Challenge Records

For this modern straight-ahead set, Rick Margitza (heard on both tenor and soprano) performs six of his challenging originals plus "Embraceable You." The latter, whose melody is given some altered notes that do not help and make things sound sour, is a low point. However, Margitza sounds much stronger on his originals, particularly the boogaloo "Hip Bop," the medium-tempo blues "Forty Five Pound Hound," and the joyful "At Long Last." His rhythm section is excellent (bassist George Mraz is particularly responsive to the saxophonist's playing), and Margitza sounds in prime form, showing individuality on both of his horns.

Bob Brookmeyer - Holiday: Bob Brookmeyer Plays Piano (2001) {Challenge Records CHR 70103}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 454 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 180 Mb
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© 2001 Challenge Records | CHR 70103
Jazz / Post Bop / Cool / Piano

Although Bob Brookmeyer played piano in addition to his regular instrument, valve trombone, while he was working with Jimmy Giuffre and in both the small and big bands led by Gerry Mulligan, as well as on other sessions, this is his first exclusive outing on the instrument since the recording of "The Ivory Hunters," his famous duo piano date with Bill Evans, some 40-plus years later. Producer Peter Larsen overcame Brookmeyer's numerous objections that he wasn't up to the task; the results are more than satisfying.

Eric Vloeimans - Umai (2000) {Challenge Records SA CHR 75061}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 360 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 171 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 60 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2000 Challenge Records | SA CHR 75061
Jazz / Contemporary Jazz / Mainstream Jazz / Trumpet

One thing that makes the music on this recording exceptional is of course that it could only have been played by these four musicians. Each one is an individual with his own sound, his own approach to improvising and each has his own musical experience to draw from. Another thing that makes it remarkable is the attitude and inspiration of the quartets leader and composer. Eric leads without dominating, sharing his compositions and ideas with his partners in such a way that allows each one the freedom to contribute their own ideas and inventions to the whole. Last, but not least, Eric’s wonderfully adventurous trumpet playing and his humanity.

After more than 30 concerts and many excellent reviews about their first trio albums "Tales From The Unexpected" and "European Trio", the Italian pianist Enrico Pieranunzi and the Dutch double bassist Jasper Somsen recorded their third trio album with the Catalan drummer Jorge Rossy: "Common View". Enrico Pieranunzi has long been one of the best-known and appreciated personalities on the European jazz scene. Pianist, composer, arranger, he has recorded more than seventy CDs under his own name, ranging from solo piano to trio, and from duet to quintet. He has played in concert and in the studio with Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Marc Johnson, Joey Baron, Paul Motian, Chris Potter and Charlie Haden, performing at all the most important international festivals, from Montreal to Copenhagen, from Berlin to Madrid.