Jazz for aficionados

Final two words on wire:

BLUE JEANS

Cheers

I just cannot be critical of WAR.   What a band!  I hear them, I think. El Paso.

So, it’s not a lie then?  Better than “a scraped clothes hanger”? 🤫

AAUGH !!!!

Cheers

This Lyle Mays piece isn't jazz, and it doesn't rock or swing.  It is, however, one of the most pensively beautiful recordings I've ever experienced.  Forget labels.  Just give yourself 5 minutes to listen and enjoy the heartfelt vision behind this composition, as well as the musicianship that accomplishes that vision.

Lyle Mays "Close to Home"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdjPyXWfhNY&list=PLo64ErhWbRZG_wIyJHzHkD0PqZV1Hgooa&index=8

Keegiam, One of my favorite records. Actually have a spare on vinyl .

Regarding wire; I just rewired my speakers internal wire with Neotech single crystal wire and the change was so different I had to completely change my crossover L-pad resistors. Way too much bass and a little muddy in the highs. Very different from the previous wire. I don’t like it so far, but very easy to tell the difference.

Fyi- The previous wire was Dueland. 

Thanks ghosthouse for sharing the type of cables you are using in your system. I found the power conditioner you mentioned. A used one here on Audigon. This cost more then my Emotiva  XPR2 - 2 channel 250pc amplifier.

Isotek EVO3 Aquarius | AC Conditioners | Santa Clara, California 95051 | Audiogon

I will continue the search for used and maybe try the other method of trying out for 5% and sending back if I don't hear a difference.

I also found one that cost more than a 4 year old used BMW car!

Synergistic Research Galileo PowerCell SX Limited Edition - BRAND NEW - redesigned and improved version | AC Conditioners | Apple Valley, California 92307 | Audiogon

If you click the link and scroll through the photo's you can see this guy is a serious audiophile.

RE: Lyle Mays' first solo album.

Its in my collection and I like it a lot as well. Mark Johnson plays bass on a few Mays' great recording sessions including my personal favorite the LUDWIGSBURG CONCERT. Described here by JAZZ TIMES.

Whether intentionally or not, Lyle Mays seems to have perpetrated one of jazz’s great disappearing acts. For more than three decades, beginning in the mid-’70s, he was an integral component of the Pat Metheny Group, as keyboardist, composer and arranger; released a handful of well-regarded solo albums; and served as sideman to a number of high-profile artists. But for more than a decade now it’s been radio silence.

Given his below-the-radar status, the emergence of any previously unheard Mays music of significance is a treat. This new set is not newly recorded—it documents a 1993 concert in Germany—but it’s a treasure, described in the liner notes as “THE ONLY LEGAL RECORDING OF MAYS' ACOUSTIC QUARTET,” that being bassist Marc Johnson, saxophonist Bob Sheppard and drummer Mark Walker, with Mays sticking solely to piano. Its nine tracks are spread over two CDs, all of them Mays compositions save for an expansive reworking of “Au Lait,” composed by Metheny and Mays and originally heard on the PMG’s Offramp album.

Capital letters (emphasis) are mine.

pjw, thanks for calling my attention to Lyle Mays' work outside of the PMG. I always appreciated his playing with Pat. His solo on "San Lorenzo"

Keegiam I have that album in my collection. And I do like that and the other handful of PMG sessions that I own. I have to be in the right mood to listen to them. Very challenging music (for me anyway).

I am more of a "John Scofield Man" having 16 Scofield albums and many more with him as a sideman with groups like Medeski Martin and Wood and Government Mule. I also have albums that feature Metheny and Scofield together and Frisell and Scofield together.

Pat Metheny & John Scofield - I Can See Your House from Here - YouTube

Bass Desires (Johnson, Erskine, Scofield, Frisell) - Resolution Part 1 - YouTube

Kind of Bird (feat. John Scofield) - YouTube

I must admit I am partial to the last link being a big fan of GOV'T MULE.

The Mule was founded by former Allman Brothers Band guitarist Warren Haynes and a lot of their recording sessions, both studio and live, feature extended instrumental songs that give ample soloing time to all.

I find myself listening to GOV'T MULE more then any other rock band past or present.

Pjw, ONE AT A TIME!  Gets very confusing otherwise and is the only way to get a handle on what’s doing what.

Have fun.

Had a bit of a revelation earlier. It’s no secret here that as much as I love Wynton Marsalis’ work as band leader, trumpeter and educator, there has always been something about his Jazz playing (improvising) that seemed a little off to me. The man is brilliant. I know that the Jazz police will excoriate me for having the temerity to say anything less than positively effusive, but alas.....we all have our tastes.

