mjzee

Kurt Masur - The Complete Warner Classics Edition, disc 37.

Good Time has now indeed released the Larry Bunker album, which is on it's way to me: A live Gary Burton show is always a treasure, and this performance, featuring Larry Bunker (known best for drumming with none other than Bill Evans), is no different. Recorded live on location in 1963 and later officially released by Vault Records in Los Angeles in 1965, despite his illustrious career, this would be Bunkers first and only recording taking the lead on a session like this. Showcasing the indelible talents of Gary Burton on vibraphone, Mike Wofford on piano, Bob West on bass, and Larry Bunker on drums - and coming at you live from the eminent west coast jazz club 'Shelly's Manne-Hole', hear an ensemble at the top of their game as they lead you through a host of stellar compositions by Mike Gibbs, Cole Porter, Phil Woods, Jerome Kern and more.

The Decca Sound - The Piano Edition, disc 47.

Release date May 24: Product Description Experience the brilliance of "Measured Response" as Josh Lawrence's trumpet prowess takes center stage, weaving a narrative that's both captivating and sophisticated. Joined by the extraordinary talents of pianist Art Hirahara, saxophonist Diego Rivera, bassist Luques Curtis, and drummer Rudy Royston, Lawrence presents a series of performances with dynamic range and emotional depth to create a captivating listening experience, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of his personal approach to jazz. With its rich harmonies, intricate melodies, and rhythmic brilliance, this album is a must listen for jazz enthusiasts seeking a blend of technical virtuosity and emotive storytelling. About the Artist Josh Lawrence, a trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and recording artist, has earned critical acclaim and is acknowledged as a "preeminent voice among young composers" (Downbeat 2017). Throughout his musical career, marked by numerous accolades and prestigious commissions, Lawrence has made significant contributions to the jazz continuum. His artistic journey is illuminated by awards from institutions such as the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, American Composers Forum, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chamber Music America, Come Hear North Carolina, and Festival of New Trumpet Music. As a trumpeter, Lawrence has released five solo albums with Posi-Tone Records, and co-led two albums with the Fresh Cut Orchestra on Ropeadope Records. He has received three Grammy Award nominations, two for his collaborations with pianist Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band and Smoke Sessions Records and one for his work on bassist Adam Blackstone's album "Legacy (The Instrumental Jawn)." Lawrence's musical versatility is evident in his contributions to recordings by renowned artists like Erykah Badu, Boyz II Men, Caleb Curtis, Matt Davis’ Aerial Photograph, Lizanne Knott, Brian Marsella's Imaginarium, Jonathan Michel, Peter Nelson, New Faces, Jazmine Sullivan, Laurin Talese, and Tarbaby. A lifelong learner, Lawrence studied under the tutelage of legendary pianist Barry Harris and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and a Master's degree from the Juilliard School in New York. In 2021, he assumed the role of Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen Center for the Arts, leading both the Arts Academy and Summer Camp programs and conducting the Interlochen Jazz Orchestra. The highly anticipated sixth Posi-Tone album from Lawrence is titled “Measured Response” and will be released in May 2024. It features veteran musicians Diego Rivera, Art Hirahara, Luques Curtis and Rudy Royston. In other exciting news, there has been a significant change in Lawrence's professional journey. He has transitioned from his role at Interlochen and is now the Manager of Jazz Education Programs with Ensemble Arts Philly, the new presenting brand of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In this new capacity, Lawrence continues to contribute to the vibrant jazz education landscape, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in modern music.

Release date May 24: Although Eric has made several appearances on my label: One For All - Invades Vancouver, Michael Weiss - Persistence, The Heavy Hitters, Xaver Hellmeier - X-Man in New York and my record O Sole Mio, he has never appeared as a leader until now. When I started Cellar Live in 2000, recording a musician the stature of Eric Alexander was a dream--Eric enjoyed long stints with some pretty incredible record labels over the years and I wasn't ready to play in the BIG leagues at that point. But many incredible things have happened at the label since that time. And now that the opportunity to record him has come up, I am able to jump at the chance. Timing Is Everything is an appropriate title for both this recording, but, as Eric explains, for life in general. When you're playing jazz music, he continues, you can play all the right notes, but if you don't time them correctly, it's nothing...and when you do time them correctly, it's everything. Similarly, when talking about life, Eric states, one of the few things that a human being possesses is their time. You don't own your life. You don't own your car. You only own your time. In order to have a fulfilled life, you have to protect your time and your timing. Timing is Everything because you can't get time back.

