Steppin' Up features Eric Hargett and his baritone sax truly stepping out
There's
certainly something about the baritone sax that gets your attention.
The sounds are commanding; they grab and don't let go. They can
throttle. They can lurk. They can dominate the soundscape. In the right
hands, it's devastating. Eric Hargett has just those hands.
On
Steppin' Up, Hargett's remarkable debut as a bandleader, the upstart
leader manages to avoid opening night jitters, thanks to a diverse and
tasty ten-spot of tunes and the incredible support of Joey DeFrancesco
on the B3 and piano, and drummer Gerry Gibbs. Of course, when you've got
that kind of seasoned experience behind you, one can only imagine how
it'd soothe the nerves.
Right out of the gate, Hargett,
DeFrancesco and Gibbs really bring it. There's the raw and sizzling funk
of the title track that kicks things off. There's the hard bop of
"Woody's Dream, " which starts in high gear and then shifts into
overdrive, led by Hargett's charging bari, and the nifty interplay of
his rhythm-mates lifting things to a higher elevation. "Baretta" is an
homage to '70s TV theme song funk, with Hargett doing some seriously
heavy lifting. There is even a handful of tunes—"West, " "Hackensack, "
and "Pacific Voyage, " in particular—in which Hargett puts down the bari
and picks up the tenor, with excellent results.
On the flip side
(not literally), Hargett is not averse to taking it down a notch,
smoothing the edges, as he does on his super-tender cover of "You Don't
Know What Love Is, " with the B3 laying down a comfortable bed of chord
changes and Gibbs urging Hargett with nothing more than sexy brushes.
The result is heart-felt, deeply moving … and just the kind of break
listeners need in order to jump back into the dirty bari that Hargett
serves up for much of the session. The same poignance emerges on the
lovely "Myra." Lucky girl, that Myra, to have such a sweet ode written
to her. But lest you start thinking Hargett is hopelessly romantic,
check out the closer, "Sunday Fog, " a nasty, virtuosic, locomotive of a
piece that will leave you breathless and satisfied.
Hargett
hails from Houston, got schooled in Austin, and has since moved to LA.
He met up with Gibbs after an invite to play in his Thrasher Big Band
back in 2006. Hargett later teamed up with Gibbs' father, the vibist and
composer Terry Gibbs, in the master's own Terry Gibbs Dream Band. He
has clearly gained some savvy and some sophistication along the way, and
it shows up grandly on Steppin' Up. From ballads to burning funk,
Hargett proves he can do it all, and this, his first real crack at
leadership. He's had some good apprenticeships during his brief career
thus far, and he's got A-list support to bring it all home, which is why
Steppin' Up is an incredible step in the right direction.
Jeff Beck has a new CD out – his first for six years – and it is appropriately titled Loud Hailer. The title sends something of a message of intent, and the album does not disappoint.
Jeff Back says he wanted to make a statement about some of the nasty things he observed in the world and loved the idea of being at a rally, using a loud hailer to shout his viewpoint. Beck wrote the tracks with the aid of singer Rosie Bones and guitar player Carmen Vandenberg. They met via Queen’s drummer John Taylor, and worked together so well that the pieces came together pretty swiftly. The input of Rosie Bones’ and Vandenberg’s feisty, strong styles come through in spades here.
Producer Filippo Cimatti recruited drummer Davide Sollazzi and bass player Giovanni Pallotti and a mercuric mix ensued. This is confident, virtuoso music production from a veteran performer who loses not a jot of cutting edge, provocative style as time passes.
Loud Hailer begins with “The Revolution Will Be Televised,” a sumptuous opener with wild guitars throwing shapes, forms and sounds around an echoed vocalization. Jeff Beck’s guitar solo, as expected, is virtuoso and perfectly appropriate for the piece. “Live in the Dark” is a prog-rocky piece with clear, well-worked vocals over impressive fretwork and powerful lyrics. It, incidentally, is going to be released as a single. “Pull It” is a gorgeous instrumental interlude, heavy on the rock, easy on the ear – a superlative experience for the senses with guitar work that weaves, snakes and entwines the senses.
Just over two minutes passes in a flash before the next track “Thugs Club,” which opens with sonorous guitar into which the vocals insert a story about the various doings of various poor n’ere-do wells in the twilight life surrounding the making of riches for other men. There is a thunking guitar and drums intersection and a huge energy backing the drive right through this number, driven in no small measure by the power of the vocals.
“Scared for the Children” is a beautiful ballad, creating a place of calm and reflection among the power and force of the album. It tells a story of Billy, a child whose life takes shape surrounded by people and things which take his innocence away. The piece works its way up to a precocious guitar solo interlude where Jeff Beck shows his experience and understanding of melodic innovation to the full.
“Right Now” is a rock song, pure and simple. Guitars announce the theme, the propulsive vocals tell the tale of greed and the structure is rounded, explosive and angry. “Shame” opens like a country and western number, is sung like a blues and played like a rock song. Twangy, swingy guitar create the textures over which the vocals weave in and out with the story. “Edna” is one of the two signature instrumentals from Beck (the other being “Pull It”) and is short (quite), sweet (very) and good (extremely). “The Ballad of the Jersey Wives” has something to say and Jeff Beck may as well have his loud hailer to his lips – but he gives it this time to the vocals, who acquit the story of truth seeking in a powerful, gutsy delivery.
“O.I.L.” is funky and rolls back the veils to reveal pure, open rhythms and an essence of the beat delivered not only by the drums but by the finger-flicking fret working of Beck on his guitar and the entire structure of the piece. A great number and, again, supported by intense, powerful vocals. Sitting still listening to this is not an option. “Shrine,” a classy ballad, closes out Loud Hailer in style.
Here is an album which is enjoyable, fun and also delivering a personal statement of observations about the time we are living in. Jeff Beck innovates and continues to add different essences to guitar playing. He once said his aim was to make people forget he was a guitar player and, while you may understand what he means, there is little chance of that. But he is a guitar player who keeps delivering, bringing new sounds to the instrument, finding new doors to break through and never for an instant hitting inertia. The choice of compadres on Loud Hailer is sublime, with the vocals delivering more than a passing compliment to the music: At times, they make it what it is and the character behind them is engaging and very charismatic. Good music, excellent production and a combination of top-tier musicians combine to make this a quality, listenable and worthy album. Beck is touring the U.S this summer with blues legend Buddy Guy. And in August the Hollywood Bowl will be the setting for a celebration of 50 years of music making with special guests and, of course, Jeff Beck at the helm. As he has twice been inaugurated into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first with the Yardbirds and the second as a solo artist, won a total of eight Grammy Awards, has been included in Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest guitarists of all time and been a guest performer with Stevie Wonder, Buddy Guy, Tina Turner, Mick Jagger and countless others, it should be a night to remember. Sammy Stein
1 The Revolution Will Be Televised 2 Live in the Dark 3 Pull It 4 Thugs Club 5 Scared for the Children 6 Right Now 7 Shame 8 Edna 9 The Ballad of the Jersey Wives 10 O.I.L. (Can't Get Enough of That Sticky) 11 Shrine
Jeff Beck - Guitar Rosie Bones - vocals Carmen Vandenberg - guitar Davide Sollazzi - drums Giovanni Pallotti - bass
A new record by the «best kept secret of Portuguese creative music», as one British critic once wrote about trumpeter extraordinaire Sei Miguel. Specifically, a collection of “stories untold” with different line-ups, from a duo with Fala Mariam to a sextet with Mariam, Nuno Torres, Rodrigo Amado, José Bruno Parrinha and Paulo Curado, including the participation of other musicians like Carlos Santos, Hernâni Faustino, Luís Desirat and Moz Carrapa. This is how jazz sounds when inspired by John Cage and Alvin Lucier, each piece creating its own world, either reminiscent of Greek and Balkan chants, based on a Raksin-Mercer song, “Laura”, dedicated to the guitarist of the free rock band Caveira or having the same notion of space Miguel finds in both Gil Evans and Keith Rowe.
