Tobias Meinhart - The Painter (April 30, 2021 Sunnyside Records)

The creation of music shares much in common with creation in the visual arts. Both musicians and visual artists speak of and deal in colors, hues and textures in their compositional processes. Saxophonist/composer Tobias Meinhart has developed near synesthetic visualizations as he performs and hears music. His new recording, The Painter, presents his recent work of diverse, brilliant pieces meant to brighten the world’s canvas.

The German born Meinhart has engrained himself in the New York City jazz scene over the past decade. His beautiful tone and catholic tastes have allowed the saxophonist to fit into an abundance of musical settings. Meinhart’s vision and thoughtful composing have attracted top-flight collaborators since his professional beginnings.

The past year has provided a time of introspection and development for many. Meinhart is no exception. He found himself especially drawn to his friend, Igor Sokol, a painter. The two spoke of art and music, listened and appreciated and collected inspiration from the events that were affecting the world. Meinhart was drawn to the idea of composing and improvising as a sort of aural painting and he began to see colors and pictures when he reached a certain zone while playing.

With much to think about in craft and inspiration, Meinhart began to compose pieces that would be recorded on The Painter. The inspiration for the pieces drew from a number of sources: from the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement to meteors and Michael Jordan, all presenting hopeful messages of healing and progress.

The ensemble that Meinhart assembled to record these new pieces consists of a number of the saxophonist’s favored collaborators, including pianist Eden Ladin, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Obed Calvaire. Since his recent release and collaboration with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Berlin People (Sunnyside 2018), Meinhart has been drawn to the sound of guitar, thus the addition of his neighbor and friend, Charles Altura. These musicians, in this and similar configurations, have been the saxophonist’s regular associates on stages like the 55 Bar and Birdland in New York City over the past two years.

The frontline is completed by Meinhart’s longtime mentor and friend, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen. The two first met in Austria in 2003 at a jazz workshop, Jensen allowing the young saxophonist an opportunity to sit in with her band. They remained in contact in the subsequent years, performing together when opportunities presented themselves.

The recording begins with the offbeat “White Bear,” a rhythmically complex tune in 9/8 time that is named for Meinhart’s favorite dumpling house in Flushing, Queens, his last meal before the pandemic shut down New York City and, hopefully, his first stop once things return to a semblance of normalcy. A meditation practitioner, Meinhart uses the name of a famous koan, “Oak Tree,” for this thoughtful, slow piece that blends sax and trumpet in close harmony. The fervent “Movement” was written in May inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests and pushes a hopeful, forward thinking harmony akin to continuous circular motion that composer Kenny Wheeler was the master of.

A poignant bass solo by Matt Penman utilizes overtones from Meinhart’s written intro to the title track, the piece itself blooms insistently with piano and saxophonist’s haunting multiphonics and settles into a spare ballad. The bright “Bird Song” was written for Jensen and utilizes the song of the chickadee in a sort of call and response between trumpet and alto flute, Meinhart switches to tenor to strengthen the duet over the winding 5/4 pulse. Bruno Martino’s “Estate” is performed in a spare duet with pianist Ladin, the piece concluding into mysterious electric depths.

The waltzing “Neowise” takes its name from Earth’s recent alien encounter with a meteor of the same name, Meinhart’s tenor playing soaring into the outer atmosphere. Always a basketball lover, Meinhart was struck by ESPN’s recent Michael Jordan documentary. His “Last Dance” harnesses the spiritual essence of Keith Jarrett’s American Quartet and Archie Shepp’s ‘70s work for Impulse! The recording concludes with Meinhart’s most political state. “Dreamers” is a hope filled hymn for all of humanity, the saxophonist’s message being so important that he decided to express it in his own words and natural voice.

Sometimes an artist’s job is to mirror the world in his or her work. Sometimes it is their job to bring beauty and hope into the world. Tobias Meinhart takes a wide brush to the latter task on his fantastic new recording, The Painter.

