Jazz — Coming Soon 
A wealth of jazz in many styles -- bop, hardbop, soul jazz, spiritual, rare groove, modal, improvised music, funk, free jazz, fusion, avant garde, and trad!
Just Added!
Franz Koglmann with Steve Lacy
FlapsPipe/Black Monk (Austria), 1973.
CD ... About March 1, 2019
A surprisingly creative set from trumpeter Koglmann – and an odd one for Lacy as well! The album features Lacy blowing soprano amidst a variety of styles – some sparer tracks, ala his solo records; some more full-on free numbers; and a few that are even a bit whimsical. The group ... CD
Franz Koglmann with Steve Lacy
FlapsPipe/Black Monk (Austria), 1973. (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
A surprisingly creative set from trumpeter Koglmann – and an odd one for Lacy as well! The album features Lacy blowing soprano amidst a variety of styles – some sparer tracks, ala his solo records; some more full-on free numbers; and a few that are even a bit whimsical. The group ... LP, Vinyl record album
Tarika Blue
Blue Path (180 gram pressing)Chiaroscuro/Aartrud (Italy), 1977. (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
The second album by this fantastic 70s soulful fusion combo – a group who recorded for the Chiaroscuro label around the same time as James Mason – and who have an equally sublime sort of sound! The sound is almost a more electric reworking of spiritual styles from a few years before ... LP, Vinyl record album
Tordenskjolds Soldater
Peace (180 gram pressing)Spectator/SeriE.WOC (Italy), 1970. (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
An incredibly soulful set of jazz from the Danish scene at the start of the 70s – and a record that's much more in keeping with the spiritual sounds of the American underground at the time! The set boasts some tremendous tenor work from Jesper Nehammar – a player we don't know at all, ... LP, Vinyl record album
Akira Ishikawa
Back To RhythmSony/Mr Bongo (UK), 1975. (reissue)
LP ... About March 29, 2019
Heavy funk from a hip Japanese combo – one that features lots of drums and percussion from leader Akira Ishikawa, plus plenty of guitar, keyboards, and hard-riffing horns! Akira's taking most of his cues here from American funk of the early 70s – work by Incredible Bongo Band, BT ... LP, Vinyl record album
Akira Ishikawa
Back To RhythmSony/Mr Bongo (UK), 1975.
CD ... About March 29, 2019
Heavy funk from a hip Japanese combo – one that features lots of drums and percussion from leader Akira Ishikawa, plus plenty of guitar, keyboards, and hard-riffing horns! Akira's taking most of his cues here from American funk of the early 70s – work by Incredible Bongo Band, BT ... CD
Minoru Muraoka & New Dimension Group
BambooKing/Mr Bongo (UK), Late 60s. (reissue)
LP ... About April 19, 2019
60s jazz meets Japanese bamboo flute – all in a session with a great mix of groovy and exotic touches! The record's a unique meeting of jazz and folkloric elements – done in a style that's a bit like some of the late 60s sessions of this nature on MPS, but a fair bit groovier overall ... LP, Vinyl record album
Minoru Muraoka & New Dimension Group
BambooKing/Mr Bongo (UK), Late 60s.
CD ... About April 19, 2019
60s jazz meets Japanese bamboo flute – all in a session with a great mix of groovy and exotic touches! The record's a unique meeting of jazz and folkloric elements – done in a style that's a bit like some of the late 60s sessions of this nature on MPS, but a fair bit groovier overall ... CD
Wynton Kelly
Piano Interpretations By Wynton KellyBlue Note (Japan), 1951.
CD ... About April 10, 2019
A rare early 10" session by Wynton Kelly – who's working here in a trio format with Oscar Pettiford on bass and Lee Abrams on drums! The tracks are intimate and introspective, with Kelly holding back his bop chops a bit to break out in other moods on the keyboard – definitely the ... CD
Kenny Drew
Introducing the Kenny Drew TrioBlue Note (Japan), 1953.
CD ... About April 10, 2019
Classic trio material from Kenny Drew – played with a lot more lyricism than some of his bop-era contemporaries, but done so in the company of a swinging rhythm section that features Art Blakey and Curley Russel! The set's a very nicely done reissue which features all the elements of the ... CD
Herbie Nichols
Herbie Nichols TrioBlue Note (Japan), 1955/1956.
