Song doesn't lift off so much as begin soaring overhead with the first note. Keeps a nice languid pace up til the end when it starts gaining momentum to the finish line. Absolutely beautiful. Jazz from the Denver, CO scene. Features the excellent Cuong Vu.
You can stream the entire album (and purchase it) on Tyler's bandcamp page...
"Aachen" Composed and Arranged by Tyler Gilmore. Featuring Cuong Vu on Trumpet and Greg Harris on Vibraphone.
"Aachen" was inspired by a Jewish religious service broadcast during WWII to celebrate the Allied invasion of German borders. The original radio recording features Max Fuchs, a young infantryman and cantor, and the sound of nearby artillery fire. The melody is based on Mr. Fuchs performance of the hymn Yigdal.
Okay, I'm done updating future and past tracks. I didn't go too far back on the past tracks, just because I don't have enough time. However, here's the artists that I edited/confirmed for their latest dotd, which are either upcoming on the schedule or recently were featured...
The following artists were edited/confirmed for the following iTunes fields:
Song title
Artist
Album Title
Year
Track number
Album number (one of one in just about every instance)
Genre
Comments = AllAboutJazz Free MP3 of the Day
Artists:
Paulo Chagas
Jean Lapouge
Corey Mwamba (today's dotd)
Tunnel 6
Zubatto Syndicate
Jacob Karlzon
Mike Baggetta
Mark O'Leary
Kik Keusen
Noam Elron
Thomas Bergeron (not scheduled until Sept)
Wilson Huggett
Joller (jonathon waller)
Chris Schlarb (yesterday's dotd)
Jeff Fairbanks
Steven Lugerner (both tracks)
Bob Gluck
Brian Smith
Roger Chong
Francesco Turrisi
AJ Kluth
Adam Bodine
Scenes
Eli Cook
EYOT
AsGuests
NOW, the following artists were spot-checked for the above iTunes fields, but they were close enough to my target that I didn't take them through the process of a complete overhaul. This means the jazz genre may or may not be filled in or the track number or the artist name may be a bit weird. However, there was enough info there that it didn't at least have the artist field empty and the song title as "Track 02" (or something equally unhelpful). Some of the following, however, might be as complete as the above list, I'm just giving you a heads-up is all.
Artists who have mostly or all clean info iTunes fields:
Tyler Gilmore
Phil Kelly
Simon Little
Park St. Trio
Andrea Wood
Svend Unseth
Hetty Kate
Land Space
Rich Halley
Han-earl Park
Augmented Reality
John Stowell
Sal la Rocca
Brett Sandler
Chad McCullough
John Voigt
Daniel Jamieson
Ed Simon
Alekos Vretos
Some of the above have artwork, but most, I believe, do not. It's likely most track with cover art are scheduled in the second half of July. Beginning on July26th, all tunes will have artwork (the sole exception being the Thomas Bergeron track scheduled for September, which may or may not have artwork). Also, of the above, if the artist(s) listed have featured a dotd from previous albums, those might or might not have good info on them. I only did the above artists' most recent dotd.
I think that about covers it.
My next project is to go on a widget mission and get the AAJ dotd widget installed on every website on the internet. I'm estimating that this task might take me several weeks.
Recorded 27th Jan at the Vortex Jazz Club, London. Corey Mwamba- vibraphone, Dave Kane- bass, and Joshua Blackmore- drums.
Fans of Jason Adasiewicz's Sun Rooms should find something to like here. Vibes resonate over the brisk crash of drums and the seagull caw of bowed bass. Abrasive, yet tuneful. Jazz from London.
For fans of Nik Bartsch's Ronin and EST. This track is emblematic of the entire album... terribly beautiful music that is tough to let go of, even after the album is over.
Good god, this song is beautiful. It sent chills up my spine not unlike Don Pullen's work with the African-Brazilian connection. When the year ends, this album will undoubtedly receive some Top Ten recognition.