1. White Bear

2. Oak Tree

3. Movement

4. The Painter (Intro)

5. The Painter

6. Bird Song

7. Estate

8. Neowise

9. The Last Dance

10. Dreamers

Tobias Meinhart - tenor & soprano saxophone, alto flute, voice

Ingrid Jensen - trumpet (2, 6)

Charles Altura - guitar (1, 10)

Eden Ladin - piano, Rhodes, ARP String Ensemble

Matt Penman - bass

Obed Calvaire - drums

Pre-order

Aaron Goldberg - At the Edge of the World (SUNNYSIDE RECORDS November 16, 2018)

For the past two decades pianist Aaron Goldberg has crisscrossed the globe, spreading his music and absorbing local knowledge along the way. True to the jazz mentality, he learned to embrace serendipity as an artistic muse. Five years ago this month, in an historic chateau at the exact geographic center of France, Goldberg was reunited with an early influence. Soon a new project began to take shape. Goldberg’s latest recording, At The Edge of The World, documents this recent collaboration with drummer and percussionist Leon Parker, a brilliant innovator and performer, in a new trio along with the gifted bassist Matt Penman. 

While studying at the New School in the early 1990’s Goldberg was introduced to Parker’s singular playing alongside keyboard icons including Kenny Barron, Brad Mehldau and Jacky Terrasson. Parker was a trailblazer on the kit, intent on developing a distinct language and sound all his own. Goldberg went on to attend Harvard but would return in the summers to the City to make sessions with both innovative peers and big city legends, including a multiyear musical mentorship from Betty Carter and a memorable gig with Parker in 1992. 

In the decade after his return to NYC in 1996, Goldberg made a name for himself in the bands of Joshua Redman, Al Foster, Wynton Marsalis and Kurt Rosenwinkel, all while developing his own highly regarded trio with bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Eric Harland. Parker, on the other hand, left New York on September 10 2001 for France, where he stopped playing drum set and nearly disappeared from the jazz world altogether. 

Over a decade later Goldberg found himself in France without a drummer and was curious to see if Parker would be interested in playing again. Leon still remembered him well after 20 years, and without any rehearsal the gig became an unexpected triumph as the two experienced an instant musical reconnection. It wasn’t long before Parker expressed his interest in continuing their pairing on a more permanent basis, not as a sub but rather a full-fledged member of Goldberg’s band. Parker had found a musical outlet that he hadn’t fully known that he needed, and soon he was eager to get back into the scene. 

By the fall of 2015 the duo was dialed in to tour but there were still significant logistical and financial hurdles to overcome. So Aaron applied for a French-American Jazz Exchange Grant to support this new trio project. Fortunately both the French and American governments were smiling down on them from above, and the duo received both the FAJE grant and a new passport for Parker just in time for the first gig of their tour. The grant also provided enough resources to partially fund two recording sessions: one became Goldberg’s At The Edge of the World, and another led to a co-produced Leon Parker album. Together these developments allowed for the re-ignition of Parker’s musical career, and he dove back into playing upon his return to NYC. 

Goldberg’s longstanding appreciation for the drummer’s highly conversational style continued to grow as they had ever more fun on the bandstand with each tour. The joy in their shared swing and united groove was infectious and their interaction organic. Night by night Parker began to incorporate more of his singular vocal percussion as well as EmbodiRhythm, his personal body percussion techniques, into the music. The collaboration evolved from an exploratory project into a partnership. 

After touring with several great bassists, the exceptional Matt Penman became their ultimate choice. Penman and Goldberg shared a long musical friendship, and the bassist provided a well-honed rhythmic foundation that the picky Parker could gel with. As this album attests, Penman’s propulsive feel, harmonic precision and well-honed lyricism serve as both complement and soulful glue for the trio. Together the three aim to engage the audience with spontaneous musical dialogues based around uncomplicated source material. To this end Goldberg allowed the band’s repertoire to develop in a natural way, aiming to build something inspired out of something simple. 

The recording begins with Simon and Bernier’s “Poinciana.” Made famous by Ahmad Jamal, the trio intentionally puts it in a pocket as far away as possible from the original, featuring Parker’s unique vocal and body percussion. Goldberg’s poignant “Luaty” is dedicated to the Angolan political activist and rapper Luaty Beirão, arrested and held for a year without trial by former dictator José Eduardo dos Santos. While in prison Beirão captured the world’s attention by holding a 36-day hunger strike, which helped lead to a political shift ultimately resulting in dos Santos’s retirement. After admiring his courage and penning this piece, Goldberg met Beirão in Lisbon and they began an ongoing correspondence. 

