tkeith

Jesus. What was in the pipe when I wrote this. Wasn't until I read Felser's comments that I realized I'd called The Visitors "The Travelers". #justsayno

I was wondering if the Tristano connection was intentional.

Listening to this one before the month gets away. 01 - Summertime. Not sure about the snake-charmer intro. At first, the bass had me thinking Francois Rabbath. It’s not him, but my guess is that this has European origins. Not sure I’m fully buying the gratuitious use of the Byzantine scale, but I like it in spite of that. Definitely digging the bass. I appreciate the attempt at a different approach, but I’m not sure I can handle it more than once. 02 - Now, I like this. It’s got that restrained solo piano feel, but with some nice extensions in there. Sort of like Roland Hanna meets Ran Blake. I’m going to switch gears about 4 minutes in. Sounds like a Monk tune, but maybe a Fred Hersch interpretation. 03 - At first, I was thinking someone else was sneaking in some Dennis Gonzalez. It has that modern Steeplechase feel, like something John Swana would do. These guys are more modern than that, at least the saxophonist is. Has that heavy rhythmic variance of a lot of modern Jazz. I like it, but I’m not in love with it. 04 - Meandering melodic lines, questionable direction. I should detest this, but I quite like it. Seems like it owes a bit of a nod to Abdullah Ibrahim. I don’t believe it’s him, but neither would I be surprised if it were. Has touches that suggest Mal Waldron, as well. I believe I would enjoy sitting and talking music with this pianist. Runs a bit long, but I like it overall. 05 - This is weird. First thought was this cat like Cannonball, a lot. Then I was getting a distinct Sonny Criss vibe, though the rhythm section has a Bitches Brew meets Shepp’s Mariamar vibe. I want to make a weird guess of Anthony Ortega, but it seems too aggressive. I like this, though. This hits the wheelhouse really well. It’s raw. I’m in. Let me add, it’s raw, but hasn’t lost the blues. This just works. This one seems to run a shade long, as well, but I’m still in. 06 - Shades of Tristano. At times, shakes hands with Mal. I could listen to a lot of this. Live, but not sure who it is. GIMME MORE!!! 07 - It’s an interesting feel, but I’m not convinced it goes anywhere. It’s great in the background, but not a sit-and-listen track. I can always do without electronics, but I have to confess, I’m a fan of drummers replicating that remix sound. My guess is, this is the drummer’s gig, and that’s what we’re supposed to focus on (because it’s where the action is). Nice bass line, but again, doesn’t really go anywhere. Reminds me of Radio Citizen. 08 - Guessing a younger pianist. Has that technique. First note sounded like Don Pullen. The main line sounded like Mal Waldron, but too precise. Then, it turns out, we’re at Solar. No idea. Sticking with younger pianist. Wait, is this perhaps TWO pianists? I’m still thiinking younger, but they’ve done their listening. Even a direct Tristano quote at about 5:00. Still unsure if it’s one or two. 09 - Ah, the somewhat rare trumpet/unemployment stick unison lead. Post-Shorter doubler on soprano, could be about anybody. Now, that alto provide a hint. Is this The Travelers, perhaps? Certainly sounds like it. Let’s make a triple line. Getting a Dizzy feel from the horn, but 90% sure it’s not him. Could be Jon Faddis (it sounds THAT close to me). Really almost don’t hear the alto on the head. 10 - Not sure where I am on this one. It’s pleasant, but I’m working, listening on the laptop, and it really hasn’t made much of an impression on me. A co-worker of my Dad’s had alternate lyrics to this song, and it’s kind of ruined the song for me. I will not share them here — no need to ruin it for others. 11 - A little second-line, I’m in. Especially when you put it with a bitchin’ bass line. Not sold on the horn, entirely, but the feel of the tune is awsome. Sounds like a Larry Willis groove. Very busy saxophone — why not? Plenty of energy here. I’m loving the rhythm section more than the horn, though. I’m going to throw out a weird guess of Ernie Watts on alto. 12 - Man, somebody always throws in an old needle-drop and it’s obvious, but I’m always afraid to risk it. To hell with it — is it Fats Waller? 13 - Know the song, can’t give you the title. First impression was Art Farmer. Oh, shit. Cherokee, for crissake. Hmmm… sure sounds like Lee Konitz. Seems to me I had this at one point (Live in Genoa?), but I don’t recall this being so long. 14 - This one is going to irritate me. I know that pianist. Two listens and I don’t have it. I’m going to hate myself, later. 15 - This one is weird. Pace and general feel is Donna Lee, but I don’t hear it, yet. Are we dealing with solo organ? That’s an oddity, but I’m not sold on it. Only guy I can think of trying something like this is Joey D., but this person sounds a bit older. Wait… now we’re at the ballpark. I’m so lost. I give it points for being original, but I’m not feeling this one. And, for some reason, my wife is downstairs rocking out to Mingus Ah Um. Guess I did something right last night! Nearly all of this is new to my ears. I’ll be interested to see the reveal.