"Ibeji" looks at Brazilian music & American jazz as twin children of Mother Africa, separated at birth, sent off to grow up in distant parts of the world, now reunited. With Rufus Reid, Nilson Matta, Duduka da Fonseca, Tim Horner, and Joel Martin. The Brazilians play American tunes Brazilian style, and the Americans play Brazilian tunes Jazz style, to explore how the twins are still similar and how they now differ. Powerful originals by Paul Lieberman recombine elements in beautifully surprising ways. Includes guest appearances by Allman Brothers co-founder Jaimoe and cellist Eugene Friesen.
Susana Santos Silva (Trumpet,Flugel), Ze Pedro Coelho Tenor (sax), Andre Fernandes (guitar), Demian Cabaud (bass), Marcos Cavaleiro (drums).
The rock influences in this jumping tune are evident. I'm certain that Silva's ensemble would have a lively jam session with either Ben Allison's crew or Todd Sickafoose's gang. A gratifying song from a spectacular album. Jazz from Porto, Portugal.
You can stream the album (and purchase it) on her bandcamp page...
Bryan Smith on alto, flute, bass clarinet, Rich Pellegrin on piano, Mark Hunter on bass, and Chris Icasiano on drums. Jazz from the Seattle scene.
A straight-ahead jazz tune afflicted with ADHD. This is jazz for a pleasant Sunday afternoon stroll, just so long as your strolls sometimes involve running frantically in tight circles. These guys can play. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
John Stowell - guitar, Jeff Johnson - bass, and John Bishop - drums.
Modern jazz guitar trio from jazz veterans. Song has a loping pace to it that gives the effect of attaining great distances at a deceptively slow rate of speed. Stowell has been putting out some very strong music. Jazz from the Portland, OR scene.
A solo bass improvisation using live looping technology, recorded live January 2011.
An ambient drone album from the talented jazz bass player. While listening to this tune, follow the trails of breadcrumbs to the disparate projects he's involved in.
Bio partial from his site:
Perhaps best known as the bassist with The Divine Comedy and Duke Special, he also tours regularly with Clare Teal and Maggie Reilly. As a jazz bass player he plays with Kate Eden, Lea Delaria, Ian Shaw, and Nina Ferro. Simon has also played and recorded with Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, A Girl Called Eddy, Chris Difford, Jamie Cullum, Liane Carroll, Beth Rowley, Ben Folds, Norma Winstone, Claire Martin, Pee Wee Ellis, Boo Hewerdine, Ryan Edwards, Alan Barnes, Polly Gibbons, Symeon Cosburn, Newton Faulkner, Sarah Moule, Julie McKee and The Ronnie Scotts Allstars amongst others.
Not mentioned on there is that he was also part of the Indie ensemble The Duckworth Lewis Method, one of top albums of 2010.
You can stream the entire album at his home site...
An ethereal tune that's atmospheric from the plaintive cry of the trumpet and loftiness of synthesizers, yet very tethered to the earth with an outstanding percussive landscape. Inspiring tune. Should appeal to fans of ECM, chamber jazz varietals, and avant-garde fans who like to hear it through percussion. Excellent track.
Recorded live in Budapest with The Mississippi Grave Diggers. Karen Carroll and Alvin Lee were the headliners for the festival.
Let blues legend Karen Carroll get your weekend started right with this rousing tune from her new album. And when the weekend is over, play it again Sunday night to fight off the creep of Monday Morning Blues.
Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet), Fabian Almazan (piano), Joe Sanders (bass), Justin Brown (drums), Chris Dingman (vibes).
I can't get past AAJ reviewer Mark Turner's comment on this song, that Dingman "can also ignite, as in Clear The Rain, with a solo like wildfire, developing slowly and then spreading quickly." It aptly sums up this tune. What starts deceptively as a spooky ballad ignites with growing intensity before concluding with a return to a pacified state, but not as serene as the notes which the song first began. Excellent song from an excellent album. Jazz from the Brooklyn scene.
Entire album can be streamed (and purchased in most file formats) at his bandcamp page...
Rafal Sarnecki (guitar), Lucas Pino (tenor), Jerzy Malek (trumpet), Pawel Kaczmarczyk (piano), Wojciech Pulcyn (bass), Pawel Dobrowolski (drums). Recorded in Nieporet, Poland.
