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Last Call features a number of fine recordings this month which are worthy of your consideration.
KOPLANT NO / KOPLANT NO / MIZE MUSIC
The debut recording of Koplant No is spectacular for several reasons, one of which is that this band comes from the midwest. From the Iowa City, Iowa area the band features Brian Lewis Smith on trumpet, keys, and laptop, Drew Morton on basses and synths, Rob Baner on drums and samples, and Joel Vanderheyden on saxophone and vocals. The band has been developing it's unique sound for the past several years. But back to the reasons why this recording is spectacular. As a fan of jazz rock for more than 20 years, I can say that the mix of electronica and jazz rock on this album is one of the boldest and most invigorating I have heard in a long time. Charting a course through a sonic landscape that reminds this listener of "Blade Runner", the band expertly creates a roadmap with no wrong turns, no dead ends. Everything flows. And I can't recommend this disc highly enough.
MATT JORGENSEN + 451 /
TATOOED BY PASSION: MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE PAINTINGS OF DALE CHISMAN /ORIGIN
No stranger to the Last Call scene, Matt Jorgensen + 451 have returned with a new recording inspired by the paintings of the drummer's late father-in-law. Tattooed by Passion: Music Inspired by the paintings of Dale Chisman is comprised of all original works. Veteran drummer Jorgensen is joined by longtime associates, trumpeter Thomas Marriott and saxophonist Mark Taylor, in addition to fine company from guitarist Corey Christiansen, bassist Dave Captein, and a string quartet section. Together the band explores broad musical textures of deep emotion, strongly informed by the power & expanse of Chisman's pieces. Matt Jorgensen is a first-call drummer in Seattle who spent 10 years in New York City. He has recorded four CD ’s with his group Matt Jorgensen +451 for Origin Records, and has toured extensively from New York to LA and in 2003 picked up an award for "Best Acoustic Jazz Group" by Earshot Jazz. This new recording is another milestone in his career & worth including in your home record library.
More reviews to come soon..check back for updates!
From last month:
CHARNETT MOFFETT / TREASURE / MOTEMA
Bassist Charnett Moffett is back with a thoroughly satisfying new disc. A 30 year veteran of the music scene, Moffett's conception on the current disc draws from an eclectic mix of musical genres, including the familiar sitar and tablas of India. Adventuresome listeners will delight in the rich tapestry of the disc which unfolds organically, helped by guitarist Stanley Jordan, drummer Denardo Coleman, and an all-star cast. Recommended!
MIKROKOLEKTYW / REVISIT / DELMARK RECORDS
Fans of the Chicago Underground Duo will delight in
Polish duo Mikrokolektyw(Microcollective). From Wroclaw, Poland, the duo is Kuba Suchar, drums & electronics and Artur Majewski, trumpet & electronics. The two started playing as a a duo in 2004 as a freely improvising outfit inspired by jazz legends Don Cherry, Max Roach, and Miles Davis. They have worked with Rob Mazurek and his Exploding Star Orchestra and his Sao Paulo Underground. On Revisit, Mikrokolektyw creates a seductive swirl of acoustic and electronic jazz. One can hear the influence of Cherry, Miles and even Sun Ra in the program of 11 originals. What is amazing is how this duo is able to create a seamless group sound or trumpet, drums, keyboards and electronics while being only a two man unit. For fans of late 60's-early 70's jazz rock, this is one CD to add to your collection.
PAUL WERTICO’S MID EAST/MID WEST ALLIANCE / IMPRESSIONS OF A CITY/ CHICAGO SESSIONS
Like the duo Microcollective, exploring the possibilities of electronic and acoustic jazz, Drummer Paul Wertico and his band boldly explore the frontiers. This disc, however, relentlessly dives into a sonic experience of a work day in the life of an urban landscape, in vivid impressionist strokes that Vincent Van Gogh would admire. These sonic brushstrokes are all not beautiful. They reflect the chaotic, turbulent, restless modern landscape. The use of Middle Eastern woodwind instruments the duduk and the shvi are a perfect contrast to the electric guitars and drums. It’s recommended to take in the whole record as a suite—otherwise the 18 pieces may not impact you as fully. Comprised of the union between the Israeli duo "Marbin" and Chicago's "Paul Wertico Trio", Paul Wertico's Mid-East/Mid-West Alliance represents a new direction in jazz and improvised music. The band includes Paul Wertico: Drums ; John Moulder: Guitar, Ring Modulator; Brian Peters: Bass, Duduk, Electronics; Dani Rabin: Guitar, Prepared Guitar, Looping; Danny Markovitch: Sax, Electric Sax. Paul's Wertico is known for his work with the Pat Metheny Group from 1983-2001, during which he was a Seven Time Grammy Award Winner. He is also a Modern Drummer Magazine & DRUM! Magazine Reader's Poll Winner. Currently he is Assistant Professor & Head of Jazz and Contemporary Music Studies at Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. His new recording is a powerful milestone, and worth a listen.
