Ten Records You Might Want To Add to Your Collection

[paul secor]

Okay, it's just an excuse for me to do a list - but I like to make up lists. Anyway, here are ten records that folks might not have, and which they might enjoy hearing:

Fred Anderson/Harrison Bankhead: The Great Vision Concert (Ayler) - A live session that gives both musicians a chance to stretch out and interact

Billy Bang/Denis Charles: Bangception (Hatology) - A fine session by two of my favorites

Ted Brown: Free Spirit (Criss Cross) - A trio with Hod O'Brien & bassist Sacques Schols - a wonderfully relaxed and inventive session

Roy Campbell: Pyramid (Silkheart) - A trio with William Parker & Reggie Nicholson - my favorite Roy Campbell

Roy Eldridge: The Nifty Cat (New World) - Perhaps the best of his later work, though he had fine moments on some other late sessions

Claude Lawrence/Wilbur Morris/Denis Charles: Lost Art/Hidden Treasures (New Fountain) - An early associate of Anthony Braxton, Claude Lawrence is an overlooked but wonderful musician. This was a trio that played together.

Bill Perkins/Frank Strazzeri: Two As One (Interplay) - Bill Perkins' playing on this session compares well with his early work - and that's playing on a very high level.

and now ... The Revolutionary Ensemble (pi) - The Revolutionary Ensemble reunited in 2004 for what proved to be their last recording (unless something is unreleased) and they did it right.

Nat Su/Michael Kanan: Dreams and Reflections (Fresh Sound/New Talent) - A fine alto/piano duo set by two (relatively) younger musicians

Masahiko Togashi: Song of Soil (Take One) - A masterful percussionist playing with Don Cherry and Charlie Haden

Since Organissimo members should support their own, I'm going to cheat and add six more. The first five are on Nessa Records and all are true gems.

Air: Air Time

Fred Anderson: Missing Link

Eddie Johnson: Indian Summer - I believe this is still available on vinyl.

Warne Marsh: All Music

Roscoe Mitchell: Nonaah

Fred Anderson: Missing Link

Finally:

Groovadelphia (Big O Records) - They keep getting better - which is as it should be!

Edited December 15, 2008 by paul secor

[papsrus]

I love these lists, too. Except they can be expensive.

I'm familiar with only a few on your list -- "Groovalephia," "Air Time" and "Nonaah" -- and agree wholeheartedly on those three quite different albums. Fred Anderson's pretty much a "can't miss," and the Marsh I should nuzzle over to the old wish list. thnx

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

Okay, it's just an excuse for me to do a list - but I like to make up lists. Anyway, here are ten records that folks might not have, and which they might enjoy hearing:

Fred Anderson/Harrison Bankhead: The Great Vision Concert (Ayler) - A live session that gives both musicians a chance to stretch out and interact

Billy Bang/Denis Charles: Bangception (Hatology) - A fine session by two of my favorites

Ted Brown: Free Spirit (Criss Cross) - A trio with Hod O'Brien & bassist Sacques Schols - a wonderfully relaxed and inventive session

Roy Campbell: Pyramid (Silkheart) - A trio with William Parker & Reggie Nicholson - my favorite Roy Campbell

Roy Eldridge: The Nifty Cat (New World) - Perhaps the best of his later work, though he had fine moments on some other late sessions

Claude Lawrence/Wilbur Morris/Denis Charles: Lost Art/Hidden Treasures (New Fountain) - An early associate of Anthony Braxton, Claude Lawrence is an overlooked but wonderful musician. This was a trio that played together.

Bill Perkins/Frank Strazzeri: Two As One (Interplay) - Bill Perkins' playing on this session compares well with his early work - and that's playing on a very high level.

and now ... The Revolutionary Ensemble (pi) - The Revolutionary Ensemble reunited in 2004 for what proved to be their last recording (unless something is unreleased) and they did it right.

Nat Su/Michael Kanan: Dreams and Reflections (Fresh Sound/New Talent) - A fine alto/piano duo set by two (relatively) younger musicians

Masahiko Togashi: Song of Soil (Take One) - A masterful percussionist playing with Don Cherry and Charlie Haden

Since Organissimo members should support their own, I'm going to cheat and add six more. The first five are on Nessa Records and all are true gems.