Like driving through downtown during 5pm rush hour traffic, this song cruises, comes to abrupt stops, seamlessly picks up speed again, and navigates through streets filled with city lights and excited crowds headed out into the night. I typically only feature new releases (this song is Jan 2010), but when I heard this brilliant album, I emailed Rafal ASAP and invited him on board. Truly inspired jazz guitar and deserves a spot on my Best of 2011 list. Enjoy!
About the album/track: A re-interpretation of the French piano form in modern context. Also reminiscent of the early sounds of Vangelis and Deodato. From the album Masked and Dreaming.
Editor's comments: A serene little lullaby of a tune with vibes and mild electronic drone. Quite pretty, actually. Music from Vancouver, Canada.
I picked up "Woods & Mays" over at eMu this month...an AAJ pick right up my (generally) straight-ahead jazz alley.
Very cool.
Not for nuthin', the old-timers need an especially hard nudge to see that giving away a track can build sales and fans. Feel free to copy and paste the above here...
About the album/track: Saxophonist AJ Kluth's new ensemble, ALDRIC, is a collective of some of Chicago's busiest musical improvisers. With Kluth on saxophone and melodica, ALDRIC features guitarist Toby Summerfield, trumpeter James Davis, drummer Quin Kirchner and bassist Dan Thatcher. Their sound incorporates both acoustic and electronic elements, and a penchant for melody, group improvisation, space, noise, and groove. Think clouds of sound you can move to - they are!
Editor's comments: So, Paul Motion, Kenny Wheeler, Joe Lovano, and Bill Frisell get lost at sea on a boat. It begins to storm and the wind picks up. The steering is shot, the boat spins out of control, and they decide to spend their last moments alive playing out. That's kinda what this song is like. Pretty cool. Jazz from the Chicago scene, and another strong release from the Origin/OA2 label.
About the album/track: New York Encounter is also the title song specially written for the Big Apple recording locale. Inspired by the reunion of the Simon brothers, the repertoire varies from groovy and energetic to straight ahead jazz and subtle pieces. Michael Simon (tp, flh), Miguel Zenn (as), Peter Brainin (ts), Ed Simon (p), Andy Gonzalez, Boris Kozlov (b), Marlon Simon (d, perc), Roberto Quintero (perc).
Editor's comments: Nice straight-ahead piece with latin flavor. Thoroughly enjoyable jazz tune that skips right along until it takes off at the mid-point with a lovely sax solo. Wonderful tune. A reminder of why we love jazz.
About the album/track: Hugues Mayot (saxophone, reed), Jean Lucas (trombone), Jerome Fohrer (double bass); Frederic Guerin drums.
Editor's comments: Jitterbug of a modern jazz tune. Sax and trombone jerk spastically as a snappy rhythm unit keeps the song marching briskly along. Both whimsical and smart, La Danse du Metal shows that a song can be both experimental and soulful. Jazz from Strasbourg and Paris.
About the album/track: Mostly Other People Do The Killing is: John Irabagon, saxophone; Peter Elliott, trumpet; Kevin Shea, drums; Moppa Elliot, bass. Jazz from Long Island, NYC.
Editor's comments: Reminiscent of Ornette Coleman's New & Old Gospel, the MOPDTK ensemble free style stretches sounds and scatters notes in all directions, yet still maintains a cohesive tune that is joyful and which gets the foot tapping the floor from beginning to end.
About the album/track: Florence Joelle, the songstress with a style all her own and a subconscious colonized by vintage American tunes, sings of things that go bump in the night. Paris-born, she was bred on jazz at home and the music of the city's streets: the Gypsy art of Django Reinhardt, bal musette, and North African Rai. As a girl she began to collect rock'n'roll, doo-wop and early blues. The unstoppable Chris Campion on click bass, the infamous Arthur Lager (Gallon Drunk/The Scientists) on drums and the tenacious tunesmith Huck Whitney (The Flaming Stars) on lead guitar. Happening right now, you will never forget your first Kiss Of Fire.
Editor's comments: This track from the exciting new ensemble brings the heat to lead off the weekend. It stretches out past traditional big band charts without losing any of the fun or fireworks. An exciting addition to the jazz landscape. Jazz from the UK.
