Whisper Not – Milt Jackson, Benny Golson & Art Farmer

by | Aug 14, 2020 | Sextet

This is a reunion of sorts, because it’s the first time that Milt Jackson, Benny Golson and Art Farmer have played together since 1958.  Whisper Not was recorded at Jazzbaltica, Salzau, Germany in June, 1997.  The trio is joined by Ulf Wakenius 0n guitar, Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen on bass and Jonas Johansen playing drums.  Listen for NHOP’s jaw-dropping bass solo.  You just don’t hear bigger or better than these giants, who once again prove that music truly is the international language!

Along Came Betty – Art Blakey

by | Jul 18, 2020 | Sextet

In 1958 Benny Golson was inspired by the woman he was dating to write “Along Came Betty”.  It has since become a favorite of saxophonists, guitarists and piano players.  Eventually, Jon Hendricks wrote some lyrics. The first recording of “Along Came Betty” was on the seminal hard bop album “Moanin’” by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.  It featured an all-Philadelphia cast of Art Blakey (drums), Lee Morgan (trumpet), Benny Golson (tenor saxophone), Jymie Merritt (bass) and Bobby Timmons (piano).

The ensemble for this updated performance consists of Javon Jackson (Tenor), Phill Harper (trumpet), Benny Green (piano), Robin Eubanks (trombone), Peter Washington (bass) and of course Art Blakey (drums).

Here’s To The People / I’m An Old Cowhand – Sonny Rollins

by | Jul 11, 2020 | Quartet/Quintet, Trio

For nearly 70 years, Sonny Rollins has been one of the most influential saxophonists in jazz. Like Miles Davis, he has experimented with many different sounds and evolved through several stylistic periods … but I prefer his more straight ahead stuff the most, as exemplified here.

Here’s To The People is an original tune, recorded live in 1992 at the Philharmonic Hall in Munich, Germany. Sonny’s sextet includes Clifton Anderson on trombone, Mark Soskin at the piano, Jerome Harris on electric guitar, the great Bob Cranshaw on electric bass, and Yoron Israel playing drums. If you like a driving tenor sax, this one’s for you!

I’m An Old Cowhand incorporates Rollins and a couple of the most innovative collaborators in jazz, with a highly creative effort that will take you back to the cowboy movies of your kidhood. Listen for Shelly Manne on drums and Ray Brown on bass escorting you across musical lines to the days of Bob Steele, Lash LaRue and Johnny Mack Brown!

I'm An Old Cowhand

by Sonny Rollins | Way Out West

Akiko Tsuruga & Lioness

by | Feb 28, 2020 | Quartet/Quintet

Lioness is a collective of six very jazzy ladies from New York City, whose mission is to inspire and educate by sharing music created by past and present women of jazz.  Most members of the band have been headlining artists at Dizzy’s Club … saxophonists Lauren Sevian and Alexa Tarantino have also worked extensively with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.  Their music has been called “post-bop” but to me it’s just wonderfully surprising and needs no other label than cool!

While the exciting organist Akiko Tsuruga more or less drives the ensemble with her Hammond B-3, watching the most able Lauren Sevian deftly handle the huge baritone sax is a sight to see … and most especially to hear!  Akiko is front and center in the second video in a live performance with a very funky quartet, which includes the incomparable Lou Donaldson on alto.

Funky Girl by Lioness features Akiko Tsuruga on organ, Lauren Sevian on the barry, Alexa Tarantino playing alto, Jenny Hill on tenor, Amanda Monaco, guitar and Sylvia Cuenca on drums,

On Alligator Bogaloo we hear Akiko Tsuruga at the Hammond, Randy Johnston on guitar, Fukushi Tainaka on drums and Lou Donaldson playing alto. The tune is from Lou’s 1967 album of the same name.