”Two is One” by Charlie Rouse on Strata-East SES-19746

May 29, 2025

On this album we find Charlie Rouse in a different setting music-wise than I’ve heard him in before. This is a wonderful mix of funk and post-bop with some excellent playing by the leader. I’ve been exposed to the incorporation of funk when exploring 70’s jazz and I’ve really been enjoying it. Love that mix, when the funkier elements are blended with the post-bop/modal stuff during the same tune and between separate tunes focusing on one style or the other.

On this date we have an interesting group, with Rouse on tenor and bass clarinet, George Davis and Paul Metzke on guitar, Calo Scott on cello, Stanley Clark and Martin Rivera on bass, David Lee on drums, Airto Moreira on percussion and Azzedin Weston on conga. There’s a lovely chemistry between the players.

Favorite picks are the Joe Chambers penned ”Hopscotch” and the brilliant, dark and moody ”In His Presence Searching”, written by David Lee.

Strata-East truly was a great label, with all of it’s different musical flavours to emerge yourself in. This Rouse album is one of the best I’ve heard so far, so I’m happy to file this quite elusive title.

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”Filles de Kilimanjaro” by Miles Davis on Columbia CS 9750

May 28, 2025

A 1st US pressing. The labels and back slick have the Columbia logo covered by CBS stickers intended for the European market. I won’t attempt to remove them. There are a couple of albums by The Second Great Quintet that I’m still after. This was one of them until last week when I managed to secure it.

This title represented a transition between Miles’ acoustic work and his electric period. I honestly haven’t explored the totality of his later work but will take a deep dive sooner or later. Overall, for me at this point, the mostly acoustic work of The Second Great Quintet is the sweet spot in his catalogue.

The quintet remains intact during all tunes except two, when Chick Corea and Dave Holland replaces Hancock and Carter respectively. My favorite tune on the album is ”Petits Machins (Little Stuff)”.

Classic stuff which will see plenty of play in the years to come I’m sure.

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”Re-Entry” by Charles Sullivan on Whynot PA-7152

May 27, 2025

Sullivan handles the trumpet masterfully.

Wonderful Japan-only album from 1976 by trumpeter Charles Sullivan. This guy is amazing, what a master. I love the trumpet in jazz, always have, so to discover a new cat this good is a real treat. I have had him on my radar for a while, courtesy of Strata-East and his album ”Genesis”, which I’m looking for as well. I stumbled upon this title a few weeks ago, listened to it and was completely hooked. Sullivan’s playing is superb and the rest of the band is a great bunch as well. They are; Rene McLean on alto and tenor, Kenny Barron on piano, Buster Williams on double bass and Billy Hart on drums.

Recorded in New York 1976, this LP sounds fantastic. Great engineering. There are a lot of brilliant Japanese-only releases from both foreign and domestic musicians, which I’m discovering now. Very exciting. I mean, ”Re-Entry” if released on Blue Note in the 60’s, would be an expensive and hot item I’m sure. The music is a lovely mix of hard-bop and post-bop played with soul and conviction. We are treated to five tunes, four of which are originals penned by Sullivan.

It’s hard to believe that this outstanding musician didn’t record more than four albums as a leader; two in the 70’s, one in the 90’s and one in the 00’s. Criminally underrated perhaps, but don’t sleep on this cat. Do yourself a favour and check this session out.

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”Damisi” by Harold Land on Mainstream MRL 367

May 26, 2025

What immediately striked me when I put this on was three things, the music is unbelievable good, this album was recorded very loud and it was recorded superbly. The sound just blasts out of the speakers and the detail and balance is off the charts. Fantastic low-end. Hadn’t heard an original Mainstream album before. Very impressive.

I’ve been enjoying some of Harold Land’s dates as a leader lately and just filed this title from 1972 and ”The Peace-Maker” from the late 60’s. Both are outstanding. This one is probably one of my favorites of the year so far.

