London Jazz Festival 2008

London Jazz Festival 2008, in association with BBC Radio 3, took city of London between November 14 - 23.

London Jazz Festival 2008.org.uk

London Jazz Festival 2008 on BBC Radio3

It was featured by big name artists from Herbie Hancock, Chris Potter, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chucho Valdes, Bill Frisell, Courtney Pine, to new and experimental artists such as Bugge Wesseltoft, Robert Glasper, and Peter Brotzmann. In addition, there are straight Jazz with new approach from Matthew Herbert Big Band, Roy Hargrove, and The Fice Corners Quintet.

Gianluca Petrella Cosmic Band

Nicola Conte's collaborator Gianluca Petrella and his Cosmic Band


I would like to write more about Schema Records and associating artists.

Nicola Conte "Rituals", Schema 2008

Nicola Conte is one of the main figures in Nu-Jazz scene since 90s. Even before Nu-Jazz term began to appear in the media, Italian producer / composer / DJ Nicola Conte was taking his bossa-nova style Jazz in to the floor.

This is his latest album "Rituals", from Schema in 2008. 4 years since his release "Other Directions" on Blue Note Records, this is his signature bossa-nova, latin-Jazz influenced sounds, but with more refined manner. Each track is a song, with vocals, rather than grooves or "dance track". With guests artists like Greg Osby, Teppo Makynen of The Five Corners Quintet, Jose James, and regulars like Pietro Lussu, Gianluca Petrella, and Fabrizio Bosso, he assembles and leads the collectives of musicians, without the use of laptop, drum machine, or turntables. It is nice to see the artists still playing live music. There is a great cover of Duke Ellington's "Caravan". There is also a EP from Schema which has 2 tracks from the album in different versions.

Nicola Conte Official Site
Nicola Conte on Myspace

Schema Records Official Site
Schema Records on Myspace
Schema Records on YouTube

Like Leaves In The Wind


Track Listing:
1. Karma Flower (4:03)
2. The Nubian Queens (6:20)
3. Like Leaves In The Wind (4:51)
4. Love In (4:52)
5. Awakening feat. Jose James (5:51)
6. Paper Clouds (4:08)
7. I See All Shades Of You (5:51)
8. Macedonia (7:06)
9. Song For The Seasons (3:33)
10. Red Sun (4:43)
11. Black Is The Graceful Veil (5:00)
12. Caravan (5:38)
13. Rituals (7:35)

Personnel:
Michael Pinto - Vibes, Percussions
Pierpaolo Bisogno - Vibes, Percussions
Dario Deidda - Bass
Pietro Ciancaglini - Bass
Lorenzo Tucci - Drums
Teppo Makynen - Drums
Daniele Scannapieco - Flute, Tenor Sax
Sandro Deidda - Flute, Tenor Sax
Diane Peters - Harp
Lyrics By [Words] - José James* (tracks: 5) , Nicola Conte (tracks: 1 to 4, 6, 7, 9 to 11)
Music By - Dusko Gojkovich* (tracks: 8) , Nicola Conte (tracks: 1 to 7, 9 to 11, 13) , Sandro Deidda (tracks: 9)
Pietro Lussu - Piano
Edizioni Ishtar - Producer
Nicola Conte - Producer, Guitar
Gaetano Partipilo - Alto Sax
Greg Osby - Alto Sax
Gianluca Petrella - Trombone
Mario Corvini - Trombone
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet
Giovanni Amato - Trumpet
Till Bronner - Trumpet
Alice Ricciardi - Vocals (tracks: 7, 9)
Chiara Civello - Vocals (tracks: 1, 6)
José James - Vocals (tracks: 2, 3, 5)
Kim Sanders - Vocals (tracks: 1, 4, 10, 11)
Philipp Weiss - Vocals (tracks: 4, 12)

Cosmic Village "Cosmic Village", For Life Records 2000

Cosmic Village was the project by Hajime Yoshizawa, Shuya Okino (Kyoto Jazz Massive), Masato Nakamura (Sleep Walker), and Yasushi Kurobane to create future-Jazz mixing with various styles of music including fusion, drum n bass, breakbeats, rock and later to be called "broken beats".

This is their 3rd and the first original album "Cosmic Village", released by For Life in 2000.Mixing with Kurobane's rock guitar sound with Jazz taste of Yoshizawa and Nakamura, Cosmic Village created hybrid sounds that had become genre-less and timeless. It is difficult to describe the album with one category, and it is reasonable to believe that many producers and artists have taken the same footstep to produce similar crossover sounds with collaborative efforts as seen in this project.

They are now gone to solo or group, but Cosmic Village is still alive, and continues evolving.

