Friday, May 11, 2018

Woodman / Kellam / Carlson / Campbell - hypostases (2018)


Hypostasis (Greek: ὑπόστασις) noun, 
plural: hypostases 

Metaphysics. 
a. something that stands under and supports; foundation 
b. the underlying or essential part of anything as distinguished from its attributes 
c. substance, essence, or essential principle

1. hypostasis 1 14:44
2. hypostasis 2 13:18
3. hypostasis 3 20:57

Ben Woodman: trumpet, percussion
Matt Kellam: bass, electronics, percussion
John R.Campbell: guitar, electronics, percussion
Ricky Carlson: drums, percussion

All music spontaneously composed
Recorded live at Hovering Horse studio, Corvallis, Oregon, May 8, 2018

Rich Rosenthal / Jack DeSalvo / Tom Cabrera - Connoisseurs of Chaos (WOODSHED RECORDS 2018)


The innovative electric guitar of Rich Rosenthal ,somehow covering ground from Jimmy Lyons to a harmonically savvy Jerry Garcia, is joined by the unconventional cello of Jack DeSalvo (known primarily as a guitarist himself) and master percussionist Tom Cabrera on drums. The unexpected power and appeal in their music results from their ability to surprise each other with unanticipated twists and turns awhile relishing in the resulting sonic locales. Rich Rosenthal is a graduate of the world-renowned New School Jazz and Contemporary Music program.

He’s studied with Dave Moreno, Reggie Workman, Vic Juris, among others. Rosenthal has worked closely with Joe Giardullo, contributing to the saxophonist’s 2007 RogueArts release, Red Morocco. Rosenthal’s first album as leader is 2013’s Falling Up, featuring Giardullo. Rich released his next album, Live at Quinn's, on Unseen Rain. Jack DeSalvo, hailed in THE WIRE magazine as “masterful”, played with Ronald Shannon Jackson and D3. Guitarist DeSalvo, a highly regarded composer, also plays cello, mandolin and banjo. “banjo player Jack DeSalvo uncorks a salvo of twangs as if Earl Scruggs has pushed his way into a Count Basie jam.” – NYC Jazz Record.

He plays with his own band and with Julie Lyon, 12 Houses, Sumari etc. He is featured on many recordings as well as on Unseen Rain. In addition to being an incomparable jazz drummer, Cabrera is an adept world percussionist often adding to the proceedings instruments from all over the planet particularly the middle-east. A native of Long Island, NY, drummer and multi-percussionist Tom Cabrera began his career in local rock, folk rock and country bands but his love of jazz shifted his focus and studies strongly in that direction. A visual artist as well, he initially pursued a career as a photo-retoucher and spent 18 years in that field. His musical pursuits continued, however, and he became a mainstay in the Hudson Valley, NY jazz scene.

Cabrera relocated to Orlando, FL in 1995 but not before acquiring a frame drum, an event that proved to be auspicious to his future work. In Florida Tom gigged constantly establishing himself as one of the most respected players on the jazz scene. After meeting his future wife, vocalist Julie Lyon, they went on to form the Julie Lyon Quartet, a swinging ensemble and released two albums: Beginning to See the Light and Live: Between Then and Now. The quartet and Tom's own trio performed all over the state. Tom appears on almost 20 Unseen Rain recordings.

1. Piece 1 10:12
2. Piece 2 17:27
3. Piece 3 07:58
4. Piece 4 08:51
5. Piece 5 09:08

Rich Rosenthal - guitar
Jack DeSalvo - cello, bass ukelele
Tom Cabrera - drums, percussion

Recorded at Woodshed Studio, Westbury, NY by Christof Ziegenhirte
Edited and mastered at Hutter Studio, Orlando FL by Larry Hutter
Cover painting by Tom Cabrera
design by Qua's Eye Graphix
A Woodshed production

All music by Rich Rosenthal, Jack DeSalvo and Tom Cabrera ℗ © 2018 Woodshed Records

Quatuor Ovide Coudé - Quatuor Ovide Coudé (2018)


Originaire de Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, Ovide Coudé, aveugle de naissance, joue de la guitare depuis l’âge de 10 ans et touche à un éventail d’instruments à cordes tels que la mandoline, le banjo, la basse et le oud. Le jeune et brillant guitariste présente ses compositions aux influences de jazz qui rappellent parfois les sonorités froides et atmosphériques du jazz européen (ECM). La symétrie et les couleurs inhabituelles du quatuor donnent naissance à des pièces fortement imagées. Un travail très personnel et introspectif de la part d’Ovide Coudé, qui lancera son premier album au Festival Jazz & Blues de Saguenay en avril 2018.

