The start of a fantastic tradition – the first-ever recording of the SF Jazz Collective, a kickoff to a series that would give us amazing records for years to come! This time around, the group work through a series of Ornette Coleman tunes, re-arranged by Gil Goldstein for the octet – which features an all-star lineup that includes Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Joshua Redman on tenor, Nicholas Payton on trumpet, Miguel Zenon on alto, Josh Roseman on trombone, Renee Rosnes on piano, Robert Hurst on bass, and Brian Blade on drums – all strong leaders on their own, but doing a remarkable job here of putting aside egos and working together as a whole! Coleman tunes include "Una Muy Bonita", "Lonely Woman", "School Work", "Happy House", and "When Will The Blues Leave" – and originals include "Of This Day's Journey", "Wages", "March Madness", and "Rise & Fall". CD

Features Renee Rosnes on piano, Nicholas Payton on trumpet, Matt Penman on bass, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Joshua Redman tenor and soprano sax, Miguel Zenon on alto and flute, and Eric Harland on drums. CD

One of the freshest statements we've heard from the San Francisco scene in years – recorded by a group of players that spans the city's range of contributions to jazz! The ensemble is headed by Joshua Redman on reeds – but it also features some incredible work from Bobby Hutcherson, working here in a style that recalls some of his most adventurous recordings of the 70s – alongside piano from Renee Rosnes, drums by Brian Blade, trumpet from Nicholas Payton, bass from Robert Hurst, and sax and flute from Miguel Zenon. The set was recorded live, and has a depth of soul that really surprised us – with titles that include "Una Muy Bonita", "Rise & Fall", "March Madness", "Lingala", "Peace", and "Of This Day's Journey". CD

One of the coolest albums ever issued from this all-star group – a 50th anniversary tribute to two classic albums from 1969 – In A Silent Way by Miles Davis, and Stand by Sly & The Family Stone! The pairing is a great one – as Miles was listening to a lot of Sly in the late 60s, and the Family Stone were a key part of the SF scene at the time – but the group here makes the whole thing come across as way more than just a recasting of classics – because, like other tributes to their inspirations, the Collective have a really strong way of making things completely their own! Sly tracks alternate with Miles numbers – and vocals are handled by Martin Luther McCoy, who's worked with The Roots – in a group that also includes Warren Wolf on vibes, David Sanchez on tenor, Etienne Charles on trumpet, Adam Rogers on guitar, and Edward Simon on piano. The vocal tracks are nice and long – with a lot more jazz instrumentation than vocals – and titles include "I Want To Take You Higher", "Sex Machine", "In A Silent Way/It's About That Time", "Everyday People", 'You Can Make It If You Try", "Shh/Peaceful", and "Sing A Simple Song". CD

The music of John Coltrane, mixed with originals from the SF Jazz Collective – a perfect combination, considering that the lineup is so hip, it features heavyweights like Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Joshua Redman on tenor, Nicholas Payton on trumpet, Miguel Zenon on alto, and Renee Rosnes on piano! Isaac Smith is the trombonist this time around – and rhythm is rock-solid, thanks to the work of Eric Harland on drums and Matt Penman on bass – the last of whom might well be a secret hero of the group! The first half of the set features takes on the Coltrane tunes "Crescent", "Naima", "Africa", "Moment's Notice", "26 2", and "Love/Dear Lord" – followed by originals that include "Psalm For Peggy", "Love Is Enough", "Scrambled Egg", and "Development". CD

A great showcase for the endless talents of the San Francisco Jazz Collective – as the set features some stunning original material, balanced with classics from Ornette Coleman, Thelonious Monk, and Stevie Wonder – all served up here in a beautiful extended performance! As always, the group are really brilliant with color – with this special quality that really sets them apart from so many other all-star groups, and which always seems to give their performances such a strongly unified vibe. Players include David Sanchez on tenor, Miguel Zenon on alto, Warren Wolf on vibes, Robin Eubanks on trombone, Sean Jones on trumpet, Edward Simon on piano, Matt Penman on bass, and Obed Calvaire on drums – and titles include the originals "Off Kilter", "Perseverance", "Tune For June", "Tidal Flow", "Venezuela Unida", and "Give The Drummer Some" – plus versions of "Creepin", "When Will The Blues Leave", "School Work", "Una Muy Bonita", "Reflections", "Criss Cross", and "Sir Duke". Includes a bonus DVD – four songs from a Music Of Miles Davis performance! CD

Proof that blues rock can be turned towards a useful end – and a landmark album from one of the greatest Brit groups of the post-beat era! CCS (Collective Consciousness Society) were more of a studio project than anything else – but their first few records sparkled with a groove and energy level that surpassed most other work going at the time – thanks to large backings from arranger Johnny Cameron, of Brit Easy and soundtrack fame – working here with UK bluesman Alexis Korner in a format that mixed big funky backings with Korner's down-home blues rock! The Cameron touches really help get away from any blues cliches of the genre – and the inclusion of jazz players like Harry Beckett, Henry Lowther, Kenny Wheeler, and Ray Warleigh makes for a really hip approach to instrumentation that goes way beyond simple studio support. Most tracks are instrumental, but the set does include some vocals – and the group scored a standout hit with the album's cover of "Whole Lotta Love", and followed up with other covers that include "Satisfaction", "Living In the Past", "Wade In The Water", and "Bom Bom". Also includes the original tracks "Waiting Song", "Dos Cantos", and "Lookin For Fun". LP, Vinyl record album