Track list:
1. Translucent (0:43)
2. The Mirage (4:21)
3. You Can See The Light (5:27)
4. Gravity (4:23)
5. Violets (3:25)
6. Full Load (4:48)
7. Starseed (5:44)
8. Mid-Day-Moon (5:21)
9. Perfect Emotion (4:49)
10. Astral Circulation (6:21)
11. Spiral I (6:05)
12. Biophonics (6:09)
13. Earthrise (3:56)

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Hajime Yoshizawa "Japan", Village Again 2008

Hajime Yoshizawa is the Jazz pianist / keyboardist from Japan. He has been the forerunner in Japanese club Jazz scene, and the one of the most sought keyboardist in nu-Jazz scene by contributing his electric touch with many groups and producers, including Kyoto Jazz Massive, and Jazzanova. He is also a member of Jazz quartet Sleep Walker, more straight forward hard bop group.

Hajime Yoshizawa on Myspace
Hajime Yoshizawa (sorry, Japanese only)
Hajime Yoshizawa blog (sorry, Japanese only)

This is Yoshizawa's solo album "Japan", his first solo material since 2005 from "Music From The Edge Of The Universe". The album is live Jazz, and features guests like Japanese legend Kosuke Mine (sorry, the site is in Japanese) and Navasha Daya of Fertile Ground on vocal. This is his expression to the roots of Jazz, with mix of spiritual modal Jazz, Afro-latin rhythm and vocals. There is an EP release for US and Europe. Cannot wait for the full album release. The essential Japan Jazz album.
Track List:
1. Open Door
2. Time feat Navasha Daya
3. Yoake-Dawn
4. Home feat Shanti
5. Aska
6. Eastern Step
7. Celebration feat Navasha Daya
8. Satellite Dancer
9. Rain
0. May
11. The Seeds Of Spring feat Akiko
12. Bristlecone Pine feat Navasha Daya
13. The Color Of Peace

Sleep Walker playing at Batofar in Paris, 2008

There is his new album coming out this December. The report coming very very soon!

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Nicola Conte "Sketches of Samba", Schema 2008

The last of Nicola Conte triplet is "Sketches of Samba" from Schema in 2008. This is nice 10 inch vinyl EP with small group playing bossa-style Jazz. The 1st track "Groovy Samba" is cover from Cannonball Adderley's 1962 release "Bossa Nova" (on Riverside) featuring Sergio Mendez. The 2nd track "Solo" is a tribute to Brazilian multi-instrumentalist J.T. Meirelles of Meirelles E S Os Copa 5, in which the tune appeared on 1965 album "O Novo Som" (featuring Eumir Deodato on piano). Five Corner's Quintet's Timo Lassy and Teppo Makynen join as guests on track 2. The other 2 tracks are different version from Conte's album "Rituals". I am quite impressed with young trumpeter Fabrizio Bosso with fierce and energetic sound.

Nicola Conte and his group playing at Casa del Jazz on April 17, 2008


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Personnel:
Fabrizio Bosso - Trumpet
Daniele Scannapieco - Tenor Sax
Pietro Lussu - Piano
Nicola Conte - Guitar, Producer, Composer
Pietro Ciancaglini - Double Bass
Lorenzo Tucci - Drums

Timo Lassy - Flute (Track 2) from The Five Corners Quintet
Sandro Deidda - Tenor Sax (Track 2)
Teppo Makynen - Drums (Track 2)
The Five Corners Quintet
The Five Corners Quintet on Myspace
Timo Lassy
Timo Lassy on Myspace

Jose' James - Vocals (Track 3)
Sandro Deidda Flute, Tenor Sax (Track 3)
Giovanni Amato - Trumpet (Track 3)
Mario Corvini - Trombone (Track 3)
Pierpalo Bisogno - Vibes, Bongos (Track 3)
Sandro Deidda - Arrangement (Track 3)
Jose James
Jose James on Myspace

Gaetano Partipilo - Flute (Track 4)
Kim Sanders - Vocals (Track 4)
Pierpaolo Bisogno - Vibraphone, Congas (Track 4)
Kim Sanders
Kim Sanders on Myspace

Tracklist:
1. Groovy Samba
2. Solo
3. The Nubien Queen feat. Jose James (Samba Version)
4. Paper Clouds feat. Kim Sanders (Uptempo Version)

More about J.T. Meirelles, nice blog post from Jazz Station

Nicola Conte presents "Viagem", Far Out Recordings 2008

This year's another release from Nicola Conte is the compilation "Nicola Conte Presents Viagem" from Far Out Recordings, 2008. When you hear the first track, and if you are nu-jazz heads, you will go like "ahhhh".

