”Organic Saxophone” by David Murray on Palm 31

February 17, 2025

David Murray performing tenor saxophone solo pieces live in Paris in 1978. He plays both original compositions as well as standards, all with passion and personality. Solo material from two concerts were released on three different labels, Cadillac, Horo and this one on Palm, which was recorded by Jef Gilson. He founded Palm in 1973. Not easy to find titles on this label but I have managed to acquire three so far.

I’ve been exploring several solo jazz recordings lately and I really enjoy the format. I feel that it adds nerve to the performance of a player, especially live. It highlights the artists capabilities in a beautiful way. Will keep exploring and I have at least one other solo performance high on the want list going forward.

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”The Other Side” by The Frank Lowe Quartet on Palm 25

February 16, 2025

Continuing my explorations into the work of Frank Lowe.

Been exploring the work of Frank Lowe since the fall of last year and found some great stuff. Started with his work on Soul Note and have listened to some of his earlier recordings lately. This title on Palm was recorded in 1976 in Paris. The recording quality is way below par but the music is great.

The band consists of Lowe on tenor sax, Butch Morris on cornet, Didier Levallet on double bass and George Brown on drums. The same group that’s on the title on the Marge label, which I posted in the beginning of the month.

All compositions are penned by the leader, except for one tune which is co-written with Morris. Will continue my explorations into Lowe’s work and also the Palm label.

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”Bugle Boy Bop” by Charles ”Bobo” Shaw & Lester Bowie on Muse MR 5268

February 15, 2025

Lovely duo session, recorded in 1977 and released in 1983, with drummer Charles ”Bobo” Shaw and Lester Bowie on trumpet. Been getting into jazz duos lately, with different instrument combinations. Drums together with just one other instrument excites me. The Rashied Ali title with drums and violin is amazing and this one is another highlight.

The music is very creative despite it’s limited instrumentation, rhythmically exciting and the unusual combination of just drums and trumpet is astonishingly fresh and engaging. Stripped down avant-garde is apparently my kind of stuff.

Mississippi-born Shaw was a member of the Human Arts Ensemble and Black Artists Group and I will definitely check out both. Trumpeter Lester Bowie was a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians and co-founded the Art Ensemble of Chicago which I’ll also check out in depth. So much music to immerse myself in. It’s an endless well.

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”Flutes!” by Sam Rivers & James Newton on Circle Records RK 7677/7

February 14, 2025

On this one we have both Sam Rivers and James Newton on flute, but separately in different live settings. Side 1 contains one tune played by the Sam Rivers Tuba Trio and the second side features three flute solos by James Newton. Rivers is joined by Joe Daley on tuba and french horn and Warren Smith on drums. Quite an unusual instrument line-up but it really blends together great. Tuba and french horn sounds awesome when played in this fashion and in this style of jazz. The tuba almost steps in for the double bass actually.

I really enjoy the flute solos by Newton on the second side. Fantastic player. I’ve enjoyed the flute in jazz for a long time but I’ve never listened to it in a solo format before. You really get a sense of the capacity of the player when it’s just a solo piece and live as well. Newton shows what an absolute master he was.

Unusual album which you should check out if flute is your thing.

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"Almost Green" by Tomasz Stanko on Leo Records LEO 008

February 13, 2025

My first Stanko album and this one is absolutely amazing. It’s moody and spiritual. Like a dark and beautiful poem laid bare before the elements of the earth. This is inward, intuitive music. It touches the deeper and hidden emotions of the self. It awakens something that needs to be set free.

We have Polish trumpeter Tomasz Stanko, his countryman Tomasz Szukalski on tenor sax, Palle Danielsson, a fellow Swede, on the double bass and the fantastic Finnish drummer Edward Vesala. The quality of these four individuals is superb.

I got this at a local store and I’m elated to have been able to acquire this. Not an easy one to find. This has to be my favorite addition of the year so far. The music is to die for and so is the condition of the vinyl. The fidelity and overall mix is stupendous. One of my best sounding stereo albums for sure. Recorded in Helsinki, Finland in 1978 and released in 1979. This album needs to be reissued.

Highly recommended.

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"Paragon" by The Sam Rivers Trio on Fluid (101)

February 8, 2025

Sam Rivers in 1977 doing the avant stuff in a trio setting with Dave Holland on double bass and Barry Altschul on drums. Holland on bass is amazing. Rivers plays multiple instruments on this, tenor and soprano sax, flute and piano. He plays the piano really well. I haven’t explored a lot of Rivers’ 70’s stuff but will definitely get to work on that. This title, found in a local shop, is a lovely start to my deeper exploration of his work.

