HutchFan

Jack Walrath & the Masters of Suspense - Out of the Tradition (Muse, 1990)

Lately, I've been regularly spinning Anthony Cox's first two CDs as a leader -- Dark Metals (Antilles/Minor Music, 1991) and Factor of Faces (Minor Music, 1993). I only picked them up in the last few months, and I'm really enjoying them. Excellent playing & compositions -- but not necessarily in an in-your-face way. So, for example, he's groovy -- but not too groovy. The groove doesn't gobble up all the musical space. It's woven into the fabric; it's always musical. I think I first became aware of Cox's name years ago on Joe Lovano's Sounds of Joy (Enja, 1991), which is another outstanding record. I've also enjoyed Cox's playing with Jack Walrath, Geri Allen, Gary Thomas, and David Friedman. Looking at Cox's discogs entry, I see that he's played regularly with Marty Ehrlich. More to investigate. (Has anyone heard these?) I know that Cox is from Minneapolis. Did I read somewhere that he's moved back there? So... what say you? Do you have thoughts about Anthony Cox? Favorite records? Memories of seeing him live?

Anthony Cox - Factor of Faces (Minor Music, 1993) with Bob Franceschini (ts), Michael Cain (p), and Ralph Peterson (d)

Come on guys.

The third collaboration between Helen Merrill and Dick Katz -- from 1979. ... Plus a bunch of CDs from Ken Dryden.

and

Roland Hanna - 24 Preludes (King Japan) with George Mraz and Jack DeJohnette - New Directions (ECM) with Lester Bowie, John Abercrombie, and Eddie Gomez

Yeah, I agree that Henderson made some superb records for Milestone. Sonny and McCoy too -- and many others besides. NP: Abdullah Ibrahim - Zimbabwe (Enja)

Now listening to Joe Henderson's Milestone set, Disc 4: These cuts were originally released as In Pursuit of Blackness -- and three-fourths of Joe Henderson in Japan.

Earlier this evening: John Surman/John Warren - Tales of the Algonquin (Vocalion/Deram)

Now playing for the second consecutive time.

T.D., I agree with Larry. I think Maggin's bio of Getz is very solid -- and well worth reading. (However, I was somewhat disappointed with Maggin's Dizzy bio.)

Pim, if Anthony Braxton's music floats your boat, I'd strongly recommend Graham Lock's Forces in Motion. It's recently been reissued. I think it's one of the most interesting book-length portraits of an artist that I've read. Dave Liebman's What It Is: The Life of a Jazz Artist is another favorite. Features some very honest writing about the pleasures & difficulties of the jazz life.

I wish someone would reissue this: Helen Merrill with Gary Peacock Trio - Sposin' (Victor Japan, 1971) with Masahiko Satoh (p) and Motohiko Hino (d)

Enrico Pieranunzi Trio & Ada Montellanico with Lee Konitz & Enrico Rava - Ma L'amore No (Soul Note, 1997)

Very funny, Jim. But I don't think you have to lay down on a couch and dredge up childhood memories to make heads-or-tails of this music.

Dmitry - Please be sure to share your impressions when you've had a chance to hear it.

For my money, this is Jarrett's best solo-piano record:

I agree. KB was incredibly consistent, IMO.

Still in heavy rotation: Among other things, I'm really enjoying Dewey Redman's interplay with Billy Higgins on this one.

Anthony Braxton - Duets 1976 with Muhal Richard Abrams (Arista)

Helen Merrill - Music Makers (Owl)