Jazz Recommendations – 2015 Releases

Mar 15 2015

This Is Jazz Today: SFJazz Collective, Harris Eisenstadt, Jean-Marie Machado & more!

 

BitW square avatarOkay, well, it took a little bit longer to publish this week’s This Is Jazz Today column than I’d intended, but now you have a nice lazy Sunday ahead of you to slowly peruse the new music… so there’s that, at least.

The top albums this week all have some serious personality to them, sounding unlike much anything else on the scene, so I expect the extended time you spend listening to it all will match my own.  Aside from a couple straight-ahead piano trio albums, there weren’t many quickies this week… lots of patient listening, instead.  And while the side-effect may be a late column, the huge amount of originality reflected by the albums below makes it worthwhile… as well as signalling the depth of modern Jazz today.

My only real disappointment is the meager amount of music I was able to embed with the synopses.  Typically, it’s just a small percentage that go without, but this week, unfortunately, there’s a shameful amount of albums that didn’t provide a single embeddable track.  Thankfully, though, this week’s strongest albums did, so get yer ear’s engine started.

And let’s begin…

*** Pick of the Week ***

 

SFJazz Collective – The Music of Joe Henderson

SFJazz Collective - "The Music of Joe Henderson"For its most recent project, the SFJazz Collective chose to embrace the music of jazz titan, Joe Henderson.  An all-star line-up consisting of the saxophones of Miguel Zenón and David Sánchez, trumpeter Avishai Cohen, trombonist Robin Eubanks, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, pianist Edward Simon, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Obed Calvaire, their imaginative takes on Henderson’s music reveals how a well-crafted arrangement can have a transformative effect on a familiar song and how a surgical dissection of a body of work can result in thrilling bursts of original creativity.  And perhaps the greatest display of talent on this session is the way in which the Collective is able to utilize odd turns of phrase and take the road least expected, yet still end up in a place that sounds very much like straight-ahead jazz.

The album is Self-Produced | Visit the artist site

More listening | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

*** This week’s featured albums ***

 

Harris Eisenstadt – Golden State II (Songlines)

Harris Eisenstadt - "Golden State II"Where on previous recordings a jarring change of mood would signal a new direction, on the newest from drummer Eisenstadt, his quartet displays a remarkable ease in transitioning seamlessly from flurries of dissonance to extended melodic glides and jaunty strolls through the park humming the blues.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

Read more about this album on Bird is the Worm (LINK).

*****

Jean-Marie Machado Danzas – Lagrima Latina (Self-Produced)

Jean-Marie Machado - "Lagrima Latina"Pianist Machado offers up an abundance of liveliness and personality with his Danzas orchestra and vocal trio.  A supreme tunefulness, the music jumps with enthusiasm and purrs with the sweetest melodic passages.  Expect to be reading more about this fun album on Bird is the Worm in the coming weeks.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

chuffDRONE – chuffDRONE (Jazzwerkstatt)

chuffDRONE - "chuffDRONE"All kinds of personality displayed by this quintet.  Led out by two saxophonists, they find the right balance between boisterous enthusiasm and melodic flirtation.  Everything about the music screams fun.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

World Kora Trio – Un Poisson dans le Désert (Passé Minuit)

World Kora Trio - "Un Poisson dans le Desert"This trio of kora, cello and percussion keeps finding new ways to enchant.  The trio develop an easy-going conversational style that teeters between serene & chatty.  So damn pretty at times, it’s heartbreaking.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Dominik Strycharski – Prophetic Fall (NotTwo)

Dominik Strycharski - "Prophetic Fall"Furious behavior from flautist Strycharski’s trio.  Avant-garde demeanor, however, doesn’t hide the rampant melodicism.  That said, it’s the trio’s percussive force that represents this album’s best qualities.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Mohamed Abozekry & Heejaz Extended – Ring Road (Jazz Village)

Mohamed Abozekry, Heejaz - "Ring Road"A hell of an exciting release from oudist Abozekry.  A strong folk music influence, but the way it’s expressed ranges far and wide.  The shifts from a furious assault to a lazy day serenity are some powerful stuff.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Toine Thys Trio – Grizzly (Igloo)

Toine Thys - "Grizzly"Personable sax-drums-organ trio set from saxophonist Thys.  Considering the unusual match of instruments, for the most part, this is a straight-ahead affair.  Strong lyricism that bathes in soulful waters.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Judith Goldbach – Reisetagebuch (JazzNArts)

Judith Goldbach - "Reisetagebuch"Goldbach’s quartet gives a modern spin to Hungarian folk tunes, providing a bit of something old and a bit of something new.  When bass clarinet and vibraphone step up, the album really takes off.  Enchanting in its way.

