Featuring Sunday's two live sets from a four-night run at New York's Jazz Standard in 2015, the road-tested Dave Douglas Quintet delivers a roller-coaster ride of complex harmonic and rhythmic structures, veering between fierce and soulful on this two disc release. Also part of a complete 8 CD set, the music features New York heavyweights Jon Irabagon, Matt Mitchell, Linda May Han Oh and Rudy Royston. GRE-CD-1067, Disc 1: 01. Law of Historical Memory 02. Ocean Spray 03. This Is My Father's World 04. Variable Current 05. My Cares Are Down Below / The Pigeon And The Pie 06. There Is A Balm In Gilead GRE-CD-1067, Disc 2: 01. Bridge To Nowhere 02. Deep River 03. Wake Up Claire 04. Going Somewhere Without You 05. God Be With You Till We Meet Again

The Dave Douglas Quintet finishes their extensive Brazen Heart tour with a four night run at the Jazz Standard November 19-22, 2015. This 8-set recording features Jon Irabagon (saxophone), Matt Mitchell (piano), Linda May Han Oh (bass) and Rudy Royston (drums). The group delivers a roller-coaster ride of complex harmonic and rhythmic structures, veering between fierce and soulful. Memorable versions of their entire repertoire, by a band at the height of it's powers. GRE-CD-1066, Disc 1: 01. Hawaiian Punch 02. Miracle Gro 03. Barbara Allen 04. Lone Wolf 05. Going Somewhere With You 06. There Is A Balm In Gilead 07. Law of Historical Memory GRE-CD-1066, Disc 2: 01. Ocean Spray 02. Time Travel 03. Pyrrhic Apology 04. Inure Phase 05. My Cares Are Down Below / The Pigeon And The Pie 06. Deep River GRE-CD-1062, Disc 1: 01. Hawaiian Punch 02. Little Feet 03. Wake Up Claire 04. Be Still My Soul 05. Brazen Heart 06. Whither Must I Wander? 07. Beware of Doug GRE-CD-1062, Disc 2: 01. Bridge to Nowhere 02. Variable Current 03. This Is My Father's World 04. One Morning 05. Middle March 06. God Be With You Till We Meet Again GRE-CD-1057, Disc 1: 01. Hawaiian Punch 02. Time Travel 03. Be Still My Soul 04. Brazen Heart 05. Whither Must I Wander 06. Lone Wolf GRE-CD-1057, Disc 2: 01. Garden State 02. Miracle Gro 03. Barbara Allen 04. Inure Phase 05. Little Feet GRE-CD-1067, Disc 1: 01. Law of Historical Memory 02. Ocean Spray 03. This Is My Father's World 04. Variable Current 05. My Cares Are Down Below / The Pigeon And The Pie 06. There Is A Balm In Gilead GRE-CD-1067, Disc 2: 01. Bridge To Nowhere 02. Deep River 03. Wake Up Claire 04. Going Somewhere Without You 05. God Be With You Till We Meet Again

Having always found inspiration in the evocative recordings of Gil Evans and Miles Davis, and from the great balladeers - Dexter, Trane, Turrentine, Clifford Brown - veteran Seattle trumpeter/saxophonist Jay Thomas was always on the lookout for the right relationship with an arranger who could properly frame his vision for a recording of richly orchestrated ballads. Meeting the German composer/arranger/trumpeter Oliver Groenewald opened the door to several years of collaboration, culminating in this deep recording of lush landscapes and melodies, performed with the intention, clarity and sustained energy of a master melodist.

2018 EP release from the songwriter and classical violinist. Kimia Penton uses her music to explore the common themes we share on life's journey. Having garnered favorable comparisons to Norah Jones, Brandi Carlile, Alison Krauss, Sara Bareilles, and Eva Cassidy, Kimia Penton's music is a tapestry of her adventures and travels that covers wide swaths of jazz, pop, and folk, as well as stitches of classical, R&B, Blues, and Middle Eastern influences. The Where The Rain Falls EP is a soulful and sophisticated celebration of self-compassion, authenticity, emotional healing, and fearless femininity. Kimia's poignant and relatable lyrics and heartfelt vocals are inspired by her broad cultural background and reveal resonant themes of bravery, vulnerability, and self-reflection.

