September, 2026 BFT#270 Discussion

[tkeith]

This one is kind of all over the place -- whatever hit me in the moment along with a couple that I'd made note of this past year.  There's a couple of gimmes, a couple of no ways, and certainly ample material to make Dan cringe.    

https://thomkeith.net/2026-organissimo-blindfold-tests/

[Dan Gould]

2 hours ago, tkeith said:

and certainly ample material to make Dan cringe.    

https://thomkeith.net/2026-organissimo-blindfold-tests/

you just can't throw me a bone. Not even a small one.

[tkeith]

Oh, no -- pretty sure there's a couple of bones in there for you.  But there's also one or two that will, in fact, have you on the ledge, too.

 

[felser]

Rather than all over the place, sounds like two distinct sections – the swinging mainstream/hard bop section followed by the inside/outside section.  I had cuts from both that I liked, but especially in the first section. 

1 – pleasant, faded into background on me, but I like it.

2 – has the feel of one of those old Prestige 50’s blowing session albums (a good thing), though it’s probably newer.  I could listen to this all day.

3 – Good sax player, but overly busy in places to me.  But mastery of horn is evident.

4 – Another swinging tune of good music.  Quite a fine trumpet solo, and the piano solo is a winner. 

5 – I love this!  Again has that Prestige feel.  Great piano solo.  Love the walking bass.  Surely I own this.  My favorite cut on the BFT.

6 – And now for something completely different.  Don Cherry?

7 – Second chapter continues.  Love the sound of the two saxes together!  And the tenor solo!  Does not overstay its welcome!

8 – The voice ruins it for me.  Bari can play – Hamiet Bluiett?  Leroy Jenkins?  Way outstays its welcome.

9 – Someone has listened closely to Pharoah Sanders.  Very pretty, but overly repetitive to me, though it probably was a beautiful experience live.  Thom, is this one you?

10 – I don’t like the singer, but I definitely resonate with the lyrics – did she write them?  Good tune.  Overall, glad I heard this one and am curious for the reveal.

11 – This one meanders from the get-go, my least favorite cut on the BFT,and waaay too long for me.

As is typical of your BFT’s, a fine listening experience and will be educational on the ID’s/reveals, thanks as always!  Awaiting to find out about cuts 2,4,5,7,10!

 

[felser]

2 hours ago, tkeith said:

Oh, no -- pretty sure there's a couple of bones in there for you.  But there's also one or two that will, in fact, have you on the ledge, too.

 

I can't wait to read Dan's reaction to the 14 minutes of cut # 11.

[cayetano]

First listen, a lot of nice music.

Only two obvious (I got both):

8. "Pharoah" from Ethnic Heritage Ensemble "Be Know Ancient/Future/Music"

10. "Great spirit" from the homonym CD by William Parker Raining on the moon w/ Leena Conquest.

Some more:

1. No idea. Very nice, great solos, I think the baritone is Pepper Adams.

2. Very familiar but I don't recognize none of the two saxes.

3. I got it, it's "Malice Towards None" from Clifford Jordan "Bearcat".

Edited September 1 by cayetano

[tkeith]

2 hours ago, felser said:

Rather than all over the place, sounds like two distinct sections – the swinging mainstream/hard bop section followed by the inside/outside section.  I had cuts from both that I liked, but especially in the first section. 

1 – pleasant, faded into background on me, but I like it.

2 – has the feel of one of those old Prestige 50’s blowing session albums (a good thing), though it’s probably newer.  I could listen to this all day.

3 – Good sax player, but overly busy in places to me.  But mastery of horn is evident.

4 – Another swinging tune of good music.  Quite a fine trumpet solo, and the piano solo is a winner. 

5 – I love this!  Again has that Prestige feel.  Great piano solo.  Love the walking bass.  Surely I own this.  My favorite cut on the BFT.

You may.

2 hours ago, felser said:

6 – And now for something completely different.  Don Cherry?

Not Don, but I'm certain the player would appreciate the comparison.