Both “Isn’t This My Sound Around Me” and “When You Are Near” are originals by the late vibraphone legend Bobby Hutcherson. Long a fan of Hutcherson’s work, Goldberg fell for both of these songs while performing in a Hutcherson tribute concert soon after the vibist’s death, and realized quickly that they would work perfectly as soulful vehicles for the trio. In a similar vein Goldberg chose to reapproach one of his favorite tunes, McCoy Tyner’s “Effendi” (fittingly, Turkish for ‘master’), in hopes of striking the jazzman’s classic balance between originality and respect for lineage. 

Years after being first moved by the song’s melody and harmony, it was the Octavio Paz-inspired lyrics to Martin Rojas’s “En La Orilla Del Mundo” (translated “At The Edge of the World”) which began to resonate recently in Goldberg, with their swirling metaphors of mortality and potential change. For the album he thus opted to interpret this emotive melody alone at the piano. Goldberg transforms Guillermo Klein’s arrangement of Bonfá’s “Black Orpheus” (from their co-led album Bienestan) from its first incarnation into a piece that belongs to this trio. Finally the recording concludes with “Tokyo Dream,” an altered original blues that came to the pianist in the early morning hours in a jetlagged dream, which after a potent coffee he was able to assemble into a perfect vehicle for Parker’s swinging flair. 

Two individuals were able to learn much about themselves on the fortuitous path that led to At The Edge of the World. Goldberg’s introspection into possible futures as well as his early passions led to his reunion with Parker, who was in turn looking for a spark to ignite his return to music. Fortunately for all, their collaboration turned into a momentous occasion for both in their musical maturation, making this album both a first testament and a celebration. 

Aaron Goldberg - piano

Matt Penman - bass

Leon Parker - drums, vocal percussion & EmbodiRhythm

1. Poinciana

2. Luaty

3. Isn't This My Sound Around Me

4. When You Are Near

5. Effendi

6. En La Orilla Del Mundo

7. Black Orpheus (Manha de Carnaval)

8. Tokyo Dream

NYC CD Release Gigs for Miller / Staaf & Walking Distance! (SUNNYSIDE RECORDS 2018)

Two CD Release Gigs at NYC's Jazz Standard!

Allison Miller & Carmen Staaf - Science Fair!

on Wednesday, Oct. 3rd!

Tickets: 7:30 & 9:30

Scientists spend long hours investigating their passions, delving into the complex details of their research in pursuit of new knowledge. In a science fair, they demonstrate their findings, making them accessible and even fun. As a combustion reaction generates heat and light, a similar reaction happens between sound and movement. With the wonder of kids making a baking soda volcano, drummer Allison Miller and pianist Carmen Staaf combine bold musical concepts, tremendous collaborators, and a passion to challenge and explore into an eruption of energy on their fantastic new recording, Science Fair.

Miller and Staaf’s experiments began to take shape as a recording project. They both began to bring tunes to their weekly rehearsals, and tinkered with arrangements and different ensemble lineups. They eventually picked bassist Matt Penman to round out their core trio. He proved to be of a similar mindset, fun-loving and open-minded, not to mention a highly swinging accompanist. For a number of pieces, the trio is augmented by one or two horns, namely the gifted trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and the wonderful saxophonist Dayna Stephens.

