”Song of Songs” by Woody Shaw on Contemporary S7632

January 24, 2026

Trying to get hold of Woody’s stuff as a leader whenever I can. This one on Contemporary, recorded 1972 and released 1973, has been a want for quite a while. It was his second effort as a leader, following the lovely debut ”Blackstone Legacy”, also on on Contemporary.

I love his virtuoso playing and intricate compositional skills. All tunes on the album are his originals. Complex and deep stuff, and his execution on the trumpet is brilliant. His solos are always a treat. His choice of notes and overall approach is unique. A highly advanced player with dazzling technique and harmonic ideas that keeps you engaged and hanging on his every note.

The band backing him is great, with Bennie Maupin on tenor on one tune, Emanuel Boyd on flute and tenor sax, Ramon Morris on tenor sax, George Cables on acoustic and electric piano, Henry Franklin on bas and Woodrow Theus II on drums.

The search for more of Shaw’s recordings continues.

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”Tetragon” by Joe Henderson on Milestone MSP 9017

January 21, 2026

A Henderson on Milestone is always a treat.

First acquisition of the year is this Henderson gem on Milestone. Slowly ticking off his albums on that label, and this is the fourth one. Almost got a fifth at the end of last year but the grading was way off on that one.

This is definitely up there among my favorite Henderson albums. It’s very accessible, with a mix of hard bop and post-bop styles.

A nicely recorded session. It features a great tenor sound which is earthy and natural, a natural drum sound as well with nice details present on the cymbals, the bass is thick and full and the piano is delicately pleasant.

Recorded on two different dates in 1967 and 1968 at Plaza Sound Studios i NYC. We have two different quartets, one with Henderson on tenor, Don Friedman on piano, Ron Carter on bass and Jack DeJohnette on drums. Kenny Barron and Louis Hayes are present instead of Friedman and DeJohnette on one of the sessions.

Favourite tunes is the smokin’ Henderson original ”The Bead Game” and the soothing ”Waltz for Sweetie” penned by Walter Bishop Jr.

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”Genesis” by Charles Sullivan on Strata-East SES-7413

December 9, 2025

My Strata-East collection continues to grow. This is the 12th title I believe. I’ve been after this one for quite a while. Seems very scarce. Hard to find in decent shape for sure. And to find a copy with minimal wear on the cover is almost impossible. But I managed to find this copy from a new source and it’s in lovely shape, both cover and vinyl. This source has plenty of other rare stuff as well so I’m hoping to acquire some more.

Sullivan was an amazing trumpeter and I have a couple of records on which he is featured, one leader date and one where he is a sideman. Very nice to been able to add ”Genesis”, which is probably his magnum opus, to the shelves as well.

The music on this album is a mix of spiritual elements, post-bop, funky grooves, infectious percussion, serene ballads and some beautiful female vocals on one tune. A complete 70’s jazz package.

The group features Stanley Cowell, Sonny Fortune, Billy Hart and Dee Dee Bridgewater among others.

A wonderful addition before the year draws to a close.

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”Ghetto Music” by Eddie Gale on Blue Note BST 84294

November 7, 2025

Fantastic spiritual excursion by another Sun Ra sideman, Brooklyn-born trumpeter Eddie Gale. His debut as a leader. Seems this title is quite scarce and in demand. Been looking for it for a while and was very happy to have found a copy online recently.

The first tune ”The Rain” features some lovely lead vocals by Eddie’s sister Joann Gale. The theme is a beautiful one. But the highlight is Gale’s trumpet. His playing is searching and wailing. Superb notes are chosen, displaying a wonderful tone and virtuoso technique. This continues in even more extravagant fashion on the whirlwind second tune ”Fulton Street”. High energy stuff played with intent. Gale’s solo is outstanding. A fiery statement. The whole group is on fire. Russell Lyle’s tenor is fantastic. Got to mention the drums as well. There are two drummers (two bassists as well). Actually, the drums might be the highlight overall on this tune. The thunderous intensity is impressive, and they are very well recorded, as you would expect from Van Gelder.

It gets calmer on the third tune ”A Understanding”, which is spiritual jazz in a nutshell. Expansive and deep, sombre and reflective in nature.

