MARTY EHRLICH | PETER ERSKINE | MICHAEL FORMANEK — Relativity (1999) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

You might justifiably expect sparks to fly on this collaborative effort, given the careers of Ehrlich and his compatriots, trio members Michael Formanek and Peter Erskine. Unfortunately, it rarely happens, and while all three are exquisite players individually, this disappointing, often tepid recording stands as an opportunity not fully realized. In part it might be the result of different styles: Ehrlich, of course, is the more adventurous of the group, but Erskine, whose heart is usually in more commercial ventures, seems comfortable with the music. The pieces are all originals by the trio members, but there are times when a certain boredom pervades the music. To be fair, there are some aggressive, exciting moments, too, but they are the exception. Ehrlich continues to show remarkable versatility on alto and tenor saxophones, clarinet, and flute (where he is particularly lyrical). Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1    Incident At Harpham Flat    6:42
 Michael Formanek
2    Eloi Lament    5:44
 Peter Erskine
3    Lucky Life    9:19
 Marty Ehrlich
4    The Pivot    6:52
 Marty Ehrlich
5    Holy Waters    5:52
 Michael Formanek
6    Round The Four Corners    6:41
 Marty Ehrlich
7    Jiggle The Handle    8:35
 Michael Formanek
8    Relativo    3:42
 Peter Erskine
9    Taglioni    6:04
 Don Grolnick
10    In A Child's Eyes    4:15
 Michael Formanek
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Marty Ehrlich
Double Bass – Michael Formanek
Drums – Peter Erskine

AKI TAKASE | RUDI MAHALL — Duet For Eric Dolphy (1997) FLAC (image + .cue) lossless

Tracklist :
1    17 West 3:47
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
2    245 3:21
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
3    Hat And Beard 3:13
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
4    I'm Confessin' 4:02
Composed By – A.J. Neiburg, D. Daugherty, E. Reynolds
5    Something Sweet, Something Tender 2:28
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
6    A Chotto Matte 2:40
Composed By – Aki Takase
7    Les 2:30
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
8    Gazzeloni 3:09
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
9    Serene 3:39
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
10    Misha's Slipper 2:29
Composed By – Aki Takase
11    Straight Up And Down 1:29
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
12    Rudi My Beer! 2:26
Composed By – Aki Takase
13    The Prophet 4:09
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
14    Miss Ann 2:35
Composed By – Eric Dolphy
Credits :
Bass Clarinet – Rudi Mahall
Piano – Aki Takase

MARIA SCHNEIDER JAZZ ORCHESTRA — Evanescence (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Maria Schneider's debut as a leader is quite impressive. Her complex arrangements of her nine originals are most influenced by Gil Evans and Bob Brookmeyer, although her own musical personality shines through. There are strong solos from tenors Rick Margitza and Rich Perry, trumpeter Tim Hagan, altoist Tim Ries, and particularly pianist Kenny Werner, but it is the moody ensembles that most stick in one's mind. Schneider's arrangements are often dense, a bit esoteric, and thought-provoking; this music may need several listens for one to grasp all that is going on. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Wyrgly 10:29
Soloist – Ben Monder, John Fedchock, Rick Margitza
2    Evanescence 11:21
Soloist – Rich Perry, Tim Hagans
3    Gumba Blue 8:59
Soloist – Greg Gisbert, Kenny Werner
4    Some Circles 5:50
Soloist – Rich Perry
5    Green Piece 8:08
Soloist – Kenny Werner, Rick Margitza
6    Gush 7:08
Idiophone [Flexatone] – Bill Hayes
Percussion – Emidin Rivera
Soloist – Tim Ries
7    My Lament 4:47
Soloist – Rick Margitza
8    Dance You Monster To My Soft Song 7:30
Soloist – Ben Monder, Tim Hagans
9    Last Season 8:24
Soloist – Tim Hagans, Tim Ries
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute, Alto Flute, Clarinet, Piccolo Flute – Mark Vinci
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet – Tim Ries
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet – Scott Robinson
Bass – Jay Anderson
Bass Trombone, Tuba – George Flynn
Composed By, Conductor, Producer, Liner Notes [English] – Maria Schneider
Drums – Dennis Mackrel
Guitar – Ben Monder
Piano – Kenny Werner
Tenor Saxophone – Rick Margitza
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Rich Perry
Trombone – Keith O'Quinn, Larry Farrell
Trombone, Producer [Assistant Production] – John Fedchock
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Greg Gisbert, Laurie Frink, Tim Hagans, Tony Kadleck

