Black Arc -- Jazz (LPs, CDs, Vinyl Record Albums) -- Dusty Groove is Chicago's Online Record Store

24

Tim Berne's Bloodcount — Lowlife – The Paris Concert ... CD

JMT, 1995. Used ... Out Of Stock

Features Tim Berne on alto, Chris Speed on tenor and clarinet, Michael Formanek on bass, Jim Black on drums, and Marc Ducret on electric guitar. CD

25

Tim Berne's Bloodcount — Lowlife – The Paris Concert I ... CD

JMT/Winter & Winter (Germany), 1995. Used ... Out Of Stock

Features Tim Berne on alto, Chris Speed on tenor and clarinet, Michael Formanek on bass, Jim Black on drums, and Marc Ducret on electric guitar. CD

26

Tim Berne's Bloodcount — Memory Select – The Paris Concert III ... CD

Winter & Winter (Germany), 1995. Used ... Out Of Stock

Tim Berne on alto and baritone sax, Chris Speed on tenor sax, Marc Ducret on elextric guitar, Michael Formanek on bass, and Jim Black on drums. CD

27

Tim Berne's Bloodcount — Poisoned Minds – The Paris Concert II ... CD

Winter & Winter (Germany), 1994. Used ... Out Of Stock

Tim Berne on alto and baritone saxophone, Michael Formanek on double bass, Chris Speed on tenor saxophone and clarinet, Marc Ducret on electric guitar, and Jim Black on drums. CD

(Out of print.)

28

Black Art Jazz Collective — Truth To Power ... CD

High Note, 2024. New Copy ... Just Sold Out!

This ultra-hip ensemble is celebrating its 10th Anniversary – and in doing so, has maybe given us their best album yet! The group's overflowing with work from an all-star lineup – Wayne Escoffery on tenor, Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, James Burton III on trombone, Victor Gould and Xavier Davis on pianos, Vicente Archer and Rashaan Carter on basses, and Johnathan Blake and Mark Whitfield Jr on drums – the last two pairs of whom shift in and out of the ensemble as the set moves on – but with such rock-solid energy, there's a unified vibe to the whole set. Some of the best tracks have this soaring, searching energy – and the whole album's got a very visionary approach, served up by musicians who are looking to do way more than just run through a few standards. Titles include "Black Heart", "Cold Switching", "Soliloquy", "Lookin For Leroy", "Coming Of Age", and "Truth To Power". CD

29

Black Note — Nothin' But The Swing ... CD

Impulse, 1995. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

A great little record that came out a few years ago and never got the success it deserved. The album's got a beautifully classic sound, and feels like one of the more melodic and lyrical sides from the Blue Note late 60s era – like stuff by Lee Morgan or Duke Pearson. This critically acclaimed LA combo never resorts to tricks to put over their bag, and instead, the record's filled with the kind of solid writing and playing that we'd never expect from an album of this vintage (especially one on Impulse, who seem to be making a lot of other weaker choices with jazz). The record's one we come back to quite a bit, and it's filled with loads of nice tunes like "The Core", "Double Indemnity", "An Open Letter", and "West Coastings". CD

(Out of print, clear promotional sticker on cover and penmark through barcode.)

30

Black Renaissance (Harry Whitaker) — Body Mind & Spirit ... CD

Luv N' Haight, 1976. Used ... Out Of Stock

A spiritual jazz classic – one of the rarest albums of its type from the 70s! This legendary session was recorded by Roy Ayers' keyboardist Harry Whitaker – working here as the leader of the Black Renaissance group, a one-shot ensemble that featured Woody Shaw on trumpet, Azar Lawrence on saxes, Buster Williams on bass, and Mtume on percussion. The session was cut in New York in 1976, but only issued on a rare album that came out briefly in Japan. Yet somehow, the quality of the work and the depth of soulfulness have created a strong aura about the session – making it an oft-cited influence by a generation of DJs and soul jazz listeners. The album only features 2 long tracks – both of them strong ensemble numbers that build modally searching grooves in a Strata East-like style, peppered with voices, both sung and spoken, in a hip, socially conscious mode. Both tracks – "Black Renaissance" and "Magic Ritual" are excellent, on a par with the best 70s spiritual soul jazz! CD

(Out of print.)

Also available Body Mind & Spirit (180 gram pressing) ... LP 28.99

31

Black Renaissance (Harry Whitaker) — Body Mind & Spirit (180 gram pressing) ... LP

Luv N' Haight, 1976. New Copy (reissue)... $28.99

A spiritual jazz classic – one of the rarest albums of its type from the 70s! This legendary session was recorded by Roy Ayers' keyboardist Harry Whitaker – working here as the leader of the Black Renaissance group, a one-shot ensemble that featured Woody Shaw on trumpet, Azar Lawrence on saxes, Buster Williams on bass, and Mtume on percussion. The session was cut in New York in 1976, but only issued on a rare album that came out briefly in Japan. Yet somehow, the quality of the work and the depth of soulfulness have created a strong aura about the session – making it an oft-cited influence by a generation of DJs and soul jazz listeners. The album only features 2 long tracks – both of them strong ensemble numbers that build modally searching grooves in a Strata East-like style, peppered with voices, both sung and spoken, in a hip, socially conscious mode. Both tracks – "Black Renaissance" and "Magic Ritual" are excellent, on a par with the best 70s spiritual soul jazz! LP, Vinyl record album

32

Cindy Blackman — Arcane ... CD

Muse, 1988. Used ... Out Of Stock

An excellent hard bop side from the late 80s, an era when the new "young lions" were getting a lot of press, and some nice recordings were being made with any eye on the future while their feet were firmly planted in tradition. This set features two players of Cindy's generation in the front line: Wallace Roney and Kenny Garrett, with some older masters filling out the rest of the group: Joe Henderson, Buster Williams and Larry Willis. The recordings are filled with energy and imaginative playing as they run through originals like "Arcane", "Late Autumn", "Dual Force" and "Mirrored Glances". CD

33

Cindy Blackman — In The Now ... CD

High Note, 1998. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

Cindy Blackman on drums, Ron Carter on bass, Jacky Terrasson on piano, and Ravi Coltrane on tenor saxophone. CD

(Out of print, booklet has some light wear and a punch through the barcode.)

34

Lester Bowie — 5th Power ... CD

Black Saint (Italy), 1978. Used ... Out Of Stock

One of the best sessions as a leader ever cut by Lester Bowie – and one of the few to really share the warmth and imagination of his work with the Art Ensemble! The session features Bowie on trumpet, Arthur Blyteh on alto, Amina Myers on piano and voice, Malachi Favors on bass, and Phillip Wilson on drums – working in a set of modes that replicates the sparer and more creative passages of Art Ensemble work of the early 70s. Some of the tunes are introspective, some are freer, and one number features a gospelly approach. Titles include "The 5th Power", "God Has Smiled On Me", "Sardegna Amore", and "BBB". CD

(Out of print, pre-barcode pressing.)

Also available 5th Power (CDr pressing) ... CD 9.99

35

Cisco Bradley — Williamsburg Avant Garde – Experimental Music & Sound On The Brooklyn Waterfront ... Book

Duke University Press, 2023. New Copy ... Out Of Stock

The music scene in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is one that's had an undeniable impact on cultural activity in recent decades – yet it's also one of those scenes that initially happened without most folks taking place – that is, it was a real artist and musician's scene, and not the kind that was easily open to outsiders until many years later! In this really well-done book, Cisco Bradley (who also gave us a great volume on William Parker) digs deep into the earliest days of the Williamsburg scene – that late 80s moment when Manhattan and other spots had become too expensive for the truly creative – and the other side of the East River emerged as a great place to move, live, and continue to make music. Bradley really gets at the criss-crossing elements of the scene at the time – and follows it well into the 21st Century, to a time when the changing real estate market in Brooklyn, and subsequent zoning changes, started to give Williamsburg the same creative fate as Soho, the East Village, and other important New York scenes in previous decades. Different initial chapters look at key spaces as forces – warehouses and lofts, clubs and galleries, and even pirate radio – and later chapters look at the larger forces causing change in the 21st Century. A really hefty book, as well-researched as it is well-written – 388 pages, softcover, with some black and white images. (Books, Jazz) Book

36

Roy Brooks & The Artistic Truth — Black Survival – The Sahel Concert At Town Hall ... LP

Im-Hotep/P-Vine (Japan), 1974. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)... $29.99 38.99

Amazing sounds from the righteous Roy Brooks – a drummer who worked strongly in the soul jazz mainstream of the 60s, then stepped out into even headier territory here in the 70s! The album's a spiritual masterpiece all the way through – an album on par with early 70s Impulse sides from Pharoah Sanders or Archie Shepp, or the best from Strata East – cut with a similar blend of righteous rhythmic undercurrents, freewheeling solos, and vocalizations that really help underscore the message in the music! The lineup is filled with players as powerful as Brooks – Joe Bonner on piano, Reggie Workman on bass, Cecil Bridgewater on trumpet, Sonny Fortune on tenor and soprano saxes, and John Stubblefield on oboe – plus vocals by Dee Dee Bridgewater, who's easily at her most righteous here. The album features the long "Black Survival" suite – with passages that include "Here & Now", "Prologue", "Sahel", and "Relief". LP, Vinyl record album

(Great Japanese pressing – with obi!)