Artist site |  Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Steve Turre – Spiritman (Smoke Sessions)

Steve Turre - "Spiritman"Another solid straight-ahead release from the Smoke Sessions label.  Led by veteran trombonist Turre, they apply their hard bop touch to both originals and standards.  It’s on those tunes that fall in the former category that the quintet’s heart beats the strongest.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Andre Leroux – Synchronie-cites (Effendi)

Andre Leroux - "Synchronie-cites"Nifty straight-ahead modern set from saxophonist Leroux.  Nice mix of late-night moodiness, eccentric turns-of-phrase and up-tempo boppers.  Many shows of personality that are positively radiant.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Duduka da Fonseca – Jive Samba (Zoho)

Duduka da Fonseca - "Jive Samba"Excellent Brazilian jazz set from drummer da Fonseca.  His trio continues to thrive in finding subtle ways of evoking both the South American and NYC influences.  Best tracks on the newest are the talkative, uptempo tunes that beat with the heart of Spring.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Jack DeJohnette – Made In Chicago (ECM)

Jack DeJohnette - "Made In Chicago"Recorded at the 2013 Chicago Jazz Festival, drummer DeJohnette leads an all-star cast of Henry Threadgill, Roscoe Mitchell, Muhal Richard Abrams and Larry Gray.  Music befitting a (sort of) AACM reunion.  Untamed, wild music.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Weldon Hill – Free Expression (Self-Produced)

Weldon Hill - "Free Expression"An enjoyable classic straight-ahead sound from Weldon’s piano trio.  Conversational demeanor aided by simple well-crafted melodies.  Definitely one for the old-school fans.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Ryan McGillicuddy – Boots & Boots (LAJC Records)

Ryan McGillicuddy - "Boots and Boots"Seriously tuneful piano trio set.  Bassist McGillicuddy is accompanied by the talented trio of drummer Peter Erskine and pianist Vardan Ovsepian.  Nothing fancy, just solid straight-ahead modern jazz.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Tim Whalen – Oblivion (Self-Produced)

Pianist Whalen leads a quintet in a Bud Powell-themed set.  Lots of surprising moments where the trio breaks from the mold of “just another covers album.”  Passages of intense melodicism carry the day.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

 

Have a great time digging through the list!

And remember, it’s simple:  You like what you like.

Cheers.

***

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Mar 12 2015

Recommended: Blaubart – “Blaubart”

 

Blaubart - "Blaubart"Blaubart is a fascinating reinterpretation of Béla Bartók’s Bluebird’s Castle.  A trio that adopts the title as their ensemble name, Blaubart grow lively improvisations from the heart of the original compositions.  A choppy dissonance shares the same space as pretty melodies that dance with an infectious exuberance.  A haunting beauty is often married to an ominous austerity.  Bursts of furious activity will suddenly part, to be replaced by waves of uneasy serenity.

The unrestrained joyfulness of one moment will be counterbalanced by another of deep contemplation.  It is not uncommon for the many sections of whimsy to be accompanied by a serious gravity.  The change in motion is often sudden, unexpected and in possession of an alluring fluidity.

This is enchanting music cast with an unconventional spell.  Blaubart is Something Different, and its enviable mix of wit, challenge and charm earns it a strong recommendation.

Your album personnel:  Chris Wirth (clarinet, bass clarinet, Hulusi flute), Christian Strässle (violin, viola) and Manuela Keller (piano, harmonium, glockenspiel).

Released on Unit Records.

Jazz from the Zurich, Switzerland scene.

Available at: eMusic | Amazon

 

By • Jazz Recommendations, Jazz Recommendations - 2015 Releases • 0

Mar 11 2015

Recommended: Harris Eisenstadt – “Golden State II”

 

Harris Eisenstadt - "Golden State II"When you press play on a Harris Eisenstadt recording, you’re typically going to be face-to-face with a mercurial personality.  The music bubbles with a volatility that hints at the possibility of getting smacked in mouth.  The percussive element is delivered abruptly and has an acerbic edge to it.  Melodies aren’t so much conversation openers as demands for your wallet.  These qualities in and of themselves tend to cultivate intrigue and curiosity more than defensiveness and fear.  Add to the mix Eisenstadt’s sneaky way of slipping in melodic handshakes and jaw-dropping displays of soulfulness, and it’s why it’s easy to eagerly return to his music in perpetuity, no matter how brusquely the music may treat the ear.

