This is Jazz Today

I couldn’t figure out why there were so many scheduled releases set for February 17th, and then it struck me… that’s my birthday.  Aw shucks, Jazz People, you shouldn’t have.  No, really, don’t do that again.  I couldn’t even celebrate my birthday because of all the new albums to go through.

About those new albums… I had to split this week’s This Is Jazz Today column into two parts.  Today is Part One and tomorrow is Part Two.  Conveniently, each day will feature one of the two co-Picks of the Week.  And the Featured Five will now become the Featured Six, so that I can have an equal number of them each day.  Twenty recommendations in all, ten per day.  And quite frankly, there were more than two recordings that had a strong claim to earn the top spot.  Damn, this was a strong week.  So, I split it in two.

Have I made this more complicated than it needed be?  Probably.  Couldn’t I just have loaded up a ton of recommendations in one single column like I have so many other times before?  Well, you make a good point.  Am I going to persist in delaying the discovery of great new music by allowing this intro to continue endlessly?  Oh, hey, yeah, sorry about that…

Let’s begin…

*** The Featured Three ***

Fresh Cut Orchestra – From the Vine

Considering how the Fresh Cut Orchestra is comprised of bandleaders drawn from a diverse group of projects, From the Vine displays an impressive solidarity.  Yes, the varied influences are all there and show their faces throughout this debut, providing the album with depth and substance to back up its engaging personality.

Read more about why I recommend this album… (LINK).

co-Pick of the Week.

Released on Ropedope Records.  Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy: Bandcamp – Amazon – eMusic

*****

Alban Darche Stringed – L’Horloge

Saxophonist Alban Darche creates curiously beautiful music.  There’s something supremely enchanting about his work, even if it’s often difficult to explain why.  His music is typically unconventional and downright strange, so it’s interesting to hear him partner up with a quintet of stringed instruments.  It definitely puts his haunting melodies and acrobatic solos in a new light.  I’ve got a pretty decent draft going that documents his various projects.  For now, dig into his newest.

Released on Cristal Records.  Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy: Amazon

*****

Nordmann – Alarm!

A very fun and absorbing session from the Nordmann quartet, who dish out the rock as often as they do jazz.  When sax speaks, it often does so in a clipped language, with a brevity that doesn’t diminish its melodic strength.  The guitar sometimes roars aloud, but is more effective when threading thin lines of melody and rhythm both.  The bass & drums duo drive things along plenty, but it’s their playfulness with tempo when they emerge at their strongest.  Good stuff.

Released on W.E.R.F. Records. Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

*** And seven more ***

Duchess – Duchess (Anzic)

Fun recording from the vocal trio of Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner and Melissa Stylianou.  Backed by a quintet of pro’s pros, the ladies swing while they sing.  All the warmth of a friendly embrace, all the fun of a day spent with good friends.

Artist site | Buy: Bandcamp – Amazon

*****

John Stowell-Michael Zilber Quartet – Live Beauty (Origin)

Nice live set from a sax-guitar-bass-drums quartet.  Zilber’s effusive attitude on sax matches well with Stowell’s tastefulness on guitar.  Plenty to like on this straight-ahead modern jazz session.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

PLS Trio – East River (Echo Chamber)

Piano trio that doesn’t hold back on the electric instruments or their effects.  None of the songs possess much gravitas, but the trio knows how to shape some seriously pretty melodies.  Lots of catchy tunes and easy to like.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp  eMusic  CDBaby  Amazon

*****

Lucas Pino – No Net Nonet (Origin)

Nice straight-ahead set from saxophonist Pino.  His nonet attains a strong head of steam and doesn’t relinquish it.  Best is just sitting back and listening to their flight patterns.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Andrew Drury – Content Provider (Self-Produced)

This is not an album; it’s a fist.  It pummels the listener until they begin to like the beating.  From the pain of dissonance comes a strangely appealing tunefulness and groove.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp

*****

Lage Lund – Idlewild (Criss Cross)

The shimmering effect guitarist Lund gives to straight-ahead modern jazz provides it with some differentiation that goes a long way.  Trio session scoots right along at times, but it’s the peaceful moments that hold sway.  Excellent stuff.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Charles McPherson – The Journey (Capri)

Solid straight-ahead quintet session from the jazz veteran.  McPherson’s alto sax matched up with a tenorman provides both harmonic depth and some fun when they trade fire during solos.  Those who aren’t so much for the modern scene, this one will fit like a glove.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Have a great time digging through the list!

