Dr. Who Dat? (aka Jneiro Jarel) - Beyond 2morros (Lex 2009)

Dr. Who Dat? is the project by hip-hop artist, beatmaker, multi-instrumentalist Jneiro Jarel. He is also a core member of Shape Of Broad Minds. His music spreads from vintage Jazz, astro hip-hop to cosmic broken beats through time and space. 

The latest release Beyond 2morrow is dark, surreal music surrounded by futuristic sounds and flow of his own. Whether it is a straight-up hip-hop or abstract instrumental beats, the combination of samples and sounds that he delivers, the whole package of good vibes and styles will open up your eyes and ears everytime you listen. More projects coming in your way. 

Try it

Tracklist:

1 Lurk
2 Jaws Of Clover
3 Space Balls
4 Lace & Candy
5 Dr. 400,000,000
6 JJ-Tron
7 Bumpy Bump Face
8 Cosmic Congo
9 Nights Over Nantes / Brakes
10 Viberian Twilight Pt. 2
11 Beyond 2morrow
  Featuring Shape Of Broad Minds 
  Vocals - Velben 
12 Dark Moon / Cafe
13 Ghetto Dreaming
  Vocals - Capital Peoples

Jneiro Jarel on Myspace

Dr. Who Dat on Myspace

Dr. Who Dat on Lex Records

The Roots plays for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

It must be quite a change, but they are strong representatives from music community.

Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Episode 1 Clip on Youtube

Pharoah Sanders - Rejoice, Theresa 1981

I found the first track "REJOICE" from Gilles Peterson's compilation "Incredible Sound Of Gilles Peterson" when I first began to discover uncharacteristic sounds of Jazz. I say uncharacteristic because I was taught to sit down and listen to Jazz on CD or at concerts. But instead, this particular track was played at clubs and radio programs featuring great dance floor grooves. It soon became one of my favorite Jazz albums in the collection, the timeless inspiration.

The entire album consists of beautiful, spiritual music, experimenting non-Western idioms, with Sanders improvising in his signature soulful, uproar free-form sounds. He is surrounded with great musicians, notably and one of my personal fav pianist Joe Bonner. It is also noteworthy that the album was recorded in 1981 during which many great Jazz musicians from 60s and 70s have shifted to more commercial directions for various reasons (recording contracts or artistic decline). Sanders continued to have sessions with compatriot and up-and-coming artists and record for small independent Jazz labels throughout 80s continuing to 90s and 2000s. He is now 68 years old, and still continues to tour worldwide. Respect.

Tracklist:
1 Rejoice (Sanders)
2 High Life (Trad, arr. Sanders)
3 Nigerian Juju Hi-life (Trad, arr. Sanders)
4 Origin (Sanders)
5 When Lights Are Low (Carter)
6 Moment's Notice (Coltrane, Johnson)
7 Central Park West (Coltrane)
8 Ntjilo Ntjilo / Bird Song (Trad, arr. Sanders)
9 Farah (Sanders)

Personnel: Pharoah Sanders (ts, bells, voice, arr);
Joe Bonner, John Hicks (p);
Bobby Hutcherson (vib);
Steve Turre (tb);
Danny Moore (tp);
Peter Fujii (g);
Lois Colin (harp);
Art Davis, Jorge Pomar (b);
Elvin Jones, Billy Higgins (d);
Babatunde (d, perc, voice), Big Black (perc);
B. Kazuko Ishida, Flame Braithwaite, Sakinah Muhammad, Flame Braithwaite, Sakinah Muhammad, Yvette S. Vanderpool, Bobby London, Carol Wilson Scott, George V. Johnson (voice); William S. Fischer (vocal arr)

Pharoah Sanders Official Site

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Dorian Concept - When Planetx Explode, Kindred Spirits, 2009

The debut release from young talented beatmaker / electronica producer / hip-hop artist from Vienna, Austria, Oliver Thomas Johnson aka Dorian Concept. The music is full of beeps and blips, with beats, synth, keys, and effects. Reminds me of Four Tet, or Squarepusher. There are many Youtube video of him banging microKorg live. Personally, he is definitely the one producer to watch for 2009 and beyond.

Tracklist:
A1. Clap Beep Boom
A2. Freehanded Monkey
A3. Color Sexist
A4. Mesh Beam Splitter
A5. The Fucking Formula
B1. Fort Teen
B2. You Tiresome Thing
B3. When Planets Explode
B4. Het Marshmallow Secret
B5. Two Dimensional

Dorian Concept on Myspace

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United Future Organization - Jazzin', Zero Corporation, 1992

When 3 DJs, Tadashi Yabe, Toshio Matsuura, and Raphael Sebbag, began regular club night playing Jazz, funk, Latin, and Bossa nova in 1990, when everyone else was playing house music, maybe no one had thought of this was going to create a new genre of music. 2 years later, the trio also known as United Future Organization released Jazzin', the same title of their regular club night. At that time, there were many similar-minded DJs and artists taking Jazz to the next level and sending clear message to the communities where various styles of music intersect and come together. They still may had been a minority in dance music community, but, one thing for sure, they have become the Loud Minority.

