This is Jazz Today

It’s only natural that things would get dialed down a bit after the huge drop of excellent new releases last week.  Our current batch, however, has plenty of gems, many of them refreshingly understated.  Aside from our Pick of the Week, none really knocked me on my ass… but over time, my appreciation and enthusiasm for many of these new albums continued to grow.  All said, I’ve dug up plenty to keep your ears busy and happy for yet another week.

Let’s begin…

*** Pick of the Week ***

Catfish – Restraint

Absolutely gorgeous mix of modern jazz and contemporary classical.  The core trio of tenor saxophonist Joe Cunningham, guitarist Dan Duval and drummer Ken Ollis are joined by a number of guests on strings, wind instruments and piano for a fascinating mix of melodic fragments and improvisational bursts.  Some breathtaking moments on this one.

Released on PJCE.

More listening | Buy: Bandcamp

*****

*** This week’s featured albums ***

Vincent Courtois – West (La Buissonne)

Absolutely captivating chamber jazz session from cellist Courtois, who brings in guest tenor saxophonist Daniel Erdmann, multi-reedist Robin Fincker and pianist Benjamin Moussay on a handful of tracks.  Peaceful music that flashes some sharp teeth from time to time.  Sublime music that exudes a multifaceted character.

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

*****

Steve Coleman & the Council of Balance – Synovial Joints (PI Recordings)

A really intriguing flow to the new one by alto saxophonist Coleman.  His large ensemble creates an almost hypnotic tempo with punctuated bursts of rhythm from both the percussion unit and wind instruments, which is occasionally swept away by warm harmonies from the string section… approaching something almost cathartic.  Time and again, Coleman offers up works with a keen intelligence.

Artist site | Buy:  Amazon

*****

4mament – Aufbruch (Unit Records)

This sax, piano, bass & drums quartet has an engrossing storyteller’s approach.  Modern jazz that adopts some traits of indie rock without ever straying too deep into the foreign territory.  Lively tunes are nicely expressive, but the moodier pieces really resonate strongly.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Christoph Pepe Auer – Songs I Like (Session Work)

Mesmerizing set from multi-reedist Auer, whose music embraces both the soothing ambiance of a drone and the lively chatter of hushed conversations.  Strings, accordion, hurdy gurdy, drums and electronics join him on this set.  A neat personality to this one.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Tom Tallitsch – All Together Now (Posi-Tone)

Strong blues influence on this personable recording from tenor saxophonist Tallitsch.  With one half of the sextet’s slots taken up by wind instruments, there’s plenty of warmth from harmonies, plenty of heat from solos.  A nifty cover of Zappa’s “Uncle Remus” fits right in with the solid originals.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Theo Jackson – Shoeless & The Girl (Dot Time)

Strong imagery generated by vocalist-pianist Jackson’s trio.  A substantive charm to this music, reminiscent, actually, of the way Lyle Lovett can generate both whimsy and profound depth with the turn of a phrase.  Guest saxophone and flugelhorn are a nice touch, and add some welcome texture.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Hugo Fernandez – Cosmogram (Origin)

Enjoyable how guitarist Fernandez balances an incisive lyricism with a breezy delivery.  Modern post-bop style that fits in well with the Origin label and the Pacific-Northwest sound.  The quartet of sax, guitar, bass and drums creates rainy day music that emits plenty of warmth and plenty of liveliness to boot.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Duplex – Én (Norcd)

A solemn tone to this laid-back Sunday morning music.  The duo of saxophonist Harald Lassen and bassist Christian Meaas Svendsen lay the peacefulness on thick while letting a quirky personality slip out to keep things interesting.  Pretty music made prettier by bringing in a couple guests on strings.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Barney McClure – Show Me! (Origin)

Awfully fun recording that matches McClure’s Hammond B3 organ with the Central Washington University Jazz Band.  Plenty of enthusiastic playing, and it’s pretty neat hearing how the B3 bounces around the environment of a traditional big band.  It’s like watching a raft try to navigate the rapids of a roaring river.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Yelena Eckemoff – Lions (L&H Production)

Enjoyable trio session from pianist Eckemoff, bassist Arild Anderson and drummer Billy Hart.  Falls right in line with previous Eckemoff recordings… straight-ahead piano jazz that values elegance but gets in a burst of effusive warmth now and again.  Easy to like.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Vince – A Story About (Unit Records)

