More Obscure Favorites

DUKE JORDAN LIVE IN JAPAN (Steeplechase), reissued in a double CD. This is a great session IMHO, with Jordan in fantastic form. I believe I never heard him play with such stream of ideas, so much fire and a big amount of swing, in complete rapport with Wilbur Little (bass) and the great Roy Haynes (drums). Jordan play many of his originals (Jordu, Paula, Scotch Blues, No Problem, the moving Misty Thursday) and many more. This recording came from two Japanese concerts and the sound quality is incredible, we can hear and feel all the joy of the enthusiastic audience. Although Duke Jordan is overlooked by most people, he is one of my long standing favorites since the days he played on the unforgettable Charlie Parker quintet.

Barney Willen BARNEY (French RCA Victor)—a great live recording with Kenny Dorham (trumpet), Duke Jordan (piano), Bibi Rovere (bass) and Daniel Humair (drums). This is a weonderful session made in 1959 on a Parisian night club with Dorham, Willen and Jordan in top form. They play eight tunes, including LADY BIRD (Jordan play a gem of solo—he say more in his 3:30 minute improvisation than most players on piles of CDs), BESAME MUCHO, STABLEMATES, JORDU, ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE and three more. For those who believe that European drummers don't swing, they must hear Daniel Humair.


Date: 06-Nov-1998 06:14:22
From: Jos? Domingos Raffaelli ( [email protected] )
Jonathan Kranz,

The TCB records are reissues from the long defunct Warwick label. One of them is titled SOUL OF JAZZ PERCUSSION, with many different groups. The Donald Byrd album originally was released in the name of another musician. I'm tracing this correctly to give you all details. Sorry, but wait a little more. Jos?


Date: 07-Nov-1998 15:32:08
From: F?lix-Antoine Hamel ( [email protected] )
A record I play quite often and I enjoy a lot is Phil Woods' 1974 "MUSIQUE DU BOIS" on the Muse label, with Jaki Byard on piano, Richard Davis on bass and Alan Dawson on drums. I think Phil's 1968-1970 band European Rhythm Machine (with George Gruntz, Henri Texier and Daniel Humair) is also a very underrated band. Any 1960's Joe Henderson Blue Note album also can be recommended ("PAGE ONE," "OUR THING," "IN 'N' OUT," "INNER URGE" and "MODE FOR JOE"). Dexter Gordon is one of my favorite players and I think he is still underrated for the influence he had on the modern saxophonists (notably on John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins). I have his complete 60s Blue Note recordings ("GO!" and "OUR MAN IN PARIS" are my favorites), but I strongly recommand "HOMECOMING: LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD" (Columbia, 1976), mainly for the presence of the marvelous trumpeter Woody Shaw, who is still a very underrated player. Dexter's 1978 "GREAT ENCOUNTERS" is also very exciting for his "chases" with an other tenor great, Johnny Griffin. I'm glad someone else mentionned Thelonious Monk's "ORCHESTRA AT TOWN HALL," because it's also a record I enjoy very much and I think it deserves a wider recognition. Charles Mingus' "OH YEAH" (Atlantic, 1961) features Roland Kirk and Booker Ervin in great form and I still don't understand why this album (one of the most adventurous I've heard from Mingus) is still widely ignored.

Have a good (jazz) time! FAH


Date: 07-Nov-1998 15:33:56
From: F?lix-Antoine Hamel ( [email protected] )
A record I play quite often and I enjoy a lot is Phil Woods' 1974 "MUSIQUE DU BOIS" on the Muse label, with Jaki Byard on piano, Richard Davis on bass and Alan Dawson on drums. I think Phil's 1968-1970 band European Rhythm Machine (with George Gruntz, Henri Texier and Daniel Humair) is also a very underrated band. Any 1960's Joe Henderson Blue Note album also can be recommended ("PAGE ONE," "OUR THING," "IN 'N' OUT," "INNER URGE" and "MODE FOR JOE"). Dexter Gordon is one of my favorite players and I think he is still underrated for the influence he had on the modern saxophonists (notably on John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins). I have his complete 60s Blue Note recordings ("GO!" and "OUR MAN IN PARIS" are my favorites), but I strongly recommand "HOMECOMING: LIVE AT THE VILLAGE VANGUARD" (Columbia, 1976), mainly for the presence of the marvelous trumpeter Woody Shaw, who is still a very underrated player. Dexter's 1978 "GREAT ENCOUNTERS" is also very exciting for his "chases" with an other tenor great, Johnny Griffin. I'm glad someone else mentionned Thelonious Monk's "ORCHESTRA AT TOWN HALL," because it's also a record I enjoy very much and I think it deserves a wider recognition. Charles Mingus' "OH YEAH" (Atlantic, 1961) features Roland Kirk and Booker Ervin in great form and I still don't understand why this album (one of the most adventurous I've heard from Mingus) is still widely ignored.