Link

Tracklist:

1. Nemurenai-Insomnie
2. Moondance-Moon Rappin'
Featuring - Claudia E.H.
3. Moondance-Moon Chant
Featuring - Abigail Grimsel
4. I Love My Baby-My Baby Loves Jazz
5. I Love My Baby-My Baby Loves Jazz (Cook & Slater Remix)
Remix - Ashley Slater , Norman Cook
6. Loud Minority (Radio Mix)
7. Dig That Beat
8. Nemurenai-Insomnie (Instrumental)

United Future Organization - V, Exceptional Records, 2002

The 5th and last album from United Future Organization as a trio. In 2002, Toshio Matsuura sadly left to pursue solo career. Once again, the album was released by Cutting-Edge in Japan, and Exceptional Records in Europe. Great league of artists assembled to create simply beautiful Jazz, compared to their earlier releases, not much use of samples, breaks or electronic beats, but rather more live instruments, noticeably the acoustic elements are widely heard throughout the album. Though, they still manage to experiment with the fusion of electronica, Jazz and other eclectic styles of music to showcase their creative forces and, at the end, please our ears with surprises.

Tracklist:
1. Intro (0:54)

2. Esperanza (7:17)
Acoustic Guitar - Naohiko Higuchi
Written By - Raphael Sebbag, Tadashi Yabe, Toshio Matsuura

3. Everyday Routine (7:22)
Written By - Mitsukuni Murayama, Raphael Sebbag, Tadashi Yabe, Toshio Matsuura

4. No Problem (7:37)
Acoustic Bass, Bass [Piccolo] - Isao Suzuki
Percussion - Kosmas Kapitza
Piano - Robert Fonseca
Vocals, Lyrics By - Mark Murphy
Written By - Duke Jordan

5. Microcosmo (4:23)
Written By - Raphael Sebbag, Tadashi Yabe, Toshio Matsuura

6. World Thing (8:01)
Acoustic Bass - Neville Malcolm
Soprano Sax - Nathan Haines
Vocals - Valerie Etienne
Written By - Eric Hochberg, Rick Lazar

7. Lunar Enfant (7:20)
Written By - Mitsukuni Murayama, Raphael Sebbag, Tadashi Yabe, Toshio Matsuura

8. Por Do Sol (5:57)
Acoustic Guitar - Alex Malheiros
Vocals - Sabrina Malheiros
Written By - Mikio Endo, Mitsukuni Murayama, Raphael Sebbag, Tadashi Yabe, Toshio Matsuura

9. Listen Love (8:49)
Piano - Yosuke Yamashita
Vocals - Jeffery Smith
Written By - Jon Lucien

10. Transworld (6:24)
Written By - Mitsukuni Murayama, Raphael Sebbag, Tadashi Yabe, Toshio Matsuura

11. Suite Espagnole (7:30)
Written-By - Mitsukuni Murayama, Raphael Sebbag, Tadashi Yabe, Toshio Matsuura

UFO on Exceptional Records

United Future Organization - Bon Voyage, Mercury, 1999

United Future Organization trio is back with yet another blend of Jazz and electronica in elegant style. This album brings their further diverse influences of various sounds, from Cuban, flamenco, funk, and vocal Jazz. Yet, the trio manages to keep tight control over the eclectic sounds, and creates Jazzy groove atmosphere to any Jazz crowd or dance floor Jazz dancers. Highly recommended.

Link coming soon

Tracklist:
1. Good Luck Shore (5:30)
Music By - Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura

2. Tres Amigos (6:00)
Arranged By [Trombone & Horns] - Hideaki Nakaji
Guitar [Tres] - Yuzo Suenaga
Music By - Endo, Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura
Piano - Yasuyuki Maejima
Tenor Sax - Toshimichi Imao
Trumpet - Tatsuya Shimogami

3. Flying Saucer (4:42)
Lyrics By [Words], Music By - James Moody
Alto Sax - Koi-Kumiko
Tenor Sax - Toshiya Mitsuhashi
Vocals - Dee Dee Bridgewater
Whistle - Toshio Matsuura

4. Happy Birthday (4:45)
Arranged By [Piano & Strings] - Mikio Endo
Bandoneon [Bandneon] - Koji Kyotani
Lyrics By [Words] - Kuzuu, Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura
Music By - Endo, Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura
Viola - Satoko Nakamura, Yuji Yamada
Vocals - Jimmy Murakawa
Voice ["smile & Shout!"] - Chinatsu, Hideyo, Endo, Sebbag, Shizu, Yabe , Matsuura

5. Niji (6:40)
Harp [Gravikord] - YasKaz
Lyrics By [Words], Music By - Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura
Vocals - Masayuki Yui