Nice mix of moodiness and tunefulness from this quartet of sax, guitar, drums and bass.  Definitely some post-rock influence in the mix, but then there are tracks that show a willingness to bop right along.  When the quartet gets introspective is when the music shines.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Enrico Pieranunzi & Federico Casagrande – Double Circle (CamJazz)

Personable duo collaboration between pianist Pieranunzi and guitarist Casagrande.  Piano and acoustic guitar make for an intimate affair.  Nice mix of folksy charm and contemplative tranquility.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Frank Carlberg & Leo Genovese – Shadows and Reflections (Red Piano Records)

Duo set from Carlberg & Genovese utilizes piano, Rhodes, farfisa and organ between the two for an intriguingly relaxed session of Monk tunes and originals (plus one Cuchi tune).  Occasionally a simmering intensity, but more often than not, the music’s stoned disposition allows notes to hang in the air for an alluring effect.  Strangely engaging.

Artist site | Buy:  CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Have a great time digging through the list!

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

Cheers.

***

Good god, this was a strong week of new jazz releases.  As much as I dislike doing the whole co-pick thing, I just had no choice.  Both the Charles Lloyd and Reijseger/Fraanje/Sylla recordings are supremely intense and crafted masterfully.  But don’t stop there.  The four albums on the list that follow immediately after could all just as easily have been named the Pick of the Week.  And then there’s the “rest of the albums,” which, top to bottom, are a formidable group of new music.  I’m just thrilled with the music I’m able to include this week.  I’ll be writing more about many of them in the coming weeks.  Expect to see a slew of stand-alone recommendations that originate from this list.

My advice:  Immediately buy the first six albums on this list, and then pick and choose from the rest, to taste.  You won’t go wrong.  Even if a particular album of those six doesn’t necessarily appeal to you right now, it’s the kind of quality music you want sitting in your library until your tastes and/or your ear comes around and connects with the music’s brilliance.

Okay, enough gushing.

Let’s begin…

*** co-Picks of the Week ***

Charles Lloyd – Wild Man Dance

Absolutely stunning live performance of a new long-form piece by jazz giant Charles Lloyd.  A compelling moodiness throughout, even when his sextet surges up with huge, expressive emotions.  That sextet is top-notch.  Joining the saxophonist are drummer Gerald Cleaver, pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Joe Sanders, and Sokratis Sinopoulos and Miklos Lucaks on Greek lyra & cymbalom.   There’s a rawness to the lyricism that makes for some seriously thrilling moments, accentuated by the relentless nature of the rhythm unit.  The use of lyra and cimbalom add some texture to a recording that really does just fine in that category with the more traditional jazz instruments.  The electricity of the live performance resonates strongly on the recorded medium, though it isn’t likely to make you not wish to have been there when it all went down.  Just a great recording.

Released on Blue Note Records.  Visit the artist site.

Buy:  Amazon

Reijseger/Fraanje/Sylla – Count Till Zen

The trio of Ernst Reijseger, Harmen Fraanje and Mola Sylla just released a riveting follow-up to their equally stunning 2013 release Down Deep (which was named the Bird is the Worm Best of 2013 #7 album of the year).  The trio of cello/piano/percussion concoct up a magnetic serenity that stands apart from anything else on the scene, though some parallels could be drawn with the equally compelling work of the Codona trio back in the 70s.  I’ll be writing more about this excellent recording in the coming weeks, but, seriously, don’t bother waiting for my words… just go buy this album now.

Released on Winter & Winter.  Visit the artist site.

More Listening | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

*** This week’s featured albums ***

Tim Berne’s Snakeoil – You’ve Been Watching Me (ECM)

Alto saxophonist Berne’s previous works typically show flashes of sharp teeth and no hesitation to let ’em sink in deep.  His newest, however, is far more approachable due to some powerfully melodic passages that envelop this unconventional music.  An absolutely magnetic personality to this one.

Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Mikkel Ploug Trio – At Black Tornado (Whirlwind)

Guitarist Ploug’s trio session has a talkative style that’s plenty charismatic.  Rich textures and sharp melodicism keep the ear riveted throughout.  Occasional flourishes of folk-rock are a nice touch.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Respect Sextet – Respect ‘n’ You: Live at Greenwich House Music School (Self-Produced)

Very fun live set from the unconventionally-inclined Respect Sextet.  Most impressive is how they break from an orderly melodic procession into a mass hysteria of competing lines, and yet give the impression that everything is snapping right into place.  With half the outfit taken up by wind instruments, plenty of nice harmonic interludes, but its the way that all members contribute to rhythm-building that defines the album’s intelligence.