Came across this wonderful concert video on the Tube. It caught my eye because being on a Chick Corea kick the featured soloist with Wynton’s JALC Orchestra was Chick Corea, The band and Corea play the music of Monk. 

Corea plays with his usual brilliance and its remarkable how he cops Monk’s style throughout. However, it’s Wynton that caught my ear. On the first tune he plays an amazing solo. Much has been written about Monk’s quirky and angular rhythmic feel and recently we commented on how Charlie Rouse was a great compliment to Monk. Hearing Wynton play on Monk’s tunes it was a “THAT’S IT!” moment. Wynton’s feel was made for Monk. It fit like a glove.

https://youtu.be/dnwT9nYaX5E

Steve Swallow lays down a nice bass groove for this funky duet with Metheny & Scofield.  They go atonal at points but keep on swinging.

"Everybody's Party" (1994, Stuttgart)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_PNJKFgjQc

Frogman, thanks for the studio "San Lorenzo," but it was off limits for me, not being a "premium" YT member.  No wonder I couldn't find it!

Wynton and Monk:

Great playing all around.  Who is the other "chick"?  Is she permanent?   There is a lot of talent in that group.   It's amazing that they have managed to stay together all these years.

Glad to see you have finally seen / heard the light, on Wynton's playing.

Thanks

I guess Chick, Corea,  didn't get the memo on the attire for the evening.

Well, at least when he’s playing Monk. Monk’s is obviously a pretty bright light for Wynton. As long as he’s playing Monk, I’m good. Re the “chick”:

I have no idea who that is. Permanent? No. They have a list of approved subs and a pecking order within that list. My....let’s just say....educated guess (I know a bunch of those guys): Some of the charts call for quite a bit of tricky flute and piccolo playing on the lead alto chair. Sherman Irby (great lead alto) is not a great flute and piccolo player. Ted Nash is a great flute/piccolo player as well as alto. They gave Irby the night off and moved Ted over to lead alto. They needed a sub on the 2nd alto chair. Hence “the chick”.

**** It’s amazing they’ve managed to stay together all these years *****

Not really, actually. It’s the best paying Jazz ensemble steady gig anywhere. They have the backing of Lincoln Center and everything that goes with that: prestige, travel, benefits, job security and flexibility to do personal solo projects, Great gig.

You may find this interesting.  A far cry from “the old days”:

https://www.jazz.org/y28z77j/?toggle=1

Keegiam, funny, I didn’t even know that  “Premium” membership entitled one to videos others didn’t have access to.  Just three days ago my wife signed me up for “Premium” because she got tired of hearing me complain about having to sit through the commercials 😊.

Pjw, ONE AT A TIME!  Gets very confusing otherwise and is the only way to get a handle on what’s doing what.

Believe me I'm taking my time and watching my bottom line!

Steve Swallow lays down a nice bass groove for this funky duet with Metheny & Scofield. They go atonal at points but keep on swinging.

Great live recording. Is it a coincidence that I just received the new 2020 Scofield album titled "Swallow Tales"? Its a very good recording and I highly recommend it.

John Scofield/Steve Stewart - Swallow Tales - Amazon.com Music

Radio - YouTube

acman thanks for posting that PMG live recording.

Lyle Mays plays a blistering solo from the 11:25 mark through 13:15.

Here is a Lyle Mays live recording in South America. I tried finding the source whether LP or CD but it don't seem to exist. Lyle plays beautiful throughout. Thanks to You Tube we can hear this music.

Lyle Mays Trio – Live at Teatro Opera, Buenos Aires, May 6, 1992 (Live Recording) - YouTube

pjw I love the swing on that new Scofield piece "Radio.  Scofield's restraint during Swallow's solo is very classy.  Nice, another purchase coming.

Corea plays with his usual brilliance and its remarkable how he cops Monk’s style throughout. However, it’s Wynton that caught my ear. On the first tune he plays an amazing solo. Much has been written about Monk’s quirky and angular rhythmic feel and recently we commented on how Charlie Rouse was a great compliment to Monk. Hearing Wynton play on Monk’s tunes it was a “THAT’S IT!” moment. Wynton’s feel was made for Monk. It fit like a glove.

Frogman that clip was awesome. Its great to live on Long Island close to NYC and when this pandemic ends I plan on haunting the Jazz venues again including JALC. Wynton and Corea sound great as does the entire JALC Big Band. 

JLCO Selection Procedures and Substitute Roster

Seems to be saying, "noise makers need not apply", and they are also dedicated to preserving traditional Jazz.

Great News!!!

Thanks.

Cheers

Wow, check out that Buenos Aries first piece "Sienna."  All one has to do to appreciate Lyle Mays' jazz ability is listen to his solo at 3:00 to about 5:30.

Thank you pjw!

**** Seems to be saying, "noise makers need not apply", and they are also dedicated to preserving traditional Jazz.**** 

And, where do all those great young players learn all those styles required for application?  Where does JALC go to recruit all those great young players?  .....hmmm.  

And, where do all those great young players learn all those styles required for application?

Good morning frogman

Believe me there are thousands of young jazz musicians and I know you know that.

I am always buying CD’s from the new and relatively new (1990 and up) jazz artists as well as debut albums from artists just starting out.

My latest purchase from pianist Ryan Slatko is arriving Saturday.

Ryan Slatko - First Impressions - Amazon.com Music

When the pandemic ends I will also be supporting these artists by paying to see them live. Right now I am subscribed to the "Smalls Jazz Club" face book page and they play live concerts daily which you can stream and listen to live as its happening.

(13) Smalls Jazz Club | Facebook

And the website

Smalls Jazz Club - SmallsLIVE

I have attended many live concerts from my house since the pandemic started.

Wow, check out that Buenos Aries first piece "Sienna." All one has to do to appreciate Lyle Mays’ jazz ability is listen to his solo at 3:00 to about 5:30.

keegiam you can check out more Lyle Mays "bootlegs" here on his website:

Bootlegs — Lyle Mays

“My friends send me clips from time to time. I don’t surf the net, but I enjoy the obscure crap  since I usually don’t cringe. In fact, I am usually surprised at how my performances were much better than my self image at the time.”

- Lyle Mays

We've been neglecting the amazing Ralph Towner.

Rome 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv-b66ByFAo

Hear, Hear!! Ralph Towner!!

A favorite...
Solstice
     with Jan Garbarek (sax & flute); Eberhard Weber (bass); Jon Christensen (drums)

Discovered at the local public library years ago when you could actually borrow LPs. Was an ear opening and mind expanding experience. My introduction to ECM.

Of course, there’s his work in Oregon. While not criticizing that work, I haven’t found Oregon the strong attractor I thought it might have been.

Thanks for mentioning him, keegiam.

Art Pepper and Zoot Sims doing the anthem of Bossa Nova.  Sidemen: Victor Feldman, Ray Brown, Barney Kessel, Billy Higgins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JknpIkwHwUY

Art Pepper, "Stardust."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOuWe7DSMf4

Great clips of Sonny Rollins in Denmark '65 & '68.  Pederson is on bass both times around, really going all-out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cneBpjwfxhg

Apologies if this has been posted before.  This is in the middle of my favorite Coltrane years.

Where the heck is everyone?

Mile & Coltrane, Paris, 1960
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VE_dP90V84&t=154s

Sorry. Should have warned you, keegiam. That’s why they call me, "thread killer". Radio silence after I responded to your Ralph Towner post.

This a compilation of performances by the Tony Williams quintet 1986-1991.  It is 3 hours long, and I'm only a half hour in, but Herbie Hancock is blowing me away.

For me Tony Williams was the most musical drummer ever.  I know that's vague, but he played with a kind of 3D feeling no other drummer had.  He made a go of being a band leader in the 80's-90's.  I don't think he achieved much notoriety, but the quintet made a lot of great music.  I do happen to have a pre-release TWQ CD from the late 90's.  Great stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZwHYX7_fgA&t=5541s

I’ve been enjoying TW’s Civilization as well as Believe It and Million Dollar Legs.
Keegiam, if you haven’t already heard it, you might enjoy a "tribute" to Tony called, "Blues for Tony". It’s a live performance by Alan Pasqua, Allan Holdsworth, Jimmy Haslip and Chad Wackerman. Good sounding recording and some great performances.

ghosthouse, I checked out this version of "Blues for Tony."  Nice groove - very intense piece.  I found the drummer and keyboard player more enjoyable than Holdsworth.  Holdsworth strikes me the same way Di Meola does - lightning fast, technically amazing but the end result is tedium.  I guess I haven't given him an adequate audition, but perhaps you can suggest a few more pieces that might change my mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFdD98R-Al0

This is for Rok, who I think is a fan of Carlos Santana.  Over the last 48 years, I may have played this more than "Abraxas."

Santana: "Caravanserai"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS67o4npBuE

“3D feeling”.  Love that description and I believe I understand what you mean, Keegiam.  Tony Williams has been my favorite drummer for a long time and Herbie Hancock ....well, genius.  As far as I’m concern Miles’ 60’s quuintet, the second Great Quintet with both of them as members was the greatest Jazz band ever.  Great clips all, btw.  Thanks.