Classical Music

Ivie Anderson was a jazz singer who was so versatile and highly regarded that she was the longest-serving female vocalist with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, occupying that exacting role from 1932 through to 1942, a vital and exciting formative era for Ellington's music. Born in 1905, she began performing in her native Los Angeles in 1921, and by 1925 was singing at New York's famous Cotton Club and toured with stage musicals, before joining Earl Hines in 1930. She was soon hired by the Duke, and enjoyed a lengthy stay with him, as he made the most of her fine jazz feel, and her ability to work across a range of styles and material, from highly original renditions of up-tempo material like her much-lauded recording of "It Don't Mean A Thing" to sensitive treatments of ballads like "I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good" which place her alongside the likes of much better known peers as Billie Holiday. This great value 50-track 2-CD set primarily comprises recordings with the Ellington orchestra for the Brunswick, Columbia, RCA-Victor, Variety & Master labels across the era, including the 1942 pop and R&B hits "I Got It Bad" and "Hayfoot, Strawfoot", plus later solo recordings for the Excello and Black & White labels, including her 1944 hit "Mexico Joe". It also includes a version with Duke of "All God's Chillun Got Rhythm" which she performed in the 1942 Marx Brothers movie "A Day At The Races". It's a thoroughly enjoyable and, we hope, nicely representative overview of the most important period of her career and a fine showcase for a distinctive performer who has not received the recognition her talent merits.

A presence on the European jazz scene for 25 years, Belgian bassist Piet Verbist is best known for his decade of touring with Universal Records' Jef Neve Trio, with the expansive list of artists he performs with yearly, or releases and tours by his own groups - the modern, electric Zygomatik and the collective, Mamutrio. Having many compositions that fell outside the needs of those groups, Verbist formed his acoustic quartet for exploring wider musical concepts with a lot of space for dynamic improvisation. "Suite R'union" is also a celebration of old friends, as the acclaimed drummer Dr' Pallemaerts and Verbist's musical collaborations go back to their early teens.

Classical Music

Nancy Wilson is one of the finest vocalists to emerge in the post-war era to take over the mantle of great jazz, cabaret and pop singers such as Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Peggy Lee, and compete with them on their own terms. Achieving her early recognition in the era when the long-playing stereo album was becoming a universal format, she was always primarily an album artist, especially with her focus being as much on jazz and easy listening as the pure pop market, although she had chart success in the pop, R&B and adult contemporary markets from the '60s through to the '90s. This collection takes a thorough look at the formative years of her career, comprising as it does her complete performances on five LPs - "Like In Love", recorded in 1956 when she was just 19, "Something Wonderful", "The Swinging's Mutual" with jazz pianist George Shearing, the equally jazz-oriented "Nancy Wilson With Cannonball Adderley", and "Hello Young Lovers". In addition, it includes an early single with R&B artist Rusty Bryant, two of her singles from 1960 and a couple of very jazzy 'live' performances from 1961. It showcases the breadth and distinctiveness of her talent, and her sophisticated artistry even in these early days, as she delivers material across the jazz, blues and pop spectrum

Japanese vocalist May Okita recently departed Los Angeles where she spent several years developing her musical voice with some of the finest mentors and musical partners in jazz. Before moving back to Tokyo, she recorded this deeply personal album with two particularly inspirational and empathetic musicians: pianist Josh Nelson and guitarist Larry Koonse. Together, they explore many of the subtleties of the human heart - pleasure, sorrow, passion, calmness - her sonorous and poignant voice floating effortlessly over the Bernstein/Comden gem "Some Other Time," the Joni Mitchell classic "Both Sides Now," the Lou Carter, Herb Ellis, Johnny Frigo beauty "Detour Ahead," or May and Josh's own title song. "Art of Life" is a heartfelt debut for a promising new voice."May's delivery is at times so genuine and kind, it is really a pleasure to listen to her..." - Michele Weir.

Matthew Shipp Trio + Nicole Mitchell - "All things Are" - Matthew Shipp (piano), Nicole Mitchell (flute, alto flute), Michael Bisio (double bass), Newman Taylor Baker (drums)

Collection of 14 songs performed in Cantonese, "Song Book" by award-winning vocalist Roger Chung featuring Jezrael Lucero on keys is a selection of jazzed up cantopop standards from the period 1981-2002. This Hong Kong Song Book concept is inspired by the Great American Song Book, which is an unofficial collection of songs from Broadway musicals, Hollywood movies and classic tunes popular on the radio, such as Somewhere Over the Rainbow (from The Wizard of Oz). First of it's kind in Hong Kong, and one of the very few in the world, "Song Book" is a vocal-piano jazz duo concept album which has been descried by Hong Kong's own grandmaster of audiophile production Clarence Chang as "instantly creating history." These cantopop standards are performed in a style that is reminiscent of the classic Tony Bennett/Bill Evans vocal-piano duo album released in 1975, the 40s-60s supper club lounge shows and speakeasy jazz bars.

