Alex Hitchcock - Dream Band (November 19, 2021)

I wanted to make a project that could only happen at this specific moment in time, bringing together different musicians I’ve connected with over my time in London. Lockdown offered an opportunity, both to get the musicians together practically but also to respond positively (and with unity) to the difficult past year. I wanted to create space for these musicians to express themselves and shape my music – some of whom I’ve worked with for 10 years, and some of whom are new to me.

I felt lucky to be surrounded by so many distinctive and contrasting voices, wanted to capture that variety in an album rather than just recording one band. At a time when people weren’t able to play and create as much I wanted to go the other way, taking a maximalist approach to make something that was ambitious and wide ranging.

Partly, it was a kind of ‘curating’ – I wanted to bring these combinations of musicians together and allow them to make the music their own – every single musician made creative decisions over the three days’ recording that changed the direction of the tune as I’d originally conceived it.

The title, ‘Dream Band’ – I imagined what different combinations of my favourite musicians would sound like and wrote music for that. But it’s not something that’s totally fixed, with the lineups changing throughout the album. There are multiple possible dream bands…

1. Wolf and Nina (feat. Midori Jaeger)

2. Yeshaya

3. intro

4. to love itself

5. outro

6. FSTL (feat. Chris Cheek, David Adewumi)

7. Move 37

8. Azalea (feat. midori jaeger)

9. Embers

10. Overcome Any Obstacle with a Horse

11. Simulacra

12. And Then

ALEX HITCHCOCK saxophone (all tracks)

CHERISE ADAMS-BURNETT voice (Tracks 4, 6)

CHRIS CHEEK saxophone (Track 6)

DAVID ADEWUMI trumpet (Track 6)

DESCHANEL GORDON piano (Tracks 1, 10)

FERG IRELAND bass (Tracks 2, 7, 9, 11)

JAS KAYSER drums (Tracks 1, 10)

JASON BROWN drums (Tracks 2, 7, 9, 11)

JOE DOWNARD bass (Tracks 3, 4, 5, 6, 12)

LUISITO QUINTERO percussion (Track 7)

MIDORI JAEGER voice/cello (Tracks 1, 8, 10)

NOAH STONEMAN piano (Tracks 2, 7, 11)

SHANE FORBES drums (Tracks 3, 4, 5, 6, 12)

WILL BARRY piano (Tracks 3, 4, 5, 6, 12)

WILL SACH bass (Tracks 1, 10)

SONNY JOHNS recording & mixing engineer

JORDI PUJOL executive producer

All tracks written by Alex Hitchcock apart from Azalea by Duke Ellington. Lyrics to Wolf and Nina by Midori Jaeger.

Recorded at Fish Factory, London for Fresh Sound New Talent, 10-12th May 2021

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Marcello Tonolo Quartet (feat. Chris Cheek plus Four) - Crazeology (May 2021 Caligola Records)

After two, among other things excellent, albums of standards recorded at the head of what is now his permanent trio, Marcello Tonolo returns to give breath to his music, emphasizing two of his main qualities: a refined compositional taste and a wise use of arrangements. The core, formed by the proven and solid rhythm section of Marco Privato and Jimmy Weinstein, remains, in continuity with the two previous recordings, but there is more this time: an important and original instrumental voice from the New York jazz scene, that of saxophonist Chris Cheek, real added value of the project, which gives an important contribution of ideas and pathos, besides the already taken for granted technical and professional skills.

The decision to add a wind quartet formed by young people, of great talent and secure future, in four of the nine tracks, makes this already weighty work even more valuable. In these tracks the group becomes an octet, which, according to Tonolo, already has the pleasant taste of an orchestra, a team that has always been congenial to him, as attested by the tenacious efforts made to keep alive until possible the Keptorchestra first, and the Thelonious Monk Big Band after.

Particularly successful are the arrangements of his own compositions like L’albero – among other things, the only song in which Cheek plays the soprano – and the evocative Borderline, but also of a little known jazz standard as When lights are low, by Benny Carter. The Quartet, for its part, runs unbridled, managing to outdo itself in songs like the spirited Evening star, also signed by the leader, the intense final short ballad, Margherita, composed by Jimmy Weinstein, and the personal, compelling reinterpretation of Crazeology, not surprisingly chosen also as the title of the album. 