MARIA SCHNEIDER JAZZ ORCHESTRA — Coming About (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Composer/arranger Maria Schneider and her 18-piece orchestra perform a variety of advanced and difficult music on this CD. The centerpiece of the set is her three-part "Scenes from Childhood" which deals with fear, confusion and grudging acceptance; do not look here for any childlike melodies or playfulness. In addition the big band plays a reworked version of "Giant Steps," the "Love Theme from Spartacus," the Spanish-flavored "El Viento" (which is slightly reminiscent of Gil Evans's writing for Sketches of Spain) and "Waxwings." There are strong solos from trumpeters Greg Gisbert and Tim Hagans, Rich Perry and Rick Margitza on tenors and baritonist Scott Robinson among others but it is the sound of the full ensemble that is most memorable about this rather heavy and melancholy set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    El Viento 11:17
Composed By – Maria Schneider
Guitar, Soloist – Ben Monder
Trombone, Soloist – Larry Farrell
Trumpet, Soloist – Greg Gisbert
2    Love Theme From »Spartacus« 7:04
Composed By – Alex North
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Rich Perry
Scenes From Childhood    
3    Part 1: Bombshelter Beast 9:43
Composed By – Maria Schneider
Guitar, Soloist – Ben Monder
Baritone Saxophone, Theremin, Soloist – Scott Robinson
4    Part 2: Night Watchmen 11:26
Composed By – Maria Schneider
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Rich Perry
Trumpet, Soloist – Tim Hagans
5    Part 3: Coming About 12:48
Composed By – Maria Schneider
Piano, Soloist – Frank Kimbrough
Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Rick Margitza
6    Giant Steps 7:44
Alto Saxophone, Soloist – Tim Ries
Composed By – John Coltrane
Trombone, Soloist – Rock Ciccarone
Trumpet, Soloist – Tim Hagans
7    Waxwing 7:43
Composed By – Maria Schneider
Flugelhorn, Soloist – Greg Gisbert
Credits :
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Tony Scherr
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Tim Ries
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Flute [Alto] – Mark Vinci
Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, Flute, Theremin – Scott Robinson
Bass Trombone – George Flynn
Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor, Producer – Maria Schneider
Drums – Tim Horner
Guitar – Ben Monder
Piano – Frank Kimbrough
Tenor Saxophone – Rich Perry, Rick Margitza
Trombone – Keith O'Quinn, Larry Farrell, Rock Ciccarone
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Greg Gisbert, Laurie Frink, Tim Hagans, Tony Kadleck

ELVIN JONES — Live At The Village Vanguard (1968-1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In what was probably the first recording by drummer Elvin Jones' working group (and one of his first after the death of John Coltrane), the focus is very much on tenor saxophonist George Coleman. The trio (which also includes bassist Wilbur Little) stretches out on Coleman's "By George," "Laura," and "You Don't Know What Love Is," and is joined by trumpeter Marvin "Hannibal" Peterson for a 15-minute version of "Mister Jones." The music is very much in the late-'50s/early-'60s modal vein of Coltrane, and although rather brief, the playing here is excellent and reasonably exploratory. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    M.C.    0:31
Written-By – Elvin Jones
2    By George 7:06
Written-By – George Coleman
3    Laura 12:00
Written-By – David Raskin
4    Mister Jones 15:05
Written-By – Keiko Jones
5    You Don't Know What Love Is 6:57
Written-By – Don Raye, Gene DePaul
6    M.C. 0:37
Written-By – Elvin Jones
Credits :
Bass – Wilbur Little
Drums – Elvin Jones
Tenor Saxophone – George Coleman
Trumpet – Marvin 'Hannibal' Peterson (tracks: 4)