6. Pilgrims (6:44)
Music By - Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura

7. Dans Ce Desert (5:09)
Acoustic Guitar - Hiroyuki Komagata
Electric Piano [Rhodes] - Mikio Endo
Lyrics By [Words] - Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura
Music By - Endo* , Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura
Vocals, Chorus - Raphael Sebbag

8. Somewhere (7:01)
Chorus - Chinatsu Kuzuu
Music By - Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura
Rap - Marco Bosco
Trumpet - Toshinori Kondo

9. Labyrinth - Enter At Own Risk (5:12)
Electric Piano [Rhodes] - Mikio Endo
Music By - Endo, Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura
Sitar [Electric Sitar] - Hiroyuki Komagata

United Future Organization - 3rd Perspective, Talkin Loud, 1996

Third installment of United Future Organization's full release talkes 70s spy / thriller theme soundtrack-esque styles of Jazz. Accomplished with sleek rhythm and soulful melody, the album brings much soothing and poetic atmosphere, to its signature groovy and funky horns and arrangements. Once again, the album is released and distributed from multiple labels worldwide.

Link in comment

Tracklist:
1. His Name Is... (5:08)
Percussion - Toshio Matsuura
Piano - Mikio Endo

2. The Planet Plan (4:26)
Horns - Chris Caldwell, Dan Anthony, Dean Foley, Jan Scott, Joseph De Jesus, Kiarow O'Neill , P. Jayasinha, Peter Whyman, Richard Exall, Robert Killips, Steve Dawson, Steve Hanillor
Piano, Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey] - Mikio Endo
Strings - Abigail Trundle, C. Goldscheider, D. Schlenther, Eleanor Gilchrist, Geralding Bereen, L. Wynne, Lucy Yendole, Nicola Godscheider, Rache Davies, Richard Bridgmont, Susan Bowran, Teresa Whipple
Voice [Voice Percussion] - OBI-1, Sebbag, Yabe, Matsuura

3. Friends... We'll Be (4:49)
Vocals - Chezere'
Bass - Yoshio Kanamori
Harpsichord - Simon Hale
Tenor Sax - Kazuhiro Takeda
Trombone - Gakutaro Miyauchi
Trumpet - Hideaki Nishioka, Osamu Ueichi

4. Spy's Spice (Mon Espionne) (4:51)
Vocals - Raphael Sebbag
Bass - Yoshio Kanamori
Tenor Sax - Kazuhiro Takeda
Trombone - Gakutaro Miyauchi
Trumpet - Hideaki Nishioka, Osamu Ueishi

5. Fool's Paradise (4:55)

6. Waltz (Le Serpent Rouge) (4:29)
Vocals - Arthur H
Accordion - Geraint Watkins
Drums - Hideo Yamaki
Bariton Sax - Masaki "Bob" Saito

7. Picaresque Eye (5:42)
Vocals - Skip McDonald

8. Nica's Dream (4:11)
Bass Clarinet - Makoto Hirahara
Drums - Hideo Yamaki
Guitar - Hiroyuki Komagata
Piano, Organ [Hammond B3] - Mikio Endo
Soprano Sax - Masato Nakamura

9. Cosmic Gypsy (4:07)

10. Dice For A Change (4:44)
Vocals - Raphael Sebbag

11. The Moving Shadows (5:01)
Piano - Mikio Endo
Voice [Humming] - Gunilla Karlson, Sherry Sugata, Toshio Matsuura

UFO 3rd Perspective on Verve Records Official Site with Audio Sample

United Future Organization - No Sound Is Too Taboo, Talkin Loud, 1994

Another masterpiece from Japan's ever-finest and influential Jazz DJ trip United Future Organization (UFO). It was more than 15 years ago, but still sounds fresh. This record was released and distributed under Brownswood Records, UFO's label in Japan, Talkin' Loud, Gilles Peterson's own label and sub label of Mercury UK, and Verve Records in US. The notable Jazzdance tune has become the standard floor killer.

Link in comment


Tracklist:
1. United Future Airlines (4:48)
Percussion - Simon Richmond

2. Magic Wand Of Love (6:22)
Bass - Noriyoshi Sasanuma
Guitar - Gemi Taylor
Piano - Jessica Lauren
Vocals - Linda Muriel
Written-By - Earl DeRouen

3. Stolen Moments (5:21)
Arranged By [Choir] - Haruya Yoshimura
Choir - Time Five
Vibraphone - Mike Emenau
Violin - Yae Nishikawa
Voice - Raphael Sebbag
Written-By - Oliver Nelson

4. Future Light (5:58)
Backing Vocals - Gill Manly
Scratches - Mikiko Sakai
Written-By - Mark Murphy

5. Make It Better (5:33)
Bass - Shinichi Osawa
Guitar - Hiroyuki Komagata
Written-By - Dominguinhos Anastacia
Written-By, Vocals - Cleveland Watkiss