About the album/track: During The International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music in 2009, I had the unique opportunity to work with 3 great string players. So I arranged some of my compositions for piano trio + violin, viola, cello and clarinet. Rehearsed and recorded in the same week. A big thanks to all the wonderful musicians who played on this session!
Editor's comments: From the seductive opening of strings welcoming the listener in, intensity builds as piano drives the song ahead with the strings like contrails marking its path. This mini-EP is a wonderful example of how well strings can make a home in the jazz world. Lovely.
Note: Many of Bram's EPs are either free or Name-Your-Own-Price on his Bandcamp page...
About the album/track: Edward Simon: piano, arrangements, composer; Adam Cruz: drums, pans, percussion; Ben Street: bass; Mark Turner: tenor sax; David Binney: alto Sax; Pernel Saturnino: percussion; Diego Urcola: trumpet; Milton Cardona: vocals.
Editor's comments: The tune is a rhythmic tempest with swooping piano lines creating tension built from the percussion up. Interplay between Simon's piano and the percussion unit is outstanding. All-star line-up on this album and very recommended.
About the album/track: Jason Reolon (piano), Wesley Rustin (bass), Heinrich Goosen (drums). This album was recorded in front of a live studio audience as part of the SAE Friday lunchtime sessions. Mixed and mastered in NYC by James Farber and Greg Calbi. Jazz from Cape Town, South Africa.
Editor's comments: Crisp playing on this straight-ahead tune. Sharp piano lines maintain a warm tone. Song goes out with some outstanding cohesion between drums and piano. Just solid jazz here, though I'd especially rec this to anyone who has a bunch of Robert Glasper albums on their shelf; there is a definite forward-thinking feel to this music.
About the album/track: From the suite composed by Jan to perform live to the classic 1930 Dovzhenko silent film Zemlya (EARTH). From the scene where a dreamy idyll of rural paradise and family relationships is painted with figures softly presented, almost like icons in the haze, before the central heroic figure dances to his death. The film was frowned upon by the Soviet cultural cadre for being too mystical and pessimistic. Jan (tenor sax), daughter Janina Kopinska (viola) and Steve Iliffe (piano). The album also features his son Stefan, a bassist.
Editor's comments: This aptly titled song has languid tone, heavy with imagery of setting suns and long empty roads. Sax cries out over gentle piano at a stroll's pace while the viola sweetly sweeps in and breaks hearts. Beautiful song. Jazz from the UK.
About the album/track: Michal Tomaszczyk-trombone, Przemyslaw Florczak-saxophone, Andrzej Zielak-double bass, Sebastian Kuchczynski-drums. Graduates of the Academy of Music in Katowice, Biotone is a winner of Junior Jazz 2008 in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic, "Key to Career" 2009 at Gorzow Jazz Celebrations, Poland, XIII National Review of Young Jazz and Blues Groups, Gdynia 2010.
Editor's comments: Nice straight-ahead tune. Hearty trombone clears a path for the sax to dart through. Deft rhythm section keeps the ensemble corralled. Song should appeal to most schools of jazz. Solid stuff. Jazz from Warsaw, Poland.
About the album/track: Jonathan Mayer (sitar, keyboards), Kenny Wheeler (trumpet, flugelhorn).
Editor's comments: Moody tune with a touch of the mysterious. Can't imagine why any fan of the ECM label wouldn't be all over this. Gloomy day, rain hitting the roof across the alley, looking out over the city, and this song is a perfect fit. A very nice discovery. The whole album is solid and worth the time to explore.
About the album/track: Xan Campos (piano); Horacio Garcia (double bass); Iago Fernandez (drums).
Editor's comments: An explosive tune from this wonderful piano trio. Like a jolt of coffee first thing in the morning, this song will get you awake and moving. Relentless.
You can stream the entire album before deciding to purchase on their Bandcamp site...
Comments
@Greg
Hey, thanks. Filed under "labor of love", I suppose.
Today's Big Band Friday free track is from Tyler Gilmore's 9th & Lincoln ensemble, from the new release Static Line...
