Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Five Of My Favorite BILL EVANS Recordings In No Particular Order:

THE COMPLETE VILLAGE VANGUARD RECORDINGS – 1961

The successor to the original single LP, this three-CD set presents everything played by the short-lived but long admired Evans trio of that period. Surrounded by Scott LaFaro on bass and Paul Motian on drums, this group brings Evans along the road toward the super stardom he would eventually earn. Tragically, Scott LaFaro’s death from an auto accident made these sides even more important and I might add, treasured. The trio is peerless and is paving new jazz roads on nearly two dozen day brightening choices. LaFaro would change the role of the bass player forever. And Evans would grieve his loss for a long, long time. But this historically important set still stands as a groundbreaking, magnificent and timeless event.


MOONBEAMS – Riverside

After Scott LaFaro’s tragic loss, it was about a year until Evans would record again and when he did, this 1962 all-ballad studio set was the result. Present day Portland bassist Chuck Israels appears here with Evans and Motian on ten emotive beauties like “If You Could See Me Now”, “Very Early”, “Stairway To The Stars”, “I Fall In Love Too Easily” and more. Bill was always moved by emotion and romanticism. You’ll find both in abundance on this beautiful session.


ALONE – Verve

Bill Evans once told Marian McPartland on her radio program Piano Jazz that he loved the freedom and creative opportunities to play solo piano. This gorgeous effort finds him in sheer perfection on a wealth of material such as “Here’s That Rainy Day”, “A Time For Love”, “Midnight Mood”, “On A Clear Day” and others. On the CD version there are three bonus tracks for you to devour. It’s pretty much a given that Bill Evans playing solo was as close as we could ever get to musical heaven.


YOU MUST BELIEVE IN SPRING – Warner Bros.

Towards the end of Evans’ short life of fifty-one years, his trio underwent more changes in personnel. Eddie Gomez remained on bass, but Eliot Zigmund assumed the drum chores. The year was 1977 and Bill had discovered Michel Legrand’s new masterpiece “You Must Believe In Spring”. By this time Evans had become much more orchestral in concept, and this session illustrates that rhapsodic magnificence. Other emotional outpourings include “The Peacocks”, “Sometime Ago”, “B Minor Waltz” and more. Great art is almost always easily recognizable. And here it is.


LIVE IN BUENOS AIRES, 1979 – West Wind

Bill’s very last trio was highly acclaimed and featured virtuoso Marc Johnson on bass, along with Joe LaBarbera who added new pleasures on drums. This live two-CD set, recorded about a year before Evans was lost to us in 1980, continues his incredible orchestral approach on both newer and longstanding favorites. I don’t know if he was aware that his time was running short. But Bill Evans puts it all out there, perhaps more than ever before.


Five Of My Favorite OSCAR PETERSON Recordings In No Particular Order:

WE GET REQUESTS – Verve

A relaxed but constantly swinging trio session with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen. This is the essence of piano trio communication with quality pop songs of the era like “Quiet Nights”, “Days Of Wine And Roses”, and “Have You Met Miss Jones”. The highlight however, is a John Lewis blues called “D&E”. Bob McAnulty used to play it at the old KLIQ studio in Portland, Oregon’s Oaks Park!


CANADIANA SUITE – Limelight

This is Oscar’s loving tribute to his Canadian homeland. It also features Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen, and finds the pianist running the table from joyous and swinging to luscious and elegant. It reminds us that, in addition to his piano virtuosity, Oscar Peterson was a first rate, formidable composer. My treasured copy is autographed by the master himself.


THE LONDON HOUSE SESSIONS – Verve

This fine CD set was recorded live at Chicago’s premier jazz club, The London House. It is a spectacular example of three musicians---Oscar, Ray and Ed (again)---at their peak and before a live, adoring audience. Stunning, brilliant performances, beginning to end. Hard to find but worth the search!