Ambrose Akinmusire - trumpet (1 & 5)

Dayne Stephens - tenor saxophone (1, 2, 5 & 6)

Carmen Staaf - piano

Matt Penman - bass

Allison Miller - drums & percussion

1. What?! 08:18

2. Symmetry 07:37

3. Ready Steady 06:07

4. MLW 04:50

5. Weightless 10:08

6. Nobody's Human 06:01

7. West of the Moon 05:52

8. Skyway Intro 02:13

9. Skyway 04:03

Matt Penman - Good Question (SUNNYSIDE RECORDS June 8, 2018)

"The music on this recording is a series of musical questions I posed to my bandmates over two days, that I might get their input on a range of subjects that interest me. Much like having prescribed topics for conversation, I wrote these tunes in the hope of starting a dialogue that could provoke reactions, new angles and corollaries that were unforeseen, yet welcome. In fact all of the musicians on this album have their own points of view and a strong opinion, as well as a natural inclination to collaborate, and these are the reasons why I wanted to record with them. This is also why the musical discussion proved to be so rich and wide-ranging." – Matt Penman 

Bassist/composer Matt Penman has spent much of the past decade developing and presenting music for the illustrious SFJazz Collective and the fantastic James Farm collective. That had left a gap between solo recordings that he felt it was time to abate. The result of his efforts are presented here on Good Question, a poignant recording of pieces meant to challenge, engage and entertain both its listeners and the musicians involved in its creation. 

Originally from New Zealand, Penman, since his arrival in 1995, has been an essential voice in the musical landscape of New York. His experience in the States has provided him with both inspiration and exasperation. He has chosen to address his feelings as a part of his new music: 

"There are a variety of musical moods and spaces, some written with these exact musicians in mind, some not; some written as a response to the cultural and political climate in the country I have chosen to make my home, and some as purely musical excavations. Overall, you could say that the album represents a general delight, bemusement, indictment and celebration of the American experiment through the eyes of a foreigner who has now lived more than half his life in the States." 

The ensemble that Penman assembled features not only the top musicians in jazz but also his regular collaborators and friends, including saxophonist Mark Turner, pianist Aaron Parks and drummer Obed Calvaire. There are also guest appearances by guitarist Nir Felder, saxophonist Will Vinson and percussionist Rogerio Boccato. 

Penman’s compositions are meant to stimulate the ensemble into reactions and conversations within their framework. The pieces either present musical puzzles or are think pieces for reflection on topics, mainly natural or political. The ensemble handled the task with aplomb over three days of recording at Brooklyn Recording during the spring and summer of 2017. 

The recording begins with the shimmering “Mr. Right,” which poses questions of how much freedom is too much and do the boundaries of a closed song form encourage creativity? The challenge behind the deceptively difficult yet beautiful “Small Famous” is to make the tune’s complex harmonic form sound easily formulated. The quietly insistent “Fifths and Bayou” presents the players with defined phrase lengths and a set form with the hopes that they would transcend them, as does the soaring soprano saxophone of Will Vinson. A moving excursion on “Blues and the Alternative Truth” explores the many possibilities of the open space allowed by paring down the ensemble to a trio of piano, bass and drums. The exploratory “Cave Life” is about portraying a scene and creating a story about it, in this case spelunking. 

“Ride the Paper Tiger” is an adventurous piece that provides ample opportunity to highlight the talents of the ensemble, including guest guitar slinger Nir Felder. On “Copeland,” Penman asks the ensemble to create an aural safe haven from the traumas of modern life, “a place for political refugees, PTSD sufferers, ex-White House staffers and anyone undergoing a tax audit.” The impressively wrought “Meats” is through composed with a little solo wriggle room given to drummer Calvaire. The concluding piece, “Big Tent, Little Tent,” is a grooving, easygoing composition that frees the ensemble as it closes out the set. 

After posing his questions and framing his scenarios to his open-minded ensemble, Matt Penman has been awarded with a fascinating and moving recording in Good Question, knowing all along that there might not be any answers to his queries at all. 

"'Good question' becomes a response when we don’t actually know the answer, but are willing to ponder further."

1. Mr. Right

2. Small Famous

3. Fifths and Bayou

4. Blues and The Alternative Truth

5. Cave Life

6. Ride the Paper Tiger

7. Copeland

8. Meats

9. Big Tent, Little Tent

Matt Penman - bass

Mark Turner - tenor sax (1, 2, 5, 7-9)

Aaron Parks - piano, Rhodes, organ, vibraphone

Oded Calvaire - drums

Nir Felder - guitar (6 & 9)

Will Vinson - soprano sax (3)

Rogerio Boccato - percussion (3)

SFJAZZ Collective - Live: SFJAZZ Center 2017 (SFJAZZ RECORDS 2018)

Announcing the SFJAZZ Collective's new album, featuring original compositions by each member, and the music of Ornette Coleman, Stevie Wonder, and Thelonious Monk performed by the new lineup, plus a DVD featuring fresh versions of four Miles Davis compositions.