Song = "Aachen", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6656
Song doesn't lift off so much as begin soaring overhead with the first note. Keeps a nice languid pace up til the end when it starts gaining momentum to the finish line. Absolutely beautiful. Jazz from the Denver, CO scene. Features the excellent Cuong Vu.
You can stream the entire album (and purchase it) on Tyler's bandcamp page...
http://9thandlincoln.bandcamp.com/
From the artist:
The following artists were edited/confirmed for the following iTunes fields:
Song title
Artist
Album Title
Year
Track number
Album number (one of one in just about every instance)
Genre
Comments = AllAboutJazz Free MP3 of the Day
Artists:
Paulo Chagas
Jean Lapouge
Corey Mwamba (today's dotd)
Tunnel 6
Zubatto Syndicate
Jacob Karlzon
Mike Baggetta
Mark O'Leary
Kik Keusen
Noam Elron
Thomas Bergeron (not scheduled until Sept)
Wilson Huggett
Joller (jonathon waller)
Chris Schlarb (yesterday's dotd)
Jeff Fairbanks
Steven Lugerner (both tracks)
Bob Gluck
Brian Smith
Roger Chong
Francesco Turrisi
AJ Kluth
Adam Bodine
Scenes
Eli Cook
EYOT
AsGuests
NOW, the following artists were spot-checked for the above iTunes fields, but they were close enough to my target that I didn't take them through the process of a complete overhaul. This means the jazz genre may or may not be filled in or the track number or the artist name may be a bit weird. However, there was enough info there that it didn't at least have the artist field empty and the song title as "Track 02" (or something equally unhelpful). Some of the following, however, might be as complete as the above list, I'm just giving you a heads-up is all.
Artists who have mostly or all clean info iTunes fields:
Tyler Gilmore
Phil Kelly
Simon Little
Park St. Trio
Andrea Wood
Svend Unseth
Hetty Kate
Land Space
Rich Halley
Han-earl Park
Augmented Reality
John Stowell
Sal la Rocca
Brett Sandler
Chad McCullough
John Voigt
Daniel Jamieson
Ed Simon
Alekos Vretos
Some of the above have artwork, but most, I believe, do not. It's likely most track with cover art are scheduled in the second half of July. Beginning on July26th, all tunes will have artwork (the sole exception being the Thomas Bergeron track scheduled for September, which may or may not have artwork). Also, of the above, if the artist(s) listed have featured a dotd from previous albums, those might or might not have good info on them. I only did the above artists' most recent dotd.
I think that about covers it.
My next project is to go on a widget mission and get the AAJ dotd widget installed on every website on the internet. I'm estimating that this task might take me several weeks.
Song = "Start", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6646
Recorded 27th Jan at the Vortex Jazz Club, London. Corey Mwamba- vibraphone, Dave Kane- bass, and Joshua Blackmore- drums.
Fans of Jason Adasiewicz's Sun Rooms should find something to like here. Vibes resonate over the brisk crash of drums and the seagull caw of bowed bass. Abrasive, yet tuneful. Jazz from London.
Song = "14.0", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6668
For fans of Nik Bartsch's Ronin and EST. This track is emblematic of the entire album... terribly beautiful music that is tough to let go of, even after the album is over.
Stream the entire album on their Bandcamp site...
http://mikkeusensblau.bandcamp.com/
Mik Keusen - piano, composition
Sha - bass clarinet, alto saxophone
Anna Trauffer - double bass, voice
Fredrik Gille - percussion
Song = "Azul No Verde E Amarelo", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6655
Good god, this song is beautiful. It sent chills up my spine not unlike Don Pullen's work with the African-Brazilian connection. When the year ends, this album will undoubtedly receive some Top Ten recognition.
You can listen to the album at Paul's site...
http://paullieberman.com/
From the Artist:
Song = "Devil's Dress", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6671
Susana Santos Silva (Trumpet,Flugel), Ze Pedro Coelho Tenor (sax), Andre Fernandes (guitar), Demian Cabaud (bass), Marcos Cavaleiro (drums).