ARCHIE SHEPP/THE NEW YORK CONTEMPORARY FIVE/DELMARK
This is a gem. From November, 1963, an astounding date in Copenhagen, Denmark with a quintet comprised of some of the most important talents in avant-garde jazz. The New York Contemporary Five was Archie Shepp, tenor sax; John Tchicai, alto sax; Don Cherry, cornet; Don Moore, bass; J.C. Moses, drums. Together only for a year, this band created a blistering performance on this November 1963 date. The New York Contemporary Five successfully fused the bop & freebop worlds in a series of high-energy, go for broke performances of Thelonious Monk, Ornette Coleman and originals. Fans of classic avant-gard jazz are highly encoraged to check this disc out on their CD turntables.
And, from previous months, these gems...
STANLEY CLARKE BAND/HEADS UP
For fans of Stanley Clarke and his contributions to 70's fusion, this record is hard to resist. Clarke is clearly at his best with a band that includes keyboard phenomenon, Hiromi in addition to Ronald Bruner, Jr. on drums, and an all star cast. The results are astonishingly good. Clarke is known for his total command of the bass, his status as a co-founding member of Return to Forever(a recent concert in Omaha, Nebraska with Return to Forever gave him the opportunity to demonstrate the dazzling heights of artistic genius he is capable of), and his solo career and sideman work which have been been a truly successful adventure. The Stanley Clarke's Band self-titled release is highly recommended.
AZAR LAWRENCE/MYSTIC JOURNEY/FURTHERMORE
Evoking late period Coltrane, this impressive return date by Azar Lawrence is also one of the final studio sessions by Free Jazz Drum pioneer Rashied Ali. The date also presents some fine work from the noted trumpeter Eddie Henderson. Mystic Journey begins with jazz firmly in the straight ahead tradition & then launches into a spiritually informed exploration of avant-garde jazz. One of the finest recordings to arrive in the mailbag in 2010.
STEVE COLEMAN AND FIVE ELEMENTS/HARVESTING SEMBLANCES AND AFFINITIES/PI RECORDINGS
Some say that Steve Coleman is the most influential figure since John Coltrane. Coleman is without doubt one of the most important musicians in jazz, the main proponent of M-Base, which has influenced the rhythmic complexity of modern jazz immensely. On his latest effort, Coleman continues this musical direction--a multilayered series of compositions which feature constantly shifting rhythm patterns. Informed by a lifelong study of mathematics, roots music, and mysticism, Coleman's relentless, innovatative compositions will challenge you as they mesmerize your attention. Harvesting Semblances and Affinities features Coleman’s band Five Elements, a shifting group of musicians, many of whom have worked with Coleman for years. The band features Steve Coleman on alto sax, Jonathan Finlayson on trumpet, Tim Albright on trombone, Thomas Morgan on bass, Tyshawn Sorey on drums and Jen Shyu on vocals.
Wallace Roney-- If Only For One Night I've been following Wallace Roney for more than 10 years now and I was really excited to listen to his new live recording. Roney continues to express his artistic vision at a high caliber of execution. Aggressively starting the new disc with an electric jazz burner, "Quadrant", Roney is in top form with an outstanding band recorded at the Iridium in New York City last year. With his brother Antoine Roney on saxophones, in addition to Aruan Ortiz on keyboards, Rashaan Caret on bass and Kush Abadey on drums, the date features mellow ballads, fine medium tempo numbers as well as burners such as "Metropolis".
Trombone Shorty--Backatown. What a debut. A young New Orleans native has burst on the scene with a sound that is clearly rooted in the Big Easy traditions but is also firmly in the jazz-hip-hop fusion of today. Get ready for Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and his new recording Backatown. Trombone Shorty’s new breakout disc, Backatown, is at the top of the national jazz charts. The album is the work of a young virtuoso trombonist who delivers a passionate mix of rock, funk, jazz, hip-hop and soul which he describes as "Supafunkrock". Surrounding Andrews, who is also proficient on trumpet in addition to vocals-- is his band, Orleans Avenue - Mike Ballard on bass, Pete Murano on guitar, Joey Peebles on drums, Dwayne Williams on percussion and Dan Oestreicher on baritone sax. As the artist's website states, "What makes this record such a kick in the head is that the band, working with producer Ben Ellman of Galactic, has managed to bottle the 200-proof intensity of their devastating live performances, which have earned Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue a rabid and ever-growing following almost entirely by way of word of mouth - Backatown is the band's first recording to get a national release. Like their shows - which have been known to run for hours at an energy level that few others could sustain - the album turns on a rare combination of virtuosity and high-energy, party-down intensity. " Trombone Shorty's delivery is totally assured and on a potpourri of exciting tracks, you can become better acqauinted with his talent which bursts forth from the CD. Great stuff!
Ideal Bread--Transmit The Steve Lacy repertory band Ideal Bread has released a recording which will draw the fan of avant garde jazz in. It's hard to resist assured musical statements from a quartet that is unafraid to explore the range & potential of the late Steve Lacy's compositions.
“Like a baker makes his bread, I make music...If I make the same bread tomorrow, that bores me...I have to remake it, I have to do better...I’m always looking for...the ideal bread.” – Steve Lacy, April, 1976.
Ideal Bread follows the late saxophonist's advice. From the Cuneiformrecords website:
"Transmit is the second album from the Steve Lacy repertory band Ideal Bread. This quartet of expert improvisers is made up of four strong players, all considered notable up 'n' comers to watch on the modern jazz scene. Steve Lacy is considered one of the 3 greatest soprano saxophonists of all time and is a modern jazz legend, but his many compositions have not found the kind of favor in the repertoire as it deserves. Founded in 2006, the group consists of leader and baritone saxophonist Josh Sinton, trumpeter Kirk Knuffke, bassist Reuben Radding and drummer Tomas Fujiwara. Sinton studied with Lacy from 2002-2004 at the New England Conservatory, and upon moving to New York, would bring Lacy’s music to many of his introductory jam sessions. “Not many people were playing Lacy’s pieces in New York at that time,” states Sinton. “Really, it had to do with the paucity of scores, and that no one was transcribing what didn’t exist in score.” Sinton proceeded to do just that, amassing a formidable library of transcriptions from which Ideal Bread draws inspiration. The music is a continual source of challenge and inspiration to Sinton and the group;; they adhere to Lacy’s unique vision while giving each composition new life with their unique approach. They approach Lacy's rarely covered compositions with wit and swing; this is 'freebop' at its finest. "
From previous months... Gerry Gibbs and the Electric Thrasher Orchestra Play the Music of Miles Davis 1967-1975.
This is simply one of the finest Miles Davis tribute records this jazz host has ever heard. Gerry Gibbs and his Electric Thrasher Orchestra present re-arrangements of familiar and not so familiar Miles Davis compositions from 1967-1975. This was a prolific period for Miles Davis, in which energy, spontaneity, and improvisation were the fuel that drove the music to the frontiers of jazz and beyond. One listen of the 2 disc set proves that Gibbs and his Electric Thrasher Orchestra also have these qualities in abundance as they explore music from Sorcerer, Nefertiti, Bitches Brew, Live Evil, Big Fun, Dark Magus and several live Fillmore recordings of the Miles Davis Bands of this period.
Gerry Gibbs, son of legendary Vibraphonist Terry Gibbs, is an accomplished drummer. He is known for his “Bitches Brew Orchestra” which has explored the late 60s-1970s Miles territory previously. On his current release he assembled a band of like-minded instrumentalists, including original Bitches Brew Orchestra members Pianists Andy Langham and Rob Hardt & bassist Brandon Rivas. Bass player Essiet Okon Essiet also participated in the session, as did guitarist Mike Hoffman, an expert on the period who worked with one of Miles’ drummers from the time, Tony Williams.
The recording was produced in a marathon 16 hour session of blowing, pounding, strumming and roaring. The tapes were rolling and after much deliberation by Gibbs and associates the final result was a two disc set-- that amazingly succeeds in sustaining the legacy of Miles Davis while presenting it in a tighter, brighter fashion. Appreciations are given by Miles Davis alumni on the liner notes; and their sincere regard for the authenticity of the interpretation says a lot. Highly recommended !
MIKE METHENY/60.1/INDEPENDENT RELEASE
Mike Metheny has returned with a new disc that demonstrates his immense talent as a flugelhorn artist. 60.1 is also a date where Metheny's mastery of the EVI is apparent on several deeply compelling tracks. Metheny, also on keyboards, is joined by noted musicians Bob Bowman, acoustic bass; Brandon Draper, drums; Danny Embrey, acoustic guitar ("Syncomation"); Paul Smith, acoustic piano and keyboards ("Till Later"); Justin Wilson, keyboards and programming ("Dubious Medley," "Blue Smoke" and "Adagio for Maya"). Electronic jazz horizons are explored throughout the disc which does not alienate melody minded listeners in the slightest.
STANTON MOORE/GROOVE ALCHEMY/TELARC
It lives up to the title! Stanton Moore is back with his trio for another fun-filled date that is a groove-fest. It's a great set where the music melts seamlessly into the next burner of a tune. Root Cellar and Squash Blossom are solid cookers. The groove turns traditional with Keep on Gwine before heating up again in Neeps and Tatties and then getting into a '60s shuffle groove with Up to Here. Cleanse This House is based on a true story. The disc closes out with a George Jones classic, He Stopped Loving Her Today.
With Robert Walter on the Hammond B3 Organ & Piano and Will Bernard on Guitar, Stanton Moore's total command of the drums creates an irresistable groove session. The 12-track set is billed as the culmination of Stanton Moore’s multimedia project that also includes an instructional book and DVD of the same name. They are designed, according to the artist's website, to explore the roots of funk drumming by examining the work of pioneers like Jabo Starks, Clyde Stubblefield, and Zigaboo Modeliste – who contributed in the 1960s as the engines driving James Brown’s and the Meters’ legendary rhythm sections – and in turn tracing their influences back to the rhythms coming out of New Orleans in the earlier part of the 20th century. It's great stuff !
Thanks for listening to the Last Call on KIOS. We look forward to sharing with you more exciting progressive jazz music! Join us Saturday nights at 11pm! |