Have a good (jazz) time! FAH


Date: 07-Nov-1998 17:36:51
From: Sherman Ferguson ( [email protected] )
This is addressed to Paul Abella. The bassists on"Now He Sings Now He Sobs" was not Dave Holland.It was Miraslav Vitous. And this also is one of my favorites!

Sherman Ferguson...And Paul...you too keep your ears open! Later


Date: 10-Nov-1998 10:04:57
From: Mike Zickar ( [email protected] )
I think Dave Holland's Conference of the Birds (ECM) deserves to be mentioned in the same light as all the other desert island discs. I refuse to mention any other great albums to avoid diluting support for this tremendous work.


Date: 14-Nov-1998 01:38:27
From: Daniel J. Wilson ( [email protected] )
Blakey's "Free For All" and "Three Blind Mice Vols. 1 & 2"

Dexter Gordon "Tangorine"

Woody Shaw "Moontrane"


Date: 15-Nov-1998 19:04:46
From: PrezPal ( [email protected] )
Just surfing....thought I'd add a couple: Bengt Berger 'Bitter Funeral Beer' on ECM Europe. Features Don Cherry. Based on Ghanaian funeral music. Lots of percussion, some African instruments; tough to locate but well worth the hunt.

Duke Ellington 'Piano in the Background' Beautifully recorded, swinging Ellington from 1960 with some arrangements by Gerald Wilson. Crank it way up for 'Mainstem' and let the chills run up and down your spine. Wow!

Two new re-releases: Serge Chaloff 'Blue Serge' One of the most beautiful jazz albums ever for my money. 'I Talk With the Spitits' from Roland Kirk, all flute and lots of fun.




Date: 17-Nov-1998 22:22:34
From: Bryan Zuraw ( [email protected] )
Some current and some lasting favorites: Louis Moholo—Spirits Rejoice (Ogun) not available on CD the drummer from the Blue Notes, a group of S. African exiles who set up in London in the 60's. this late 70's recording features some of the best British musicians—Evan parker, etc.—playing gorgeous music with a deep groove. Bern Nix—Alarms and Excursions (New World Countercurrents)the guitarist from Ornette Coleman's Prime Time, playing in a trio with Fred Hopkins and Reggie Nicholson. the sound is much more open and 'light' than Prime Time, but the music is satisfyingly knotty. Misha Mengelberg—Who's Bridge (AVANT) my favorite piano trio record. A conventional setup that Mengelberg keeps driving off the rails. And, the tunes actually stick in yr head. Gil Melle—Patterns in Jazz (Blue Note) baritone/trombone/guitar/bass and drums, with Ed Thigpen, Oscar Pettiford, Eddie Bert and Joe Cinderella. Compositions that straddle bop and cool, and a lovely, low-end emphasis. This was recently reissued on CD as part of the Complete Gil Melle Blue Note Fifties Sessions, all of which is good. Ab Baars—Sprok (geestgronden) a dutch saxophonist i trio. i really like his sound and the writing, for a trio, is heady chamber jazz—inspired more by Cage or Cowell than Mozart. Art Tatum—God is in the House (High Note) this was just issued on CD. Some of Tatum's music is too richly decorated for my taste, but this is fantastic—relaxed, never fussy. They're recordings made in after hours clubs, so the sound isn't crystal-clear. Steve Beresford—Signals For Tea( AVANT) this doesn't appeal to conventional jazz tastes—Beresford's singing isn't much. but he plays a set of silly songs with dry wit and precision accompaniment by the members of Masada. Ruby Braff/Dick Hyman—I've been enjoying both Fireworks (inner City- Hyman on piano) and America the Beautiful (Concord? -Hyman on pipe organ). melodic improvisations on standards and some classical pieces.


