Philips Superauthor 3.0.3.0

Terms such as “fastidious”, “intimate” and “quietly nuanced” have long been applied to the immensely respected Ingrid Haebler’s interpretations. She was a “purist” in the best sense of the word and has often said that she always sought to convey the essence of the music and the structure and the message of the work, without anything to disrupt it. With an imposing discography, Haebler was regarded by many as Philips’ “house pianist”. Decca now proudly presents her Complete Philips Recordings on 58CDs in tribute to this rare and special artist.

In 1957, drummer Walter Perkins formed a quintet, the MJT + 3, that recorded four albums before breaking up in 1962. Walter Perkins was a longtime fixture in the Chicago jazz scene. He gained some recognition for playing with the Ahmad Jamal Trio during 1956-1957 (right before Jamal really caught on). A 1957 set for Argo led by Perkins (and also featuring trumpeter Paul Serrano, tenor saxophonist Nicky Hill, the young pianist Richard Abrams, and bassist Bob Cranshaw) used the name of MJT Plus 3. The better-known version of the band (with trumpeter Willie Thomas, altoist Frank Strozier, pianist Harold Mabern, and bassist Bob Cranshaw) recorded three albums for Vee-Jay during 1959-1960 and was popular for a time locally before breaking up in 1962.

Ad Lib (2001). This record will be warmly welcomed by bossa nova fans, being the record that Sergio Mendes always threatened to make, but never quite managed. Imagine an album that manages to sustain the flavor and airs of Mendes' famous "Mais Que Nada" and you're getting the idea. Beyond mere pastiche however, this is dynamic music played by dedicated musicians with real flair. Surprisingly jazzy in parts, this is music that sneaks up on you, gentle but never fey. Fans of light Latin groove shouldn't be without it…

Lorin Varencove Maazel was born of American parents in Neuilly, France on March 6, 1930 and the family returned to Los Angeles when Lorin was still an infant. He exhibited a remarkable ear and musical memory when very young; he had perfect pitch and sang back what he heard. He was taken at age five to study violin with Karl Moldrem. At age seven he started studying piano with Fanchon Armitage. When he became fascinated with conducting, his parents took him to symphony concerts, then arranged for him to have lessons with Vladimir Bakaleinikov, then assistant conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Grayceon was formed in 2005 by Max Doyle and Zack Farwell from Walken and Jackie Perez Gratz from Amber Asylum but is also involved with and has played with many bands. They played together and liked the result and decided to keep on going with it and wrote new material. They recorded a demo in 2006 which they sent to several record companies, finally to catch the attention of Vendlus Records through which they released their first s/t album in March 2007.
Grayceon offers something for everyone. Some post-rock textures, some sludge metal (but of a lighter flavor than others in this field), some good old crunchy riffs of metal, and great epics which are amplified in their effect by the magnificent use of the cello by Jackie and the vocal harmonies of Jackie and Max Doyle…