6. Sunday Folk Tale (6:17)
Percussions - Snowboy
Written-By, Vocals - Francis Silva

7. Mistress Of Dance (4:25)
Arranged By [Strings] - Hiroyuki Komagata
Saxophone [Soprano] - Steve Williamson
Strings - Nishikawa Quartet

8. Bar-F-Out! (5:00)
Scratches - DJ Krush
Vocals - Urban Poets Society
Written-By - D'Afro , In.Dee.Go , KeFreak

9. Doopsylalolic (4:38)
Written-By, Vocals - Derek Delves

10.Tears Of Gratitude (5:35)
Arranged By [Choir], Written-by - Ayumi Obinata
Choir - Talin Chamber Choir
Piano - Junichi Iwabuchi

UFO on Verve Records with Audio Samples

United Future Airlines

Erik Truffaz - Paris, Blue Note 2008

The final destination of musical journey by Erik Truffaz comes to Paris, with collaboration with French human beatbox Sly Johnson

Peronnel:
Erik Truffaz - Trumpet, vocals on "The fly"
Sly Johnson - Vocals

Link in comment

Tracklist:
1. Mr Wyatt (Erik Truffaz) 5:07
2. Come together (John Lennon/Paul Mc Cartney) 2:57
3. Addis Addeba (Erik Truffaz) 4:42
4. Nature boy (Eden Ahbez) arrangement Jon Hassell 3:00
5. Nina's dream (Erik Truffaz, Sly Johnson) 3:56
6. La mouche (Erik Truffaz, Sly Johnson) 3:13
7. Goodbye tomorrow (Sly Johnson) 2:52
8. Don't stop (Brian Ferry) 3:29
9. The fly (Erik Truffaz, Sly Johnson) 6:29


Audio sample right here from Erik Truffaz Official Site

Erik Truffaz - Benares, Blue Note 2008

Erik Truffaz is one of the most exciting Jazz trumpet players at our time, and my personal favorite since his early days with his challenge to push his playing beyond the boundary of conventional Jazz. This album explores polyrhythmic backing with repetitive and percussive piano and vocals fusing with Truffaz's echo and fuzzy trumpet style.

Personnel:
Erik Truffaz - Trumpet
Indrani Mukherjee - Vocals
Apurba Mukherjee - Tablas
Malcolm Braff - Piano

Link in comment

Tracklist:
1. Tarana (Indrani Mukherjee/Apurba Mukherjee) 18:24
2. Saraswati (Erik Truffaz/Indrani Mukherjee) 5:50
3. Yay ! (Malcolm Braff) 6:32

Audio Sample right here from Erik Truffaz Official Site

Erik Truffaz - Mexico, Blue Note 2008

The collaborative project of post-bop experimental Jazz trumpeter Erik Truffaz and Mexican electronica and IDM artist Fernando Conaro akak Murcof.

Personnel:
Erik Truffaz - Trumpet, Vocals
Murcof - Noises

Link in comment

Tracklist:
1. Al Mediodia (7:31)
2. Good News From The Desert (11:06)
3. Avant L'Aube (8:36)

Audio sample right here from Erik Truffaz Official Site

Erik Truffaz Official Site
Erik Truffaz on Myspace
Erik Truffaz on Blue Note Records
Murcof Official Site
Murcof on Myspace

Miles From India, Times Square, 2008

A great Miles Davis project produced and coordinated by Sony Record producer Bob Belden, who is responsible for series of Miles Davis reissues box set. The project combines Davis' music from late 60s - early 70 era (during Bitches Brew and On the Corner) with Indian instrumentation and arrangement, with many notable Miles-school alumni. Listening to album like this, this is why Jazz exists and we love it so much.


Tracklist:
Disc 1
1. Spanish Key (20:04)
(MILES DAVIS)
Gino Banks - Drums
Louiz Banks - Piano/fender rhodes
Rakesh Chaurasia - Flute (solo)
Selva Ganesh - Kanjira
Adam Holzman - Keyboards
Dave Liebman - Indian flute
Shankar Mahadevan - Vocals
Rudresh Mahanthappa - Alto sax
Sridhar Parthasarthy - Mridangam
Taufiq Quresh - Djembe/world percussion
Benny Rietveld - Bass
Wallace Roney - Trumpet
Mike Stern - Guitar
Lenny White - Drums

2. All Blues (09:22)
(MILES DAVIS)
Louiz Banks - Piano
Gary Bartz - Alto sax
Ron Carter - Bass
Ravi Chary - Sitar
Jimmy Cobb - Drums
Rudresh Mahanthappa - Alto sax
Vikku Vinayakram - Ghatam

3. Ife (fast) (08:44)
(MILES DAVIS)
Gino Banks - Drums
Pete Cosey - Guitar
Michael Henderson - Bass
Adam Holzman - Keyboards
Dave Liebman - Flute
Kala Ramnath - Violin
A. Sivamani - Percussion
Vikku Vinayakram - Ghatam

