Oscar Peterson "Bags Groove"

Oscar Peterson on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Ed Thigpen on drums, perform "Bags Groove", composed by another jazz legend, vibraphonist Milt Jackson. 

The Didier Lockwood Story

A short film/bio on another of the great jazz violinists of our time, Didier Lockwood. 

record collection revisited/new record review: Pat Martino "Formidable"

A really well thought out, new, traditional and pure jazz record, is probably something in this day and age that is becoming more obscure.  There is always great music out there, but to find the really good stuff, you have to dig for it, or just listen real closely to your local jazz radio station.  That is how yours truly came upon jazz guitarist Pat Martino's latest offering, "Formidable" on HighNote Records.  The recording was released a short time ago, and was recorded in April of 2017.  For most of the record, it is a trio, featuring Martino on guitar, Pat Bianchi on organ (a Viscount Legend, as opposed to the traditional Hammond, but an instrument with the same tonality as a Hammond), and drummer, Carmen Intorre Jr.  On some tracks, the trio is augmented by horns including tenor saxophonist Adam Niewood.  Adam's father, is the legendary woodwind player, Gerry Niewood, who played with (among others), flugelhorn player, Chuck Mangione.

You can check out Adam's bio, HERE.
http://www.niewood.com/bio.htm

Also in the horn section is trumpeter Alex Norris.  On this record, Norris mostly plays trumpet, but does add flugelhorn on one track.  Most of the tracks on this record, are covers, but they are extremely well arranged and well executed by the trio, and the horns when they augment the band on different tracks.  The music's mood is either really mellow and laid back, or, in some instances, it is uptempo and swinging, and makes you want to tap your foot or cut a rug.  That is the essence of what jazz is about, and this record has whatever that jazz essence is, in spades.

So, if you are a fan of old school, trio jazz, this record is surely worth digging.  The sound is old school, but at the same time, it is fresh, and hip.  Martino's dexterity as a guitarist shines through but does not overpower the talent of the other musicians in the band.  Again, there is a great balance of uptempo swinging numbers, and laid back, cool jazz to just chill out to and tune in your listener's ear.  That is what makes this record as good as it is, with the contrasts in styles that are brought to the table along with arrangements, that obviously serve the tunes very well.

The whole record is a delight.  The one song that caught the ear of yours truly, on the radio, was Martino & company's arrangement of Duke Ellington's "In A Sentimental Mood".  That could be the crown jewel.  

Track listing, Pat Martino "Formidable"

1. El Nino
2. Hipsippy Blues
3. Homage
4. Duke Ellington's Sound of Love
5. El Hombre
6. In Your Own Sweet Way
7. Nightwings
8. In A Sentimental Mood
9. On The Stairs

Gunther Schuller's Birth of the Cool Suite featuring Joe Lovano

Gunther Schuller's Birth of the Cool Suite featuring Joe Lovano.

Part of Joe Lovano's Streams of Expression was The "Birth of the Cool Suite" conducted by Gunther Schuller and utiliing melodic themes inspired by Miles Davis' work from his 1948 and 1950 nonet. The album also features George Garzone, Ralph Lalama, Gary Smulyan, and Tim Hagans.

Elvin Jones Trio "Village Dreams"

Elvin Jones - Village Dreams featuring Joe Farrell and Jimmy Garrison. In 1968, three years after leaving the John Coltrane Quartet, Elvin formed a trio with band mate Jimmy Garrison (on bass), and saxophonist Joe Farrell.  Farrell plays tenor sax on this number.

From The Soul: Remembering The Allman Brothers Band's Gregg Allman & Butch Trucks

Another fabulous tribute, from the pen of Chad Berndtson, to the Allman Brothers Band.  Rest In Peace, Butch Trucks and Gregg Allman.

https://www.jambase.com/article/soul-remembering-allman-brothers-bands-gregg-allman-butch-trucks

Gayla Peevey "I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas"

Normally, yours truly is extremely serious about good music, and that is true here.  But with Christmas only days away, it is time to have a little fun, and find some levity in the arcane art of the weird.  In that spirit, I give you, a show tune of sorts.  This is the offbeat number "I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas", as sung by Gayla Peevey.  Sure, it's no match for the likes of Mannheim Steamroller.  But, it's worth a shot.  The amazing part about this, is how Peevey exhibits such talent, at a very young age.  This performance is taken from 1953, when Gayla was just ten years old, and she shows, that she has quite the singing voice.  Wow! 