Sofia Rei, JC Maillard, Franco Pinna, Thierry Arpino The fabulous voice of Sofia Rei has graced several Zorn vocal projects, from the acappella quartet Mycale to the dynamic Song Project, and here she interprets 8 compositions from the Book Beri'ah-the third and last book completing the Masada legacy. Featuring the remarkable JC Maillard on saz bass, the arrangements are incredibly varied, and range from lyrical heartfelt ballads to driving grooves. Intimate and intensely personal, this is one of the most unique Masada cds in the entire series! Unforgettable. 1. Ge'ulah 2. Setumah 3. Kayam 4. Rachamim 5. Penimi 6. Orot 7. Tikkun 8. Ketarim

Classical Music

Veteran Seattle bassist Chuck Deardorf brings together longtime musical friends and compatriots for this album, filled with spontaneous interaction, gritty grooves and melodic beauty. With the quartet of pianist Dawn Clement, drummer Matt Wilson and saxophonist Hans Teuber, Deardorf explores deep and seldom-heard compositions by Kenny Barron, Keith Jarrett and Monk, while a second trio with Marc Seales & Gary Hobbs performs music by Jack DeJohnette and even the "Blind Faith" rock classic, "Can't Find My Way Home." "Perception" displays an inspired group aesthetic, as it provides a look into the creative vision that has made Deardorf a favorite musical partner to the countless jazz legends he's accompanied over the years."... a strong and smart bandleader... His own voice is the primary unifying factor. He is a quick, clear rhythm-section player and an articulate, interesting soloist... " - Jazztimes

Chicago-based alto saxophonist and composer Greg Ward (Tortoise, Lupe Fiasco, McKaya McCraven) presents a new group, Rogue Parade, featuring a quintet of heavyweight creative Chicago musicians: Matt Gold and Dave Miller (guitar & effects), Matt Ulery (bass), and Quin Kirchner (drums). Following his critically acclaimed Greenleaf debut Touch My Beloved's Thought (2016), which was a re-imagining of the music of Charles Mingus, Stomping Off From Greenwood highlights Ward's skills as a writer and arranger with a set of eight new compositions that explore this unique two-guitar instrumentation, which blends the acoustic and electronic sonic worlds. The group honed their ensemble sound during a month-long residency in Chicago, followed by extensive touring in the Midwest, before heading into the studio to capture the band's energy on record. In addition to the original material, the band presents Ward's moody arrangement of the jazz standard " 1) Metropolis 2) Excerpt 1 3) The Contender 4) The Fourth Reverie 5) Let Him Live 6) Black Woods 7) Pitch Black Promenade 8) Stadust 9) Sundown

The Hierophant is a spectacular new suite of Zorn compositions drawing inspiration from the mystic world of the Tarot. Scored for classic jazz piano trio, the music is powerful and varied, hitting upon a wide range of styles, emotions and moods. Passionately performed by three members of Zorns inner circleBrian Marsella (piano) Trevor Dunn (bass) and Kenny Wollesen (drums) these magical and moving pieces are not like any piano trio you have ever heard. Thrilling and beautiful mod- ern chamber music featuring three new music virtuosos at the very height of their powers!

Yellow River marks the 4th album in 36 months by Jim Stephens on Ropeadope. This offering follows 2016's Soul debut On our Way To Forever; 2017's Delta Blues duo album Box Car Blues featuring BoyWonder; and 2018's Genre-defying 20-song double album Philasippiola Soul. Yellow River brings some of Stephens' All-Star New Orleans and Philly collectives together for a 10 song tour-de-force which is deep-rooted in Jazz, Soul, Blues, and Funk. The album was primarily recorded over 2 days at the legendary Esplanade Studios in New Orleans. Stephens wrote 6 of the songs, while personalizing and re-working cover songs and traditional gospel. Once again he delivered on the production and arrangements while playing lap steel, guitar, and harmonica. Shaun Martin joins the band as pianist for 5 of the 10 songs, with Deej Roisin accompanying Martin on organ, and taking lead on the other piano tracks. Will Winborne Jr., an integral member of Stephens' band, as well as performing regularly with BoyWonder, The Village People, and rising hip-hop stars XPresidents, lends his organ and rhodes work to the title track and accompanying Martin on organ on Stephens' Norah Jones'- inspired take on The Band's "Bessie Smith." The horn section features a pair of living legends in Big Sam Williams and Jeffrey T. Watkins (James Brown's horn director for the last 12 years of Brown's career, now with the New Orleans Suspects, who on top of his tenor work, stepped in for the intricacies and finalizing the horn direction on the album). They are joined by the elite talents of Lori LaPatka on alto sax, and Ian Smith on trumpet. The rhythm sections are broke into 3 groups featuring: Jerry JBLAKK Henderson and Milk Williams of Big Sam's Funky Nation; Sam Price from Honey Island Swamp Band; and Sam Shahin and Noah Young from Naughty Professor and Big Freedia's band. Stephens' band featuress 3 amazing vocal talents in Ja-Tun Thomas, Andre "BoyWonder" Coles (who also plays guitar on the album), and Ariel Skye, all of whom shine on duets and solo appearances - most noticeably on Stephen

Moen began his career as a keyboard player in a Norwegian metal band at the age of 13. His interest in jazz became serious when studying at Musicians Institute, Los Angeles and was further developed at Berklee College of Music, Boston."I wanted a band rather than a "Bernt Moen Trio" project, hence the formation of Dualistic.