Really good recording here, clear and powerful sound. The label is called Fluid Records out of France, which only released 4 titles, and this was the first one. Will check out the other titles as well.

It’s funny how things evolve regarding personal growth in musical taste and styles of jazz. I’ve really gotten into the avant and free stuff lately. I’ve been listening to it for a long time but not nearly this much and I feel that it’s gonna be a lot more of this stuff coming into the collection going forward.

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"Nana" by The Edward Vesala Trio on Blue Master BLU-LP 125

February 7, 2025

2/3 Finnish and 1/3 Norwegian avant-garde trio led by drummer Edward Vesala with Juhani Aaltonen on tenor and soprano sax and Arild Andersen on double bass. Recorded in 1970 for the Finnish Blue Master label. The trio was intended to be a quartet, but trumpeter Mike Koskinen was ill, so a trio it was and what a trio! Absolutely superb music resides in these grooves. And they are rare grooves. This LP is hard to come by, and after this 1st issue it has only been reissued once on vinyl, on the Finnish Svart Records label in 2016 , and on CD in 2018.

Favorite picks after listening to the album just one time include the post-boppish ”Albatros” where Aaltonen shines on the soprano sax. The searching ”Joiku” where Aaltonen plays some spiritual stuff on the tenor and Vesala lays lovely rhythmically intricate patterns underneath and also ”My B” where Arild Andersens bass work is impressive.

Highly recommended stuff.

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"Swift are the Winds of Life" by The Rashied Ali & Leroy Jenkins Duo on Survival SR 112

February 4, 2025

A rare combination of just drums and violin.

I’ve been getting into the Rashied Ali stuff on Survival lately. Managed to acquire two titles and this one arrived today. It features a duo with Ali and violinist Leroy Jenkins. This is very special stuff. I absolutely love the violin in avant-garde jazz. And this duo format with just drums and violin is brilliant. Can’t think of any other title with this combination.

I really enjoy Alis’ drumming. One of my favorite avant-garde drummers. His playing is inspiring and makes me want to pick up the sticks again. Technically great and intricate approach. Really dig the organic sound of his kit as well.

Never listened to Leroy Jenkins before, but he is obviously very gifted and his ability to fit in this setting is magical. I love the violin since way back, but in a classical setting. For example Paganini and so on. Here we get to enjoy it in an avant-garde setting and it works amazingly.

The condition of the vinyl is great. The sound is very natural and organic. Love the label design that Survival did. Beautiful.

I’m definitely leaning more and more towards the avant-garde and my explorations into the genre will continue full speed ahead.

Looking forward to the other Ali title. coming this week as well, hopefully.

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"Tricks of the Trade" by The Frank Lowe Quartet on Marge MAR 02

February 3, 2025

Fantastic album by Frank Lowe on the French Marge label, recorded in 1976. The band is superb with Lowe on tenor, Lawrence ”Butch” Morris on cornet, Didier Levallet on double bass and George Brown on drums.

The music is definitely on the avant side, but it will be very accessible to folks appreciating and listening to a lot of avant-garde/free jazz.

The recording is excellent for a live concert, with plenty of details present, a very balanced mix and a overall powerful sound.

I’ve been diving deeper and deeper into the free side of jazz and I’m finding a lot of artists and albums that I love. I’m not diggin’ everything (it can’t be screechy craziness non stop) but I definitely love plenty about this genre. Aiming to build a respectable avant section on my shelves. I’ve already found quite a few titles already, and I’m adding all the time. Like I mentioned, I’m waiting on a couple of Rashied Ali titles next, and those are top notch. Really looking forward to spinning those this week.

Finally, what a great image of the band on the back cover. It’s taken at the concert held in an old church called Salle Sainte-Croix Des Pelletiers in the city of Rouen, Normandy, France.

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”Invitation” by The Andrew Hill Trio on Steeplechase SCS-1026

February 2, 2025

Under the radar perhaps, but oh so good.

Another great Hill title on Steeplechase. In a trio format this time together with Chris White on double bass and Art Lewis on drums. Recorded in 1974. This was Hills’ first recording since 1969 after being out of the jazz media focus since his Blue Note days.

The music is brilliant and showcases Hills’ immense skills and compositional prowess. All the tunes are Hill originals except for one. This is not just a normal bop piano trio, the playing and compositions are complex and Hills’ ability to surprise and improvise in such a rich way is stunning. You never know where he’s gonna go next. One thing is for sure, it’s never dull with Hill in a trio format

This has to be another new Hill favorite now, and I’m amazed that his records on Steeplechase aren’t talked about more or displayed on social media, cause they are top notch, and for me some of his best work.