"Nicola Conte Presents Viagem" on Far Out Recording
Fae Our Recording on Myspace

Download

Tracklist:
1. Tenório Jr. - Nebuloso
2. Trio Maraya - Canto De Ossanha
3. Hector Costita Sexteto - Tokio
4. Wanda Sá - Vivo Sonhando
5. Ana Lúcia - Balanço Do Mar
6. Zimbo Trio - Zimbo Samba
7. Djalma Dias & Sambossa 5 - Cidade Vazia
8. Octeto De Cesar Camargo Mariano - Samblues
9. Yvette - Preconceito
10. Bossa Jazz Trio - Vamos Embora Uau
11. Sansa Trio - Samba Em Blue
12. Edgard & Os Tais - Bambe-Lo
13. Claudia & Brazilian Octopus - Gosto De Ser Como Sou
14. Som 3 - Margarida B
15. Tenório Jr. - Samadhi

Ornette Coleman "Crisis", Impulse! 1969

10 years early, by releasing "The Shape Of Jazz To Come", Ornette Coleman made his mark in Jazz community. He continued to record consistent music with great talents. This is Ornette Coleman "Crisis", released by Impluse! in 1969. This was his 2nd album released from Impluse!, after releasing moderate records for Blue Note in mid 60s. This is surprising, but there is no CD reissue for this album. Someone must have forgotten about the album. This is so easy to classify as his all-star line-up, with Haden on bass and Cherry on trumpet. There are a few bits and pieces that people talk about his then 12-years old son playing drums. You could always compare with Billy Higgins or Ed Blackwell as his main drummers, or others such as Elvin Jones or Sunny Murray.But on this album, because it is such a good recording, the band plays in such fiery, intense and provocative music. He is still active in NYC as of today, still trying to express "the sound".

Burning Bill of Rights on the cover? Man! This cannot be happening.

This was recorded live at concert in New York University, NYC, March 22, 1969.

Personnel:
Charlie Haden - Bass
Dewey Redman - Clarinet, Tenor Sax
Ornette Denardo Coleman - Drums
Don Cherry - Flute, Trumpet
Ornette Coleman - Alto Sax, Violin

Side A:
Broken Shadows
Comme It Faut

Side B:
Song For Che
Space Jungle
Trouble In The East

Novi Singers "Rien Ne Va Plus", Muza 1973

Groovy and funky vocal album from NOVI Singers. This is Novi Singers "Rien Ne Va Plus", released by Muza in 1973. Novi Singers was Polish Jazz vocal group formed in 1964, with Bernard Kawka, Waldemar Parzyński, Janusz Mych, Ewa Wanat, but released only a few albums. NOVI stands for New Original Vocal Instruments. Their original recordings are hard to find, but there is a great compilation by Jazzanova and Daniel West.

Novi Singers: Vocal Jazz From Poland 1965-1975 on JCR

I really like side B. Big band style arrangement with electric rhythm section. Change of pace, styles, harmony. Somehow, the last track is the "Introduction". Should it be the first track?

Personnel:
Vocals and Arrangement - Bernard Kawka, Janusz Mych, Tomasz Ochalski, Waldemar Parzyński

Wojciech Bruślik - Bass
Paweł Jarzębski - Bass
Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewski - Conductor
Janusz Stefański - Drums
Marek Blizinski - Guitar
Wlodzimierz Nahorny - Piano
Zbigniew Namyslowski - Alto Sax
Janusz Muniak - Alto Sax, Tenor Sax
Waldemar Krupiński - Baritone Sax
Tomasz Szukalski - Tenor Sax
Stanisław Cieślak - Trombone
Stanisław Mizeracki - Trumpet
Tomasz Stanko - Trumpet
Zbigniew Seifert - Violin

Side A:
1. Oh Woman
2. The Look Of Love
3. My Own Revolution
4. The Fool On The Hill
5. Second Sight

Side B:
1. Blue Moon
2. Like A Dream In The Sky
3. Rien Ne Va Plus
4. Canto Triste
5. Introduction

Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland "Volcano", Polydor 1968

If I have a chance to choose which big band I could see in my lifetime, The Clarke-Boland Big Band would be my ultimate choice. This is The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band "Volcano", released in 1969 by Polydor. Also known as "Live at Ronnie's 1" because this was recorded live At Ronnie Scott's Club, London on February 28th 1969.

To my opinion, they are the greatest Jazz big band in the history and of all I have heard. Hard bop slammer, with sharp-edged horn sections and lively modal and moving sound. They had been together for 12 years throughout 60s, mainly working and recording in Europe for labels such as MPS. Even though some members changed, they kept their sounds tight and explosive, with arrrangement by Boland made the sound swing, sophisticated, and modern. Not to forget, there were many notable sidemen like Benny Bailey, Idrees Sulieman, Dusko Gojkovic, Billy Mitchell, and Sahib Shihab.

There is a French documentary called "Faces" that introduces CBBB.


Personnel:
Ron Mathewson - Bass
Kenny Clare - Drums
Kenny Clarke - Leader, Drums
Francy Boland - Leader, Piano, Arranger
Chris Whent - Producer
Gigi Campi - Producer
Derek Humble - Alto Sax
Sahib Shihab - Soprano Sax, Baritone Sax
Johnny Griffin - Tenor Sax
Ronnie Scott - Tenor Sax
Tony Coe - Tenor Sax, Clarinet
Ake Persson, Erik Van Lier, Nat Peck - Trombone
Benny Bailey, Dusko Goykovich, Idrees Sulieman, Tony Fisher - Trumpet

Side A:
1. Box
2. Griff's Groove

Side B:
1. Volcano
2. Love Which TO No Loved One Permits Excuse For Loving
3. Now Hear My Mearnin'
4. And Thence We Issued Out Again To See The Stars

The Clarke-Boland Big Band Discography

Woody Herman "Heavy Exposure", Cadet 1969

Woody Herman, as many know his as a big band leader and fine clarinet player during swing era in 40s, before be bob started to take the spotlight in Jazz. Perhaps, the most famous for "Four Brothers", but he encourage young Jazz musicians to play with his band, whom later have become well-known figures in the history of Jazz. Even after Be Bop had become the much talked music, Herman was always keen to newer styles of music, and kept his versatilities by playing with big band / small band / pop, rock, soul-oriented music.