The band consists of Land on tenor and oboe (wonderful playing and sound from Land on the oboe), Oscar Brashear on trumpet and flugelhorn, Bill Henderson on Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano, Buster Williams on Fender and double bass and Ndugu (Leon Chancler) on drums. The whole group is on point. I really dig Brashear and as a trumpet lover I need to check out his catalogue in depth. Buster Williams was a fantastic bassist and I have managed ro get some of his work into the collection. Will explore further. Ndugu’s drum work is something to behold as well. Another cat to check out.

The music touches the modal, spritual, funk and post bop. What more could you ask for? If you haven’t heard this, go explore. Highly recommended.

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”The Peace-Maker” by The Harold Land Quintet on Cadet LPS 813

May 25, 2025

Here’s a splendid Harold Land title on the Cadet label, which is a label I haven’t explored much. It features Land on tenor, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Joe Sample on piano, Buster Williams on double bass and Donald Bailey on drums.

Fantastic songwriting by Land on this one which features the leaders original compositions except for one tune. He was a great player and every time I hear him he delivers quality.

This is perhaps one of those titles that flies a bit under the radar. But it’s a truly lovely session that you should check out if you’re unfamiliar with it.

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"For My Little Bird" by The Shigeharu Mukai Quintet on Columbia YX-7010-N

May 24, 2025

Don’t sleep on Japanese jazz. Been exploring it a bit and found some really good titles. This one by trombonist Shigeharu Mukai is a great example of how good Japanese jazz can be.

A Japanese only release recorded at Nippon Columbia 1st Studio in November of 1974. We are treated to some lovely post bop/spiritual/fusion stuff here by an all Japanese octet (not sure why it says quintet) which features Hidefumi Toki on alto.

Have found three Japanese originals now that I love and will continue to explore the Japanese jazz scene of the 70’s and see what else I can find.

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”Brilliant Circles” by Stanley Cowell on Polydor 2383-092

May 23, 2025

This is a somewhat avant-garde leaning effort by pianist and co-founder of Strata-East Records Stanley Cowell, backed by a terrific band, featuring Woody Shaw on trumpet, Tyrone Washington on tenor, flute, clarinet, tambourine and maracas, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Reggie Workman on Fender and double bass and Joe Chambers on drums. Quite the line-up.

The music is imaginative and explorative at it’s core, with superb individual statements throughout as well as a lovely sense of interplay and understanding between the musicians. There are four lenghty tunes (which I love), one penned by Cowell, one by Washington, one by Shaw and one by Hutcherson. My favorite is perhaps Shaw’s post-bop treat ”Boo Ann’s Grand”, also present on his debut as a leader ”Black Stone Legacy”.

I obtained this original UK Polydor pressing for a very reasonable price, and considering what you get music-wise, it definitely is one of my more successful buys.

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”Extensions” by McCoy Tyner on Blue Note BN-LA006-F

May 22, 2025

Like I mentioned a couple of posts back, McCoy Tyner was very active in the 70’s for the Milestone label. Before that though he released several titles as a leader on Blue Note. This title is one of them. Recorded in 1970 and released in 1973. It was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder and produced by Duke Pearson.

This is one of the best Tyner albums I’ve heard. It features an unbelievable line-up. Tyner is joined by Alice Coltrane on harp, Wayne Shorter on tenor/soprano, Gary Bartz on alto, Ron Carter on double bass and Elvin Jones drums. The music, consisting of four Tyner originals, is an amazing mix of modal/post bop/spiritual. Beautifully crafted, intricate and engaging stuff. And with this kind of line-up, one couldn’t expect less.

I will continue my explorations into Tyner’s work as a leader in the 70’s with great excitement.

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”Antiquity” by Jackie McLean & Michael Carvin on Steeplechase SCS-1028

May 18, 2025

My love for jazz duos has manifested itself this past several months. It’s a fascinating format to me. Whether it’s drum/sax, drum/violin, double bass/piano or something else, the premise is a stripped down, organic and raw way of experiencing jazz.

For this particular title, recorded in 1974, we have Jackie Mac trading chops with drummer Michael Carvin and the result is a very enjoyable album which explores percussive rhythms, symbiotic alto/drums statements, ethnic leaning flute/alto passages and African influenced voice concepts. I find it pretty amazing that these two cats created this multifaceted music just the two of them, with the help of an alto sax, drums, temple blocks, bells, bamboo flute, voices, kalimba, piano and percussion.

