Stanley Cowell Live

Charles Tolliver - Live In Tokyo (1973) {Strata-East 660-51-016 rec 1992}
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© 1973, 1992 Bellaphon ‎/ Strata-East | 660-51-016 / SECD 9015
Jazz / Hard Bop / Post Bop / Trumpet

CDs led by the great and vastly underrated trumpeter Charles Tolliver are few and far between. This live set (originally released by the Japanese Trio label) finds Tolliver leading his Music Inc. group, a quartet with pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Clint Houston and drummer Clifford Barbaro. Unfortunately the live set does have a bit of distortion in spots (particularly on some of the trumpet notes); otherwise this strong postbop set would have received a higher rating. Tolliver plays quite well, stretching out on three of his originals and Cowell's "Effi," plus an adventurous rendition of "'Round Midnight."

J.J. Johnson - Quintergy: Live At The Village Vanguard (1988) {Antilles 422-848 214-2 rel 1991}
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© 1988, 1991 Antilles / Island Records | 422-848 214-2
Jazz / Post Bop / Trombone

Trombonist J.J. Johnson, 64 at the time of Quintergy, is heard in top form on this Live at the Village Vanguard set. His quintet, which includes Ralph Moore on tenor and soprano, pianist Stanley Cowell, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Victor Lewis, is perfectly suited to interpret the spirited set of advanced bop. Highlights include Johnson's feature on "You've Changed," "Coppin' the Bop," "Lament" and his unaccompanied playing on "It's All Right with Me." Excellent music. Another Antilles CD, Standards, comes from the same sessions.

Clifford Jordan Quartet - Live at Ethell's (1987) {Mapleshade Records MS 56292 rel 1993}
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© 1987, 1993 Mapleshade Records | MS 56292
Jazz / Straight-ahead Jazz / Post Bop / Saxophone

Tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan never seemed to record an uninspired album. This Mapleshade CD, cut live at a Baltimore club, matches Jordan with pianist Kevin O'Connell, bassist Ed Howard and drummer Vernel Fournier. In addition to four standards (including "Lush Life" and "'Round Midnight"), Jordan performs Stanley Cowell's "Cal Massey" and three of his own straight-ahead but diverse originals. Excellent advanced straight-ahead jazz from an underrated great.

Charles Tolliver - Mosaic Select (2005) {3CD Set, Strata-East–Mosaic MS-020 rec 1970-1973}
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© 1970-73, 2005 Mosaic Records / Strata-East | MS-020
Jazz / Hard Bop / Post Bop / Trumpet

In the 1970's, the trumpeter Charles Tolliver was a righteous force in New York straight-ahead jazz. He pushed his energy to sustain sets of long, wending tunes with his quartet, which didn't include another horn player. The music – created in tandem with the pianist Stanley Cowell – was based on middle-period Coltrane: dark, modal, hard-driving, springy. Mr. Tolliver released it on his own label, Strata-East, setting an early and effective example of self-reliance in the jazz business. This set collects three out-of-print albums from Strata-East from 1970 to 1973, recorded live at Slugs' in New York and at a concert hall in Tokyo, and they're hard bop with a vengeance.

Bobby Hutcherson & Harold Land - Blow Up (1969) {Jazz Music Yesterday JMY1005-2 rel 1990}
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© 1969, 1990 Jazz Music Yesterday | JMY 1005-2
Jazz / Post Bop / Modal Music / Vibes / Saxophone

The Hutcherson-Land Quintet has long been one of my favorite jazz groups. Great compositions, excellent soloing with everyone interacting as a cohesive unit. Always lots of sparks & fire in an open, relaxed feel. Never over-bearing or pretentious. This live date from 1969 is a great addition to their discography. Joe Chambers, the usual drummer, is here in even greater than usual form, one of the most outstanding (and under-recognized) drummers ever. Reggie Johnson contributes solidly on bass and the always stimulating Stanley Cowell on piano make this an especially interesting configuration. Four tunes well over 10 min. ea., exploring these pieces in a way much like Miles' '65-'68 quintet (and doing Hancock's "Maiden Voyage").

Sonny Rollins - The Cutting Edge (1974) {Milestone OJC 468 rel 1990}
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© 1974, 1990 Milestone / Fantasy / Original Jazz Classics / Universal | OJC 468 / 0025218646826
Jazz / Post Bop / Jazz Funk / Saxophone

Sonny Rollins' 1974 appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival was warmly received. Joined by his usual band of the period (pianist Stanley Cowell, guitarist Masuo, electric bassist Bob Cranshaw, drummer David Lee, and percussionist Mtume), Rollins manages to turn such unlikely material as "To a Wild Rose" and "A House Is Not a Home" into jazz. The world's only jazz bagpipe player (Rufus Harley) makes his presence felt on "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot."