Mood Rechan

Mood Six were a so-called neo-psychedelic band formed in London's West End in 1981. Emerging from the remnants of punk bands (Security Risk ), mod revival groups like The Merton Parkas and the VIPs and R'n'B combo The Assets. their original lineup included Phil Ward, Tony Conway, Andy Godfrey, Guy Morley, Paul Shurey, and Simon Smith. This double cd anthology features their three albums: The Difference Is…", "A Matter of.." and "And This Is It" alongside with singles,b-sides, rariities and two brand new songs.

In the late '30s and early '40s, pianist Teddy Wilson was a big deal in the land of jazz. He had many opportunities to perform as a sideman, and eventually got his breaks. These sessions showcase of variety of his efforts with big bands, large ensembles, small groups, and a singer named Billie Holiday. Though none of his own compositions are credited ("Big Apple" should be,) he certainly had a hand in the arrangements, and was given space to play quite a bit of piano. The Hep label has generously provided 23 selections with Wilson and bandmates including stalwarts Hot Lips Page, Lester Young, Freddie Green, Red Norvo and Pee Wee Russell, as well as backing trombonist Benny Morton's All Stars. There are two takes of "Ain't Misbehavin'," "Just a Mood" (Blue Mood,) "When You're Smiling," and "I Can't Believe That You're in Love with Me" for contrast sake. The sound reproduction of these vintage performances is excellent, and this one can easily be recommended to both fan and novice.

This CD is actually a combination of two different T. Lavitz projects. The Bad Habitz and also Players. The original Players band consisted of some fusion heavyweights whose credintials would blow you away. This CD is partly the reformed unit of that band and partly the Bad Habitz band. Both units play great. The players unit on this disc includes Dave Samuels, Rod Morgenstein, and Danny Gottlieb.

Albert Mangelsdorff & Wolfgang Dauner - Two Is Company… (1982) {Mood Records MOOD33.614 rel 2007}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 198 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 99 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 28 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1982, 2007 Mood Records / MOOD 33.614
Jazz / Modern Creative / Post Bop / Progressive Jazz / Trombone / Piano

A set that features early 80s duets between trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff and pianist Wolfgang Dauner – recorded in a beautifully spare setting that almost takes us back to some of Mangelsdorff's more stripped-down sessions for MPS! Like those great 70s records, this one has a feel that's nicely balanced between the freedom the players could reach for, and an inherent sense of structure that keeps things moving forward in lyrical, almost poetic ways. Titles include "Trans Tanz", "Rip Off", "Wheat Song", and "Two Is Company".

Duke Robillard pays homage to T-Bone Walker with this collection of swing, big band and blues songs. The bubbly and bouncy "Lonesome Woman Blues" has a be-bop Count Basie feeling as his supporting players are given brief solos to shine, particularly the horn section. There is far more substance and style to this approach than a rehashed run-through à la Brian Setzer. This fluidity continues, albeit a bit slower in tempo with the swinging "T-Bone Shuffle" which carries the same head-bobbing groove. Here the horns lead the way but Robillard makes his presence felt on guitar near the homestretch, and throughout the stellar "Pony Tail." The barroom blues and drum brushes on "Love Is a Gamble" takes things down to a creepy crawl, bringing to mind Dr. John or Delbert McClinton. An early favorite has to be the rousing and toe-tapping "Alimony Blues," an indication that Robillard wants to pay tribute in the right way by nailing each song beautifully.