NOW all the comments make sense! I was in the right neighborhood with Kurtis, at least.

This comment has been keeping me up at night. After repeated listening, it sounds like Bob Gulotti on drums, which suggests a Boston band, but I'm not getting the horn players. *Could* be Kurtis Rivers on alto, but I don't think so.

Alrighty, took longer to get to than I'd hoped. Some stuff new to me on here, but a few bags. One listen, spontaneous commentary, so... sorry. Track 01 - Solitude. Very patient version with solid nods to the composer. Trying to think who does that in the right hand. Tommy Flanagan came to mind but the voicings are wrong. Seat-of-the-pants, I’m going to say Sir Roland Hanna. [just saw a great mini-interview with David Murray where he talks about the importance of using different pianists because piano occupies so much space on a recording. He said [loosely quote]: I’ve fired LOTS of guys. I say it with pride, I’ve fired some of the best. I fired John Hicks, I fired Don Pullen… I fired Roland Hanna.”] Good stuff. I believe this is from this. Track 02 - Not someone I’m overly familiar with. Pretty sure the trumpeter is the vocalist (definitely sounds like a player singing as opposed to a vocalist). It certainly is tight. Not sure how often I’d go to this well, but I appreciate it. Track 03 - First reaction, my gut tells me that’s Big George. Nope. My gut was wrong. Monk tune. One of the few I’ll get by name. Ask Me Now. Believe I read somewhere that when he first recorded it he was asked the title and grunted “Don’t ask me now,” and the “don’t” went unheard. Not sure if that’s true, but I love the story if it is. Feel like I know the player, but it may just be the heavy George Coleman influence. Very fluid, very facile. HUGE Big George influence, but I’ve never heard George do those growls. Most times I struggle on modern interpretations of Monk, but I like this one a lot. Track 04 - Oh yeah, baby. Two beautiful things: Big Ben and a GREAT Ellington ballad, Single Petal of a Rose. This is it This is everything, we can all go home. I’ve got it on this but I know it’s on a couple of anthologies, as well. Man, you’ve got some PIANO players on this BFT! Track 05 - And a GREAT Newk tune — Valse Hot. SUCH a great tune. Something very Herbie about the piano and I’m not sure it fits with the tune. Mmm. Don’t care for where that went on the solos. There’s doing it your own way, but not sure it’s always the best choice. Once we get back to time, I’m liking it more. Not fully loving the tenor. A lot of those conservatory lines that don’t seem to have much to do with the tune (this is where I show I’m really a fussy prick). Second tenor is much more to my liking. First one is all about the notes and the math, but I’m not feeling the story. Second one was all story. Okay, that’s Roy Hargrove. That’s a lot of clues. I may actually have this. I’m guessing first soloist was Branford, doing that thing that drives me nuts about him. I know the album is various tenor players (I definitely have it, but can’t recall the title). Too lazy to go look. Can’t remember the other guy, but like I said, iirc, it’s shifting personnel throughout. Track 06 - Sounds like Joe Lovano. Song is familiar but it’s eluding me. Weird arrangement. Definitely Joe. I don’t always line-up with JL, but this one works. Friggin’ song is going to drive me nuts — I KNOW this. No. Did he just quote Donna Lee? Is that the friggin’ song!? GAH! Track 07 - Ooooo! Rhodes less travelled. Oh, that’s familiar. Joe Henderson on tenor. Joe fools nobody. Took a bit, but it’s the title track from this. Track 08 - Lotta Coltrane there. Ah, yes — that’s Jerry Bergonzi. What is that friggin’ song? It’s Brubeck, right? [Love that video of JB with DB at the vineyard; heard some horror stories about that gig, but it’s a good video] Not sure on those busy-ass drums, but could be Tain. I don’t always love the stuff so directly out of Coltrane, but when Jerry is on, he’s ON. He’s on, here. Track 09 - Fields of Gold? No. Now it sounds like Danny Boy. Nope. Now it sounds like Ry Cooder. No idea what this is. Seems to be hitting lots of ‘ish’ pieces of various songs. Or, perhaps I’m f****d. Track 10 - Love that bass. Thought this was going in a different direction. At first, felt very Johnny Dyani, but then turns more toward a Manfred Eicher feel, then moves to 80s Jazz. At first I was thinking Chico Freeman on the tenor, now I’m leaning more towards a less-specific post-Coltrane voice. Sure sounds like Brad Meldau on piano (so that narrows nothing down). Good tune. Track 11 - Feeling like this might be a ringer. Any chance this is an unreleased Chris Klaxton thing? Not completely sold that it’s him, but not completely discouraged from the guess, either. Sounds like his writing to me. Track 12 - Loved the 12/8 intro but it went somewhere I wasn’t expecting. Goes where I’m not expecting, but touches on some strange places that mostly make me happy. A bit pedantic just shy of the 1 minute mark, but overall, really liking what it’s doing. As it goes on, the only thing I’m sure of is I have no concept who this is. Almost sounds like Ekaya, but it’s too spread out. Can’t place the bari and that’s pissing me off. That bouncing call between the horns is the only thing not really grabbing me. The rest of it is a bop. Thanks for mixing in a few ringers along with the moments of abject torture where I had no idea.

