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

Sonny Rollins "East Broadway Run Down", Impulse! 1967

Another great findings over the weekend.

During 60s, Sonny Rollins released 3 albums from Impluse! Records, and this one is definitely the masterpiece. East Broadway Run Down features 2 of John Coltrane's band members, Elvin Jones and Jimmy Garrison, as well as well-established trumpeter Freddie Hubbard (Jones left Coltrane's group in 1966, the year they recorded album). With them, Rollins delivered powerful free-form performance on title track, with Garrison's one note pulse and Jones' multi-layered rhythmic exchange of vamps. While the rhythm section keeping tension building, Rollins and Hubbard play theme in unison somewhat freely, with floating melody line.

This album is real good example of 60s Jazz, hard bop with free Jazz element added, but still remaining in unity. It is also available on CD. Highly recommended.

Personnel:
Sonny Rollins - Tenor Sax
Freddie Hubbard - Trumpet
Jimmy Garrison - Bass
Elvin Jones - Drums

Side A:
1. East Broadway Run Down (20:25)

Side B:
1. Blessing In Disguise (12:24)
2. We Kiss In The Shadow (5:35)

Sonny Rollins Official Site
"East Broadway Run Down on Impulse! Records site

Phil Ranelin "Time Is Now!", Hefty Records, 2001

Over the weekend, I came across to find Phil Ranelin's "Time Is Now!". Originally released by Tribe Records in 1974, this is a double-LP reissue from Chicago's Hefty Records. This edition is remastered and remixed by John McEntire of Tortoise drummer.

I am not sure if or when I am going to see the original copy of this record. As you may or may not know, releases from Tribe Records are so difficult to find, because 1) the original releases are basically distributed only local-basis (home town Detroit area) with small amount, and 2) today, so many people are looking for them. But this reissue is nice and beautiful, and, over 30 years since the release, it still remains as a lost classic album of 70s spiritual / free-jazz era. A deep musical mix of avant-garde, hard bop, and soulful melodies with rhythmic density reflecting social and political movement seen in 70s.

Living Jazz legend and Tribe Records founder, Phil Ranelin is still active player. His latest release "Living A New Day" will be released by Wide Hive Records on January 27.

Personnel:
Phil Ranelin (Trombone, Percussion)
Haroun El Nil (Alto Sax, Bass clarinet, Percussion)
Wendell Harrison (Tenor Sax, Percussion)
Marcus Belgrave (Trumpet, Flugelhorn)
Charles Moore (Trumpet, Percussion)
Keith Vreeland (Piano)
John Dana, Reggie Shoo Be Doo Fields (Bass)
George Davidson (Drums, Percussion)

Tracklist:
A1. The Time Is Now For Change (13:29)
A2. Time Is Running Out (4:37)
B1. Of Times Gone By (8:41)
B2. Black Destiny (4:01)
B3. 13th And Senate (6:02)
B4. He, The One We All Knew, Pt.1 (3:09)
C1. The Time Is Now For Change (Outtake) (11:32)
D1. Time Is Running Out (Extended) (5:50)
D2. He The One We All Knew (Extended) (4:39)

Phil Ranelin
Phile Ranelin on Myspace
Hefty Records

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers "Live Messengers", Blue Note, 1978

I was fortunate to come across this double LP with previously unreleased live sessions from Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. The side 1 to 3 were recorded in 1961 and 1962, and side 4 in 1954. This compilation is a part of Blue Note Jazz Classic Series,

Side 1: recorded at the Village Gate in August, 1961
1. The Promised Land
2. Arabia

Side 2: recorded at the Renaissance Club, Hollywood, in March 1962
1. It's Only Paper Moon
2. Mosaic

Side 3: recorded at same date
1. Ping Pong
2. Up Jumped Spring (Alternate Version)

Art Blakey - Drums
Wayne Shorter - Tenor Sax
Freddie Hubbard - Trumpet
Curtis Fuller - Trombone
Ceder Walton - Piano
Jymie Merritt - Bass

Side 4: recorded at Birdland, NYC, on Feb. 21, 1954
1. Wee Dot
2. Blues
3. The Way You Look Tonight

Art Blakey - Drums
Clifford Brown - Trumpet
Lou Donaldson - Alto Sax
Horace Silver - Piano
Curley Russell - Bass

"Freesoul Sessions Volume 1", Antipodean Records, 2008

Freesoul Sessions is the project of London-based nu-Jazz/Broken beats keyboardist, producer, remixer, label owner Mark de Clive-Lowe. Created in 2004, the the concept is the project is improvising jam session with various style of music, from hip-hop, broken beats, afro-latin, future jazz.

At the session, Mark plays keys, MPC 3000, synth bass, effects, and he is joined by artists including Bembe Segue, Tawiah, Vanessa Freeman on vocals, Kaidi Tatham on keys, drums, Jason yarde on sax, Richard Spaven on drums, Sammy Figueroa on percussions, Mystro on MC, and many other guest artists.
He has released EP 1, 2 & 3 previously, and this is the first CD release compiling the tracks taken from EPs. This music really is full of heavy, groovy and head nodding beats and rhythms. There are many broken beants / future jazz DJs, but are not many artists who could deliver those sounds at live setting. Mark de Clive-Lowe is one of the finest live artists you will ever see. Highly recommended to check his live set when you have a chance, because the live sets do not really have a setlist so you will hear the tunes as it comes out from their improvisation. He is now setting up his studio in LA, and touring worldwide. Check out his Myspace for the tour dates.