During 60s, Herman records with 3 albums with Cadet Records.With Cadent arranger Richard Evans, surprisingly he plays more rock and soul music at that time, mixing with Herman's splashy big band with Evans' soulful groove. This is Woody Herman "Heavy Exposure", released by Cadet in 1969. On this recording, he and producer / arranger Richard Evans combines Soul-Jazz arrangement into Herman's conventional big band style of playing, very tight with horns and yet groovy with fuzzy guitar, and funky drumming and percussions.

BTW, Donny Hathaway plays organ on the album.

Side A:
1. Flying easy (Donny Hathaway)
2. I can't get next to you (Whitfield & Strong)
3. Aquarius (J. Rado, G. Ragni, G. MacDermot)
4. Memphis underground (Herbie Mann)
5. High school hero (Jake Holmes)
6. Lancaster gate (Richard Evans)

Side B:
1. The hut (Richard Evans)
2. My cherie amour (Cosby, Wonder & May)
3. It's your thing (Richard Evans)
4. Catch that bird (Loonis McGlohan)
5. Sex machine (Sylvester Stewart)

Personnel:
Gene Perla - Bass
Edward Soph (tracks: A1, A5, B1, B2, B4, B5) - Drums
Morris Jennings (tracks: A2 to A4, A6, B3) - Drums
Phil Upchurch - Guitar
Donny Hathaway - Organ
Marshall Thompson - Percussion
Richard Powell - Percussion
John Hicks - Piano
Richard Evans - Producer, Arranger
Alan Gauvin - Reeds
Frank Vicari - Reeds
Sal Nistico - Reeds
Steve Lederer - Reeds
Woody Herman - Saxophone, Clarinet
Bobby Burgess - Trombone
Pete Dalbis - Trombone
Tom Malone - Trombone
Bill Chase - Trumpet
Harry Hall - Trumpet
Jeff Brillinger - Trumpet
Richard Murphy - Trumpet
Rigby Powell - Trumpet
William Byrne - Trumpet

Woody Herman & Richard Evans "The Hut"

Live album by Jill Scott "Experience; Jill Scott 826+", Hidden Beach, 2001

Continuing with Jill Scott, this is her live double-album "Experience; Jill Scott 826+", released by Hidden Beach Recordings in 2001. The title 826 means it was recorded on August 25 & 26 at D.A.R. Constitution Hallat, Washington DC, and "+" is for bonus materials in CD 2, with unreleased materials.

Disc 1
1. "Show Intro (Alright Man, It's Time for You to Move)" – 1:33
2. "A Long Walk (Groove)" (Jill Scott, Andre Harris) – 6:18
3. "Love Rain (Suite)" (Jill Scott, Vidal Davis) – 12:30
4. "Slowly Surely" (Jill Scott, Darren Henson, Don Winston Thompson (PROC), K. Fareed, M. Taylor, A. Shaheed Muhammad, J. Yancey, T. Tei, B. Gilberto) – 3:50
5. "One Is the Magic # (Redux)" (Jill Scott, Vidal Davis) – 6:19
6. "Do You Remember" (Jill Scott, Andre Harris) – 8:40
7. "Gettin' in the Way" (Jill Scott, Vidal Davis) – 7:42
8. "It's Love" (Jill Scott, Keith Pelzer, Darren Henson) – 7:36
9. "The Way" (featuring Mike Phillips) (Jill Scott, Andre Harris) – 8:26
10. "Fatback Taffy" (Jill Scott) – 2:15
11. "He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat) (Movements I, II & III)" (Jill Scott, Keith Pelzer) – 9:02

Disc 2
1. "Free (Prelude)" (Jill Scott, Andre Harris) – 1:31
2. "Gotta Get Up (Another Day)" (featuring 4hero) (Jill Scott, M. Clair, B. Munn) – 4:58
3. "One Time" (Jill Scott, Vidal Davis, Eric Roberson) – 3:55
4. "Sweet Justice" (Jill Scott, Vidal Davis, Darren Henson) – 5:20
5. "Thickness" (Jill Scott) – 11:02
6. "High Post Brotha" (featuring Common) (Jill Scott, Ivan Barias, Lonnie Lynn, Dale Warren) – 3:41
7. "Gimme" (Jill Scott, Ivan Barias, Randy Muller) – 3:33
8. "Be Ready" (Jill Scott, Ted Thomas, Jr., Jay Chattaway) – 3:13
9. "Free (Epilogue)"/"Gotta Get Up (Another Day)" (Minnie Version) – 16:18

