PETER APFELBAUM & THE NEW YORK HIEROGLYPHIS — It Is Written (2005) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

"Stroke of genius" - (FONOFORUM) ACT

Saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum gathered together a new version of his Hieroglyphics for this record date, inspired by rediscovering fragments of music left over from the 1970s. Influenced strongly not only by avant-garde jazz but world music, the Hieroglyphics are, at times, reminiscent of Abdullah Ibrahim's groups, open to the rhythms, harmonies, and melodies of American, Latin, European, African, and Asian music. While the band has a strong group sound, Apfelbaum's nine originals cover a wide variety of music including the vocal-dominated "Titiwa" (featuring Abdoulaye Diabate), a number showcasing the leader on harmonium, some ensemble-oriented pieces, and others with short and fiery solos. Although not for the jazz purist, there is plenty of spirit to these performances, serving as an opportunity for Peter Apfelbaum to look both backwards and forward simultaneously. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Prelude    1:15
2    Labile (Unfolding)    2:20
3    Rainbow Sign    7:20
4    Apparition/Projectiles    14:25
5    Song Of The Signs    6:00
6    Petroglyph Extension    3:15
7    Shotgun Bouquet    12:00
8    It Is Written    5:25
9    Titiwa    7:50
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – John Shifflett
Alto Saxophone – Craig Handy
Bass – Patrice Blanchard
Bass Saxophone – Norbert Stachel
Bata – David Frazier, Josh Jones
Caxixi – Dafnis Prieto
Cover, Artwork – Martin Noël
Drums – Aaron Johnston, Deszon X. Claiborne
Electric Guitar – Trey Anastasio
Guitar – David Phelps, Viva de Concini, Will Bernard
Pandeiro, Caxixi, Bells – Cyro Baptista
Piano, Organ, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Harmonium, Melodica, Bata, Performer [Qarqabas], Composed By – Peter Apfelbaum
Tenor Saxophone – Jessica Jones, Peck Allmond, Tony Jones
Trombone – Jeff Cressman, Josh Roseman, Natalie Cressman
Trumpet [Slide] – Steven Bernstein
Violin – Charles Burnham, Juliana Cressman
Vocals – Abdoulaye Diabate
Vocals, Harmonium – Jai Uttal

CHARLIE HUNTER — Charlie Hunter (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Charlie Hunter is a restless musician in a dilemma. The variety of players and settings on his first several albums are testament to his restless spirit. But as his technique and confidence grow, it seems that the best showcase for his talent would be in small groups with minimal accompaniment, due to his ability to play rhythm and melody simultaneously. Since his last album, Duo, was the epitome of minimal accompaniment, Hunter must have felt obliged to vary the sound somewhat. For this album, Hunter continues his collaboration with percussionist Leon Parker, as well as bringing Josh Roseman and Peter Apfelbaum on trombone and sax, respectively, plus a couple of Parker's students. But the show still belongs to Hunter; there is one solo cut and three duets with Parker. When the other percussionists join in, the rhythms remain lean, with each player utilizing only one or two items. This leaves plenty of space for Hunter, while providing nice counterpoint to his playing. The horns are used on only four of the nine tracks of the album, but do a lot to expand the overall sound. Apfelbaum and Roseman solo nicely, but just as exciting is hearing Hunter's comping behind them. His technique really is amazing, but always at the service of music, not virtuosity. The tunes themselves lay down a solid groove; never too far from soul-jazz or funk, but with a boppish vocabulary that says this is no ordinary groove band. Charlie Hunter is another fine offering from a uniquely talented player, demonstrating both a high degree of musical sensitivity and astonishing technical abilities. Sean Westergaard 
Tracklist :

1.    Rendezvous Avec La Verite 6:37

Congas – Leon Parker
Cowbell, Cymbal – Stephen Chopek
Guitar [8-string] – Charlie Hunter
Percussion [Floor Tom, Snare Drum] – Robert Perkins
Written By – Charlie Hunter
2.    Two For Bleu 5:39
Congas, Percussion [Floor Tom] – Leon Parker
Cowbell, Cymbal – Stephen Chopek
Guitar [8-string] – Charlie Hunter
Saxophone [Tenor] – Peter Apfelbaum
Tambourine – Robert Perkins
Trombone – Josh Roseman
Written By – Charlie Hunter
3.    Al Green 5:39
Drums – Leon Parker
Guitar [8-string] – Charlie Hunter
Written By – Charlie Hunter
4.    Nothin' But Trouble 6:33
Drums – Leon Parker
Guitar [8-string] – Charlie Hunter
Saxophone [Tenor] – Peter Apfelbaum
Trombone – Josh Roseman
Written By – Charlie Hunter
5.    Cloud Splitter 4:01
Claves – Stephen Chopek
Drums – Leon Parker
Guitar [8-string] – Charlie Hunter
Saxophone [Tenor] – Peter Apfelbaum
Trombone – Josh Roseman
Written By – Charlie Hunter
6.    Epistrophy 3:41
Guitar [8-string] – Charlie Hunter
Percussion – Leon Parker
Written By – K. Clarke, T. Monk
7.    Flau Flau 5:56
Guitar [8-string] – Charlie Hunter
Percussion [Floor Tom] – Stephen Chopek
Percussion [Snare Drum] – Robert Perkins
Saxophone [Tenor] – Peter Apfelbaum
Triangle – Leon Parker
Trombone – Josh Roseman
Written By – Charlie Hunter
8.    Dersu (A Slight Return) 5:14
Drums – Leon Parker
Guitar [8-string] – Charlie Hunter
Written By – Charlie Hunter
9.    Someday We'll All Be Free 4:55
Guitar [8-string] – Charlie Hunter
Written By – D. Howard, D. Hathaway