Yeah, I got into that period about five years ago when I heard some of his more recent stuff. Went on a binge and bought Metal Blossoms, these two, and a couple of other things that were floating around, and worked my way back to Mangelsdorff (whom I LOVE). It's been a nice ride. His work with Terumasa Hino was very interesting, as well. Happy to help spend your money, my brother!

Welcome aboard, Cap'n!

My process for programming a BFT usually involves making a list throughout the year. As most of my listening time is on my commute these days, this year proved a bit challenging. On the upside, I’ve started making more time to just sit and listen, which has been missing. On the downside, a lot of this test was assembled on the fly, late last month. The occurrences of slight duplication of personnel were unintentional, but are probably the only thing holding this test together. Incidentally, the two cuts with Dennis Gonzalez were chosen long before he agreed to do last month’s test. #serendipity 01-Weird Nightmare (Charles Mingus) - Mingus Big Band featuring Ku-Umba Frank Lacy - (2014) Mingus Sings https://www.discogs.com/Ku-Umba-Frank-Lacy-Mingus-Big-Band-Mingus-Sings/release/7139917 Arranged by Sy Johnson; Frank Lacy - vocals; Alex Norris, Jack Walrath, Lew Soloff - trumpet; Coleman Hughes, Conrad Herwig, Earl McIntyre - trombone; Abraham Burton, Brandon Wright, Craig Handy, Wayne Escoffery - tenor saxophone; Alex Foster - alto & soprano saxophones, flute, clarinet; Ronnie Cuber - baritone saxophone; David Kikosk i- piano; Boris Koslov - bass; Donald Edwards - drums First time I heard this was in college, with Elvis Costello doing the lyrics. It was a well-intentioned, pretty awful record of Mingus’ music done by unexpected people. I’ve seen Ku-Umba sing on multiple occasions live, and it was ALWAYS better than it is on this record. It is what it is. 02-The Sorrow of Guernica (Pinkish Black & Yells At Eels) - Pinkish Black & Yells At Eels - (2019) Vanishing Light in the Tunnel of Dreams https://www.discogs.com/Dennis-Gonz%C3%A1lez-Yells-At-Eels-Pinkish-Black-Vanishing-Light-In-The-Tunnel-Of-Dreams/release/15378720 Dennis Gonzalez - trumpet; Daron Beck - keys; Aaron Gonzalez - bass, electric bass, voice; Stefan Gonzalez - drums, percussion, marimba; Jon Teague - drums, synthesizer Dennis was kind enough to speak to one of my classes, and as we were chatting beforehand (via Google Meet) he mentioned this project. I’m a fan, and have quite a DG collection, so this was a no-brainer. Dennis does not sit idle, he is constantly evolving. Purists may be put off by that, but every conversation I’ve ever had with the man has been an encapsulated education. 03-African Drums (Beaver Harris) - David S. Ware Quartet - (1999) Surrendered https://www.discogs.com/David-S-Ware-Surrendered/release/1150289 David S. Ware - tenor saxophone; Matthew Shipp - piano; William Parker - bass; Guillermo E. Brown - drums My friend Ken Eisen played this on his radio show the first time I heard it. I broke out in a cold sweat. The same thing happens every time I hear this song (and I always play it back-to-back with itself). I know Ware and Shipp can be polarizing, but to my ear, this is everything. The energy in this recording, as well as the musicianship, are terrifyingly beautiful. 04-Little Melonae (Jackie McLean) - Frank Lowe Trio - (1997) Vision Blue https://www.discogs.com/Frank-Lowe-Trio-Vision-Blue/release/6420976 Frank Lowe - tenor saxophone; Steve Neil - bass; Anders Griffen - drums From the CIMP heyday. Bob Heroux, a late friend of my family, once described Frank Lowe’s playing as, “very thoughtful”. It’s the perfect description. Frank is so unique, and so absent any bullshit in his playing that I just love him. He did a few of the records around this time, all shorter songs, all understated. Very glad I got to see him with Billy Bang before he left this plane. One of the REAL cats. 05-Lush Life (Billy Strayhorn) - Heinz Sauer/Michael Wollny - (2005) Certain Beauty https://www.discogs.com/Heinz-Sauer-Michael-Wollny-Certain-Beauty/release/3379204 Heinz Sauer - tenor saxophone; Michael Wollny - keys I’ve played another cut from this record on a previous BFT, Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U. I first came to Heinz as a sideman in George Adams’ band, and I didn’t appreciate him right away. I heard him, initially, as watered-down Shepp. Later, when I came across the Prince cover, I developed a new ear and a newfound respect for his playing. He’s not Kansas City, but he’s an interesting and serious player. A lot of this record pushes my boundaries due to the synth, but I keep going back to it. Also, he STILL reminds me of Shepp. 06-Hello Little Girl (Kemp/Ellington) - The Duke Ellington Orchestra featuring Jimmy Rushing - (1959) Ellington Jazz Party https://www.discogs.com/Duke-Ellington-And-His-Orchestra-Ellington-Jazz-Party/release/2621384 Jimmy Rushing - vocals; Andres Ford, Cat anderson, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie (soloist), Shorty Baker, Ray Nance - trumpet; Britt Woodman, John Sanders, Quentin Jackson - trombone; Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope - alto saxophone; Paul Gonzalves - tenor saxophone; Jimmy Hamilton - tenor saxophone, clarinet; Harry Carney - baritone saxophone; Jimmy Jones - piano; Jimmy Woode - bass; Sam Woodyard - drums; Arranged & conducted by Duke Ellington This was the gimme on this test, but MAN! What a bitch this is! I wish Jimmy’d spent his whole career with Duke. Hearing him go up against the mighty Ellington cast, THIS is what it’s all about, baby! Just a 12-bar blues, but absolutely on fire! If this doesn’t move you, pull the dirt over you, because you’re gone. And, oh yeah, that trumpet player isn’t half bad, either. 