37

Roy Brooks & The Artistic Truth — Black Survival – The Sahel Concert At Town Hall (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD

Im-Hotep/P-Vine (Japan), 1974. New Copy ... Out Of Stock

Amazing sounds from the righteous Roy Brooks – a drummer who worked strongly in the soul jazz mainstream of the 60s, then stepped out into even headier territory here in the 70s! The album's a spiritual masterpiece all the way through – an album on par with early 70s Impulse sides from Pharoah Sanders or Archie Shepp, or the best from Strata East – cut with a similar blend of righteous rhythmic undercurrents, freewheeling solos, and vocalizations that really help underscore the message in the music! The lineup is filled with players as powerful as Brooks – Joe Bonner on piano, Reggie Workman on bass, Cecil Bridgewater on trumpet, Sonny Fortune on tenor and soprano saxes, and John Stubblefield on oboe – plus vocals by Dee Dee Bridgewater, who's easily at her most righteous here. The album features the long "Black Survival" suite – with passages that include "Here & Now", "Prologue", "Sahel", and "Relief". CD

Also available Black Survival – The Sahel Concert At Town Hall ... LP 29.99

38

Bobby Broom — Clean Sweep ... LP

Arista, 1981. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock

A killer set from a player who should have been huge – ultra-sweet guitarist Bobby Broom, a player we'd vote to become the next big heir to the sound of Wes Montgomery or George Benson! This debut set is a wicked mix of jazz and soul – recorded right at the best stretch of the early GRP label, with a similar blend and sense of depth as the label's initial albums by Don Blackman and Bernard Wright! The core groove focuses strongly on Broom's guitar, but there's also some great vocal numbers too – and it turns out that Bobby's a surprisingly good singer, too – with a nicely honest vocal approach that works great alongside his guitar. Arrangements are by Broom, Dave Grusin, and Marcus Miller – and titles include "No Bad Vibes", "Saturday Night", "Niqui", "Share My Love", "She's My Reason", and "Remember When". LP, Vinyl record album

(Includes the printed inner sleeve. Cover has a number in marker and some wear.)

39

Paul Bryant — Burnin' ... LP

Pacific Jazz, 1960. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock

One of the hardest to find sessions by this obscure LA organ player, and a set of grooves that well earns the name "burnin". The group's a quartet with Jim Hall on guitar, Jimmy Bond on bass, and Jimmy Miller on drums. Tracks include "Churchin", "Blues At The Summit", "Still Searchin", and "Burnin". LP, Vinyl record album

(Original black & silver label pressing with deep groove. Cover has some wear, with splitting on the top seam & spine.)

40

Donald Byrd — Early Byrd – The Best Of The Jazz Soul Years ... CD

Blue Note, Late 60s. Used ... Out Of Stock

Tracks include "Slow Drag", "Mustang", "Jellyroll", "Books Bossa", "West Of Pecos", "The Weasil", "The Dude", and "Blackjack" – 9 tracks in all. CD

(Out of print, mark through barcode and promotional stamp on CD.)

41

Captain Black Big Band — Captain Black Big Band ... CD

Posi tone, 2011. Used Gatefold ... Out Of Stock

Luques Curtis, Mark Przybylowski, and Mike Boone on bass, Mark Allen and Todd Marcus on bass clarinet, Anwar Marshall, Donald Edwards, and Gene Jackson on drums, Jim Holton, Neil Podgurski, and Orrin Evans on piano, Chelsea Baratz, Darryl Yokley, Doug DeHays, Jaleel Shaw, Mark Allen, Ralph Bowen, Rob Landham, Tia Fuller, Tim Warfield, Todd Bashore, Victor North, Wade Dean and Wayne Escoffery on saxophone, Brent White, Ernest Stuart, Frank Lacy, Joe McDonough, and Stafford Hunter on trombone, and Brian Kilpatrick, Curtis Taylor, Daud El-Bakara, Josh Evans, Leon Jordan Jr, Luke Brandon, Tatum Greenblatt, Tim Thompson, and Walter White on trumpet. CD

42

Ron Carter — Dear Miles ... CD

Blue Note/EMI, 2006. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

Featuring Ron Carter on bass, Stephen Scott on piano, Payton Crossley on drums, and Roger Squitero on percussion. Tracks include "Gone", "Seven Steps To Heaven", "Bags' Groove", "Bye Bye Blackbird", "Someday My Prince Will Come" and the Carter original "595". CD

(Out of print, promotional sticker over barcode and stamp on CD.)

43

Don Cherry/Dewey Redman/Ed Blackwell/Charlie Haden — Old & New Dreams (Black Saint) ... CD

Black Saint (Italy), 1977. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

The first album from this key group of Ornette Coleman alums – an all-star combo that features work from Don Cherry on pocket trumpet, Dewey Redman on tenor, Charlie Haden on bass, and Ed Blackwell on drums! The sound here is quite Ornette-inspired at times – with a definite late 70s harmelodic groove – but given the organic, acoustic nature of the lineup, the sound is almost more faithful to Coleman's vision than Ornette's records of the time. Haden and Blackwell are great together, as always – driving the tunes with a rhythmic force that Cherry and Redman can't help but carry through. Titles include "Handwoven", "Dewey's Tune", "Chairman Mao", "Next To The Quiet Stream", "Augmented", and "Old & New Dreams". CD

(Out of print, pre-barcode pressing.)

44

Stanley Clarke — At The Movies ... CD

Epic, 1995. Used ... Out Of Stock

Includes the songs "Passenger 57 Main Title", "Lisa", "Justice's Groove", "Lucky Again", "Father And Sun", "Theme From Boyz N The Hood", "Grandpa's Theme", "Higher Learning Main Title", "The Learning Curve", "Anna Mae", "Capital/Naty's Theme", "Meeting", "Deja's Theme", "Black On Black Crime", and "Max's Theme". CD

45

Ornette Coleman — Ornette At 12/Crisis/Man On The Moon – Revisited ... CD

Hat Art (Switzerland), Late 60s. New Copy ... Out Of Stock

A collection of Ornette Coleman albums from the end of the 60s – work from two key albums, plus some interesting bonus material too! First up is the album Ornette At 12 – a set that features two generations of Ornette Coleman – making incredible music here together! The album's a freewheeling late 60s outing from the senior Ornette – who plays alto, violin, and trumpet here – working with his young son Ornette D Coleman on drums, just 12 years old at the time – but a surprisingly strong free jazz player overall! Heavyweight help comes from Dewey Redman on tenor – really tremendous here, with energy that's up there with Albert Ayler or Archie Shepp at their 60s best – plus Charlie Haden on bass, really coming strongly back into the music at this point in his career. The album's quite free overall – similar to some of Coleman's Blue Note work of the period – and titles include "COD", "Rainbows", "New York", and "Bells and Chimes". Next is Crisis – a record that bursts out with a sound that definitely lives up to its striking title – as Ornette Coleman explores the new frontiers of experimental jazz with one of his great groups from the end of the 60s! The album's got the intensity of the best ESP sessions of the period, but also shows the richer sonic elements that Coleman can bring to the proceedings – that way of mixing sharp edges with surprising currents – delivered by an all-star group that features Ornette on alto and violin, Don Cherry on trumpet and flute, Dewey Redman on tenor and clarinet, Charlie Haden on bass, and the young Ornette D Coleman on drums. It's especially amazing to hear Haden and Cherry take on such different roles than in the Ornette material of the early 60s – and also realize a wider vision for the music, on tunes that include a great version of Haden's "Song For Che", plus "Broken Shadows", "Trouble In The East", and "Space Jungle". The last two tracks are maybe the most unusual – originally issued only as a promo 7" single by Impulse Records, with the tunes "Man On The Moon" and "Growing Up" – recorded with a group that features Cherry on trumpet, Redman on tenor, Haden on bass, and Ed Blackwell on drums – plus electronics from Emmanuel Ghent on one track! CD

46

Ornette Coleman — Ornette! ... CD

Atlantic/Rhino, 1962. Used ... $5.99

A stunning session by Ornette, and one that always seems to get overlooked in discussions of his albums for Atlantic! His quartet here features the amazing Scott LaFaro on bass, and a young Ed Blackwell on drums – both of whom give the tracks an amazing pulse that brings new energy out of Ornette and Don Cherry's solos – working in a modal groove that's as catchy as it is modern! All tracks are named after initials of titles of books by Sigmund Freud, including "T & T" (Totem & Taboo), "C&D"(Civilization and Discontent), "W.R.U.", and "R.P.D.D.". CD also features the bonus track "Proof Readers"! CD

(Out of print. Cutout hole through barcode.)