Original Compositions & The Music of Ornette Coleman, Stevie Wonder, & Thelonious Monk

Recorded over four nights at the SFJAZZ Center from October 26-29, 2017, this collection consists of one CD of new pieces composed by each member of the current SFJAZZ Collective with a second CD of fresh versions of selections from the Collective’s vast trove of tunes including Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk and Stevie Wonder arranged over the years by former SFJAZZ Collective members, saxophonist Joshua Redman, trumpeter Dave Douglas, arranger Gil Goldstein, and trumpeter Avishai Cohen, for the current SFJAZZ Collective members.

DISC ONE - ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS:

Give the Drummer Some by Warren Wolf

Venezuela Unida by Edward Simon

Tidal Flow by Miguel Zenón

Tune for June by Matt Penman

Off Kilter by Sean Jones

Perseverance by Robin Eubanks

Soundless Odyssey by Obed Calvaire

Living the Question by David Sánchez

DISC TWO - ARRANGEMENTS:

Criss Cross by Thelonious Monk, arr. Dave Douglas

Reflections by Thelonious Monk, arr. Dave Douglas

Una Muy Bonita by Ornette Coleman, arr. Gil Goldstein

School Work by Ornette Coleman, arr. Gil Goldstein

When Will the Blues Leave by Ornette Coleman, arr. Gil Goldstein

Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder, arr. Avishai Cohen

Creepin by Stevie Wonder, arr. Avishai Cohen

Superstition by Stevie Wonder, arr. Miguel Zenón

BONUS DVD:

The physical release includes a bonus DVD that includes live footage of the SFJAZZ Collective’s October 2016 performances of the Music of Miles Davis at the SFJAZZ Center including Edward Simon’s arrangement of “All Blues,” Warren Wolf’s arrangement of “Joshua,” Matt Penman’s arrangement of “Milestones,” and David Sánchez’s arrangement of “Teo.”

Miguel Zenón | David Sánchez | Sean Jones | Robin Eubanks | Warren Wolf | Edward Simon | Matt Penman | Obed Calvaire

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

Steve Cardenas' Charlie and Paul shipping now from Newvelle Records

Steve Cardenas' "Charlie and Paul" is a deeply personal statement about his long standing band mates Charlie Haden and Paul Motian.  Featuring other stellar alumni of Charlie and Paul's bands...  Loren Stillman on Sax, Thomas Morgan on Bass and Matt Wilson on Drums.  We are honored to have this stunning album kick off our Third Season.

"Charlie and Paul"

All Charlie and Paul tunes, a couple of which have never been recorded. These musicians came together to create something truly unique and also a testament to the genius and legacy of two towering artists.  Featuring Artwork from Maciej Markowicz and original text from Ingrid Astier.

©Anna Yatskevich

Chicagoan Andrew Zimmerman leads a stellar quartet featuring Dave Douglas on Trumpet, Kevin Hays on Piano and Matt Penman on Bass for our second record of the season.

The great Lionel Loueke returns leading a trio of Reuben Rogers and Eric Harland on his first album of standards for our third release of the season.

"If I’m beginning to sound like a broken record with my praise for the by-subscription releases from Newvelle Records, blame the people responsible for these LPs, which consistently rise to the top in terms of music and sound."

