CHARLES TOLLIVER — The Ringer (1969-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is the Charles Tolliver record to get, although it may be hard to find. The masterful trumpeter, in a quartet with pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Steve Novosel, and drummer Jimmy Hopps, plays five of his strongest compositions. Highlights include the powerful "On the Nile," "The Ringer," and "Spur," but each of the numbers has its memorable moments. Tolliver is heard at the peak of his creative powers; it is strange that he never received the fame and recognition that he deserved. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Plight    7:09
  Written-By – Charles Tolliver
2    On The Nile    12:31
  Written-By – Charles Tolliver
3    The Ringer    5:46
  Written-By – Charles Tolliver
4    Mother Wit    8:46
  Written-By – Charles Tolliver
5    Spur    5:02
  Written-By – Charles Tolliver
Credits :
Bass – Steve Novosel
Drums – Jimmy Hopps
Piano – Stanley Cowell
Trumpet – Charles Tolliver

OLIVER NELSON — Swiss Suite (1972-2014) RM | Flying Dutchman Jazz Classics Series | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Recorded at the 1971 Montreux Jazz Festival, this big-band outing features a mostly all-star band and altoist Oliver Nelson (who wrote all of the arrangements and compositions) and trumpeter Danny Moore on remakes of "Stolen Moments," "Black, Brown & Beautiful" and "Blues and the Abstract Truth." However it is the nearly 27-minute "Swiss Suite" that dominates this album and although tenorman Gato Barbieri has a couple of raging solos, it is a five-minute segment when guest altoist Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson plays the blues that is most memorable. Vinson's classic spot alone is worth the price of this hard-to-find LP.  Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

GARY BARTZ - Libra + Another Earth (1998) RM | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Altoist Gary Bartz's first two recordings as a leader are reissued in full (except for one selection, "Disjunction," left off due to lack of space) on this 1998 CD. 1967's Libra matches Bartz (then 26) with trumpeter Jimmy Owens, pianist Albert Dailey, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Billy Higgins for four diverse originals including "Eastern Blues," a lyrical "Cabin in the Sky," the old hymn "Deep River," and Charlie Parker's "Bloomdido." Another Earth features Bartz dueting with bassist Reggie Workman on "Lost in the Stars," performing three trio quartet numbers with Workman, pianist Stanley Cowell, and drummer Freddie Waits, and welcoming trumpeter Charles Tolliver and tenor saxophonist Pharoah Sanders (who is a little more restrained than usual) to the 23-and-a-half-minute, three-part "Another Earth." The music is advanced but not avant-garde, essentially falling into the genre of modern mainstream for the period. Even at this early stage, Bartz had a fairly distinctive sound and a strong musical style. Scott Yanow
Libra (1967)
1 Eastern Blues  3:59
Gary Bartz
2 Cabin in the Sky  3:59
Vernon Duke
3 Air and Fire  5:53
Gary Bartz
4 Libra  6:22
Gary Bartz
5 Bloomdido 4:46
Charlie Parker
6 Deep River  4:51
Gary Bartz
7 Freedom One Day  5:08
Another Earth (1968)
8 Another Earth  23:46
Gary Bartz
9 Dark Nebula  5:04
Gary Bartz
10 UFO  4:49
Gary Bartz
11 Lost in the Stars  4:04
Kurt Weill
12 Perihelion and Aphelion  3:47
Gary Bartz
Credits 1-7
Bass – Richard Davis
Alto Saxophone – Gary Bartz
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – Albert Dailey
Trumpet – Jimmy Owens (tracks: 4, 7)
Libra (originally Milestone 9006): 1967
Credits 8-12
Alto Saxophone – Gary Bartz
Bass – Reggie Workman  
Drums – Freddie Waits
Piano – Stanley Cowell
Tenor Saxophone – Pharoah Sanders (tracks: 8)
Trumpet – Charles Tolliver (tracks: 8)
Another Earth (originally Milestone 9018): 1968