Also available Ornette! ... LP 33.99

47

Alice Coltrane — Alice Coltrane – The Carnegie Hall Concert ... CD

Impulse, 1971. New Copy 2CDs ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

A fantastic live performance from Alice Coltrane – and one that features a very heavy-hitting group – stretching out here in a beautiful performance of extended tracks that maybe takes off even more than some of Coltrane's famous albums for Impulse Records! The group is great – and features features both Pharoah Sanders and Archie Shepp on tenor, in a spirit that's as strong and righteous as Alice's Ptah The El Daoud album – plus more doubling from two bassists – Jimmy Garrison and Cecil McBee – two drummers – Ed Blackwell and Clifford Jarvis – plus tambura from Tulsi and harmonium from Kumar Kramer – all laid out with both piano and harp from Alice Coltrane herself. The set features four very long tracks – "Shiva Loka", "Africa", "Leo", and "Journey In Satchidananda". CD

48

Alice Coltrane — Alice Coltrane – The Carnegie Hall Concert ... LP

Impulse, 1971. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

A fantastic live performance from Alice Coltrane – and one that features a very heavy-hitting group – stretching out here in a beautiful performance of extended tracks that maybe takes off even more than some of Coltrane's famous albums for Impulse Records! The group is great – and features features both Pharoah Sanders and Archie Shepp on tenor, in a spirit that's as strong and righteous as Alice's Ptah The El Daoud album – plus more doubling from two bassists – Jimmy Garrison and Cecil McBee – two drummers – Ed Blackwell and Clifford Jarvis – plus tambura from Tulsi and harmonium from Kumar Kramer – all laid out with both piano and harp from Alice Coltrane herself. The set features four very long tracks – "Shiva Loka", "Africa", "Leo", and "Journey In Satchidananda". LP, Vinyl record album

49

John Coltrane — Kulu Se Mama ... LP

Impulse, 1966. Very Good Gatefold ... $39.99

One of our favorite albums ever from John Coltrane – but a record that's sometimes eclipsed by the genius of A Love Supreme! The feel here is very similar to that one – long tracks that introduce a new mode of searching, spiritual jazz for the 60s – one that's performed by a core quintet with Coltrane, McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones – but which also features added players on the side-long title track! "Kulu Se Mama" is a tremendously bold statement in music – one that features a bit of spiritual vocals from Juno Lewis, plus added bass clarinet from Donald Garrett, tenor from Pharoah Sanders, and drums from Frank Butler. The two other tracks – "Vigil" and "Welcome" – are performed by a quartet, but are still equally great! LP, Vinyl record album

(Orange & black label stereo Capitol Record Club pressing. Cover has light wear.)

50

John Coltrane — Live in Paris ... CD

Black Label, 1962. Used ... $3.99

Coltrane caught live in France in 1962 – working with the classic quartet of McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Garrison, and Elvin Jones. The set's surprisingly well recorded (although transferred here on the CD from vinyl, with a few flaws) – and features extended readings of classic Coltrane tunes from the Impulse years, done in the stretched-out searching style that we loved from his classic Village Vanguard sessions of the time! Includes a great take on "Naima", a two-part reading of "Blue Valse", a 10 minute version of "Afro Blue", and a nicely grooving version of "Impressions". CD

(Still sealed with a small cutout hole through the case.)

51

Albert Dailey — Renaissance ... LP

Catalyst/Trading Places (UK), 1978. New Copy (reissue)... Out Of Stock

An overlooked gem from this great pianist – one of his few dates as a leader, and maybe the boldest of them all – as the session really soars with a heck of a lot of spiritual energy! The vibe here is maybe more in the Muse Records side of the spectrum than Strata East, but that's OK with us as the whole thing really soars with all this searching, modal energy – delivered by a very cool group that features Carter Jefferson on soprano and tenor sax, Cecil McBee on bass, and Charlie Persip on drums! Cheryl Alexander sings on one track – giving the record a slightly soulful vibe. Titles include "Dues We Have To Pay", "Black Raspberry", "I Love You", "Gee Monetti", and "Autumn Rain". LP, Vinyl record album

52

Miles Davis — Miles Davis All Star Sextet/Quintet (aka Miles Davis & Milt Jackson Quintet/Sextet) ... LP

Prestige, 1955. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock

One of the nicest moments from Milt Jackson in the 50s – an open-ended blowing session cut with Miles Davis, in a mode that's even better than Jackson's work for Savoy at the time! The style is very much in the key Davis mode on Prestige – with Jackie McLean in the group on alto sax, Ray Bryant on piano, Percy Heath on bass, and Art Taylor on drums. But the presence of Jackson's vibes bring out some new tones and chromes from Miles' horn – in a way that's subtle, but magical – unfolding nicely over the course of the album's 4 extended tracks! Titles include "Dr Jackle", "Bitty Ditty", "Changes", and "Minor March". LP, Vinyl record album

53

Miles Davis — Round About Midnight (with bonus tracks) ... CD

Columbia, 1956. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

Thelonious Monk may have written the title tune, but Miles Davis makes it all his own here – blowing with a subtle moody magic that makes the album one of his true treasures from the early Columbia Records years! John Coltrane's along on tenor sax – helping Davis expand the sound the pair first forged on Prestige – and also present is the rhythm trio of Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Philly Joe Jones on drums – impeccably recorded here with a wonderful sense of space, and almost a bridge between older Miles modes, and the genius to come. Titles include Miles seminal take on "Round Midnight", plus "Tadd's Delight", "Dear Old Stockholm", "Bye Bye Blackbird", and "A Leu Cha". CD features 4 bonus tracks too – "Sweet Sue", "Little Melonae", "Budo", and "Two Bass Hit". CD

(2001 pressing. Barcode has a cutout hole.)

54

Miles Davis & John Coltrane — Final Tour – Bootleg Series 6 (4CD set) ... CD

Columbia, 1960. Used 4 CDS ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

A fantastic presentation of legendary live material from the team of Miles Davis and John Coltrane – taken from the last concert tour the pair ever did together, and presented here with beautifully stunning sound! The European dates in 1960 were all part of a larger Jazz At The Philharmonic tour – which meant that Norman Granz was on hand to do a great job of capturing the material, which is then given extra-special treatment here for the reissue! Some of these sides have been issued on dodgy overseas collections over the years, but this is the first time all this material has been presented together, and so well – a tremendous illustration of the long solo genius of both Davis and Coltrane, with support from Wynton Kelly on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums. All tracks are very long – and the set features 8 tracks from the Paris concert on March 21, 5 tracks from the Copenhagen concert on March 24, and 9 from the Stockholm concert on March 22. There's also an interview with Coltrane, conducted during the tour – and titles include "Round Midnight", "On Green Dolphin Street", "All Of You", "So What", "Fran Dance", "Walkin", "All Blues", "Bye Bye Blackbird", and "Oleo". CD

55

Nathan Davis — Makatuka ... LP

Segue, Early 70s. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock

Nathan Davis' triumphant return to the American recording scene, and a very swingin, very soulful set recorded with a septet that includes Nelson Harrison, Roger Humphries, and Joe Kennedy. The vibe is righteous and free, but with a good groove all the way through. Similar to some of the stuff on Strata East or Black Jazz, but marked by the great writing and excellent reed solos of Mr. Davis, who (we feel) is one of the true geniuses of the saxophone of the 20th century. Nearly every track is great, and the titles include "Extra Sensory Perfection", "I Want To Be Free", and "Slave March". LP, Vinyl record album

(Original pressing – a great copy!)