Personnel:
Carol Riddick - Backing Vocals (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
Monique Harcum - Backing Vocals (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
Vivian Green - Backing Vocals (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
Terry Tribbett - Bass (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
Erik Tribbett - Drums (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
Pete Kuzma - Keyboards (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
James Mason - Percussion (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
Fatback Taffy - Producer (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
Jill Scott - Producer (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
Vidal Davis - Producer (tracks: 2-03, 2-04)
Jeff Bradshaw - Trombone (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)
Matt Cappy - Trumpet (tracks: 1-01 to 1-11, 2-05)

Download 1

or

Download 2

Jill Scott "Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds vol.1", Hidden Beach, 2000

This is just my personal story on how I came about Jill Scott.

I recently heard in the podcast "The Official Twisted Funk Show", when Marc Mac, of 4 Hero, was talking to DJ Rumble about his work with Jill Scott. And that reminded me with my first encounter with Jill Scott a long time ago.

I first heard Jill Scott when she toured with Th Roots for "Things Fall Apart" tour in 1999, where she came in for Erykah Badu. Then, I began hearing her on GIlles Peterson "Worldwide" on BBC Radio1. I was going "Who is Jill Scott?", that people talked about. That was around the time when BBC Radio started Internet broadcast, not podcast, but real-time streaming. And being such an experimentalist, Gilles did live video streaming from, I think, Maida Vale studio. (This was like 1999, and considering it now, it was real forefront challenge in terms of technology and Internet.) And that night's guest was Jill Scott. It was really amazing show, I remember. with full band. She sang tracks from herf album

I personally saw her solo concert, this time I think some of The Roots played with her. She was, and still is, great singer and performer, with such charizma and vocal power on stage.

Oh, and one other thing. When this Album came out, I bought CD. "CD"! Such a history word.

Jill Scott "Who Is Jill Scott, Words and Sounds vol.1", Hidden Beach Recordings, 2000
Download

1. Jilltro
2. Do you remember?
3. Exclusively
4. Gettin' in the way
5. A long walk
6. I think it's better
7. He loves me
8. It's love
9. The way
10. Honey Malasses
11. Love rain
12. The roots (Interlude)
13. Slowly Surely
14. One is the magic #
15. Watching me
16. Brotha
17. Show me
Hidden track: Try/Love Rain remix feat. Mos Def

Jill Scott bio from Jillscott.com

Twisted Funk
Twisted Funk on Myspace
Marc Mac 4 Hero on Myspace
DJ Rumble of DBR on Myspace

Randy Weston "Tanjah", Polydor, 1973

Randy Weston is the living legend for Jazz. As a soloist, his piano is so distinctive with his percussive touch, but he also shows his creativity as a composer and as a band leader.

In this recording, he teamed up with Melba Liston, who he had collaborated with from early 60s, and large group of big name musicians. Weston's ability to create timeless music and blend rhythmic sounds with African influence marks him one of the true originators of Jazz. On this recording, you could hear him playing Fender Rhodes, as well as acoustic piano.

The album was nominated for Grammy for Best Jazz Performance by Big Band in 1974 (the award went to Woody Herman's Giant Steps, the another funky electric big band recording)

Side A:
1. Hi Fly
2. In Memory Of
3. Sweet Meat
4. Jamaica East

Side B:
1. Tanjah
2. The last Day


Randy Weston.info: Tanjah

Irakere "Irakere", 1979 Columbia Records

Going along with Afro-Jazz theme, this is "Irakere", released by Columbia Records in 1979. Irakere is Afro-Cuban Jazz group led by pianist and keyboadist Jesus "Chucho" Valdes and saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera. This was recorded at Newport Festival in NYC and Montreux Jazz Festival, and all tracks are composed and arranged by Valdes. The combination of drumming and brass is so energetic, so many change of tempo, and styles, from chanting to drumming to solos. In every tracks, you could find "break" to chop it, if you are in to chopping beats. But not in a commercial way, in a style of natural Cuban rhythm, jam session.

Though this album is everything about Latin-Jazz, it is so interesting to hear that there is a section in the middle on "Misa Negra", that Chucho Valdez plays acoustic piano in classical arrangement. Also interesting enough, the last track "Aguanile" is featured on Grand Theft Auto Vice City soundtrack: Radio Espantoso.