1. Leo, Lion y Leon 04:53

2. L'albero 07:59

3. Walk Away 08:39

4. When Lights Are Low 06:32

5. Evening Star 06:05

6. Lazy Afternoon 09:28

7. Crazeology 06:41

8. Borderline 05:35

9. Margherita 03:24

Chris Cheek (tenor and soprano sax)

Marcello Tonolo (piano, arrangements)

Marco Privato (double bass)

Jimmy Weinstein (drums)

Guests:

Pasquale Paterra and Antonello Del Sordo (trumpets)

Federico Pierantoni (trombone)

Mattia Dalla Pozza (alto sax)

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Jeff Ballard - Fairgrounds (EDITION RECORDS January 25, 2019)

Honest, inventive and adventurous, Fairgrounds is the embodiment of Jeff Ballard’s ceaseless desire and energy to move people emotionally, physically and intellectually. His second album as a leader, sees the US drummer set on a new trajectory of increased recorded output, focus as a bandleader with a new home at British label, Edition Records.

“The only direction or concept I imposed on the players in this group was to feel an absolute freedom to play (or not) whatever they want at any given time. Totally freedom was the only restriction. Structures came from content, or sometimes the structure was already there if we happen to play a specific song but it would be a very new version each time. The music and how we played it came from the moment we all shared then and there, always.” JEFF BALLARD

Jeff Ballard ranks among the most inventive and adventurous drummers of his generation. He makes music that feels like the 21st century – open, fluid, ever-developing; a sound informed by jazz but truly coming to life where musical worlds collide: acoustic and electric, swinging and ambient, analogue and digital, accessible and experimental.

The virtuoso drummer, who made his name playing with Ray Charles, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau, is not inhibited by convention. His music is honest, original and adventurous with a ceaseless desire and energy to move people emotionally, physically and intellectually. Jeff’s latest project and album ‘Fairgrounds’, released on Edition Records, provides a freedom to explore and to express himself with musicians who are close to his heart and mind.

The result is highly captivating and bursting with energy. With a rich and flexible musical language, embracing influences as diverse as Jazz, Rock, Pop, Electronica and West African music, ‘Fairgrounds’ is a unique insight into the distinctive sound world of Jeff Ballard.

JEFF BALLARD drums, percussion

LIONEL LOUEKE guitar, vocals

KEVIN HAYS piano, keyboards, vocals

REID ANDERSON electronics

PETE RENDE piano, fender rhodes

Guest appearances: 

CHRIS CHEEK tenor saxophone (track 5 and 11)

MARK TURNER tenor saxophone (track 6 and 8)

All songs written and arranged by Fairgrounds

except for:

Hit The Dirt by Kevin Hays

Miro by Reid Anderson

Cherokee Rose by Chris Cheek

1. Grounds Entrance

2. YEAH PETE!

3. The Man's Gone 03:56

4. I Saw A Movie

5. Hit The DIrt

6. Twelv8

7. Marche Exotique

8. Grungy Brew

9. Miro

10. Soft Rock

11. Cherokee Rose

Recorded live between March 1 and 20, 2015 while on tour in Europe (Amsterdam, Berlin, Dublin, Munich, Molde, Odense, Paris, Rome, Tours, Terrassa, Vienna, Zurich)

Mixed by Pete Rende

Mastered by Nate Wood

US Drummer Jeff Ballard Signs to Edition (EDITION RECORDS)

US Drummer Jeff Ballard signs to Edition Records for the release of his new album ‘Fairgrounds’ featuring Lionel Loueke, Kevin Hays, Reid Anderson, Pete Rende, Mark Turner and Chris Cheek.

Jeff Ballard, the virtuoso drummer who has made his name playing with the likes of Ray Charles, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny and Brad Mehldau has signed to Edition Records with his new album, Fairgrounds, due for release in January 2019.

Jeff Ballard makes music that feels like the 21st century – open, fluid and ever-developing - a sound informed by jazz but truly coming to life where musical worlds collide: acoustic and electric, swinging and ambient, analog and digital, accessible and experimental.