56

Yussef Dayes — Black Classical Music ... CD

Nonesuch, 2023. New Copy ... $13.99 14.99

Yussef Dayes works here under a title that was first coined by Rahsaan Roland Kirk to refer to jazz – but Dayes takes the term to a whole new level with this groundbreaking set – really moving past jazz to unlock a whole field of soulful expression – served up an excellent group at the core, and key contributions from very hip guests throughout! Dayes has always been someone who defies expectations, but here he's going past just some sort of unconventionality to really make his own mark in music – letting an instrumental solo take center stage when needed, or working through vocals in another moment – but all with this effortless flow that really comes together over the course of the album! The group features Charlie Stacey on keyboards, Alexander Bourt on percussion, and Venna on tenor – and guests include Shabaka Hutchings, Leon Thomas, Miles James, Theon Cross, Chronixx, and others. Titles include "Early Dayes", "Afro Cubanism", "Black Classical Music", "Rust", "The Light", "Pon Di Plaza", "Marching Band", "Tioga Pass", "Cowrie Charms", "Crystal Palace", and "Presidential". CD

Also available Black Classical Music ... LP 31.99

57

Yussef Dayes — Black Classical Music ... LP

Nonesuch, 2023. New Copy 2LP ... $31.99 34.99

Yussef Dayes works here under a title that was first coined by Rahsaan Roland Kirk to refer to jazz – but Dayes takes the term to a whole new level with this groundbreaking set – really moving past jazz to unlock a whole field of soulful expression – served up an excellent group at the core, and key contributions from very hip guests throughout! Dayes has always been someone who defies expectations, but here he's going past just some sort of unconventionality to really make his own mark in music – letting an instrumental solo take center stage when needed, or working through vocals in another moment – but all with this effortless flow that really comes together over the course of the album! The group features Charlie Stacey on keyboards, Alexander Bourt on percussion, and Venna on tenor – and guests include Shabaka Hutchings, Leon Thomas, Miles James, Theon Cross, Chronixx, and others. Titles include "Early Dayes", "Afro Cubanism", "Black Classical Music", "Rust", "The Light", "Pon Di Plaza", "Marching Band", "Tioga Pass", "Cowrie Charms", "Crystal Palace", and "Presidential". LP, Vinyl record album

Also available Black Classical Music ... CD 13.99

58

Yussef Dayes — Black Classical Music (limited box set with drumsticks, comb, & green splatter vinyl) ... LP

Brownswood (UK), 2023. New Copy 2LP ... $130.99 139.99 About April 20, 2024 (delayed)

Yussef Dayes works here under a title that was first coined by Rahsaan Roland Kirk to refer to jazz – but Dayes takes the term to a whole new level with this groundbreaking set – really moving past jazz to unlock a whole field of soulful expression – served up an excellent group at the core, and key contributions from very hip guests throughout! Dayes has always been someone who defies expectations, but here he's going past just some sort of unconventionality to really make his own mark in music – letting an instrumental solo take center stage when needed, or working through vocals in another moment – but all with this effortless flow that really comes together over the course of the album! The group features Charlie Stacey on keyboards, Alexander Bourt on percussion, and Venna on tenor – and guests include Shabaka Hutchings, Leon Thomas, Miles James, Theon Cross, Chronixx, and others. Titles include "Early Dayes", "Afro Cubanism", "Black Classical Music", "Rust", "The Light", "Pon Di Plaza", "Marching Band", "Tioga Pass", "Cowrie Charms", "Crystal Palace", and "Presidential". LP, Vinyl record album

Also available
Black Classical Music ... CD 13.99
Black Classical Music ... LP 31.99

59

Paul Desmond — Take Ten ... CD

RCA (Japan), 1963. Used ... $9.99 11.99

That's "Take Ten", not "Take Five" – a great title cut that echoes Paul Desmond's previous work with Dave Brubeck – but which then gives way quickly to some sweet bossa-styled grooves done with guitar from Jim Hall! The album's one of the strongest of the Hall/Desmond collaborations for RCA – A sublime showcase not just for Paul's impeccable alto, but also for the amazing tones and chromes that fly freely from the strings of Jim's guitar! Both players are set up with just a bit of gentle backing – light percussion from Connie Kay, and a bit of bass from Gene Cherico or Gene Wright. The whole thing's a well-conceived study in economy, as the two players craft sly and subtle lines around spare drum and bass backings – slowly hanging sound in space to weave a rich web of sound that's as compelling as it seems to be effortless! Titles include "Take Ten", "El Prince", "Embarcadero", "Samba De Orfeu", "Theme From Black Orpheus", and "Alone Together". CD

(1988 Japanese pressing.)

60

Paul Desmond — Take Ten ... LP

RCA, 1963. Very Good- ... Out Of Stock

That's "Take Ten", not "Take Five" – a great title cut that echoes Paul Desmond's previous work with Dave Brubeck – but which then gives way quickly to some sweet bossa-styled grooves done with guitar from Jim Hall! The album's one of the strongest of the Hall/Desmond collaborations for RCA – A sublime showcase not just for Paul's impeccable alto, but also for the amazing tones and chromes that fly freely from the strings of Jim's guitar! Both players are set up with just a bit of gentle backing – light percussion from Connie Kay, and a bit of bass from Gene Cherico or Gene Wright. The whole thing's a well-conceived study in economy, as the two players craft sly and subtle lines around spare drum and bass backings – slowly hanging sound in space to weave a rich web of sound that's as compelling as it seems to be effortless! Titles include "Take Ten", "El Prince", "Embarcadero", "Samba De Orfeu", "Theme From Black Orpheus", and "Alone Together". LP, Vinyl record album

(Mono pressing with deep groove, 1s stampers. Cover has clear tape on all seams, surface wear & aging.)

Also available Take Ten ... CD 9.99

61

Paul Desmond — Take Ten (with bonus tracks) ... CD

RCA, 1963. Used ... Out Of Stock

That's "Take Ten", not "Take Five" – a great title cut that echoes Paul Desmond's previous work with Dave Brubeck – but which then gives way quickly to some sweet bossa-styled grooves done with guitar from Jim Hall! The album's one of the strongest of the Hall/Desmond collaborations for RCA – A sublime showcase not just for Paul's impeccable alto, but also for the amazing tones and chromes that fly freely from the strings of Jim's guitar! Both players are set up with just a bit of gentle backing – light percussion from Connie Kay, and a bit of bass from Gene Cherico or Gene Wright. The whole thing's a well-conceived study in economy, as the two players craft sly and subtle lines around spare drum and bass backings – slowly hanging sound in space to weave a rich web of sound that's as compelling as it seems to be effortless! Titles include "Take Ten", "El Prince", "Embarcadero", "Samba De Orfeu", "Theme From Black Orpheus", and "Alone Together". CD also features alternate takes of "Embarcadero" and "El Prince". CD

Also available Take Ten ... CD 9.99

62

Paul Desmond — Take Ten Plus (with bonus tracks) ... CD

RCA, 1963. Used ... Out Of Stock

That's "Take Ten", not "Take Five" – a great title cut that echoes Paul Desmond's previous work with Dave Brubeck – but which then gives way quickly to some sweet bossa-styled grooves done with guitar from Jim Hall! The album's one of the strongest of the Hall/Desmond collaborations for RCA – A sublime showcase not just for Paul's impeccable alto, but also for the amazing tones and chromes that fly freely from the strings of Jim's guitar! Both players are set up with just a bit of gentle backing – light percussion from Connie Kay, and a bit of bass from Gene Cherico or Gene Wright. The whole thing's a well-conceived study in economy, as the two players craft sly and subtle lines around spare drum and bass backings – slowly hanging sound in space to weave a rich web of sound that's as compelling as it seems to be effortless! Titles include "Take Ten", "El Prince", "Embarcadero", "Samba De Orfeu", "Theme From Black Orpheus", and "Alone Together". Plus, the CD reissue features 3 bonus tracks – "Out Of Nowhere", and alternate takes of "El Prince" and "Embarcadero". CD

Also available Take Ten ... CD 9.99

63

Bill Dixon — Complete Bill Dixon On Black Saint & Soul Note (In Italy/November 1981/Thoughts/Son Of Sisyphus/Vade Mecum 1 & 2/Papyrus 1 & 2) ... CD