--Guy Lemcoe, The Audio Beat

Season Three:

· Steve Cardenas is releasing a record dedicated to greats Charlie Haden and Paul Motian. Recording, with a quartet built of long-time collaborators of both titans Loren Stillman on sax, Thomas Morgan on bass and Matt Wilson on drums, all Charlie and Paul tunes, a couple of which have never been recorded. (February 2018)

· The Chicagoan composer and saxophonist Andrew Zimmerman (previously featured on our first release, Frank Kimbrough’s “Meantime”) has put together a drumless quartet featuring pianist Kevin Hays (recording here on the same 9 foot Fazioli that Jack DeJohnette used), the bassist Matt Penman and the great Dave Douglas on trumpet. (April 2018)

· Lionel Loueke is releasing his first ever album of standards featuring extraordinary accomplices Reuben Rogers on bass and Eric Harland on drums. (June 2018)

· Skúli Sverrisson and Bill Frisell are releasing their first collaboration. All original music from Skúlli, much of it written for Bill. If you are familiar with Skúlli and Bill's music, you'll know what you're getting into, a record of uncommon depth and beauty. (August 2018)

· Incredible Cuban drummer Francisco Mela (McCoy Tyner, Joe Lovano, John Scofield) is releasing an album of all original material with his working band featuring Kris Davis, Gerald Cannon and Hery Paz. (October 2018)

· Boston based trumpeter Jason Palmer put together a band of his long time New York collaborators for a session of originals and original takes on standards with pianist Leo Genovese (previously featured on his own record on Newvelle), bassist Joe Martin and drummer Kendrick Scott. (December 2018)

All of our cover and interior photographs for Season three come fare by Maciej Markowicz .  Original text by Ingrid Astier,  Our Recording Engineer on all six records is the incomparable multi-Grammy winning Marc Urselli.  Mastering engineer is the brilliant Alex Deturk .  Jim Hoppin and Sarah Enid Hagey shot lovely video for us at these sessions.  All video editing is by the award-winning Ben Chace.  Anna Yatskevich shoots all our studio photos.

Nils Wogram Root 70 - Luxury Habits (nWOG RECORDS 2017)

Released April 28, 2017 

After four "conceptual works" releases Root 70 enters the free and spontaneous space again. Luxury Habits is an album on rhythm and unexpected metric transformation. Take the risk and get surprised.

Times change, and with them, the themes and credo of all artists – as long as their antennas continue to receive signals. Even the first bars of the opener of Luxury Habits announce that Root 70 is moving differently. Indeed, the motto for the new CD could be “the party’s over.” Never before has the band sounded so serious. Although here, serious does not mean the cerebral tendency in some of contemporary jazz, but rather the seriousness with which a subject is exhibited, and the depth with which the intentions of four musicians merge. Indeed, the music on Luxury Habits did not even have a conceptual plan. On the contrary, unlike on the last records of Root 70, Wogram wanted to do in a space devoid of concepts what a jazz musician likes to do: to simply play.

Wogram, Chisholm, Penman and Rueckert combine the gift of questioning themselves. Individually and as a band, which, in this case, amounts to a close circle of friends. “The album has emerged from a band dynamic,” says Wogram. “We talked intensively about the concepts of the past few years and agreed that we wanted to take a little more risk. We needed a new challenge.” The collective risk of precise blurring is a rare commodity in an epoch so fond of the post-factual. Root 70 lean far out the window. We have enough answers. Root 70 are four individualists who merge into an inseparable identity and once again ask the right questions in their music.

1. Luxury Habits 05:37

2. To Don`t List 06:58

3. Rehearsing the Future 09:21

4. Flattery is the Strongest Weapon 07:33

5. It`s arrogant to call me arrogant 06:11

6. Rich Kid 08:04

7. Party Anxiety 05:36

8. Starting from Zero 07:25

9. Piazza 08:33

Nils Wogram (Trombone, Melodica) 

Hayden Chisholm (Alto Sax) 

Matt Penman (Bass) 

Jochen Rueckert (Drums)

SF JAZZ Collective - Music of Miles Davis & Original Compositions (Live: SF JAZZ Center 2016) 2017

This limited edition 2-disc set was recorded throughout the Collective’s four-night residency October 20-23, 2016 on the Robert N. Miner Auditorium stage at the SFJAZZ Center, documenting the Collective’s arrangements of the music of Miles Davis as well as their own fresh compositions.