The second side opens with a marching rhythm and chanting vocals. The trumpet solo that follows is sublime in it’s oriental and virtuosic brilliance. Gale’s approach is flamboyant and expressive. Love the tenor solo as well on this. It follows the oriental flavors that Gale led with. It’s called ”A Walk With Thee” and is perhaps my favorite tune on the album.

The album concludes with ”The Coming of Gwilu”, a 13 minute exploration in spiritual moods that sums up the whole approach of this album in a beautiful way. A defined bass line, lively percussion/drums and chanting vocals leads the way into musical nirvana.

I would go as far as to say this is probably in my top 5 list of favorite Blue Notes, and that’s saying a lot.

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”The Will Come, Is Now” by Ronnie Boykins on ESP-Disk 3026

November 4, 2025

Sun Ra stalwart Ronnie Boykins takes the helm on this session, his only effort as a leader, recorded in 1974 and released in 1975. It was the last album released by ESP before temporarily shutting up shop. Boykins, a wonderful bassist and composer, penned all the tunes on the album. The music is spiritual and adventurous, but lyrical and focused. I hear Mingus influences here for example. The arrangements are very engaging and interesting. The spirituality of the 70’s is mixed with nods to the past. African leaning elements are present as well, with some superb percussion and moods, especially on the last tune.

Favorite picks of the album are probably the 12 minute plus title track ”The Will Come, Is Now”, with it’s spiritual, oriental touch and percussion highlights, and also the partly Ornette-esque ”Dawn is Evening, Afternoon”.

This is one of the true gems of 70’s jazz for sure. Been after it for quite a while. Not an easy one to find, so very happy to be able to put this very clean copy on the shelf.

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”Life’s Force” by Ahmed Abdullah on About Time AT-1001

October 16, 2025

Trumpeter Ahmed Abdullah was a longstanding member of Sun Ra’s Arkestra. This title was his debut as a leader, released in 1979. The band features Abdullah on trumpet, Vincent Chancey on french horn, Muneer Abdul Fatah on cello, Jay Hoggard on vibes, Jerome Hunter on double bass and Rashied Sinan on drums. The listener is treated to some fantastic jazz which can be described as spiritual and very lyrical. Love the inclusion of the french horn, cello and vibraphone, which gives the music a special flavor. I’m a sucker for the cello in jazz so this is right up my alley. Fatah’s contribution is stellar.

Abdullah’s tone is smooth, earthy and pleasant. His style is lyrical and grounded, focusing on moods and melody rather than flamboyant flair and virtuosity. I need to check him out with the Arkestra as well, to compare how he fares in that environment. I’m sure it’s a lovely fit.

This is one of those obscure (for the larger masses anyway) titles from the 70’s, pressed on a small label that is just outstanding. I’ve discovered so many great titles during the past year, so many new artists and labels. Mainly from the 70’s, which I now feel is probably my favorite decade when it comes to jazz.

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”Reminicent Suite” by Mal Waldron & Terumasa Hino on Victor SMJX-10155

October 11, 2025

Trying to tick off my most wanted Waldron albums from the 70’s from the wishlist. This one was at the top of that list. Got ”Spanish Bitch” in the spring which was one of the other ones high up on the list.”

Released in Japan in 1973. What makes this one special is of course the two epic side long cuts and Waldrons usual brilliance, but the presence of Japanese trumpet master Terumasa Hino is for me of pivotal importance in making this a standout session.. What a player. Technically dazzling and very lyrical. The rest of the all-Japanese band cooks as well, with Takao Uematsu on tenor sax, Isao Suzuki on double bass, Terumasas brother Motohiko Hino on drums and Uzi Imamura on percussion.

The music is spiritual and dark, longing and searching, groovy and energetic, reflective and meditative. A great variation within the tunes. The title track was written by Waldron and ”Black Forest” by Terumasa Hino.

This copy has the original obi and insert which is very cool. Superb condition on both the vinyl and jacket. Has to be one of my favorite additions of the year, and there has been a lot of great ones. Like I’ve mentioned many times before, Waldron is my favorite pianist and this title was a must have for me.

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”Interstellar Space” by John Coltrane on Impulse ASD-9277

October 10, 2025

Fresh new addition. Picked up the package today. Some sun bleaching on the jacket, but the vinyl sounds as new. While I’m listening to this album now, I’m a bit baffled by myself for not acquiring this masterpiece on vinyl earlier, as I’ve had the stereo deck now for over a year. Better late than never I guess.

Two of my favourite jazz musicians grace this later Impulse title, namely Coltrane and Rashied Ali. A powerful duo recording displaying both musicians mastery and the outstanding musical connection they shared together. The album was recorded in February of 1967. Coltrane died later that year in July. It was posthumously released in September of 1974. Four planetary tunes, all outstanding. My favourite is probably the second cut on the first side named ”Venus”, featuring Ali on brushes. His rhythmical and intricate approach is so masterfully executed. He was a powerful drummer but not in that he bashes the skins, but more in that he plays very dynamic, applying a flurry of propulsive hits while also using his trickery with more subtle and delicate notes.

Coltrane just flows seamlessly through the proceedings, drawing from a seemingly never ending well of ideas. His mastery is on full display here, becoming more alive than ever in this stripped down setting. He plays like it’s his last day on earth. That he needs to get the last creative breath, every last celestial idea, out of his system before his meets his maker. That palpable sense of urgency makes this one of my absolute favourite Coltrane recordings. A supernova in his discography.

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”The Call” by Horace Tapscott on Nimbus 246

October 7, 2025

Horace Tapscott conducting the Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, session from 1978 on the Nimbus label. Tapscott was a great pianist whose discography I’m slowly getting into. Here he is the pianist and conductor of a large group of musicians. But it never really feels like a larger group. It’s very well excuted with tasteful layerings of instruments and letting the space be open behind the soloists, like in a smaller combo.

We have some great larger ensemble playing as well, like for example during the theme on ”Nakagini Suite” where it feels like a mix of classical and jazz.

The group apparently played every last Sunday of the month for almost five years at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Los Angeles. That would have been something to have witnessed

It’s spiritual and afro-centric which I love. Will continue my Tapscott trip with great excitement.

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“Gemini II” by Marcus Belgrave on Tribe PRSD-2228

September 25, 2025

My first title on the Tribe label is a doozy.

Brilliant album by trumpet master Marcus Belgrave on the iconic Tribe label out of Detroit. The label was founded in 1972 by trombonist Phil Ranelin and tenor man Wendell Harrison, both appearing on this title. We also have Roy Brooks and Billy Turner on drums, Lorenzo Brown on bongos, Ed Pickens on electric bass, Harold McKinney on electric piano and Daryl Dybka on Moog synthesizer. Fantastic group.

The music is a mix of post bop, jazz funk and spiritual jazz. The blend of these genres they create is very engaging and highly interesting. Definitely a quintessential 70’s jazz album.

The sound quality of this LP is very appealing to me. Great recording. Very natural and organic sounding. Detailed and balanced.

Right now, two of my favorite tunes on the album is the title track and “Marcia’s Opal”. Top notch tunes all the way through though.

A very rare one, like all Tribe titles from what I’ve gathered. I’ve listened to a few of the others as well and I’m aiming to dive deeper. Phil Ranelin’s “The Time Is Now!” from 1974 is a really good one that I had the opportunity to acquire but it didn’t materialize. Will keep my eyes open for more, but it will be tough to find another one of these elusive titles for sure. Anyway, very happy to have ”Gemini II” on the shelf now, probably one of the best on the label.

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”Mwandishi” by The Herbie Hancock Sextet on Warner Bros WS 1898

September 23, 2025

Masterpiece by Herbie Hancock from 1971. The album delivers a lovely mix of jazz, funk, fusion and spiritual ideas as well. It’s complex but disarming. The musicianship and compositional skill is at a very high level. The word Mwandishi is Swahili for composer and Hancock adopted that name for himself and also for the sextet featured here together for the first time. The other members also adopted their own Swahili name. And those featured are Hancock on Fender Rhodes, Buster Williams on bass, Billy Hart on drums, Eddie Henderson on trumpet/flugelhorn, Bennie Maupin on bass clarinet/alto flute/piccolo, Julian Priester on trombone. Also present on the first tune only are Leon Chancleron on drums/percussion, José Areas on congas/timbales and Ronnie Montrose on electric guitar.

The album consists of three epic numbers. The first two are written by Hancock and the third by Julian Priester. My favorite is probably ”You’ll know When You Get There”.

It’s when you start exploring the art form on a deeper level that you realize how important that process is, and the treasures you’ll bound to unearth is the reward. A classic titlle for sure, but for me it’s a relatively new delight.