The Zawinul Syndicate "King Hip"

From the 1988 Pori Jazz Festival, here is The Zawinul Syndicate playing "King Hip".

Bass – Abraham Laboriel
Drums – Cornell Rochester
Drums, Percussion, Vocals – Alejandro "Alex" Acuña*
Guitar – Scott Henderson (2)
Keyboards, Vocals – Joe Zawinul
Percussion, Vocals – Rudy Regalado
Producer – Joe Zawinul
Vocals – Richard Page, Yari More

Click the link, and dig it.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/246795124 

Roy Clark & Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown "Frankie & Johnny"

From a live performance on "Hee Haw" in 1979, here are Roy Clark and Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown playing "Frankie & Johnny".

Count Basie & His Orchestra with Joe Williams "Alright, Okay, You Win"

Two jazz legends performing together.  Count Basie and His Orchestra with vocalist Joe Williams playing "Alright, Okay, You Win".

Mike Zito & Jimmy Carpenter "Take It Easy Loving Me"

Mike Zito on guitar and vocals, and Jimmy Carpenter on tenor sax, perform Delbert McClinton's ballad "Take It Easy Loving Me".  Check it out.

Bill Monroe "Blue Moon of Kentucky"

One of the greatest bluegrass songs of our time, all about the Bluegrass state.  Bill Monroe with "Blue Moon of Kentucky".  FYI.  Elvis Presley also did a great cover of this one.  Here, Bill Monroe performs the song on a 1980 episode of Austin City Limits.

record collection revisited: Gregg Allman - All My Friends Celebrating The Songs & Voice Of Gregg Allman

Yours truly has a copy of this CD/DVD and would recommend it to anyone who is a diehard Allman Brothers Band/Gregg Allman fan.  This performance filmed in 2014, was a celebration of his legacy and what he gave to the world of music.  It features many great musicians performing Gregg's songs, and towards the end of the show, the Allman Brothers Band, in full, makes an appearance for "Dreams", and "Whipping Post".

The full track listing is:

1. Come And Go Blues ✶ Warren Haynes
2. End Of The Line ✶ Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks
3. Stand Back ✶ Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks
4. You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had ✶ Devon Allman, Jimmy Hall and Robert Randolph
5. Please Call Home ✶ Sam Moore
6. Just Another Rider ✶ Keb' Mo'
7. Before The Bullets Fly ✶ Brantley Gilbert
8. Let This Be A Lesson To Ya ✶ Dr. John
9. Queen Of Hearts ✶ Pat Monahan
10. One Way Out ✶ John Hiatt
11. Statesboro Blues ✶ Taj Mahal and Gregg Allman
12. Just Ain't Easy ✶ Widespread Panic
13. Wasted Words ✶ Widespread Panic and Derek Trucks
14. I'm No Angel ✶ Trace Adkins
15. Trouble No More ✶ Trace Adkins
16. Multi-Colored Lady ✶ Vince Gill
17. All My Friends ✶ Martina McBride
18. Can You Fool ✶ Pat Monahan and Martina McBride
19. Ain't Wastin' Time No More ✶ Eric Church
20. Win, Lose Or Draw ✶ Eric Church
21. These Days ✶ Jackson Browne and Gregg Allman
22. Melissa ✶ Jackson Browne and Gregg Allman
23. Midnight Rider ✶ Vince Gill, Zac Brown and Gregg Allman
24. Dreams ✶ The Allman Brothers Band
25. Whipping Post ✶ The Allman Brothers Band
26. Will The Circle Be Unbroken ✶ full cast

Will Shade & Charlie Burse "Kansas City Blues"

Memphis Jug Band veterans Will Shade and Charlie Burse (a.k.a. Son Brimmer and Laughing Charlie) perform the Jim Jackson song "Kansas City Blues." This was part of a television special called "Blues Street" produced in 1958. Shade (playing trashcan bass) was 60 years old and Burse (playing resonator tenor guitar) was 57. They had been playing together for 30 years.

Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, & The Terrapin Family Band "Terrapin Station Suite"

From the 2017 Lockn' Music Festival in Arrington, Virginia, that took place in August, here are Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, and The Terrapin Family Band playing "Terrapin Station Suite", a classic number from Bob and Phil's days as part of The Grateful Dead.

Chris Robinson Brotherhood | 12/7/17 | Live from Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas | Full Show

In case you missed it, last week, Relix magazine, streamed a performance by the Chris Robinson Brotherhood at the Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Here is a brief synopsis of what you will hear, from Relix.

Chris Robinson Brotherhood was filmed live from Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas on Friday, December 7. The Chris Robinson Brotherhood are on the road in 2017 supporting their fourth studio album, ‘Anyway You Love, We Know How You Feel,’ and its follow up companion EP, ‘If YouLived Here, You Would Be Home By Now,’ both out via Robinson's Silver Arrow Records.Tracks have already been laid for another new studio album and ‘Betty’s Blends, Vol. 3’ live release later this year.

Karen Dalton "Something On Your Mind"

A pioneering roots music artist who very few people may be aware of.  Check out Karen Dalton and her song "Something On Your Mind" from her 1971 release "In My Own Time". 

Exclusive: Allman Brothers' co-founder Dickey Betts plans select tour dates for 2018

A bonus post for your Tuesday.  Co-founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts, will tour in 2018, after a three-year "retirement" from the road, as it were.  Here's the news via the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20171212/exclusive-allman-brothers-co-founder-dickey-betts-plans-select-tour-dates-for-2018

Jimmy Carpenter "Walk Away"

Jimmy Carpenter, on the tenor sax, with his tune, "Walk Away".  Above, is the studio record version.  Below this description, is a performance by guitarist Mike Zito with his band Mike Zito & The Wheel, featuring Jimmy Carpenter at a venue called Voodoo Rooms.

Playlist: The Real McCoy

Check out a playlist of McCoy Tyner's music.

https://www.sfjazz.org/onthecorner/playlist-real-mccoy/

McCoy Tyner "African Village"

Bonus post for your Monday.  Happy Birthday, McCoy Tyner.  Here he is, with the composition "African Village".  The quartet with Tyner on piano, also features Charnett Moffett on bass, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, and Eric Harland on drums.

Meet the Joe Lovano Nonet

Joe Lovano and his Nonet record the Blue Note CD, Streams of Expression, December, 2005

Active during a period of jazz history when it seemed radical innovation was a thing of the past, Joe Lovano nevertheless coalesced various stylistic elements from disparate eras into a personal and forward-seeking style. While not an innovator in a macro sense, Lovano has unquestionably charted his own path. His playing contains not an ounce of glibness, but possesses in abundance the sense of spontaneity that has always characterized the music's finest improvisers. Lovano doesn't adopt influences, he absorbs them, and when playing a standard, he exudes the same sense of abandon as when playing totally free (which, it should be pointed out, he does well, if infrequently). Lovano's most significant achievement is his incorporation of free and modal expressive devices into traditional chord-change improvisation.

Lovano is the son of the respected Cleveland saxophonist Tony "Big T" Lovano. Joe started playing alto sax as a child, taught by his father, who also introduced him to jazz. In his youth, Joe would hear many of the prominent jazz artists who passed through town, including Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Sonny Stitt, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Lovano began playing in jam sessions around Cleveland while still in his teens. Although thoroughly steeped in bebop, he also developed an interest in the jazz experimentalism of the '60s, listening to such musicians as John Coltrane, Jimmy Giuffre, and Ornette Coleman. Following high school, Lovano moved to Boston and attended the Berklee School of Music. Fellow students included such future collaborators as John Scofield, Bill Frisell, and Kenny Werner. While at Berklee, Lovano discovered modal harmony and opened up to the broad areas of tonal freedom that he found so attractive in the music of John Coltrane, among others.