And remember, it’s simple:  You like what you like.

Cheers.

*****

And be sure to check back in tomorrow for PART II of this week’s This Is Jazz Today

(LINK)

*****

Now it’s starting to get busy.  The new release bin in the Jazz section is really starting to show some numbers, so get ready for your budget to start crying for mercy.  This week’s Pick of the Week is the first real statement made by an artist that, yes, 2015 has begun.  But it’s not the only excellent recording deserving of your attention this week, so I’ll stop delaying you from the important work of listening and say…

Let’s begin…

*** The Featured Five ***

Rudresh Mahanthappa – Bird Calls

Using bits of Charlie Parker melodies and solos as the seeds of inspiration, Rudresh Mahanthappa cultivates those music fragments into his own expressions and in his own voice, and the bloom is dramatically changed from its origins.  This isn’t a Bird tribute album.  The compositions are all Mahanthappa’s.  This is about creative inspiration and the connections we make with music that affects us.  Read more about why I recommend this excellent album (LINK).

Pick of the Week.

Released on ACT Music.  Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Samo Salamon Bassless Trio – Little River

A gorgeous new recording from Samo Salamon.  Joined by long-time collaborator, drummer Roberto Dani and saxophonist Paul McCandless, who adds oboe and bass clarinet to the affair.  Salamon’s guitar imagery has always possessed a strong folk element, and working with Oregon ensemble multi-reedist McCandless brings a shining brilliance to that facet of his sound.  This is music that drifts with a lovely, but uneasy serenity occasionally cut through with strikes of lightning and the crash of thunder.  A very distinct and enchanting personality to this one.

The album is Self-Produced.  Visit the artist site.

Buy: Amazon

*****

Eddie Henderson – Collective Portrait

The newest release on the Smoke Sessions label, and it’s refreshing that this new label specializing in old-school jazz maintains that trend even when it applies to fusion.  Trumpeter Eddie Henderson was one who fully embraced the Miles Davis early-fusion period, and the opening two tracks to an album that encompasses the different approaches Henderson has brought to projects in his long career are drenched in that very cool early-fusion sound.  Joined by long-time collaborators, saxophonist Gary Bartz and pianist George Cables, along with the bass-drum combo of Doug Weiss and Carl Allen, the quintet hits a straight-ahead course, both on the bop and the fusion tunes.

Released on Smoke Sessions Records.  Visit the artist site.

Buy:  eMusic | Amazon

*****

Verneri Pohjola – Bullhorn

Trumpeter Verneri Pohjola seems to revel in the big, expressive pronouncements.  The trumpeter’s notes always seem fat and with the deceiving calm of waves concentrically spreading outward.  A modern set that’s got some vague infusions of folk, which provides the music a cinematic flair.  It’s a quartet session, but the addition of guests on tenor sax, trombone and cello add some pleasant texture.  A solid modern jazz trumpet recording.

Released on Edition Records.  Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy: Bandcamp – Amazon

*****

Vijay Iyer Trio – Break Stuff

Interesting new release from the Vijay Iyer Trio, which reunites him with longtime collaborators, bassist Stephan Crump and drummer Marcus Gilmore.  Some of the tunes dive right into contemplative waters, reflecting the imprint of the album’s label, ECM Records.  The gorgeous “Wrens” displays that approach in its best light.  But then there are tunes like title-track “Break Stuff” and renditions of Monk’s “Work” and Coltrane’s “Countdown” which move with a lively playfulness and propulsion.  Iyer’s trio work has typically been cerebral first and the eliciting of motion a residual effect.  He evens that ratio out more evenly on his newest.  The result is a pretty friendly album.