07-My Old Flame (Sam Coslow) - J.R. Monterose Quartet - (1979) Welcome Back J.R.! https://www.discogs.com/J-R-Monterose-Quartet-Welcome-Back-JR-/release/2835233 J.R. Monterose - tenor saxophone; Hod O’Brien - piano Teddy Kotick - bass; Jimmy Wormworth - drums Let’s be honest, this album is all about the cover. Later re-issued as Lush Life. J.R. is another guy I was slow to come to, but as I age, he really speaks to me (though, more his earlier work, but this album is still a nice piece of my collection). This was an eBay score from Japan. The one thing I’ve always admired about J.R. is that he’s completely himself, always. This record is no exception. I recall reading that he kicked his heroin addiction cold turkey, alone, because he knew if he’d gotten help, he’d go back to it. That says a lot about who he is and that came across in his playing. 08-First Take (Richard Gardzina) - Richard Gardzina - (1998) Play This https://www.allmusic.com/album/play-this-mw0000693064 Richard Gardzina - tenor saxophone; Steve Aubert - piano; Roger Kimball - bass; David Berman - drums Richard was my most influential private teacher. Truly a great guy and a wonderful musician. This track is the class of this record, and it showcases what I love about his playing so well. You can hear his influences, but he always stays true to himself. In addition to being a terrific musican and teacher, he’s an absolutely quality human being. I swear I’ve included this cut before, but a search of the BFT thread does not turn it up. 09-Camel (Dennis Gonzalez) - Alvin Fielder Trio - (2007) A Measure of Vision https://www.discogs.com/Alvin-Fielder-Trio-A-Measure-Of-Vision/release/2428973 Dennis Gonzalez - trumpet; Chris Parker - piano; Aaron Gonzalez - bass; Alvin Fielder - drums I first heard Dennis play this song in person with Rodriguo Amado and Yells At Eels. It blew me away then, and continues to do so. The live version was *so* intense. Later I asked Dennis for a copy of the chart, which he sent. When covering this tune, the drummer on the session said, “Man, it’s just so *greasy*!” I’m not sure if that was Dennis’ intent, but that’s what I love about playing this song — you can just get *so* nasty! 10-Little Sunflower (for Roy Hargrove) (Freddie Hubbard) - The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble - (2019) Be Known: Ancient / Future / https://www.discogs.com/Ethnic-Heritage-Ensemble-Be-Known-Ancient-Future-Music/release/13815484 Corey Wilkes - trumpet; Alex Harding - baritone saxophone; Ian Maksin - cello; Kahil El’Zabar - drums, percussion Finally got to see Kahil (w/David Murray) last spring. My word. Epic. I love what it is that he does. Don’t know what to call it, don’t care — I love it. Thanks to Tim Webb for convincing me to give this album a try. I had seen some videos from their tour, and they didn’t do what I’d hope they would. Not sure if it was the recordings, or just a couple of off nights, but THIS is what I was expecting. LOVE Alex Harding. THE man on the big horn, at the moment. This is not the best track on the album, but I was tryiing to be time conscious (particularly where there were already several other long tracks). 11-Stay Informed (Heinz Sauer) - George Adams - (1979) Sound Suggestions https://www.discogs.com/George-Adams-Sound-Suggestions/release/1617414 George Adams, Heinz Sauer - tenor saxophone; Kenny Wheeler - trumpet; Richie Beirach - piano; Dave Holland - bass; Jack DeJohnette - drums This has always been my favorite George Adams record. I played the death out of my original copy. I was playing for a friend who would go on to be a very well known pro (when I was about 14). We were at his house and I had him put on this track. He was looking at the liners and said during George’s mercurial solo, “Dude, that’s Heinz!” showing me the album jacket. It was not. His speakers were wired incorrectly left-right. I took a deep breath (he was five years older than me, and we had this music in common, so I didn’t want to tread heavily) and said, “no, the jacket is wrong.” I didn’t want to suggest that he had wired his speakers wrong (though, in fact, he had). Anyway, I was slow to appreciate what Heinz does on this recording, particularly where I was SUCH a huge George Adams fan as a kid. It’s not George at his most tasteful, but he definitely claims his territory here, and I love it. This album was also my introduction to Kenny Wheeler. It was years (decades?) before I actually heard Deer Wan, but to me, this album and that go hand-to-hand (see what I did there?). 12- Song For Pharaoh (Ronnie Cuber) - Ronnie Cuber - (1993) The Scene Is Clean https://www.discogs.com/Ronnie-Cuber-The-Scene-Is-Clean/release/10130260 Ronnie Cuber - baritone saxophone; Georg Wadenius - guitar; Geoff Keezer - keys; Reggie Washington - bass; Victor Jones - drums; Manolo Badrena, Milton Cardona - percussion I didn’t have a lot of Cuber in my collection, but I got turned onto this via a Facebook post (probably by Tim Price). There is nothing I don’t love about this track. It just works on every level, and is an absolute earworm. Go ahead, try to make it through your day after this without humming it — it can’t be done. Hope you found something to make your ears smile.