After leaving Berklee, Lovano worked with organists Lonnie Smith (with whom he made his recording debut) and Jack McDuff. He toured with Woody Herman from 1976 to 1979. After leaving Herman, Lovano settled in New York City where he quickly established himself. He joined drummer Mel Lewis' orchestra in 1980; he played the band's regular Monday night gigs at the Village Vanguard until 1992. He also recorded several times with the band. Lovano would also work with Elvin Jones, Carla Bley, Lee Konitz, Charlie Haden, and Bob Brookmeyer, among others.

He joined drummer Paul Motian's band in 1981 (which also included his Berklee classmate Frisell), and played with guitarist John Scofield's quartet. Lovano began leading dates for Blue Note in the '90s, and continued doing so throughout that decade and into the next, recording in a variety of contexts ranging from trios to larger woodwind and brass ensembles. Lovano's wife, vocalist Judi Silvano, has appeared on a number of the saxophonist's Blue Note releases, including 1992's Universal Language and 1994's Rush Hour. Lovano has received a number of Grammy nominations for his work on Blue Note. His 1996 album, Quartets: Live at the Village Vanguard, was named Jazz Album of the Year by readers of Down Beat magazine.

Since then, Lovano has split his time in the studio between releasing impressive original recordings and albums, reinterpreting the work of artists who have influenced him -- including vocalist Frank Sinatra on 1996's Celebrating Sinatra (on which Judi Silvano also appeared), various bop-era stalwarts like pianist Tadd Dameron on 2000's 52nd Street Themes, and opera tenor Enrico Caruso on 2001's Viva Caruso. In 2004, the always unpredictable reedman released the ballads album I'm All for You, featuring pianist Hank Jones. Joyous Encounter followed in spring 2005, with Streams of Expression appearing on Blue Note a year later. Lovano once again paired up with Jones for the live duets album Kids: Duets Live at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in 2007.

Joe Lovano Nonet, Live In Paris @ New Morning, February 19th, 2001

Joe Lovano Nonet Live in Paris, at New Morning, February 19, 2001, featuring Joe Lovano, Steve Slagle, Ralph Lalama and Gary Smulyan, saxes; Barry Reis, trumpet; Larry Farrell, trombone; John Hicks, piano; Dennis Irwin, bass; and Lewis Nash on drums.

The Black Crowes Live at Shoreline Amphitheater, San Francisco, California, September 3rd, 1995

As the post title implies, this is the full performance by The Black Crowes at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California on September 3rd, 1995.  Special guests, include Taj Mahal on guitar, and John Popper of Blues Traveler, on harmonica, for a scintillating version of the Sleepy John Estes blues classic "Leaving Trunk".  The full set list is:

1. Instrumental Intro
2. My Morning Song
3. Thick n Thin
4. Chevrolet (feat. Taj Mahal: guitar & vocals)
5. Leaving Trunk (feat. Taj Mahal: guitar & vocals, & John Popper: harmonica)
6. Seeing Things
7. Pimper's Paradise (feat. The Melody Makers: backing vocals)
8. High Head Blues

Encore:

9. Hard To Handle (Otis Redding cover)

Gregg Allman "Song For Adam"

The last single to be released from Gregg Allman's final record, "Southern Blood" which came out back in September, on what would be his 70th birthday.  He performs the album's final track "Song for Adam" with Jackson Browne.  There's a story about the song and how it unfolded, and the video, at this link.  Enjoy this one.  Happy Birthday, and Rest In Peace, Gregg Allman.

https://liveforlivemusic.com/news/gregg-allman-song-adam/

Allman Brothers Band (feat. Jerry Garcia & Boz Scaggs) "Bo Diddley"/"Mountain Jam"/"Bo Diddley"

More from the New Year's Eve 1973 concert with the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia, and Boz Scaggs.  Boz Scaggs is playing organ here, and the band runs through a medley of "Bo Diddley" and "Mountain Jam".  We pay tribute to Butch Trucks, and, on what would have been his 70th birthday, the great Gregg Allman, as well.  Rest In Peace, Butch, and Gregg, forever in our hearts.  