Released on ECM Records.  Visit the artist site.

Buy: Amazon

*****

*** And Ten More ***

Christian Wallumrød – Pianokammer (Hubro)

After many wonderful expansive, big production recordings, it’s refreshing to hear the pianist in a solo setting. Peaceful, yet unconventional music. Read more about why I recommend this album (LINK).

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Harley Card – Hedgerow (Self-Produced)

Guitarist Card’s septet flits about from one modern sound to the other.  While unfocused, the stream of changes makes for interesting listening.  Some attention-grabbing moments.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp  CDBaby  eMusic  Amazon

*****

Marshall Gilkes & WDR Big Band – Köln (Alternate Side)

A solid big band session, exuding both power and grace.  Conductor Gilkes also gets in some delightful moments soloing on trombone.  If you’re in the market for a big band album, you can’t go wrong here.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Gebhard Ullmann Basement Research – Hat and Shoes (Between the Lines)

Heavy presence doesn’t prevent a tunefulness from creeping out… lumbering though it may be. Two saxes, trombone, bass & drums seem to be working at cross-purposes, but by maintaining a close proximity, they induce a sense of tight cohesion. Ullmann makes a nifty statement with this one.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Alex Conde – Descarga for Monk (Zoho)

Monk compositions given a mild Latin jazz interpretation.  Piano trio augmented with additional percussionist accentuates the rhythmic possibilities of the original tunes.  Album is most gripping when pianist Conde phases in and out of the melodies.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Amazon

*****

Jon Lundbom & Big Five Chord – Jeremiah (Hot Cup)
Guitarist Lundbom keeps things moving and keeps it random.  His septet, stocked with musicians at home in this environment, help him retain a cohesion over seemingly disassociated parts.  Best is when everything gets tangled up in patterns easy to follow and trace.

Artist site | Buy: CDBaby – eMusic – Amazon

*****

Daniel Bennett Group – The Mystery at Clown Castle (Self-Produced)

Saxophonist Bennett returns with his peculiar mix of songbird jazz, eccentric pop music and folksy charm.  His newest ramps up the voltage on all three of those qualities.  It’s a smooth drink with an unexpected kick.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby

*****

Errol Rackipov Group – Pictures From a Train Window (First Orbit Sounds)

Highlight is when the pairing of vibes and guitar is at the center of things.  Sextet shows equal talent for absorbing moodiness and light-on-its-feet wind sprints.  Flirtations with post-bop, Nordic, folk, straight-ahead and pop music keep the ear interested.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby

*****

Michel Reis Quartet – Capturing the Moment (Double Moon)

The moodier their tone, the more evocative Reis’s quartet becomes.  But even when they build momentum, their catchy sing-song melodicism is no less captivating.  Good stuff.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Carol Saboya, Antonio Adolfo, Hendrik Meurkens – Copa Village (AAM)

Mainstream Brazilian jazz vocals session is a ray of sunlight.  Nice easy-going pace as it rolls out the warmth.  Nothing groundbreaking about this music, but it’s likely to cheer up its share of listeners.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Have a great time digging through the list!

And remember, it’s simple:  You like what you like.

Cheers.

So here we are.  As you (hopefully) read in a previous column, my run on eMusic & Wondering Sound is now over.  You can read about what’s what, here, w/this LINK.  For the time being, as I search for a new home for my weekly jazz recommendations column, I’ll be posting the recs on Bird is the Worm.

About those recommendations…

So, we’re seeing the first real signs that the 2015 new release schedule is getting under way.  Today’s recommendations, in a rare instance, fall primarily in one of two camps- the innovative avant-garde and the straight-aheads that keep closer to jazz center.  That said, there’s plenty of differentiation between the residents of those respective categories, so make no assumptions and listen closely, because there’s some excellent music to be discovered in today’s list.