ELVIN JONES — In Europe (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Recorded live at a jazz festival in Germany, In Europe represents a typical Jazz Machine live performance, three selections from the group's regular repertoire where the musicians get plenty of room to stretch out, fueled by Jones' propulsive polyrhythms. "Ray-El," written by Elvin's brother Thad Jones, is a medium tempo blues number featuring a fine flute solo by Sonny Fortune. The traditional Japanese folk song "Doll of the Bride" is a 32 minute tour-de-force beginning with Fortune's flute and a long Jones drum solo using mallets, then moving into a Latin-ish vamp with excellent solos from Fortune on tenor sax and Willie Pickens on piano. "Island Birdie," written by McCoy Tyner, is a happy calypso reminiscent of "St. Thomas" with a nice turn on soprano sax by Ravi Coltrane, the son of Elvin's former employer John Coltrane, and bassist Chip Jackson. This was Jones' return to recording after a seven year hiatus. Greg Turner
Tracklist :
1    Ray 17:25
Composed By – Thad Jones
2    Doll Of The Bride 32:28
Japanese Traditional
Arranged By – Keiko Jones
3    Island Birdie 13:02
Composed By – McCoy Tyner
Credits :
Bass – Chip Jackson
Drums – Elvin Jones
Ensemble – The Elvin Jones Jazz Machine
Piano – Willie Pickens
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Sonny Fortune
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Ravi Coltrane

ELVIN JONES — Youngblood (1992-2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although this superior set features three of the top Young Lions (tenors Joshua Redman and Javon Jackson and trumpeter Nicholas Payton), along with the fine bassist George Mraz, drummer Elvin Jones, 64 at the time, sounds like the youngest member of the group. The well-rounded CD has individual features for Redman ("Angel Eyes"), Payton ("Body and Soul") and Mraz ("My Romance"), along with the leader (the unaccompanied drum solo "Ding-A-Ling-A-Ling"), and has consistently inspired playing from all of the musicians. An excellent effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Not Yet    3:52
 Javon Jackson
2    Have You Seen Elveen?    7:40
 Nicholas Payton
3    Angel Eyes    8:45
 Earl Brent / Matt Dennis
4    Ding-A-Ling-A-Ling    7:18
 Elvin Jones
5    Lady Luck    9:27
 Thad Jones / Frank Wess
6    The Biscuit Man    3:57
 Donald Brown
7    Body And Soul    6:12
 Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
8    Strange    4:12
 George Mraz
9    My Romance    6:13
 Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
10    Youngblood    5:52
 Elvin Jones
Credits :
Bass – George Mraz (tracks: 1 to 3,5 to 10)
Drums – Elvin Jones
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Javon Jackson (tracks: 1,2,5,6,8,10), Joshua Redman (tracks: 1 to 3,5,6,8,10)
Trumpet – Nicholas Payton (tracks: 1,2,5 to 8,10)

ELVIN JONES INTRODUCES TAKEHISA TANAKA WITH SONNY FORTUNE, CECIL McBEE — When I Was At Aso-Mountain (1993) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This is basically a recording of the trio of Japanese pianist Takehisa Tanaka and the stellar rhythm team of bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Elvin Jones, with saxophonist/flautist Sonny Fortune performing on three of the eight selections, which include three Tanaka compositions and three standards. Ironically Fortune plays on all three Tanaka compositions, which are the recording's highlights: "I Was Too Young" is a ballad with the beautiful melody played by Fortune's tenor sax; "My Dream Come True, To E.J.," the only up-tempo selection on this recording, with the melody also played by Fortune's tenor sax; and the title track, a medium-tempo number that features Fortune's flute and Jones on mallets and brushes. The three standards, "Beautiful Love," "You Don't Know Where Love Is," and "Stella By Starlight" are given relatively straightforward readings here. The normally aggressive Jones is more restrained than usual throughout this recording, probably so he doesn't overpower Tanaka, a good pianist who seems out of place playing with musicians the caliber of Jones, McBee, and Fortune. Not an essential recording except for Jones completists. Greg Turner

Tracklist :
1    Beautiful Love    7:27
 Haven Gillespie / Wayne King / Egbert VanAlstyne / Victor Young
2    I Was Too Young    8:25
 Takehisa Tanaka
3    You Don't Know What Love Is    10:14
 Gene DePaul / Don Raye
4    My Dream Come True, To E.J.    5:23
 Takehisa Tanaka
5    Dream Gypsy    8:23
 Judith Veevers
6    When I Was At Aso-Mountain    8:12
 Takehisa Tanaka
7    Soultrane    8:51
 Tadd Dameron
8    Stella By Star Light    9:31
 Ned Washington / Victor Young
Credits :
Bass – Cecil McBee
Drums, Music Director – Elvin Jones
Flute, Tenor Saxophone – Sonny Fortune
Piano – Takehisa Tanaka