2 hours ago, felser said:

7 – Second chapter continues.  Love the sound of the two saxes together!  And the tenor solo!  Does not overstay its welcome!

8 – The voice ruins it for me.  Bari can play – Hamiet Bluiett?  Leroy Jenkins?  Way outstays its welcome.

Not Bluiett, not Leroy.  The vocalist is a TREAT to see live.

2 hours ago, felser said:

9 – Someone has listened closely to Pharoah Sanders.  Very pretty, but overly repetitive to me, though it probably was a beautiful experience live.  Thom, is this one you?

No, but there IS a connection.

2 hours ago, felser said:

10 – I don’t like the singer, but I definitely resonate with the lyrics – did she write them?  Good tune.  Overall, glad I heard this one and am curious for the reveal.

Vocalist did not write the lyrics.

2 hours ago, felser said:

11 – This one meanders from the get-go, my least favorite cut on the BFT,and waaay too long for me.

As is typical of your BFT’s, a fine listening experience and will be educational on the ID’s/reveals, thanks as always!  Awaiting to find out about cuts 2,4,5,7,10!

 

I agree, but there is a reason this one was included.

 

48 minutes ago, cayetano said:

First listen, a lot of nice music.

Only two obvious (I got both):

8. "Pharoah" from Ethnic Heritage Ensemble "Be Know Ancient/Future/Music"

Not one of the gimmes, but we should definitely hang.   

48 minutes ago, cayetano said:

10. "Great spirit" from the homonym CD by William Parker Raining on the moon w/ Leena Conquest.

Correct, sir!

48 minutes ago, cayetano said:

Some more:

1. No idea. Very nice, great solos, I think the baritone is Pepper Adams.

Correct!  Not his date, though.

48 minutes ago, cayetano said:

2. Very familiar but I don't recognize none of the two saxes.

Mmmm... I'm betting you would on repeated listening.

48 minutes ago, cayetano said:

3. I got it, it's "Malice Towards None" from Clifford Jordan "Bearcat".

Correct, sir!

[cayetano]

4. Classic and unmistakable BN sound, it's " Heavy legs" from Johnny Coles " Little Johnny C". Amazing.

5. No idea, disoriented.

6. I should know this, intriguing.

[T.D.]

Great listening so far, almost all hits. Unfortunately I've peeked at some reveals and will have to make another (blind) run through the program.

#10 is obviously a Wm. Parker group so I have a good idea of the vocalist, but I doubt I own it (at work now, can't check) and can't ID right away. I enjoy this piece.

#3: I love the tune and composer, Cedar is recognizable (from which I can guess the tenor), I even own the recording but haven't listened to it enough to have been able to ID. 🤣

Edited September 1 by T.D.

[randyhersom]

1. Big Band featuring baritone sax.  If I get it wrong, do I get a Mulligan?
2. I think this is two tenors, and one of them has that hard edged tone that got Lockjaw his name.  Other must be Griff.
3. The two thoughts I had were George Coleman and Joe Henderson.  Is it Eastern Rebellion?
4. Feels like Blakey on the drums.  Not sure how many early Messengers units had both alto and tenor with trumpet.
5. I'll go with Sonny Rollins here
6. Maybe Cecil McBee?
7. I don't know any Max offhand with both soprano and tenor.  Maybe Elvin Jones?
8. Mbira or Kalimba colors the ensemble strongly.  We are paying tribute to Pharoah Sanders here.  Kahil El-Zabar?
9. In Trane/Pharoah slow mode.  Outro reveals Jeff Coffin is the sax, Leo Genovese, Victor Kraus, Jordan Perlson
10. Dee Dee Bridgewater?  A Tapscott Arkestra would be my other thought.
11. Early Sun Ra?
 

I think Dan will be able to hang through cut 5.  Want to give the first five a try Dan?

[Lester Mobley]

I haven't had a chance to listen much yet, but #3 is immediately recognizable as the penultimate track from this. I also recognized #5, which is the opener from this.