1. Libération 08:37
2. Le prince du nord 06:54
3. En Norvège 12:03
4. Douleur automnale 08:19
5. La terre des héros 08:25
6. Dans le doute 11:06
7. Automobile 07:01
8. Le rêve triste 07:41




Denny Zeitlin Trio - Wishing On The Moon (SUNNYSIDE RECORDS 2018)

Denny Zeitlin is known as a musician of great taste and vast breadth of interests. It should come as no surprise that most of the great pianist’s collaborators have been equally eclectic and brilliant in their musical pursuits. In the long list of tremendous accomplices, bassist Buster Williams and drummer Matt Wilson have cemented themselves as two of Zeitlin’s most dynamic and moving. 

The trio has entered their 18th year as a working combo and, though they are all busy in many endeavors, their unique chemistry makes every performance a not to be missed event. Their new recording, Wishing On The Moon, was recorded live at Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola in New York City on March 10, 2009. 

Zeitlin had always admired Buster Williams' s playing, and loved the warmth and immediacy along with his elastic and propulsive groove he displayed in their first encounter—Denny's trio recording, As Long As There's Music (Venus). 

Shortly thereafter Zeitlin and Williams needed a drummer for a performance at the San Francisco Jazz Festival. Matt Wilson was recommended, and after Zeitlin delightedly checked him out on the Internet, and was hired for the gig. Though there were quick rehearsals with bassist and drummer separately, the first time this trio hit together was at the concert. Matt's connection with Denny and Buster was immediate and telepathic. Everything fit like a hand in glove. 

The trio’s connection is deeply collaborative: each member has an equal voice in contouring the music. The mutual trust has allowed for the continued evolution of the group sound and dynamic and to create what Zeitlin calls true “trio music.” 


The recording presented is an exemplary instance of the trio’s cohesiveness, a fantastic snapshot of the band at that point of their union. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola was a wonderful venue for playing and recording. The Steinway on hand was impeccably maintained and the recording engineer, Jeff "The Jedi Master” Jones, an expert. 

The recorded program is made up of compositions the ensemble was familiar with and which provided them perfect launching platforms for improvisation. Upon deep listening, layers of subtlety are revealed, expressing high levels of confidence, surprise, empathy, nuance and commitment to the creation of ensemble music. 

The program begins with one of the ensemble’s favorite pieces, Cole Porter’s “All Of You” (with some extensive reharmonization from the leader), which they frequently use as a leadoff piece at performances. Zeitlin’s searchingly tender “Wishing On The Moon” follows as a slow, yet challenging bossa nova. Originally introduced to the song by George Shearing’s rendition, Zeitlin has found a new life for Jule Styne’s “As Long As There’s Music” as a waltz. The leader’s “Slickrock” was inspired by Zeitlin’s interest in mountain biking and his rides in Moab, Utah. The piece evokes a day's adventures of a group of bikers navigating the treacherous terrain, allowing for some musical gymnastics, including some brilliant free playing. It plays continuously on the CD, but is divided into 4 sections to allow it to be experienced as a suite, and to encourage air play. 

A staple of Zeitlin’s book, the lullaby “Put Your Little Foot Right Out” follows as a divine, relaxed, gentle waltz. Zeitlin’s shifty “There and Back” takes its inspiration from Tolkien’s "The Hobbit," and balances between funk and jazz time. Williams' bass mastery is on full display before the trio launch into David Friesen’s bluesy “Signs & Wonders,” a longtime favorite and propulsive, driving piece perfect to conclude the program. 

Hearing a mature and highly intuitive band is always worth celebrating. Denny Zeitlin’s trio featuring Buster Williams and Matt Wilson has once again opened the curtain to reveal truly brilliant music making on their Wishing On The Moon.

1. All Of You
2. Wishing On The Moon
3. As Long As There's Music
4. Slickrock: Dawn; Gathering
5. Slickrock: On The Trail
6. Slickrock: Recovery
7. Slickrock: On The Trail Again
8. Put Your Little Foot Right Out
9. There and Back
10. Bass Prelute To Signs & Wonders
11. Signs & Wonders

Denny Zeitlin - piano
Buster Williams - bass
Matt Wilson - drums

Where it all began....Season One Spring Promotion (NEW VELLE RECORDS)




Where it Began

We are making a special offer on our first season of Newvelle Records this spring.   Until Father's day, June 17th, we are offering our First Season Box Set at a 15% discount.  Frank Kimbrough launched this label with the devastatingly personal and beautiful statement Meantime.   Since then we've hit the ground running.  Looking back, as we head into the studio to record our Fourth Season, we feel extremely lucky and charmed to have been a part of all of this stunning music.  If you know someone who hasn't had a chance to hear Newvelle's first season of records this is a great chance to get them a present they'll never forget.  