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

*****

Pedro Giraudo Big Band – Cuentos (Zoho)

Excellent big band session from bassist Giraudo, whose deft hand at directing the large ensemble results in lovely music with a most appealing flow.  The emotional impact of these pieces is considerable.  Just a hell of an album.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

MIT Wind Ensemble & MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble – Infinite Winds (Sunnyside)

Modern jazz all-stars Guillermo Klein, Don Byron, Bill McHenry, Chick Corea and Evan Ziporyn are all featured on this solid large ensemble/jazz orchestra outing.  Huge, sprawling sounds share the same patch of land as the most delicate interludes.  When the MIT ensemble gets a head of steam going, things really get exciting.

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

*****

Petros Klampanis – Minor Dispute (Inner Circle Music)

Interesting contemporary jazz strings project from bassist Klampanis.  An intriguing core quartet (which includes pianist Jean-Michel Pilc, guitarist Gilad Hekselman and drummer John Hadfield) is buffeted upwards with a complement of strings.  Has an evocative mix of soaring harmonies & up-tempo motion reminiscent of some of McCoy Tyner’s underrated 1980s experiments with strings & orchestra.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  Amazon

*****

Stockton Helbing – Patina (Armored Records)

Enjoyable straight-ahead set from drummer Helbing.  Earlier in his career, he put out some of the better modern-style contemporary jazz, giving the fusion sheen an appealing sense of propulsion.  Now, his last two albums have shown a hard bop heat and groove that is easy to get hooked on.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Pulcinella – L’empereur (Les Productions du Vendredi)

Whimsical and upbeat quartet of accordion, sax, bass & drums.  Folk-jazz that has an infectious pop music delivery along with some rock ‘n roll edge.  The harmonic action between accordion and sax provides plenty warmth as well as some essential contrast with the hard-charging rhythm section.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

The Ghost Notes – Secret Of A Memory (Hitchtone)

Likable quintet focusing on Gypsy jazz and Django Reinhardt comps.  An alluring serenity to some tunes that balances nicely with the up-tempo burners.  If you’re looking to add a hot jazz recording to your library, this is an interesting option.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Harold Mabern – Afro Blue (Smoke Sessions)

Veteran pianist Mabern is back with another excellent Smoke Sessions release, this time with a focus on vocalists, which is a first for the label.  Top-shelf straight-ahead bop, vibrant and full of life.  Gregory Porter and Norah Jones both take nifty turns at the mic.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Eric Vloeimans’ Oliver’s Cinema – Act 2 (Self-Produced)

The follow-up of Vloeiman’s Oliver’s Cinema is just as captivating as their self-titled release.  The trio of trumpet, accordion and cello is a strange kind of folk-jazz, working a cinematic angle at all times.  A quirky kind of tranquility.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Raffaello Pareti – Il Mondo che Verra (Artesuono)

Delightful quartet session from bassist Pareti.  Reeds & trombone combo lead to plenty of lyricism, heart and soul.  A couple moments that miss their target, but overall, just a real enjoyable recording that clearly places high value on a melodic life.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Carlos Averhoff Jr. – iRESI (Inner Circle Music)

Nice contrast of surging locomotion and light-on-its-feet lyricism to tenor saxophonist Averhoff’s quintet set.  Straight-forward bop expressed in a variety of ways, while keeping a strong cohesion to the album overall.  Strong line-up with alto saxophonist Greg Osby, pianist Aruan Ortiz, drummer Francisco Mela and bassist John Lockwood.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Rob Reich – Shadowbox (BAG Production)

Fascinating mix of folk and jazz, rarely expressed twice with the same ratio.  Joining accordionist Reich is an eclectic line-up of guitarist Ila Cantor, clarinetist Ben Goldberg, bassist Todd Sickafoose and drummer Eric Garland.  Has some beautiful melodic passages that cut right to the bone.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Have a great time digging through the list!

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

Cheers.