Release date April 12: Pianist Noah Haidu sees a certain irony in his current recorded output. "I love composing but improvisation has always been my greatest passion. When I started releasing music in 2011 I relied on my songwriting to make a unique artistic statement, but I've come full circle and realized that finding my own voice on a simple, unadorned standard is a rare and necessary endeavor." Haidu embraced that endeavor on his 2023 release Standards, and on Standards II, due out April 12, 2024 on Sunnyside Records. The new album is a breathtaking masterpiece featuring Haidu with two of the music's most esteemed players, Buster Williams on bass and Billy Hart on drums."With Standards II, I've committed to performing with my own Standards Trio as a regular part of my touring schedule, " Haidu says. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to build a voice in this canon, and for the amazing response from audiences on our recent tours. While I'm still composing my own music and continuing with various projects outside of the American Songbook repertoire, my Standards Trio is an important statement for me and an integral part of my identity as a musician."

Reinhard Goebel Complete Archiv box, disc 21. She has a striking voice.

Kurt Masur - The Complete Warner Classics Edition, disc 36.

That wind sounds wicked.

I've often thought that Harper needs other influences besides Coltrane/McCoy - he just enters that bag too easily and stays there.

@DrJ An anti-male song to start the BFT. One wonders why she even wants him to say yes - would he suddenly seem that much better to her? She should heed the words of Mark Knopfler: "When you point your finger 'cause your plans fell through, you got 3 more fingers pointing back at you." The band is perfectly fine, but they're in service to the singer. Singer's OK: she enunciates well and hits all the notes. @Dan Gould A larger band. Funky! Or at least as funky as a large band can be. Is this the Fathead/Dr. John/Blakey tune people are talking about? I don't know that Blakey can drum like this, so I'd say no. It sounds a little like a TV show's closing credits. @JSngry Lullaby of the Leaves. One of my favorite tunes as a jazz vehicle. A saxophonist in the Dexter/Johnny Griffin school. Trumpeter has a quaver a la Roy Eldridge. In fact, I'm going to guess it's Roy - he gets paid by the high note. @felser I saw some talk about Billy Harper, so I'll guess it's him. He's doing his Coltrane/McCoy thing, but at least it's restrained. @mjzee What is this shit? Thank god it's short. @medjuck Cowbell! For some reason, I noticed the bassist adding interest to what's otherwise an inoffensive track. @tkeith Trombone & violin front line?!? All over the place stylistically, but it sounds like they're having a good woozy time. Reminiscent of something Tomasz Stanko would do, but with a more insistent rhythm section. I enjoyed this. @Joe Classic early-60's Blue Note style. Laid back yet swinging. Pianist sounds like Horace or Sonny Clark. Horace Parlan? Trombone is funny. Is this a Dave Bailey record? Wait, clarinet too? Now I'm stumped. Enjoyable tho. @mikeweil A Night In Tunisia, maybe sung in Tunisian. Singer has a nice sense of rhythm, nice voice too. Saxist could be Fathead. Pianist runs out of ideas. @Ken Dryden Sax and organ duo. Duke's Just A-Sittin' And A Rockin'. Roller rink organ is fun, channeling the spirit of Fats Waller, Saxist is good - sounds like he's testifying in church. Great end to the BFT. Thanks all! And thanks Dan for putting it all together!

The Decca Sound - The Piano Edition, disc 46: Bartók Piano Concertos 1, 2 & 3.

Correct! Now I get the rest of the month off!

Reinhard Goebel Complete Archiv box, disc 20. Thanks; I hope to listen to this soon. I loved the Zaragoza disc. Such a forceful pianist with clarity! And the program was wonderful.

Kurt Masur - The Complete Warner Classics Edition, disc 35.

The Decca Sound - The Piano Edition, disc 45.

Release date April 26: Vibraphonist Behn Gillece showcases how to "Stick Together" with several of his favorite musicians – pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston – to celebrate the power of collaboration and synergy. Together, they skillfully blend their individual talents, creating a musical tapestry that combines technical precision and heartfelt expression, reflecting the rich spectrum of human emotions. Gillece's compositional prowess takes center stage, complemented by the evocative piano of Hirahara, the resonant bass lines of Kozlov, and the rhythmic prowess of Royston. The palpable friendship and chemistry among these four artists result in an electrifying and joyous synergy, elevating each performance to new heights. With the leader's creative ingenuity setting the course and the ensemble's collective artistry providing the energetic drive, this engaging album provides an unforgettable sonic experience. It demonstrates that a splendid time is guaranteed for all when we "Stick Together."

Release date March 1:

Reinhard Goebel Complete Archiv box, disc 19.

Kurt Masur - The Complete Warner Classics Edition, disc 34.

The Decca Sound - The Piano Edition, disc 44.

Previously discussed here: https://www.organissimo.org/forum/topic/90838-nina-simone-blackbird-the-colpix-recordings-1959-1963/

I just noticed this DeJohnette album listed on Dusty Groove. Per the concert list linked-to by bertrand in the first post, this would have been May 4, 1980: