Experiencing Jazz

Leo Kottke - Try And Stop Me (2004) {Bluebird 82876-60645-2}
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© 2004 Bluebird / RCA Victor / BMG | 82876-60645-2
Finger-Picked Guitar / Progressive Folk / Jazz Blues / Contemporary Folk / New Acoustic

Even though six- and twelve-string master Leo Kottke's last solo album, released five years before, was named One Guitar, No Vocals, that could just as well have been the title of this one. Except for a set-closing vocal turn fronting Los Lobos on the Weavers' folk song "The Banks of Marble," the rest is just Kottke and his acoustic guitar. Together they make music that falls between folk, world, jazz, gospel, and the dreaded new age that is indelibly tied to Kottke's recognizable percussive style.

This one is a real treat: two giants of improvisation in pursuit of that enigmatic 'something' on a Canadian stage in 1986. Braxton, clearly derived from the jazz tradition; Bailey, restless occupant of a self-constructed world of non-idiomatic guitar. "Moment Precieux" was an instant improv classic upon its release twelve years ago and is a welcome reissue to CD format.

Originally released in 1962, The Lonely Bull was not only Herb Alpert’s musical debut, but the first album released on A&M Records. "After experiencing my first bullfight in Tijuana, Mexico," Alpert recalls, "I was inspired to find a way to musically express what I felt while watching the wild responses of the crowd, and hearing the brass musicians introducing each new event with rousing fanfare."

Whether you love or hate the genre of music he specializes in, you've got to give the man credit. Even during arguably the all-time low point for "guitar shredders" – the mid- to late '90s – Greg Howe stuck to his guns, issuing album after album of technically astounding guitar rock. And with the genre experiencing a resurgence circa the early 21st century, Howe is still all about showing off his six-string gymnastic ability, as evidenced by his 2008 release, Sound Proof. If you're seeking carefully constructed, melodic songs – move along. But, if you're into all-instrumental prog metal with guitar at the forefront, then Sound Proof should meet your requirements.

Thelonious Monk featuring John Coltrane - Live at the Five Spot: Discovery! (1957) {Blue Note D110906 rel 1993}
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© 1957, 1993 Blue Note / Capitol Records | D 110906
Jazz / Bop / Piano / Saxophone

The urban mythology surrounding this non-professional recording – suggesting that Naima Coltrane (aka Mrs. John Coltrane) was running tape during this particular set – is fortunately true. Fortunate, that is, for lovers of bop or anyone who ever wished in vain that they could be transported to a legendary night such as the one captured during this short disc. The raw nature of this audience tape more accurately reveals the reality of experiencing a performance during the Five Spot's halcyon days. What can also be found beyond the sporadic chatter and general hubbub of a New York City Harlem nightclub is arguably the strongest aural evidence of the unique working rapport these two jazz icons shared.