[tkeith]

17 hours ago, cayetano said:

4. Classic and unmistakable BN sound, it's " Heavy legs" from Johnny Coles " Little Johnny C". Amazing.

Correct!

 

 

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

1. Big Band featuring baritone sax.  If I get it wrong, do I get a Mulligan?

Puns are the highest form of humor and don't ever let anyone tell you differently!   

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

2. I think this is two tenors, and one of them has that hard edged tone that got Lockjaw his name.  Other must be Griff.

Logic is correct, but would you care to use your Mulligan on this one? 

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

3. The two thoughts I had were George Coleman and Joe Henderson.  Is it Eastern Rebellion?

It is not, but there is logic behind one of those choices.  ID'd by cayetano.

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

4. Feels like Blakey on the drums.  Not sure how many early Messengers units had both alto and tenor with trumpet.

Not messengers, but I hear how you got there.  Another ID'd by cayetano, doing his best Sangry impersonation.  (There be EARS on this hear thread!)

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

5. I'll go with Sonny Rollins here

This guy wishes.  

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

6. Maybe Cecil McBee?

Not Cecil.

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

7. I don't know any Max offhand with both soprano and tenor.  Maybe Elvin Jones?

Drummer is influenced by both, but it is neither.  There IS a Butch Warren connection.

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

8. Mbira or Kalimba colors the ensemble strongly.  We are paying tribute to Pharoah Sanders here.  Kahil El-Zabar?

Ding!  Ding!

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

9. In Trane/Pharoah slow mode.  Outro reveals Jeff Coffin is the sax, Leo Genovese, Victor Kraus, Jordan Perlson

Crap.  I meant to edit that.  I guess this one's a gimme.

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

10. Dee Dee Bridgewater?  A Tapscott Arkestra would be my other thought.

Happy thoughts, but neither.  Stop me if you've heard this before, ID'd by cayetano

16 hours ago, randyhersom said:

11. Early Sun Ra?

Nay.  I am certain all involved would be thrilled by the comparison.

 

1 hour ago, Lester Mobley said:

I haven't had a chance to listen much yet, but #3 is immediately recognizable as the penultimate track from this. I also recognized #5, which is the opener from this.

Correct on both counts!

 

[Dub Modal]

I have such a hard time naming tunes. Not sure that will get any better unless I find a way to do drills or exercises on memorization. If only I had that kind of discipline...

1 - Pretty relaxed tempo with some moments of large ensemble intensity. I dig it. At first listen I'm guessing Mulligan but after playing over again I'm changing that to Pepper Adams on that first solo? I really like the sound of the trumpet player but I can't name this tune. Is it Hank Jones on piano? Maybe it's the heat outside but I'm really loving everything about this tune. The horn chorus outro is superb. 

2 - Very familiar tune. Fluid, deft playing from this first tenor...second one then shifts to where it's dripping in the blues with some aggressive phrasing coming in. Muscular, as the critics of yore would call it. Love the bass line. Piano is ok, but to me the only rhythm needed here are the drums and bass. 

3 - Love the tenor here, but I also notice the drummer is out of the ordinary in style and phrasing. Nice. I'm guessing 60s. I like the piano here more than the previous tune. 

4 - Interesting trumpet playing. Not someone I immediately recognize although it sounds like it's from the 60s as well. Jumping drummer. Higgins? Oh man that sounds like Joe Henderson. Damn, this is really getting good. Piano interplay is great. Can't name it though. 

5 - Sick intro. Drummer is nasty. Making that hi hat sing. Love this tune. 60s again I'm thinking. Repeating this one. Going out on a limb but Houston Person? Standing ovation for the drumming. 

6 - Melody is recognizable. Bassist has great sound. What is that percussive string instrument here? Berimbau? Not sure, maybe someone modifying a guitar? I like it. A lot. 

7 - Intro reminds me of Sun Ra. but then I notice the lack of reverb and I don't think it's him, especially because it sounds recorded well after Sun Ra's time. Horns are great. Trane-ish. Interesting tune all around. No guesses. 