Use the offer code FATHERSDAY for your 15%
discount off Season One.
Valid until June 17th



Brand new review of the complete season at SoundStagexperience... 
FOUR AND HALF STARS ON EVERY RECORD IN THE SET

"The packaging, sound, and pressing quality of the set I received were all exceptionally high. Newvelle subscribers are buying something rare, something they had a hand in making possible."

Winner of 2016 Recordings of the Year from the Audio Beat


Our first series of records with artwork by Bernard Plossu and text by Tracy K. Smith. Presented in a beautiful box set designed by Antoine Leroux.

Frank Kimbrough Quintet 
Jack Dejohnette Solo Piano 
Noah Preminger Quartet, featuring Ben Monder, John Patitucci and Billy Hart
Don Friedman Trio, featuring the music of Booker Little with Phil Palombi on bass and Shinnosuke Takahashi on drums
Ben Allison Trio, featuring Ted Nash on saxophone and clarinet and Steve Cardenas on guitar
Leo Genovese Trio, featuring Esperanza Spalding on bass and vocals and Jack DeJohnette on drums

"In its focus on vinyl and its distinctive, brand-coherent album art, Newvelle is a kind of throwback to jazz’s midcentury glories. But it’s also timely."
--Giovanni Russonello, 
The New York Times

Valid until June 17th.  Limited to 1 Set per member.

Jared Gold - Reemergence (STRIKEZONE RECORDS 2018) + CD Release Shows


CD Release Shows

Wednesday, June 20th 8:00pm-11:00pm 
Tavern on George
361 George St
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Jared Gold – organ 
Dave Stryker - guitar
Billy Hart - drums
Joel Frahm - tenor sax

Friday & Saturday August 24-25
Smalls
83 W 10th St
New York, NY 10014

Most jazz fans have encountered the unfortunate scenario of being thrilled by the names on an album cover but then being disappointed by the music. That is definitely not the case with the new leader project from Jared Gold, which showcases the versatile organist and his all-star band: guitarist Dave Stryker, drummer Billy Hart and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. Stryker, who also produced the album, has a 14-year history with Gold, and his simpatico rapport with the organist spices up the proceedings, as each musician frequently adds clever coloration when the other is unleashing a sturdy solo. Hart—whose subtle brushwork is just as mesmerizing as his powerful stick-work in this program—demonstrates the mastery that has made him a legend. Pelt, who adds potent brass to three tracks, elevates this disc: Without him, these sessions might have yielded a memorable trio disc, but with him on board, the result is one of the strongest straightahead discs of the year thus far.

This band certainly can burn, as evidenced by the title track (which was penned by the leader), but a poignant reading of The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home” reflects Gold’s ability to tug at the listener’s heartstrings with a melancholy mood. Gold has curated a wonderful, eclectic program that features two Gershwin tunes (“It Ain’t Necessarily So,” “How Long Has This Been Going On”), Ornette Coleman’s “Blues Connotation,” Stevie Wonder’s “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love” (from 1972’s Talking Book) and “One For John A,” a swinging, original tribute to the late guitar icon John Abercrombie, with whom the organist worked for years. Gold and Stryker can ignite fireworks at will, but on this rendition of “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” both musicians coax a vocal timbre out of their respective axes. Nicely done, gentlemen. (Bobby Reed DownBeat Magazine Editor's Pick)

...one of the year’s strongest titles to date and upon repeated listening  gets so much more enjoyable. (CJ Shearn Jazz Views)

...this is a CD that will be loved by Hammond fans, and highlights Gold’s talents as both a creative organist as well as arranger. His talents have matured and hopefully we’ll see more exploratory efforts from Jared well into the future. (Jeff Know Audiophile Audition)