The pièce de résistance is the title track which stretches on for 17 minutes and incorporates plenty of amazing passages featuring several, if not all of the instruments mentioned above. I also really enjoy the alto/drums portion of the last tune.

This is for me one of Jackie’s most interesting albums and can be enjoyed with an open mind towards ethnic music. You will be presented with more jazz coloured stuff to savour as well, but it feels like the majority of the music expands well beyond the jazz spectrum.

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Coffee plant added

May 18, 2025

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”Sahara” by McCoy Tyner on Milestone MSP 9039

May 9, 2025

Tyner’s first for Milestone is a great one.

McCoy Tyner was very productive in the 70’s for the Milestone label and released some real gems during that decade. This one was his first for the label and it’s a lovely session. The music has post bop moments and also has oriental, far east and spiritual flavors added to great effect. “Valley of Life” for example is completely in that vein, with Tyner playing the ”koto”, a Japanese stringed instrument.

On the opening track on the first side Sonny Fortune tears it up on the soprano. A brilliant player who I need to explore more. He also plays alto on the rapid ”Rebirth” with a fiery passion. Really dig the drummer on this session as well. Alphonze Mouzon is his name and I’m not sure if he is present on other titles in the collection. I doubt it. Will look into his work as well cause he is killing it. Bassist Calvin Hill is another one I haven’t heard of before. Top player. Another deep dive pending. Tyner is of course absolutely stunning as always. The technical prowess of this cat is something to behold. His fast runs played with his patented feather light touch are mesmerizing. His powerful chords are also present and add so much weight. His compositional skills are top notch as well, evident on this album for sure. All tunes are penned by him. I have far too few of his albums in the collection, but I’m aiming to remedy that.

One has to mention the second side as well which features the over 23 minutes long title track, which takes up the entire side. Oriental touches comes from Fortune’s soprano and the level of his playing is stunning. The overall tempo and intensity is really pulling me into the music and leaves the outside world in the dust. A fantastic escape.

This album is a welcome addition to the shelves and I’m hoping to be able to add another one of the leader’s 70’s titles soon as well.

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”Karma” by Pharoah Sanders on Impulse! AS-9181

May 2, 2025

I’ve been very slow to explore the work of Pharoah Sanders in depth. But as I’ve been focusing my listening and explorations into the late 60’s and beyond, Sander’s work becomes vital and is a big part of the spiritual movement, which I love. So, I have started to dive into the vast work he put out. I’ve been listening to his Impulse work first and foremost and ”Karma” is definitely a high point. It truly epitomizes spiritual jazz, with it’s chanting and meditative nature. The percussion is a big part of the sound and it really pushes the music forward. Sander’s playing is both lyrical and also has that familiar propulsive edge, which makes for a great combination, and a look into his genius. He truly was a top player. A legend.

The band consists of Sanders on tenor, Julius Watkins on french horn, James Spaulding on flute, Lonnie Liston Smith on piano, Reggie Workman, Ron Carter and Richard Davis on double bass, Fred Waits and William Hart on drums, Leon Thomas on vocal and percussion and Nathaniel Bettis on percussion. Some of them play on only one of the two tunes.

This album makes one feel hope for mankind and a fighting spirit to do what’s right.

I will continue my explorations into Sanders work. I have a handful of titles though that I really enjoy and will try and find as soon as possible.

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”Winds of Change” by Jothan Callins & The Sounds of Togetherness on Triumph 006

April 25, 2025

Amazing album. A clear favorite in the collection.

Deeply spiritual stuff here, recorded in 1975, by Alabama born trumpeter, bassist, composer and arranger Jothan Callins. He only cut this album as a leader, which is a damn shame cause this is absolutely stellar music. Top notch trumpet playing by the leader. Very impressive. So full of soul and spirit. Callins performed with Sun Ra, Lionel Hampton and Stevie Wonder etc. He formed The Sounds of Togetherness in 1968. He was a school and university teacher, director, consultant (building cultural programs) and performed and lectured across North America and the West Indies.