8 - Talkin' bout Pharaoh. Sweet. Love the throw back style of this song and percussion that make it super unique. Good one!

9 - This one drags a bit for me. Playing isn't bad but the tune isn't my thing. No problem. The announcer at the end gives the players away. I have no idea who they are so would have never guessed. 

10 - Feeling that spirit baby. Gospel jazz style. Never heard this before. Singer is excellent whoever she is. I would pay to see her. This turns out to be a fantastic song but I have no guesses. 

11 - Bass is cohesive, drums are driving and horns are singing. Really good stuff. 

There's nothing too wild here in my view. Some excellent songs and lot of it new for me. Thanks for putting it together! 

[cayetano]

11. Free, bluesy, live. Hundreds like that on my shelves. At the beginning, the tenor sax is great, a la Fred Anderson, but then the baritone sax takes the lead role. No idea.

All credit goes to the forum member who identifies it.

Edited September 2 by cayetano

[T.D.]

#1: Pepper Adams on bari, could be Hank Jones on piano. It has the feel of one of those "Detroit musician" sessions (e.g. Thad Jones "Detroit-New York Junction" which of course doesn't have bari), but it's a bigger group than any of the Detroit-focused recordings I've heard.

[tkeith]

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

I have such a hard time naming tunes. Not sure that will get any better unless I find a way to do drills or exercises on memorization. If only I had that kind of discipline...

1 - Pretty relaxed tempo with some moments of large ensemble intensity. I dig it. At first listen I'm guessing Mulligan but after playing over again I'm changing that to Pepper Adams on that first solo? I really like the sound of the trumpet player but I can't name this tune. Is it Hank Jones on piano? Maybe it's the heat outside but I'm really loving everything about this tune. The horn chorus outro is superb. 

With apologies, I didn't get a notification about this post.  This album was a bit of a discovery with an odd story. It is, indeed, Pepper Adams, but not Hank.  A LOT of people like this trumpet player's sound.  

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

2 - Very familiar tune. Fluid, deft playing from this first tenor...second one then shifts to where it's dripping in the blues with some aggressive phrasing coming in. Muscular, as the critics of yore would call it. Love the bass line. Piano is ok, but to me the only rhythm needed here are the drums and bass. 

All of that tracks.

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

3 - Love the tenor here, but I also notice the drummer is out of the ordinary in style and phrasing. Nice. I'm guessing 60s. I like the piano here more than the previous tune. 

Again, I agree with all of this, and the pianist?  It is with good reason that you prefer this cut.

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

4 - Interesting trumpet playing. Not someone I immediately recognize although it sounds like it's from the 60s as well. Jumping drummer. Higgins? Oh man that sounds like Joe Henderson. Damn, this is really getting good. Piano interplay is great. Can't name it though. 

Not Higgins, but your ears are right on target.  ID'd earlier.

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

5 - Sick intro. Drummer is nasty. Making that hi hat sing. Love this tune. 60s again I'm thinking. Repeating this one. Going out on a limb but Houston Person? Standing ovation for the drumming. 

I think Houston would be okay with this comparison, but not him.

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

6 - Melody is recognizable. Bassist has great sound. What is that percussive string instrument here? Berimbau? Not sure, maybe someone modifying a guitar? I like it. A lot. 

A guitar played by someone who typically plays another instrument?

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

7 - Intro reminds me of Sun Ra. but then I notice the lack of reverb and I don't think it's him, especially because it sounds recorded well after Sun Ra's time. Horns are great. Trane-ish. Interesting tune all around. No guesses. 

Nice story behind this one.  Both horns are semi-deep-cuts, but names people may well know.  The drummer is likely the most well known player, here.

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

8 - Talkin' bout Pharaoh. Sweet. Love the throw back style of this song and percussion that make it super unique. Good one!

9 - This one drags a bit for me. Playing isn't bad but the tune isn't my thing. No problem. The announcer at the end gives the players away. I have no idea who they are so would have never guessed. 

Yeah, I screwed the pooch on that one.