STAN GETZ | ZOOT SIMS - Double Exposure (1969-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Stan Getz Quartet  
1    The Song Is You 5:55
Written-By – Jerome Kern
2    O Grande Amor 6:03
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
3    For Jane 3:20
Written-By – Jack DeJohnette
4    Dane's Chant 7:28
Written-By – Stanley Cowell
5    Major General 6:25
Written-By – Jack DeJohnette
Credits :
Bass – Miroslav Vitous
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Piano – Stanley Cowell
Tenor Saxophone – Stan Getz

Zoot Sims Quartet    
6    Nirvana 4:12
Written-By – Zoot Sims
7    Indiana 4:00
Written-By – Ballard MacDonald, James F. Hanley
8    Memories Of You 4:04
Written-By – Andy Razaf
9    Come Rain Or Come Shine 4:37
Written-By – Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer
10    Up A Lazy River 3:24
Written-By – Hoagy Carmichael
11    Send In The Clowns 2:31
Written-By – Stephen Sondheim
Credits :
Bass – Milt Hinton
Drums – Buddy Rich
Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli
Tenor Saxophone – Zoot Sims
Notas.
Recorded 1969, Europe.

JIMMY HEATH - The Gap Sealer + Love and Understanding (1972-2008) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Some of Heath's finest, most aggressive playing. He is a standout on soprano, flute, and tenor. Ron Wynn

This is one of Jimmy Heath's more unusual and versatile records, and fortunately it has been reissued on CD. Heath switches between tenor, soprano and flute on a diverse program (five originals plus Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood") that ranges from hard bop to light funk and R&Bish jazz. Heath's sidemen (trombonist Curtis Fuller, cellist Bernard Fennell, keyboardist Stanley Cowell, electric bassist Bob Cranshaw and drummer Billy Higgins) sound quite inspired by the material and Heath plays at his most inventive throughout the underrated set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Heritage Hum 7'48
Jimmy Heath
2     Invitation 5:46
Kaper    
3     A Sound For Sore Ears  7'20
Jimmy Heath
4     Gap Sealer 7'28
Jimmy Heath
5     Angel Man 7'20
Jimmy Heath
6     Alkebu-Lan (Land of the Blacks) 7'34
James Mtume
 Love and Understanding (1973)
7     One For Juan 7'04
Jimmy Heath
8     Hands Up! Feet Down! 7'06
Jimmy Heath
9     Far Away Lands 5'02
Jimmy Heath
10     Smilin' Billy 5'46
Jimmy Heath
11     Gemini 7'53
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
1-6
Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Drums – Al "Tootie" Heath
Percussion – Mtume
Piano – Kenny Barron
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
7-11
Cello – Bernard Fennell
Drums, Tambourine – Billy Higgins
Electric Bass – Bob Cranshaw
Piano, Electric Piano – Stanley Cowell
Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Trombone – Curtis Fuller

JIMMY HEATH - Time and the Place (1974-1994) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Although this 1994 CD looks like a reissue, the music was actually released for the first time 20 years after it was recorded. Jimmy Heath, who is heard here on tenor, alto, soprano and flute, played at his prime throughout the 1970's although he tended to be somewhat overlooked in popularity polls. Heath was stretching himself during the era as can be heard on these obscure pieces; five of his originals plus Kenny Dorham's "No End." Although essentially bop-based, Heath was open to the influences of the avant-garde and fusion and, with a flexible group also including trombonist Curtis Fuller, guitarist Pat Martino, pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Sam Jones, drummer Billy Higgins and percussionist Mtume, Jimmy Heath consistently takes adventurous yet logical solos. Worth checking out. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     The Time and the Place 9'34
Jimmy Heath
2     The Voice of the Saxophone 6'11
Jimmy Heath
3     No End 7'06
Kenny Dorham
4     The 13th House 9'04
Jimmy Heath    
5     Fau-Lu 8'07
Jimmy Heath    
6     Studio Style 4'49
Jimmy Heath
Credits :
Congas, Percussion – Mtume (pistas: 1, 3 to 5)
Drums – Billy Higgins
Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Guitar – Pat Martino
Piano, Mbira – Stanley Cowell
Trombone – Curtis Fuller (pistas: 1, 3 to 5)
Vocals – Curtis Fuller (pistas: 3), Jimmy Heath (pistas: 3)