Black Saint (Italy), 1980s. Used 9 CDs ... Out Of Stock

The complete Black Saint/Soul Note recordings of Bill Dixon – an amazing body of work that represents one of the strongest points in Dixon's career! Bill first burst on the scene with some important 60s avant albums on the Savoy label – including a key collaboration with Archie Shepp – but it wasn't until these 80s sides for the Italian label that his talents really took off – reaching out to new heights that explored some of the more serious themes in his music, often in longer-form conceptual recordings that are a great illustration of the freedoms offered by the label! The records also feature Bill working closely with a host of important musicians – including bassists Alan Silva, Peter Kowald, William Parker, and Barry Guy – and drummers Tony Oxley and Freddie Waits. The set features 9 full albums, each packaged in a mini LP-style sleeve – and titles include Bill Dixon In Italy Vol 1, Bill Dixon In Italy Vol 2, November 1981, Thoughts, Son Of Sisyphus, Vade Mecum, Vade Mecum 2, Papyrus Vol 1, and Papyrus Vol 2. CD

64

Jon Eardley — From Hollywood To New York (In Hollywood/Hey There Jon Eardley) ... CD

Prestige/OJC, 1954/1955. Used ... $2.99

Great early work from trumpeter Jon Eardley – captured here at a point when he was a budding young modernist in the 50s! The album features 2 early 10" LPs – Jon Eardley in Hollywood and Hey There Jon Eardley – both recorded for Prestige within a few months in the mid 50s. The first date features Eardley's trumpet right out front in the mix – hard, spare, and a bit angular – with backing from the piano of Pete Jolly, as well as Red Mitchell on bass and Larry Bunker on drums. Titles include "Late Leader", "Indian Spring", "Black", and "Gloss". The second session is even more interesting, as it features Eardley's horn in tandem with tenor saxophonist JR Monterose, brimming with new ideas at this point in his career, and adding a real edge to the tracks. The remaining players include George Syran on piano, Teddy Kotick on bass, and Nick Stabulas on drums – and titles include "Hey There", "Sid's Delight", "Demanton", and "If You Could See Me Now". CD

(Out of print with a punch through the barcode.)

65

Duke Ellington — Black, Brown, & Beige (plus bonus tracks) ... CD

Columbia, 1958. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

An important larger work from Duke Ellington – a suite of tracks that encompasses a range of styles and emotions in African-American expression! The work features some key guest work from Mahalia Jackson – singing here in a way that's different than other vocalists who worked with Duke in the 50s – much more steeped in a rootsy tradition. Group members include John Sanders, Harry Carney, Ray Nance, Quentin Jackson, and Cat Anderson – and the piece is divided into 6 sections, and includes the famous "Come Sunday" theme throughout most of the second half. Plus, the CD features a number of rare bonus tracks – including "Blues In Orbit" and "Track 360" in alternate takes, and a whole alternate version of the album – plus an acapella version of "Come Sunday", and even Mahalia Jackson swearing in the studio! CD

(Sealed copy, barcode has a cutout hole.)

66

Ellery Eskelin — EEwAP&JB+3(10) ... CD

Hatology (Switzerland), 2004. Used Gatefold ... Out Of Stock

The title might give you some hint of the feel of the set – as it's got a relatively complex quality, one that definitely fits its naming with a difficult formula – although the music itself is anything by formulaic! The group's headed by tenorist Ellery Eskelin, and features a round of New York stalwarts that includes Andrea Parkins on piano and accordion, Jim Black on drums and percussion, Marc Ribot on guitar, Melvin Gibbs on bass, and Jessica Constable on voice – all working together in the mix of free jazz and more offbeat, art-based sounds they can create. Through it all, Eskelin's tenor brings a nice degree of soul to the set – and titles include "If Not Now", "Tell Me When", "Anyone's Guess", "Say It Again", and "More Than That". CD

67

Greg Foat — Psychosynthesis ... LP

Blue Crystal (UK), 2022. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ... $32.99 39.99

One of the many things we love about keyboardist Greg Foat is that he's never willing to sit still – that he's always on the move into some new dimension of his music – so much so that it's very difficult to ever compare one of his records with another! This set's got a very keyboard-heavy approach – recorded with just drums from Morgan Simpson of Black Midi – and a style that's like some of the best tracks from that moment when the sound library scene went more electric at the end of the 70s – although in a way that still stretches out with the enigmatic depths of some of Foat's more ambitious projects! The album's full of wonderfully spacey lines and laidback grooves – on titles that include "Underwater Fantasy", "Tropical Love", "Arctic Cavern", "The Investigation", "Green Odyssey", "Riding Into Battel", "Subterranean Lake", and "World Of Tiers". LP, Vinyl record album

68

Satoko Fujii — Toward To West ... CD

Enja (Germany), 2000. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

Pianist Satoko Fujii has a really unique touch on the piano here – free lines that are very much in a Cecil Taylor side of the spectrum, but also often handled with a much lighter approach – so that there's these fleeting, scattered sounds that keep exploding from the instrument – matched with all these equally light touches from Mark Dresser on bass and Jim Black on drums! There's definitely a lot of improvisation taking place, but you can also get the sense of a larger structure in Fujii's approach – one that's often painterly, even when abstract – a bit hard to put in words, but very striking throughout. Titles include "Oscillation", "Then I Met You", "The Way To Get There", and "Shake Up & Down". CD

(Original Enja pressing. Cutout hole through barcode.)

69

Eddie Gale — Afro-Fire ... CD

Black Beauty, 2004. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

The first album we've heard in years by trumpeter Eddie Gale – an artist that we'll love forever for his 2 righteous sides on Blue Note! Gale's come a long way since his Blue Note years – and since his early 80s live album (the last recording we'd heard by him) – and he's working here in a style that mixes muted trumpet blowing with a range of electronics – in a style that's got some of the traces of messed-up mid 80s Ornette Coleman, and some of the mellower electric work of Miles Davis in his later years. Eddie sings a bit on one track, and the album's got a political undercurrent that reminds us of some of the mid 80s New York jazz/funk/electronics recordings. Titles include "Free You Free Me", "Welcome To Silicon Valley", "Inner Peace To You", "Afro Fire", "New York After Hours", "Route 95", and "Tribal Future". CD

(Out of print. Barcode has a cutout hole. Hype sticker on case.)

70

Roberto Gatto Quintet — Remembering Shelly 2 – Live At Alexanderplatz Jazz Club Roma ... CD

Albore Jazz (Japan), 2010. Used ... Out Of Stock

An excellent follow up to Roberto Gatto's first Remembering Shelly date – a sublime reworking of older west coast jazz modes, handled by a hip batch of contemporary Italian players! The groove here is less the whimsical Shelly Manne of the early 50s, than it is the hardbopper of the early 60s – heard most famously on his live Blackhawk and Manne Hole dates! The tracks here are nice and long – really approximating the feel of those great records – and Gatto's drums are topped with some great horn work from Marco Tamburini on trumpet and Max Ionata on tenor – both players who really know how to spin out some imaginative solos on the long tracks! Other players include Luca Mannutza on piano and Giuseppe Bassi on bass – and titles include "Pullin Strings", "Speak Low", "Seite X Seite", "Blue Daniel", and "Eclipse Of Spain". CD

(Out of print.)

71

Robert Glasper — Covered – The Robert Glasper Trio Recorded Live At Capitol Studios (Japanese pressing – with bonus track) ... CD

Blue Note (Japan), 2015. Used ... Out Of Stock

Continuing genius from the great Robert Glasper – a set that has the keyboardist going back to basics, and working in just a trio mode – live in the studio, and with stunning sound! Robert plays acoustic piano, but as with his early years, he's got this fluidity that really makes it feel like electric at times – a way of using the standard keys as if they belonged to a Fender Rhodes – a sound that comes across especially well with the snapping drums of Diamond Read, and round acoustic basslines from Vincent Archer. If you weren't hip to Glasper at this earlier mode in his career, you'll find plenty to love here – especially as some of the tunes are reworks of the sorts of music he'd do with his Black Radio project, but served up here in a mostly instrumental mode. The album does feature one guest appearance from Harry Belafonte – who's really amazing on a spoken part for "Got Over" – and other titles include "Reckoner", "I Don't Even Care", "In Case You Forgot", "The Worst", "So Beautiful", "I'm Dying Of Thirst", and "Levels". Includes the bonus track "Dillalude 3". CD

(2022 Japanese SHM-CD pressing with bonus track.)

72

Grand Central (Ravi Coltrane & Antoine Roney) — Sax Storm ... CD

Evidence, 1993. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

Ravi Coltrane on tenor and soprano sax, Antoine Roney on tenor sax, Jacky Terrasson on piano, Santi DeBriano on bass, and Cindy Blackman on drums. CD

(Out of print, punch through barcode.)

