A Jazzy Xmas From the Southside
Posted on 12 December 2007 | 1 Comment
Who doesn’t like a little jazz for Christmas? I think these are perfect for the season and will go will with any sort or mixer you can think of. They are even great straight up, no chaser.
MP3 | Dexter Gordon – The Christmas Song
MP3 | Sonny Rollins – Winter Wonderland
MP3 | Jimmy Smith – Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
MP3 | Vince Guaraldi Trio – O Tannenbaum
MP3 | Chet Baker – O Come All Ye Faithful
MP3 | Ahmad Jamal – Snowfall
MP3 | Ramsey Lewis – Here Comes Santa Claus
MP3 | Chris Botti – The First Noel
Review: Mocean Worker - Cinco de Mowo (or) five is a magic number
Posted on 25 June 2007 | No Comments
Have you heard the latest from Mocean Worker (pronounced Motion Worker)? Well, on Cinco de MOWO! (his fifth album as Mocean Worker) producer Adam Dorn takes upbeat jazz, funk, and big band brass stabs and adds hip-hop style beats and production to create a danceable fusion of old and new sounds.
The grooves are tight and Dorn’s samples intertwine effortlessly with the killer chops of of such jazz notables as Rashaan Roland Kirk, Herb Alpert, and Marcus Miller. It is an all-out party album that is full of life and sounds just like a sweaty summer night. Cinco de MOWO! will be released tomorrow via MOWO’s own label.
MP3 | Mocean Worker – Shake Ya Boogie Cinco de MOWO!
MP3 | Mocean Worker – Changes (ft. Herb Alpert) Cinco de MOWO!
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Electronic, Jazz, World Music
Page fourteen of the Sunday paper
Posted on 29 April 2007 | 1 Comment
Trumpeter Kenny Wheeler’s 2006 album It Takes Two! is an exercise is understatement and I have really been enjoying it lately. On the album, Wheeler is accompanied by guitarists John Abercrombie and John Parricelli with bassist Anders Jormin. The quartet weaves a gentle and understated jazz tapestry. And while Abercrombie’s and Parricelli’s instruments (both electric and nylon-stringed guitars) sing in a different voice than Wheeler, they are a perfect compliment.
Wheeler’s distinctive tone is breezy and melancholic and his lyrical melodies saunter along with an almost Latin (or bluesy Flamenco) feel at times. It Takes Two! is a gorgeous but mostly somber affair that often makes me think of Miles Davis at his most restrained. Most amazing is that Wheeler (now 77 years old) is still playing with such passion and clarity after almost 40 years.
It Takes Two! is available from Sunny Side Records or you can purchase it here.
MP3 | Kenny Wheeler – After All It Takes Two!
MP3 | Kenny Wheeler – Improvisation n.1 It Takes Two!
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz
Review: Shining - Grindstone (or) faraway lands and dangerous journeys
Posted on 6 April 2007 | No Comments
Way back in 2005, the Norwegian group Shining put out an incredible record called In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster that was (IMHO) among the best records released that year. The band’s fourth album Grindstone finds them sounding nothing like the post-bop jazz quartet they started out as. Instead, the band delivers a dizzying frenzy of genre-bending combinations of jazz breaks and metal riffage. It is a dense, relentless, and (seemingly) confrontational album that will have your head spinning (in a good way) before the end of the first song which is confusingly titled “In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster” just like their last album.
On Grindstone Shining sounds like they are intentionally messing with their listeners. An unholy amalgamation of fuzzed-out bass, horns, shredding metal guitar, glitchy electronics, flute, and cinematic synths spews forth. Two words: pretentious as shit. Its almost too bad that Shining is so good that they can get away with it. Its not just noise, but rather perfectly executed glorious noise. For comparison’s sake Grindstone is equal parts avant-bop jazz noise, Refused-eqse hardcore jams, and Cirque du Soleil’s cinematic swells.
All this from a group made up of two members of Jaga Jazzist and two guys that make film scores and movie music. Grindstone is an exciting and invigorating (even if an uneven and exhausting) listen. The fractured melodies and grooves that rear their nightmarishly ugly heads are here and gone so quickly that it can be hard to keep up. Only towards the album’s second half is the listener (thankfully) given a chance to catch their breath.