Personnel:
Chucho Valdes: Piano, keyboard
Paquito D'Rivera: Alto sax, Soprano sax, Flute
Arturo Sandoval: Trumpet, vocals
Carlos Averhoff: Tenor sax, Soprano sax, Flute
Jorge Varona: Trumpet
Carlos Emilio Morales: Guitar
Oscar Valdes: Percussions, vocals
Carlos del Puerto: Bass
Jorge "El Nino" Alfonso: Percussions
Armando Cuervo: Percussions
Enrique Pla: Drums


Side A:
1. Juana Mil Ciento
2. Ilya
3. Adagio

Side B:
1. Misa Negra (The Black Mass)
2. Aguanile

Also recommending this release for Cuban-Jazz, Afro-Latin Jazz
Nueva Vision - Latin Jazz From The Cuban Label EGREM / AREITO - compiled by Jazzanova and Erik Ott

Olatunji "Drums Of Passion", 1959 COLUMBIA Records

I was lucky enough to pick this original copy. The cover is not so in great shape, but it's the record that matters the most. This is Babatunde Olantunji "Drums of Passion", released in 1959 by Columbia Records. Olatunji's sound, particularly this recording, is one of the earliest to introduce African rhythm and sounds to US and influence some of great Jazz musicians including John Coltrane, Yusef Lateef, and Dizzy Gillespie. He formed strong friendship with Coltrane, in fact, Coltrane's last live recording was Olatunji Center of African Culture in Harlem in 1967, where Olatunji had found. It was also considered one of the first "world music" recording in the US.

The album consists of sitraightforward drums, percussions and chorus. Delightful and rhythmic drumming joined with vibrant chant in harmony. Not quite the same as Batucada or Afro-Latin rhythm of drumming. It is relaxing, but also intensifying, energetic, so many sounds and voices coming together as one. The essential, must-have album, I would say.

There is a CD reissue that you could pick up

Side A:
1. Akiwowo
2. Oya
3. Odun de! Odun de!
4. Jin Go Lo Ba

Side B:
1. Kiyakiya
2. Baba Jinde
3. Oyin Momo Ado
4. Shango

The site below is a great reference of Olatunji
African Music Encyclopedia: Babatunde Olatunji

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The Juju Orchestra "Bossa Nova Is Not A Crime", 2008

This is The Juju Orchestra "Bossa Nova Is Not A Crime" released by Agogo in 2008. Funky Nassau is floor killer tune.

The Juju Orchestra at Myspace

Download
1. This is not a tango
2. What is hip? feat. Carolyn Leonhart & Terry Carrier
3. King of Latin rhythm
4. Take four
5. Do it again feat. Carolyn Leonhart & Robert Smith
6. El Bravo
7. Nao posso demorar feat. Katie B
8. Funky nassau

Archie Shepp "For Losers", Impulse 1971

Archie Shepp is probably most known for his free-Jazz association, mainly for works with Cecil Taylor and John Coltrane in 1960s and albums from Impulse. As a leader, he started releasing albums from Impluse with fellow avant-garde artists such as John Tchikai, and Roswell Rudd. He also appeared on John Coltrane's "Ascension" in 1965, which was one of the most up-front free-Jazz, and one of my personal favorite recordings. But gradually, maybe from "The Magic of Ju-Ju" in 1967, he began to incorporate different sounds, as for this session the African rhythm. Other styles of music including gospel, ballad, blues, and even swing ("The Way Ahead" in 1968)

This is Archie Shepp "For Losers", released by Impulse in 1971. If you expect to hear his usual eccentric improvisation, anger, chaotic wailing, the first track is going to make you wonder whether you got the right album from the same person. The opening track is going completely to trick you. It is soul-Jazz, with vocals. Then the album follows with another soulful, R&B track.

This could turn the listeners who have listened his past albums away from listening the entire album. But wait and turn the record over to Side B. The 22-min track starts with latin-afro rhythm and Shepp playing the theme over and over, and then goes into the exploration of sound, the firing solo, and ensemble with female vocal. The B-side is definitely the reminiscent of Coltrane sound. In the album liner note, he states his admiration and respect to Coltrane. Side B is does not dissapoint any listners for Impulse recordings and free-Jazz.

Side A
1. Stick 'Em Up
2. Abstract
3. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
4. What Would It Be Without You

Side B
1. Un Croque Monsieur (Poem: For Losers)

Personnel:
On Stick 'Em Up:
Archie Shepp - Tenor Sax
Martin Banks - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Grachan Moncur - Trombone
Martin Kenyatta - Alto Sax
Andrew Bey - Piano
Albert Winston - Fender Bass
Bert Payne - Guitar
Beaver Harris - Drums
Leon Thomas, Doris Troy, Tasha Thomas - Vocals

On Abstract:
Archie Shepp - Tenor Sax
Jimmy Owens - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Grachan Moncur - Trombone
James Spaulding - Alto Sax
Chales Davis - Baritone Sax
Dave Burrell - Organ
Wally Richardson - Guitar
Bob Bushnell - Fender Bass
Bernard Purdie - Drums

On I got It Bad, What Would It Be Without You, Un Croque Monsieur
Archie Shepp - Tenor and Soprano Sax
Woody Shaw - Trumpet
Matthew Gee - Trombone
Clarence Sharpe - Alto Sax
Cecil Payne - Baritone Sax
Cedar Walton - Piano
Wilbur Ware - Bass
Joe Chambers - Drums
China-Lin Sharpe - Vocal

Albert Tootie "Toudie" Heath, "KAWAIDA", 1969, O'Be Records

This album is incredible, not only exploration into spiritual afro-Jazz, but also features ensemble of greatest musicians at that time. Led by drummer Albert Tootie Heath of Heath brother (along with tenor saxphonist Jimmy Heath, and bassist Percy Heath of Modern Jazz Quartet), his first recording as a leader, the session includes number of 60s heavyweight musicians including Herbie Hancock, Don Cherry, Mtume, and Ed Blackwell. The album was originally released by O'Be Records, but later reissued several times (as Herbie Hancock's reissue). The original is out-of-print.