THE TRIO – PABLO

This CD puts Oscar in the company of guitarist Joe Pass and bassist Niels Pedersen. I remember playing it one day for a jazz pianist friend of mine. Although he loves Oscar, he went into a profanity-laced tirade---all in red-faced jealousy of the genius at the piano. OP’s “Blues Etude” will leave you shaking your head in how-can-that-be-possible amazement! And it just continues from there.


BLUES ETUDE – Limelight

This time we go from the song title “Blues Etude” to an album with that same name, but on a different label and in new company. Two Peterson trios share the riches, one with Sam Jones and Louis Hayes, and the other with Ray Brown and Louis Hayes. The nine tunes are divided between amazing OP originals and perfectly realized standards.

 

GEORGE’S BRIEFS

Jill McCarron; Jazz Motif

So here’s the story: I encounter this CD by a pianist I’ve never heard of, Jill McCarron. I take a glance at the tunes and composers, and I see names like John Lewis, Kenny Dorham, Ray Brown, Horace Silver, Bud Powell, Al Cohn and more. Just about automatically I know that Jill McCarron is the real deal. Her trio is augmented by the very hip alto sax and flute of Will Anderson. Let’s simply say that Jill McCarron has done her homework and the swinging results are a pure delight.

Self-produced; 2021; appx. 60 min.

       

Jerry Cook; Walk In The Park

And speaking of new names, how about the big and bountiful sound of tenor sax man Jerry Cook. On his new album for Vancouver, BC’s Cellar Live Records, Cook and colleagues deliver ten selections, opting for a well balanced menu of standards and freshly minted originals. Consider these favorites like “Smile”, “Summertime”, “Soul Eyes” and “Hello My Lovely”. Added to that are Cook’s own creations, complete with attractive, vibrant melody lines and inspired improvisation. The real jazz voices always manage to come through. And Jerry Cook is definitely one of them.

Cellar Live Records; 2021; appx. 64 min.


Medeljazz  Quartet; Versature

Now here is a well entrenched quartet of guitar, piano, bass and drums, playing ten original compositions. They seem to convey a strong “all for one” feeling in a session of accessible yet creative and quite contemporary nature. Although the leadership role seems to be that of guitarist Laurent Melegi, all participants enjoy both solo opportunities and ensemble importance. There is a quiet intensity to this music. It just may grab you right where you listen!

Self produced; 2021; times not indicated


Shawn Montero; You Are There


For the last decade or more I’ve been aware of Shawn Montero as a very hip jazz singer. This CD as a matter of fact is the third of her discs in my own collection. There are a lot of things to like about her. First and very importantly, it’s apparent to me that Montero is an admirer of Carmen McRae. There’s a distinct Carmen-like quality to her voice and her phrasing. For what it’s worth I can also hear a hint of Chris Connor in her vocal timbre. Secondly, Montero chooses songs worthy of being “out there” and deserve to be heard a great deal more. Among these are Blossom Dearie’s wistful “Inside A Silent Tear”; and a gorgeous thing “You’ll See” by the English composer Carroll Coates. To these, add two gems by Portland’s own Dave Frishberg, “Let’s Eat Home” and the tender tear jerker “You Are There”. But there are evergreens here too. How about these: “Dearly Beloved”, “How Deep Is The Ocean”, “The Shadow Of Your Smile” and more. Accompanying Ms. Montero is a peerless group led by the gifted pianist Kenny Barron. I’ve known of her for quite a while, but now it’s your turn to discover Shawn Montero.

Whaling City Sound; 2021; 65:07.

The Piano Music Of Dick Hyman Performed By Steven Harlos




I’ve always referred to pianist Dick Hyman as a jazz chameleon. You see, he can do it all: From ragtime to stride; from swing to bebop; as an accompanist to singers; or in any legitimate musical context. He even experimented way back in the late 1950’s with a new technological advancement called “stereo”! On this exhilarating date his widespread talent as a composer is handed over to pianist Steven Harlos who handles the assignment as though these luscious compositions were his own. Yes, we’ve known of Dick Hyman’s piano gifts for over a half century. But now we are the lucky beneficiaries of his solo piano brilliance. Thank you, Dick Hyman, and thank you, Steven Harlos. Arbors; 2021; 61:36.