***

Maybe it’s just by comparison to last week, but this new haul of jazz releases seems a bit of a drop-off.  That said, there are some strong albums to be discovered this week.  El Negocito Records continues its strong trend of releasing unclassifiable & captivating music.  I’ll be writing about several recent releases on that label in the coming days.

There was a meagerly amount of audio available for embedding this week, and that’s a damn shame, too, because I swear, there are a couple albums in today’s list that, had they made a track available to include in the column, I am certain many of you would go running to the nearest retail site.  But, hey, about that music.

Let’s begin…

*** Pick of the Week ***

Julia Hülsmann Quartet – A Clear Midnight

Something of a Kurt Weill theme to this collaboration between pianist Julia Hülsmann and vocalist Theo Bleckmann, but ultimately this is an album that stands firmly on its own two feet and there’s no real need for the listener to be versed in the source material to get full enjoyment out of the blissfully gorgeous album.  Every track on this album casts the enchantment of moonlight on a dark eve, and possesses its strangely comforting warmth and its striking tranquility.  Hülsmann’s quartet is comprised of trumpeter Tom Arthurs, bassist Marc Muellbauer and drummer Heinich Kobberling, and their presence is that of the enveloping darkness giving even greater brilliance to Bleckmann & Hülsmann’s moonlight.  An album for rainy days and quiet nights and a refuge from a hard day or just any time that your life could use a strong infusion of beauty.

Released on ECM Records, where you can stream an album track.

Buy:  Amazon

*****

*** This week’s featured albums ***

Linus – Linus+Skarbø/Leroux (El Negocito)

Totally captivating session from the banjo, guitar & bari guitar of Ruben Machtelinckx and the tenor & C-melody saxophone & alto clarinet of Thomas Jillings, joined by the additional guitars of Frederik Leroux and Øyvind Skarbø on drums and Hammond organ.  A blend of folk, electronic, jazz and, well, experimental, I suppose.  It’s an avant-garde rendition of the theme to Deadwood.  Serene as all hell, but lots of quirks and jagged edges to bring out the lively personality.

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

*****

Lisa Hilton – Horizons (Self-Produced)

Gentle, but evocative straight-ahead session from pianist Hilton.  Her quintet (which includes all-stars Sean Jones, JD Allen, Gregg August and Rudy Royston) get every bit of lyricism out of every note.  Music that often has a dreamy presence.

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

*****

Kirk Knuffke – Arms & Hands  (Royal Potato Family)

Nifty inside/out session from cornetist Knuffke, drummer Bill Goodwin and bassist Mark Helias.  The trio (plus some guests) keep their hyperactivity contained in a relatively small pocket.  Spiders do the same thing in tight corners, and like Knuffke’s newest, it results in a web of cool shapes and riveting patterns.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Soundstream Jazz Sextet – The Decade (Self-Produced)

Big sound, big warmth from this hard bop unit.  Plenty of up-tempo tunes with an infectious enthusiasm.  Music that just jumps right out of the speakers, walks up and shakes your hand.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Diego Imbert Quartet – Colors (Self-Produced)

Nice straight-ahead post-bop set from bassist Imbert.  While it appears on its face not to be doing anything particularly special, each track emits a nice jolt of personality that engages the ear nicely.  The right amount of edge to accompany an effusive bounce.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Joe Lovano & Dave Douglas – Sound Prints: Live at Monterey Jazz Festival (Blue Note)

Recorded live at the Monterey Jazz Festival, this live set absolutely burns with the electricity of Being There.  This highly charged atmosphere is equally dependent on the accumulated force of a quintet locked in step and the conversational repartee between the all-star saxophonist Lovano and equally talented trumpeter Douglas.  So, yeah, to those “Jazz is dead” proclaimers… here’s your massively beating heart, assholes.  P.S. Really nice to see Blue Note Records continue its strong turnaround.

Artist site & Artist site | Buy: Amazon

*****

Mathieu Scheuber Group – Aggregato (Unit Records)

Vibrant set from pianist Scheuber, who switches between modern piano jazz, chamber jazz and South American folk.  Even at their most sublime, the album tracks have a liveliness that’s tough not to fall for.  A gripping melodicism to this one.

No artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Janice Friedman Trio – Live at Kitano (Self-Produced)

Seriously vibrant set from pianist Friedman, bassist Ed Howard and drummer Victor Lewis.  The electricity of a live performance really comes through strong on the recorded medium.  Rendition of Charles Davis’s “Half and Half,” part simmering intensity, part lively enthusiasm, shows what this album is all about.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Joe Fiedler Trio – I’m In (Self-Produced)

You can always rely on Fiedler to deliver to some straight-forward and heartfelt trombone-led jazz.  His, newest, though, goes way further in displaying different aspects of his trio’s personality.  Easily his best in recent years.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Filip Augustson – Viva Black (Found You Recordings)

Nifty session from bassist Augustson, violinist Eva Lindal and drummer Christopher Cantillo.  Dissonance and atonality are no obstacle for the trio’s unusual but charming melodicism.  Curious music that’ll engage the ear and likely elicit a smile or two.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Leïla Olivesi – Utopia (Jazz&People)

Strong lyricism from the quartet of pianist/vocalist Olivesi, guitarist Manu Codjia, saxophonist David Binney, and Yoni Zelnik & Donald Kontomanou on bass & drums.  Binney is outstanding on this one, though Codija ain’t far behind.  An album with a storyteller’s heart.

Artist site | Buy: Bandcamp – eMusic – Amazon

*****

Malin Wättring 4&8 – Glöd (Havtorn)

Plenty to like from saxophonist Wättring’s mixed set of quartet and octet.  The shift in presence between the two formations is often dramatic.  An alluring quality to this music, especially when the clarinets and cello join in and sing.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Jakob Davidsen’s Kammerat Orkester – Og Andre Dyr (ILK Music)

Intriguing chamber jazz session from pianist Davidsen, leading a quintet comprised of piano, clarinet, trombone, cello and tuba.  A stark beauty, sometimes bathed in warm harmonies, other times in the restless throes of melodic fragments.  Seriously compelling.

Stream album tracks on Ilk Music‘s dedicated site for its White Label Series releases.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Have a great time digging through the list!

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

Cheers.

***

We got hit with another strong week of new jazz releases.  And it’s not just the albums listed in today’s column that provide the measure of the week’s depth, but the quality of those albums that weren’t able to squeeze onto the column.  Some good stuff ahead of you today.

A whole bunch of today’s recommendations head out to the fringes of jazz territory, mostly to a place where electronics and effects play a major role in the music.  But if that doesn’t float your boat, no worries, because there’s a couple here today that will take you for a ride on the wayback machine, to a time when jazz was easily recognizable and familiar and warm to the touch.

So hey, let’s begin…

*** Pick of the Week ***

Jeremy Udden & Nicolas Moreaux – Belleville Project

Both bassist Nicolas Moreaux and saxophonist Jeremy Udden possess an enormous talent at meshing jazz and folk into dreamy reveries of country roads, forest streams and small town languor. What began as a correspondence between two artists who’d decided they’d found a bird of the same feather in one another eventually became rehearsals, live performances, and culminated in the recording, Belleville Project… named after the French town where the recording happened.

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

Released on Sunnyside Records.  Visit the artist site & artist site.

More listening | Buy:  Bandcamp | eMusic | Amazon

*****

*** This week’s featured albums ***

Einem.Art – Lamara (Double Moon)

Nifty contemporary fusion recording that dips into the past and present, both.  Quartet led out by trombonist Max von Einem build some fun grooves.  Lots of personality on this one.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  eMusic | Amazon

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

*****

Old Time Musketry – Drifter (NCM East)

Sophomore release from the jazz-folk quartet Old Time Musketry a big step up to a new plateau.  Strong lyricism delivered more crisply and woven tighter around the rhythms.  Mix of accordion, melodica, and woodwinds provides a whole bunch of warm & fuzzy harmonies that you’ll pray never end.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: Bandcamp  eMusic  CDBaby  Amazon

*****

Daniel Herskedal – Slow Eastbound Train (Edition)

So gorgeous, it’s stunning.  Tubist (yes, tubist) Herskedal is yet more evidence that the cumbersome tuba can make the most graceful music.  His core trio (tuba, piano & percussion) are joined by a chamber string orchestra for some beautifully ambient third-stream and folk-jazz music.

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

*****

Jeff Cosgrove/Frank Kimbrough/Martin Wind – Conversations With Owls (Self-Produced)

A pleasantly subdued avant-garde session from this drums, piano, bass trio.  The strongest moments are when the trio just barely restrains a burst of controlled ferocity.  Album includes an inspired take on “My Favorite Things.”