73

Stephane Grappelli — Just One Of Those Things ... LP

Black Lion, 1973. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock

With Marc Hemmeler on piano, Jack Sewing on bass, and Daniel Humair on drums. LP, Vinyl record album

74

Charles Greenlee with Archie Shepp — I Know About The Life – The Musical Genius Of Charles Greenlee (180 gram blue vinyl pressing) ... LP

Baystate/Future Shock, 1975. New Copy (reissue)... $25.99 28.99

Sublimely spiritual work from trombonist Charles Greenlee – a player who's best remembered for work as a sideman with Archie Shepp, but who really sparkles as a leader on this rare Japanese set! The vibe here is totally great – a righteous approach to soul jazz that rivals the best work of the Strata East scene in the US, but which is carried off with the poise and power of some of the best mid 70s Japanese-only dates of this type – clearly a great deal of respect and freedom given to Greenlee in the studio, but also some good help in putting together the record in as solid a way as possible. Jean Carn makes a great appearance singing on 3 tracks here – with a quality that's even more righteous than her work with Doug Carn on Black Jazz – and one more number features the great Joe Lee Wilson on vocals too. Players include Hubert Eaves and Art Matthews on piano, Charles Sullivan on trumpet, Archie Shepp on tenor and soprano, Buster Williams on bass, and either Charlie Persip or Beaver Harris on drums – and titles include "I Know About The Life", "He's Gone", "Steam", "Someday", "Crusificado", and "Miss Barbara". LP, Vinyl record album

(Limited edition of 500 – on heavyweight cyan blue vinyl!)

75

Charles Greenlee with Archie Shepp — I Know About The Life – The Musical Genius Of Charles Greenlee (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD

Baystate (Japan), 1975. Used ... Out Of Stock

Sublimely spiritual work from trombonist Charles Greenlee – a player who's best remembered for work as a sideman with Archie Shepp, but who really sparkles as a leader on this rare Japanese set! The vibe here is totally great – a righteous approach to soul jazz that rivals the best work of the Strata East scene in the US, but which is carried off with the poise and power of some of the best mid 70s Japanese-only dates of this type – clearly a great deal of respect and freedom given to Greenlee in the studio, but also some good help in putting together the record in as solid a way as possible. Jean Carn makes a great appearance singing on 3 tracks here – with a quality that's even more righteous than her work with Doug Carn on Black Jazz – and one more number features the great Joe Lee Wilson on vocals too. Players include Hubert Eaves and Art Matthews on piano, Charles Sullivan on trumpet, Archie Shepp on tenor and soprano, Buster Williams on bass, and either Charlie Persip or Beaver Harris on drums – and titles include "I Know About The Life", "He's Gone", "Steam", "Someday", "Crusificado", and "Miss Barbara". CD

Also available I Know About The Life – The Musical Genius Of Charles Greenlee (180 gram blue vinyl pressing) ... LP 25.99

76

Charlie Haden — Montreal Tapes – With Don Cherry & Ed Blackwell ... CD

Verve, 1989. Used ... Out Of Stock

A live trio side recorded at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal, in July 1989, with Don Cherry and Ed Blackwell. 8 numbers in all: "The Sphinx", "Art Deco", "Happy House", "Lonely Woman", "Mopti", "The Blessing", "When Will The Blues Leave" and "Law Years". CD

77

Chico Hamilton — El Chico ... LP

Impulse, 1965. Very Good Gatefold ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

Amazing, simply amazing – and light years ahead of the staid sounds that Chico Hamilton was cutting in the 50s! Hamilton's one of those players who has an amazing range to his music – almost all of it really incredible, as Chico always shifts things up over time – continually trying new things, and new modes of expression – even though, given his popularity, he could have just kept recording the same things year after year. This album is true testament to that propensity for growth in Hamilton's music – a wonderfully unbridled set that's filled with unusual rhythms, odd instrumentation, and even some of the first touches of psychedelic jazz to appear in the 60s! Players include Sadao Watanabe on alto and flute, Gabor Szabo on guitar, Jimmy Cheatham on trombone, and Willie Bobo and Victor Pantoja on percussion – all working together in a really wonderful range of modes from track to track – always groovy, but also pretty far-reaching and exploratory too! Titles include "El Moors", "Helena", "Strange", "Marcheta", "El Chico", and "Conquistadores". LP, Vinyl record album

(Orange & black label stereo pressing with Van Gelder stamp. Cover has a spot of ring wear at the bottom. The inner gatefold has some staining & wear.)

78

Billy Harper — Black Saint ... LP

Black Saint/Our Swimmer (Germany), 1975. New Copy (reissue)... Out Of Stock

Stunning work from one of the greatest players of the post-Coltrane generation – a classic session recorded overseas in the mid 70s, and one that's filled with soulful expressions from the great Billy Harper! Harper's tenor kicks off the set with an immediately gripping sound – as searing as Pharoah Sanders at his Impulse best – but driven on by searching, soaring modal rhythms that are all Billy's own – the kind of grooves he first forged with Max Roach, then really expanded on when given the freedom of a record like this. Other players include trumpeter Virgil Jones, pianist Joe Bonner, bassist David Friesen, and drummer Malcom Pinson – and titles include a killer take on "Croquet Ballet", which Harper originally recorded with Lee Morgan – plus the titles "Dance Eternal Spirits Dance" and "Call Of The Wild & Peaceful Heart". LP, Vinyl record album

79

Billy Harper — Black Saint ... LP

Black Saint (Italy), 1975. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock

Stunning work from one of the greatest players of the post-Coltrane generation – a classic session recorded overseas in the mid 70s, and one that's filled with soulful expressions from the great Billy Harper! Harper's tenor kicks off the set with an immediately gripping sound – as searing as Pharoah Sanders at his Impulse best – but driven on by searching, soaring modal rhythms that are all Billy's own – the kind of grooves he first forged with Max Roach, then really expanded on when given the freedom of a record like this. Other players include trumpeter Virgil Jones, pianist Joe Bonner, bassist David Friesen, and drummer Malcom Pinson – and titles include a killer take on "Croquet Ballet", which Harper originally recorded with Lee Morgan – plus the titles "Dance Eternal Spirits Dance" and "Call Of The Wild & Peaceful Heart". LP, Vinyl record album

(Japanese Tokuma pressing – with insert!)

80

Stefon Harris — Black Action Figure ... CD

Blue Note, 1999. Used ... Out Of Stock

The title's a stupid one, but Stefon Harris is one of the boldest voices on vibes in the past 20 years – a great player with a sound that resonates strongly with older work by Bobby Hutcherson and Walt Dickerson! Like both of those players, Harris has a way of approaching the vibes that is freshly modern, yet also strongly rhythmic and swinging – a groove that comes out even on the more experimental numbers in the set, and which makes the album resonate with colors and tones that few others on the instrument can match. The overall sound here is marked by Greg Osby's presence in the group and his production – but thankfully, those elements are a bit underplayed – and other players on the record include Steve Turre on trombone and Jason Moran on piano. Titles include "Feline Blues", "There Is No Greater Love", "Of Things To Come", "Bass Vibes", "Collage", "The Alchemist", "Chorale", "Faded Beauty", and "After The Day Is Done". CD

81

Stefon Harris & Blackout — Urbanus ... CD

Concord, 2009. Used ... Out Of Stock

Don't let the cover put you off – as the album's got all the deep soul and subtle touches we've come to love in the music of Stefon Harris over the years! There's just a slight urban undercurrent to the record, and if anything, the inventive rhythms and shifting instrumentation reminds us a lot of Harris' best albums for Blue Note over the past decade or so – a really creative reworking of the sound of vibes in jazz music – inspired strongly by the best artists on the instrument of the 70s, but tuned here with a newly modern edge. Marc Cary's on most tracks, playing both Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano – and Casey Benjamin plays alto sax on a number of tunes – although a few have a larger horn section joining in. Titles include "Gone", "Minor March", "Tanktified", "Christina", "Langston's Lullaby", "Blues For Denial", and "They Won't Go". CD

82

Wendell Harrison — Evening With The Devil (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD

Tribe/P-Vine (Japan), 1972. New Copy ... $18.99 24.99

One of the most classic albums on the Tribe Records label from Detroit – music that was too heavy for most of the world when it was issued in the 70s – but which has gone onto achieve legendary status over the years! Reedman Wendell Harrison leads the group in a set of soaring, spacious, righteous tunes – with great help from Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, and assorted other instruments, which he and Harrison play in the best AACM tradition. Phil Ranelin's also in the group on trombone – and other players include Charles Eubanks on keyboards, Ike Daney on drums, and Will Austin on bass – and the album also features some spoken passages by the Black Messengers, Oba and Vajava. The whole thing's fantastic – that strong collaborative spirit that graced the best part of the American jazz underground of the time – and titles include "Mary Had An Abortion", "Vol II Angry Young Man (parts 1 & 2)", "Consciousness", and "Rebirth". CD