4. In A Silent Way (intro) (02:34)
(JOE ZAWINUL)
Adam Holzman - Keyboards
Robert Irving III - Keyboards
Pandit Brij Narain - Sarod

5. It's About That Time (10:12)
(MILES DAVIS)
Gary Bartz - Alto sax
Ndugu Chancler - Drums
Pete Cosey - Guitar
Michael Henderson - Bass
Adam Holzman - Keyboards
Robert Irving III - B3 organ
Kala Ramnath - Violin

6. Jean Pierre (11:05)
(MILES DAVIS)
Ranjit Barot - Drums
Rakesh Chaurasia - Flute
Adam Holzman - Keyboards
Robert Irving III - Keyboards
Benny Rietveld - Bass
Mike Stern - Guitar
Vince Wilburn Jr. - Drums

Disc 2
1. So What (08:16)
(MILES DAVIS)
Louiz Banks - Keyboards
Ron Carter - Bass
Ndugu Chancler - Drums
Chick Corea - Piano
Selva Ganesh - Khanjira /voice percussion
Sridhar Parthasarthy - Mridangam/voice percussion
Taufiq Qureshi - World percussion/voice percussion

2. Miles Runs The Voodoo Down (09:05)
(MILES DAVIS)
Pete Cosey - Guitar
Michael Henderson - Bass
Adam Holzman - Keyboards
Wallace Roney - Trumpet
A. Sivamani - Percussion
Vikku Vinayakram - Ghatam
Lenny White - Drums

3. Blue In Green (13:13)
(MILES DAVIS)
Louiz Banks - Piano
Ron Carter - Bass
Jimmy Cobb - Drums
Dilshad Khan - Sarangi
Shankar Mahadevan - Vocals
Wallace Roney - Trumpet
Mike Stern - Guitar

4. Great Expectations (08:39)
(MILES DAVIS/JOE ZAWINUL)
Ravi Chary - Sitar
Pete Cosey - Guitar
Michael Henderson - Bass
Adam Holzman - Keyboards
Marcus Miller - Bass clarinet
Taufiq Qureshi - Percussion
Wallace Roney - Trumpet
Vince Wilburn - Drums
Vikku Vinayakram - Ghatam

5. Ife (slow) (14:22)
(MILES DAVIS)
Gary Bartz - Soprano sax
Pete Cosey - Guitar
Michael Henderson - Bass
Adam Holzman - Keyboards
Dave Liebman - Tenor sax
Wallace Roney - Trumpet
Badal Roy - Tabla

6. Miles From India (07:06)
(JOHN MCLAUGHLIN)
Louiz Banks - Piano
Sikkil Gurucharan - Vocals
John McLaughlin - Guitar
U. Shrinivas - Mandolin

Miles From India Official Site

United Future Organization - United Future Organization, Talkin' Loud, 1993

A club Jazz classic from legendary United Future Organization. The true pioneers, a trio of DJs Tadashi Yabe, Toshio Matsuura, and Raphael Sebbag started off and built the foundation for today's club Jazz culture, their style, their cloth, their DJing, and their club nights. Everything from Jazz, latin, hip-hop, soul, vocal Jazz, modal Jazz, hard-bop, and electronica mashed up into the album freely and timelessly. Even listening it now, it still sounds fresh and vibrant, a brilliant mix of groovy and funky journey of the sound of Jazz. A Jazz records that could enlighten your listening entertainment.

Tracklist:
1. The Sixth Sense (7:06)
Vocals - Galliano
Written By - N. C. Weir , R. Gallagher
2. On Est Ensemble Sans Se Parler-L.O.V.E. (5:01)
Written-By - Ariel Wizman
3. Vinyl Junkie (5:39)
Drums - Tatsuyuki Aoki
Guitar - Hajime Tachibana
Trumpet - Kimiyoshi Nagoya
4. Upa Neguinho (4:22)
Drums - Genta
Guitar - Hiroyuki Komagata
Trumpet - Kimiyoshi Nagoya
Written-By - Edu Lobo , Gianfrancesco Guarnieri
5. I'll Bet You Thought I'd Never Find You (7:50)
Flute - Sanshiro
Guitar - Hiroyuki Komagata
Violin - Alex Gray
Vocals, Written-By - Jon Hendricks
Written-By - Les McCann
6. Poetry And All That Jazz (5:36)
Flute - Sanshiro
Violin - Banchi
Written-By - Jack Kerouac
7. Be Here Now (3:02)
8. My Foolish Dream (6:01)
Accordion - Patrick Nugier
Vocals, Written-By - Monday Michiru
9. Off Road (2:51)
Vibraphone - Takashi Ohi

United Future Organization Official Site

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Hajime Yoshizawa - Innocent Nocturne, Village Again, 2008

This is another release from Japanese Jazz pianist and Sleep Walker keyboardist Hajime Yoshizawa in 2008 from Village Again. The excellent piano trio album acoompanied with drummer Peter Erskine (former member of Weather Report and uncle of Yoshizawa) and bassist late Dave Carpenter, with much straighter modal Jazz with Yoshizawa's wonderful lyrical keys. The album is currently only available officially in Japan, but can be purchased as import.