On Golden State II, Eisenstadt stays true to formula.  However, what distinguishes this recording as something above and beyond past efforts is the impressive fluidity his quartet displays in shifting between the different states of mind.  Yes, the aggressive dissonance doesn’t waste time in stepping up with a shout and a clenched fist.  But where on previous recordings a jarring change of mood would signal a new direction, on the newest, his quartet displays a remarkable ease in transitioning seamlessly to extended melodic glides and jaunty strolls through the park humming the blues.  It’s not that Eisenstadt has blunted any of his edginess; instead, he’s just made it far more difficult to discern where one passage ends and the next begins.  The calculated subtlety of these startling transformations is both thrilling and oddly comforting… as if maybe the music isn’t really all that mercurial after all.

Recorded live at the 2014 Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Eisenstadt’s (slighty-reformed) Golden State Quartet takes the relentless electricity of a live performance and bottles it up nicely for the recorded medium.  And just as importantly, Eisenstadt continues to prove that his music rewards patience and those that rise to the challenge.

Your album personnel:  Harris Eisenstadt (drums), Michael Moore (clarinet), Mark Dresser (bass) and Sara Schoenbeck (bassoon).

Released on Songlines Recordings.

Jazz from the Toronto scene.

Available at:  eMusic | Amazon

 

By • Jazz Recommendations, Jazz Recommendations - 2015 Releases • 0

Mar 9 2015

This Is Jazz Today: Marike van Dijk, Sebastian Sternal, Anouar Brahem & more!

 

BitW square avatarSo, as many of you noticed, I took the last week of February off from writing… thus, no This Is Jazz Today for week-ending 2/24/15 new jazz releases.  However, that’s not to say I wasn’t listening to this music… I just took a break from keyboard and pen.  This column, posting today, it gets you caught up with what you missed then.

And it’s a good thing that I’m getting you caught up, too, because there were some fantastic albums to see the light of day the week-ending February 24th.  And several of them, as you’ll notice from the additional links, have received stand-alone recommendations on this site quite recently.  So there’s even more reading & listening material out there if you want it… just follow the link.

Now, with all that said, let’s begin…

 

*** Pick of the Week ***

 

Marike van Dijk – The Stereography Project

Marike van Dijk - "The Stereography Project"Excellent chamber jazz session that lets both the jazz and classical elements rise to the top as often as they blend seamlessly together.  Beautiful music, compelling music.  Nice option for early mornings when the world has had its first cup of coffee, but peace still reigns supreme.  It’s really quite enchanting, regardless of whether it’s embracing or challenging the listener.  Read more about this album on Bird is the Worm (LINK).

Pick of the Week

Released on BJU Records.  Visit the artist site.

More listening | Buy:  Bandcamp | eMusic | Amazon

*****

*** This week’s featured albums ***

 

Sebastian Sternal – Sternal Symphonic Society Vol.2 (Traumton)

Sebastien Sternal - "Sternal Symphonic Society Vol 2"A sharp intelligence and compelling beauty from Sternal’s follow-up to the Symphonic Society.  His large ensemble is grounded in contemporary classical and lets the jazz personality surge up at will.  Expect to read more about this album on Bird is the Worm down the road.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Anouar Brahem – Souvenance (ECM Records)

Anouar Brahem - "Souvenance"Charming folk tunes that cast a heavy, captivating spell.  The addition of the Orchestra delia Svizzera Italiana adds a contemplative drone and uplifting harmony.  Brahem’s oud dances lively along its surface.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Amazon

Read more about this album on Bird is the Worm (LINK).

*****

ADHD – ADHD5 (Contemplate Music)

ADHD - "ADHD 5"Sleepy tunes that twitter with life like active dreams.  The melodies possess the fuzzy motions of a shadow in action, while the manipulation of tempo provides the album both substance and depth.  Terrifically absorbing album.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

Read more about this album on Bird is the Worm (LINK).

*****

Jacky Terrasson – Take This (Impulse)

Jacky Terrasson - "Take This"A serious charm to the newest from pianist Terrasson.  All kinds of personality that just bubbles over, shining through whether an original or a cover (Brubeck, Beatles).  Cheerful music possessing a friendly, conversational chatter.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Jeremy Siskind – Housewarming (BJU Records)

Jeremy Siskind - "Housewarming"A new set of intoxicating tunes from the trio of pianist Siskind, vocalist Nancy Harms and saxophonist Lucas Pino (who also adds some excellent clarinet work to the session).  Interesting to hear a couple guest vocalists, including Kurt Elling.  This is the sound of moonlight.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Grace Moon & the Jaguar – Kananga (Self-Produced)

Grace Moon & the Jaguar - "Kananga"Massively captivating vocal jazz session that brings a strong updated Motown R&B influence to the session.  At its core, the band is a trio of piano/vocals, guitar and drums, but augmented by string & brass units, along with a variety of percussion.  A tunefulness bordering on addictive.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon

Read more about this album on Bird is the Worm (LINK).