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

*****

Donny McCaslin – Fast Future (Greenleaf)

Saxophonist McCaslin continues his exploration of a modern electro-acoustic jazz medium, with some mixed results.  Huge surges of a Big Sound are sometimes undone with grand theatrics, though often this is eclipsed by a deep vocabulary and the eloquence to wield it.  McCaslin is definitely a guy with his own point of view, and it’s pretty exciting to watch him fearlessly pursue it… you gotta respect that.

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

*****

Bjorn Jansson – Genklang (Reach-Up)

Evocative session from saxophonist Jansson, who adds some bass clarinet in the right spots.  Swedish quintet gets in a nice mix of modern jazz, Nordic folk, and all-around moody goodness.  Easy to like.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Klabbes Bank – Z (Hoob)

The Klabbes Bank ensemble dive into an electronica-jazz approach only hinted at on previous recordings.  Their sharper melodicism is replaced by a fuzzier, more ambient sound.  A compelling turn from the talented cast.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

BenReddik – Gjemsel (Norcd)

Rather charming music from the Nordic septet BenReddik.  Heavy with the brass and woodwinds, and led out by a vocalist, they’ve got a nice easy-going nature to their tunes and keep things light.  Curious music that grows more embraceable with time.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Avishai Cohen – From Darkness (Sunnyside)

Bassist Cohen generates a lot of conversation from this trio session.  The dialog features some intense melodicism to accompany the friendly chatter.  You really can’t go wrong with a Cohen album.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Jose James – Yesterday I Had The Blues (Blue Note)

Excellent Billy Holiday-tribute from vocalist James, in a quartet with pianist Jason Moran, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Eric Harland.  This one takes you back… whether it’s the Nat King Cole-like confident ease or the classic Blue Note Records album cover… it brings the lineage of jazz vocal sessions right into the present day.  Unfussy, unshowy, and terribly affecting.

Artist site | Buy:  Amazon

*****

Polar Bear – Same as You (Leaf Label)

Easily the most engaging aspect of Polar Bear’s latest foray to the fringes of jazz is the way they sit, simultaneously, at extremes of electric liveliness and kicked-back serenity. It’s easy enough to focus on just one quality, but not without feeling the touch of the other. Way cool.

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

*****

David Fettmann Trio – Ruby Project (Double Moon)

Very fun trio session from alto saxophonist Fettmann, organist Guillaume Naud and drummer Jonathan Blake.  This straight-ahead session is elevated by the trio’s high-energy enthusiasm and their incisive lyricism, with no skimping on either melody or rhythm.  An album with plenty of excitement and a real enjoyable way of talking.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Mark Helias Open Loose – The Signal Maker (Intakt)

Appealing modern set from bassist Helias, saxophonist Tony Malaby and drummer Tom Rainey.  Melodies are frayed at the edges, form doesn’t always hold, and rhythmic attacks come from many angles.  But at its core, this is whip smart music delivered with an appealing ease.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Hirofumi Asaba – Easy Like (Self-Produced)

Real nifty classic jazz sound for guitarist Asaba’s debut.  His quintet swings, light on their feet, melody always in hand.  Guitar and vibes make a very nice pairing, provide some nice bounce and warmth.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Arturo Serra – Nebulosa (New Steps)

Likable straight-ahead date from vibraphonist Serra.  His quintet maintains a brisk pace and a sunny attitude.  Plenty of hard bop goodness to cheer anyone’s 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.

***

This is a good week for those of you who prefer your music to wander out to the fringes and take an unconventional path getting there.  Many of the albums recommended from this week’s batch of new jazz releases will satisfy that particular craving.  That said, there’s a couple excellent options for those who prefer their jazz come at them like a fastball right over the center of the plate.

Nobody gets left out of the recommendations column.  I’ll always find something you like.  With that thought in mind…

Let’s begin.

*** Pick of the Week ***

Ben Goldberg – Orphic Machine

Goldberg has always been the inventive sort, but it’s his way of being sneakily avant-garde that should earn him the most praise.  His ability to render challenging music into something quite embraceable is no easy thing, but that Goldberg does it one project after the other is a considerable feat.  His newest has him putting to music the words of his former teacher’s book about the art of poetry.  Joined by a very strong cast (Ron Miles, Myra Melford, Kenny Wollesen, Ches Smith, Greg Cohen, Rob Sudduth and Carla Kihlstedt), Goldberg turns the didactic into the kind of creative inspiration that the lyric’s source material instructed upon.