A lovely recording. The sound is so naturally crisp, clear and very well balanced. One of my best sounding records, which is quite amazing considering it’s a private press. The drums and percussion are recorded beautifully. As an old drummer myself I’m very intuitive to that. The percussion elements are very nice throughout, and are also superbly recorded.

All the tunes are composed and arranged by Callins. All are outstanding and it’s impossible to choose a favorite.

The band consists of Callins on trumpet/bells, Joe Bonner on piano/tambourine, Cecil McBee on bass, Roland Duval on conga/various percussion and Norman Conners on drums. Fantastic group. Such a pity they didn’t record more together.

Thrilled to place this one on the shelf. Probably my favorite addition so far this year and one of my favorite records in the entire collection.

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”The Legend of Ai Glatson” by Leroy Jenkins with Andrew Cyrille and Anthony Davis on Black Saint BSR 0022

April 24, 2025

I’ve come to love the violin in avant-garde/free jazz. Probably mentioned this before. I’ve loved the instrument and it’s presence in the world of classical music for a long time. Paganini is a favorite composer for example. When it comes to my appreciation for the instrument in jazz it all started when I got into the Rashied Ali duo joint on Survival together with the leader of this album. Brilliant stuff.

This album, recorded in 1978 in Milano, is free and Leroy Jenkins’ playing is mesmerizing. He is backed by the fantastic duo of Andrew Cyrille on drums and Anthony Davis on piano. I love this stuff. Granted, it’s maybe not for everybody, but the brilliant musicianship of this trio and the interesting compositions could perhaps peek the interest of the avant-garde skeptics?

I think it’s a wonderful recording. Black Saint seems to be a safe bet when it comes to recording quality. Have a few titles now and will continue to explore the label.

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”Six Duets (1982)” by Anthony Braxton featuring John Lindberg

April 22, 2025

Wonderful duo album with Braxton playing alto sax, E-flat sopranino sax and clarinet. He is joined by double bassist John Lindberg. This session was recorded in Florence, Italy in 1982.

The music is natural, organic and highlights the featured instruments in a very detailed and focused way. Quite meditative and calming in places. The musicianship is outstanding, and both musicians performs on an equal level, both in terms of exposure and skill. A superb interplay is present between the two throughout.

I’ve come to love the duo format and this album is just another example of the format’s great potential.

I would imagine that this title isn’t on the radar of many collectors, but it’s a fantastic display of jazz mastery from two virtuosos that you don’t wanna miss. It’s a quite affordable album as well, so I would put this in the cheap heat category.

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”New Directions in Modern Music” by The Rashied Ali Quartet on Survival SR 104

April 19, 2025

The Rashied Ali titles on Survival are some of my favorite avant stuff.

My second Rashied Ali title on Survival. This is one is live and the energy of this quartet is superb. The sole tune on side 1 is a burner and the whole band is on fire. The alto performance of Carlos Ward on that tune is amazing. I’m a big fan of Ali’s playing. His drumming is quite delicate sounding even when in full swinging motion. The rest of the rhythm section is killing it as well, with Fred Simmons on piano (stepping in for the quartet’s regular pianist Don Pullen who couldn’t attend) and Stafford James on double bass. The portion on the first tune with the piano solo and the superb bass behind it is something to behold. Brilliant. Contains a top notch drum solo as well by Ali.

Side 2 features a single lengthy tune as well and features Ward on flute, and he masters that instrument to a tee as well. Overall, I would describe the music on this album as accessible avant-garde. It’s just a total privilege to sit here and listen to this stuff. One of my favorite finds of the year.

Will try and find the rest of the Ali stuff on Survival as well, but they are hard to come by for sure and not easy to find at a reasonable price. Very happy to have been able to find two of them so far.

The cover (was still in shrink) is one of my favorites in jazz. Love everything about it. The razor thin vinyl is in lovely shape and the spindle hole was like new and I had to give the record a little push down as it was so tight. Beautiful condition all around.

For all lovers of the avant-garde this is essential, and to those who are just getting into it, I would suggest you give this one a listen. I think it’s a great introduction to this genre as it’s not too crazy. Just great jazz.

Happy Easter! 🐣

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”The Skipper” by Henry Franklin on Black Jazz BJQD/7

April 15, 2025

The 70’s sure was a great decade when it comes to jazz.

My second Black Jazz title after Rudolph Johnson’s brilliant ”The Second Coming”. This one from 1972 is the first led session by bassist Henry Franklin and it’s a superb effort. It combines elements of post-bop, funk/fusion and blues in a seamless way.

The band consists of Franklin on double bass/Fender bass, Bill Henderson on electric piano, Mike Carvin on drums, Oscar Brasheer on trumpet/flugelhorn, Charles Owens on tenor/soprano sax, Kenny Climax on guitar/electric tub, Fredrik Lido and Tip Jones on percussion.

Favorite picks are the speedy post-bop opener ”Outbreak” and the beautiful ballad ”Little Miss Laurie”.

I definitely need more Black Jazz titles. Such a great label, and even though they are nowhere near what they were price-wise, they still can be found at relatively reasonable prices compared to other labels.

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”Mutima” by Cecil McBee on Strata-East SES-7417

April 12, 2025

Another beautiful title on this wonderful label.

Another brilliant Strata-East title has landed on my shelves. This time we have the debut by master double bassist Cecil McBee as a leader, fronting a large ensemble.

It starts off with a 11 minute double bass bowing extravaganza, on which McBee is playing two basses. Beautiful tune. You know you’re in for a treat after that one. As for the rest of the tunes, we get beautiful spiritual passages and avant-garde statements, post-bop goodness and some funky excursions. Completely outstanding music, all penned by McBee.

I’m also seeking high and low for his India Navigation-led session called ”Alternate Spaces”. Got his outing ”Turning Point” on that label secured some months ago.

The search for more stuff on one of the best jazz labels of all time continues…

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”Pinnacle” by Buster Williams on Muse MR 5080

April 12, 2025

Great stuff from bassist Buster Williams.

The opening tune is funky as hell. Dig it a lot. I have definitely developed my jazz listening from years gone by, cause the funky side of jazz is nothing I’ve been interested in sampling before. But that first tune is dripping with a sweaty and funky beat that is hard to resist nodding your head to. Has some cosmic, deep space vibes going on as well. Other tunes are more spiritual other more post-bop. A couple features the great Woody Shaw on trumpet.

Buster Williams is a lovely player and he really shows that here, both on double bass and electric bass. He has played with a great number of artists, among them Herbie Hancock, Dexter Gordon, Kenny Barron, Nancy Wilson, Bobby Hutcherson and the list goes on. Easy to understand why he was so in demand.

Favorite tune is the 14 min long ”Batuki” with it’s spiritual vibes. Shaws’s presence is wonderful and Williams’ contribution on this tune is outstanding.

The Muse label has many gems and I’ll continue my explorations into it’s catalogue.

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”Spanish Bitch” by Mal Waldron on Globe SMJX-10113

April 9, 2025

Brooding and darkly elegant music as usual by Mal Waldron on this rare 1970 Japan only release. Been after this for quite a while. It’s a title which sits high on my list of favorite Waldron albums. Very happy to have been able to grab it from the land of origin courtesy of a newly established channel.

The trio performing the lovely music is Waldron on piano, Isla Eckinger on double bass and Fred Braceful on drums. Favorite tune has to be ”Black Chant”. The rest are also top. Dig the concept of doing a Beatles cover in a jazz setting as well, namely ”Eleanor Rigby”. A wonderful rendition.

The sound is excellent on this one, a great recording. It says ECM on the cover but it was never released by them. Maybe it was intended to be released, don’t know. Anyway, released by the Japanese label Globe, a subsidiary to Victor.

Regarding the cover, I dig how they did the trashed spine stuff with the colours. First when I saw the images I thought: is the spine messed up? All part of the design which is quite cool.

If you love Waldron, for me, this is a must have.

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