The tracks are modal, percussive, and has cosmic, spiritual vibe and fire. Personally, I consider this album is one of the recordings that have led to Jazz in 70s with more post-bop, spiritual, african sound and rhythm influence seen in labels such as Strata East, Black Jazz, Impulse, Milestone, and ESP. Recommend for black Jazz / spiritual Jazz listners.

Personnel:
Albert "Toudie" Heath as Kuumba - Drums
Buster Williams as Mchezaji - Bass
Don Cherry as Msafari - Trumpet
Mtume - Conga, Drums
Herbie Hancock as Mwandisi - Piano
Jimmy Heath as Tayari - Tenor & Soprano Saxphone, arranger
Ed Blackwell - Percussion
Billy Bonner as Fundi - Flute & Percussion

Side A:
1. Baraka
2. Maulana

Side B:
1. Kawaida
2. Dunia
3. Kamili

Samon Kawamura "Unfold", 2008

Samon Kawamura is half-German, half-Japanese hip-hop producer out of Berlin. Recently he did remix of Christian Prommer's Drum Lesson "Around The World", cover of Daft Punk classic hit, for Sonar Kollektiv. One of up-and-coming hip-hop instrumental producers to watch out for.

Samon Kawamura "Unfold", released by Nesola in 2008

1. Intro
2. Sugar Hill feat. Om'Mas
3. Love and Sex
4. Still Significant feat. Kev Brown
5. 0804-005
6. Right Here feat. Oh No
7. Morioka Sunset
8. Night Will Fall
9. Interlude
10. Try feat. Aloe Blacc
11. Let's Do It
12. Lovelude feat. Ta'Raach
13. Get Down feat. Ta'Raach
14. No Te Puede Ver feat. Laura Lopez Castro
15. YWAGD
16. Cp2sk feat. Christian Prommer
17. Playground
18. Outro

Download

www.samonkawamura.com

Samon Kawamura @ Myspace

Jack DeJohnette "Sorcery", Prestige, 1974

This is Jack DeJohnette "Sorcery", released by Prestige in 1974. This was his first release out of Prestige, after releasing several solo albums from Milestone and Columbia. The album is experimental, Jazz-rock album, and heading to all directions. Somehow he plays keyboard and sax, besides drums. This is before he started recording regularly with ECM in late 70s, and has what to become the signature electric guitar sounds for the label. All tracks focus more on rhythmic parts, rather than melody or solo.

Personnel:
Jack DeJohnette - Drums, Keyboard, C-melody sax
Bennie Maupin - Bass Clarinet
Dave Holland - Bass
John Abercrombie, Mick Goodrick - Guitars
Michael Fellerman - Metaphone

Side 1:
1. Sorcery #1
2. The Right Time
3. The Rock Thing

Side 2:
1. The Reverend King Suite
2. Four Levels of Joy
3. Epilog

Cannonball Adderley "Fiddler On The Roof"

I said it before, but say it again. Do not get fooled with album cover with Jazz records. They sometimes make your mind go wonder, whether you should get it or not, if you don't know anything about that record. My recommendation is "just go for it". I had that moment many times before, and I am sure you had one as well. And we all gonna have the same moment again and again in the future.

This record is definitely the true master-class Jazz record. This is Cannonball Adderley "Fiddler on the Roof", released by Capital Records in 1964. The record is produced by David Axelrod. During early 60s, Cannonball was playing with various musicians and in different styles of music, like "African Waltz", "Bossa Nova" with Sergio Mendez, with Oliver Nelson Orchestra, till he scores big with "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" in 1966. There is CD reissue, released in 2003 with digital remaster and bonus tracks. Check it on Amazon if you are interested.

Personnel: Cannonball Adderley (alto saxophone); Charles Lloyd (tenor saxophone, flute); Nat Adderley (cornet); Joe Zawinul (piano); Sam Jones (bass); Louis Hayes (drums).

1. Fiddler On The Roof
2. To Life
3. Sabbath Prayer
4. Chavalah
5. Sewing Machine
6. Now I Have Everything
7. Do You Love Me
8. Matchmaker, Matchmaker


By the way, I found this great site about Cannonball Adderley

The Cannonball Adderley Rendez-vous

"Discovered", tracks sampled by Daft Punk

Somehow my weekend get always busy and hectic, even though the weekend is supposed to be relaxing and chilled out compared to weekdays. I don't hate it, it's just I have many things to do.