Let’s begin…

*** The Featured Five ***

Matana Roberts – Coin Coin Chapter Three: River Run Thee

Just stunning.  The third volume of Matana Roberts‘ Coin Coin series is no less compelling than its counterparts while diverging from the previous two in striking ways.  Still in place is Roberts’ self-described method of “panoramic sound quilting,” an apt phrase both from a sonic experience & production standpoint, but also in the way, like a quilt, she brings past and present together, rendering them simultaneously indistinguishable and distinct from one another, united.  This one is a solo project, and she weaves together layer after layer of saxophone, singing and spoken word, electronic drones, ornamental effects, and field recordings.  It’s one long uninterrupted piece and it’s an immersive experience.  Perhaps most fascinating is that the music possesses a massively hypnotic quality, since, by all means and measures, this same music is very awake.

Pick of the Week.

Released on Constellation Records.  Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Caterina Palazzi Sudoku Killer – Infanticide

Heavy drama from bassist Palazzi’s quartet, Sudoku Killer.  Strong infusions of avant-rock mainlined into their edgy form of modern jazz.  But amongst the jarring dissonance and streaks of highly charged electricity are sweetly spoken melodies.  It’s a serious kind of theater.  The remainder of the quartet consists of guitarist Giacomo Ancillotto, saxophonist Antonio Raia and drummer Maurizio Chiavaro.

Released on Auand Records.  Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Mike Fletcher Trio – Vuelta

Nifty straight-ahead saxophone trio.  On C-melody sax, Mike Fletcher develops an appealing spring to his step, and between his instrument’s dancing motion and the amicable patter of bassist Olie Brice and drummer Jeff Williams, the trio attains a comforting susurrus.  This, in addition to Fletcher’s easy-going lyricism makes this one a winner.  An easy one to connect with.

Released on Stoney Lane Records.  Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Jean-Michel Pilc – What Is This Thing Called?

A seriously absorbing solo set from pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, who casts a myriad of reflections off the classic gem, Cole Porter’s “What Is This Thing Called Love?”  More vignettes than songs, most of the album’s 31 tracks don’t go over two minutes in length.  But in those brief moments… (read more about why I recommend this album- LINK).

Released on Sunnyside Records.  Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy: eMusic | Bandcamp | Amazon

*****

Marius Neset – Pinball

Heavy emphasis on the lyrical qualities for the newest by saxophonist Marius Neset.  He leads a quintet comprised of all-stars from the UK scene (Ivo Neame, Jim Hart, Petter Eldh and Anton Eger), plus guests on strings, flute and percussion.  As far as emotional impact, Neset doesn’t hold back on the melodies; this is especially effective when the ensemble lays off the gas pedal.  The song “Music for Cello and Saxophone” is worth the price of admission alone, though there are several moments that statement could apply to.

Released on ACT Music.  Visit the artist site.

Buy: Amazon

*****

*** And Seven More ***

Daniel Rosenboom – Astral Transference & Seven Dreams (Orenda)

Fierce and combustible, trumpeter Rosenboom holds nothing back.  The occasional shifts into a straight-ahead jazz sound are almost startling.  When melody becomes the focus, the results are sweetly heartbreaking.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon

*****

Henry Kaiser & Ray Russell – The Celestial Squid (Cuneiform)

The veteran guitarists show how deftly they can mold varied genres into something that sounds nothing like any of them.  Avant-garde music that grabs the ear tight whether a torrent or in a graceful tailspin.  No shortage of personality on this one.

Artist site & Artist site | Buy: Bandcamp – Amazon

*****

Ernesto Cervini – Turboprop (Anzic)

An album that flits between old- and new-school jazz.  Aggressive conversational style, which makes for some engaging music.  When the ensemble displays a quirky behavior is when it’s at its strongest.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon

*****

Jaromir Honzák – Uncertainty (Animal Music)

Nice moody ambiance by Honzák’s quintet, even when they raise the temperature.  Patient expressions pay off with big resonance.  When bass clarinet enters the song, it steals the show.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Cabbages, Captain & King – Cabbages, Captain & King (Edgetone)

A rather charming personality to this free improv session.  Piano, drums & guitar each take a playful approach to their rhythmic capacities.  Bursts of tunefulness coalesce from long disassembled passages.

Buy:  Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon

*****

Vincent Peirani – Living Being (ACT Music)

A very cool electronic jazz release from accordionist Peirani.  Harmonically soothing, melodically whimsical, rhythmically congenial.  For something pretty different, this album really is quite catchy.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Harmony of the Spheres – Harmony of the Spheres (V-Records)

Quartet of trumpet, guitar, bass and drums emits a strong warmth from a modern straight-ahead sound.  Occasional breaks into prog-y jazz-fusion are a welcome diversion.  Likable, to be sure.

Artist site | Listen | Not available: Amazon, eMusic, CDBaby, Bandcamp

*****

Have a great time digging through the list!

And remember, it’s simple:  You like what you like.

Cheers.

So here we are.  As you (hopefully) read in a previous column, my run on eMusic & Wondering Sound is now over.  You can read about what’s what, here, w/this LINK.  For the time being, as I search for a new home for my weekly jazz recommendations column, I’ll be posting the recs on Bird is the Worm.

About those recommendations…

This will likely be the last quiet week before the 2015 new release schedule really gets under way.  That said, it was pretty much a coin toss between the top two albums as to which would get the Pick of the Week designation.  The winner got extra points for originality.  However, I recommend just buying both and living a happy life.

Let’s begin…

*** The Featured Five ***

Tomoko Omura – Roots

Fascinating new album from violinist Tomoko Omura, who takes well-known traditional Japanese songs and rearranges them for a jazz quintet.  Sharp melodies are carried along by flowing tempos.  Omura really digs into the development of each tune, but no matter how complex and expansive things may get, she retains those qualities that made the songs memorable in the first place.  It’s a hell of an accomplishment.  It’s also a seriously exciting album.  Omura got a strong cast joining her on Roots, with guitarist Will Graefe, pianist Glenn Zaleski, bassist Noah Garabedian and drummer Colin Stranahan.

Pick of the Week.

Released by Inner Circle Music.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon | eMusic

*****

Prism Quartet – Heritage/Evolution

This outstanding studio session is the result of the Prism (saxophone) Quartet commissioning new pieces to the preeminent jazz saxophonists on the scene, to be performed live and accompanied by the Quartet.  The six saxophonists who were chosen (Steve Lehman, Dave Liebman, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Greg Osby, Tim Ries and Miguel Zenon) each bring their own sound to Heritage/Evolution, but hearing each in the context of a saxophone quartet plus one shapes the performance in ways unexpected and often quite sublime.  An album with countless stunning moments.

Released on Innova Recordings.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  eMusic | Amazon

*****

Giovanni Mirabassi – No Way Out

This is an album that kicks out a tremendous amount of warmth even though the quartet  keeps to a candlelight flame.  The big reason for this is the interplay between pianist Giovanni Mirabassi and vibraphonist Stefon Harris, which is a delight to hear.  However the bass and drums rhythm section of Gianluca Renzi and Lukmil Perez Herrera provide No Way Out an essential quality of liveliness while maintaining a calm state of tempo.

Released on CamJazz.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  eMusic | Amazon

*****

Akku Quintet – Molecules

Nice follow-up to their previous release, Stages of Sleep.  The Akku Quintet crafts strong melodic passages and runs them through a series of cinematic changes, building drama and tension with patience and care.  Their newest, Molecules, breathes a bit of fire from time to time via electric guitar, and the tempos are a bit more pronounced, but this is still a formidable display of melodic intent and ambient showmanship.  Dreamy music, quite beautiful.