The rock influences in this jumping tune are evident. I'm certain that Silva's ensemble would have a lively jam session with either Ben Allison's crew or Todd Sickafoose's gang. A gratifying song from a spectacular album. Jazz from Porto, Portugal.
You can stream the album (and purchase it) on her bandcamp page...
http://susanasantossilva5tet.bandcamp.com
The July 13th featured free track is from Bryan Smith's new release See, See...
Song = "Hubie Baldwin", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6670
Bryan Smith on alto, flute, bass clarinet, Rich Pellegrin on piano, Mark Hunter on bass, and Chris Icasiano on drums. Jazz from the Seattle scene.
A straight-ahead jazz tune afflicted with ADHD. This is jazz for a pleasant Sunday afternoon stroll, just so long as your strolls sometimes involve running frantically in tight circles. These guys can play. Thoroughly enjoyed this.
The July 17th featured free track of the day is from the new Scenes album Silent Photographer...
Song = "Three French Nuns", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6679
John Stowell - guitar, Jeff Johnson - bass, and John Bishop - drums.
Modern jazz guitar trio from jazz veterans. Song has a loping pace to it that gives the effect of attaining great distances at a deceptively slow rate of speed. Stowell has been putting out some very strong music. Jazz from the Portland, OR scene.
Song = "The Knowledge of Things to Come", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6644
A solo bass improvisation using live looping technology, recorded live January 2011.
An ambient drone album from the talented jazz bass player. While listening to this tune, follow the trails of breadcrumbs to the disparate projects he's involved in.
Bio partial from his site:
Not mentioned on there is that he was also part of the Indie ensemble The Duckworth Lewis Method, one of top albums of 2010.
You can stream the entire album at his home site...
http://music.simonlittlebass.com/
Song = "Variation of Movement", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=5517
Claudio Scolari: drums, percussion, flute, piano, synthesisers; Daniele Cavalca: drums, percussion, vibraphone, bass; Simone Scolari: trumpet.
An ethereal tune that's atmospheric from the plaintive cry of the trumpet and loftiness of synthesizers, yet very tethered to the earth with an outstanding percussive landscape. Inspiring tune. Should appeal to fans of ECM, chamber jazz varietals, and avant-garde fans who like to hear it through percussion. Excellent track.
Song = "Do You Ever Think About Me", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6692
Recorded live in Budapest with The Mississippi Grave Diggers. Karen Carroll and Alvin Lee were the headliners for the festival.
Let blues legend Karen Carroll get your weekend started right with this rousing tune from her new album. And when the weekend is over, play it again Sunday night to fight off the creep of Monday Morning Blues.
Song = "Clear the Rain", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6733
Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet), Fabian Almazan (piano), Joe Sanders (bass), Justin Brown (drums), Chris Dingman (vibes).
I can't get past AAJ reviewer Mark Turner's comment on this song, that Dingman "can also ignite, as in Clear The Rain, with a solo like wildfire, developing slowly and then spreading quickly." It aptly sums up this tune. What starts deceptively as a spooky ballad ignites with growing intensity before concluding with a return to a pacified state, but not as serene as the notes which the song first began. Excellent song from an excellent album. Jazz from the Brooklyn scene.
Entire album can be streamed (and purchased in most file formats) at his bandcamp page...
http://www.chrisdingman.bandcamp.com
Mark's AAJ review is here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=39873
Song = "Bucaramanga", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6697
Rafal Sarnecki (guitar), Lucas Pino (tenor), Jerzy Malek (trumpet), Pawel Kaczmarczyk (piano), Wojciech Pulcyn (bass), Pawel Dobrowolski (drums). Recorded in Nieporet, Poland.
Like driving through downtown during 5pm rush hour traffic, this song cruises, comes to abrupt stops, seamlessly picks up speed again, and navigates through streets filled with city lights and excited crowds headed out into the night. I typically only feature new releases (this song is Jan 2010), but when I heard this brilliant album, I emailed Rafal ASAP and invited him on board. Truly inspired jazz guitar and deserves a spot on my Best of 2011 list. Enjoy!
Song = "Gymonpedie", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6695
About the album/track: A re-interpretation of the French piano form in modern context. Also reminiscent of the early sounds of Vangelis and Deodato. From the album Masked and Dreaming.