CD ... About April 10, 2019
Some of the most exciting piano jazz ever recorded – and one of the rare few albums released by the legendary Herbie Nichols. Nichols' heavy handed style is amazing throughout, and the record explodes with energy unheard of on other trio sessions from the time. Part of the credit probably ... CD
Hank Mobley
Hank Mobley Quartet (Blue Note 5066)Blue Note (Japan), 1955.
CD ... About April 10, 2019
Great early material from Hank Mobley – a record that's practically a Jazz Messengers album, given the lineup – and which comes across with the fire and power of that classic group at their start! Mobley's tenor is set tightly in a combo that includes Horace Silver on piano, Doug ... CD
Jutta Hipp
Jutta Hipp At The Hickory House – Vol 2Blue Note (Japan), 1956.
CD ... About April 10, 2019
One of the few American albums by Jutta Hipp – a key figure in the German jazz scene of the postwar years, recording here at the Hickory House in New York! The album's a trio date, but it's got more than enough modern energy to warrant inclusion in the Blue Note 1500 series of the 50s – ... CD
Jutta Hipp
Jutta Hipp At The Hickory House – Vol 1Blue Note (Japan), 1956.
CD ... About April 10, 2019
One of the few American albums by Jutta Hipp – a key figure in the German jazz scene of the postwar years, recording here at the Hickory House in New York! The album's a trio date, but it's got more than enough modern energy to warrant inclusion in the Blue Note 1500 series of the 50s – ... CD
Upcoming Releases
Larry Grenadier
GleanersECM (Germany), 2019.
LP ... On February 22, 2019
Beautiful solo bass work from Larry Grenadier – a record that fits perfectly in the best ECM tradition, yet also provides a stunning showcase for the artist as well! The recording quality is superb – and Grenadier finds so many ways to create different shades and tones with his ... LP, Vinyl record album
Greg Foat
MageAthens Of The North (UK), 2018.
LP ... About February 22, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Alvin Queen
OP – A Tribute To Oscar PetersonStunt (Denmark),
LP ... About February 25, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Kullrusk
KullruskMoserobie (Sweden), 2005.
LP ... About February 25, 2019
The sound of the Varitone lives again – in this super-groovy set from Swedish saxophonists Jonas Kullhammar and Per Rusktrask Johansson! Both players on the set are clearly inspired by the Varitone years of Eddie Harris – and the album's got a sense of space, sound, and soul that ... LP, Vinyl record album
Juju (Oneness of Juju)
Live At 131 Prince StreetP-Vine (Japan), 1973.
LP ... About February 27, 2019
A previously unissued concert by an early version of Oneness Of Juju – recorded in 1973 at Ornette Coleman's gallery on Prince Street in New York, and featuring a version of the group that was much more jazz-oriented than in later years! Players include Babatunde on percussion, Lon Moshe on ... LP, Vinyl record album
Lyman Woodard Organization
Live At JJ's Lounge 1974P-Vine (Japan), 1974.
LP ... About February 27, 2019
A rare live performance from the legendary Lyman Woodard Organization – captured here at the height of their powers in the 70s! The Organization has a really unique approach to their groove – one that starts in jazz, but moves quickly into funk – with a spirit that you'd find in ... LP, Vinyl record album
Henri Texier
A Cordes Et A CrisJMS (France), 1979. (reissue)
LP ... About February 28, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Bobby Rodriguez
Simply MacrameJazz Men/Jazz Detective (UK), 1973. (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
Don't confuse this Bobby with the Rodriguez who put out some mid 70s salsa albums on Vaya in New York – because this Bobby's a trumpet player from the LA scene, one who worked with Gerald Wilson, and is striking out here on his own in a sweet self-produced set! Instrumentation on the set is ... LP, Vinyl record album
Franz Koglmann with Bill Dixon
Opium For FranzBlack Monk (Austria), (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Franz Koglmann with Bill Dixon
Opium For FranzBlack Monk (Austria),
CD ... About March 1, 2019
... CD
Franz Koglmann with Steve Lacy
FlapsPipe/Black Monk (Austria), 1973.