Air: Air Time

Fred Anderson: Missing Link

Eddie Johnson: Indian Summer - I believe this is still available on vinyl.

Warne Marsh: All Music

Roscoe Mitchell: Nonaah

Fred Anderson: Missing Link

Finally:

Groovadelphia (Big O Records) - They keep getting better - which is as it should be!

I must get me some more Fred Anderson - only have the Velvet Lounge Delmark CD. So thanks for this Paul.

Are there two Anderson albums called "Missing link"; one on Nessa and the other on some other label?

The Anderson I've been vaguely thinking about is the one with Hamid Drake, on Eremite, I think, with the picture of them sitting together looking extremely mellow. Can't remember the title. How would you rate that against the ones you've listed? (silly question, but...)

MG

[paul secor]

Are there two Anderson albums called "Missing link"; one on Nessa and the other on some other label?

The Anderson I've been vaguely thinking about is the one with Hamid Drake, on Eremite, I think, with the picture of them sitting together looking extremely mellow. Can't remember the title. How would you rate that against the ones you've listed? (silly question, but...)

MG

The only "Missing Link" Anderson I'm aware of is Chuck's.

I've never heard the Eremite, so I can't comment.

Here's a Fred Anderson thread that may interest you - & may answer your questions. I haven't reread it, so I can't be sure.

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

I think this is the one you meant. Thanks Paul.

http://www.organissimo.org/forum/index.php...l=fred+anderson

MG

[Joe]

A fine idea...

1) Enrico Rava / Lee Konitz, L'AGE MUR (Philology) -- worth it for the playing of both principals, which is up and often above what one would expect... but the Italian rhythm section (Rosario Bonaccorso on bass, and Massimo Manzi on drums) here is equally wonderful, pushing / pulling / stretching at will, and with subtle inventiveness.

2) Frank Lowe, EXOTIC HEARTBREAK (Black Saint) -- I've been singing the praises of this record for years. A brilliant statement on "the jazz life", if you know what I mean. With Butch Morris, the fabulous Amina Claudine Myers, the late Wilber Morris and one Tim Pleasant on drums.

3) Jerome Harris, RENDEZVOUS (Stereophile) -- very OOP (AFAIK), but worth tracking down. Here, Harris plays acoustic bass guitar (as opposed to string bass), with support from Marty Ehrlich, Art Baron, Steve Nelson and Billy Drummond; also a great showcase for Harris the composer (a pleasant surprise if all you know is his work with Rollins).

4) Shorty Baker & Doc Cheatham, SHORTY & DOC (Prestige Swingville / OJC) -- Baker being one of the classic Ellingtonians, of course, and here's a rare opportunity to hear him stretch out and show off those qualities that made such an impression on a young Mile Davis.

5) George Garzone / Jeff Palmer / Richard Poole, OPPOSITE VOLTAGE (Music Artists Co.) -- a organ / tenor / drums combo playing in almost entirely "free" style.

6) Jay Hoggard, IN THE SPIRIT (Muse) -- for all intents and purposes, a tribute to Eric Dolphy, but one that avoids being obvious / derivative. With James Newton, Dwight Andrews, Mark Helias and Ed Blackwell. Bonus: a fine reading of Anthony Davis' "Andrew", dedicated to Andrew Hill (IIRC)

7) Ralph Pena, MASTER OF THE BASS (VSOP) -- vintage informal recordings, featuring the former Giuffre associate in duets and trios with Pete Jolly, Joe Albany and Herb Geller.

8) Susie Ibarra, RADIANCE (Hopscotch) -- Charles Burnham lights it up; killer version of Hendrix's "Up From The Skies".

9) James Carter / Cyrus Chestnut / Ali Jackson / Reginald Veal, GOLD SOUNDS (Brown Brothers) -- A "Pavement Songbook"? Should be just a novelty record, shouldn't work, but it isn't, and it does...

10) Gerry Hemingway, THE WHIMBLER (Clean Feed) -- Herb Robertson; get to know him...

[.:.impossible]

Maybe the other "Missing Link" you are thinking of is The Milwaukee Tapes Vol. 1 on Unheard Music Series?

[paul secor]

I think this is the one you meant. Thanks Paul.

http://www.organissimo.org/forum/index.php...l=fred+anderson

MG

That's it. Copied but forgot to post it. Sorry.