ELVIN JONES — Going Home (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On Elvin Jones' third Enja CD of the 1990s, the legendary drummer continues with the same formula used on his previous recording, Youngblood, with one exception. Jones adds the veteran Chicago pianist Willie Pickens to a group of younger players -- trumpeter Nicholas Payton, saxophonists Javon Jackson and Ravi Coltrane, flutist Kent Jordan, and bassist Brad Jones -- as they perform a program of standards and originals powered by Jones' always dynamic drumming. Never known as a composer, Jones wrote three of the eight compositions on Going Home. "The Shell Game" sounds like a figure Jones would play on the drums; it's a brief melody that serves as a springboard for the soloists. "April 8th" begins with Jones playing a march that quickly develops into an up-tempo burner with a march-like bridge, while the title track is a down-home blues featuring Pickens' piano. "Truth," written by Jones' wife Keiko, begins with a drum solo that develops into a Japanese folk song-like melody, then develops into a finger-poppin' groove. Payton, 19 years old at the time of this recording, shows the promise here that makes him a player to watch in years to come. A welcome addition to Jones' extensive discography. Greg Turner
Tracklist :
1    The Shell Game 12:03
Written-By – Elvin Jones
2    Going Home 4:53
Written-By – Elvin Jones
3    Cross Purpose 3:35
Written-By – Thad Jones
4    You've Changed 8:37
Written-By – B. Carey, C. Fisher
5    Truth 11:52
Written-By – Keiko Jones
6    East Of The Sun 4:00
Written-By – Brooks Bowman
7    In 3/4 Thee 6:36
Written-By – Ravi Coltrane
8    April 8th 6:32
Written-By – Elvin Jones
Credits :
Bass – Brad Jones
Drums – Elvin Jones
Flute, Piccolo Flute – Kent Jordan
Piano – Willie Pickens
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Ravi Coltrane
Tenor Saxophone – Javon Jackson
Trumpet – Nicholas Payton

PHILIP CATHERINE | NIELS-HENNING ØRSTED-PEDERSEN — Spanish Nights (1989-1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Spanish Nights 3:46
Written-By – Philip Catherine
2    Aranjuez 5:06
Written-By – J. Rodrigo
3    Django 6:23
Written-By – J. Lewis
4    My Favorite Things 5:34
Written-By – R. Rodgers
5    Leaving 6:56
Written-By – R. Beirach
6    Esmeralda 4:56
Written-By – N. Pedersen
7    Armando's Rhumba 4:10
Written-By – Chick Corea
8    Black Orpheus 5:51
Written-By – Jobim, Bonfa
9    Little Anna 3:28
Written-By – N. Pedersen
10    Qua Pasa 4:08
Written-By – K. Drew
11    René Thomas 4:52
Written-By – Philip Catherine
Credits
Arranged By – Ernie Wilkins, Kenny Drew, Ole Kock Hansen
Bass – Niels-Henning Ørsted-Pedersen
Guitar – Philip Catherine
Orchestra – The Royal Copenhagen Chamber Orchestra

NIELS PEDERSEN | PHILIP CATHERINE – Art Of The Duo (1993) APE (image+.cue), lossless

»Un album sur lequel interaction rime avec concentration. Avec juste ce qu´il faut de chaleur et de lyrisme.« Compact Jazz
Tracklist :
1    Twice A Week 8:45
Written-By – Philip Catherine
2    My Foolish Heart 4:27
Written-By – Victor Young
3    Stella By Starlight 7:35
Written-By – Victor Young
4    All The Things You Are 4:03
Written-By – Jeromy Kern
5    The Puzzle 7:50
Written-By – N.H. Ørsted Pedersen
6    I Should Care 4:04
Written-By – Stordahl, Weston, Kahn
7    Janet 11:41
Written-By – Philip Catherine
8    Air Power / Dancing Girls 5:13
Written-By – N.H.Ø. Pedersen, P. Catherine
Credits
Bass – Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen
Guitar – Philip Catherine

