Saxophonist Lee Konitz began his career in the wake of Charlie Parker but he became arguably the only saxophonist to offer an alternative to Bird's overwhelming influence at the time. It is not surprising then that free-thinking and improvising Konitz would gravitate to the post-modern sensibilities of Ethan Iverson, best known as the pianist in the Bad Plus and a composer of extremely wide range and versatility. Together they offer a wildly creative set list where past and present combine to teeter on the edge of the future.
Mary Stallings enchants audiences around the world with her divine musicality, elegant stage presence, and a voice that is, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, "supple and timeless, encompassing the whole history of music." the New York Times says she's "perhaps the best jazz singer alive today" and her 2013 HighNote recording offers ample proof. With the supremely gifted pianist, composer, arranger Eric Reed as Music Director, Mary offers ten tunes which show the full range of her considerable talents.
Joey DeFrancesco offers a hard-driving disc with a mixture of his own Hammond and the tried and true flavors of his regular bandmates Steve Cotter and Ramon Banda. This swinging threesome references everybody from saxophonist Sonny Rollins ("Way out West") and former boss Miles Davis ("I Don't Wanna Be Kissed") to Thelonious Monk ("Monk's Dream"), putting it's own stamp on this format in straightforward fashion. The band clearly delights in exploring the material, playing off one another and, in the case of DeFrancesco and Cotter, letting their envious chops off the leash.
Honest-to-goodness, real-life jazz singing is almost as rare these days as a nickel cup of coffee. There are far too few remaining practitioners of the honorable art of singing good songs with the lift and the swing but Ernestine Anderson is one of those rare beings. Years of singing and living have shaped a vocalist who can make your heart cry one moment and dance the next. Poignant ballads, sassy swing, and down-home blues-Ernestine Anderson is master of them all. Recorded live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in NYC. Features Houston Person on the tenor saxophone.
Eric Alexander makes his first foray on HighNote Records into the hallowed halls of the 'ballad record', and joins the ranks of such tenor balladeers as Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Houston Person, Hank Mobley and countless others. But this is not your mother's ballad record. Eric has selected an interesting program of music that will interest and please even the most seasoned collectors. From "Dinner for One Please, James" to Trane's "Central Park West," Eric displays a thoughtful sensitivity that is all the more effective for being so surprising.
New Orleans-born LaVerne Butler's voice exudes an established confidence and impeccable taste. Eschewing scatological pyrotechnics, she relies instead on nuances, caressing syllables and imbuing all sorts of speculative meaning into rests in a most sensuous, though never sensationalistic, way. With her accompanist-Music Director Bruce Barth, LaVerne turns her attentions to a group of standards and jazz tunes that highlight not just her sexy ribbon of a voice, but which also give her accompanying quartet plenty of space to show their wares.
This recording surpasses all of Cindy's previous efforts in terms of instrumental technique, inspired composition & sheer visceral excitement, joined by J.D. Allen, Carlton Holmes & George Mitchell, who burn, wail & cook through a program of originals & standards
On THE TIME OF THE SUN, Tom and his quintet once again reaffirm their place at the top of the post-bop mainstream. Of course, Harrell's often beautiful, always rigorous solos are to the fore but Harrell allows each member of his band to shine and nobody is relegated to second fiddle. Whether it be on ballads or driving pieces, the group's expositions, interactions and song development is exuberant and extensive, devoid of gimmicks and are delivered in an energetic, yet disciplined and sophisticated manner.
Steve Turre demonstrates once again why he is one of the first call trombonists in the world on his fifth recording for HighNote Records, Woody's Delight. This record is an aptly named homage to his mentor and former boss, Woody Shaw. Steve offers an intensely interesting program featuring five of the finest trumpeters in jazz today Jon Faddis, Wallace Roney, Claudio Roditi, Freddie Hendrix and Chocolate Armenteros.
