Recorded Fall 2008
Mitch Kessler, Tenor and Alto Saxophones
John Esposito, Piano
Ira Coleman, Bass
Peter O'Brien, Drums
Compositions by Mitch Kessler
This debut CD by the alto and tenor saxophone virtuoso Mitch Kessler brings to light a little known but highly developed instrumental and compositional voice. 8 originals by this prolific composer draw on his arsenal of Post Dolphy/Coltrane, Free Jazz, Early 20th Century German Expressionism, and the Blues.
“...The interplay between the tenor and the drums is just unbelievable. In a more perfect world, this disc would be played constantly on WBGO so that it had a chance to be heard and bought by the jazz-loving masses." --Bruce Lee Gallanter of Downtown Music Gallery
Steve Geraci: Aliqae Song SJCD0006
Previously unreleased, recorded 1980 NYC
Reconstructed from cassette masters.
Steve Geraci, Guitar
Kitt Potter, Vocals
Arthur Rhames, Alto Saxophone
John Stubblefield, Flute, Soprano and Tenor Saxophones
John Esposito, Piano
Charlie Knicely, Bass
Jeff Siegel, Drums
Rashied Ali, Drums
Frederick Berryhill, Percussion
Compositions by Geraci
“John Esposito's Sunjump label has a talent for unearthing long lost sessions that shouldn't be forgotten about. Once again the great Sunjump label has released a long lost treasure that you shouldn't be without." --Bruce Lee Gallanter of Downtown Music Gallery
John Esposito: A Book of Five Rings SJCD0005
Live concert from the Knitting Factory, NYC 1997
Jayna Nelson, Flute and Piccolo
Matt Schulman, Trumpet
Eric Person, Alto and Soprano Saxophone
James Finn, Tenor Sax and Bass Clarinet
Tony Underwood, Tuba
John Esposito, Piano
Hilliard Greene, Bass
Peter O'Brien, Drums
Compositions by Esposito
This is John Esposito's fifth disc on his own Sunjump label and each one has been another undiscovered gem ripe for the plucking. Do not miss out on these delectable hidden treasures! --Bruce Lee Gallanter of Downtown Music Gallery
Sangeeta Michael Berardi: Earthship SJCD0004
Sangeeta Michael Berardi, Guitar and pedals
James Finn, Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Bass Clarinet and Bells
John Esposito, Piano and drums
Hilliard Greene, Bass
Peter O'Brien, Drums
Compositions by Berardi and Esposito
“...quality… Spiritual Energy… A concept of his own." --Pharoah Sanders
“Sangeeta is a very fine, fresh player, one of the few musicians who extend the tradition of the jazz guitar. He is a free musician with a lyrical and melodic approach." --John Abercrombie
“Sangeeta is a great and unique guitar player." --John Scofield
“I've known Sangeeta all my life and he's always been his own man. He's been experimenting with music his own way since he first started. I find him to be a true original." --Joe Diorio
“Berardi may have the most distinctive guitar voice out there... nobody like him." --Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz
“...dark-toned electric musings … might serve as a good antidote for listlessness or general malaise." --Glenn Astarita, All About Jazz
Second Sight: Flying With the Comet SJCD0003
Dave Douglas, Trumpet
Jeff Marx, Soprano and Tenor Saxophones
John Esposito, Piano
Allen Murphy, Bass
Jeff Siegel, Drums
Frederick Berryhill, Percussion
Compositions by Esposito and Marx
“… a roiling powerhouse of frenetic hard-bop… swings like mad and bubbles over with lively, effervescent chops to spare. And even better, instead of just cloning the achievements of the past, they can put their own twisty little spins on it." -Gene Santoro, Pulse! 1987
“… a young group that has shown signs of working some intriguing personal variations of Blue Note classicism of the mid-60's." --Robert Palmer, New York Times 1987
“Densely structured, rhythmically imperious avant-bop, and that's good enough to make for some interestingly intense ensemble brutishness with a deliciously nasty edge." --Alan Bargebuhr, Cadence 1987
“Excellent solo playing and ensemble playing. It is gratifying to hear some young guys playing straight ahead Jazz with the caliber of musicianship that these guys have. The original compositions are worthy of much merit also." --Horace Silver
ALSO AVAILABLE ON SUNJUMP
John Esposito: Down Blue Marlin Road SJCD0001
Recorded Fall 2003
Released in 2006
John Esposito, Piano
Ira Coleman, Bass
Peter O'Brien, Drums
Deconstructed/reconstructed standards
“...recasts a stack of familiar songs and adapts them for his own purposes… “Blue Marlin Road" is both familiar and foreign at the same time, a feeling that occurs again and again as Esposito touches on bits of the known en route to his own music".-Stuart Kremsky, Cadence 2006
“...extended harmonic reharmonizations and novel approaches... an interesting approach to the pieces all jazz musicians grow up learning… highly recommended to students of the art." --Thomas R. Erdmann, jazzreview.com 2006
“a keen sense of rediscovery and freshness… The wit, wisdom and downright sarcasm of Esposito is startling, and a talent to behold throughout this project… a virtuosity seldom heard in players interpreting jazz standards. A bold conception and execution to be sure, and with band mates that can hold up their end quite well, this recording is hopefully one of many to come from a brilliant player who deserves wider attention." --Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide 2006
“Esposito and his trio have taken the jazz cover a step beyond, creating something unique and personal in the process, and seem to be having fun doing it… the interplay is effortless and satisfyingly dynamic. The old songs get a quality makeover here; only a major snob would disapprove." --M.R.Smith, Roll Magazine 2006
John Esposito: The Blue People SJCD0002
Recorded Fall 2003
Released in 2006
Greg Glassman, Trumpet
Eric Person, Soprano, Alto and Tenor Saxophones
John Esposito, Piano
Kenny Davis, Bass
Peter O'Brien, Drums
Compositions by Esposito
“...succeeds on many real and important levels in creating some of the finest new modern jazz you may hear in the post-Wynton Marsalis era." --Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide 2006
“...the egoless ecstatic approach to small group Jazz. The Blue People, with great depth of feeling and boundless rhythmic energy, is an excellent date, very nicely recorded, and a fine complement to the trio session." --Stuart Kremsky, Cadence 2006
UPCOMING SPRING '09 RELEASE
Jeff Marx/Jeff Siegel with John Esposito: Inyo SJCD0008
Recorded February 2009
Jeff Marx, Tenor Saxophone
Jeff Siegel, Drums
John Esposito, Piano
Compositions by Marx, Siegel, Esposito
For more information contact All About Jazz.