Date: 19-Nov-1998 17:41:18
From: Jim Hendrickson
Enjoyed reading all the comments. Sherman is a hell of a drummer. Here's some I've not seen mentioned but like......Lou Donaldson/Best of (Vol. I or II) I was listening to some of this today, good choices The Quiet Side of John Coltrane.....nothing far out, a thoughtful anthology, great stuff, my favor- ite J.C. The new trio and quartet reissues of 60"s Grant Green stuff. G.G. was a guitarist, more of a single note line player. A lot of fine playing on these two. The new Burton/Corea/Metheny has nice moments.


Date: 19-Nov-1998 17:57:34
From: Jim Hendrickson
I'm not so good at this.Sherman, by the way, is a fine drummer. OK...Best of Lou Donaldson(vol I and II). The new trio and quartet reissues of 60's guitarist Grant Green, lot's of fine playing that was new to me.The Gentle(quiet?) Side of John Coltrane, a thoughtful and not far out anthology, a treasure.Lately I've enjoyed the Concord anthology of Barney Kessel. The new Burton/ Corea/Metheny disc has some nice moments.


Date: 20-Nov-1998 17:12:14
From: Dave Nathan ( [email protected] )
Dare I add a vocalist to this list? I suggest anything by Irene Kral. Two of her wonderful albums include those she made with Alan Bradbent and Junior Mance.

A nonvocal entrant is "I Concentate on You" with Lee Konitz and Red Mitchell.


Date: 21-Nov-1998 23:22:52
From: Dave Hughes ( [email protected] )
Here's a few CDs (I've limited it to CDs for this posting) of a more contemporary nature that even some of you straight-ahead jazz lovers might enjoy:

Flim & the BBs, "Big Notes" (DMP)—Recorded live in the studio (no overdubs), direct to digital tape. It's creative, playful and spontaneous, with phenomenal musicianship. This band has a style and personality all its own. Their "Tunnel" album runs a close second.

Manteca, "Extra Extra" (Nova)—This is a compilation disc from one of jazz's most exciting and underrated bands. The Toronto-based band consists of two trumpets, two saxophones, two percussionists, drums, keys, bass. Nova is out of business now, so this CD may be difficult to find. Their newest, a live album called "No Net" (Justin Time) is still available and is also good.

Othello Molineaux, "It's About Time" (Big World)—Andy Narell isn't the only master of the steel drums. Othello has numerous sideman credits, but this is his only headliner effort I'm aware of. Lots of musical ground covered here, and lots of great guest musicians.

Matt Catingub, "I'm Getting Cement All Over Ewe" (Seabreeze)—Actually, any of his big band CDs are great, including his new "Gershwin 100." Humorous arranging and incredible musicianship.

Finally, two "L.A. meets Brasil" efforts; probably difficult to find but worth the effort: "Velas" (Voss)—John Pisano (guitar) and Jose Marino (bass) are the headliners, and Yutaka produces. A cast of mostly L.A. studio pros, plus Dori Caymmi, Justo Almario, and Kevyn Lettau (vocals).

L.A. Transit, "De Novo" (Denon)—Half L.A., half Brasilian, all excellent.

Enjoy!


Date: 25-Nov-1998 14:30:05
From: jack hollfelder ( [email protected] )
Three quick choices (because these are in my desk drawer) and have access to here at work. Wynton Kelly Trio & Sextet ---- Kelly Blue Duke Ellington ---- The Afro-Eurasian Eclipse Tina Brooks ---- True Blue


