All That Jazz ...

[coaltrain]

Two albums featuring Oliver Nelson as the arranger.
The first one is unusual as it’s the only time Mink has recorded with a big band.
The second one is even stranger as it’s an Oliver Nelson album that he doesn’t play on! Which is probably why it doesn’t live up to the original BATAT.
Nevertheless, his arrangements on both are gorgeous as always.

 

[coaltrain]

Big Blues is a quintet recording with an unusual lineup of flugelhorn, guitar, vibes, electric bass and drums.
Farmer’s playing echoes Hall’s melodic and gentle touch throughout the album, making for a warm, relaxing listen. Mike Mainieri adds a touch of sparkle on vibes, Mike Moore provides sinuous bass lines, and Steve Gadd propels the group with his typical energy.
This was not an album I was familiar with, so really happy to discover it now.

 

[coaltrain]

Benson’s penultimate album for CTI, just before he hit us with Breezin’.
If, like me, you’re a fan of the latter, you’ll find a lot to like here. Benson is in slow burn, deep funk mode, and the supporting cast is in fine form: Eric Gale, Ronnie Foster, Joe Farrell, Steve Gadd and the Breckers all contribute to the overall vibe. A great companion album to Breezin’, I feel.

 

[panditji]

When one thinks of 80s J Jazz fusion, the last instrument that comes to mind is trombone!
Yet, Shigeharu Mukai pulls it off with aplomb on Margarita. Which, coincidentally, is the appropriate beverage to partner with this lazy Sunday afternoon album.

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Just got hold of his albums today.. will listen today evening..

 

[moktan]

A foundational hardbop album infused with gospel , blues and souls elements. Blakey’s driving drums and Silver’s funky piano deliver a punch that is as rhythmic as it is subtly sophisticated. Eminently listenable even to those making their early forays into jazz listening.

• “The Preacher” – iconic, gospel-tinged groove. Silver reportedly had to fight to include it because Blue Note’s Alfred Lion thought it was too churchy.

 

[moktan]

Anyone looking to explore beyond Miles and Coltrane will be well served to pick this budget reissue of 21 jazz albums. Some of these cats are pioneers , others are influential second generation stylists.
You get standout albums like:

• Clifford Brown – New Star on the Horizon
• Elmo Hope Trio – New Faces–New Sounds
• Kenny Burrell – On View at the Five Spot Cafe
• Sheila Jordan – Portrait of Sheila (a vocal jazz gem)
• Thad Jones – Detroit–New York Junction
  The remastering quality is variable : some transfers are clean and acceptable, while others may lack clarity, dynamic range, or suffer from background noise. But the music is all there .
  
  
  

 

[sameer kumar]

Both are early and more straight Jazzy albums by SunRa. Music is unique and beautiful. Especially the Jazz in the Silhuette

 

[Nikhil]

Revisited some jazz funk last night!

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[Nikhil]

 

[coaltrain]

While Kylyn is a Kazumi Watanabe album, Ryuichi Sakamoto (of Yellow Magic Orchestra fame) plays a key role on keyboards. A superb supporting cast includes Ponta Murakami on drums, Mikio Masuda on keys and Shigeharu Mukai on trombone. Classic J Jazz fusion.

 

[Nikhil]

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[Nikhil]

 

[sameer kumar]

Harold’s silky Sax tone and Bobby’s delicate overtones create a serene interplay.. ….mellow Jazz!

 

[Nikhil]

Found a really nice Harold Land album via the Spotify algorithm.

 

[sameer kumar]

This is music that “repays repeated listening” perfect for evaluating how your system reveals new details with familiarity, a hallmark of great recordings . Highly reccomended! Give it a listen

 

[Nikhil]

Some interesting news ... the Blue Serge album has been selected by Chris Connaker of Audiophile Style to his list of CASH Albums. He has done a fantastic job of covering the album and is worth a read. From my side, I have to give a hat tip to @sameer kumar who was the one who recommended the album to me.

Link: CASH Albums - Blue Serge

 

[Nikhil]

 

[sameer kumar]

Beautiful music and brilliant live recording ..so much so that you feel you are on stage with the musicians.

Check it

https://open.qobuz.com/album/vea555o9i20qa

 

[grindstone]

Almost too smooth Joey DeFranceso:

 

[coaltrain]

For the longest time, I ignored this album because the Penguin Guide rated it only 2 stars. I should have used my ears instead!
Great slow burning jazz funk with Blue Mitchell and Idris Muhammed stoking the flames.