CD ... About March 1, 2019
A surprisingly creative set from trumpeter Koglmann – and an odd one for Lacy as well! The album features Lacy blowing soprano amidst a variety of styles – some sparer tracks, ala his solo records; some more full-on free numbers; and a few that are even a bit whimsical. The group ... CD
Franz Koglmann with Steve Lacy
FlapsPipe/Black Monk (Austria), 1973. (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
A surprisingly creative set from trumpeter Koglmann – and an odd one for Lacy as well! The album features Lacy blowing soprano amidst a variety of styles – some sparer tracks, ala his solo records; some more full-on free numbers; and a few that are even a bit whimsical. The group ... LP, Vinyl record album
Jeremy Manasia Quintet
Sutra Book – Live At SmallsSmalls Live, 2019.
CD ... About March 1, 2019
... CD
Hakon Kornstad Trio
Im TreibhausGrappa (Norway),
LP ... About March 1, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
High Risk
High RiskJazzaggression (Estonia), 1974.
LP ... About March 1, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Makaya McCraven
Where We Come From (Chicago x London Mixtape)International Anthem, 2019.
LP ... On March 1, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Makaya McCraven
Where We Come From (Chicago x London Mixtape)International Anthem, 2019.
CD ... On March 1, 2019
... CD
Jochim Kuhn
Melodic Ornette Coleman – Piano Works 8Act (Germany),
LP ... About March 1, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Jochim Kuhn
Melodic Ornette Coleman – Piano Works 8Act (Germany),
CD ... About March 1, 2019
... CD
Timeless All Stars (Bobby Hutcherson/
Timeless All Stars – At Onkel Po's Carnegie Hall Hamburg 1982
Jazz Line (Germany),
LP ... About March 1, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Timeless All Stars (Bobby Hutcherson/
Timeless All Stars – At Onkel Po's Carnegie Hall Hamburg 1982
Jazz Line (Germany),
CD ... About March 1, 2019
... CD
Infinite Spirit Music
Live Without FearAncient Afrika/Jazzman (UK), 1980.
CD ... On March 1, 2019
Beautifully spiritual work from this obscure Chicago group from the late 70s – an AACM ensemble, and quite possibly one of the most soulful we've ever heard! There's a really spare, earthy approach to the work here – one that uses percussion, piano, and saxes from Light Henry Huff ... CD
Infinite Spirit Music
Live Without Fear (45 rpm 2LP pressing)Ancient Afrika/Jazzman (UK), 1980. (reissue)
LP ... On March 1, 2019
Beautifully spiritual work from this obscure Chicago group from the late 70s – an AACM ensemble, and quite possibly one of the most soulful we've ever heard! There's a really spare, earthy approach to the work here – one that uses percussion, piano, and saxes from Light Henry Huff ... LP, Vinyl record album
Frank Cunimondo Trio
Frank Cunimondo Trio introducing Lynn MarinoMondo/Music On Vinyl (UK), 1971.
CD ... About March 1, 2019
A beautiful set of hipster jazz vocals! This legendary album by Pittsburgh pianist Frank Cunimondo has always been a favorite for the jazz-dance groover "Feelin Good" – a cut which has an incredible drum and bass riff, and which has been sampled more than a few times over the past ... CD
David Torn/
Sun Of Goldfinger
ECM (Germany),
LP ... On March 1, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Mary Lou Williams
Mary Lou Williams (aka Black Christ Of The Andes)Mary/Smithsonian Folkways, 1963. (reissue)
LP ... On March 1, 2019
A landmark album – and one of the best records you'll ever find by Mary Lou Williams! The record's a mixture of jazz and spiritual themes, and it features Mary Lou's piano set in some super-hip jazz arrangements that include players like Grant Green, Budd Johnson, Larry Gales, Melba Liston, ... LP, Vinyl record album
Paolo Fresu/
Mare Nostrum III
Act (Germany),
LP ... About March 1, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Paolo Fresu/
Mare Nostrum III
Act (Germany),
CD ... About March 1, 2019
... CD
Ruby Rushton
Trudi's Songbook – Volumes 1 & 222A (UK), 2018.
