Blues    15:29
 Elvin Jones
2    House That Love Built    10:17
 Frank Foster
3    A Love Supreme    26:37
 John Coltrane
Tracklist 2 :
1    Keiko's Birthday March 15:36
2    Bessie's Blues 4:51
3    Antigua 15:42
4    E.J. Blues 7:06
Credits :
Bass – Andy McCloud
Drums – Elvin Jones
Guitar – Roland Prince
Tenor Saxophone – Frank Foster
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Pat LaBarbera

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