PHILIP CATHERINE | PAULO MORELLO | SVEN FALLER — Pourquoi (2022) 24-44.1Hz | FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist :
1    Pourquoi 6:24
Composed By – Philip Catherine
2    Robert's Waltz 4:01
Composed By – Paulo Morello
3    To Martine 4:39
Composed By – Philip Catherine
4    Chateau Plagne 4:47
Composed By – Paulo Morello
5    Frontera 4:07
Composed By – Nicola Andreoli
6    Inútil Paisagem 3:00
Composed By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
7    Ozone 6:14
Composed By – Philip Catherine
8    La Valse Du Flipper 5:41
Composed By – Philip Catherine
9    Méline 5:10
Composed By – Philip Catherine
10    First Waltz 3:21
Composed By – Frederik Devreese
11    Louisella 3:51
Composed By – Philip Catherine
Credits :
Bass – Sven Faller
Guitar – Paulo Morello, Philip Catherine

PHILIP CATHERINE | PAULO MORELLO | SVEN FALLER — manoir de mes rêves (2019) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Tracklist :

1    Les Amoureux Des Bancs Publics 3:12
Composed By – Georges Brassens
2    Manoir De Mes Reves 4:49
Composed By – Django Reinhardt
3    To Philip 4:10
Composed By – Nicola Andrioli
4    L'Ombrelle Et Le Parapluie 3:13
Composed By – Henri Salvador
5    Recado 6:03
Composed By – Djalma Ferreira
6    Insensiblement 4:35
Composed By – Paul Misraki
7    Claudia's Delight 3:26
Composed By – Paulo Morello
8    Jardin D'Hiver 3:38
Composed By – Eddy Louiss
9    Les Uns Contre Les Autres 4:04
Composed By – Michel Berger
10    Pas Encore 3:26
Composed By – Henri Salvador
11    Enfant Des Etoiles 3:23
Composed By – Evert Verhees
12    I'll See You In My Dreams 3:22
Composed By – Isham Jones
Credits :
Bass, Recorded By, Mixed By, Mastered By – Sven Faller
Electric Guitar – Philip Catherine
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Paulo Morello

ALBERT MANGELSDORFF | LEE KONITZ - Art Of The Duo (1983-1989) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

No one has worked harder to elevate the art of the jazz duo than Lee Konitz. His 1967 session, The Lee Konitz Duets, was a seminal statement. This much-later duet session with trombone master Albert Mangelsdorff pales in comparison. Konitz has long espoused the belief that horn players can swing without a rhythm section, yet much of the time Mangelsdorff insists on serving as a faux bass -- really, tuba -- player. And when he uses his patented technique of singing into his horn while creating chords, he functions as a very simple guitar player. That said, anything with these two masters on it has its pleasures. Konitz creates tasty lines with souffle-like lightness, and when Mangelsdorff breaks free he provides some gruff, complementary solos. His use of mute on "Creole Love Call" offers a break from the session's monochromaticism. Konitz also brings some fetching originals to the session, notably "A Minor Blues in F" and "Cher Ami," which feature the kind of freewheeling counterpoint that would have been welcomed throughout The Lee Konitz Duets. David Dupont
Tracklist :
1     Hot Hut 4:05
Albert Mangelsdorff
2     She's as Wild as Springtime 3:17
Lee Konitz
3     Inclination 5:03
Albert Mangelsdorff
4     I Wonder What She's Doing Right Now 2:04
Lee Konitz
5     Creole Love Call 4:05
Duke Ellington
6     About Time We Looked at This 1:55
Lee Konitz
7     A-Minor Blues in F 3:16
Lee Konitz
8     Matti's Matter 7:43
Albert Mangelsdorff
9     Cher Ami 2:54
Lee Konitz / Albert Mangelsdorff
10     En Passant 2:27
Albert Mangelsdorff
11     Bloas 3:39
Lee Konitz
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Trombone – Albert Mangelsdorff

LEE KONITZ | STEVE SWALLOW | PAUL MOTIAN - Three Guys (1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Lee Konitz continues to record at peak form, as clearly evidenced by this trio with Steve Swallow on electric bass and Paul Motian on drums. All of the nine pieces are originals by members of the trio, the exceptions being a compelling version of "Come Rain or Come Shine" and a gorgeous take of Jobim's "Luiza." As to be expected, these three veterans mesh well together. While there are few extraordinary moments, there is plenty of well-played, emotionally satisfying jazz, the way Konitz has been doing it for a lifetime. You might confuse his pinched alto for a soprano at times, but there is no questioning his immaculate phrasing. Konitz has always shined best with a repertoire of standards, and the choice of tunes here is slightly less interesting. Motian is a good choice on the sticks, while Swallow remains an acquired taste. Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1     It's You 05:08
Lee Konitz
2     Come Rain or Come Shine 5:36
Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer
3     Thingin' 7:53
Lee Konitz
4     Luiza 4:13
Antônio Carlos Jobim
5     From Time to Time 3:21
Paul Motian
6     Ladies' Waders 5:44
Steve Swallow
7     Johnny Broken Wing 6:50
Paul Motian
8     Eiderdown 6:16
Steve Swallow
9     A Minor Blues in F 5:36
Lee Konitz
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Drums – Paul Motian
Electric Bass – Steve Swallow

ZOLLSOUND 4 ft. LEE KONITZ - Open Hearts (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Every reed player seems to seek Lee Konitz for a duo session, possibly because in addition to being a great player, he is unafraid of tackling new music or taking risks. Baritone saxophonist Thomas Zoller invited Konitz for these 1998 sessions, which consist of nine originals and one familiar song. The brooding pulse of the opener, "100+8," begins the session with an ominous air, though the improvising by the reed players is brilliant as they are backed by Carlos Mombelli's droning bass vamp and Bill Elgart's brushwork. "La Paloma Revisited" is a melancholy ballad, suggesting the return to a town where love once flourished, but no more. The exotic, elegant "Vrindavan" is like a meditation, while the haunting "Unisono" sounds like an on-the-spot creation. Johnny Mandel's"I Want to Live" was written for the movie of the same name starring Susan Heyward as a Death Row inmate; this interpretation builds upon Gerry Mulligan's original soundtrack recording while maintaining the tense atmosphere. Zoller's "Love and Simplicity" is a melodic affair reminiscent of so many Mulligan quartet recordings. This brilliant CD is well-worth seeking. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     100+8 4:20
Thomas Zoller
2     La Polma Revisited 5:52
Thomas Zoller
3     The Call 5:59     
Thomas Zoller
4     Vrindavan 5:56
Thomas Zoller        
5     Timezone Earth 7:40
Thomas Zoller
6     Unisono 4:26
Thomas Zoller
7     I Want to Live 6:50
J. Mandel
8     Illusion 6:24
Thomas Zoller
9     Love and Simplicity 6:43     
Thomas Zoller
10     Open Hearts 6:08
Thomas Zoller
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Baritone Saxophone, Composed By, Producer – Thomas Zoller
Bass [Fretless E-Bass] – Carlo Mombelli
Drums, Percussion – Bill Elgart

LEE KONITZ AND MINSARAH - Deep Lee (2008) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The history of jazz is full of ultra-gifted but self-destructive musicians who should have had very long careers, but instead died much too young (Charlie Parker, Fats Navarro, Bix Beiderbecke, among countless others). But that certainly isn't true of Lee Konitz, who turned 80 on October 13, 2007. One cannot accuse Konitz of not living up to his potential or wasting his considerable talent; the alto saxophonist started recording in the late '40s and remained impressively productive 60 years later in the late 2000s. Deep Lee was recorded in September 2007 (when Konitz was 79) and finds him joining forces with the acoustic piano trio Minsarah, which consists of Florian Weber on piano, Jeff Denson on upright bass, and Ziv Ravitz on drums. Konitz enjoys a strong rapport with the members of Minsarah, who are young enough to be his grandchildren -- and their encounter yields rewarding post-bop results on an album that is dominated by original material. Konitz has a long history of excelling on Tin Pan Alley standards, but the only Tin Pan Alley warhorse on Deep Lee is "Stella by Starlight"; Konitz, true to form, offers a version that is warm and lyrical but not overly sentimental. And once again, the cool-toned saxophonist demonstrates that cool doesn't mean cold. Konitz also demonstrates that his chops have held up nicely over the years; at 79 bordering on 80, Konitz is clearly very much on top of his game. Deep Lee falls short of essential, but even so, this hourlong CD is a rewarding example of the veteran altoist continuing to excel in his senior years. Alex Henderson
Tracklist :
1     Invention 3'03
Florian Weber
2     Chorale 1'27
Florian Weber
3     Canon 7'17
Florian Weber
4     Deep Lee 6'44
Lee Konitz
5     Stella by Starlight 5'38
Ned Washington / Victor Young
6     Cactus 5'47
 Ziv Ravitz
7     As the Smoke Clears
Jeff Denson
8     W 86th 7'27     
Florian Weber
9    See the World for the First Time 3:08
 Ziv Ravitz
10     Color 5'11
Florian Weber
11     Spiders 6'17
Jeff Denson
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Jeff Denson
Drums – Ziv Ravitz
Piano – Florian Weber