[paul secor]

A fine idea...

1) Enrico Rava / Lee Konitz, L'AGE MUR (Philology) -- worth it for the playing of both principals, which is up and often above what one would expect... but the Italian rhythm section (Rosario Bonaccorso on bass, and Massimo Manzi on drums) here is equally wonderful, pushing / pulling / stretching at will, and with subtle inventiveness.

2) Frank Lowe, EXOTIC HEARTBREAK (Black Saint) -- I've been singing the praises of this record for years. A brilliant statement on "the jazz life", if you know what I mean. With Butch Morris, the fabulous Amina Claudine Myers, the late Wilber Morris and one Tim Pleasant on drums.

3) Jerome Harris, RENDEZVOUS (Stereophile) -- very OOP (AFAIK), but worth tracking down. Here, Harris plays acoustic bass guitar (as opposed to string bass), with support from Marty Ehrlich, Art Baron, Steve Nelson and Billy Drummond; also a great showcase for Harris the composer (a pleasant surprise if all you know is his work with Rollins).

4) Shorty Baker & Doc Cheatham, SHORTY & DOC (Prestige Swingville / OJC) -- Baker being one of the classic Ellingtonians, of course, and here's a rare opportunity to hear him stretch out and show off those qualities that made such an impression on a young Mile Davis.

5) George Garzone / Jeff Palmer / Richard Poole, OPPOSITE VOLTAGE (Music Artists Co.) -- a organ / tenor / drums combo playing in almost entirely "free" style.

6) Jay Hoggard, IN THE SPIRIT (Muse) -- for all intents and purposes, a tribute to Eric Dolphy, but one that avoids being obvious / derivative. With James Newton, Dwight Andrews, Mark Helias and Ed Blackwell. Bonus: a fine reading of Anthony Davis' "Andrew", dedicated to Andrew Hill (IIRC)

7) Ralph Pena, MASTER OF THE BASS (VSOP) -- vintage informal recordings, featuring the former Giuffre associate in duets and trios with Pete Jolly, Joe Albany and Herb Geller.

8) Susie Ibarra, RADIANCE (Hopscotch) -- Charles Burnham lights it up; killer version of Hendrix's "Up From The Skies".

9) James Carter / Cyrus Chestnut / Ali Jackson / Reginald Veal, GOLD SOUNDS (Brown Brothers) -- A "Pavement Songbook"? Should be just a novelty record, shouldn't work, but it isn't, and it does...

10) Gerry Hemingway, THE WHIMBLER (Clean Feed) -- Herb Robertson; get to know him...

Joe - The Shorty Baker/Doc Cheatham was one of the last few I dropped before I posted my list. Glad you included it. It's a very good one.

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

Thanks Paul - very interesting thread.

MG

[BruceH]

I bought Eldridge's The Nifty Cat years and years ago, and recall it being very good indeed. I think I may have lost it in a move though.

[Jazzmoose]

Maybe the other "Missing Link" you are thinking of is The Milwaukee Tapes Vol. 1 on Unheard Music Series?

Which is worth getting, I might add!

[Chuck Nessa]

Yup. I wish they would issue volume 2 (first issued around 2000). I reluctantly declined these tapes 30 years ago. No bread then, but pleased with what I had. Fred is a fine fellow. First met him in 1966.

Interesting Atavistic didn't claim any copyright on the cds. Guess that means it is fair game for anyone.

[AndrewHill]

"Roy Campbell: Pyramid (Silkheart) - A trio with William Parker & Reggie Nicholson - my favorite Roy Campbell"

One of Roy's best, I think.

[paul secor]

2) Frank Lowe, EXOTIC HEARTBREAK (Black Saint) -- I've been singing the praises of this record for years. A brilliant statement on "the jazz life", if you know what I mean. With Butch Morris, the fabulous Amina Claudine Myers, the late Wilber Morris and one Tim Pleasant on drums.

Tim Pleasant was in the trio that played when my wife and I got married. Good drummer and a real nice guy.

[John L]

7) Ralph Pena, MASTER OF THE BASS (VSOP) -- vintage informal recordings, featuring the former Giuffre associate in duets and trios with Pete Jolly, Joe Albany and Herb Geller.

This is indeed a great one. Could this be the best Joe Albany on record?