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”Thursday Night at The Village Vanguard” by Art Pepper on Contemporary 7642 (Copy)

September 22, 2025

I’ve loved Art Pepper since way back in the early days exploring jazz. But I haven’t really explored his later work in depth. I’ve known he released plenty of stuff later in his career, but I never bought anything up until a couple of weeks ago when I saw this title in the bins at a local record store. I figured it was time I got some 70’s Pepper into the collection. And that was a great choice for sure as it’s a lovely album.

Recorded live at the legendary Village Vanguard in New York City. This is the first of three albums recorded on the 28th, 29th & 30th of July in 1977. Pepper plays emotional and lyrical as usual, incorporating a West Coast melancholy touch and tone that I associate him with since his early career. He sounds very refined here, displaying his subtle brilliance and control and his heartfelt alto tone. To be able to play this great, notwithstanding the mileage of his life and the hard drugs he consumed, is nothing short of a miracle.

Pepper is backed by a great rhythm section here. We have George Cables on piano, George Mraz on double bass and Elvin Jones on drums.

I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for the other volumes as well.

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”Eastern Rebellion” by Eastern Rebellion (led by Cedar Walton) on Timeless SJP 101

September 12, 2025

Cedar Walton led session from 1975 and released 1976. Recorded i New York City for the Dutch Timeless imprint, the first title to be released by the label.

The music could be described as straightforward post-bop and is very enjoyable. We have a lovely band with Walton joined by George Coleman on tenor, Sam Jones on double bass and Billy Higgins on drums.

Been after this one for quite some time so happy to finally have crossed it off the list. There are several different Dutch pressings of this title so impossible to know which one came first, but I’d consider any of the versions released the same year as originals.

Favorite tune is perhaps the first tune on the second side ”5/4 Thing” penned by Coleman. The sound overall is great. A well balanced recording. I especially love the dry sound of Higgins’ kit.

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”In The Beginning” by Woody Shaw on Muse MR 5298

September 11, 2025

Demo tapes originally recorded 1965 in the hope of securing a record deal with Blue Note. Later released by Muse in 1983. Two bands are featured on each side, both superb. On side A we have Shaw on trumpet, Joe Henderson on tenor, Larry Young on piano, Ron Carter on double bass and Joe Chambers. On side B Herbie Hancock and Paul Chambers replaces Young and Carter.

This was probably recorded by Van Gelder, though it’s unclear from what I’ve gathered. George Klabin is also mentioned. The sound of the recording is lovely so it wouldn’t be a suprise if was Van Gelder. I just wonder how that went about. Could you record demo tapes with Van Gelder? And with the top cats present as side men? How was the session financed? Intriguing for sure. But the one thing that is hard to grasp when you listen to these cuts is how Shaw didn’t manage to secure a record deal as a leader with Blue Note back in the 60’s, cause this stuff is gold.

Muse definitely did the jazz community a heavenly favor in releasing this music.

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”Sempre Amore” Mal Wadron & Steve Lacy on Soul Note SN 1170

September 11, 2025

Waldron and Lacy recorded several albums together and I’m trying to find their stuff whenever I can. This one on Soul Note, recorded in Milano in 1986 and released the following year, finds the pair in a duo setting giving their take on Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn compositions.

Quite a different mood and style on this album compared to what I have usually experienced from the pair both individually and collectively. A tribute to what came before them. It’s lyrical, warm and passionate, and I love that. Listen to the lovely ”Prelude to a Kiss” or ”Sempre Amore” for example, and you’ll appreciate the range of these mostly angular players.

Beautiful stuff and very affordable.

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“Soran-Bushi, B.H.” by Billy Harper on Denon Jazz YX-7522-ND

September 7, 2025

Japanese only release by Billy Harper released in 1978. Harper tears it up as usual on the first track. Just wailing. Fantastic, fiery playing. The rest of the band supports him on all fronts as well. We have Everett Hollins on trumpet, Harold Mabern on piano, Greg Maker on bass and Billy Hart and Horacee Arnold on drums.

On the second tune Harper plays a lovely solo piece that displays a more subtle approach while still mesmerizing with fast runs baked in.

The title tune on the second side is a Japanese work song, sung by fishermen on the northern island of Hokkaido since the Meiji era. It takes up the whole side and is my favorite tune on the album.

If you’re a fan of Harper this one is a must. Highly recommended.