This album is Self-Produced.  Visit the artist site.

Available at: Bandcamp | Amazon

*****

Walking Distance – Neighborhood

Likable session from the Walking Distance quartet.  There’s an appealing looseness to the songs of Neighborhood, so that even when the kinetic energy threatens to snap them at the seams, they maintain a cohesiveness that not only gives the ear something to hang on to, but also allows the cross-currents of interplay and dialog to occur without things getting too muddied.  Most tracks prefer to keep their foot on the gas pedal, but a piece like “April 10th” shows the quartet knows how to develop a slow burn from a well-made melody.

Released on Ropeadope Records.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon

*****

*** And Five More ***

The Kandinsky Effect – Somnambulist (Cuneiform Records)

Considering how much this saxophone trio flings itself from genre to genre, they sure do possess an admirable cohesion.  The right mix of organic and electronic creates an appealing ambiance.  Cerebral music that also likes its party time.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Bandcamp – Amazon

*****

Art of Making – Tribute (Edition Niehler Werft)

It’s a strange dance conducted by the trio of clarinet, vibraphone and acoustic bass.  They bounce around freely, disjointed and seemingly disconnected from one another, but close proximity gives a sense of synchronicity.  Interesting, to be sure.

No artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Gregory Privat & Sonny Troupe – Luminescence (Jazz Family)

Nifty duo recording from pianist Privat and drummer/percussionist Troupe.  Whether scooting along or taking a peaceful stroll, they develop an amicable chatter.  Easy to like.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Mattia Cigalini & Enrico Zanisi – Right Now (CamJazz)

Evocative duo collaboration between alto/soprano saxophonist Cigalini and pianist Zanisi.  Contemplative, even when getting the pulse rate up.  The moody pieces are easily the album’s best.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Life Size – Bright! (Self-Produced)

Young sextet definitely listens to their Brian Blade Fellowship albums.  Nice mix of brooding ambiance, wandering melodies and driving tempos.  An unfocused creative vision outweighed by some very strong moments throughout.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – CDBaby

*****

Have a great time digging through the list!

And remember, it’s simple:  You like what you like.

Cheers.

So here we are.  As you (hopefully) read in a previous column, my run on eMusic & Wondering Sound is now over.  You can read about what’s what, here, w/this LINK.  For the time being, as I search for a new home for my weekly jazz recommendations column, I’ll be posting the recs on Bird is the Worm.

About those recommendations…

Welcome to the new year.  As with past years, I’ll be scooping up many albums that dropped between now and a month ago, when my annual vacation from the new arrivals listings begins so I can focus on year-end assignments.  That means a month’s worth of new releases.  Even during a dead period (as the end of the year often is), that’s a huge stack to sort through, but that also means you’ll get a pretty deep selection this week.  Several of the albums that fall in the “bottom half” of the column could’ve just as easily been featured… and, perhaps, will receive more words of recommendation in the near future.

2015 is off to a great start.

Now, let’s begin…

*** The Featured Ten ***

Hereward – Hereward

It makes sense that Brady Millard-Kish‘s debut would sound like this.  His New Orleans roots inform the music with a view of many genres and sounds becoming one.  This mix of modern jazz, post-rock, chamber, pop, etc, isn’t unlike the approach of fellow-N.O. musician Cliff Hines and his captivating Wanderlust.  The sound, on the other hand, clearly reflects his current Pacific-Northwest environs, falling right in line with Cellar & Point and Blue Cranes.  Melodically heartbreaking, rhythmically mesmerizing, and a presence like the sweetest lullaby you’ve ever heard.  Pick of the Week.

This album is Self-Produced.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  CDBaby | eMusic | Amazon

*****

Casey Golden Trio – Outliers

Sometimes you’ve got a melody as thesis statement and sometimes it gets strung out like a trail winding through the hills, always within sight but an uncertainty where it’ll take you.  Pianist Casey Golden‘s newest album is of the latter group, and it’s why his simple piano trio recording is so damn absorbing.  Those melodies are more like guideposts to some exciting travel routes.  Two feet in modern jazz territory; it’s gonna be more cerebral than swing, but the thoughtfulness the trio puts into each tune makes it a winner.

