JUNKO ONISHI TRIO — Live At The Village Vanguard (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is a memorable set. When pianist Junko Onishi performs songs from the likes of Charles Mingus ("So Long Eric"), John Lewis ("Concorde"), and Ornette Coleman ("Congeniality"), she interprets each of the tunes as much as possible within the intent and style of its composer. "So Long Eric," although performed by her trio, gives one the impression at times that several horns are soloing together; in addition, polyrhythms are utilized part of the time, Ornette's "Congeniality" has a strong pulse but fairly free improvising, while "Concorde" sounds both distinguished and full of blues feeling, like John Lewis himself. Onishi's exploration of "Blue Skies" uplifts the warhorse through the use of colorful vamps and an altered melody, she takes the slow ballad "Darn That Dream" as a medium-tempo stomp, and her original, "How Long Has This Been Goin' On," is brooding but not downbeat and swings hard without losing its serious nature. There is not a weak selection in the bunch and the interplay between Onishi, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley is quite impressive. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.    So Long Eric 8:27
Written-By – Charles Mingus
2.    Blue Skies 9:16
Written-By – Irving Berlin
3.    Concorde 6:32
Written-By – John Lewis 
4.    How Long Has This Been Goin' On 10:45
Written-By – Junko Onishi
5.    Darn That Dream 6:31
Written-By – Eddie De Lange, Jimmy Van Heusen
6.    Congeniality 14:02
Written-By – Ornette Coleman
Credits :
Bass – Reginald Veal
Drums – Herlin Riley
Piano – Junko Onishi

JUNKO ONISHI TRIO — Live At The Village Vanguard II (1994) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1.    The House Of Blue Lights 9:19
Written-By – Gigi Gryce
2.    Never Let Me Go 10:27
Written-By – Jay Livingston-Ray Evans
3.    Brilliant Corners 10:24
Written-By – Thelonious Monk
4.    Ringo Oiwake 20:29
Written-By – Fujio Ozawa, Masao Yoneyama
5.    Tea For Two 5:45
Written-By – Irving Caesar, Vincent Youmans
Credits :
Bass – Reginald Veal
Drums – Herlin Riley
Piano – Junko Onishi

ELVIN JONES SPECIAL QUARTET — Tribute To John Coltrane " A Love Supreme" (1994) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Recorded live at a Tokyo nightclub, the "special" in special quartet is trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Functioning as the lone horn in the ensemble and supported by two of his former sidemen, pianist Marcus Roberts and bassist Reginald Veal, in a group led by one of jazz's greatest drummers, Marsalis' improvisational abilities are displayed prominently on this program of two John Coltrane compositions, one by Marsalis, and a swinging rendition of "Happy Birthday" for a member of the audience. The highlight of this recording is a 47-minute version of the first three movements of Coltrane's "A Love Supreme." Whether ripping off fast runs or blaring held high notes, Marsalis shows himself as a player deserving of his notoriety. Jones is his usual powerful polyrhythmic self, while Roberts and Veal offer solid support. The rest of the program includes Coltrane's ballad "Dear Lord" and Marsalis' tribute to Jones, "Blues for Veen." An essential recording for Jones and Marsalis completists. Greg Turner
Tracklist :
1    A Love Supreme: Pt. 1 Acknowledgement/Pt. 2 Resolution/Pt. 3 Pursuance 47:16
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
Composed By – J. Coltrane
2    Dear Lord 6:32
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
Composed By – J. Coltrane
3    Happy Birthday For "Yuka" 7:24
Traditional
Arranged By – Elvin Jones
4    Blues To Veen 15:04
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
Composed By – W. Marsalis
Credits :
Bass – Reginald Veal
Drums, Music Director – Elvin Jones
Piano – Marcus Roberts
Trumpet, Guest [Special Guest Artist] – Wynton Marsalis