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  2. For over four decades, Danish guitarist and composer Pierre Dorge has pushed the boundaries of jazz with a highly personal voice-combining Nordic lyricism with global rhythms, and crafting what critics call "pan-cultural jazz." On Songs for Mbizo, Dorge returns in a stripped-down quartet setting that showcases his singular tone and spiritual depth, this time in tribute to South African bassist Johnny "Mbizo" Dyani, whose legacy courses through Dorge's music like a vibrant thread.Following celebrated small-group releases such as Ballad Round the Left Corner and Blui, this new live recording features Kirk Knuffke, Thommy Andersson, and Martin Andersen (drums)-a dynamic international lineup that breathes fresh intensity into Dyani's compositions. Award-winning trumpeter/composer/arranger Jason Palmer, a fixture of the Boston jazz scene and frequent SteepleChase recording artist, presents his boldest artistic statement to date with this intimate duo recording. Shorter Songs marks Palmer's first commercially released duo album and pays homage to jazz legend Wayne Shorter through a series of original contrafacts based on Shorter's compositions.Joined by acclaimed pianist Kevin Harris-his longtime musical ally-Palmer explores the emotional and harmonic depth of Shorter's writing while bringing his own contemporary sensibilities into play. "Palmer has proven to be one of the most compelling artists of his generation." (Ken Dryden - NYC Jazz Record)
  3. Release date September 26: Jazz guitarist Thom Rotella is back and this new release finds him spinning some soulful, sophisticated jazz that fans of his previous Savant Record, Side Hustle, won't want to miss. Over the years, Rotella has worked with some serious heavyweights like Norah Jones, Seth MacFarlane, Diane Schuur, and Stanley Turrentine, carving out a name for himself as a go-to guitarist in the world of jazz, pop, and studio work. On this project, though, the vibe is all about connection, chemistry, and that illusive spot where taste meets feelings. The always-funky Wil Blades on organ and the dynamic Charles Ruggiero on drums are on hand, laying down a rich, organic foundation for Rotella's blues-tinged guitar work to build upon. And that's just the beginning. Saxophone great Ernie Watts lends his unmistakable tone and lyrical phrasing to a few standout tracks, while trumpeter/composer Jeremy Pelt adds some brassy brilliance of his own. And on a couple of cuts, the always-stunning Tierney Sutton steps in with some haunting, wordless vocals that add a shimmering layer of depth, elegance, and quiet intensity to the music. Whether you've been following Rotella for years or are just joining the party, this record welcomes you from the first track. It's warm, it's savvy, and above all, it's honest. Just great players making outstanding music together. Tenor saxophonist JD Allen, well known for pushing the envelope with albums that mix electronics and advanced compositional techniques, takes a striking turn on his latest release. This time, he sets aside the modernist experiments and heads straight for the heart with an album made up entirely of ballads from the Great American Songbook. It's an unexpected move from Allen, and it reveals a different side of his playing-warm, introspective, and deeply lyrical. For this outing, he expands his usual chordless trio by bringing pianist Brandon McCune into the mix, joining longtime collaborators Ian Kenselaar on bass and Nic Cacioppo on drums. The addition of a piano brings a new layer of harmonic color, expanding the expressive range of the entire group while exploring the emotional possibilities within these classic standards. A soulful, stripped-down take on timeless tunes, this album showcases the depth and honesty JD Allen is known for, as he invites his colleagues to slow down and express something personal-with clarity, restraint, and quiet power.