*****

Luiz Moretto Quintet – Vampyroteuthis Infernalis (Slam Productions)

Luiz Moretto - "Vampyroteuthis Infernalis"A gripping avant-garde session from violinist Moretto.  He doubles up on rabeca for this session, which is reflective of the unconventional instruments he brings together so splendidly on this recording.  A strangely alluring melodicism throughout this fun, invigorating challenge of an album.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Matthew Stevens – Woodwork (Whirlwind)

Matthew Stevens - "Woodwork"Nifty modern set from guitarist Stevens.  Concocts an appealing mix of contemporary jazz sheen and rustic folk-jazz charm.  Strings the melodies out nicely, so they linger as the quintet goes off in new directions.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic

*****

Wolff & Clark – Wolff & Clark Expedition 2 (Random Act Records)

Wolff, Clark Expedition 2Nice straight-ahead set from pianist Wolff and drummer Clark, who are joined by a strong line-up of guests, including Christian McBride, Wallace Roney and Hailey Niswanger.  Nothing fancy; just a fastball right down the pipe.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Yuri Honing Acoustic Quartet – Desire (Challenge)

Yuri Honing - "Desire"Gorgeous album from tenor saxophonist Honing.  Dreamy tunes that swim in melancholia and float atop the prettiest melodies.  This is an album built for rainy days and windows that look out over the city rooftops.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Blaubart – Blaubart (Unit Records)

Blaubart - "Blaubart"A fascinating reinterpretation of Béla Bartók’s Bluebird’s Castle.  A trio of clarinets, strings and piano & keys grow lively improvisations from the heart of the original compositions.  Switches between a haunting beauty and an ominous ferocity.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Lisa Parrott – Round Tripper (Self-Produced)

Lisa Parrott - "Round Tripper"For an album that rarely takes the commonly traveled road, the music is pretty smooth cruising.  Saxophonist Parrot brings a strong line-up to this crackling set (Matt Wilson, Chris Lightcap, Nadje Noordhuis & Carl Dewhurst).  Parrott & crew find a lot of nifty ways to make small differences resonate far and wide.

Artist site | Buy: CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Tom McClung – Burning Bright (Archieball)

Tom McClung - "Burning Bright"Nice straight-ahead trio session from McClung, who’s lent his piano to collaborations with Archie Shepp & Yusef Lateef.  They dive right into a talkative chatter and don’t let up.  Friendly, cheerful music.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

Have a great time digging through the list!

And remember, it’s simple:  You like what you like.

Cheers.

By • Jazz Recommendations, Jazz Recommendations - 2015 Releases • 0 • Tags:

Mar 8 2015

Recommended: Grace Moon & the Jaguar – “Kananga”

 

Grace Moon & the Jaguar - "Kananga"Kananga is a massively captivating vocal session.  The debut from Grace Moon & the Jaguar is equal parts modern jazz and updated Motown R&B, and delivered with the heartstrings pull of an old-school movie soundtrack.  The music sounds Big even when expressing the gentlest melodic threads.

At its core, the band is a trio of Grace Moon‘s piano & vocals, the guitar of JB Pilon (aka The Jaguar) and the drums of Paul Winter-Hart.  However, they are augmented by the the brass section of Bruce Stevens & his Mongrel Horns, the strings of Ian Post & his Homeric String Orchestra, and a variety of extra percussion.

The crowded stage doesn’t weigh the music down, nor does it get too fussy and overcomplicated.  Soaring melodies are lifted up by harmonies as thick as sunbeams and just as warm and light.  The accompaniment snaps into place where needed with a clockwork precision.  The percussion element stays focused with an eye trained on the road ahead.  The music possesses a tunefulness bordering on addictive.

A very fun and thrilling debut.

Your album personnel:  Grace Moon (piano, vocals), JB Pilon aka The Jaguar (guitar, bass), Paul Winter-Hart (drums), Bruce Stevens (tuba), Yusuf Oliver Narçin (bass trombone), Sion Favell Jones, Ieuan Williams (trombones), Chris McKay (French horn), Finlay Bain (French horn, Wagner tuba), Mark Ashley (trumpet), Jessica Lauren (organ), Rob Sell (flute), Anthony Kerr (vibraphone), Joe Glossop (piano), Jack Mango (bouzouki) and Ian Post & his Homeric String Orchestra.

This album is Self-Produced.

Jazz from the London scene.

Available at:  Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon

 

By • Jazz Recommendations, Jazz Recommendations - 2015 Releases • 0

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