LP ... On March 1, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Ben Webster
Ben Webster Plays BalladsStoryville (Denmark), Late 60s. (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
Rare European performances by Ben Webster, mostly from the tail end of the 60s – mostly small combo, but a few with larger groups too. LP, Vinyl record album
Sahib Shihab
SentimentsStoryville (Denmark), 1971. (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
One of the coolest, most compelling albums we've ever heard from reedman Sahib Shihab – and that's saying a lot, given how much we love all his other music! This rare gem's got a very exotic feel –explained by Shihab in the notes as coming from a Tunisian influence on the leadoff track ... LP, Vinyl record album
Tarika Blue
Blue Path (180 gram pressing)Chiaroscuro/Aartrud (Italy), 1977. (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
The second album by this fantastic 70s soulful fusion combo – a group who recorded for the Chiaroscuro label around the same time as James Mason – and who have an equally sublime sort of sound! The sound is almost a more electric reworking of spiritual styles from a few years before ... LP, Vinyl record album
Tordenskjolds Soldater
Peace (180 gram pressing)Spectator/SeriE.WOC (Italy), 1970. (reissue)
LP ... About March 1, 2019
An incredibly soulful set of jazz from the Danish scene at the start of the 70s – and a record that's much more in keeping with the spiritual sounds of the American underground at the time! The set boasts some tremendous tenor work from Jesper Nehammar – a player we don't know at all, ... LP, Vinyl record album
Caldera
Caldera/Capitol/Soulmusic.com (UK), 1976/1977.
CD ... About March 1, 2019
A pair of killers from this jazzy Latin combo of the 70s! First up is the self-title Caldera album – a jazzy Latin fusion classic – and the first album by the border-crossing combo! The group features both North and South American players – coming together in a hard-riffing ... CD
Krzysztof Komeda & Jerzy Milian
Komeda On Polish Radio 3 – Komeda & MilianPolskie Radio (Poland),
CD ... About March 5, 2019
... CD
Krzysztof Komeda
Komeda On Polish Radio 1 – First RecordingPolskie Radio (Poland),
CD ... About March 5, 2019
... CD
Krzysztof Komeda
Komeda On Polish Radio 4 – Sophia's TunePolskie Radio (Poland),
CD ... About March 5, 2019
... CD
Krzysztof Komeda
Komeda On Polish Radio 7 – LitanyPolskie Radio (Poland),
CD ... About March 5, 2019
... CD
Zbigniew Seifert
Polish Radio Jazz Archives 32Polskie Radio (Poland),
CD ... About March 5, 2019
... CD
Krzysztof Komeda
Komeda On Polish Radio 6 – Muzyka Filmowa Oraz Jazz I PoezjaPolskie Radio (Poland),
CD ... About March 5, 2019
... CD
Clifford Jordan
Glass Bead Games (180 gram pressing)Strata East/Pure Pleasure (UK), 1973. (reissue)
LP ... About March 5, 2019
An essential bit of 70s soul jazz – a real standout in both the catalogs of tenorist Clifford Jordan, and the Stata East label! This is one of those few records where every element is perfect, and all players rise together to a new level of expression – and we'd easily rank this one ... LP, Vinyl record album
Charles Tolliver
Charles Tolliver & His All Stars (aka Paper Man) (180 gram pressing)Strata East/Pure Pleasure (UK), 1968. (reissue)
LP ... About March 5, 2019
Early work from the man behind Strata East – recorded in 1968, and one of the first sessions that Tolliver ever cut as a leader! Charles Tolliver's unique melodicism and rich modalities ride over deep, often funky, and sometimes twisted grooves generated by the powerhouse rhythm section of ... LP, Vinyl record album
Hiroshi Suzuki
CatSony (Japan), 1975. (reissue)
LP ... About March 5, 2019
A great bit of electric jazz from the Japanese scene of the 70s – an album that easily rivals the best CTI work in the US at the time! Trombonist Hiroshi Suzuki heads up a quintet here – one that's heavy on electric piano and keyboards, played in a stretched-out sort of groove that ... LP, Vinyl record album
Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media
Funky StuffColumbia (Japan), 1974. (reissue)
LP ... About March 6, 2019
Funky fusion from 70s Japan – a really great set that's heavy both on Fender Rhodes, and on a range of choppy reed lines on tenor, soprano sax, and flute! The set's got a warm glow that's perfect for the CTI generation – with an equally apt sense of space, one that keeps the record ... LP, Vinyl record album
Sarah Tandy
Infection In The SentenceJazz Refreshed (UK),
LP ... About March 8, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Miles Davis
Live In Paris – 1960Return To Analog (Canada), 1960.
