COMPOSER / ROOTS

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Winner of the 1984 Pulitzer Prize for Music, Bernard Rands is well established as a major figure in contemporary music. His music has been described as 'plangent lyricism with dramatic intensity', qualities developed since his studies with Dallapiccola and Berio. Inspired in the 1970's by the then new Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, Rands researched and sketched Vincent for the next 40 years. Described by the Huffington Post as Rands' 'crowning achievement', Vincent represents much of the great painter's life and in particular the dramatic setbacks of his later years, contrasting the affection of his brother Theo with intese inner struggles, his vicious conflict with Gauguin, and his tragic and untimely death.

Quartet w. Dale Barlow on tenor saxophone, and Dav Williams on bass and Billy Higgins on drums, recorded April 21, 1985.

Frank Walton is marked by creative excitement, a depth of emotion, subtle swing and a measure of funk, and harmonic and melodic sophistication. Walton has worked in and out of Chicago with the big bands of George Hunter, Jimmy and Morris Ellis as well as Muhal Richard Abrams Big Band. Trumpeter Walton is joined by soprano saxophonist Ari Brown and alto saxophonist Henry Threadgill among others. Tracks: Safari, Spongie, Waltz of the Prophets, Shorter's Vibes, Change of Mode. (Previously deleted: 4/1/08. Original release date:12/7/93)

UNDERGROUND MEMOIRS

PROMISE LAND

The Cedar Walton of 1977-78 was the Cedar Walton of Beyond Mobius, the Pentagon, Firm Roots and Animation. His sympathies at the time ranged from Fusion groups to larger ensembles and leading his own quartet featuring the players on this live recording from the Keystone Korner. The quartet was an acclaimed group who played and toured together regularly from the late 70's into the early 80's. Released here for the first time anywhere, these performances bristle with excitement and electricity and is an important document rescued from oblivion by HighNote Records.

CHARMED CIRCLE - LIVE AT THE KEYSTONE KORNER

NEA Jazz Master Cedar Walton has enjoyed an up-tempo career, which never seems to slow down. As a composer, Cedar is one of the finest in jazz whose works have been widely recorded with many now being recognized as jazz standards. For his latest HighNote recording, Walton returns to his favored quintet format with poll-winning trombonist Steve Turre adding his luxurious, velvet tone to Vincent Herring's saxophone sound.

Cedar Walton has been a steady contributor to the language of modern jazz for more than fifty years and he hasn't lost a step when it comes to delivering a rewarding listening experience. With saxophonist Vincent Herring, Buster Williams on bass and Willie Jones III on drums Cedar offers a program of standards, jazz tunes and also revisits a few of his own originals from his most fertile compositional period, all recorded at the famed Rudy Van Gelder Recording Studio.

The Pantheon of Jazz Piano Greats Is a Very Exclusive Club: Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Bud Powell, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and But a Few More of Their Stature. Certainly, By Now the Membership Has Voted to Admit Cedar Walton to Their Elite Ranks. A Fixture on the Jazz Scene for the Last 50 Years, Walton Is One of the Most Influential Musicians and Have Become Part of the Standard Jazz Repertoire. His Playing Regularly Receives Praise from Critics, Fellow Jazz Musicians and Audiences Around the World. Here He Is Surrounded By Some of His Regular Collaborators Including Vincent Herring Nad Jeremy Pelt in a Program of Standards and Walton Originals. Recorded By Ruby Van Gelder at the Legendary Van Gelder Studios.

LATIN TINGE

“...a magnificent quartet....outstandingly good....” (Jazz Journal) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

On October 1, 1977 Cedar Walton quartet fronted by (then) young tenorman Bob Berg visited Copenhagen’s jazz epicentre Montmartre. According to many who were lucky to be there to catch the evening of music, “It turned out to be an unforgettable evening.” (Peter Nørgaard – Berlingske Tidende, Denmark). Unlike most of the live recorded albums that evening was recorded and released in whole as they are performed in three sets. With this the last set concluding the evening The Walton Quartet left the scene and the deeply satisfied audience. “This is a magnificent quartet….and excellent album to revive the flagging spirits of jaded old beboppers.” (Mike Hennessey – Jazz Journal) “Cedar Walton is not only playing fresh, interesting, swinging and original piano these days, but also contributing significantly in the area of composition.” (Mike Shera – Jazz Journal) 180g Audiophile Vinyl

“...a magnificent quartet....outstandingly good....” (Jazz Journal)

Third Set

Second Set