Disc One – Music of Miles Davis

1. “So What” arranged by Sean Jones

2. “Nardis” arranged by Miguel Zenón

3. “Milestones” arranged by Matt Penman

4. “Tutu” arranged by Robin Eubanks

5. “Bitches Brew” arranged by Obed Calvaire

6. “All Blues” arranged by Edward Simon

7. “Joshua” arranged by Warren Wolf

8. “Teo” arranged by David Sánchez

Disc Two – SFJAZZ Collective Original Compositions

1. “Tribe” by Miguel Zenón

2. “Canto” by David Sánchez

3. “Your Turn” by Matt Penman

4. “111” by Obed Calvaire

5. “In the Heat of the Night” by Warren Wolf

6. “Shields Green” by Robin Eubanks

7. “Hutcherson Hug” by Sean Jones

8. “Feel The Groove” by Edward Simon

Featuring

Miguel Zenón (alto saxophone)

David Sánchez (tenor saxophone)

ean Jones (trumpet)

Robin Eubanks (trombone)

Warren Wolf (vibraphone)

Edward Simon (piano)

Matt Penman (bass)

Obed Calvaire (drums)

TOUR

March 28, Brooks Center, Clemson University, Clemson, GA

March 30, Rockport Music, Rockport, MA

April 1, Miller Theater, Columbia University, New York, NY

April 2, Annenberg Center, Philadelphia, PA

April 7-9, Blues Alley, Washington, DC

April 13, Jefferson Center, Roanoke, VA

April 15, Ferst Center for the Arts, Atlanta, GA

April 21, Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland, OH

April 26-29, Jazz at the Bistro, St. Louis, MO

May 4, St. Cecilia Music Center, Grand Rapids, MI

May 5, Symphony Center, Chicago, IL

May 6, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, New Orleans, LA

Zhenya Strigalev - Never Group (feat. Eric Harland, Tim Lefebvre & Bruno Liberda) 2016

Source: Whirlwind Recordings

“A typical Strigalev collision of hip jazz virtuosity and surrealism… Strigalev’s alto displays bebop agility, shivery lyricism, or sometimes a bluesy Ornetteish swerve.” The Guardian

Russian-born, London-based alto saxophonist Zhenya Strigalev follows up his 2015 Whirlwind sextet release Robin Goodie with his new trio project Never Group. Recorded over two days in Berlin with the rhythm section of electric bassist Tim Lefebvre and drummer Eric Harland – as well as welcoming guests such as keyboardist John Escreet, double bassist Matt Penman and trumpeter Alex Bonney – Strigalev’s desire with this different focus is to fashion the unexpected and the fleeting (alluded to in the project name) both from his own original compositions and the contributions of respected Austrian electronics composer/musician Bruno Liberda (who also appears on this recording).

Building a reputation on both sides of the North Atlantic for his adventurous and impassioned emphasis on improvisation, Never Group is an experience that matches quirky abandon with resolute musicianship and technicality. As Zhenya confirms: “No other rhythm section sounds like Eric and Tim; I like their chemistry together – and I wanted to collaborate with them to record a chordless trio album which gave me more freedom, so I could further expand my musical language.” In an hour-plus abundance of 20 tracks, Strigalev and colleagues elicit bristling spontaneity, from the rasping percussiveness of ‘Bio Active’ to ‘Strange Party‘s’ grungy swagger; from the echoic, electronically-manipulated mystery of Liberda’s ‘Bassgeigengeister’ and ‘Heimwehharfe’ to the raw, boppy mischievousness of ‘Some Thomas’ and playful, grooving ‘Snail’.

The trio’s studio jam sessions covered some four hours, so this album’s choice performances – punctuated throughout by succinct, exploratory codas mostly characterised by Harland’s precision drumming – offer a glimpse into the leader’s impulsive creativity and this close-knit trio partnership’s unfettered realization of his imaginings. Strigalev enjoys the challenge of shining a light on the undiscovered, and describes the desired on-the-edge thrill that unfolded from these sessions: “The whole point of what I do is that I need to surprise myself; I don’t want to record something which sounds exactly like this or like that, because that’s not interesting enough to me. Sometimes I can simply feel a tempo, a mood or an atmosphere, and I know this trio will provide the opportunity to develop that.”