Houston Person; Live In Paris


Tenor sax man Houston Person has enjoyed a nice association with High Note Records for some years now. His latest CD finds him in a live performance in Paris, and very much blues drenched as usual. Adding to that approach are Ben Paterson, B3 organ; Peter Bernstein, guitar; and Willie Jones III, drums. True to that R&B spirit, Person chooses tunes like “Sunny”, “Since I Fell For You” and a steamy original, “Sweet Sucker”. He is also quite comfortable with a bossa feel on “Only Trust Your Heart” and bops with ease and pleasure on “Lester Leaps In”. His take on “The Way We Were” didn’t float my boat but only because of its association with a certain singer that never resonated for me. Person might be compared to sax stars such as Gene Ammons or Stanley Turrentine from a standpoint of bluesy feeling in most of what they do. If that style is where you hang your hat, then this CD will most assuredly be an entrĂ©e for you.

High Note; 2021; appx. 59 min.

 

Anthony Wonsey; Lorraine’s Lullabye


It seemed like pianist Anthony Wonsey had somehow disappeared from the scene for quite some years. So you can imagine my pleasure in reacquainting with him via his brand new recording. He appears here in every context from solo piano to standard trio setting, to occasional horn players here and there. And I must say that Wonsey still displays a gorgeous touch, lush harmonic sense and of course, solid, swinging chops. You can hear how deeply rooted he is in the jazz art, and I might add that he never “wastes” a note; he is clear and concise, loaded with history, yet very contemporary. Wonsey is an expressive artist at any tempo and he says it all on a program of well conceived originals and a few standards in “Sweet Lorraine”, “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” and “It Might As Well Be Spring”. He’s all skill and no frill, and I’m so glad to reconnect with him.

Cellar; 2021; appx. 65 min.


Jim Snidero; Strings


Just so you don’t get confused, let’s make it clear that this exhilarating session was recorded way back in 2001 and originally released on Milestone Records. Well that was twenty years ago and obviously the good folks at High Note/Savant thought it deserved another look. And they were right, as alto sax maven Jim Snidero’s fluidity, tone and expressive qualities are all on display here. Snidero is helped out by a string section of violins, violas and cellos. They provide an especially stirring sense of emotion on three cuts entitled “River Suite”. Snidero’s jazz players include Renee Rosnes, piano; Paul Gill, bass; and Billy Drummond, drums. In addition to the beauty and resonance of the suite, the ensemble offers other selections including “Theme For Ernie” and one standard, “It’s The Talk Of The Town”. Snidero and friends hit the bullseye on a recording of intense feeling and beauty. Savant; 2021; appx. 55 min.


Dave Miller; The Mask-erade Is Over


So here’s the setting: You walk into an elegant piano bar in an upscale hotel and Dave Miller is seated at the Steinway. Along with his bass and drums playing mates, he enthusiastically initiates a Charlie Parker gem like “Anthropology” or “Yardbird Suite”. It’s exactly what you had hoped for in an ideal setting with patrons LISTENING and not talking! Before the set has been completed, you’ve been treated to other revered choices such as “Why Did I Choose You”, “Be Careful It’s My Heart”, “Someday I’ll Find You”, “Estate” and lots more. Fourteen in all! Miller is joined by bassist Andrew Higgins and drummer Bill Belasco on this rich and satisfying set of memorable songs. Just close your eyes and guess what? You’re right there at a premier table, just a breath away from that shining Steinway with Dave Miller and friends Summit; appx. 53 min.