83

Wendell Harrison — Evening With The Devil (Japanese pressing) ... LP

Tribe/P-Vine (Japan), 1972. New Copy (reissue)... Out Of Stock

One of the most classic albums on the Tribe Records label from Detroit – music that was too heavy for most of the world when it was issued in the 70s – but which has gone onto achieve legendary status over the years! Reedman Wendell Harrison leads the group in a set of soaring, spacious, righteous tunes – with great help from Marcus Belgrave on trumpet, and assorted other instruments, which he and Harrison play in the best AACM tradition. Phil Ranelin's also in the group on trombone – and other players include Charles Eubanks on keyboards, Ike Daney on drums, and Will Austin on bass – and the album also features some spoken passages by the Black Messengers, Oba and Vajava. The whole thing's fantastic – that strong collaborative spirit that graced the best part of the American jazz underground of the time – and titles include "Mary Had An Abortion", "Vol II Angry Young Man (parts 1 & 2)", "Consciousness", and "Rebirth". LP, Vinyl record album

Also available Evening With The Devil (Japanese paper sleeve edition) ... CD 18.99

84

Kuumba-Toudie Heath — Kawaida ... CD

Obe/Goodtime, 1969. New Copy ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

A stunning side project from Albert Toodie Heath of the Heath Brothers – a musician who was sometimes a bit staid in the past, but who was really feeling the vibe of the spiritual scene in the post-Coltrane years! The set resonates with a vibe that's very similar to the rare Heath Brother's album on Strata East, Marchin On – and the lineup here is incredible, with reeds from Jimmy Heath, trumpet from Don Cherry, piano from Herbie Hancock, bass from Buster Williams, percussion from Mtume, and drums from Ed Blackwell – all coming together for a session that's nearly lost to the history books, but which is one of the strongest spiritual jazz sessions of the late 60s! Herbie plays all acoustic piano throughout, and the tracks are long, leaping, and loping – with stretched-out spiritual solos from Jimmy Heath and Don Cherry – and a proud and righteous sound that's extremely free-spirited without going too far out. Titles include "Baraka", "Maulana", "Dunia", and "Kamili". CD

(On-demand pressing.)

85

Joe Henderson — Joe Henderson – The Milestone Years (8CD set) ... CD

Milestone, Late 60s/1970s. Used 8 CDs ... Out Of Stock

A decade's worth of magical music from tenorist Joe Henderson – his complete recordings for Milestone Records, easily some of the greatest sides of his career! Joe first got his start on Blue Note, where his sharp-edged horn was one of the most exciting things to strike the label in the 60s – but towards the end of that decade, he moved over to Milestone, where he really stretched out in a range of different modes – from electric fusion, to heavy funk, to some even freer, Brazilian-inspired sounds – all of which are presented in this set! The 8CD package features a whopping 82 tracks in all – material from albums that include The Kicker, Black Is The Color, Black Miracle, Black Narcissus, Canyon Lady, If You're Not Part Of The Solution, In Pursuit Of Blackness, In Japan, Multiple, Tetragon, Power To The People, and Elements – plus some previously unreleased tracks, and a few key appearances as a sideman for the label! CD

86

Joe Henderson — Mode For Joe ... LP

Blue Note, 1966. Very Good+ ... Out Of Stock

Classic early work by modern tenor genius Joe Henderson – very well titled with the use of "mode", given the new sound and new direction Henderson was taking his tenor in the 60s! The album's got Joe working at the head of an all-great lineup that includes Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Cedar Walton on piano, and Bobby Hutcherson on vibes – the last of whom really brings in some tremendous moments to the record, using his instrument to create a slightly off-kilter feel that pushes the set from straight hardbop into the modern realm with traces of "new thing" tones and colors. Joe's solos are incredible – searing, searching, yet still pulsing with an undeniably soulful rhythm – and titles include the essential track "Black", plus "Caribbean Fire Dance", "Free Wheelin", and "Shade Of Jade". LP, Vinyl record album

Also available Mode For Joe (180 gram pressing) ... LP 25.99

87

Joe Henderson — Mode For Joe (180 gram pressing) ... LP

Blue Note, 1966. New Copy ... $25.99 28.99

Classic early work by modern tenor genius Joe Henderson – very well titled with the use of "mode", given the new sound and new direction Henderson was taking his tenor in the 60s! The album's got Joe working at the head of an all-great lineup that includes Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Cedar Walton on piano, and Bobby Hutcherson on vibes – the last of whom really brings in some tremendous moments to the record, using his instrument to create a slightly off-kilter feel that pushes the set from straight hardbop into the modern realm with traces of "new thing" tones and colors. Joe's solos are incredible – searing, searching, yet still pulsing with an undeniably soulful rhythm – and titles include the essential track "Black", plus "Caribbean Fire Dance", "Free Wheelin", and "Shade Of Jade". LP, Vinyl record album

88

Joe Henderson — Mode For Joe (with bonus track) ... CD

Blue Note, 1966. Used ... Out Of Stock

Classic early work by modern tenor genius Joe Henderson – very well titled with the use of "mode", given the new sound and new direction Henderson was taking his tenor in the 60s! The album's got Joe working at the head of an all-great lineup that includes Lee Morgan on trumpet, Curtis Fuller on trombone, Cedar Walton on piano, and Bobby Hutcherson on vibes – the last of whom really brings in some tremendous moments to the record, using his instrument to create a slightly off-kilter feel that pushes the set from straight hardbop into the modern realm with traces of "new thing" tones and colors. Joe's solos are incredible – searing, searching, yet still pulsing with an undeniably soulful rhythm – and titles include the essential track "Black", plus "Caribbean Fire Dance", "Free Wheelin", and "Shade Of Jade". CD features a bonus alternate take of "Black". CD

(1988 first CD pressing.)

Also available Mode For Joe (180 gram pressing) ... LP 25.99

89

Joe Henderson — Power To The People ... LP

Milestone, 1969. Near Mint- Gatefold ... Out Of Stock

One of Joe Henderson's greatest albums ever – a real treasure from his electric years at Milestone Records, and a set that showed he really had a lot more to offer for the scene of the 70s! The sound here is quite different than Joe's earlier work for Blue Note – a style that's sometimes soaring, sometimes mellow – but always moving forward with a tremendously fluid approach to the tenor sax. Joe's sense of phrasing and timing is impeccable – quite subtle at times, with these dark notes that hang beautifully in air on the ballads – and some sharper-edged qualities that really burst out strongly on the more upbeat tunes. The group's a great one too – and features Herbie Hancock on both acoustic and electric piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums – plus additional trumpet by Mike Lawrence on 2 tracks. Titles include "Black Narcissus", "Isotope", "Afro-Centric", "Forsight & Afterthought", and "Power to The People". LP, Vinyl record album

90

Joe Henderson — Power To The People (180 gram pressing) ... LP

Milestone/Craft, 1969. New Copy (reissue)... Out Of Stock

One of Joe Henderson's greatest albums ever – a real treasure from his electric years at Milestone Records, and a set that showed he really had a lot more to offer for the scene of the 70s! The sound here is quite different than Joe's earlier work for Blue Note – a style that's sometimes soaring, sometimes mellow – but always moving forward with a tremendously fluid approach to the tenor sax. Joe's sense of phrasing and timing is impeccable – quite subtle at times, with these dark notes that hang beautifully in air on the ballads – and some sharper-edged qualities that really burst out strongly on the more upbeat tunes. The group's a great one too – and features Herbie Hancock on both acoustic and electric piano, Ron Carter on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums – plus additional trumpet by Mike Lawrence on 2 tracks. Titles include "Black Narcissus", "Isotope", "Afro-Centric", "Forsight & Afterthought", and "Power to The People". LP, Vinyl record album

91

Fred Hersch — Let Yourself Go – Fred Hersch At Jordan Hall ... CD

Evidence, 1999. Used ... Out Of Stock

Titles include "Moon & Snad", "Blue Monk", "Black Is The Color/Love Theme From Spartacus", and "Speak Low". CD

(Still sealed. Mark through slipcover barcode.)