Trumpet player, bandleader, composer, and arranger Tom Harrell picked up rave reviews for 2022's Oak Tree, and here he follows it up with another ambitious, hard-to-resist album, once again made up entirely his own remarkable compositions. Harrell is supremely regarded, not for playing loudly, fast, or high, but rather for his extraordinary talent at fashioning ravishingly beautiful auricular shapes with a wonderfully expressive tone and depth. He is also an exceptionally fine arranger, crafting scores embroidered with felicities of detail and an inevitability which are unique in jazz. Teamed here for the second time with Venezuelan-born pianist Luis Perdomo, featuring the tenor saxophones of Danya Stephens and Mark Turner, the guitar of Charles Altura and regular collaborators, German-Nigerian bassist Ugonna Okegwo and American drummer Adam Cruz, Harrell and his associates emphasize the diverse musical influences of the compositions with a versatility that vividly displays their common strength.
Coryell made his HighNote debut with this All-Star line-up and pays tribute to the Jazz giants who influenced him and helped him develop his unique Jazz guitar style which has made him the touchstone against which all other Jazz guitarists are measured. With the great John Hicks on piano, saxman Willie Williams, drummer Yoron Israel laying down the foundation and the imaginative bass-ics of Santi Debriano, Larry pours some new wine into the old bottles with innovative takes on classic tunes by Monk, Trane, Miles and, of course, Larry Coryell.
Tenor Saxman Eric Alexander has more than lived up to his Young Lion hype. Last year he released his amazing 18th recording as leader for HighNote, IT'S ALL IN THE GAME. It only reinforces what has been clear from his work of the past decade, Alexander is one of the leading talents of modern tenor saxophone. Eric and his working band explore a wealth of material, finding treasures and mining each gem without getting tedious, varying his strategies from fluttering wisps, meaty arpeggios and evocative swirls.
2012 NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan's performances are always intriguing blends of imaginative music making and deeply felt, richly emotional story telling. More than many performing artists, she lays her life on the line with everything she sings. And more than any other jazz vocalist she reflects the power of the instrumentalists who shaped her musical life. She alone, it seems, can combine Rollins' drive and Parker's soaring invention with Ella's spunk and Billie's passion. This recording with bassist Harvie S shows off her immaculate phrasing and dead-on pitch on a dozen standards.
Jazz legend George Cables celebrates his 80th birthday with a stunning new recording, showcasing the timeless artistry that has defined his illustrious career. Known for his flawless technique and unparalleled musicianship, he has established himself as a towering figure in the jazz world. With icons like Art Pepper, Dexter Gordon and Freddie Hubbard he solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile and sought-after pianists of his generation. This album does not just honor his storied past but, with tunes both old and new, it captures the essence of a musician who has not only shaped jazz history but continues to influence it's evolution. The recording features jazz standards by legends like Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Horace Silver, as well as a tribute to the next generation of jazz talent with a piece by Arcoiris Sandoval, an exciting female pianist making waves in the jazz scene today. Throughout, Cables bridges the past and future of jazz, crafting an album that is a must-listen for any jazz aficionado. Join in celebrating this milestone and the remarkable contributions of a true jazz giant.
Joey DeFrancesco has come a long way from his recording debut made in 1989 as a fresh-faced 17-year-old. From the get-go, he established his credentials with virtuoso technique and an innate soulfulness that he developed under the tutelage of his father, Papa John DeFrancesco. Combining monstrous chops with a flair for showmanship, DeFrancesco is regarded by organ aficionados as the baddest B-3 burner in the business. Joey's latest manages to look both ahead and back ? back to the trio's roots which extend back 15 years ? and ahead to musical triumphs to come.
Few can match Steve Turre's skill as a trombonist. His technical mastery, which has seen him win five Down Beat polls, goes hand-in-hand with a deep respect for the music that has gone before him. Turre is also an acclaimed shellist, or conch player, extracting warm lyricism from this unusual instrument from the seabed. On this, his fourth HighNote release, Steve is joined by tenor sax great Billy Harper and piano giant Larry Willis, with whom Steve had worked in the band of Woody Shaw. If ever an album lived up to it's name, it is Steve Turre's "Delicious and Delightful."