LEE KONITZ NEW QUARTET - Live At The Village Vanguard (2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Well into his eighties, alto saxophone grand master Lee Konitz continues to come up with fresh approaches playing modern mainstream jazz with an edge. Teamed here with the multi-national trio dubbed Minsarah, Konitz is reunited with German pianist Florian Weber, himself an iconoclast and progressive thinker. Recorded at the historic Village Vanguard in N.Y.C. on two separate nights gives any prepared listener all the challenges and satisfaction one could ask from the vaunted and still viable Konitz. If you've heard a thousand versions of the bop flag waver "Cherokee," perhaps the East Indian-flavored and churning rendition by Konitz and his charges will enlighten you. Originals like the pensive but easy swinger "Subconscious-Lee" or the soul/spirit song "Kay's Trance" will convince you that the saxophonist is still quite capable of digging in and standing his ground, physically or emotionally. While a variation of "All The Things You Are" that Konitz has dubbed "Thingin'" always hits the mark with deft chord substitutions, it is never played the same way twice . Whether in fleet bop constructs, breathy but concise long tones, or choppy off-minor phrases, Konitz always makes sure that every single note counts. Weber's feature "Color" sans the alto, has the pianist stretching out in morning dew refrains then cutting loose, and again backing down dynamically in complete command of his instrument. Bassist Jeff Denson (from San Diego) and drummer Ziv Ravitz (a native of Israel) round out the New Quartet, supplying Konitz with grace or firepower galore on this impressive recording that hopefully yields follow-up volumes, either from the Vanguard or other hallowed grounds. Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1     Cherokee 5'41
Ray Noble
2     Subconscious-Lee 8'57
Lee Konitz
3     I Remember You 10'52
Johnny Mercer / Victor Schertzinger
4     Polka Dots and Moonbeams 6'07
Johnny Burke / James Van Heusen
5     Color 6:13
Florian Weber
6     Kary's Trance 8:56
Lee Konitz
7     Thingin' 11'37
Lee Konitz
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Jeff Denson
Drums – Ziv Ravitz
Piano – Florian Weber

LEE KONITZ - Standards Live : At the Village Vanguard (2019) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Recorded in 2009, Standards Live: At the Village Vanguard features veteran saxophonist Lee Konitz performing with his quartet at the storied New York venue. Backing Konitz here is an adept ensemble featuring pianist Florian Weber, bassist Jeff Denson, and drummer Ziv Ravitz. This is a swinging, straight-ahead set of standard songs showcasing Konitz's probing, heartfelt jazz style. Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1     The Song Is You 9:33
Oscar Hammerstein II / Jerome Kern
2     Sky Lark 6:34
Hoagy Carmichael / Johnny Mercer
3     In Your Own Sweet Way 9:44
Dave Brubeck
4     Just Friends 9:06
John Klenner / Sam M. Lewis
5     Stella by Starlight 9:41
Ned Washington / Victor Young
6     I Love You 10:13
Cole Porter
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz
Bass – Jeff Denson
Drums – Ziv Ravitz
Piano – Florian Weber  

ARCHIE SHEPP - Steam (1976-2007) RM | Enja · 24bit Master Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This colorful live LP features Archie Shepp on tenor, and a bit of his more basic piano, playing three lengthy compositions (Duke Ellington's "Solitude," Cal Massey's "A Message from Trane" and Shepp's own "Steam") in a sparse trio with bassist Cameron Brown and drummer Beaver Harris. The avant-garde innovator Shepp still sounds pretty strong at what was for him a fairly late period, displaying his distinctive raspy tone and what were for him some typically emotional ideas. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     A Message from Trane 18'58
Cal Massey    
2     Solitude 11'40
Eddie DeLange / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
3     Invitation 14'29
Bronislaw Kaper / Paul Francis Webster
4     Ah-Leu-Cha 8'06
Charlie Parker
5     Steam 9'23
Archie Shepp
6     52nd Street Theme 0'57
Thelonious Monk
Credits
Bass – Cameron Brown
Drums – Beaver Harris
Tenor Saxophone, Piano – Archie Shepp