There is an excellent post on the album at nutriot.com with audio sample.
Hajime Yoshizawa - Inocent Nocturne [source: nutriot.com]

Tracklist:
1. Song To Remember
2. May
3. Jerkyll & Hyde
4. Eastern Step
5. Siesta
6. Thursday
7. Cat Chat Poh
8. Summer Backyard
9. Shukaku No Toki

Link in comment

Hajime Yoshizawa Official Site
Hajime Yoshizawa on Myspace
Hajime Yoshizawa on Extra Freedom Artist Bio (Sorry, Japanese only)

Jimmy Smith - Livin' Up, Verve 1968

Jimmy Smith proved that he is not just organ Jazz musician, but was able to bring R & B soulful groove to his music. If he were simply plaing mainstream hard bop, then the sound of organ itself would not be recognized and appreciated by many other artists to follow his footsteps, especially for fusion of R & B, blues, and gospel influences. With driving soloing on his right, ubiquitous chodal accompaniment on his left hand, and flowing rhythmic bass line on his feet, Smith could fill every available keys from low to high note in various styles of music.

This is Jimmy Smith's 1968 release "Livin' Up" from Verve Records. During this time at Verve, he had collaborated with arranger and conductor Oliver Nelson leading big band to provide tightly arranged horn sections and soft string orchestration. The album opens with great cover of Mission Impossible Theme, as well as funk original "Big Boss Man", and "Burning Spears", composed by Richard Evans for Soulful Strings. Highly recommended.

Tracklist:
Side 1
A1. Mission Impossible (3:32)
A2. Refractions (4:48)
A3. The Gentle Rain (2:35)
A4. Burning Spear (3:53)
A5. Go Away Little Girl (2:43)

Side 2
B1. Livin' It Up (5:00)
B2. This Nearly Was Mine (3:15)
B3. Big Boss Man (6:14)
B4. Valley Of The Dolls (4:48)

Wax Poetic # 33 February/March Issue

This is a bit different from usual reviews, but for magazines that I constantly read. Wax Poetic vol. 33 is out now, and it is Philly special with Gamble & Huff and Teddy Pendergrass on the front and back covers (big hello to my friend Greg). Other features include with pieces on Sonny Hopson, Howard Tate, The Stylistics, the Philly jazz circuit, First Choice, ?uestlove, The Pop Art label, Odeon Pope, Jneiro Jarel and others -- plus a memorium tribute to Freddie Hubbard. Highly recommended.

Gamble & Huff on Philadelphia International Records
Rock & Roll Fall Of Fame: Gamble & Huff

Teddy Pendergrass Official Site

Miles Davis "Kind of Blue" recording sessions

Here is an interesting story from NPR Music show "Between Takes" on reviewing the recording reel tapes from the legendary Miles Davis classic "Kind of Blue" recorded in 1959. You could hear artists exchanging conversations during the sessions, evident of displaying their chemistry with collaborative mix and approach in a very simple and easy manner for the album now had become the modern standard of the history of Jazz. This year marks 50s anniversary of the album, so Sony Legacy is releasing CD/DVD box set.

Between Takes "Kind of Blue Session"

Gilles Peterson Worldwide Award 2009 The John Peel Play More Jazz Award Winner: Jazzanova

At Gilles Peterson Worldwide Award, each year "The John Peel Play More Jazz Award" is given to the artist who was not afraid to display John Peel-like-minded musical eclectism. This year's winner is Jazzanova.

Jazzanova is 6 men DJ/ producer collective from Berlin, Germany, and one of the main artists associating with Gilles in terms of representing "Join The Dots" concept with their music. In 2008, Jazzanova released their second album "Of All the Things", their first full album in 5 years from "In Between" in 2003.
Jazzanova on Myspace

Though many of their remix are dancefloor-oriented sounds, they take such an extensive amount of time for their album production, subliminally and intelligently incorporating retro sounds like 60s and 70s soul, funk, and falk music into their own interpretations. It is like a filling a hole, the last piece of missing puzzle of our time, crossing the boundary of various musical influences from every aspects, unlike what could have been overshadowed by chart-topping musical styles. Here are video clips of their recording sessions (and another one). Instead of going to electronic, what amaging about Jazzanova is that they never forget who plays music and who listens them. That brings lively vibes to their music, as if it were produced with live musicians. This album might not be seen as typical Jazz album, especially winning "Play More Jazz Award" from Gilles Peterson, compared to past winners. They are not Jazz artists nor do not fall into the category of post-modern, hard-bop, avant-garde, and others. But, to put it in simple words, their music is beautiful. It makes eyes and ears open, and I think that is what Jazz is about.