LP ... About March 8, 2019
Rare session with Sonny Stitt on vinyl for the first time! LP, Vinyl record album
Matthew Shipp Trio with Nicole Mitchell
All Things AreRogue Art (France),
CD ... About March 8, 2019
... CD
Michel Roques
ChorusSaravah/Souffle Continu (France), Early 70s. (reissue)
LP ... About March 15, 2019
An amazing album from the legendary Saravah label – one of the imprint's lesser-known gems from the 70s, but a set that's got the same compelling mix of modes you'd find in their albums from Barney Wilen, Brigitte Fontaine, Pierre Barouh, or the Art Ensemble Of Chicago! Reedman Michel Roques ... LP, Vinyl record album
Jean-Charles Capon
L'Univers SolitudeSouffle Continu (France), (reissue)
LP ... About March 15, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Don Rendell/
Change Is
Decca/Jazzman (UK), (reissue)
LP ... On March 15, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Don Rendell/
Live
Decca/Jazzman (UK), (reissue)
LP ... On March 15, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Don Rendell/
Phase III
Decca/Jazzman (UK), (reissue)
LP ... On March 15, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Don Rendell/
Dusk Fire
Decca/Jazzman (UK), (reissue)
LP ... On March 15, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Don Rendell/
Shades Of Blue
Decca/Jazzman (UK), (reissue)
LP ... On March 15, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Amanita
Sol Y SombraPharaway Sounds (Spain), (reissue)
LP ... About March 15, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Comet Is Coming
Trust In The Lifeforce Of The Deep MysteryImpulse,
LP ... On March 15, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Sam Rivers
ContoursBlue Note, 1965. (reissue)
LP ... On March 15, 2019
A brilliant statement of modernist jazz from Sam Rivers – one of his groundbreaking early albums for Blue Note, and one of the most challenging sessions issued by the label during the 60s! The record's a real departure from Rivers' already-great Fuscia Swing Song – with tunes that go ... LP, Vinyl record album
Don Cherry
Don Cherry (aka Brown Rice)A&M/Verve, 1976. (reissue)
LP ... On March 15, 2019
Mindblowing music from the great Don Cherry – quite a statement, given how much fantastic sounds Cherry had already given us by this point in his career! In the years before this set, Don had worked in some very free, avant modes – and also explored a fair bit of global styles too ... LP, Vinyl record album
Resilience,
CD ... On March 15, 2019
Key proof that great songs never get old – and maybe even more, that the political messages of yesterday still have plenty of power today! Drummer Ulysses Owens mines the righteous territory of the 60s and 70s here – bringing together songs originally performed by Nina Simone, Abbey ... CD
Adele Sebastian
Desert Fairy Princess (180 gram pressing)Nimbus/Pure Pleasure (UK), 1978. (reissue)
LP ... About March 15, 2019
One of our favorite records ever on the legendary Nimbus label – a special home to spiritual jazz on the west coast at the end of the 70s – and crucial for giving us some really unique talents like this! Adele Sebastian may have only ever cut this one album as a leader, but she's a ... LP, Vinyl record album
Dadisi Komolafe
Hassan's Walk (180 gram pressing)Nimbus/Pure Pleasure (UK), 1983. (reissue)
LP ... About March 15, 2019
A soul jazz treasure from the LA scene of the early 80s – a fantastic record that we'd rank with the best Strata East sides of the time! The group's led by alto saxophonist Dadisi Komolafe, and features vibes by Ricky Kelly, piano by Eric Tillman, bass by Roberto Miranda, and drums by ... LP, Vinyl record album
Ryo Fukui
Ryo Fukui In New YorkHMV (Japan), (reissue)
LP ... About March 19, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Michael Longo
900 Shares Of The BluesGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A killer electric piano jam from the great Mike Longo – stone funky, and one of his best albums ever! The whole thing's done in a really laidback style that's simply amazing – a lot like the best CTI work of the time, but somehow rougher, and with a darker edge. Longo riffs out on the ... CD
Lonnie Smith
Funk ReactionLC/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1977.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A sweet 70s groover from the great Lonnie Smith – a soulful little session that has the keyboardist really stretching out in some great ways! At the time, Smith fares a lot better than some of his late 60s jazz organ contemporaries – as he's got a great lean style, perfect for the ... CD
Reuben Wilson
Sweet LifeGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A great groover by Reuben Wilson – and one of his best albums ever! The funky organist really takes off from the sound of his earlier Blue Note albums here – hitting a vibe that's sharper, darker, and plenty darn righteous – still small combo jazz funk, but with a depth that we ... CD
Jimmy McGriff, George Freeman, Lucky Thompson
Friday The 13th – Cook County JailGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Gritty gritty gritty! This live set of soul jazz tracks was recorded in Chicago's Cook County Jail on Friday the 13th, 1972 – and we can hardly think of a darker place to record a soul jazz album! Side one features the aptly-named "Freedom Suite", an extended groover played by ... CD