For his first album on Origin, veteran New York vibraphonist Dan McCarthy gathers with some of the most creative and interesting improvisers in jazz - violinist Mark Feldman, bassist Steve Swallow and guitarist Ben Monder. Crafting an elegant program of impressionistic originals, McCarthy uses them to highlight the unique color and texture of the instrumentation, along with these master performer's eloquent use of mood, subtlety, timbre and patience. Sharing sonic territory with classic albums by Eberhard Weber, or several of John Abercrombie's ECM recordings, McCarthy's new offering engages with disarming beauty. "An extraordinary musical ability and a boundless imagination" - Gary Burton."A vibraphonist with a charismatic and pointedly contemporary style" - Nate Chinen, NYT

Pianist Brittany Anjou has explored everything from Ahmad Jamal to Bikini Kill between her roiling original compositions inspired by Bartok, Stravinsky, Red Garland and McCoy Tyner. It makes great artistic sense that the title of her first major piano trio album and the five-part suite contained within is in Esperanto, the "constructed" international language. Just as Anjou's English-language title "Reciprocal Love" becomes Enamigoh Reciprokataj (En-"h-mee-joh Reh-sih-pro-k"h-tye), so too does the mainstream language of the piano jazz she loves get translated into something strikingly different and psychically original.

June Christy was one of an elite coterie of singers during the post-war decade who readily spanned the big band, cool jazz, and sophisticated pop genres. This great-value 49-track 2-CD set comprises a significant proportion of the studio and 'live' recordings she made with Kenton's orchestra.

Alternate takes on a Monk solo LP are a revelation, and this reissue of his 1965 Columbia solo LP is packed with seven of 'em plus an additional bonus track!

For the second installment of an ambitious five-CD project, undertaken to observe his fiftieth birthday, master bassist Rodney Whitaker convenes a world-class sextet to pay homage to the oeuvre of Duke Ellington. It's a subject that Whitaker came to know intimately during his 9-year tenure with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, regarding it as his Ph.D in Ellingtonia through performance, deep study, and spirited conversation with Wynton Marsalis and bandmates through those years. With a front line of modern jazz masters - Brian Lynch, Michael Dease and Diego Rivera, the fiery, modern aesthetic of drummer Karriem Riggins, along with pianist Richard Roe and vocals by Rockelle Fortin, Whitaker celebrates the timelessness of Ellington's works by allowing them to live and breathe through the freewheeling, "cutting session" atmosphere he created for the session.

Bright Dog Red (BDR), an improvising collective from Albany, New York, fuses free improvisation, electronica, jazz, hip hop, psychedelia, and noise music. BDR will release How's by You? September 13, 2019, the ensemble's second album for Ropeadope Records, the influential Philadelphia area imprint. How's by You? follows BDR's Ropeadope debut, 2018's Means to the Ends, celebrated for it's "exploratory sounds" (The Bolg) and "spirited and inspired jazz that skillfully weaves in... electronica and hip-hop" (Blue in Green Radio, UK). Ropeadope, long at the nexus of jazz, hip hop, and electronica, has proven an apt partner for BDR's "innovative and psychedelic mesh" of those genres (The Alt Weekly). Since partnering with the label, the group has enjoyed a widening audience, including increased recognition in North America, the UK, and Europe. Hailed as "Sonic Groundbreakers" (Nu Jazz Sounds, UK) and a "band on the rise" (The Bolg), BDR stands poised for increased notoriety with the release of How's by You?. BDR's regular performances at New York destination venues like ShapeShifter Lab, Nublu, and Spectrum, have garnered the ensemble comparisons to "Mahavishnu Orchestra meets Digable Planets" (Paul Schulman), "electronic Ahmad Jamal, " (Don Lucoff), and to other psychedelic, jazz fusion, and hip hop luminaries. The band has also earned esteem among contemporary musicians representing a wide swath of genres. Live looping artist Adam Ahuja of Infinity Gritty has implored his followers to immerse themselves in BDR's "self-reflective swing hop." Internationally renowned DJ M A N I K, has heralded BDR's "dope fusion improv" on his syndicated podcast Welcome to My Crate. Bass virtuoso and neuroscientist Tyreek Jackson, who often plays with the group, credited BDR with expanding his horizons, "Playing in this band, where you know that things can change at any time, has opened up my ear... I become a better listener after every BDR gig."