This is "Discovered", released in 2007 by Rapster, a compilation of tunes sampled by none of the other, Daft Punk. A person said to me when we were listening to one of George Duke album "Master of the Game" the other day, about the first track of B-side "I love you more" is a sample Daft Punk used for "Digital Love". I haven't paid attention to what Daft Punk is doing or what tune they make anymore, since they have become the international stars, and, knowing and hearing them in old days, that is kind of like let down. I think I like what they do as entertainers, with metal helmets and space-ship-like stage and lights, they make funny video. But I never have caught up with their music in recent years. But on this compilation, I like their selection from wider variety of genre of music. I am typically impressed with soul selections like George Duke, Sister Sledge, and Little Anthony and The Imperials.

Download

Track List
01. Breakwater - Release the Beast (Robot Rock)
02. George Duke - I Love You More (Digital Love)
03. Edwin Birdsong - Cola Bottle Baby (Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger)
04. Cerrone - Supernature (Verdis Quo)
05. Tata Vega - Get It Up For Love (Da Funk)
06. Karen Young - Hot Shot (Indo Silver Club)
07. Chaka Khan - Fate (Music Sounds Better With You)
08. Sister Sledge - Il Macquillage Lady (Aerodynamic)
09. Oliver Cheatham - Get Down Saturday Night (Voyager)
10. Eddie Johns - More Spell On You (One More Night)
11. Little Anthony & The Imperials - Can You Imagine (Crescendolls)
12. Jerry Goldsmith - The Rec Room (Around The World)

Ramsey Lewis "Up Pops", Cadet 1967

For any jazz records, you cannot ignore the album cover, especially when the album has pop-oriented covers and R&B materials. But you never know what you come across until you actually listen to the record.

This is Ramsey Lewis "Up Pops", released by Cadet in 1967. The album is arranged by Richard Evans. First, it is Ramsey Lewis in 60s, with his soul-jazz and funky-jazz piano sound. If you like jazz-funk, jazz-pop, soul-jazz, and think that you need electric guitar and bass and vocal, full band outlet, you definitely want to listen to his albums. Ramsey Lewis is probably the one of a few pianist who can create soulful sound with trio.

Second, it's Cadet and it's Richard Evans. He is the leading arrangers and producers along with Charles Stepney at Argo/Cadet Records during this time. He conducts strings for the album. Having said that, jazz album with strings does not sound like a good mix, as if the whole album becomes mellow and too much pop-influenced (not much improvisation). But Richard Evans is not ordinary arranger. He brings lively, changing, heavy sound with strings. I have been listening to arrangements by Richard Evans quite often for some time now, and I highly recommend this album as the example of classic Cadet sound.


Ramsey Lewis: piano
Cleveland Eaton: bass
Maurice White: drums

Side 1

Soul Man
The Look of Love
Respect
Goin' out of My Head
Party Time

Side 2

Bear Mash
I Was Made to Love Her
Alfie
Why Am I Treated so Bad
Jade East

Leon Thomas "The Album" & Danielia Cotton "A Rare Child

Hello and welcom to my blog. This is my new blog about my music collection, from Jazz, funk, soul, latin, Brazilian, samba, bossa-nova, to the latest of house, broken beats, drum n bass, and hip-hop, dubstep, and grime.

I have decided to start this blog about my music collection, mainly what I get, purchase, and deal with. I have been thinking about how I deal with my music for such a long time. I have been buying records for about 8 years now, and ever since the day one, I cannot stop finding new stuff and learning from them. From that, I have had some really incredible opportunities to meet people that I have admired, and people that have same passion for music. In addition, I have had great experiences with social networking tools such as myspace, facebook, imeem, youtube, to name a few. And not to mention iPod, podcasts, and bloggers for providing me with greater informations. Much respect.

For the beginning, I just wanna start introducing one of the records I have recently got.

First, 2 Leon Thomas albums I have not seen for a while. The first is "The Leon Thomas Album" from 1970. It's very up-tempo, drum-heavy, and very shows how great Leon Thomas is as singer as well as band leader. Highly recommended. (Though I might have another copy of this record somewhere)

Billy Harper Sax (Tenor) Arthur Sterling Piano Howard Johnson Sax (Baritone) Billy Cobham Drums Bob Cunningham Bass Leon Thomas Flute, Percussion, Main Performer, Vocals Richard Landrum Percussion James Spaulding Flute John Williams Guitar (Bass) Oliver Nelson Arranger, Conductor Gene Golden Percussion Ernie Royal Trumpet Donald Smith Flute Roy Haynes Drums Sonny Morgan Percussion Jerome Richardson Sax (Alto)

Another Leon Album is "Facets" from 1973. It is a compilation from his previous releases, with a little of reworks. He is groovy yet spiritual. The cover picture is just eye-catching, you never going to miss it.

By the way, both albums are original copies, and that's what I definitely go for.


Also, I have received CDR of Danielia Cotton's "A Rare Child". She is neo-soul, R&B, soulful singer from New Jersey. But she has alot of influence from rock music, such as Led Zeppelin, and Janis Joplin. Here is her on NPR Music.

Daielia Cotton on Myspace

Download "A Rare Music"