Editor's comments: A serene little lullaby of a tune with vibes and mild electronic drone. Quite pretty, actually. Music from Vancouver, Canada.
Very cool.
Not for nuthin', the old-timers need an especially hard nudge to see that giving away a track can build sales and fans. Feel free to copy and paste the above here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6649
Cheers.
Song = "I Am Wearing a Velvet Jacket", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6680
About the album/track: Saxophonist AJ Kluth's new ensemble, ALDRIC, is a collective of some of Chicago's busiest musical improvisers. With Kluth on saxophone and melodica, ALDRIC features guitarist Toby Summerfield, trumpeter James Davis, drummer Quin Kirchner and bassist Dan Thatcher. Their sound incorporates both acoustic and electronic elements, and a penchant for melody, group improvisation, space, noise, and groove. Think clouds of sound you can move to - they are!
Editor's comments: So, Paul Motion, Kenny Wheeler, Joe Lovano, and Bill Frisell get lost at sea on a boat. It begins to storm and the wind picks up. The steering is shot, the boat spins out of control, and they decide to spend their last moments alive playing out. That's kinda what this song is like. Pretty cool. Jazz from the Chicago scene, and another strong release from the Origin/OA2 label.
Song = "New York Encounter", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6771
About the album/track: New York Encounter is also the title song specially written for the Big Apple recording locale. Inspired by the reunion of the Simon brothers, the repertoire varies from groovy and energetic to straight ahead jazz and subtle pieces. Michael Simon (tp, flh), Miguel Zenn (as), Peter Brainin (ts), Ed Simon (p), Andy Gonzalez, Boris Kozlov (b), Marlon Simon (d, perc), Roberto Quintero (perc).
Editor's comments: Nice straight-ahead piece with latin flavor. Thoroughly enjoyable jazz tune that skips right along until it takes off at the mid-point with a lovely sax solo. Wonderful tune. A reminder of why we love jazz.
Song = "La Danse du Metal", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6732
About the album/track: Hugues Mayot (saxophone, reed), Jean Lucas (trombone), Jerome Fohrer (double bass); Frederic Guerin drums.
Editor's comments: Jitterbug of a modern jazz tune. Sax and trombone jerk spastically as a snappy rhythm unit keeps the song marching briskly along. Both whimsical and smart, La Danse du Metal shows that a song can be both experimental and soulful. Jazz from Strasbourg and Paris.
Song = "Forty Fort", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6717
About the album/track: Mostly Other People Do The Killing is: John Irabagon, saxophone; Peter Elliott, trumpet; Kevin Shea, drums; Moppa Elliot, bass. Jazz from Long Island, NYC.
Editor's comments: Reminiscent of Ornette Coleman's New & Old Gospel, the MOPDTK ensemble free style stretches sounds and scatters notes in all directions, yet still maintains a cohesive tune that is joyful and which gets the foot tapping the floor from beginning to end.
Song = "Hell Be Damned and Look Out", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6726
About the album/track: Florence Joelle, the songstress with a style all her own and a subconscious colonized by vintage American tunes, sings of things that go bump in the night. Paris-born, she was bred on jazz at home and the music of the city's streets: the Gypsy art of Django Reinhardt, bal musette, and North African Rai. As a girl she began to collect rock'n'roll, doo-wop and early blues. The unstoppable Chris Campion on click bass, the infamous Arthur Lager (Gallon Drunk/The Scientists) on drums and the tenacious tunesmith Huck Whitney (The Flaming Stars) on lead guitar. Happening right now, you will never forget your first Kiss Of Fire.
Editor's comments: This track from the exciting new ensemble brings the heat to lead off the weekend. It stretches out past traditional big band charts without losing any of the fun or fireworks. An exciting addition to the jazz landscape. Jazz from the UK.
Song = "What Did I Say?", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6760
About the album/track: During The International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music in 2009, I had the unique opportunity to work with 3 great string players. So I arranged some of my compositions for piano trio + violin, viola, cello and clarinet. Rehearsed and recorded in the same week. A big thanks to all the wonderful musicians who played on this session!