With Lionel Loueke on guitar and vocals, Kevin Hays on keyboards and vocals and Reid Anderson on electronics, the album also features saxophonists Mark Turner and Chris Cheek, Pete Rende on keyboards, who also recorded and mixed the album, with mastering by Nate Smith. This is a potent combination of musicians who revere the past while realising that art is always made in the present tense; they grew up versed in deep traditions but are keen to blur boundaries between genres. Jazz, rock, electronica and West African music all figure in the shape-shifting, cross-cultural sound of this dream band.

A new home for Jeff on an independent and European label presents new opportunities for him. As Jeff explains; ‘I feel extremely lucky to have come into contact with Dave and Edition Records. It is sort of a dream come true in that I feel with them I have the means, the modern means, to reach a larger public with complete artistic freedom and support. This is one of the benefits of having a forward thinking independent label which is dedicated to the artist like Edition is. It is obvious to me that their focus is on quality and longevity. And to be honest the passion I sense from them is contagious. I’m excited not just about this new record release and reaching out and connecting to more people thru a variety of new (for me) ways but I am just as excited - if not more so - about what’s coming next. Thanks Edition!’

This release marks a significant signing for Edition Records, as label boss Dave Stapleton explains; To be able to work with Jeff on his album is both humbling and hugely exciting. Not only is he regarded as one of the greatest drummers in Jazz, and he's worked with some of the most celebrated players in this music, but he’s both a musician and a man of deep integrity and trust with endless enthusiasm and passion. Edition is a label growing in a very changeable industry; Jeff’s natural tendency to trust, and his desire to work together on building audiences, perfectly fits with our own vision of working with our artists in a very open and collaborative way. We’re incredibly excited to start work on this great music. I’ve no doubt it’s going to be a lot of fun’.

Fairgrounds will be released on 25th January 2019

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Mika Pohjola, Chris Cheek, Matt Penman & Roberto Dani: Announcement - Remastered Expanded Edition (BLUE MUSIC GROUP 2018)

Mika Pohjola is a superb technician who also possesses a crafty compositional pen as the artist generally pushes his creative faculties to the limits, evidenced by an increasingly rich recorded legacy. With this 1998 effort, the pianist along with saxophonist Chris Cheek and longtime running mates, drummer Roberto Dani and bassist Matt Penman integrate ferocious soloing into a palate often consisting of vibrant choruses, peppery exchanges, swiftly executed rhythms and lyrically rich unison lines. However, Pohjola also excels as a forward thinking visionary who draws upon widespread influences, whether it is far eastern modalities, Scandinavian folk or the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, while also injecting innocent, lullaby style melodies into the grand scheme of things. Simply stated, Announcement represents a joyous event that supersedes a good portion of the nondescript, overly hyped, and rigorously marketed 90's and 2000 brand of post-bop, whereas this refreshing and altogether stirring production imparts a lasting impression. – Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide

1. Party 08:29

2. Indian Restaurant 03:29

3. Announcement (Kungörelse) 08:29

4. Thinking, Wondering, Dreaming 06:04

5. When Things Will Change 08:19

6. Hair, Scarf & Fragrance 06:29

7. A Portrait of Three Statues 07:40

8. Maalaiselämää (Country Living) 03:46

9. Relax in the Sun 06:53

10. Mustat Ruusut (Black Roses) 04:15

11. Frau von Stroyanowsky 05:02

12. My Mother Turned Fifty 04:40

13. Kids' Song 01:57

14. The Ice That Breaks 04:17

15. The Secret of the Castle 07:28

16. Romance 04:05

17. A Swedish Fairy-tale 07:40

18. A Visit to Look Forward to 06:39

19. And She Appeared 09:32

20. Snapshots 03:21

21. Hymn of the Immortals 04:09

22. Muistoja Torkkelinmäeltä (Memories from Hometown) 04:04

23. A Farmer's Dream 08:21

24. Reverie 05:46

25. Kaféet 05:42

26. Party (Take 3) 09:07

27. Party (Take 4) 07:46

28. Hair, Scarf & Fragrance (Take 1) 06:25

29. Hair, Scarf & Fragrance (Take 2) 06:24

30. Hair, Scarf & Fragrance (Take 3) 06:29

31. A Portrait of Three Statues (Take 1) 07:37

32. Mustat Ruusut (Black Roses) [Take 4] 04:27

33. Frau von Stroyanowsky (Take 1) 04:36

34. Kids' Song (Take 1) 02:00

35. A Portrait of Three Statues (Composite Take) 09:17

36. Relax in the Sun (Take 1) 06:43

37. Snapshots (Take 1) 03:54

38. The Ice That Breaks (Solo Piano version) 05:59

39. A Swedish Fairy-tale (Take 2) 09:14

40. The Ice That Breaks (Short Solo Piano version) 01:47

41. Kids' Song Story (Original CD version) 01:18

42. Kids' Song Story (Alternate Mix 1) 01:04

43. Kids' Song Story (Alternate Mix 2) 01:21

44. Kids' Song Story (Alternate Mix 3) 01:21

45. When Things Will Change (Live in Finland) 11:54

46. Indian Restaurant (Live in Finland) 04:59

47. Announcement (Live in Finland) 12:02

48. Fall of 1978 (Live in Finland) 11:35

49. Hair, Scarf & Fragrance (Live in Finland) 07:42

50. Party (Live in Finland) 12:21

Mika Pohjola - piano & all compositions

Chris Cheek - saxophones

Matt Penman - bass

Roberto Dani - drums

Voro García Quintet - Live at Jamboree (SEDAJAZZ RECORDS 2018)

"Muy afortunado me siento al poder reunir esta banda de ensueño para tocar mis últimas composiciones y poder grabarlo en uno de los clubes de jazz más emblemáticos de España como es el Jamboree de Barcelona.

También he contado con el aporte de uno de mis técnicos de sonido preferido: Jorge Pérez. Este valenciano cuenta con una experiencia nacional e internacional muy extensa e interesante.

Tengo la suerte también de haber contado con Antonio Porcar, para las fotografías que se incluyen en el disco. Los diseñadores gráficos son los mismos que diseñaron mi último proyecto (guillotinaestudio.com).

Grabado el 10 de agosto en el Jamboree durante el festival de jazz de MasiMas.

Muchas gracias."

Voro García

1 A la luz

2 Bones

3 Salto al vacío

4 Ibiza Gris

5 Hell Glammer

6 Samba pa tri

7 Stablements

Voro Garcia, trompeta

Chris Cheek, saxo tenor

Peter Bernstein, guitarra

Dee Jay Foster, contrabajo

Jorge Rossy, batería

Eliot Zigmund - Time Was (SteepleChase LookOut 2017)

A New York City native, veteran drummer Eliot Zigmund has performed with numerous jazz luminaries throughout his long career. Here on his new album Zigmund leads a consummate quartet featuring saxophone star Chris Cheek.

Zigmund is most well-known for his tenure with Bill Evans in the '70s where Zigmund's sensitive and tasteful support to the great pianist was always present. He's also played with Gary Peacock, Eddie Gomez, Michel Petrucciani and others. 

"Zigmund is that breed of percussionist who does not count their pride alongside their visible signs of virtuosity. He is in every way a musician with extensive experience but above all the art of listening." - Jazzman Magazine

1 Supposition (Written-By – Morrie Louden) 8:05

2 Liebslied (Written-By – Kurt Weill) 6:33

3 Duke Ellington's Sound Of Love (Written-By – Charles Mingus) 4:36

4 Eiderdown (Written-By – Steve Swallow) 7:52

5 Ohla Maria (Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim) 6:32

6 Time Was (Written-By – Miguel Prado) 5:28

7 Elsa (Written-By – Earl Zindars) 5:39

8 Goodbye (Written-By – Gordon Jenkins) 6:36

Eliot Zigmund (drums)

Chris Cheek (tenor and soprano saxophone)

Mike Eckroth (piano)

Morrie Louden (bass)

Fox - Pelican Blues (JAZZ AND PEOPLE 2017)

Pour son second disque, le trio FOX formé par Pierre Perchaud, Nicolas Moreaux et Jorge Rossy fait équipe avec le grand saxophoniste américain Chris Cheek et signe un album en forme de rêverie sur les racines entremêlées des musiques de la Louisiane, cette terre nourrie de culture française, berceau originel du jazz. Un disque canaille et délicat, terrestre et aérien, luxuriant et enchanteur, avec Vincent Peirani en invité exceptionnel.