Billy Hart, on drums, fuels the first and title tune, “Reemergence” composed by the featured artist, Jared Gold. Gold is a fresh, jazz -organ, recording artist making waves on the East Coast. This is his eighth recording, and he’s surrounded himself with a group of excellent musicians to support his musical concepts. Dave Stryker is not only a proficient guitarist, but a record producer with his own label, a composer and a very busy New York musician. Drummer, Billy Hart, is legendary and was once the drummer of choice with the great Jimmy Smith. Trumpeter, Jeremy Pelt, is a refreshing addition to the organ trio. The first thing that stands out about Jared Gold is his ability to take familiar songs like Stevie Wonder’s “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love’ or the Lennon/McCartney standard, “She’s Leaving Home” and turn them into harmonically fresh works of art. Gold’s creativity with harmonics is formidable. Gold started out as a piano player, but quickly found his expressive niche on the organ. He was born in Englewood, New Jersey February 27, 1980 and has worked extensively with Oliver Lake and John Abercrombie. This ninth album as a leader solidifies his unique approach to his instrument and his excursions into arrangements that are unique, like the title tune that roots itself in an unusual fourteen-bar blues pattern. On the tune, “Sweet Sweet Spirit” he takes us to church. Songs like “Ornette Coleman’s Blues Connotations” show the listener that he can groove with the best of them and also gives Hart an opportunity to break free and exuberantly solo on the drums. Jared Gold comes into sight and prominence once more, just like the title of this CD proclaims. (Dee Dee McNeil LA Jazz Musical Memoirs)

Recently voted the Top Rising Star on organ in an annual Downbeat poll, NYC based B-3 visionary Jared Gold fashions a dynamic through line to the generation of jazz organ that inhabits his muse by including, on his Strikezone debut Reemergence, legendary drummer Billy Hart, who got his start in the 60s with Jimmy Smith.

Ensembling again with guitarist Dave Stryker (who also produced), and adding trumpeter Jeremy Pelt to the fold, Gold creates an explosive melodic and rhythmic master class on the organ’s wide-ranging possibilities. He re-imagines Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Gershwin, an Ornette Coleman blues classic and a renowned church song – but saves his most imaginative expressions for his easy swinging tribute to John Abercrombie (who he played with for a few years) and Stryker’s adventurous closer “Nomad.” (Jonathan Widran JWVIBE)



Jared Gold is one of the most harmonically creative and grooving of the new generation of organists working today. Although influenced by the greats of the past, Jared is taking the organ into the future with his own sound. With his latest project Reemergence, Jared returns with new compositions, ideas and arrangements since his last recording Metropolitan Rhythm for Posi-Tone Records three years ago. Joining Jared are drum legend Billy Hart, (who started with Jimmy Smith in the 60 s) guitarist Dave Stryker and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. This is a working trio with many gigs under their belts, and the communication is strong. Adding Jeremy Pelt, one of the finest of the new trumpeters, was an inspiring choice.

Dave Stryker: I first met Jared at Cecil s Jazz Club in 2004, and having played with many of the great organists myself, I immediately heard that this was a young man who was already establishing his own original voice. He has been a member of my trio ever since.



Born in Englewood, New Jersey on Feb. 27th, 1980, he attended William Paterson University studying piano before switching exclusively to organ. He is a big part of the New York scene and has worked with many of the greats including Oliver Lake and John Abercrombie. He has recorded 8 CDs as a leader, is a sidemen on many more and recently won Top Rising Star Organist in Downbeat magazine.

As always, Jared puts his own individual stamp on the music. His originals have unique harmonic twists and turns. Reemergence is a burning line that leads into a 14 bar blues form. One for John A. is dedicated to the late, great guitarist, whom Jared worked with for several years. Gold s skills as an arranger are evident on his treatment of Stevie Wonder s Looking for Another True Love (putting a classic groove on it that would make Jack McDuff proud) and the Beatles ballad She s Leaving Home, along with the standards It Ain t Necessarily So, and How Long Has This Been Going On. No organ trio record would be complete without a blues and Ornette Coleman s Blues Connotation is a piece that Jared first played with Abercrombie. Jared s church gigs inspired his gospel arrangement of Sweet Sweet Spirit, and he closes the set with Nomad, a Dave Stryker original Billy puts his inimitable signature on as he did on Stryker s first record First Strike in 1988. On Reemergence Jared Gold shows once again why he is one of the new greats of the organ.


1. Reemergence
2. It Ain't Necessarily So
3. Lookin' For Another Pure Love
4. She's Leaving Home
5. One For John A
6. How Long Has this Been Going On
7. Blues Connotation
8. Sweet Sweet Spirit
9. Nomad

Dave Stryker - guitar
Jeremy Pelt - trumpet, flugelhorn
Billy Hart - drums


Media Contact
Jim Eigo
Jazz Promo Services
272 State Route 94 South #1
Warwick, NY 10990-3363
Ph: 845-986-1677 
Cell / text: 917-755-8960
Skype: jazzpromo
"Specializing in Media Campaigns for the music community, artists, labels, venues and events.”