Allman Brothers Band (feat. Jerry Garcia) "Will The Circle Be Unbroken?"/"Mountain Jam"

We pay tribute, to Butch Trucks, and Gregg Allman (who today, would have turned 70 years old), with a performance of a medley of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken?" and "Mountain Jam", by the Allman Brothers, featuring Jerry Garcia as a guest on guitar, Boz Scaggs on guitar, and Bill Kreutzmann on drums, at the Cow Palace on New Year's Eve, 1973.

There is a part two to this performance, coming up, as a tribute, to both Butch and Gregg.

Jimmy Carpenter Quartet "Shotgun"

Check out bluesy tenor saxophonist Jimmy Carpenter, with his quartet, playing the tune "Shotgun" at the 2015 Blues to Bop festival.  This is good!

Boz Scaggs "Gimme The Goods"

A live version (from the TV show "Night Music"), of Boz Scaggs playing his song "Gimme The Goods" originally released on Scaggs' 1977 "Down Two Then Left" record.  The live version features a stellar band.  Here are the players.

Rhythm Section:

Boz Scaggs: rhythm guitar, vocals
Hiram Bullock: lead guitar
Marcus Miller: bass
Philippe Saisse: keyboards
Omar Hakim: drums

Horn Section:

Ronnie Cuber: baritone saxophone
Lou Marini: tenor saxophone
David Sanborn: alto saxophone
Randy Brecker: trumpet
Dave Bargeron: trombone

As a bonus, here is the 1977 album version.

Sonny Boy Williamson "Keep It To Yourself"

Happy Birthday, Sonny Boy Williamson II.  Here he is, one of the greatest blues harmonica players ever, playing the song "Keep It To Yourself" at a 1963 concert.

Roscoe Mitchell Quartet - "Tnoona"

From Live at "A Space" 1975 (Sackville Recordings)

Personnel: Roscoe Mitchell: Alto, Tenor, & B♭ Soprano Saxophones George Lewis: Trombone Muhal Richard Abrams: Piano Spencer Barefield: Guitar

Sonny Rollins "Where Or When"

In a performance from 1992, here is jazz saxophone great Sonny Rollins, playing on tenor, the song "Where or When".  The full band lineup is:

Sonny Rollins: tenor saxophone
Clifton Anderson: trombone
Mark Soskin: piano
Jerome Harris: guitar
Bob Cranshaw: bass
Yoron Israel: drums

Miroslav Vitous "Purple" - 1970

Another 1970 record by jazz bassist extraordinaire, Miroslav Vitous.  This one is called "Purple".

Billy Cobham - Drums
John McLaughlin - Guitar
Miroslav Vitous - Synthesizer, Bass, Guitar, Piano (Electric), Producer
Joe Zawinul - Piano, Piano (Electric)

The track listing is:

1. Purple
2. Mood
3. Water Lilie
4. Dolores
5. It Came From Nowhere

Miles Davis- One And One ('unedited master') aka What If [June 6, 1972 NYC]

From sessions for "On The Corner", here is another version of Miles Davis' "One And One".

June 6, 1972
Columbia Studio E, New York City, New York

Miles Davis: trumpet
Carlos Garnett: tenor saxophone & soprano saxophone
Bennie Maupin: bass clarinet
Herbie Hancock: electric piano, synthesizer
Harold I. Williams: electric piano, synthesizer
Lonnie Liston Smith: organ
David Creamer: guitar
Collin Walcott: electric sitar
Paul Buckmaster: electric cello
Michael Henderson: electric bass
Jack DeJohnette: drums, hand claps
Jabali Billy Hart: drums, hand claps
Don Alias: percussion, hand claps
Mtume: percussion, hand claps
Badal Roy: tabla, hand claps

One and One ('Unedited Master') [aka What If] (M. Davis)

From the On The Corner sessions