Read more about this album on Bird is the Worm this Monday, March 30th.

Released on BAG Productions/Royal Potato Family.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

*** This week’s featured albums ***

Petros Sakelliou – Visual Music Circus (Self-Produced)

A very cool perspective from pianist & composer Sakelliou, who nicely fuses Mediterranean, Afro-Latin, jazz and classical into a singular expression.  His large ensemble, strong on the reeds & strings, deftly gives a light touch to a big sound.  Whimsical, enlightening and inventive.  Expect to read more about this album on Bird is the Worm in the coming weeks.

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

*****

Max Frankl – Fernweh (Unit Records)

Nice textures created by Frankl’s use of acoustic, electric and classical guitars.  Shifts between straight-ahead modern, Nordic serene and shades in-between.  Strong imagery, often quite vivid.

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

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

*****

Yves Rousseau 4tet – Akasha (Abalone)

Stunning chamber jazz session from bassist Rousseau’s quartet (which includes drummer Christophe Marguet, violinist Regis Huby and saxophonist Jean-Marc Larche).  Vivid harmonic passages are the glue between strong melodic surges and punctuated rhythms.  Strength and beauty.

Artist site | Listen | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project – Lines of Color (Blue Note/ArtistShare)

A live performance of Truesdell’s Gil Evans project that’s no less brilliant than its studio companion.  The orchestra’s big sound is made unimposing by its abundance of warmth.  An amazing album that repeatedly provides a sense of liftoff.

Artist site

*****

Aaron Comess – Aaron Comess Quintet (Innsbruck)

Very likable live sets from drummer Comess.  Covers of Coltrane’s “Resolution” and Harris’s “Freedom Jazz Dance” are excellent centerpieces for the straight-ahead originals.  Vibrant music with plenty of heart.

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

George Crowley – Can of Worms (Whirlwind)

An interesting session from saxophonist Crowley’s quintet.  Twin tenor sax formation leads to some nifty solos and warm harmonies.  Those tunes where he launches off from standard post-bop to fuzzier forms of jazz/not-jazz is where the album really takes off.

Artist site | Buy:  eMusic – Amazon

*****

Clara Haberkamp Trio – You Sea! (Laika)

A pleasant easy-going nature to Haberkamp’s newest, which gives the piano trio format some disjointed and rambunctious moments that ratchet up the album’s personality.  Strong melodic treatments add contrast, especially when the vocals enter at unexpected intervals.  Plenty here to like.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Beppe di Benedetto 5tet – Another Point of View (TRJ Records)

Solid new release from trombonist di Benedetto.  Like his solid 2012 release See the Sky, his quintet generates plenty of warmth and buoyant energy.  Straight-ahead jazz that speaks to both old- and new-school forms of expression.

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

*****

Kevin Eubanks & Stanley Jordan – Duets (Mack Avenue)

Remarkably engaging duo guitar set from two vets of the jazz scene.  Tunes possess a peaceful easy-going ambiance, even when the duo tackles the complexities of a composition or just decides to bring some heat.  Quite beautiful.

Download a free album track at Eubanks’ site (LINK).

Artist site | Listen | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

The Ordinary Square – When In Paris (Hoob)

Engrossing modern straight-ahead set from this Swedish quartet (sax, piano, drums, bass).  When they turn up the heat, it keeps to a comfortable warmth and when they enter a moody phase, the music stays sufficiently sunny to keep away the sadness.  Nice rainy-day music.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Chris McNulty – Eternal (Palmetto)

Rather struck by the accompaniment of vocalist McNulty’s trio as well as the chamber orchestra.  There’s a subdued grace to the music, even as it gives the impression of a sweeping majesty.  Pretty music that stays sincere.

Artist site | Buy: eMusic – Amazon

*****

Reggie Quinerly – Invictus (Self-Produced)

Drummer Quinerly’s newest is noticeably more standard modern fare than his excellent 2012 release, Music Inspired by Freedmantown.  That said, it’s plenty likable, and radiates a real friendly sort of energy.  Warren Wolf’s work on vibes are an absolute delight on this session.

Artist site | Buy:  CDBaby – Amazon

*****

Have a great time digging through the list!

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

Cheers.

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