Jvc

For this quartet set with pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Charles Fambrough, and drummer Jack DeJohnette, Ernie Watts definitely came to play. Virtually all of his solos are high powered and even his ballad statements are filled with clusters of passionate notes. Trumpeter Arturo Sandval has two appearances and makes the music even more hyper. In addition, the rhythm section keeps the proceedings consistently stimulating. The main focus on these standards and originals is generally on Watts' tenor, and even though there isn't all that much variety, this CD is a strong example of his jazz talents.

On Bluesnik, Jackie McLean was beginning to adapt to the free-jazz stylings of Ornette Coleman, and Hubbard proves he is equally at home. He could handle a mixture of hard bop and free jazz with the skill of an older and more experienced musician. I recommend these highly. If you want the best digital versions of these great Blue Note albums, grab these. In my opinion they are the best that have ever been done and probably the best that ever will be. They can't stay in print forever so don't delay!" - Steve Hoffman, Mastering Engineer

Gary Burton and the Berklee All-Stars (1985) {JVC JD-3301}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 318 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 126 Mb
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© 1985 JVC / Victor Japan | JD-3301
Jazz / Post Bop / Vibes

This set (reissued in 1995 on CD) was a change of pace for vibraphonist Gary Burton after so many relatively introspective sets for ECM. Burton is featured with a octet that also includes Bill Pierce on tenor, altoist Larry Monroe and trumpeter Jeff Stout. The music is generally modern hard bop with some real cookers (such as Cedar Walton's "Firm Roots") alternating with solid ballads. Among the highlights are James Williams's jazz waltz "Soulful Bill," John Scofield's playful "Why 'd You Do It" and Burton's unaccompanied workout on the thoughtful "Crystal Silence." This mostly straightahead set is not all that essential but does adds to the strong musical legacy of Gary Burton.

All of the music on this CD comes from the June 24, 1992, concert at Town Hall in New York City, with a host of artists each being featured. Trumpeter Tom Harrell leads off with two fine originals, the turbulent "Journey to the Center" and the mellow but swinging "Weaver." His very strong supporting cast includes ex-boss Phil Woods on alto sax, tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, and pianist Jim McNeely, as well as bassist Peter Washington and drummer Bill Goodwin.

Ron Carter - 1+3 (1978) {JVC Japan VDJ-1032 rel 1986}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 239 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 110 Mb
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© 1978, 1986 JVC / Victor Japan | VDJ-1032
Jazz / Hard Bop / Post Bop / Bass

Exactly the kind of impressive, high level playing and interaction you'd expect from this trio. Pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Tony Williams comprised the rhythm section on many '60s Miles Davis classics; nearly three decades later, they're still in sync with each other. While it's Carter's session, there's really no leader or followers, just three wonderful musicians fully attuned to each other.

Shuichi "Ponta" Murakami is a Japanese jazz drummer and session musician. Murakami first learned to play French horn, but switched to classical percussion as a teenager before settling on the drum kit. He worked extensively as a sideman on jazz sessions in the 1970s and 1980s, with, among others, Sadao Watanabe, Yosuke Yamashita, Kazumi Watanabe, Akira Sakata, and Takashi Kako. He founded the group Ponta Box (featuring sidemen Masahiro Sayama and Masatoshi Mizuno) which recorded three albums for JVC Victor and appeared at the 1995 Montreux Jazz Festival, and has recorded several albums under his own name. He also worked as a session musician for J-pop stars for several decades.

Keyboardist Tom Coster has shown in his JVC recordings (of which this is the first) that fusion was not only alive in the 1990s (if somewhat underground) but still had potential for creativity. With assistance from altoist Marc Russo (formerly with the Yellowjackets), guitarist Chris Camozzi, electric bassist Alfonso Johnson, drummer Dennis Chambers and two guest spots for saxophonist Norbert Stachel, Coster performs spirited versions of 11 of his originals.