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”In the Tradition” by Anthony Braxton on Steeplechase SCS-1015

February 1, 2025

I think this is a wonderful album with Anthony Braxton playing standards. In Braxtons’ own words: ”This particular record date came about by chance, it was supposed to be a quartet date with Dexter Gordon.” Gordon apparently needed to rest on doctor’s orders and Braxton was called up as he was in Paris.

I’m really diggin’ his playing on this. For example, the rendition of Mingus’ ”Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”, when he plays the contrabass clarinet, is a highlight. Love that instrument and the way he plays it. He also uses it on Bird’s ”Ornithology” in a fast tempo, which is quite an odd but very special experience. The peculiar sound that the instrument produces is seldom heard in this kind of bop tune. Maybe this is the only time, who knows? It’s unique and fun. Braxton also plays alto on this date. It’s always a plus to have Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on double bass and together with Tete Montoliu on piano and Albert ”Tootie” Heath on drums this group really does the material justice.

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"Sense of Values" by Keno Duke/Contemporaries on Strata-East SES-7416

January 31, 2025

Never listened to drummer Keno Duke. No wonder perhaps, as he only released three albums, two for Strata-East and one for Trident Records. Hadn’t heard of him previously at all. Glad I stumbled upon this title which features Keno playing with George Coleman on tenor, Harold Mabern on piano, Lisle Atkinson on double bass and Frank Strozier on alto sax and flute.

A straight-ahead set which is very enjoyable and not one you see every day. Strata-East was such a great label and I’ve got a handful now on the shelf. Hoping to find some more.

Just secured a couple of lovely avant-garde titles with Rashied Ali. Really looking forward to receiving those soon. Stay tuned…

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”Ah” by The Enrico Rava Quartet on ECM 1166

January 30, 2025

Italian trumpeter Enrico Rava had some chops. Lovely player. He is present on one other album in my collection which is the Lacy on ESP. Rava really turns up the heat at different points and his powerful tone and technique is on full display. The band consists of two other Italian players, Franco D’Andrea on piano and Giovanni Tommaso on double bass, and an American drummer in Bruce Ditmas. Great band. They play some fire.

Have acquired some ECM titles the last months and there is definitely great stuff on that label. Not everything is for me, but this one is wonderful.

The cover has a silver finish which is unusual, but the music is gold.

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”Flowers for Albert” by David Murray on India Navigation IN 1026

January 29, 2025

A live avant-garde album by tenor man David Murray, recorded at The Ladies’ Fort in New York 1976. The dynamics of the music is appealing, with lots of calmer moments throughout. It never gets too intense, and I really enjoy that. It doesn’t have to be all guns blazing all the time when it comes to avant-garde/free jazz. One thing’s for sure, this bunch of musicians really thrive when the music is calmer.

Got a notice from a follower about another album I posted featuring Olu Dara, and he pointed out that it was rapper NAS’ father, which is cool. Lovely trumpeter. We also have Fred Hopkins on double bass and Phillip Wilson on drums.

India Navigation was a great label, and I’ve managed to find a handful of their albums and all of them are top notch. Will explore further, and I will also dive deeper into Murrays catalogue and see what other gems I can find.

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"Give It Up" by The Jimmy Lyons Quintet on Black Saint BSR 0087

January 28, 2025

My first LP with Jimmy Lyons. This session was recorded for the Italian Black Saint label in 1985. A lovely avant-garde excursion where the whole band is on top of their game. The total control in this free environment is magical. The musicianship is stupendous. Lyons on alto, Enrico Rava on trumpet/flugelhorn and Karen Borca (Lyons’ wife) on bassoon are absolutely killing it. These three in the front line are really blending together seamlessly. Borcas’ bassoon is an exciting addition to this session. I dig the sound a lot. Can’t remember if I have any other albums with that instrument present. Can’t be very common. I will definitely check out other stuff that she recorded, cause her performance is great. The rhythm section is also amazing, with Jay Oliver on double bass and Paul Murphy on drums. They are relentless in their approach. So technically gifted. The double bass is very prominent in the mix and the drums are super crisp, which makes for a great overall sound.

Three of the four tunes are of the longer format, which suits this kind of music very well. All numbers are composed by Lyons.

Got this one in today actually. Another blind buy from a local store. Couldn’t be happier with this title. The music is outstanding. Will have to take a deep dive into Lyons’ catalogue after listening to this album. Highly recommended if you enjoy some free stuff.

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”New York Calling” by Jackie McLean & The Cosmic Brotherhood on Steeplechase SCS-1023

January 27, 2025

Another great one on Steeplechase, recorded in 1974. This is my latest McLean in terms of the span of his career. Have several from his 50’s and 60’s output. He’s always been a favorite. Great to hear him on this one in the 70’s. The music is some lovely post-bop played by cats of which the majority I haven’t listened to before. We have Billy Skinner on trumpet, Jackie’s son Rene who I know, Billy Gault on piano, James ”Fish” Benjamin on double bass and Michael Carvin on drums.

This is a prime example of stuff I’ve been missing out on when I was stuck in the 50’s and 60’s. I’ve found the 70’s to be one of the most interesting eras of jazz.

In terms of favorite tunes out of the five on this all-the-way-through great album, I’ll mention the oriental flavored ”Star Dancer” and the airy, uplifting ”Adrian’s Dance”, both composed by trumpeter Billy Skinner. Skinner also composed one of the other numbers and two tunes were composed by pianist Billy Gault.

Highly recommended.

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The Fringe on AP•GU•GA (AGG-001)

January 26, 2025

Avant-garde/free trio here called The Fringe. The album was recorded in 1978. Very progressive jazz. It has elements or parts of a straight beat as well with post bop vibes. The last tune is straight all the way through though, and the most accessible. The double bass is fantastic on this album. On the second tune on the first side the bass is jumping out of the speakers. It’s so loud, round, thick and powerful. Never heard anything like it. Great bassist.

The trio consist of George Garzone on tenor, Richard Appleman on double bass and Bob Gullotti on drums. I had never heard of these guys before this blind buy in a local store.

George Garzone on tenor is a beast. Appleman on double bass is killing it. And Gullotti’s playing is a joy to decipher. They are exploring and improvising on a different level here, and for me, it’s a style all of their own.

In truth, the music is hard to categorize, even if you can place it in the avant-garde idiom. But why should you really? I’ll just sit back and enjoy the sounds…

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"Flying Out" by Cecil McBee on India Navigation IN 1053

January 25, 2025

Lovely string instrumentation on this one.

The use of both bass, cello and violin makes this session by McBee, recorded in 1982, really stand out. The flavors and textures these instruments offer in a jazz setting is really dynamic and gives the music something different for sure. Feels very spiritual and beautiful and moods of classical music comes to mind. The tune ”Truth - A Path To Peace” is a great example.

The second side begins with an all string arrangement which is delightful and warms the soul without being sentimental and weepy.

But it’s the blend of the strings and the avant-garde and also blues rhythms that really elevates this album to being truly exciting for me. To have a violinist take a solo in a jazz setting, like on the bluesy ”Blues On The Bottom”, instead of something more familiar is a welcome break from the norm.

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"Us" by Byard Lancaster on Palm 8

January 24, 2025

Starts with a lovely drum statement by Steve McCall and then we’re off. Lancaster joins in on alto with some wailing oriental stuff. Sylvain Marc then starts his Fender bass masterclass. This is free jazz at it’s very best. Full of energy, virtuosic technique, furious runs but mixed with lyrical passages.

On the second tune Lancaster plays flute, and his breath between his statements is so organically present. Love it. He was a superb flautist. The tune is sparse and calming and delivers a lovely ambience.

Then we can enjoy Lancaster solo on the tenor and that’s a treat. His style and ideas are so engaging and you really get to hear his genius unfiltered and naked. Beautiful.

I can’t believe I found this one in a local store. Granted, without the 7” but I’m just happy I found it cause it’s a very rare one. Over the moon. It was recorded in November of 1973 for the French Palm label. Hoping to find more stuff on that label cause there is plenty to enjoy.

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”Folk Mond & Flower Dream” by the Albert Mangelsdorff Quintet on CBS S 63162

January 22, 2025

Will have to dive deeper into Magelsdorffs’ catalogue.

Absolutely brilliant album by German trombonist Mangelsdorff and his quintet consisting of an all German lineup. The whole band is smokin’. Recorded and released in 1967. It’s so good that I’d like to say that this is probably my favorite album that I’ve found so far this year.

I guess that Mangelsdorff was mainly a free jazz player (I’m not acquainted yet with his output), but the music on this album is not free jazz. It incorporates elements of several different styles, which makes it very compelling. Lots of lyrical statements are present and it’s composed. It’s more post-bop for me with touches of the avant-garde.

Anyhow, this is some lovely moody music and you should check it out if you’re unfamiliar. Highly recommended.

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