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Roni Ben-Hur & Harvie S - Introspection (JAZZHEADS RECORDS 2018)


New CD by Roni Ben-Hur and Harvie S "Introspection" on Jazzheads Records. A Mixture standards which highlights  the chemistry between three consummate artists. Pure Jazz for those who appreciate the art of the song. Featuring Roni Ben-Hur Guitar, Harvie S Bass and Tim Horner Drums.

01. Prá Machucar Meu Coração
02. Serenity
03. Conception
04. Introspection
05. Deixa
06. Focus
07. Blood Count
08. Nobody Else But Me
09. Repetition
10. Asiatic Raes



Benjamin Herman - Project S (DOX RECORDS 2018)



Benjamin Herman got his first saxophone at the age of twelve. At thirteen he was already playing on the professional club circuit. Within a few years he was appearing with different groups around the world and initiating projects of his own. His fame spread beyond jazz circles in the 1990s when he formed the groundbreaking ensemble New Cool Collective. Having made a name as soloist while still a teenager, Benjamin Herman has appeared on over a hundred records with all kinds of artists, from Candy Dulfer to Misha Mengelberg. Herman has also built a career in Holland and abroad as a composer. With New Cool Collective as well as with his smaller band’s  his gigs are inspired by dance floor jazz, surf and punk music, free jazz and traditional music from all over the world, attracting music fans of all genres as well as straight ahead jazz aficionados. At the same time he has explored in depth the repertoire of composers such a Byard, Monk and Mengelberg.

Today Benjamin Herman is one of the most original and productive jazz musicians in the Netherlands exploring influences beyond the confines of the jazz world. After signing to DOX Records in 2005 Benjamin Herman produced a series of cd’s and vinyl’s. He also won his third Edison for the album ‘Campert’ (featuring Dutch poet Remco Campert), He recorded and toured with Paul Weller, programmed several festivals, toured in Brazil, Argentina, Kenya, Russia, Britain, Canada, England, Ireland and Japan and worked on numerous projects in the Netherlands. In 2006 he received the prestigious VPRO/Boy Edgar Award and was voted ‘Best Dressed Dutchman of 2008’ by Esquire magazine.

In 2009 Benjamin and NCC released 4 cd’s a vinyl and a dvd. His 10th solo album Blue Sky Blond (which features Paul Weller, Perquisite, Git Hyper, Jesse van Ruller and many others) was the most downloaded jazz album in the Netherlands 2009. In 2010 Benjamin toured in the U.S.A. with his quartet, recorded a 7” vinyl EP in Shanghai and released a special edition of his album Hypochristmastreefuzz with bonus live cd. New Cool Collective released their 12th album in 2011. Late 2010 award winning Dutch film director Eddy Terstall approached Benjamin to write the score for his new film.  ‘Deal’ was released in 2012 and features Carlo de Wijs (Hammond organ), Jesse van Ruller (guitar), Manuel Hugas (bass) Joost Kroon (drums) and the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 2013 he recorded his 14th solo CD ‘Café Solo’ with Ernst Glerum (bass) and Joost Patočka (drums). After finishing ‘Deal’ Benjamin longed to get to work on something a little more intimate with one of his favourite settings; bass and drums. The album is the first album with a set of standards after the release of ‘Café Alto’ in 1996.


Benjamin Herman’s 16th solo album ‘Trouble’ was released on 11 July 2014. In a new departure for the multi-talented saxophonist, his latest solo disc is a joint project with 24-year-old singer and pianist Daniel von Piekartz. For the first time in his career, Herman has devoted an entire album to vocal numbers. “Daniel originally planned to play on two tracks. He is incredibly musical and ideas just kept flowing… we didn’t want it to stop,” Herman recalls. Von Piekartz plays and sings on eight of the ten tracks.

2016 saw the release of “Swing De Paris’ together with The Robin Nolan Trio. A gypsy jazz album which also features Dutch vocalist Wouter Hamel. Also New Cool Collective released an album collaborating with Matt Bianco singer Mark Reilly and toured extensively.

In 2017 New Cool Collective released two new albums (one featuring Senegalese alto saxophonist Thierno Koite) and Benjamin released a live album on the ICP label with The Quartet NL. An all star Dutch foursome with drummer Han Bennink (74), bassist Ruud Jacobs (78) and pianist Peter Beets.

In 2018 to celebrate his 50th birthday Benjamin will be releasing three new solo albums to be released in spring summer and autumn.