Zhenya Strigalev - alto saxophone

Tim Lefebvre - electric bass

Eric Harland - drums

with guests:

Bruno Liberda - electronics

Matt Penman - double bass

John Escreet - keyboards

Alex Bonney - trumpet

Charles Armstrong - voice

Recorded November 2015 at Golden Retriever Studio, Berlin

Mixing and editing: Alex Bonney 

Sound Engineering: Arno Shumann 

Mastering: Peter Beckmann 

Produced by: Zhenya Strigalev 

Executive Producer: Michael Janisch

01. I Messed Up at the End of My Solo (Intro) [feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre] 2:10

02. Bio Active (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 7:07

03. Not Upset (Coda 1) [feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre] 1:42

04. Bassgeingengeister (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 1:51

05. Some Thomas (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 5:24

06. Strange Party (Coda 2) [feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre] 2:41

07. Plasticksackerl Im Wind (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 1:23

08. Little Struggle (Coda 3) [feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre] 1:52

09. Strange Party (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 6:46

10. Reading Shakespeare (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 3:08

11. Second Hand (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 7:00

12. Heimwehharfe (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 3:03

13. Snail (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 5:03

14. Reading Shakespeare (Coda 4) [feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre] 2:03

15. Hot Exactly (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 4:57

16. Strange Party (Coda 5) [feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre] 2:07

17. Not Upset (Coda 6) [feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre] 2:54

18. Are You Manageable? (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 5:40

19. The Slow Rub (feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre) 4:08

20. Not Upset (Coda 7) [feat. Alex Bonney, Bruno Liberda, Eric Harland, John Escreet, Matt Penman & Tim Lefebvre] 2:45

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SFJAZZ Collective - The Music of MICHAEL JACKSON and Original Compositions NEW LIMITED EDITION ALBUM (2016)

NEW LIMITED EDITION ALBUM

Pre - Order CD

RELEASE DATE: MARCH 4

Music of Michael Jackson and New Compositions

Live at SFJAZZ Center

The SFJAZZ Collective is an all-star ensemble comprising eight of the finest performers/composers at work in jazz today. The group’s new limited edition two-disc live CD, which was recorded live at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco this past October, features new arrangements of Michael Jackson classics like "Thriller", "Smooth Criminal", "Human Nature", "This Place Hotel" and more, as well as eight new original compositions by the band. The 22-page booklet contains exclusive photos, interviews and commentary from the band. 

· Limited edition 2-CD set available exclusively through SFJAZZ – not available in stores.

· Each CD set is numbered.

· Booklet contains exclusive photos from the live performances at the SFJAZZ Center, liner notes by jazz journalist Jesse Hamlin, insights by the musicians and artist bios.

· The compositions of King of Pop Michael Jackson, arranged by members of the Collective.

· New compositions by individual Collective members commisioned by SFJAZZ.

SFJAZZ COLLECTIVE

Miguel Zenón: alto saxophone

David Sánchez: tenor saxophone 

Sean Jones: trumpet 

Robin Eubanks: trombone 

Warren Wolf: vibraphone 

Edward Simon: piano 

Matt Penman: bass 

Obed Calvaire: drums

Track Listing

DISC 1

1. The Love You Save – Michael Jackson (arranged by Robin Eubanks) 

2. Blame It On the Boogie – Michael Jackson (arranged by Matt Penman w/ Miguel Zenón) 

3. Fall Prelude – Miguel Zenón 

4. Gray Skies in Baltimore – Warren Wolf 

5. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson (arranged by David Sánchez) 

6. Franklin & Fell – Sean Jones 

7. Beauty of Space – Edward Simon 

8. Thriller – Michael Jackson (arranged by Obed Calvaire) 

Disc 2

1. Rock With You – Michael Jackson (arranged by Sean Jones) 

2. Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson (arranged by Miguel Zenón) 

3. Mr. Right – Matt Penman 

4. Lineage – David Sánchez 

5. 150 Million Gold Francs – Obed Calvaire 

6. Human Nature – Michael Jackson (arranged by Warren Wolf) 

7. Why – Robin Eubanks 

8. This Place Hotel – Michael Jackson (arranged by Edward Simon)

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REPUBLIC OF JAZZ TEAM