For Ghosthouse 😊:

https://youtu.be/BNBcZaB2uEQ

Frogman, two of my most cherished pieces by that unmatched Miles Davis quintet.  Significant Wayne Shorter influence, as it should be.  Herbie displays his genius as well.

"Nefertiti"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu0IfC_IUaA

"Pinnochio"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUC8NuiuXcs

Acman, wonderful clip, thanks.

Frogman - Enjoyed the Killer Joe track. What wonderful chords and arrangement. To my ears the latter almost "classical" in terms of exchange of parts among the various members. Will have to look further into that Jazztet work. Thanks for the introduction.

Unfortunately, my thread killing doesn’t relate at all to Joe’s killer threads! My own fashion sense (my wife is highly critical) being heavily influenced as it is by band and roadie wardrobes on the cover of The Allman Bros. Live At The Fillmore East.

Keegiam - I could NOT agree more with your opinion about Holdsworth & Di Meola. Glad I’m not the only one. From my perspective, you can have the world’s largest vocabulary but you gotta have something meaningful to say with it. Partial case in point, I much prefer Bill Connors or Frank Gambale to Di Meola in Return to Forever. Not to ruffle any feathers.

Alan Pasqua, the keyboard player, in that Blues For Tony track, did in fact play in TW’s New Lifetime. The Blues For Tony double CD is worth owning; as mentioned previously, a live recording covering New Lifetime songs from Believe It and Million Dollar Legs (I have Lifetime: The Collection a compilation of those two albums, not the individual albums).

Pasqua is worth looking up on Wikipedia. You might be surprised. Talk about flying under the radar. His work on The Antisocial Club and his solo, Northern Lights, are very good though the music styles on those recordings is very different.

Great Miles, Keegiam; and that live clip from acman3 is one of my favorite things on the Tube.  SOTA Jazz.

One of the nicest recent trio recordings from of my favorite piano players.  Some very thoughtful playing:

https://youtu.be/EZzAxLtAn0c

https://youtu.be/g4lxB16xNWw

https://youtu.be/3FCZRKJ_NN0

Nice Barron tracks, thanks Frogman.  When I began listening the "Speed Trap," it seemed unmistakable that I was hearing the influence of one of the greats he probably revered as he was coming up.  Then the second track - same effect, but now I was hearing a different influential player.  And the third.

It seems Barron has mastered creating his own sound while also recalling the styles and sounds of his favorite predecessors.  Interesting - or just my imagination?

Very good observation, Keegiam.  I would say, not your imagination at all.  I suppose one could say that about just every Jazz player to one degree or another, but I think it’s particularly relevant with Barron; and that’s a good thing.  Check out his comments in these programs notes; the second paragraph in particular:

https://www.playbill.com/article/jazz-at-lincoln-center-kenny-barron-words-and-music

The plot thickens.  It should be no surprise the influence I heard in "Speed Trap" is Monk.  Now I learn Barron had a group with Charlie Rouse in the 80's.  Thanks for the article link Frogman.  JFA has made me feel like a music school student the last few months - I'm enjoying expanding my knowledge.  Thank you all, really.

Today’s Listen:

Hampton Hawes Trio -- EVERYBODY LIKES HAMPTON HAWES: VOL. 3, THE TRIO
Red Mitchell(bass), Chuck Thompson(drums)

The third and last of the THE TRIO series. Recorded in 1956. Remastered 1990

Notes by John Wilson. Gives a short summary of each tune, and some history of Hawes’ career. Hawes seems to have ’found’ his musical voice while serving in the U.S. Army. "I couldn’t be influenced by anybody then," Hawes has said of this period of isolation,"because I couldn’t hear anybody."
Also includes a quote from Nat Hentoff, talking in that ’beatnik’ slang. I always get a laugh out that stuff.

the sermon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB3L98WDicw

embraceable you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrMAz39aYUk

coolin’ the blues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1WWnW9dMd8

night in tunisia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_5RsxlnyL0

polka dots and moonbeams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f63708nDaXs

All the tunes all great. This man knows his way around a piano. Best Loud! I have even grown to love the cover art.   Even the Bass solos are good and connected.

Cheers

Rok, with this Hampton Hawes set, you've outdone yourself again.  More budgeting for record purchases.

YT delivered a link to this wonderful Chet Baker/Paul Desmond compilation.  Both deliver their sumptuous tone for almost an hour.

Note some of the sidemen: Ron Carter (all), Tony Williams (3 tracks), Kenny Barron (3 tracks).  On the downside, Bob James never won me over on keyboards, and Chet sings a bit.

BTW, another "Autumn Leaves" (track 6).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kQVj68loXw