Released on Scrampion Records.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  Bandcamp | eMusic | CDBaby | Amazon

*****

David Roitstein & Larry Koonse – Conversations

This is one of those duo collaborations when two individual voices speak as one instrument and yet the result is multiple conversation lines… each of the collaborators apart and their notes in unison.  Guitarist Koonse and pianist Roitstein provide just such a series of dialogues, and whether laid back or kicking up a little dust, the music is just sublime.  Peaceful and lively, both.  Everybody needs music like this for a lazy Sunday morning, when the whole city is at rest and quiet sounds are needed to fill quiet rooms.

Released on Jazz Compass.  Visit the artist site & site.

Available at:  eMusic | Amazon

*****

Aaron Goldberg – The Now

With his longtime trio of bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Eric Harland at his side, pianist Aaron Goldberg offers up a solid new piano trio recording, finding the right mix of compositional structure and improvisational effusiveness.  The resonance of each tune is strong, but it’s the diversity of expression that makes the album stand out.  Read more about why I recommend this album (LINK).

Released on Sunnyside Records.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  Bandcamp | Amazon CD/MP3 | eMusic

*****

Lisanne Tremblay – Violinization

Absorbing debut from violinist Lisanne Tremblay.  Her quartet (violin, piano, bass, drums) switches things up in terms of the jazz perspective they present, but Tremblay’s violin maintains a remarkably consistent voice despite the scene changes.  The end result is that a familiarity is bred with her particular voice throughout an album that never sits still in presenting unexpected views.  There’s some post-bop, some contemporary, some avant-garde(ish) angularity and some jazz-folk.  Somehow the quartet wraps it up into a neat bundle.

Released on Inner Circle Music.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  eMusic | CDBaby | Amazon

*****

David Helbock Trio – Aurual Colors

David Helbock develops a nice talkative demeanor on his newest.  It’s a relatively straight-ahead affair, especially compared to his previous release, Think of Two, a tribute to the music of Monk and Hermeto Pascoal, which used a huge arsenal of eccentric instruments to go along with the unconventional compositions of the unconventional artists.  This time around, aside from a string of Arnold Schoenberg compositions, it’s Helbock originals and a straight trio of piano, drums and bass ukulele (well, there had to be something strange in there somewhere).  Strong melodies, nice dialog between the trio members, and refreshing infusions of blues and gospel along the way.

Released on Traumton Records.  Visit the artist site.

Available at: Amazon

*****

Anna Webber – Percussive Mechanics: Refraction

Returning with the same cast that offered up the excellent 2013 release Percussive Mechanics, Anna Webber crafts Refraction with a similar method of coalescing a disassembled collection of moving parts into a form of synchronized chaos where melodic fragments thrive and prosper.  Read more about why I recommend this album (LINK).

Released on Pirouet Records.  Visit the artist site.

Available at: eMusic | Amazon CD

*****

Manatee – Look the Other Way

The 11-piece ensemble, Manatee comes heavy with the wind instruments, especially sax, and they put the numbers to good use, offering up a big sound with warm, wide harmonies.  The thing that separates the album from the pack, however, is the way the group develops tempos that shape the music into something catchy and, at times, danceable.  The Ontario-based ensemble’s mix of post-jazz, modern bop and indie-pop isn’t at all unlike some of the cutting edge bands hailing from the Swedish countryside.  It’s their debut.  Hopefully it’s not their last.  Fun album.