Tracklist:
01. Look What You’re Doin To Me feat. Phonte
02. Let Me Show Ya feat. Paul Randolph
03. I Can See feat. Ben Westbeech
04. Lie feat. Thief
05. Little Bird feat. Jose James
06. Rockin' You Eternally feat. Leon Ware & Dwele
07. So Far From Home feat. Phonte
08. What Do You Want? feat. Jon Dukie
09. Lucky Girl feat. Paul Randolph
10. Gafiera feat. Pedro Martins & Azymuth
11. Morning Scapes feat. Bembe Segue
12. Dial A Clich feat. Paul Randolph
13. Let Me Show Ya feat. Paul Randolph (Henrik Schwarz Remix)

Robert Mitchell Trio (3io) "The Greater Good", Gilles Peterson Worldwide Best Jazz Album Award 2009

One of the best Jazz album to come in 2008 is Robert Mitchell's "The Greater Good". Not much for me to say about him and his solo music anymore, because, though his solo career is still short, he has been in the scene playing with various artists in eclectic styles of music including TY, 2 Banks of 4, Courtney Pine, and I.G. Culture. His new album features covers of Massive Attack's Teardrop, Wayne Shorter's Dance Cadaverous and Galt McDermot's Space. Please listen if you like post-modern sound of piano trio with multi-layered mix of musical influences.

Personnel:
Robert Mitchell - Piano
Tom Mason - Bass
Richard Spaven -Drums
Tracks Composed by Robert Mitchell

Tracklist:
1. Cumulus
2. A Map of the Sky
3. Dance Cadaverous
4. Quantum
5. Space
6. Ochre
7. Crystal Eyes
8. Teardrop
9. The Blessing
10. Greater Good

Robert Mitchell Official Site
Robert Michell blog
Robert Mitchell on Myspace
Interview with Robert Mitchell on Basic Soul (Jan 2006)
BBC Music Introducing - Robert Mitchell

Gilles Peterson Worldwide 2009 Winners

Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards 2009. The winners are, , ,

Album of the Year: Erykah Badu - New Amerykah: Part One (4th World War) (Universal Motown)

Erykah Badu's sequel album "New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh)" is due Feb 17, 2009

Track of the Year: Q-Tip ft Norah Jones -- 'Life Is Better' (Universal Motown) from the album "The Renaissance"

Jazz Album of the Year 2009: Robert Mitchell Trio - The Greater Good (Jazz Services)

Gilles Peterson’s Maida Vale Session of the Year 2009: Finn Peters

BBC Introducing Award 2009: Jonathan Jeremiah

John Peel Play More Jazz Award: Jazzanova

Life Time Achievement Award 2009: Marlena Shaw

Here is a video of Jazzanova playing live band.

Check out Brownswood Message Board for more insight from the event

Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards 2009

Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Award 2009 was held at London's Cargo this weekend, Saturday 24.

With line-up like no other, this annual celebration of the best music does not dissapoint nobody. And the winners are･・・

LIVE: JAZZANOVA, ROBERT MITCHELL TRIO, DORIAN CONCEPT, QUIET VILLAGE, MAMA MILK, STACY EPPS, JONATHAN JEREMIAH, KUMAR

DJS: GILLES PETERSON, TRUTH & SOUL, RED RACK EM, THE BPM

Gilles Peterson Official Site
Gilles Peterson on Myspace
Gilles Peterson's Youtube Channel
Worldwide Awards Official Site

Philly Joe Jones "Blues for Dracula", Riverside 1958

Philly Joe Jones gained much fame as one of the most sought drummers in Hard Bop, especially by playing for classic Miles Davis Quintet in mid 50s, but surprisingly did not release many albums under his own name. Compared to other drummers like Art Blakey or Max Roach who led own group or recorded with various styles of music, Jones became important and popular sidemen for soloists, a major force behind many records from Blue Note, Riverside, and Prestige.

This one is his debut release, after leaving from Miles' group in the same year. On this album, what you can hear is not only Jones' strong drum solos and fiery , but also introduction to then up-and-coming talents that would become well known in the world of Jazz including Nat Adderley, Johnny Griffin, Tommy Flanagan (listen to "Tune-up" for intense and hard-driven powerful solos). The album begins with unusual and unexpected opening track, "Blues for Dracula" with several minutes of Jones' ad lib impersonation of the horror-film icon Bela Lugosi.

