Mps Records

Don "Sugar Cane" Harris - Fiddler On The Rock (1971) {MPS–Body Heat BHR901 rel 2007)
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 407 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 167 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 27 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1971, 2007 MPS Records / Body Heat Records | BHR 901
Jazz / Rock / Jazz Rock / Blues Rock / Violin

This is a jam album, but no meandering 1970s affair. This is a 70s show featuring Harris with the great and completely under recognized guitarist, Harvey Mandel. Based on the blues, the numbers are long, but both soloists-Mandel turned down an invitation to replace Mick Taylor in the Stones and Harris played on "Gumbo Variations" on Zappa's Hot Rats -have such concentration, their long solos take on a classical grandness and architecture. Listen to the rework of the Beatles "Eleanore Rigby," which turns into a Hot Ratsish jam.

Nathan Davis - Two Originals: Happy Girl & The Hip Walk (1965) {MPS–Motor Music 539082-2 rel 1998}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 477 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 182 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 40 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1965, 1998 MPS Records / Motor Music | 539 082-2
Jazz / Hard Bop / Modal Jazz / Soul Jazz / Saxophone

Nathan Davis spent some time living and working in Europe in the mid-'60s before returning to the United States to serve in jazz education. His recordings as a leader have been hard to find, so this compilation of two 1965 studio sessions, Happy Girl and Hip Walk, (both originally issued by MPS) will be a welcome discovery for collectors who can find it. In the earlier date he is joined by trumpeter Woody Shaw, Larry Young (on piano rather than organ), bassist Jimmy Woode and drummer Billy Brooks.

Liberated Fantasies is the eighth studio album by American keyboardist George Duke. It was recorded and mixed by Kerry McNabb at Paramount Recording Studios in Hollywood, California in 1976 and released through MPS Records, making it Duke's seventh and final album for the label. The album features contributions from Alphonso Johnson and Leon "Ndugu" Chancler with guest appearances from several musicians, including vocalist Napoleon Murphy Brock, guitarist Daryl Stuermer, percussionists Airto Moreira and Emil Richards. The closing album in this MPS box set continues George Duke’s tendency to couple his fusion world with accessible R&B songs. Once again he shows a discernable vocal development. In Tryin’ And Cryin the Californian together with rock singer Napoleon Brock overlay multiple vocal tracks.

Elvin Jones - Remembrance (1978) {MPS 0209724MSW rel 2014}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 288 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 107 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 27 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1978, 2014 MPS Records / Edel | 0209724MSW
Jazz / Post Bop / Progressive Jazz / Drums

The Elvin Jones Jazz Machine has frequently featured hard-toned tenors who improvise in a style influenced by John Coltrane, modal originals and high-powered performances in which the drummer/leader can push his sidemen. This MPS set is no exception. Pat LaBarbera and Michael Stuart double on tenors and sopranos, guitarist Roland Prince offers a contrasting solo voice and all of the material is obscure with four of the seven songs penned by LaBarbera. It's an excellent if somewhat lesser-known outing.