Larry Willis
Inner CrisisGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
One of the few funky albums ever cut as a leader by Larry Willis – a super-hip keyboard player who's best known for his work with Jackie McLean and Hugh Masekela, but who sounds even better as a leader! This album's a gem all the way through – with a free-thinking soulful sound that's ... CD
Joe Thomas
Make Your MoveGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1978.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Sweet clubby grooving from Joe Thomas – a set that has the Ebony Godfather smoothing his groove a bit for the disco years of the late 70s, but still keeping things plenty soulful throughout! Brad Baker (of B Baker Chocolate Company fame) arranged and conducted the album, and he brings in ... CD
Joe Thomas
Feelin's From WithinGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
The Ebony Godfather is grooving here with a set of fuller backings – sweet clubby funk, arranged and conducted by Brad Baker (of B Baker Chocolate Company fame) – all as a showcase for Joe's sweet work on flute and tenor sax! There's a fair bit of keyboards on the tunes – played ... CD
Richard Groove Holmes
Night GliderGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Sweet 70s funk from the legendary Groove Holmes – an album that has his funky organ riffing nicely over some tight larger arrangements! The style is really great, and a nice departure from the smaller combo Groove Holmes sound of the 60s – more in keeping with his later Blue Note work, ... CD
Chick Corea
SundanceGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1969.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A late 60s recording from Chick Corea from the period where he was exploring free and modal playing, hinting at the feel of the Circle LPs we love so much that he participated in. Hubert Laws does a great job meeting the vibe of the tracks in an unexpected fashion, and Woody Shaw does a great job ... CD
Buddy Rich
Last Blues AlbumGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Nothing "blues" about this set – as Buddy Rich is working with some of the best soul jazz players of the Groove Merchant label – on a set that's one of his few small combo albums from the 70s! The vibe is very relaxed and laidback, and even Buddy's tight drumming can't over-hy ... CD
Buddy Rich
Very Live At Buddy's PlaceGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Hard-swinging Buddy Rich from the prime early 70s years – not exactly an all-out funk affair, but still a great groover, with plenty of hip little big band numbers! The groove here is nice and lean – and Buddy and the group are working at Buddy's own club – hitting that trademark ... CD
Jimmy McGriff
Mean MachineGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Sweet 70s electric work from Jimmy McGriff – material that's different than his grittier grooves of the 60s, but still plenty darn great! The style's clearly influenced by CTI – as Jimmy's using electric piano as much as organ – and is getting some fuller support in the backings ... CD
Jimmy McGriff
Fly DudeGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Some great down-home work from Jimmy McGriff – a session that's a bit less funk-based than some of his others for the Groove Merchant label, but still plenty darn great! The set's kind of a nice link between the straighter soul jazz of McGriff's 60s years, and his return to the format at the ... CD
O'Donel Levy
WindowsGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1976.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A great later album from O'Donel Levy – recorded after his initial flurry of work for the Groove Merchant label, but still plenty darn nice! The sound here is slightly smoother and a bit more electric than before – with Levy's sweet guitar work snaking out over some larger backings ... CD
O'Donel Levy
Everything I Do Gonna Be FunkyGroove Merchant/Ultra Vybe (Japan), 1973.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
The butt-squeezing cover should be enough to let you know that this is one funky album – but if that doesn't get the message across, the grooves certainly do! O'Donel Levy plays tight and funky guitar, and also sings a bit on the set – working with a tight combo that features Charles ... CD
Sam Jones
BassistInterplay/Venus (Japan), 1979.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A bold little trio set from bassist Sam Jones – recorded with a great lineup that includes Keith Copeland on drums and Kenny Barron on piano! Barron plays both electric and acoustic piano on the album, and really brings a lot of his own strengths into play with Sam's bass work – and ... CD
Nucleus & Ian Carr
Torrid Zone – The Vertigo Recordings 1970 to 1975 (6CD set)Cherry Red (UK),
CD ... About March 20, 2019
... CD
Grover Washington Jr
Mister MagicMotown (Japan), 1974.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
Pure dark magic from Grover Washington – a record that was a megahit back in the 70s, but which still sounds amazing many decades later! There's a sound here that's completely sublime – and the album is to Grover's career what the first 2 CTI sets by Bob James were to his – a ... CD
Crusaders
HollywoodMoWest/Universal (Japan), 1972.
