relyles

Ches Smith / Craig Taborn / Mat Maneri @ Firehouse 12 in New Haven.

I am definitely in for pre-orders on several of those projects.

I succombed to the peer pressure and preordered the disc as well.

I received the trio disc yesterday. So far, a pleasantly absorbing listen. The playing throughout feels unhurried and thoughtful. That is not a reference to the overall tempo or mood - this is not a recording dominated by ballads or otherwise slow or somber tunes. Instead it is a reflection of the fact that it sounds like nothing is wasted - every note has a purpose. I think the reference above to "lopsided" is approproiate. Not just in the melody, but in the overall structure and interaction of the trio. It is pleasantly quirky, but not so much that it becomes a barrier. At the same time it sounds like there is close listening happening amongst the trio. This does not sound like the typical piano trio. Although it may be somewhat reminiscent at times of artists as diverse as Paul Bley, or Andrew Hill, there is nothing derivative about the approach. It sounds like nothing but itself. Another winner in the ongoing development of Mr. Hawkins' artistry.

I have the Bocian recording. I have not listened to it in years, but my recollection is that it was fine enough, but not essential. I have a David Bond recording with Redman - probably the same tracks that are on the one above. Very rough sound. Ragged performance, but some bright moments.

My daughter plays trombone in her high school jazz band and at a performance last week Luis Bonilla was the guest artist and she had a very good time playing with him. I have 8 of Turre's recordings as a leader, including the most recent disc on Smoke Sessions. Unlike the other recordings on the label it is a studio date as opposed to a live recording. I have listened to it a few times in the car. While solid, it has yet to really grab my attention. It feels a bit muted compared to other recordings with Turre that I have heard.

I may try to take the trip down Saturday.

I did not know about that disc. Looks like something I am going to have to hear. I have heard some live stuff featuring Ottaviano that I enjoyed. This looks like enough to motivate me to check him out further.

Is it possible to order the physical disk yet?

Aruan Ortiz Trio with Eric Revis and Gerald Cleaver

My situation earlier tonight. Gary Bartz Quartet The Side Door Jazz Club Old Lyme, CT Gart Bartz - alto and soprano saxophones Paul Bollenback - guitar James King - bass Greg Bandy - drums It had been a while since I heard Bartz leading one of his own groups. The first set in particular was one of the most burning sets of music I have heard in a long time.

The Leaders Trio - Heaven Dance is worth a listen.

Last night: James Falzone’s Renga Ensemble featuring Ken Vandermark, Jason Stein, Ned Rothenberg, Keefe Jackson and Dave Rempis. Easthampton, MA I was familiar with all the members of the ensemble, but had not heard this group. Turnout was a little low due to a snow storm, but those in attendance were treated to a very good 70 minute set of music. As Justin V commented regarding the Cleveland show, the music is not casual listening music, but the ensemble makes effective use of unison riffs by 2 - 3 members, while the others are doing something else to add just enough cohesion for the uninitiated listener. Even without the riff sections, the compositions themselves offer something for anyone willing to listen attentively. In this group noone really stands out and each member is a bonafide leader on their own. The overall sound of the group, however, is very engaging.

I have this one on my calendar as a possibility.

The one time I hear Ideal Bread live I thought they were fantastic as well.

She got a decent amount of press two years ago as a hot new singer on the scene. I vaguely recall hearing her on a couple of live broadcasts.

If I have any energy at the end of the work day today, I will likely go for this experience: Thursday, February 12, 2015 - 7pm - $15 / $12 members / $5 students IMPROVISATIONS – CELEBRATING FREE MUSIC - Interview FEATURING: TIM BERNE – alto sax WITH CURATORS: JOE MORRIS – guitar, bass ǀ STEPHEN HAYNES - cornet Real Art Ways - 56 Arbor Street – Hartford

Samples are now available on the Rogue Art website and they sound really, really good (obvious low quality files on the website aside). Quite excited for this. The Shipp disc is excellent. I received it last week and listened to it a few times already. You hear the Ellington, but you also get the Shipp. The combination of the two is captivating.

The System of 5 recording by Karayorgis is excellent.

Saturday I caught Jason Kao Hwang/Sing House featuring Steve Swell, Chris Forbes, Ken Filiano and Andrew Drury. Great two sets of music!

I had similar feelings when I saw that Mitchell was replaced with Moore. I saw this band live and it was a special performance. I agree that Moore is a worthwhile alternative, but the overall sound of the emsemble will be significantly different to me.

Th last time I saw Atomic, Paal Nilssen-Love was still with them. How was Hans Hulboekmo? What's his style? He was effective. Nothing about his playing specifically grabbed my attention - which for me when it comes to drummers can be a good thing. He listened to wwhat was happening and responded accordingly. He was loud and driving when necessary, but also played with sensitivity when the music called for it. I recall him having one solo, which had a nice melodic appeal to it as opposed to a pyrotechnic display of chops. At one point I noticed he was barefooted and had some kind of small percussion instrument strapped to his toe on top of one of the drums while he used the sticks in the others. Visually it was a little odd to me, but musically it was not distracting and fit.

Matchbox was very good. I have heard all the members on recordings, but this was my first time hearing any of them live. I am still undecided about Dijkstra's lyricon, but his alto playing was very strong. I have been paying a lot of attention to Karayorgis the past couple of years. The group recorded a CD, which will be released later in the year.

I caught a nice double bill in Cambridge last night. Killian Hall, MIT 8 PM Matchbox/Atomic Double Bill Matchbox Jorrit Dijkstra - alto sax Pandelis Karayorgis - piano Nate McBride - bass Curt Newton - drums Atomic Fredrik Ljungkvist - reeds Magnus Broo - trumpet Håvard Wiik - piano Ingebrigt Håker Flaten - bass Hans Hulbœkmo – drums Wiik is having Visa issues and missed the show, but the quartet was still strong without hi. Sadly, less than twenty people were in the audience. I don't know if it was the weather/parking situation or that the event was not well publicized.

This one is too far for me, but I am hoping to make the show in Old Lyme this Saturday night.