92

Andrew Hill — Andrew – The Music Of Andrew Hill ... CD

Blue Note, 1964. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

Quite possibly our favorite album ever from pianist Andrew Hill – a really unique outing that features the vibes of Bobby Hutcherson and a rare non-Sun Ra appearance by tenorist John Gilmore! The presence of Hutcherson brings a real "new thing" energy to the album – a feel that's similar to Bobby's classic Dialogue album, of which Hill was such an important part. But the searching tenor of Gilmore also brings a striking new level to the session as well – and his solos open up with a raw, earthy quality that really shades in the album with a great deal of feeling. Gilmore's role here is a bit like that of Joe Henderson on his freer Blue Note material – but his sound still undeniably unique, at a level that really makes us wish he'd recorded more albums like this at the time. The tracks are all originals by Hill, and include the titles "Duplicity", "Black Monday", "The Griots", and "Le Serpent Qui Danse". CD features 2 bonus alternate takes too! CD

(2005 Connoisseur Series pressing.)

93

Andrew Hill — Dance With Death ... CD

Blue Note, 1968. Used ... $12.99

A wonderful session by Andrew Hill – recorded in 1968, but issued only briefly in 1981 – and out of print for years! The session is a key one in understanding Hill's work – as it's a bridge between the arch modernism of his early Blue Note sides, and the more soul-oriented playing of the Grass Roots album. The set features wonderful frontline work in the trumpet of Charles Tolliver, and tenor and soprano of Joe Farrell – both players who open up the sound at the same time they're giving it a nice bottom – egged on by the rest of the combo, which includes Victor Sproles on bass and Billy Higgins on drums. The album's an enchanting one – not as dark as early years, but still with a compelling vision that's all Hill's own. Titles include "Dance With Death", "Love Nocturne", "Black Sabbath", "Partitions", and "Fish N Rice". CD features a bonus alternate take of the title cut. CD

(2004 Connoisseur/BMG pressing.)

Also available
Dance With Death (180 gram pressing) ... LP 36.99
Dance With Death (UHQCD pressing) ... CD 18.99

94

Andrew Hill — Dance With Death (180 gram pressing) ... LP

Blue Note, 1968. New Copy Gatefold (reissue)... $36.99 38.99

A wonderful session by Andrew Hill – recorded in 1968, but issued only briefly in 1981 – and out of print for years! The session is a key one in understanding Hill's work – as it's a bridge between the arch modernism of his early Blue Note sides, and the more soul-oriented playing of the Grass Roots album. The set features wonderful frontline work in the trumpet of Charles Tolliver, and tenor and soprano of Joe Farrell – both players who open up the sound at the same time they're giving it a nice bottom – egged on by the rest of the combo, which includes Victor Sproles on bass and Billy Higgins on drums. The album's an enchanting one – not as dark as early years, but still with a compelling vision that's all Hill's own. Titles include "Dance With Death", "Love Nocturne", "Black Sabbath", "Partitions", and "Fish N Rice". LP, Vinyl record album

(Part of the excellent Blue Note Tone Poet series – heavy vinyl and cover!)

Also available
Dance With Death (UHQCD pressing) ... CD 18.99
Dance With Death ... CD 12.99

95

Andrew Hill — Dance With Death (UHQCD pressing) ... CD

Blue Note (Japan), 1968/1980. New Copy ... $18.99 23.99

A wonderful session by Andrew Hill – recorded in 1968, but issued only briefly in 1981 – and out of print for years! The session is a key one in understanding Hill's work – as it's a bridge between the arch modernism of his early Blue Note sides, and the more soul-oriented playing of the Grass Roots album. The set features wonderful frontline work in the trumpet of Charles Tolliver, and tenor and soprano of Joe Farrell – both players who open up the sound at the same time they're giving it a nice bottom – egged on by the rest of the combo, which includes Victor Sproles on bass and Billy Higgins on drums. The album's an enchanting one – not as dark as early years, but still with a compelling vision that's all Hill's own. Titles include "Dance With Death", "Love Nocturne", "Black Sabbath", "Partitions", and "Fish N Rice". CD features a bonus alternate take of the title cut. CD

Also available
Dance With Death (180 gram pressing) ... LP 36.99
Dance With Death ... CD 12.99

96

Andrew Hill — Dance With Death (with bonus track) ... CD

Blue Note (Japan), 1968. New Copy ... Out Of Stock

A wonderful session by Andrew Hill – recorded in 1968, but issued only briefly in 1981 – and out of print for years! The session is a key one in understanding Hill's work – as it's a bridge between the arch modernism of his early Blue Note sides, and the more soul-oriented playing of the Grass Roots album. The set features wonderful frontline work in the trumpet of Charles Tolliver, and tenor and soprano of Joe Farrell – both players who open up the sound at the same time they're giving it a nice bottom – egged on by the rest of the combo, which includes Victor Sproles on bass and Billy Higgins on drums. The album's an enchanting one – not as dark as early years, but still with a compelling vision that's all Hill's own. Titles include "Dance With Death", "Love Nocturne", "Black Sabbath", "Partitions", and "Fish N Rice". CD features a bonus alternate take of the title cut. CD

97

Andrew Hill — Nefertiti ... CD

East West (Japan), 1979. New Copy ... $10.99 14.99 About May 29, 2024

One of Andrew Hill's best records of the 70s – a soulful trio recording performed with Richard Davis on bass and Roger Blank on drums – and a real return to the glory of his 60s material! Hill's piano still has that fresh angular modern approach of his Blue Note sides – but the bass and drum work on the album ground it a bit more – adding in some additional rhythmic components, and giving the session the spiraling searching mode of some of the other Japanese trio sessions from the time, in the spirit of the best recordings on the East Wind label for which this gem was recorded! Hill wasn't always at his best in the decade, but he definitely shines here on some long, very expressive tracks – with titles that include "Mudflower", "Nefertiti", "Blue Black", and "Relativity". CD

98

Freddie Hubbard — Night Of The Cookers Vol 2 ... LP

Blue Note, 1965. Near Mint- ... Out Of Stock

A landmark set for Blue Note – one that features Freddie Hubbard working in raw, firey, freewheeling territory – given space that few other players at the label were getting at the time! The two volume set features tracks recorded live at Club La Marchal in Brooklyn – and have Hubbard working with a completely hip group that features Lee Morgan, James Spaulding, Harold Mabern, Larry Ridley, Pete La Roca, and Big Black on conga. Each side of the album features one long track – and this second volume features the tunes "Jodo" and "Breaking Point" – done in an extended style that's much rougher and rawer than Hubbard's studio albums of the time! LP, Vinyl record album

99

Freddie Hubbard — Night Of The Cookers Volumes 1 & 2 ... CD

Blue Note, 1965. Used 2 CDs ... Out Of Stock

A landmark set for Blue Note – one that features Freddie Hubbard working in raw, firey, freewheeling territory – given space that few other players at the label were getting at the time! The two volume set features tracks recorded live at Club La Marchal in Brooklyn – and have Hubbard working with a completely hip group that features Lee Morgan, James Spaulding, Harold Mabern, Larry Ridley, Pete La Roca, and Big Black on conga. The sound is incredible – a full on burner that easily earns the "cookers" status of the title – and which sounds quite different from most other live jazz albums of the time! Each side of the album features one long track – and this 2CD set features both volumes, with 4 extended titles that include – "Pensativa", "Walkin", "Jodo", and "Breaking Point". CD

100

Bobbi Humphrey — Dig This! ... CD

Blue Note/Dusty Groove, 1972. Used ... Temporarily Out Of Stock

A stone killer from funky flute player Bobbi Humphrey – one of her early albums for Blue Note Records, and a set that's a perfect summation of the best sides of her talents! The album's got a slightly different feel than Bobbi's work with Larry Mizell – yet still sports a similar approach that blends her amazingly spiritual flute lines with rich larger backings – in this case arranged by Horace Ott, Alphonse Mouzon, and Wade Marcus, in a sublime blend of electric jazz and soaring strings – all with a feel that's almost like some lost blacksploitation soundtrack! Given the lady's strength on her instrument, and her sharp sound on her solos, the record's got a focus and righteousness that takes it way past most contemporary efforts of this nature – a bold testament to the qualities that have made Bobbi one of our favorite players on flute for many many years. The set also features some wonderful Fender Rhodes – played both by Harry Whitaker and Paul Griffin – plus bass from Wilbur Bascomb, and heavy drums from Alphonse Mouzon. Titles include "Love Theme From Fuzz", "Nubian Lady", "Lonely Town Lonely Street", "Smiling Faces Sometimes", Is This All", "I Love Every Little Thing About You", "El Mundo De Maravilas", and a great version of Mouzon's "Virtue". CD

(Out of print. Punch through tray card.)

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