THE HEATH BROTHERS | ALBERT, JIMMY & PERCY ft. STANLEY COWELL - Marching On! (1976-1990) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The debut recording by the Heath Brothers -- which at the time consisted of Jimmy Heath on tenor, soprano and flute, bassist Percy Heath, drummer Al "Tootie" Heath and pianist Stanley Cowell -- was one of their best, but also their most obscure release. Made for the soon-defunct Strata East label, this LP has Jimmy Heath's four-part "Smilin' Billy Suite," an original apiece from Cowell and the two other brothers (including Percy's "Watergate Blues"), and Duke Ellington's "Warm Valley." High-quality hard bop. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Warm Valley 2'29
Flute [Lead] – Albert Heath
Written-By – D. Ellington
2    Tafadhali 3'54
Flute [Lead] – Albert Heath
Written-By – A. Heath
3    The Watergate Blues 5'54
Written-By – P. Heath
4    Maimoun (From "Illusion Suite") 8'02
Flute [Lead] – Albert Heath
Written-By – S. Cowell
5    Smilin' Billy Suite 6'04
Written-By – J. Heath
6    Part I 6'00
Written-By – J. Heath
7    Part II 4'23
Written-By – J. Heath
8    Part III 3'28
Reeds [African Double Reed Instrument] – Albert Heath
Written-By – J. Heath
9    Part IV 4'35
Written-By – J. Heath
Credits :
Bass [Baby, Violin] – Percy Heath
Drums – Albert Heath
Flute, Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Piano [Acoustic], Mbira – Stanley Cowell

THE HEATH BROTHERS - As We Were Saying (1997) FLAC (tracks), lossless

During the Modern Jazz Quartet's temporary retirement from 1975-83, bassist Percy Heath teamed up with tenor and soprano great Jimmy Heath and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath (who left after a few years) to form the Heath Brothers. There had been occasional reunions since then, but this is the first record done under the Heath Brothers name in over a decade, and it finds the musical communication between the three siblings as strong as ever. Joined by either Stanley Cowell or Sir Roland Hanna on piano and such guests as guitarist Mark Elf, trombonist Slide Hampton, trumpeter Jon Faddis (brilliant during his three appearances) and percussionist James Mtume (Jimmy's son), the Heaths perform a varied yet continually colorful set. The music is largely bop-oriented and includes six likable originals, "I'm Glad There Is You," "Daydream," and Fats Navarro's "Nostalgia." Although Percy has some solo spots, as do the guests, the main voice throughout is Jimmy Heath, who has long had his own distinctive sounds on tenor and soprano. Without exaggeration, it can be accurately stated that all nine performances on this CD are memorable in their own way. Highly recommended. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1     The Newest One 6'18
Jimmy Heath
2     Bop Again 7'13
Jimmy Heath
3     For Seven's Sake 4'47
Albert "Tootie" Heath
4     South Filthy 3'29
Albert "Tootie" Heath / Jimmy Heath / Percy Heath
5     I'm Glad There Is You 7'38
Jimmy Dorsey / Paul Mertz
6     Dave's Daze 6'06
Percy Heath
7     Day Dream 6'46
Duke Ellington / John Latouche / Billy Strayhorn
8     Nostalgia 8'20
Fats Navarro
9     This Is What It Is 8'18
Jimmy Heath
Credits
Acoustic Bass, Cello [Jazz Cello] – Percy Heath
Drums, Percussion – Albert "Tootie" Heath
Guitar – Mark Elf (pistas: 1, 2, 3, 6)
Percussion – James Mtume (pistas: 4)
Piano – Sir Roland Hanna (pistas: 1, 6, 7, 9)
Piano, Kalimba – Stanley Cowell (pistas: 2, 3, 5)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Jimmy Heath
Trombone – Slide Hampton (pistas: 1, 8, 9)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Jon Faddis (pistas: 1, 8, 9)