The album is Self-Produced.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  eMusic | Bandcamp | CDBaby | Amazon

*****

Sweet Defeat – Sweet Defeat

This is a strange one.  Sweet Defeat is a trio of Tom Wouters on reeds, Lode Vercampt on cello and Bert Dockx on electric guitar.  Carried along by punctuated tempos, the trio switches between a seaside ease, an incisive edge and a fierce burn.  This is whimsical music delivered with a deadpan facade.  And somehow, amidst all of that, the trio tries to melt some hearts by sneaking in beautiful melodic passages.  Very cool, plenty different.

Released on El Negocito Records.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  Bandcamp | eMusic | CDBaby | Amazon

*****

Duane Eubanks Quintet – Things Of That Particular Nature

Solid straight-ahead recording from trumpeter Duane Eubanks, who returns to session leader after a long hiatus.  There’s a decent contemporary piece thrown in, but mostly we’re talking some sort of bop… hard bop, post-bop, whatever bop, it’s all great stuff.  The most notable member of the sextet has to be pianist Marc Cary, who’s been lighting up the scene recently, however vibraphonist Steve Nelson brings a warmth to the session that brightens melodies and puts a spring in the tempo’s step.  Just excellent musicianship from first note to last.

Released on Sunnyside Records.  Visit the artist site.

Available at:  Bandcamp | eMusic | Amazon

*****

 ***And Ten More ***

Justin Kauflin – Dedication (Jazz Village)

Absolutely resonant piano session from Kauflin. Inspired use of two different guitarists.  The kind of tunes that never get old no matter how many times you hit the play button.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Amazon

*****

Felice Clemente Trio – 6:35 am (Crocevia di Suoni Records)

Nifty sax trio recording. Maintains an alluring flow while sticking to up-tempo pieces. Straight-forward, likable.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Linda Presgrave – Along the Path (Metropolitan Records)

Nice easy-going cadence whether throwing out heat or blanketing the room in moonlight. Broken into suites to reflect her travels. Presgrave’s piano synchs in nicely with drummer Allison Miller on this trio set (w/some guest saxophonists).

No artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

George Colligan – Risky Notion (Origin Arts)

Strong sense of locomotion on the newest by Colligan. A quartet with two saxophonists (plus, guest trumpeter) provides melodies more stomp than bop. Nice follow-up to his last recording, The Endless Mysteries, when he’s at the piano.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Makaya McCraven – In the Moment ((International Anthem))

On-the-spot rhythms are the feature presentation on McCraven’s compilation of improvised tracks culled from live sets over a year’s stretch. He’s joined by an all-star line-up of Chicago’s best. A whole bunch of brief spurts of friendly conversation that’s often catchy as hell.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon

*****

Akua Dixon – Akua Dixon (Self-Produced)

Personable session from cellist Dixon, joined by her string quartet.  Lively take on Mingus’s “Haitian Fight Song” and sweetly melodic touch to “Moon River” are highlights.  Develops some more action with takes on Ellington, Strayhorn and Latin standards.

Artist site | Buy: CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Chamber 3 – Grassroots (Origin Arts)

Nifty trio set of guitar, sax and drums (plus guest bassist).  Straight-ahead modern set, planted firmly in that shimmery post-bop style typical of the Pacific Northwest scene.  Differentiation in the details develops something a little less ordinary.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Five Plus Six – Such Sweet Thunder (Self-Produced)

Vance Thomposon’s big band sticks to the compositions of the masters. Develops a big sound, full of life. Nothing unconventional, but quirky traits rise to the top and provide some real personality.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby – Amazon

 *****

Art Hirahara – Libations & Meditations (Posi-Tone Records)

Excellent straight-ahead piano session. Hirahara’s trio gets every tempo to crackle with electricity, melodies glitter like stars. This recording keeps getting better to my ears with each listen.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Amazon

*****

Rob Mazurek – Alternate Moon Cycles (International Anthem)

Few as creatively daring as Mazurek. On his newest, it’s a crosshatch of In a Silent Way and shoegaze. A seriously captivating album. Read more about why I recommend this album (LINK).

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon+MP3

*****

Have a great time digging through the list!

Remember, it’s simple:  You like what you like.

Cheers.