★Soul Note
The Seasons
1994 release ** "David Liebman is at his best in pastoral, ethereal situations. This trio session, recorded in 1992 and '93, contains both lengthy tunes and shorter works in which Liebman's intense soprano sax and flute and more robust tenor solos are nicely supported by Billy Hart's sensitive yet assertive drumming and Cecil McBee's bass work, which provides whatever is necessary, from interaction to competition. The three never become detached or predictable and don't allow the music to lose i…
Figure Of Speech
1993 release ** "The trio setting of tuba and non-traditional percussion and Eskelin's compositions leave an uncluttered canvas free of many of the standard traps of head-solo-head without disolving into the total formlessness of much "avant garde" jazz. The musicians (Ellery Eskelin - tenor, Joe Daley - tuba, and Arto Tuncboyaciyan - percussion) respond to the setting with some beautifully executed improvisations. At the center of the trio, Eskelin's thick tenor sound - a seemingly impossible …
Beautiful Africa
Under the driving force of drummer extraordinaire Beaver Harris, the 360-Degree Music Experience was one of the great ensembles of the late 70's / early 80's. A stellar collective playing music deep in the African-American Jazz tradition. A bunch of heavyweights like Grachan Moncur III on trombone, Ken McIntyre on alto sax and bassoon, Rahn Burton on piano, and Cameron Brown on bass. First released in 1979 and reissued here for the first time on vinyl, "Beautiful Africa" stands as a fierce stat…
Misterioso
Back in the mid 80's, Paul Motian, one of the greatest jazz drummers of all times, assembled one of the most inventive groups of the decade. Motian invited four highly individual players such as Joe Lovano and Jim Pepper on tenor sax, Bill Frisell on electric guitar and Ed Schuller on bass, and the result was a unique sound in perfect balance between post-Ornette free-bop and a new and spacier form of interplay. First released in 1987 "Misterioso" stands as a stunning example of modern jazz!
Decision In Paradise
Absolute killer session recorded at Vanguard Studios, New York, September 24 and 28 in 1984, with an intense line-up of some of our all-time-fav players of free music, including of tenor-saxophonist Frank Lowe, trumpeter Don Cherry, trombonnist Grachan Moncur III, pianist Geri Allen, bassist Charnette Moffett, and drummer Charles Moffett, ensures that this music is worth going for. Phrasing is super articulated and the whole vibe is just contagious. Outstanding interaction. The tandem communicat…
Exotic Heartbreak
Frank Lowe was a very dynamic tenor saxophonist who derived inspiration from the initial and subsequent movements of free jazz throughout the 1960s. Lowe is most known for his collaborations with drummer Rashied Ali and a few of the many albums released under his own name. Throughout his career, he has often been overshadowed by the influence of John Coltrane and Albert Ayler. He has left behind an outstanding collection of solo and leader work, including contributions to Don Cherry's Ralativity…
In Europe
"In Europe gives a fine glimpse at the power and intensity of Harper's compositions and his tremendous abilities as an improviser... Highly recommended music for post-bop and free jazz appreciators." - Allmusic
Shadows And Reflections
Super Tip ** original copies, last ones ** 'Trumpeter Baikida Carroll was once again in the company of alto saxophonist Julius Hemphill for a January 1982 recording with pianist Anthony Davis, bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Pheeroan Ak Laff for Soul Note called Shadows & Reflections. The material here sounded like it could have been a late Blue Note recording; in fact, there were times when the horns brought back flashbacks of the Jackie McLean-Charles Tolliver front line of the '60s. And for…
To Hear The World In A Grain Of Sand (World Music - Live At The Donaueschingen Festival)
** original copy ** "...Of course, they are all just 'grains of sand' in the universe of world music - and yet, a grain of sand, a drop of water, can be a symbol of the entire universe. In this way, the title given to his composition by German composer and saxophone player Berndt Konrad - 'To Listen To The World In A Grain Of Sand' - so beautifully expresses what this concert stands for." (from the CD liner notes by Joachim-Ernst Berendt). Live Recorded at the Donaueschingen Musiktage (Contemp…
Irina
** original copy ** Altschul is the common denominator on these two excellent reissues of early ’80s records, and if anyone is unconvinced that he is one of the great drummers of his generation, there’s proof on every track here. He is joined on Irina by Enrico Rava, John Surman and Mark Helias in a program ranging from originals to “Jitterbug Waltz.” It’s great to hear the two hornmen in such fine fettle. Their solos are excellent, and much of the music involves group improvs with the horns in …
Update
** original copy ** Recorded in Italy in 1986, this solo set by Mal Waldron draws from a rich range of sources and traditions. Update songs An inventive composer, arranger and player, these six pieces combines melodic directness with percussive harmonic support. Update album for sale Opening with his own "Free for C. Update CD music T., " he moves into the realm of standards for most of the set, visiting works by Dizzy Gillespie, Sammy Cahn, and Frank Loesser, among others. His "Variations on a …
Special People
"There is only one Cyrille solo on this album - the last solo on the last tune - but he is there at every moment of this date. His timekeeping, his fills, his extraordinary cymbal work, his sense of space, are present in every nook and cranny of this date"
In Italy - Volume One
Soul Note Vinyl present a reissue of Bill Dixon's In Italy - Volume One, originally released in 1980. Bill Dixon one of the great visionary composers and improvisers in modern creative jazz, In Italy - Volume One was recorded in Milan in 1980 and released on Soul Note. A wide-open tapestry and a rare example of open interaction between pulse, melody, and pure sound as result of the work of a maverick quintet featuring Dixon, Arthur Brooks (trumpet), Stephen Haynes (trumpet), Stephen Horenstein (…