Editor's comments: From the seductive opening of strings welcoming the listener in, intensity builds as piano drives the song ahead with the strings like contrails marking its path. This mini-EP is a wonderful example of how well strings can make a home in the jazz world. Lovely.
Note: Many of Bram's EPs are either free or Name-Your-Own-Price on his Bandcamp page...
http://bramweijters.bandcamp.com/album/trio-with-strings-and-a-clarinet
Today's song is "The Cha Cha", and the tracks from both albums on this thread can be downloaded from the same AAJ page here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=85450
About the album/track: Edward Simon: piano, arrangements, composer; Adam Cruz: drums, pans, percussion; Ben Street: bass; Mark Turner: tenor sax; David Binney: alto Sax; Pernel Saturnino: percussion; Diego Urcola: trumpet; Milton Cardona: vocals.
Editor's comments: The tune is a rhythmic tempest with swooping piano lines creating tension built from the percussion up. Interplay between Simon's piano and the percussion unit is outstanding. All-star line-up on this album and very recommended.
Song = "Outline", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6783
About the album/track: Jason Reolon (piano), Wesley Rustin (bass), Heinrich Goosen (drums). This album was recorded in front of a live studio audience as part of the SAE Friday lunchtime sessions. Mixed and mastered in NYC by James Farber and Greg Calbi. Jazz from Cape Town, South Africa.
Editor's comments: Crisp playing on this straight-ahead tune. Sharp piano lines maintain a warm tone. Song goes out with some outstanding cohesion between drums and piano. Just solid jazz here, though I'd especially rec this to anyone who has a bunch of Robert Glasper albums on their shelf; there is a definite forward-thinking feel to this music.
Song = "Dream Road", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6718
About the album/track: From the suite composed by Jan to perform live to the classic 1930 Dovzhenko silent film Zemlya (EARTH). From the scene where a dreamy idyll of rural paradise and family relationships is painted with figures softly presented, almost like icons in the haze, before the central heroic figure dances to his death. The film was frowned upon by the Soviet cultural cadre for being too mystical and pessimistic. Jan (tenor sax), daughter Janina Kopinska (viola) and Steve Iliffe (piano). The album also features his son Stefan, a bassist.
Editor's comments: This aptly titled song has languid tone, heavy with imagery of setting suns and long empty roads. Sax cries out over gentle piano at a stroll's pace while the viola sweetly sweeps in and breaks hearts. Beautiful song. Jazz from the UK.
Song = "Another Space", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6716
About the album/track: Michal Tomaszczyk-trombone, Przemyslaw Florczak-saxophone, Andrzej Zielak-double bass, Sebastian Kuchczynski-drums. Graduates of the Academy of Music in Katowice, Biotone is a winner of Junior Jazz 2008 in Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic, "Key to Career" 2009 at Gorzow Jazz Celebrations, Poland, XIII National Review of Young Jazz and Blues Groups, Gdynia 2010.
Editor's comments: Nice straight-ahead tune. Hearty trombone clears a path for the sax to dart through. Deft rhythm section keeps the ensemble corralled. Song should appeal to most schools of jazz. Solid stuff. Jazz from Warsaw, Poland.
Song = "Joning", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6698
About the album/track: Jonathan Mayer (sitar, keyboards), Kenny Wheeler (trumpet, flugelhorn).
Editor's comments: Moody tune with a touch of the mysterious. Can't imagine why any fan of the ECM label wouldn't be all over this. Gloomy day, rain hitting the roof across the alley, looking out over the city, and this song is a perfect fit. A very nice discovery. The whole album is solid and worth the time to explore.
Song = "Acrofobia", which can be downloaded from AAJ here...
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/jazzdownload.php?id=6723
About the album/track: Xan Campos (piano); Horacio Garcia (double bass); Iago Fernandez (drums).
Editor's comments: An explosive tune from this wonderful piano trio. Like a jolt of coffee first thing in the morning, this song will get you awake and moving. Relentless.
You can stream the entire album before deciding to purchase on their Bandcamp site...
http://xancampos.bandcamp.com/album/orixe-cero