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

10 - Feeling that spirit baby. Gospel jazz style. Never heard this before. Singer is excellent whoever she is. I would pay to see her. This turns out to be a fantastic song but I have no guesses. 

DO see this band if you ever have the opportunity.  ID'd earlier.

On 9/2/2026 at 11:07 AM, Dub Modal said:

11 - Bass is cohesive, drums are driving and horns are singing. Really good stuff. 

There's nothing too wild here in my view. Some excellent songs and lot of it new for me. Thanks for putting it together! 

There are clues for this one later in the month, but we'll see if nature takes its course.

On 9/2/2026 at 2:37 PM, cayetano said:

11. Free, bluesy, live. Hundreds like that on my shelves. At the beginning, the tenor sax is great, a la Fred Anderson, but then the baritone sax takes the lead role. No idea.

All credit goes to the forum member who identifies it.

Fair.  There are three horns here, incidentally.  One of the baris switches to soprano later in the tune.

 

On 9/2/2026 at 3:02 PM, T.D. said:

#1: Pepper Adams on bari, could be Hank Jones on piano. It has the feel of one of those "Detroit musician" sessions (e.g. Thad Jones "Detroit-New York Junction" which of course doesn't have bari), but it's a bigger group than any of the Detroit-focused recordings I've heard.

Pepper - yes, Hank - no.  Pianist is probably a bit more recognized than Hank in most circles.

Also, a heads up, I'll be off the computer until Monday, so please be patient on responses.  

[Lester Mobley]

I look forward to reading the comments above later, but I finally had a chance to listen to everything. The second half took a turn from the first, in particular with a lot of percussion. Thanks, I enjoyed listening to it!

1. Swinging, puts a smile on my face. With the bari I first think of Pepper Adams, but only know small group work of his. Then it sounds like Johnny Griffin on tenor, but not the Johnny Griffin Sextet album. So probably not Pepper after all, but I'm more confident on Griffin. Very nice in any case.
2. A classic blues, makes me think of Miles Davis, like "Walkin'" but it's not that tune. Ah, it's "Vierd Blues", my second guess. All straight ahead but the sax players suggest they have more bite and maybe play less straight ahead too?
4. The trumpeter is familiar, Johnny Coles? No doubts about Joe Henderson on tenor. Don't recognize the alto. A very Duke Pearson vibe to the piano, tune, and arrangement. Found it, from Johnny Coles's BN album. I don't have this!
6. Nice groove. No ideas, maybe later Don Cherry?
7. Percussion to start then into a groove similar to ca. 1970 Tyner. Or more Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders direction? No piano or harp, so I guess most of that's out. Soprano sax featured. Or maybe Elvin Jones, since he had some groups with similar instrumentation? I'm terrible at identifying drummers so that's a wild guess.
8. More percussion. I dig the groove.
9. How about later Pharoah Sanders, maybe with William Henderson? Reminiscent of Coltrane's quartet but with more percussion. Oh yes, just a hint of Sanders's overblowing there as a clue. Oh, it's live, but this time I managed to stop listening at "Thanks so much everybody." I'm familiar with Sanders playing live with John Hicks but I don't think I recognize this.
10. I'm not much for vocals (in general), but I really enjoyed the rhythm section and how they set and shifted the moods.
11. Freer. It sounded fine, but I confess it didn't hold my attention.

[tkeith]

51 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

I look forward to reading the comments above later, but I finally had a chance to listen to everything. The second half took a turn from the first, in particular with a lot of percussion. Thanks, I enjoyed listening to it!

1. Swinging, puts a smile on my face. With the bari I first think of Pepper Adams, but only know small group work of his. Then it sounds like Johnny Griffin on tenor, but not the Johnny Griffin Sextet album. So probably not Pepper after all, but I'm more confident on Griffin. Very nice in any case.

Your ears are spot on with both players.  Neither is the leader.  

51 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

2. A classic blues, makes me think of Miles Davis, like "Walkin'" but it's not that tune. Ah, it's "Vierd Blues", my second guess. All straight ahead but the sax players suggest they have more bite and maybe play less straight ahead too?