Or, you know, not copying because you're on it.

Copying to the reveal thread.

The suspenseful build-up has ended. Dennis sent me the answers as he still is unable to get in. Maybe we can do a group effort to post the personnel? 1. Griot Galaxy – Kins – “Xy-moch” 2. Robin Kenyatta – Girl from Martinique – “Blues for Your Mama” 3. Elton Dean – Boundaries – “Fast News” 4. John Abercrombie – Arcade – “Nightlake” 5. Oliver Lake Big Band – Wheels – “Is It Real” 6. Paul Motian – Tribute – “Victoria” 7. Amina Claudine Myers – Sama Rou – “Call To Prayer” 8. Edward Vesala – Satu – “Ballade for San” 9. Art Lande – Rubisa Patrol – “A Monk in His Simple Room” 1 0. Jan Garbarek – Runes – “I Took Up the Runes” 11. Arild Andersen – Sagn – “Lussi” 12. Charles Brackeen – Bannar – “Stone Blue”

Glad to hear it. Spot on. This one is going to surprise some people. This one is a must have. That's this guy. I kind of figured that would happen. I missed it when I searched the thread for the song, but I do remember it (because I had decided to use it and scrubbed that choice). No matter -- never a wrong time for Ellington. Yes, you do want to know. Jim ID'd it. I'm glad to bring people something new, but I wish more people were aware of this guy. Likely not. Agreed. You'll be pleased. Bang on! Could be and is. Glad to hear it.

Yep. ID'd by JSangry. This one is a personal favorite, but I don't expect anyone to get it. Agreed. A great tune, masterful in it's simplicity. I'm a big fan of this trumpeter. These guys are currently where it's at, IMHO. You're not wrong about the trumpeter. This has been ID'd. A few have found this a bit too poppy, and ordinarily, I would agree. But this one is such an earworm that I can't NOT love it.

I've reached out, but not heard back. Does not seem to be online much recently. Hoping everything is okay.