1. Moonshine 06:11

2. Cliff Tone 07:12

3. Syntax 04:12

4. Fox on the Run 04:58

5. Canoë 05:16

6. Pelican Blues 05:30

7. 2 a.m. 03:57

8. Spirit of St. Louis 07:34

9. Mardi Gras/Bubble Gumbo 05:14

10. Four Deuces 04:59

11. Storyville 07:10

Pierre Perchaud, guitar

Nicolas Moreaux, bass

Jorge Rossy, drums

Chris Cheek, tenor and soprano saxophones

Special guests:

Vincent Peirani, accordion, accordina on tracks 1, 6 and 8

Christophe Panzani, tenor sax on track 11

Pierre Perchaud - Waterfalls (2017)

Ce disque est à l’image de son créateur : sensible et discret. Pierre Perchaud, guitariste trentenaire qui s’est illustré pendant cinq ans dans l’ONJ sous la direction de Daniel Yvinec, n’est pas de ceux qui multiplient les effets de manche. Qu’il travaille aux côtés d’Anne Pacéo, Karl Jannuska, Olivier Bogé, Nicolas Moreaux, dans le quartet d’André Charlier et Benoît Sourisse ou avec Christophe Panzani, son approche de l’instrument est celle d’un mélodiste avant tout, un musicien des approches impressionnistes plutôt que des riffs ravageurs.

Waterfalls fait suite à Par quatre chemins, enregistré lui aussi pour le compte de Gemini Records en 2010 [1], en quartet avec Pierre de Bethmann, Antoine Paganotti et Nicolas Moreaux. On y retrouve ce dernier, outre le saxophoniste new-yorkais Chris Cheek [2]. Perchaud dit avoir composé son disque avec en tête les sonorités de ses deux compagnons. Cette musique leur est destinée, et le résultat, tout au long de ces 50 minutes, montre une belle dose de tendresse et d’amitié à leur égard. Ambiance feutrée, mélodies avenantes, recherche d’atmosphères délicates et rêveuses. Si on ne redoutait pas la connotation négative du qualificatif, on serait tenté de décrire cette musique comme jolie. Et - tant pis pour le paradoxe - chaque musicien occupe une place centrale dans ce triangle. Le dialogue constant – proche cousin de celui que mènent Federico Casagrande et Christophe Panzani au sein de The Drops – entre Perchaud et Cheek se joue dans l’harmonie et, à l’écoute de leurs entrelacs subtils, on est gagné par l’envie d’ouvrir la fenêtre en grand, de laisser pénétrer la lumière, et de goûter au plaisir simple de l’envoûtement consenti.

En anglais, Waterfalls signifie « cascades » : le titre est peut-être trompeur, car la musique de Pierre Perchaud évoquerait plutôt une paisible rivière. Mais c’est une source de rafraîchissement, une attention délicate qui nous est adressée. Le message est bien reçu, et la cure d’oxygène recommandée.

01. Kora 5:56

02. Le paradisier 7:32

03. Montreal 6:26

04. Une après midi 9:19

05. Berceuse 2:16

06. No Moon at All 5:56

07. Le vieux piano et la lampe 4:50

08. Waterfalls 5:58

Pierre Perchaud (g)

Nicolas Moreaux (b)

Chris Cheek (sax)

Sergio Krakowski (pandero)

André Charlier (perc)

Seamus Blake / Chris Cheek with Reeds Ramble Let's Call The Whole Thing Off (2016)

Source & Label:

Genre: Post-bop

GAB's Rating: ★★★★★

 Deepening a two-tenor partnership that dates back to the mid-'90s, saxophonists Seamus Blake and Chris Cheek follow up their quintet release "Reeds Ramble" (Criss 1364) with Let's Call the Whole Thing Off, featuring the same powerful band lineup (Ethan Iverson on piano, Matt Penman on bass, Jochen Rueckert on drums).

While they stand apart as gifted soloists, Blake and Cheek always flourish as a team, bringing luster to every tune with their lyrical unison melodies and beautifully harmonized theme statements.

Spontaneity plays a big role, as it should when improvisers of this caliber get together (Iverson's versatility and off-kilter eloquence comes through with particular strength).

But foremost, what distinguishes this group is the logic and efficiency of its arrangements, whether slow and spacious or brisk and complex; from originals and modernist classics to standards of '20s and '30s vintage.  

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