Kerry James

Kerry Livgren is an American musician and songwriter, best known as one of the founding members and primary songwriters for the 1970s progressive rock band, Kansas. "Seeds of Change" is his first solo album. Released in 1980 while he still was a member of Kansas, it features guest appearances by three fellow Kansas members: Steve Walsh, Phil Ehart and Robby Steinhardt. Singer Ronnie James Dio and members of LeRoux, Jethro Tull, Ambrosia, and Atlanta Rhythm Section are also featured. It resembles his band's output of the time: one foot in watered-down radio rock and one foot in dramatic American prog. In 1996, "Seeds of Change" was reissued by Renaissance Records with an interview with Livgren as a bonus track.

With his riveting performance in the inaugural Sequesterfest online festival in April 2020, Ken Vandermark inspired the Black Cross Solo Sessions. Already in the early days of lockdown, making good on the promise – or threat – of protracted off-road time, Vandermark had dedicated himself to the creation of a new book of works for solo reed instruments, which he debuted that day. The result of this watershed moment for the Chicago-based improvisor and composer was a body of works that reassert his seriousness and test his ability to reflect and reevaluate. The compositions, which are platforms for invention, are dealt with in relatively economical, almost stripped-down fashion, ringing with a kind of bell-like clarity and focus. Most tracks are on the shorter side, straight to the point, featuring the rippling intensity that is a Vandermark hallmark, but with an altogether reborn sense of purpose.

Jazz bagpipes? The one master is Rufus Harley, who does about all that can be done with that unpromising instrument. After all, once one blows a note, the sound is sustained until the air empties out. This well-conceived sampler draws its music from Harley's Atlantic albums (Scotch & Soul, Bagpipe Blues, and Deuces Wild), plus his guest spot on a Herbie Mann album. Harley, who also is heard playing a bit of soprano, tenor, and flute, performs such numbers as "Feeling Good" and "Pipin' the Blues," the latter teaming him with altoist Sonny Stitt. This sampler is worth exploring.

Rufus Harley - Bagpipe Blues (1965) {2013 Japan Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series WPCR-27428}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 219 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 78 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 156 Mb | 5% repair rar | 24bit remaster
© 1965, 2013 Atlantic / Rhino / Warner Japan / WEA | WPCR-27428 | Jazz Best Collection 1000 Series
Jazz / Hard Bop / Soul Jazz / Saxophone / Flute / Bagpipes

Features 24 bit remastering and comes with a mini-description. An amazing record, from an amazing player – the mighty Rufus Harley, heard here on tenor, flute, and soprano sax – as well as bagpipes, his "trademark" instrument! Don't be put off by the bagpipes, though, because Harley plays in a righteous soul jazz groove, and uses the instrument more like a Coltrane-ish reed soloing vehicle, with sheets of hard blown sound, than he does as a corny Scottish sounding one.

Enjoy wonderful chill sounds that sound like the sea and vacation. Selected by DJ Michael Maretimo. A handpicked relaxing soundtrack from the world famous beaches around the world.

Enjoy wonderful chill sounds that sound like the sea and vacation. Selected by DJ Michael Maretimo. A handpicked relaxing soundtrack from the world famous beaches around the world.