Bill Evans; Live At Ronnie Scott’s

The incredible treasures, previously unreleased, just keep on coming. Here is yet another two CD set recorded live at Ronnie Scott’s London club way back in 1968. Evans is joined by his long standing colleague Eddie Gomez on bass, along with a rare appearance by the gifted Jack DeJohnette on drums. That alone should convince you to acquire this set. Most of the tunes heard here were Evans staples of that period. Consider for example “A Sleepin’ Bee”, “Turn Out The Stars”, “Emily”, “Quiet Now”, “Very Early”, “’Round Midnight” and so many more, all beautifully packaged with extensive liner notes and photos. It makes no difference that Bill recorded most of this material often. The presence of DeJohnette’s drums adds new color, intensity and sheer beauty throughout. The cover art was done by David Stone Martin who for years performed the same task for all of Norman Granz’s labels---Clef, Norgran, and Verve; it is exquisite and perfect. And as always, so is the music of Bill Evans. 

Resonance; 2020; 2 CDs; appx. 49 min. and 48 min.

Terry Gibbs; Songs For My Father



During a stellar career spanning well over fifty years, vibraphonist Terry Gibbs clearly exhibited  his love of bebop and straight ahead jazz. This admirable two CD set illustrates with exuberance what a terrific composer Gibbs was. His son, drummer Gerry Gibbs, has assembled four groups of all-stars to joyfully present nineteen of his father’s very swinging originals. The four groups collectively include such jazz giants as pianists Chick Corea, Kenny Barron, Patrice Rushen and Geoff Keezer; bassists Ron Carter, Buster Williams, and Christian McBride. For a change of pace, add Larry Goldings on organ here and there. But let it be said clearly that Terry Gibbs wrote like he played: distinct melody lines; varied tempos; superb communication; and exciting, bop-drenched improvisation. Superb straight ahead jazz still comes our way from time to time. Here is a prime example. PS: Happy Birthday wishes to Terry on his soon-to-be 97th birthday!

Whaling City; 2021; 48:12 and 48:35

Jill McCarron "Jazz Motif"

Just in case you were beginning to have doubts about the state of jazz, along comes a group like that led by pianist Jill McCarron. The first indication that McCarron has done her homework is a look at her choice of tunes. For the most part she opts for unpanned gold like John Lewis’ “Concorde”, Sam Jones’ “One For Amos”, Kenny Dorham’s “Short Story”, Horace Silver’s “Cool Eyes” and a medley of two Bud Powell gems, “Glass Enclosure” and “Tempus Fugit”. McCarron displays a silvery touch, ease of improvisation, and a smart and sassy use of space. Her one standard on the session is a lovely, understated “My Ideal”.  Her trio is completed by Paul Gill on bass and Andy Watson on drums. Here and there Will Anderson’s impressive alto sax and flute add a welcome presence. McCarron is the real deal. Never is there any overstatement or unnecessary flash. So here are some youngsters who have obviously put in the time. The result is a session that swings with enthusiasm and honors the tradition from note one.

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Rossano Sportiello; That’s It!

Speaking of things Italian, let’s take a look at a new CD by pianist Rossano Sportiello.  A specialist in stride piano, Sportiello’s elegance goes far beyond that. He is an obvious melody lover and seems altogether comfortable with the notes not played as he is with those he gives us. I would guess that his allegiance lies somewhere in the school of players like George Shearing, Teddy Wilson, John Bunch and the like. On this stirring solo effort, Sportiello performs no less than seventeen superb examples of his virtuosity. Every tune could be a highlight but just to name a few, how about “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”, “Stars Fell On Alabama”, “Fine And Dandy”, “Thou Swell”, and a bona fide treasure in “How Do You Keep The Music Playing”. Several of Sportiello’s melodic originals also add frosting to this cake. Lovers of intelligently and elegantly played solo piano, this one’s for you.

Arbors; 2021; appx. 63 min.

Cory Weeds; “O Sole Mio!”