It is Vierd Blues, but I wouldn't describe either guy as "less straight ahead".  Both well known players.

51 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

4. The trumpeter is familiar, Johnny Coles? No doubts about Joe Henderson on tenor. Don't recognize the alto. A very Duke Pearson vibe to the piano, tune, and arrangement. Found it, from Johnny Coles's BN album. I don't have this!

Ding!  Ding!

51 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

6. Nice groove. No ideas, maybe later Don Cherry?

Negative, but again, I think the player would greatly enjoy the comparison.

51 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

7. Percussion to start then into a groove similar to ca. 1970 Tyner. Or more Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders direction? No piano or harp, so I guess most of that's out. Soprano sax featured. Or maybe Elvin Jones, since he had some groups with similar instrumentation? I'm terrible at identifying drummers so that's a wild guess.

I'd bet none of the musicians would be upset with these comparisons.  This one is one of the toughest in the test. 

51 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

8. More percussion. I dig the groove.

Indeed.

51 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

9. How about later Pharoah Sanders, maybe with William Henderson? Reminiscent of Coltrane's quartet but with more percussion. Oh yes, just a hint of Sanders's overblowing there as a clue. Oh, it's live, but this time I managed to stop listening at "Thanks so much everybody." I'm familiar with Sanders playing live with John Hicks but I don't think I recognize this.

Yeah, I screwed the pooch and didn't clip the introductions at the end.  Knew they were there, just had a colossal brain fart.

51 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

10. I'm not much for vocals (in general), but I really enjoyed the rhythm section and how they set and shifted the moods.

She's different.  When she plays with this band, she's not up front, she's off to the side like another horn.  

51 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

11. Freer. It sounded fine, but I confess it didn't hold my attention.

Understood.  There's a story with this one, and I could have shortened it, but... all will come out in the reveal.

 

[Lester Mobley]

Thanks for the reply. I had another listen to #1 and your comments about the trumpeter and pianist all make sense now. With the information we have, I found it! I don't think I've heard of this guy but what a lineup.

[Lester Mobley]

I listened to #2 a couple more times. Not sure where I was going with it before, but both players sound quite familiar. The second one sounds so much like Sonny Rollins, which gave me the idea of Steve Grossman in his 1980s and beyond phase. Then I found this.

[AllenLowe]

28 minutes ago, Lester Mobley said:

I listened to #2 a couple more times. Not sure where I was going with it before, but both players sound quite familiar. The second one sounds so much like Sonny Rollins, which gave me the idea of Steve Grossman in his 1980s and beyond phase. Then I found this.

nothing like Sonny R. Or Grossman, to my ears.

[JSngry]

Harold Land is unmistakeable. The rest is just math, which Lester Mobley executed!

[tkeith]

23 hours ago, Lester Mobley said:

Thanks for the reply. I had another listen to #1 and your comments about the trumpeter and pianist all make sense now. With the information we have, I found it! I don't think I've heard of this guy but what a lineup.

I hadn't either.  My pops was telling me about this store nearby he's been going to.  Basically on what we call Antique Alley (a stretch lousy with antique shops).  Guy buys whole collections and I was perusing some of what he had and came across this one.  Can't argue with the cast!

20 hours ago, Lester Mobley said:

I listened to #2 a couple more times. Not sure where I was going with it before, but both players sound quite familiar. The second one sounds so much like Sonny Rollins, which gave me the idea of Steve Grossman in his 1980s and beyond phase. Then I found this.

Correct, again, sir!  I was hipped to this one by webbcity.

17 hours ago, JSngry said:

Harold Land is unmistakeable. The rest is just math, which Lester Mobley executed!

Bam!  

[Lester Mobley]

I love math, it's a beautiful and creative subject!

Does Sonny Rollins sound like Sonny Rollins? He had a very long career.

Edited Saturday at 05:00 PM by Lester Mobley

[tkeith]

Reminder, we still need presenters for October and November.  I'm not opening up sign-ups for 2027 until 2026 is full.