1. Opronology 03:53
2. Les Protecteurs 03:50
3. Piscine au bord de la piscine 04:05
4. C1114 02:38
5. Traction avant 05:02
6. Verre et acier 03:28
7. Mon histoire 03:56
8. 06-54-UD 03:27
9. Sa Majesté 02:56
10. Titre final 03:51

All songs written by Benjamin Herman and Alexander van Popta except ‘Les Protecteurs’ by Benjamin Herman, Alexander van Popta, Willem Friede, and ‘Traction Avant’ by Manuel Hugas

Recorded and mixed by Marcel Fakkers at PAF! Studio, Rotterdam
Mastered by Sander van der Heide

Produced by Benjamin Herman, co-produced by Alexander van Popta for ROACH RECORDS

Peter Schlamb – vibraphone
Alexander van Popta – piano, mellotron, harpsichord and keyboards
Rory Ronde – guitar
Manuel Hugas – bass guitar
Joost Kroon – drums, percussion Willem Friede – string arrangements
The City of Prague Philharmonc Orchestra
Conducted by Richard Hein, Strings recorded by Jan Holzner, Tonmeister and translator - Stanislav Vomaçkova

== Vinyl release expected July 2018: pre-order now available ==


Bruno Heinen - Mr Vertigo (BABEL 2018)


Mr Vertigo is a bold, diverse exploration of solo piano counterpoint by Bruno Heinen, and his sixth album on the progressive Babel Label.

Heinen has established pedigree in both classical and jazz worlds, in his various collaborations with jazz players in London and Italy, and his recent role in the piano chair in Bernstein's Wonderful Town with the London Symphony Orchestra and Sir Simon Rattle at the Barbican.

On Mr Vertigo Heinen approaches the instrument from a new standpoint, without a prescribed attitude to improvisation or preoccupation with genre distinctions in his compositions or selections. Instead he focuses in on the contrapuntal identity of each piece – using each one to explore a particular aspect of the rich relationships between parts in solo performance. The result is a record that resists traditional categorisation.


Photo by Carlotta Cardana

“Erudition, eclectic studies and a jazz sensibility make Heinen the kind of newcomer who repositions the goalposts ” The Guardian Part of Mr Vertigo’s project is technical and investigative, a kind of research: Mirage explores space and atonality using subtle overdubs and post-production techniques; Virgo is a ‘duet’ with an original Stockhausen music box; Forgotten Images weaves a rare Debussy theme into an original Heinen composition; Daydreamer draws on Wayne Shorter’s Night Dreamer to investigate the relationship between two time signatures.

Each piece of music also has a very human point of origin, a story being expressed by each contrapuntal approach. The title track, based on a Paul Auster novel, describes the traumatic experience of a boy learning to fly. ‘Hommage à Kurtág’, played with only the two index fingers, is based on the instinctive moves of children arriving at a piano to play for the first time. In Kochi Heinen draws on a Vagadhibhusani South Indian Carnatic scale he learned while travelling through India.

The pianist’s ability with counterpoint has always been evident: in his approach to solo building, his Tierkries Sextet writing, and in his current studies with renowned pianist Fred Hersch. Mr Vertigo shows him engaging with the full range of its possibilities.


1. Forgotten Images 04:13
2. Hommage à Kurtàg 05:02
3. Daydreamer 03:48
4. Virgo 08:43
5. The Peacocks 04:10
6. Mirage 04:26
7. International Blues 04:30
8. Mr. Vertigo 07:47
9. In Kochi 03:39
10. Fire and Rain 10:02

Mike Osborne Trio with Harry Miller & Tony Levin - The Birmingham Jazz Concert (CADILLAC RECORDS 2018)


The Seventies should be acknowledged as a landmark period in creative music making in Britain and a potent influence throughout Europe. Whilst not economic paradise there was quite a bit of public funding beginning to come to jazz but the most important support was (and still is) the networks of dedicated Individuals throughout the country that provided unstinting support and platforms for the artists.

A prime mover amongst these was the group of people in the Midlands that in 1976 came together to stage a series of presentations under the heading of “Birmingham Jazz”, such was the stimulation of the project that this gave to the region a legacy was created that it still contributes substantially to keeping the ”Second City” a major focus of the British jazz scene. Founder George West reminisces thus:- "I founded Birmingham Jazz in 1976 with the help of 6 other enthusiasts; we each put £25,00 on my dinning room table and said we would promote some Concerts for a s long as the money held out. “BirminghamJazz” has promoted live jazz ever since. A remarkable achievement.