The sensational alto sax man from Vancouver, B.C. kind of shakes things up on his latest effort. The album’s subtitle is ‘Music From The Motherland”. And so it is that all the tunes seem to have an Italian connection; hence the title tune “O Sole Mio” and others like “Estate”, “Theme From The Godfather, “Torna A Surriento”, and Henry Mancini’s “Mr. Lucky”. Weeds give his pianist the day off and instead uses Mike LeDonne on organ, and to very polished results.  Other monsters on the date include Eric Alexander, tenor sax; Peter Bernstein, guitar; and Joe Farnsworth, drums. Weeds offers his consistent jazz expertise on alto, and all the players seem to be getting a kick out of all this music with Italian roots. Recommended!

Cellar Live; 2021; appx. 60 min.

Diego Figueiredo; “Antarctica”



A native of Brazil, Diego Figueiredo is an acoustic guitarist who is a master of Brazilian and other South American music. He also composes heartfelt originals, and now and then he is totally comfortable with a Bird or Monk or Miles classic. I brought him to Portland’s Classic Pianos years ago and we added extra chairs to accommodate an audience that fell in love with him his music from the first note. His latest CD for the Arbors label is simply a thing of beauty. His skill, craftsmanship and tenderness ring through on every selection. You’ll find yourself shaking your head in amazement and thinking “where has this guy been all my life?!”

Arbors; 2020; appx. 57 min.

Bill Evans, Behind The Dikes: The 1969 Netherlands Recordings

Forty-one years after the tragic death of Bill Evans, these “impossible” recordings just keep appearing. This previously unreleased two-CD set finds the pianist in the company of Eddie Gomez, bass and Marty Morell, drums. Evans by this time had a reliable repertoire that he leaned on. So it should probably be noted there are quite a few titles that he had recorded frequently. It makes little difference though because this, as on numerous sessions over the last decade or so, is a Bill Evans a concert which has never before seen the light of day! So it is that Bill stays with the tried and true on evergreens like “Emily”, “Turn Out The Stars”, “Waltz For Debby”, “Very Early”, “Quiet Now”, and a whole lot more. Of particular interest is the one tune that Evans apparently never previously recorded. Duke’s “I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart” is a surprising and welcome choice and it alone is worth the price of admission. Gomez and Morell are flawless as well throughout the two discs. So here is the brilliant Bill at the peak of his short life. This is clearly another inspiring buried treasure. It took fifty-one years to reach us but now, here it is for us to savor.

Elemental Music; 2021; 2 CDs; appx. 58 and 59 min.


Together Live: Rebecca Kilgore,vocals; Andy Brown, guitar

Those of us who live in Portland, Oregon consider Rebecca Kilgore a vocal treasure of
long standing. She displays her vocal elegance and unrivaled great taste in a live
concert at Portland’s Classic Pianos before an appreciative audience in this intimate
setting. She is accompanied here by Chicago guitarist And Brown and he is perfection
personified in his role. His solo work is stunning and exquisitely tasteful. As is always
the case, Rebecca is simply a “ten” on a program of revered standards and a few
extra special surprises. Among them are “A Woman’s Intuition, a superb ballad dating
back to another beloved singer, Lee Wiley. Another highlight in an emotional beauty,
you are there from Johnny Mandel and another Portlander, the much celebrated Dave
Frishberg, among a total of 12 beautiful choices. Other gems include Better Than
Anything, a tune usually associated with the late singer Bob Dororgh. Or how about
such winners as the Touch of Your Lips, Rock Me To Sleep, The Gentle Rain and a
couple of rarities in Destination Moon and Where Can I Go Without You, a lovely
collaboration of Victor Young and Peggy Lee. Rebecca Kilgore always hits the bull’s
eye, and with the brilliant and sensitive Andy Brown on guitar, she’s done it again.
This kind of music occupies rare art today. So don’t miss this one !
HEAVYWOOD Records: 2020, Approx. 47 min.