A veteran of the Portuguese scene, active since the Eighties, revered by some and misunderstood by others, Sei Miguel refuses to be considered an “institution” by always renewing his concepts and his playing, facing each project simultaneously as the first and the last one, letting himself to be surprised and at the same time dealing with it as a definitive statement. The consequence: a shining diamond, for you to take and cherish…
Saxophonist Bill Sears is the coordinator of Jazz Studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy, a position he has held since 1987. A native of Racine, WI, Bill attended Indiana University earning both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees, studying jazz with David Baker, George Ross and Dominic Spera, and the saxophone with Dr. Eugene Rousseau. Upon graduation in 1980, Bill embarked on a successful career in Chicago performing regularly with the Chicago Jazz Quintet, the Jazz Members Big Band and Marshall Vente’s Project 9. Bill can be heard on recordings with each of these groups as well as with Frank Mantooth, Dominic Spera and Ashley Alexander. Bill’s playing encompasses the entire spectrum of the history of the tenor saxophone- from rich, warm ballads to the searing intensity of today’s music. His versatility and fresh voice have allowed him to share the stage with jazz luminaries such as Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Bellson, Billy Hart, Bill Evans (saxophonist) and Geoff Keezer. In 1986 Bill toured the U.S. and Europe as the lead alto saxophonist in the Ray Charles Band.
Bill’s recording debut as a leader, “Chasin’s the Goal” on Manitou Records, finds him in the company of former Miles Davis saxophonist Rick Margitza, drummer Bob Meyer- a current member of Joe Lovano’s Symbiosis group, and two of Bill’s close musical associates from his days in Chicago- bassist Kelly Sill and pianist Mike Kocour.
1. Chasin' the Goal
2. The Touch of Your Lips
3. Free Smells
4. This One's for You, P.D.
5. Origin
6. With Malice Toward None
7. Due North
Bill Sears: tenor saxophone
Rick Margitza: tenor & soprano saxophones
Mike Kocour: piano
Kelly Sill: bass
Bob Meyer: drums
Recorded on March 22nd, 1996 by John Stites at Audio Sound Productions in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Mixed by John Stites & Bill Sears.
All songs by Bill Sears except "The Touch of Your Lips" by Ray Noble,
"Origin" by Rick Margitza and "With Malice Toward None" by Tom McIntosh.
Art of Life Records is proud to present the debut release by trumpeter and composer Chris Rogers. "Voyage Home" features the late saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarist Steve Khan, saxophonist Ted Nash, pianist Xavier Davis, bassist Jay Anderson, drummer Steve Johns, saxophonist Roger Rosenberg, trombonist Art Baron, keyboardist Mark Falchook, percussionist Willie Martinez and a digital sample of the late trombonist, Barry Rogers. Recorded at Sound on Sound Studios in New York City, New York on February 2nd & 4th, 2001. All songs were composed and arranged by Chris Rogers.
Liner Notes
About "Voyage Home":
At its heart this music truly IS a voyage. Surely the songs here represent my debut as a solo performer and composer, but they also can be viewed as the spiritual and sonic offspring of some of the incredible musicians whom I have personally known my entire life. I am speaking specifically of Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, Don Grolnick, Eddie Palmieri, Tom Harrell, Lew Soloff, Mike Lawrence, James Taylor and Barry Rogers. These unique artists - plus others like Hal Galper, Chick Corea, Woody Shaw, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Igor Stravinksy, The Beatles, David Sanborn, Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis - make up much of my musical palette. The incredibly accomplished musicians on "Voyage Home" were handpicked for their value to me both as musicians and friends. Finally, in the true Jazz tradition ALL solos were tracked live.
In Honor of Michael Brecker:
Michael Brecker is commonly referred to as "the most influential tenor saxophonist since John Coltrane". His recorded legacy as a bandleader, co-leader (with brother Randy) and sideman, as well as his 15 Grammys tell only part of the story. Mike was a gifted human being who has profoundly touched peoples lives all across the globe. I am deeply grateful to Mike for his friendship and presence on this album. He is dearly missed but never forgotten.