Our first concert was with Barbara Thompson’s “Paraphernalia “, I am not sure who were our second but Mike Osborne Trio with Harry and Tony was the third on 7th November 1976. These concerts took place in the Warwick Suite of the Grand Hotel, Colmore Row Birmingham that was our home base for the first five years. The musicians gave me permission to record it as a souvenir on my Maxwell C180 tape and Yamaha recorder and it subsequently remained unplayed in my files until unearthed in 2009; amazingly the tape had not deteriorated in any way and gives a very high quality documentation of an outstanding evenings music making."

As there had been no announcements of tune titles several have proved slightly Controversial despite being auditioned by a number of musicians who had known and played with Mike over the years he was active. But what is unquestioned is the creative quality of the Trio’s performance. John Jack

1. Ossie's Opener 07:20
2. More Mike 09:10
3. Cousin Mary 05:11
4. Awakening Spirit 03:41
5. Alfie 05:47
6. Journey's End 06:36
7. Almost Home Kathy 09:04
8. Nutty 12:15
9. One For George 12:37
10. Ken's Tune 08:18
11. Awakening Spirit 10:26
12. Don't Stop The Carnival 09:41
13. Untitled Improvisation 04:56

Mike Osborne - Alto Sax
Harry Miller - Bass
Tony Levin - Drums

Recorded by George West at the Warwick Suite, Grand Hotel, Birmingham on 7 November 1976

All Tracks previously unreleased

Emil Miszk & The Sonic Syndicate - Don't Hesitate! (ALPAKA RECORDS 2018)



This is the debut album as a leader by young and upcoming Polish Jazz trumpeter / composer Emil Miszk, who has made a significant mark on the local scene lately. On this album he leads an impressive octet, called Sonic Syndicate, which also includes saxophonists Piotr Chęcki and Kuba Więcek, trombonist Paweł Niewiadomski, guitarist Michał Zienkowski, pianist Szymon Burnos, bassist Konrad Żołnierek and drummer Sławek Koryzno. The album presents seven original compositions, all by the leader.


This music is also the epitome of European Jazz, being completely open to all musical styles and influences, managing to amalgamate them in a perfect way. There is a lot of tradition here, some conscious and some subconscious, but absolutely no stagnation or repetition. This is exactly what European Jazz aesthetics is all about – experiment and elegance, good taste and talent. This kind of music can probably only be made in Poland.

1. Solid 05:54
2. For S. 05:09
3. Chorale (Ballad nr 3) 07:49
4. Heart of Darkness 08:36
5. Hate No More 08:08
6. Returns 03:45
7. Cascades 04:53


Emil Miszk - trumpet, composition
Kuba Więcek - alto saxophone
Piotr Chęcki - tenor saxophone
Paweł Niewiadomski - trombone
Michał Zienkowski - guitar
Szymon Burnos - piano
Konrad Żołnierek - double bass
Sławek Koryzno - drums


Joe Haider Jazz Orchestra & The Sparklettes - Back to the Roots (DOUBLE MOON RECORDS 2018)


Joe Haider is a cantankerous personality of the European jazz world. If our listen to him speak, you are confronted with deep Swabian dialect, but if you can hear him play, with a profound swing. This music and the associated feeling of dazzling freedom have accompanied him during his whole life, ever since the surprised boy was lifted by a GI onto a tank in the days after the end of WWII and was brought into contact with chocolate, music and the American way of life. Even if the modern, hard bop, blues and even a pinch of soul have influenced his style over the decades, the now 82-year-old pianist and Swiss national by choice from Darmstadt, who was active in Stuttgart and Munich for a long time, continues with his special blend of rhythmic presence and matter-of-factness rooted in tradition.

Consequently, it is fitting that Joe Haider returns to his roots with his new album "Back To The Roots", which he has never really forgotten. He does it with a mixture of nonchalance and sustainability, which already results from his choice of co-musicians. Because, he uses an orchestra with nine musicians on one hand, whose brass-centered members enable a wide variety of modern, jazzy tonal qualities. This scaling-up of the quartet sound makes it possible to create both big band associations as well as references to the typical sound ideas of small ensembles, which often characterize styles. The three saxophonists Daniel Blanc, Thomi Geiger and Domenic Landolf, who also play flute and clarinet in addition to their customary instruments, confront the trumpeter Dave Blaser, trombonist Rene Mosele and bass trombonist Lucas Wirz. All of them are trained in experimental projects in addition to traditional styles, which in turn benefits the intricacies of the arrangement. Besides Haider himself on the piano, the bass player Raffaele Bossard and drummer Dominic Egli round out the sound of the nonet.