  4. Release date August 29: His expansive, deeply lyrical and blues-drenched approach to modern jazz has made Seattle pianist Marc Seales a favorite sideman of touring luminaries for decades. In particular, long associations with Mark Murphy, Larry Coryell and Ernie Watts turned into albums, tours and lasting friendships. Seales returns the invite on "People & Places" by making a trip to saxophonist Ernie Watts' home turf in Los Angeles, teaming with him and Watts' longtime bandmate, bassist Bruce Lett, and taking advantage of the locale to reconnect with drummer Moyes Lucas, Jr, who goes back with Seales to the early '80s in Seattle. While pulling together a collection of originals that span the last 30 years, along with a take on Wayne Shorter's "Palladium," the album's through line slowly became apparent - it's all about the people & places, and the collaborations found & nurtured through the years. Though retired after an inspired 38-year career at the University of Washington, Seales continues on that fruitful path. Astonishingly vivid electronic colorations balanced within acoustic performances; Perhaps the strongest facet of Marc Seales' playing is that he's always "in the moment." All About Jazz Release date September 19: With a wide-ranging virtuosic fluidity, D.C.-based guitarist Shawn Purcell draws on an abundance of musical influences and a refined ensemble cohesion in crafting the journey that "Oblivity" leads. Inviting the acclaimed saxophonist Walt Weiskopf to share the front line, they energize this dynamic quintet set of all original compositions, along with Purcell's longtime bandmates Chris Ziemba on piano, bassist Jeff Reed, and drummer Steve Fidyk. Darden Purcell also orchestrates several melodies with her wordless vocals and trombonist Ben Patterson guests on two compositions. From searing, fusion-adjacent moments, to fiery post-bop, and spacious, sensitive ballads, Oblivity displays an artful and compelling sonic experience. "Every once in a while, an album will come your way that both delights and impresses the ear. Like shooting stars, these are not completely rare occurrences but it's the fortunate person who gets to enjoy the experience... This album makes a statement and says a lot." Peter Erskine
  5. Release date September 5: For his debut leader project on SteepleChase, Bollenback chose a bold and distinct approach, opting for a guitar and bass duo format. Teaming up with bassist Boris Kozlov, a three-time Grammy winner. Bollenback explores new musical territories with a mix of original compositions by Bollenback and Kozlov, along with jazz standards that highlight their exceptional musical connection and rhythmic synergy. Renowned for his versatility and dynamism on the guitar, Bollenback's unique approach to jazz and blues has earned him accolades from legends like George Benson, who praised him as a "versatile dynamo on guitar." Over the years, Bollenback has collaborated with numerous jazz greats, including organist Joey DeFrancesco, appearing on nineteen of his albums and earning a Grammy nomination for co-producing 2011's Never Can Say Goodbye. Release date October 17: Twenty years after their acclaimed trilogy, Eric Rasmussen and his long-standing quartet return with School of Tristano 4-a revelatory deep dive into the compositions and aesthetics of Lennie Tristano, Lee Konitz, and Warne Marsh, paired with striking originals. Drawing from decades of study, stage experience, and personal connection, Rasmussen's quartet reinvents this rich, often-underrepresented repertoire with stunning clarity, warmth, and spontaneity.While the album brims with telepathic interplay and ensemble finesse, Rasmussen's alto saxophone sings with a personal voice, never imitative, always rooted in the language of deep jazz tradition but reaching forward. Guitarist Nate Radley, bassist Dave Ambrosio, and drummer Mark Ferber bring unmatched sensitivity, groove, and lyrical depth. School of Tristano 4 offers both serious jazz heads and adventurous listeners a fresh insight into classic modernist repertoire-an album that resonates with the spirit of Tristano while speaking entirely in the quartet's own voice. With over 30 leader/co-leader albums on SteepleChase, Andy LaVerne stands as one of jazz's most quietly fearless innovators. His new project, Crystal Night, expands the dynamic chemistry of his acclaimed trio-bassist Mike Richmond and drummer Jason Tiemann-by adding vibraphone's rising star Sasha Berliner, whose artistry evokes the spirit of Bobby Hutcherson and Gary Burton while charting her own path.This quartet offering features ten newly written LaVerne compositions, each meticulously designed to explore subtle harmonic colors, metric shifts, and emotional depth. From the title track's crystalline lyricism to the explosive energy of "Power Play" and the gently introspective "Second Thoughts," Crystal Night is a study in texture, trust, and ensemble clarity. "If you haven't known Andy LaVene ever, This ine is a perfect introduction. It's lyrical, musicaly intensive and most eloquent." (Ole Mayyiemen - Jazz Special on SCCD 31818 Genesis) Tenor saxophonist Rich Perry returns with Dream, his 28th release on SteepleChase, reaffirming his place as one of the most introspective and lyrical voices in modern jazz. Joined by his long-standing quartet-Gary Versace (piano), Jay Anderson (bass), and John Riley (drums)-Perry crafts a set that is both timeless and deeply personal reflecting his evolving artistry and minimalist elegance.Critics have long praised Perry's "impeccable taste" and "subtle articulation" (JazzTimes), his "adventurous yet highly listenable" approach (All About Jazz), and his ability to "imbue each tune with intense feeling." Perry summarizes Dream as "a document of where I'm at right now... this is the kind of album I like to listen to."
