mjazzg

Just to say that I've been lucky enough to have lived with this release for a fortnight or so (thanks Alex) and it's marvellous. Great playing from the trio and Michener is a revelation (I attended the Cage performance mentioned above and it left me baffled and in wonder, in equal measure). I'm a big Jeanne Lee fan, especially of her work with Hampel and her Conspiracy album, and this group reminds of the depth and soul of some of that music - it doesn't necessarily sound like that music, no horns involved for starters, but has a similar impact. Anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure in their listening should enjoy this one.

Clifford Jordan - Inward Fire [Muse] a slow burn

Thanks again. A good amount also seems to be available on Spotify here in the UK.

Chico Hamilton - Chic Chic Chico [HMV]

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this,thank you. Now I have to track down the music

Nice one

Great, thanks very much for posting this. I think Hampel's contribution to European free music is really undervalued. I am pleased that he's still active and creating a dynasty to continue his work

I've been wondering about this release. I usually buy anything that has Halvorson as leader but was underwhelmed for the fist time with the Octet date. I enjoy the few other Book Of Angels series I have so I think this should go on the "to buy" list forthwith

When I saw the Art Ensemble in London last month they had upwards of 30 CDr titles for sale so they still deal in them...wish you luck in your search

I haven't listened to that for a long while. I should do, it's a fine recording

One of my favourites. Interesting band. Now to get to LA

Ordered, on the back of that description, Clifford. Can't see it being that much cheaper once it's across in Europe so as long as I'm lucky avoiding the import tax...always a gamble.

Those ECMs are super and Rhythm X is a very strong staatement. And let's not forget the Brackeens on Silkheart, unheralded too perhaps

My understanding is that the Japanese was a needle drop. I think I read this in the blurb from Emanem whose version comes with the co-operation of Evan Parker which is good enough for me

A Concert For Alice and John.Three bands, each interpreting Coltrane music and playing some of their own. The Alina Bzhezhinsko Quartet made the most of Alina's impressive harp playing to play Alice's music. Tony Kofi shone on tenor (sounding a little like Yusef Lateef) and soprano. A good appetiser. Denys Baptiste Quartet played music from his Late Trane recording.They stepped up the intensity. "Peace on Earth", "Dear Lord" and "Vigil" were highlights although everything was played with great power. Baptiste played off Nikki Yeoh's piano/keys a lot but the rock solid underpinning of the very impressive Rod Youngs on drums seemed the real key - a very tight Reggae beat passage shouldn't have worked but as an absolute delight. Good to hear Steve Williamson as a guest on "Vigil". Pharoah Sanders Quartet. From his very slow walk onto the stage it was apparent that the years have caught up with Mr. Sanders. The apparent discomfort of his walking was difficult to see. Despite this, or maybe because of it, he was welcomed with a standing ovation. The band played up a storm, Gene Calderazzo and Oli Hayhurst were revelatory and William Henderson was so obviously a musician who knew the music inside out. Pharoah sat for most of the hour long set gently grooving to the extended trio playing. When he stood, his struggle to do so again wince-inducing in sympathy, to play much of the old power and sound was most definitely there. He never played for long, usually about half as long as it seemed the tune required and rarely made more than one solo per piece but often provided a beautiful coda. His every move, including a trademark jig, was met by a very enthusiastic crowd's thunderous applause. His vocal contributions were very strong during Masterplan and the addition of an Oud player really added to the sound on two-thirds of the set. I last saw Pharaoh twenty years ago and despite the enjoyment to be had last night I left feeling slightly uneasy and wishing that I'd only left it ten years rather than twenty ro see him again. If it wasn't for his apparent joy and enjoyment as he took the a final applause I'd've questioned why he was still having to take these trans-Atlantic gigs with all the attendant travel and challenges that must present his body now. But he does and his tenor playing still hits smack on target between head and heart.

I should have gone to the Scott. I didn't on the basis of a far too cursory listen to his latest album. Silly me Just returned from The Ecstatic Music of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda performed by Sai Anantham Ashram Singers - beautiful, uplifting listening experience. Let's hope Pharoah Sanders continues where this left off later

If I was in US I would have done so already

Yes, good to have the catalogue back on Spotify

Looks like Eremite are giving this the full vinyl reissue treatment http://eremite.com/album/mte-69 A great listen (I have their earlier CD issue) and one I'd be sorely tempted to support if it weren't for transatlantic postage charges

I enjoy these lists as an opportunity to discover even more new music. My top ten listens for the year, some old, some new, in no particular order apart from the Alice Coltrane which has been my album of the year - most rewarding, most revisited Alice Coltrane - The Ecstatic Music of Alice Coltrane Turiyasangitananda Hawkins/Michener Quartet - Uproot Nicole Mitchell - Mandorla Awakening II: Emerging Worlds Jaimie Branch - Fly Or Die Evan Parker/Mark Nauseef/Toma Goubard - As The Wind Francois Tusques - Free Jazz Frank Ricotti Quartet - Our Point Of View The Necks - Unfold Charenee Wade - Offering (The Music Of Gil Scott Heron and Brian Jackson) Avishai Cohen - Cross My Palm With Silver

I'm just hoping the gaps between Paris, Antwerp and Amsterdam allow for a visit to London

Paolo Conte - London Jazz Festival. Very much more than the sum of its parts I'm pleased to report. Absolutely masterful performance by the maestro and his superlative band Shame about Herbie

It's a great album, just wish it wasn't so short

Roland Kirk - Slightly Latin [Mercury/Limelight Series]