Personnel:
Philly Joe Jones - Drums, Vocals
Johnny Griffin - Tenor Sax
Nat Adderley - Cornet
Julian Priester - Trombone
Tommy Flanagan - Piano
Jimmy Garrison - Bass
Orrin Keepnews - Producer

Tracklists:
Side A:
1. Blues For Dracula (8:14)
2. Trick Street (3:50)
3. Fiesta (10:25)

Side B:
1. Tune Up (8:04)
5. Ow! (12:12)

Cannonball Adderley "Pyramid", Fantasy Records 1974

Cannonball Adderley is definitely one of the pivotal figures in history of Jazz, from playing with Miles Davis in late 50s with such releases as "Milestones" and "Kind Of Blue" to leading his own group associating with talents like Joe Zawinul, Bobby Timmons, George Duke, Walter Booker, Charles Lloyd, and Yusef Lateef. He is master of soul-Jazz, and went to find successes with producing classic Jazz standards. His music was well-received with large audiences, due to his ability to cross over between Jazz and more funk, electric and R&B oriented styles of music. Especially, after moving to Capital Records and teaming up with Jazz-Funk producer David Axelrod from mid 60s, he had produced crossover Jazz releases that had met with listeners' taste during those years when psychedelic rock flourished (Beatles' "White Album", Jimi Hendrix Experience, and none of other Miles Davis "Bitches Brew".

Co-produced with Cannonball and Axelrod, this electric, groovy Jazz-funk album was released in 1974, a year before his sudden death. It is a year after Herbie Hancock released "Head Hunters". So maybe we can hear the influence and experiment in sounds from this album, personally not quite sure about his true intension on the recordings. It is very spacy feeling into each tracks, from ARP synth by George Duke who was playing on Frank Zappa's band around this time.

The album features electric sounds throughout most tracks, and lesser soloing from the man himself. The first track is groovy electric funk track, a perfect evidence of Axelrod's production style with heavy percussive beats and layers of sounds.

Personally, though all tracks are electric, fusion vibes, I like the last track "BESS , OH WHERE'S MY BESS", a ballad with more straight forward Jazz with just alto sax and piano. I think the song, style, mood suit him better in this way.

CD Reissue with audio samples

Personnel:
Julian Cannonball Adderley - Alto & Soprano Sax
Nat Adderley - Cornet
Hal Galper - Electric piano
Walter Booker - Bass
Roy McCurdy - Drums

plus
Phil Upchurch - Guitar
George Duke - Electric & Acoustic Clavinet, ARP Synthesizer
Jimmy Jones - Piano (on "BESS" only)

Tracklist:
Side A:
1. Phases (Hal Galper) (6:00)
2. My Lady Blue (Hal Galper) (4:45)
3. Books End (David Axelrod) (5:35)

Side B:
1. Pyramid (Julian Adderley) (3:40)
2. Suite Cannon (Julian Adderley)
1. The King & I (3:13)
2. Time In (4:41)
3. For Melvin Lastie (2:26)
3. BESS , OH WHERE'S MY BESS (G & I Gershwing) (3:36)

David Axelrod Official Site

Steve Reid "NYC, Domino, 2008

Continuing with Steve Reid releases, this is his most recent work, a collaboration with Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet, called "NYC" from Domino US. Completely electronic Jazz. I usually do not obtain a copy of new Jazz releases these days, but this was different case.

Personnel:
Steve Reid - Drums
Kieran Hebden - Electronics

Tracklist:
01. Lyman Place
02. 1st & 1st
03. 25th Street
04. Arrival
05. Between B & C
06. Departure

Four Tet Official Site
Four Tet on Myspace
Domino Recording
Domino USA

Steve Reid "Nova", Mustevic, 1976

Steve Reid lives life in Jazz through generations, crossing path with many artists such as Miles Davis, Sun Ra, to James Brown, Fela Kuti and Chaka Khan. His presence has always remained in underground scene, where struggling Black music, particularly left-field, avant-garde Jazz did not find home in the US in the 70s.

This is Steve Reid "Nova", released by Mustevic in 1976. A classic record. Underground experimental, avand-garde Jazz hit. A true original sound. But that is because now people know and understand the musical spirit and dimensions this record produces, with reissues, new materials, supports from DJs such as Gilles Peterson and Benji B. It is good to see such living legend share us with his innovative and spiritual musical mastery today.

On personal story. I picked up this record without knowing anything about it. Same routine as usual, just looking at the cover, and decided to give it a try. At my home, I placed the record on the player, and groovy and wailing horn ensemble came out of speakers and just continued repeating this theme. The very odd record, but the groove stuck in my mind. Soon, I heard the track on Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Basement, and shortly after he began taking that theme part for the opening of his radio show. And then, thanks to the power of Gilles, everyone know about the record. Soul Jazz decided to reissue "Nova", under their Universal Sounds label. Gilles invited him over to the show. And now, once a forgotten figure in Jazz world, Steve Reid is coming back, recording and releasing new materials, and collaborating with young artists such as Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet.

Personnel:
Steve Reid - Drums
Luis Angel Falcon - Acoustic Bass
Richard Williams - Fender Bass
Les Walker - Piano, Organ
Joe Rigby - Alto / Tenor / Soprano Sax
Ahmed Abdullah - Trumpet

Tracklist:

Side A:
1. Nova
2. Lions of Judah
3. Free Spirit Unknown

Side B:
4. Long Time Black
5. Sixth House

Steve Reid Official Site