Date: 02-Dec-1998 18:53:50
From: Craig Pinson ( [email protected] )
As my tastes in Jazz evolves it has become apparent that there is no one style I prefer over another.After all, Duke Ellington said it best. There are two kinds of music, GOOD music, and the rest. I guess I`m just saying it`s all good My selections for the moment are: 1}The Complete Bitches Brew Sessions-Miles Davis. It`s Beautiful, Frightening, Complex, and Bluesy all at once, but it`s also Miles at his best. 2}Complete Jazz at the Philharmonic-Various Artists. Thanks to Verve for letting me feel like I was at the the Greatest Jam Sessions ever. 3} La Scala-Keith Jarrett. Incredible piano from one it`s masters. 4} Jazz at Oberlin-Dave Brubeck. The best Paul Desmond ever recorded. A daring move at the time, but proved Jazz wasan incredible art form. 5} Complete Duke Ellington & Ella Fitzgerald at Cote de Azur. Once again, thanks to Verve. An incredible collection. 6} Turn Out the Stars-Bill Evans. He makes you feel every emotion with his playing. A true genius. 7} Giant Steps- John Coletrane. To listen is to hear spirituality as art. 8} Habana-Roy Hargrove. Keep it low or your speakers will burn.

That`s only a partial list. Sorry for the inclusion of so many Box sets, but they are like finding gold. P.S. I almost forgot. The Complete Quintet Recordings 1965-1968- Miles Davis. The talent in this group is still breath taking.


Date: 03-Dec-1998 15:08:02
From: John ( [email protected] )
Hello everyone...

I just stumbled across this website today and thoroughly enjoyed reading the posts on this topic. Like most, I'm a big fan of "the usual suspects" when it comes to Monk, Miles, Dizzy, 'Trane, etc, but here are a few of my lesser known must haves:

Clifford Jordan (SPELLBOUND)—A straight-ahead post-bop 1960 quartet recording with Jordan's tenor out front. Available on OJC/Riverside. Upbeat Jordan originals led by the outstanding "Toy" and a couple of standards including a waltzy verson of "Lush Life."

Anthony Braxton—Any of his recordings devoted to another artist's material. I've yet to truly grasp Braxton playing Braxton, but I couldn't do without SIX MONK'S COMPOSITIONS (1987) on Black Saint, EIGHT (+3) TRISTANO COMPOSITIONS 1989 FOR WARNE MARSH and CHARLIE PARKER PROJECT 1993, both on Hat. Braxton's main horn is alto and the three above titles are quartet, quintet and sextet, respectively. The Parker double-CD is somewhat more creative/out than the others, but I find all of them to be fairly accessible and very passionate.

Buell Neidlinger (BLUE CHOPSTICKS)—A quintet recording of Herbie Nichols' compositions featuring nothing but horns and strings, with bassist Neidlinger sticking to cello. An acquired taste, but truly beautiful if you find it to your liking. And the digipak packaging is to die for...why aren't all CDs packaged this well?!

Without going into detail, I also enjoy John Zorn's Masada albums (the studio ones), everything I've heard featuring Bill Holman's arrangements and Phineas Newborn Jr's trio recordings on OJC/Contemporary...including A WORLD OF PIANO, mentioned in a couple of previous posts.

Thanks for letting me chip in my thoughts.


Date: 04-Dec-1998 06:21:45
From: Jos? Domingos Raffaelli ( [email protected] )
Jonathan Kranz,

Sorry for my delay about the TCB albums. I was not well succeeded to give you all informations, but here is what I got after some weeks (in between I went to New York, but this is another story).

TCB-1001—Title: Gettin'It Together—Yusef Lateef, Freddie Hubbard, Curtis Fuller, Walter Bishop Jr., Buddy Catlett and Stu Martin.

Tunes: Chantized / Flutie / If I Were A Bell / But Beautiful / Do I Love You ? / The Court / Mr. L /

Warwick W50038 ST—Title: The Soul of Jazz Percussion Collective personnel: Booker Little, Donald Byrd, Don Ellis and Marcus Belgrave (trumpets) // Curtis Fuller (trombone // Pepper Adams (baritone sax) // Mal Waldron and Bill Evans (piano) // Paul Chambers and Addison Farmer (bass) // Philly Joe Jones and Eddie Shaughnessy (drums) // Willie Rodriguez, Armando Perazza and Earl; Zindars (percussion)

Tunes: Construction Crew (Waldron) Ping Pong Beer (Evans/Chambers/Philly Joe) Call To Arms (Waldron) Witch-Fire (Booker Little) November Afternoon (Tom McIntosh) Chasin' The Bird (Charlie Parker) Prophecy (Alonzo Levister) Quiet Temple (Waldron) Wee-Tina (Shaughnessy)

But I'm still looking informations about the Donald Byrd album.

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