Horn 1997

As husband and wife, Ike & Tina Turner headed up one of the most potent live acts on the R&B circuit during the '60s and early '70s. Guitarist and bandleader Ike kept his ensemble tight and well-drilled while throwing in his own distinctively twangy plucking; lead vocalist Tina was a ferocious whirlwind of power and energy, a raw sexual dynamo who was impossible to contain when she hit the stage, leading some critics to call her the first female singer to embody the true spirit of rock & roll…

One of most unusual Russian musicians, Arkady plays French horn, flugelhorn, alpenhorn and many more unusual wind instruments. A native of Moscow, at the age of six Arkady Shilkloper began playing brass instruments and studied flugelhorn at the Moscow Military Music Academy until 1974. From 1978 to 1985 he was a member of the orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre and the "Bolshoi Brass Quintet". With this world-famous ensemble and as a member of the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra from 1985 to 1989 he undertook numerous worldwide concert tours. Alongside with that he started playing traditional jazz with double-bass player Mikhail Karetnikov and avant-garde jazz in saxophonist Sergei Letov's band Three O (1985-1990). Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union Shilkloper has worked independently both as a solo performer and, since 1991, with Alperin and Starostin in the Moscow Art Trio and in other formations…

Trumpeter Raphe Malik is a distinguished if underappreciated master of his instrument and the free jazz movement. For this recording date – a concert at the Fire in the Valley Festival in 1997 – Malik assembled a band of giants in tenor savant Glenn Spearman, drummer Dennis Warren, and bassist George Langford. Malik and Spearman, having worked in the Cecil Taylor unit at different times, have like-minded approaches to composition, and are therefore a perfect match…

World Turtle are an English progressive rock band formed by former Haze-members Chris and Paul McMahon after their earlier band's demise. While Haze were more traditionally prog, World Turtle's sound is somewhat more commercial; by using funk rhythms and horn-sections their music becomes reminiscent also of pop artists such as the late Genesis or Phil Collins' solo work. After Haze drummer Paul Chisnell left the group in 1988, the two remaining members, brothers Chris (bass, keyboards) and Paul McMahon (guitar, vocals) formed a first version of World Turtle with Pendragon-drummer Fudge Smith. This line-up, however, was short-lived. A new version of World Turtle appeared in 1991, with only the two brothers remaining…

In general, Joe Henderson's take on "Porgy & Bess" meets the high standards of his latter-day records for Verve. Working with arranger Bob Belden and a wonderful combo – including guitarist John Scofield, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Dave Holland, drummer Jack DeJohnette, trombonist Conrad Herwig and vibraphonist Stefon Harris – Henderson brings Gershwin's music to life with subtle beauty and grace. Furthermore, he demonstrates his uniqueness – Henderson's "Porgy & Bess" may share the same source as Miles Davis' legendary "Porgy & Bess", yet it has an original sound, relying less on orchestration than that classic. While this disc is not flawless – instead of enhancing the music, guest spots from vocalists Chaka Khan and Sting actually stop the momentum, calling attention to themselves – it nevertheless is another valuable addition to Henderson's catalog.

A Greek-only premium compilation, released with the music magazine 'Jazz & Tzaz' (Issue 48). From the catalogue of Verve Records.