New York Sessions

George Russell assembled some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time for this recording. New York New York consists of some standards and originals but the Russell trademark of creative arranging is all over this. Soloists include John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Art Farmer, Bob Brookmeyer, Max Roach, the underrated Charlie Persip, and Jon Hendricks on scat-poetry introductions to each piece. Recorded in late 1958 and early 1959.

John Fedchock is best-known as a former trombonist and occasional arranger with Woody Herman's orchestra, but the release of this "Reservoir" set should also give him a reputation as an important big-band leader in his own right. Fedchock, who provided arrangements for all 11 selections (six jazz standards and five of his originals), gathered together quite an interesting variety of jazzmen for this date. Included among the personnel are many players who have led sessions of their own.This straight-ahead set is consistently swinging, enjoyable, and easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow

Before the New York Dolls ever set foot inside a recording studio with Todd Rundgren to work on their classic 1973 self-titled debut, the group had recorded a healthy number of demo tapes. Unsurprisingly, many of these tapes have circulated among fans on the bootleg market for years – reappearing from year to year under a variety of different titles. Lipstick Killers is only a meager nine tracks in length. On a few selections, we get a glimpse at the original Dolls lineup (which included late drummer Billy Murcia), before the best-known Dolls lineup (with Jerry Nolan replacing Murcia) takes shape. Included are such glam classics as "Looking for a Kiss" and "Personality Crisis", as well as a fine cover of "Don't Mess With Cupid" (which really should have been included on one of their full-lengths – it could have possibly served as a breakthrough single), plus such punk prototypes as "Pills" and "Human Being".

We’ll make the Keynotes available here as soon as possible after they happen. Video of the sessions and tutorials will be available a few weeks after the end of the conference.

Since finishing second to Joshua Redman in the Thelonious Monk Institute's tenor sax competition, Eric Alexander has built an impressive discography as a leader, while also drawing a lot of attention in both the U.S. and Japan. This Venus release, recorded in 2005 and one of the last sessions by pianist John Hicks, primarily focuses on standards, with the exception of Hicks' tense hard bop vehicle 'Avotcja.' A loping treatment of 'Sunday in New York' is a solid opener, conveying the image of a brisk walk in Central Park on a cool autumn day.

The Jack Cortner New York Big Band's debut CD is filled with complex yet easily accessible arrangements played by many of New York City's best jazz musicians. Leader Jack Cortner is joined by special guest trumpet soloist Marvin Stamm, and the band features other jazz soloists including Jim Pugh, Dave Tofani, Bill Mays, and John Riley.

The New York Jazz Guitar Ensemble - 4 On 6 X 5 (1990) is a unique and engaging album by a collective of accomplished jazz guitarists based in New York. This album features five talented guitarists working together to create a distinctive blend of jazz sounds, showcasing the versatility and creativity of the guitar in the context of small ensemble jazz.