  6. More news about television consumption. https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/summer-tv-ratings-collapse-puts-advertisers-bind Prime time commercial ratings for broadcast ex-sports were down 20% yoy in 3Q25-to-date (through week ending August 10). Prime time commercial ratings decreased 54% for broadcast including sports and declined -28% for cable, in 3Q25-to-date (through week ending August 10).
  7. Release date October 10: Legendary saxophonist Charles Lloyd convened a new trio of musical explorers with Jason Moran on piano and Marvin Sewell on guitar for his 87th birthday concert at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara and immediately brought them into the studio to record his remarkable twelfth Blue Note album, Figure In Blue. The spacious double album travels wide expanses of musical terrain from beautiful ballads to raw Delta blues and includes stunning homages to both Duke Ellington and Zakir Hussain. Release date September 12: Alts 'N Outs: The Other Side of Blue Note is a compilation of alternate takes & outtakes from iconic Blue Note sessions by Cannonball Adderley, Grant Green, Wayne Shorter, Art Blakey, Jimmy Smith & Sonny Clark. Available on 180g black vinyl.
  8. David Gilmore (g), Rich Syracuse (b), Jeff Siegel (d), monthly jazz night at a pizza restaurant. It was really excellent. Gilmore is impressive.
  9. [Emphasis added]. That's why I'm out for the foreseeable future. Not going to shell out $100+ upfront and then be at the mercy of some unknown (and probably half-assed) collection process while the mdse remains in limbo.
  10. Here's the 5 LY 1952 Birdland sessions from current Lord Lester Young Quartet : Jesse Drakes (tp) Lester Young (ts) Wynton Kelly (p) Aaron Bell (b) Lee Abrams (d) or Jo Jones (d-1) WNEW radio broadcast, "Birdland", New York, April 25, 1952 Neenah Ambrosia AMB-30 (I don't stand a) Ghost of a chance (with you) - In a little Spanish town - Destination moon (1) - Lester leaps in - Note: Ambrosia AMB-30 titled "Lester Young: The President, Vol. 3". All above titles also on Jazz View (Eu)COD-037 [CD] titled "Historical Masters : Lester Young - The President, Volume 3"; see May 2 & 3, 1952 for rest of CD. All above titles also on Prez Box (It)PB1-22, JUTB (It)CD-3028 [CD], Sound Hills (Jap)SSCD-8035/50 [CD]. [Y750]Add Lester Young Quartet : Jesse Drakes (tp) Lester Young (ts) Wynton Kelly (p) Aaron Bell (b) Lee Abrams (d) NBC radio broadcast, "Birdland", New York, April 26, 1952 Tea for two (unissued) I cover the waterfront - Up 'n Adam - Three little words - Note: These items have proved untraceable and the tape is probably lost. [Y751]Add Lester Young Quintet : Jesse Drakes (tp) Lester Young (ts) Wynton Kelly (p) Aaron Bell (b) Lee Abrams (d) NBC radio broadcast, "Birdland", New York, May 2, 1952 Up `n' Adam Ambrosia AMB-30 'Deed I do - , Curcio (It)GJ99 How high the moon - Pennies from Heaven - Note: All above titles also on Prez Box (It)PB1-22, JUTB (It)CD-3028 [CD], Jazz View (Eu)COD-037 [CD], Sound Hills (Jap)SSCD-8035/50 [CD]. [Y752]Add Lester Young Quintet : Jesse Drakes (tp) Lester Young (ts) Wynton Kelly (p) Aaron Bell (b) Lee Abrams (d) NBC radio broadcast, "Birdland", New York, May 3, 1952 Up `n' Adam Ambrosia AMB-30, Jazz View (Eu)COD-037 [CD] 'Deed I do Ambrosia AMB-40, Jazz View (Eu)COD-038 [CD] Note: Ambrosia AMB-40 titled "Lester Young: The President, Vol. 4". Jazz View (Eu)COD-038 [CD] titled "Historical Masters - Lester Young - The President, Volume 4"; see May 3, 1952, August 27, 1952 & January 3, 1953 for rest of CD. Both above titles also on Prez Box (It)PB1-22, JUTB (It)CD-3028 [CD], Sound Hills (Jap)SSCD-8035/50 [CD]. [Y753]Add Lester Young Quintet : Jesse Drakes (tp) Lester Young (ts) Gil Coggins (p) Aaron Bell (b) Connie Kay (d) NBC radio broadcast, "Birdland", New York, August 2, 1952 Jumpin' with Symphony Sid (theme) (unissued) Up `n' Adam Ambrosia AMB-40, I Giganti del Jazz (It)GJ99 (I don't stand a) Ghost of a chance (with you) - , I Giganti del Jazz (It)GJ52 In a little Spanish town - , I Giganti del Jazz (It)GJ99 Too marvellous for words - , I Giganti del Jazz (It)GJ52 Neenah - , I Giganti del Jazz (It)GJ52 Note: I Giganti del Jazz (It)GJ52 titled "Lester Young, Dizzy Gillespie, Cal Tjader". All issued titles also on Prez Box (It)PB1-22, JUTB (It)CD-3029 [CD], Jazz View (Eu)COD-038 [CD], Sound Hills (Jap)SSCD-8035/50 [CD].
  11. Today
  12. Great discussion here. I come back to the early-50s live recordings of Lester Young over and over again, especially 1950-1951.
  13. James to the rescue!!
  14. There are many sellers I see on discogs that will not ship to the US. It's going to be a dry spell for a bit.
  15. BTW The person who solved the mystery was James Accardi. I should have cited him in my last post.
  16. Yesterday
  17. Week 13 picks https://www.cfl.ca/2025/08/26/prediction-time-cfl-ca-writers-ok-tire-labour-day-weekend-picks-2/ https://www.cfl.ca/2025/08/26/weekly-predictor-who-wins-on-ok-tire-labour-day-weekend/ ***** Power Rankings https://www.cfl.ca/2025/08/26/amsoil-power-rankings-who-is-the-new-no-1/ https://cflnewshub.com/cfl-news/cfl-news-hub-power-rankings-the-aftermath-of-week-12/ ***** Week 12 review https://3downnation.com/2025/08/26/3downnation-cfl-awards-the-best-and-worst-of-week-12-3/ ***** Makai Polk has signed with the Argos. https://www.cfl.ca/2025/08/26/argos-bring-back-receiver-makai-polk/ https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/toronto-argonauts-add-2024-east-all-cfl-member-makai-polk-1.2350917 https://3downnation.com/2025/08/26/toronto-argonauts-sign-all-east-division-receiver-makai-polk-following-nfl-stint/ ***** Week 13 preview https://www.cfl.ca/2025/08/26/3-storylines-to-watch-on-ok-tire-labour-day-weekend/
  18. I have always used FEDEX or DHL. Why wouldn't CD Japan continue to ship orders to me in the US by DHL even with the tariff? As I understand it, the foreign vendor, CD Japan, has nothing to do with collection of that tariff. The tariff is charged at the time of customs clearance in the US. It is the US importing company, in this case-me, that is charged and pays the tariff. For items shipped by DHL from Japan, US customs or perhaps DHL (but not CD Japan) would contact me to collect the tariff. At that point, who contacts me and the process for that payment is unclear (to me and perhaps DHL). If I do not pay the tariff (to US customs or anybody else, e.g., DHL), the item would be set aside by US customs as unclaimed. If so, CD Japan should not be concerned since it would have already collected the sale price and the shipping cost for DHL from me (given that, perhaps DHL will not be concerned about any confusion about collection of the tariff). In the end, on an order for say 10 cds, if a cd from CD Japan will cost me $15 plus, on average, $2-3 for shipping, and also $3-4 for the tariff (assuming 20%), and taking into account any additional hassles due to the tariff, e.g., the tariff payment process, delay, can I get that cd from another source for less money? Undoubtedly Cd Japan will probably lose business (including mine) because of the tariff.
  19. More Pee Wee Russell: My LP is a Barnaby reissue.
  20. Albert Ayler Quartet: The Hilversum Session. Coppens CCD 6001 [Netherlands 1989] Personnel: Albert Ayler (ts), Don Cherry (co), Gary Peacock (b), Sunny Murray (dr)
  21. I become less of a fan of Oliver Nelson as time goes by, but I LOVE Pee Wee Russell. 250×250 24.1 KB
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