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“The Sojourner” by The Ensemble Al-Salaam on Strata-East SES-7418

September 5, 2025

Supremely spiritual and profound Strata-East title here by The Ensemble Al-Salaam, recorded in 1974. One of the rarest titles in the entire catalogue and one of the best, so naturally I’m elated to have acquired it.

Vocals are present on several of the tunes, which is something I’ve shied away from in the past, but this is absolutely brilliant. Beatrice Parker is featured and her voice is righteous, confident and I definitely connect with it. We have instrumental pieces as well which are superb. When it comes to ballads I have a few favorites. The instrumental ballad on this album though is probably tied as my favorite of all time together with Gullin’s “Danny’s Dream”. It’s called “Vibration Love Call” and the solo by Khaliq Abdul Al Rouf (Edgar Drew) is beyond beautiful. I’ve mentioned two of the musicians and the other members of the ensemble include Bevin Turnbull, Mashujaa Aliye Salamu, Leroy Seals, Fred Kwaku Crawley and Andrei Strobert. Fantastic group.

I will not try to describe the album further, so instead I’ll refer to the short but powerful liner notes which says it all. Written by Crawley.

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”Inner Heat” by Dwight James on Cadence CJR 1014

September 4, 2025

Deadstock copy in the shrink (removed it of course) bought directly from the label. Recorded in 1981 and released 1983. Led by Dwight James, a drummer from Philadelphia and member of Sounds of Liberation. He is joined here by two outstanding members of that ensemble, Byard Lancaster and Khan Jamal. This is an album that I hadn’t heard of before, until a member of the IG jazz vinyl community made me aware of it, and that Cadence still sold deadstock copies of this title. So thanks so much Donovan!

A fantastic album that draws from the 70’s jazz movement and it’s often used mix of spiritual and post-bop. Dig James’ drumming a lot. And as a drummer myself I’m very interested in exploring more of his work. Vibraphonist Khan Jamal was a lovely player. Need more stuff of his into the collection for sure. He really excels on this album. Lancaster plays only on the opening tune and his contribution is outstanding as usual. Just wished he played on every tune. The other cats are top as well. Can’t remember that I’ve heard them before though. We have Middie Middleton on tenor, Clarence Bradley on trumpet and Howard Cooper on bass.

I really enjoy the sound on this one, altough being recorded in the 80’s (albeit the early 80’s) it has a very natural sound, earthy and detailed and not overly produced. It contains only originals, with James, Jamal and Cooper all contributing.

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”Motion” by The Masahiko Togashi Trio on Denon Jazz YX-7514-ND

September 3, 2025

Masahiko Togashi was a Japanese drummer, percussionist and composer. He was an early force on the Japanese free jazz scene. He worked with several of his countrymen but also American players such as Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, Blue Mitchell, Lee Morgan, Paul Bley, Sonny Rollins, Charlie Haden, Gary Peacock etc.

In 1970 he lost the use of his legs in an accident and played only percussion for a number of years, until the mid 70’s when he started playing drums again. Like on this recording from 1977. Such tremendous determination and dedication, to continue to perform despite of what had happened. Very inspiring.

The trio here performs four tunes, penned by the leader. A fantastic display of artistry. It’s avant-garde, but subtle. Delicate, lyrical and the way Togashi plays is so musically adept. Brilliant drummer. He is joined by Masami Nakagawa on soprano/alto/flute and Keiki Midorikawa on double bass.

The sound is natural, earthy and detailed. Very well recorded. Love the sound of the drums. The Japanese sure knew how to record during the 70’s, that’s for sure.

Favorite tune is perhaps the over ten minute long ”Ballad”. Nakagawa plays soprano sax on that one, and I just love that instrument.

This is one of my favorite discoveries of the year for sure. I’m sure I will revisit this one plenty going forward.

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”Mingus Lives” by Mal Waldron on Enja 3075

September 2, 2025

My favorite pianist here with a solo album released on Enja. Recorded live at the Chapati Club in Spa, Belgium in 1979.

All tunes are composed by Mal Waldron. A fantastic set, which highlights his immense talent and later style. It’s beautifully dark and introverted in many ways. I love him most when he plays in that dark, brooding way. He was a very adaptable player though, and when he plays more conventional and with a lighter approach, he’s outstanding too.

It’s a privilege to sit here and listen to a solo Waldron record while drinking my coffee. A special player and composer.

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