Carl Fontana – The Great Fontana (Uptown Records) — With Al Cohn, Ricard Wyands, Ray Drummond, Akira Tana
Ruby Braff and his Quartet – Live at the Regattabar (Arbors Records) — With Gray Sargent, Jon Wheatley, Marshall Wood; liner notes by Bob Blumenthal
Billy Hart – Oshumare (Gramavision) — With Dave Holland, Bill Frisell or Kevin Eubanks, Kenny Kirkland or Mark Grey + Branford Marsalis, Stee Coleman, Didier Lockwood, Manolo Badrena
Lonnie Liston Smith, ASTRAL TRAVELING (originally out on Flying Dutchman, 1973, this is the 2002 Bluebird "First Editions" CD reissue which had four bonus tracks then never before released, all alternates of tracks on the original album). Nice music, managing to be relaxing (often hypnotic) and challenging at the same time. Joe Beck on guitar, Cecil McBee on bass, George Barron on soprano and tenor, and an array of good percussionists (Roy Badal, Mtume, Sonny Morgan, Geeta Vashi).
And in a more straight ahead mode: The Drummonds (Renee Rosnes piano, Ray Drummond bass, and Billy Drummond drums - and at that time Rosnes' husband), PAS DE TROIS (True Life Jazz, recorded in 2000). Recorded one year after their somewhat better known (but still unfortunately obscure) 32 Jazz release WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR, this is every bit as good. When I see Rosnes' name on a recording, generally I'm going to pick it up - it's like a mark of quality - seldom have I been disappointed. One of the great things about jazz standards is being able to compare interpretations. In that light, it's fascinating to hear what The Drummonds do here with one of my favorite standards, "Golden Earrings," and then listen to the Keith Jarrett Standards Trio rendition on their classic release THE CURE. I can't pick a favorite, but they are radically different - The Drummonds approach it with a controlled intensity, bringing out the dark undertones, with Rosnes in a Tyner circa 1965 bag (more than usual - generally I don't hear tons of Tyner in her playing), while Jarrett and crew are much looser, abstractly modern, and less conventionally (but definitely) swinging - the latter I think mostly down to Jack DeJohnette's unusual time feel and polyrhythmic conception. Anyway I guess is why these standard tunes endure and appear so often, they are memorable on their own terms but open-ended enough to allow for very wide-ranging interpretations.
You are correct! Now listening to "5 By Monk By 5 (2d half)/Thelonious Alone in San Francisco" from "Six Classic Albums Vol. 2" on Real Gone Jazz.
Coleman Hawkins ~ Sirius with Barry Harris, Bob Cranshaw & Eddie Locke Recorded December 1966 Pablo, 1974
John Coltrane - Kulu Sé Mama The title track might be my favorite Coltrane piece. I particularly love the extra percussion, the relaxed groove and the vocals, even though I don't normally care for vocals in jazz. But this one's an exception.
I have this album on the New Jazz label as a reissue and it has a different cover. Don is in e photo but he doesn't have a beard and he's looking to the right. I wonder which is the original? NP Max Roach - Speak Brother, Speak (Debut) live at the Jazz Workshop 1962. This is a reissue on Prestige combined In a twofer with Deeds, Not Words. Clifford Jordan and Mal Waldron are in the band w/Eddie Khan on bass. The other album is a different band just to be clear for those not familiar with the originals.