Selected Quotations
This highly anticipated CD by Chris Rogers has finally hit the shelves! I've known Chris since he was 6 years old. His father, the great trombonist Barry Rogers, was a close friend and mentor to me and my brother Mike. I've watched his progress through the years and can categorically state that Chris is AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME on this CD, and it's so great to hear previously unreleased solos of Mike's (and Barry too!). So check this CD out: Just a heart-felt first-rate endeavor that is sure to bring Chris Rogers the critical and fan-based attention he deserves! ~ Randy Brecker
“Coral Pulse” es una colección de composiciones de reciente facturación de Jordi Bonell, inspiradas sobre temática marina, ya que desde hace un tiempo Jordi vive en Caldes d’Estrac.
Tres de las composiciones son guitarra sola de carácter intimista y sonoridad clara y simple, una cuarta es una versión del tema “Wave” de Jobim. Entrelazadas con estas hay seis con colaboraciones muy especiales de músicos y cantantes. Cada una de ellas reúne sonoridades tan diversas, como evocadoras de otras culturas de ultramar, tanto africanas como americanas (Jazz), pop, orientales o incluso celtas.
La utilización de la voz como instrumento y la improvisación de los idiomas inventados y creados en el momento por Ferran Savall y Daniel Lumbreras, se mezclan con timbres de instrumentos poco habituales como el arpa de Josep Maria Ribelles o el Onoven de Matthew Simon .
En definitiva, un viaje de colores y emociones que no dejan a nadie indiferente.
Músicos que colaboran en “Coral Pulse”: Roger Blàvia, Ramón Olivares, Manu Masaedo, Pedro Campos, Ferran Savall, Jouse Dutrey, Josue Túrnez, Ganavya Doraiswamy, Roger Guitiérrez, Matthew Simon, Iñaki Sandoval, José María Ribelles, Daniel Lumberas , Carles Benavent y Jorge Pardo.
Se ha hecho esperar tres años desde su debut con Albert Marquès Trio+Jordi Bonell, pero el segundo, y esperado, disco del pianista Albert Marquès ya está aquí y lleva el por título “Live in my land” (Quadrant Records). El resultado final del disco confirma con suficiencia la valía que se le presuponía.
Grabado en directo en la mítica Nova Jazz Cava de Terrassa, sede oficial del Festival de Jazz de Terrassa y uno de los locales emblemáticos del jazz en España, el disco se compone de cinco largos e intensos temas, de los cuales tres están firmados por el pianista y los dos restantes llevas la rubrica del guitarrista Jordi Bonell.
La característica fundamental de este disco es la variedad de estilos que en él se pueden escuchar, ya que se pueden oir desde sonidos que van desde el jazz flamenco hasta el latin jazz pasando por música clásica y todo ello envuelto en una patina de jazz moderno y muy actual. Con este álbum Marquès se pone al frente de la generación de jóvenes músicos salidos de Cataluña, sobre todo por dos poderosas razones; la primera por la técnica que posee; y la segunda, por la personalidad que destila en su música, fuerte y comprometida con lo que hace. Ciertamente todavía es joven (26 años), y le queda mucha carrera por recorrer, pero no es menos cierto que no ha podido comenzar con mejor pie su trayectoria. Y es que los discos del Albert Marquès Trio+Jordi Bonell son de esos que apetece escuchar y no mandarlos rápidamente al cajón del olvido.
En este nuevo disco ha habido cambios muy importantes en la formación respecto de su primer trabajo, pues del grupo inicial sólo quedan el pianista y el guitarrista, mientras que la sección rítmica ha cambiado por completo; y así Marco Lohikari ha sustituido a Manuel Kaprovickas al contrabajo y Xavi Hinojosa ha hecho lo mismo con Gonzalo del Val.
“Live in my land” es la prueba del algodón de que a Albert Marquès hay que seguirle la pista de cerca y de que es de los escasos jóvenes músicos de jazz españoles que merece la pena estar al tanto de lo que hace.
Músicos: Albert Marqués (piano); Marco Lohikari (contrabajo); Xavi Hinojosa (batería); Jordi Bonell (guitarra). Artista invitado: Gabriel Amargant (saxo tenor)