The CD was recorded in Winterthur in September 2017. A vocal quartet also joined the instrumental ensemble in the studio. They were old acquaintances of the bandleader, because the singers Doris McVeigh, Isabelle Ritter, Nina Gutknecht and Xenia Zampieri had met in 1999 at the Swiss Jazz School in Bern where Haider had taught since the eighties and of which he is now also the director. An a cappella quartet was formed from the friendship, which has since performed with a wide-ranging repertoire in other countries too. Together with the Joe Haider Orchestra, the Sparklettes launch into a soul swinging sound, then again to a ballad-like iridescent program or one between modern harmonies and experimental expressiveness that leads to a lot of blues in the pedigree of Joe Henderson and Charlie Parker and all the way to Isla Eckinger and original compositions. In spite of the potential opulence arranged transparently, a typical Haider jazz cosmos develops over nine pieces, which has a good effect on the addition of the multiple vocal elements.

1 Back to the Roots  06:50
2 The Inner Ear  05:58
3 The Goal Stands at the Beginning  06:12
4 The Other Blues  09:17
5 Ko Ko  06:37
6 If I Was A Little Bird  07:37
7 The Shade of Jade  06:43
8 She Was Looking at the Moon  10:16
9 Movin' Out Now  07:34

Joe Haider Jazz Orchestra
Joe Haider - Piano
Daniel Blanc - Flute
Thomi Geiger - Saxophone
Domenic Landolf - Saxophone
Dave Blaser - Trumpet
Rene Mosele - Trombone
Lucas Wirtz - Tuba
Raffaele Bossard - Bass
Dominic Egli - Drums
The Sparklettes


Erik Marley / Alex Ayala / Will Wright - Early Life (2018)


"Early Life," my first full LP, was a very special project for me for a number of reasons. I got to collaborate with two good friends of mine to record an album of music that I have been writing for awhile now. The experience of working with keyboardist Alex Ayala is always a whirlwind of talent, energy and creativity. Reconnecting and getting to work with bassist extraordinaire and shred master Will Wright again, after years of having went our different ways was a fantastic and very meaningful experience to me as well. This album is simply the product of three guys playing some original music and having a lot of fun with it. I couldn't have asked for this to turn out any better. I hope you all enjoy it.

1. Lemon Haze 05:13
2. Earth Eater 06:33
3. River Winds (For Ed and Rose) 04:46
4. Fangs 06:40
5. Bad Ham 06:09
6. Early Life 03:33

Alex Ayala - Keyboards
Will Wright - Bass
Erik Marley - Drums and Percussion

All tracks recorded, mixed and mastered by Mathieu Gendreau at Rowan University

Martin Speake Quartet ft. Ethan Iverson - Intention (UBUNTU MUSIC 2018)


Leading British saxophonist, composer and jazz educator Martin Speake celebrates his 60th birthday and the launch of his latest album Intention (2018 - Ubuntu Music), a revival of his musical alliance with one of the most high-profile, exciting and innovative American jazz pianists, The Bad Plus's Ethan Iverson. 

Citing Charlie Parker, Paul Motian, Lee Konitz, Keith Jarrett, Ornette Coleman and Rabih Abou Khalil amongst his major influences, Martin Speake has developed a personal musical voice that expresses a deep understanding of the history and language of Jazz and an individuality as an improviser that is intelligent, melodic, cool, complex, direct, beautiful and profound. 

A member of the saxophone quartet Itchy Fingers in the 80s, he has recorded 18 albums as leader including the internationally acclaimed ECM release Change Of Heart with Paul Motian, Bobo Stenson and Mick Hutton. 

Intention a quartet recording with Ethan Iverson, Fred Thomas and James Maddren, captures the breadth of his music within a selection of originals composed throughout his notable career revisited and reinterpreted alongside these three exceptional musicians.


"Martin Speake is one of the most interesting and rewarding alto saxophonists now playing jazz on any continent." 
Jazz Times 

" . . . A dazzling exposition by a uniquely idiosyncratic virtuoso-scholar of jazz.” 
The Guardian on Ethan Iverson

1. Becky 05:32
2. Twister 06:53
3. Magic Show 02:51
4. Spring Dance 05:23
5. The Heron 06:21
6. Dancing in the Dark 05:53
7. Charlie's Wig 05:24
8. Blackwell 05:50
9. June 2nd 04:36
10. Hidden Vision 05:06
11. Intention 04:33

Martin Speake – saxophone
Ethan Iverson – piano
Fred Thomas – bass
James Maddren – drums