Tracklist:
1. Where Can I Go (4:48)
2. Depth Charge (pt. 1 & 2) (10:42)
3. EP 1 (pt. 2) (7:04)
4. Bahia 2010 (7:11)
5. Freelude (3:15)
6. Higher Place (4:07)
7. EP 1 (pt. 1) (6:59
8. Wont Bring It Down (6:23)
9. EP 1 (pt. 3) (3:28)
10. Bring U 2 The 1 (2:30)
11. Reintroducing (4:20)
Download

Freesoul Sessions on Myspace
Mark de Clive-Lowe on Myspace
Mark de Clive-Lowe.net
Mashibeats Blog

Jazzanova live set @ Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards 2009

Just a friendly reminder. If you are in London area, Jazzanova is playing live set from their latest album "Of All The Things" at Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards 2009 on Saturday, January 24.

Jazzanova on Myspace

Jazzanova on Sonar Kollektiv

Jazzanova on Universal Music

Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards 2009 @ Cargo, London

Worldwide Award 2009 Blog

Kaidi Tatham "In Search Of Hope", Freedom School, 2008

Another master of nu-jazz, West London broken beats, coop massive, keyboardist Kaidi Tatham aka Agent K drops new album in 6 years. Produced and played solely by Kaidi, this album showcases his versatility as masterclass instrumentalist, whether on Rhodes, flute or drums.

The member of Bugz In The Attic, DKD, The Herbaliser, he is a non-stop music loving artists, with everlasting creative energy. Once he steps up on keys or drums, he never stops. One time, I was so fortunate to witness Kaidi and Mark de Clive-lowe jamming for almost 4 hours till 6am.

This album is naturally one of the best electronic breakbeat material to come out of 2008 for sure.

Tracklist
1. In Search Of Hope pt.1 (0.58)
2. Swift Inspiration (Quick Kid) (5:03)
3. Do What You Gotta Do (2:51)
4. Could I Ever Know? (4:38)
5. He Laughs She Cries (3:57)
6. So Amazed (3:50)
7. I'm High (3:18)
8. Simiya (4:33)
9. On A Vibe (4:32)
10. These Things Will Pass (4:02)
11. In Search Of Home pt.2 (1:55)
Download

Kaidi Tatham on Myspace
Bugz In The Attic
Bugz In The Attic on Myspace
Bugz In The Attic on Coopr8.net

The Herbaliser
Freedom School (w/ lots of pics)
"Kaidi on Moog and Dego of 4Hero on decks"

IG Culture "Zen Badizm", Freedom School, 2008

The true originator, don of West London sound, and Coop producer, Ian Grant aka IG Culture brings mindblowing, Black Jazz vibes of 21st century, blending spiritual and vibrant Jazzy sounds with vocal themes, along with his signature broken beants rhythms and grooves.

Very deep and powerful mix. There is always something new that comes to attention everytime I listen, a bit of Jazz, hip-hop, soul. This was released by Japanese indie label of DJ Kentaro. Interesting to find this tie-up.

The rumor tells IG Culture is working on new album under alias Quango.

Tracklist
Zen I (21:11)
1. Black
2. Consumed
3. Any Questions
4. Revelation
5. Adjusted Perspectives
6. B Free

Zen II (13:30)
7. Separate
8. Ra Bops In Blacknuss
9. Girl U Need A Change Of Mind
10. Finale

Zen III Consumer's Anthem (8:26)
11. This Love
12. Consumed (Refit)
13. Consumed (I Will Not B)
Download

IG Culture on Myspace
IG Culture on Coopr8.net
Freedom School (sorry, Japanese only)

Farewell to Freddie Hubbard (1938 - 2008)

My first post of 2009, and it is a tribute to one of the truly greatest trumpeter of the history of Jazz. Freddie Hubbard died on December 28, 2008. He was 70. R.I.P

The sound of Freddie Hubbard cannot be categorized into one segment, from hard-bop with Art Blakey and The Jazz messengers (replacing Lee Morgan), his Blue Note recordings, post-bop including Eric Dolphy's "Out to Lunch", Herbie Hancock's "maiden Voyage", to avant-garde recordings with John Coltrane's "Ascension" and "Afrca Brass", and Ornette Coleman's "Free jazz. Later, he moved on to record for CTI, and recorded more pop-Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Soul-Jazz oriented materials. Still, his sound was always energetic, overwhelming, and illuminating, so powerful that his playing will be forever ranked his as the top trumpet playter, along with Gizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown.

My personal and memorable encounter with one of Freddie Hubbard's record was "Red Clay" I found in London. It was a year 2000, and I was still young and just a guy who was trying to find the records so cool and hip that no one really has. I went to "Release the Groove" on Denman St., and was at the first floor talking to the store clerk about the sounds that I was looking for. And he put out this old record. When I heard the first trumpet sound on intro, I thought this is something different, different means good different. The drums and bass began. And by the time horns sounds came in, I was so hooked, with whole groove, melody, rhythm section, and the horn solo! I talked for like an hour about the album, Jazz-funk records, and CTI records at the store that day. One of the best record buying day of my life. Freddie Hubbard will always and definitely be one of my favorite players, no matter what style of Jazz he played, and his records will remain among my top disc in my vault. R.I.P. H.B. We remember.

Freddie Hubbard "Red Clay", CTI Records, 1970
Personnel:
Trumpet: Freddie Hubbard
Tenor Sax: Joe Henderson
E. Piano: Herbie Hancock
Bass: Ron Carter
Drumbs: Lenny White

Side A:
1. Red Clay
2. Delphia

Side B:
3. Suite Sioux
4. The Intrepid Fox