SONNY FORTUNE - Great Friends (1986) APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

Great Friends is an artifact. Recorded on July 7, 1986, at Sysmo Studio in Paris, it is the only recorded output of the aggregation that included alto saxophonist Sonny Fortune, tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, Stanley Cowell at the piano, bassist Reggie Workman, and drummer Billy Hart. Until this reissue on the Pennsylvania indie Evidence Music, Great Friends was only available in Europe, on the French label Black & Blue. While led by the bristling tones of Fortune's alto, the recording gives equal time to each musician, allowing its titular egalitarianism to color each of the eight tracks included. Workman's bass solos on Stanley Cowell's "Equipoise" and his own "Synapse," in particular, reveal the clear lines of communication that define this recording. "Equipoise" as a whole is the standout track here; plaintive keys are matched by an urgent, slowly building rhythm that flirts with the saxophone and bass solos, never cresting into the pop crescendo that always seems to lurk just beyond the solo. Billy Harper's "Insight" lets drummer Billy Hart solo for almost a minute before opening up into an incredible interplayed solo between Fortune and Harper. Including as it does some of the fastest playing of the session, "Insight" illustrates the comfortable improvisation between the players. This recording occurred immediately after a European tour, and includes none of the sterility of a studio situation. Fortune, Harper, Cowell, Workman, and Hart hit on all cylinders throughout, often approximating what it must have been like to see these great friends at one of those smoky European clubs. by Johnny Loftus  

JACK DeJOHNETTE - The DeJohnette Complex (1969-1991) RM / APE (image+.cue), lossless

The DeJohnette Complex is the debut album by Jack DeJohnette featuring Bennie Maupin, Stanley Cowell, Miroslav Vitous, Eddie Gómez, and Roy Haynes recorded in 1968 and released on the Milestone label in 1969.

Drummer Jack DeJohnette's debut as a leader (which has been reissued on CD) has quite a bit of variety. The music ranges from advanced swinging to brief free improvisations and some avant-funk. DeJohnette (who doubles on melodica) is joined by Bennie Maupin (on tenor and flute), keyboardist Stanley Cowell, bassists Miroslav Vitous and Eddie Gomez, and drummer Roy Haynes. He uses six different combinations of musicians on the eight songs (five of his originals, John Coltrane's "Miles' Mode," Cowell's "Equipoise" and Vitous' "Mirror Image"). Intriguing and generally successful music. 

This album, released in 1969, has all the charms of an eager first album. THE DEJOHNETTE COMPLEX also makes a solid case for Jack DeJohnette as a formidable composer and band leader. He already had impressive credentials as a drummer, having had successful stints with both Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis (after replacing Tony Williams).

The players on this album are some of the best of that time: Miroslav Vitous and Eddie Gomez on bass, Stanley Cowell on piano, Bennie Maupin on tenor saxophone, and Roy Haynes on drums. There are angular ballads and furiously cascading post-bop rave-ups. The compositions reveal DeJohnette's deep musical background and training in classical piano.

Tracklist:

1. Equipoise (Stanley Cowell) - 3:58

2. The Major General - 6:34

3. Miles' Mode (John Coltrane) - 6:36

4. Requiem Number 1 - 2:21

5. Mirror Image (Miroslav Vitous) - 5:08

6.   Papa, Daddy and Me - 7:53

7. Brown, Warm and Wintry - 5:02

8. Requiem Number 2 - 1:41

Personnel

    Jack DeJohnette: drums, melodica

    Bennie Maupin: tenor saxophone, wood flute, flute

    Stanley Cowell: electric piano, piano

    Miroslav Vitous; bass

    Eddie Gomez: bass

    Roy Haynes: drums, percussion