CD ... About March 20, 2019
A great record from The Crusaders – and an album that's really the start of the group's strong run of smooth funky jazz for the 70s – a very vibrant little set, even though the black and white cover makes the whole thing look a bit understated! The album's got the group dropping the ... CD
Don Rendell/
Live (Japanese paper sleeve edition)
Decca/Universal (Japan),
CD ... About March 20, 2019
... CD
Don Rendell/
Change Is (Japanese paper sleeve edition)
Decca/Universal (Japan),
CD ... About March 20, 2019
... CD
Don Rendell/
Phase III (Japanese paper sleeve edition)
Decca/Universal (Japan),
CD ... About March 20, 2019
... CD
Don Rendell/
Dusk Fire (Japanese paper sleeve edition)
Decca/Universal (Japan),
CD ... About March 20, 2019
... CD
Don Rendell/
Shades Of Blue (Japanese paper sleeve edition)
Decca/Universal (Japan),
CD ... About March 20, 2019
... CD
Ensemble Al-Salaam
SojournerStrata East/P-Vine (Japan), 1974. (reissue)
LP ... About March 20, 2019
Sublime spiritual jazz from Strata East – one of the label's rarest recordings, and one of its hippest too! The set has an incredibly righteous feel – a blend of keyboards, saxes, guitar, percussion, and vocals that steps off with a very deep feel – one that's heavy on the best ... LP, Vinyl record album
Roscoe Mitchell
Littlefield Concert Hall Mills College – March 19-20, 2018Wide Hive, 2019.
CD ... On March 22, 2019
... CD
Afro Blue Persuasion
Live At Haight Levels – Vol 2Mo Jazz (UK), 1967.
LP ... About March 22, 2019
... LP, Vinyl record album
Gabor Szabo
1969 (gold vinyl pressing)Skye/Modern Harmonic, 1969. (reissue)
LP ... On March 22, 2019
One of Gabor Szabo's amazing late 60s albums for the Skye label – trippy, jazzy, and with a mod exotica vibe that would never be matched again! Gabor's playing guitar in a two-guitar frontline, which makes for lots of dreamy interplay between the strings – a shifting pattern of sound ... LP, Vinyl record album
Yoichi Kobayashi & The Jazz Messengers
Niagara Shuffle – Tribute To Art BlakeyKing (Japan),
CD ... About March 27, 2019
... CD
Akira Ishikawa
Back To RhythmSony/Mr Bongo (UK), 1975. (reissue)
LP ... About March 29, 2019
Heavy funk from a hip Japanese combo – one that features lots of drums and percussion from leader Akira Ishikawa, plus plenty of guitar, keyboards, and hard-riffing horns! Akira's taking most of his cues here from American funk of the early 70s – work by Incredible Bongo Band, BT ... LP, Vinyl record album
Akira Ishikawa
Back To RhythmSony/Mr Bongo (UK), 1975.
CD ... About March 29, 2019
Heavy funk from a hip Japanese combo – one that features lots of drums and percussion from leader Akira Ishikawa, plus plenty of guitar, keyboards, and hard-riffing horns! Akira's taking most of his cues here from American funk of the early 70s – work by Incredible Bongo Band, BT ... CD
