HutchFan

The only one that I can speak to is the Sphere record. My advice: GET IT! You really can't go wrong with Charlie Rouse and that rhythm section.

ALL of Walter Norris' music is worth investigating, imho. I'm especially partial to his duo records with George Mraz and Aladár Pege.

O.K. I will.

Just re-reading this thread. I've been digging into Lovano's music lately -- particularly recordings he made with his Us Five band. I would strongly recommend these two: I like Lovano's sound. It's varied; there are lots of colors and tones. And you can hear many different influences mixed in there -- from old heavies like Hawkins and Webster to free/free-ish players like Archie Shepp and Dewey Redman. So there's tradition in his horn -- but it's been integrated into his own unique voice. Us Five is interesting because they use two drummers (both playing a regular drum kit), so the music sounds sorta "clattery" -- in appealing way. Since the drummers have to listen carefully to not play over top of each other, there's a sense of continuous improvisation. The overall effect is cool and unique. I haven't heard the other record by Lovano's Us Five band, Cross Culture. Any thoughts from folks who've heard it? I suppose I need to check it out.

On a Monty Alexander kick today: Perception! (MPS) with Eugene Wright (b) and Bobby Durham (d) and The Way It Is (MPS) with John Clayton (b) and Jeff Hamilton (d)

Monty Alexander - Here Comes the Sun (MPS) with Eugene Wright (b), Duffy Jackson (d) and Montego Joe (conga) Another of the MPS LPs that were produced by Don Schlitten.

Thanks for sharing that, Mark!

Daniel Humair - Triple Hip Trip (Owl) with David Friedman & Harvie Swartz

Milt Jackson and the Monty Alexander Trio - Soul Fusion (Pablo / OJC)

Shifting gears a bit: Dave McKenna Quartet - Featuring Zoot Sims (Chiaroscuro)

Henri Texier Quartet with Joe Lovano ‎– "Paris-Batignolles" (Label Bleu)

Earlier today, prompted by another forum member who posted it recently: Sonny Criss - Saturday Morning (Xanadu / Elemental) Beautiful. Also: Count Basie / Zoot Sims - Basie & Zoot (Pablo / OJC)

Bob Mintzer - Hymn (Owl) with John Abercrombie, Marc Johnson and Peter Erskine

Henri Texier - Colonel Skopje (Evidence, licensed from Label Bleu) with Joe Lovano, John Abercrombie, Steve Swallow and Aldo Romano

Now: Gary Peacock - Tales of Another (ECM) with Keith Jarrett & Jack DeJohnette

John Hicks! Love that CD. On the way home from work: Joe Lovano Us Five - Bird Songs (Blue Note)

More from Lovano: Joe Lovano Quartet - Classic! Live at Newport (Blue Note) with Hank Jones, George Mraz and Lewis Nash

Aldo Romano & Joe Lovano - Ten Tales (Owl / Sunnyside)

The Don Friedman Trio - Invitation (Progressive) with George Mraz & Ronnie Bedford

Matt Wilson's Arts & Crafts - An Attitude for Gratitude (Palmetto) with Terell Stafford, Gary Versace, and Martin Wind

Various Artists - Chess Blues (MCA) Disc 3 (1954 - 1960) On Friday after work, I stopped by the local Salvation Army store. Found this Chess Blues 4-CD set AND the Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 8-CD set.

The Progressive Don Friedman (Progressive) with Frank Luther and Billy Hart