If you are willing to take a chance and brave the fantastical and horrific sonic landscape that Shining creates on Grindstone you will certainly be rewarded. But like Frodo’s journey to Mt. Doom, it won’t be easy. It is a (sometimes) challenging, jarring, and abrasive ride that may leave you spinning and sucking your thumb. Grindstone is out now on Rune Grammofon.
MP3 | Shining – In The Kingdom Of Kitsch You Will Be A Monster Grindstone
MP3 | Shining – The Red Room Grindstone
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz, Noise, Post Rock
Review: Wynton Marsalis - From The Plantation To The Penitentiary (or) way short of a comfortable situation
Posted on 3 April 2007 | 1 Comment
A week or two ago I heard a story on NPR about the latest record from Wynton Marsalis called From The Plantation To The Penitentiary and knew I had to go out and get it. Musically speaking, it is an invigorating listen that touches a myriad of jazz styles including the trumpeter’s New Orleans soul sound.
The message of the record is (however) equally (if not more) important. Marsalis criticizes public schools, hip-hop culture, government, greed and materialism, prisons, and both the physical and mental bondage of slavery. According to Marsalis, jazz music is a music of change and it’s a music of engagement of both the intellect and the soul. Well, on From The Plantation To The Penitentiary, Wynton Marsalis is calling for changes and has (in the process) made what is easily one of the best records of the year and one that will (most certainly) only get better with the passing of time.
MP3 | Wynton Marsalis – From The Plantation… From The Plantation To The Penitentiary
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz
Review: Kenny Garret - Beyond The Wall (or) just take care of the rock
Posted on 17 March 2007 | No Comments
Inspired by a three week trip he took to China in 2005, Kenny Garret’s latest album Beyond The Wall is an interesting and innovative mash-up of Western jazz and traditional Chinese influences in an almost Coltrane-esqe way. The music is fresh and (while relatively hushed and somewhat meditative overall) there are moments of sonic fury throughout. As a lot of jazz and Eastern music is, this is music with many spiritual overtones.
On Beyond The Wall Garret’s alto saxophone is joined by the legendary tenor sax Pharoah Sanders and vibes of Bobby Hutcherson. It’s and all-star cast that plays brilliantly on this record. Sometimes restrained and sometimes frenetic, it is hypnotic and stunning music from one of today’s best jazz men. Beyond The Wall is out now on the ever expanding roster of Nonesuch Records.
MP3 | Kenny Garrett – Beyond The Wall Beyond The Wall
MP3 | Kenny Garrett – May Peace Be Upon Them Beyond The Wall
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz
A chill in the air tonight
Posted on 14 October 2006 | 1 Comment
With colder weather starting to settle in here in Chicago, summer is only a distant memory now. Heck, fall is fading fast as well. There is something so soothing (however) about putting some jazz on the stereo when it gets cold outside and since I haven’t posted much jazz lately, this is a great excuse to. Here are a few select (classic and modern) choices for your listening (dis)pleasure.
MP3 | Hank Mobley – Soul Station Soul Station
MP3 | Ahmad Jamal – Autumn Leaves Ahmad’s Blues
MP3 | Organissimo – Pumpkin Pie This Is The Place
And one more for those adventurous souls…
MP3 | Flaherty, Corsano, & Yeh – Dirty Firetrucker A Rock In The Snow
Review: Nomo - Nu Tones (or) picking up what i'm putting down
Posted on 26 September 2006 | 3 Comments
If you feel like dancing, I’d highly recommend putting a copy of the latest NOMO record, Nu Tones on the stereo and turning it way up. The Ann Arbor based band plays some great polyrhythmic Afrobeat with free jazz influences that is punctuated by sharp brass stabs and a funky low-end. And while I’m not really schooled in this type of music, I do know that it is ridiculously good.
“NOMO performs a style of Afrobeat heavier on the jazz influences (without neglecting the funk or African musics) and lightly touching on electronic play. The group could be a dissection specimen for a look at the confluence of various sounds in a new setting, but what you really need to know is that its new album will get you moving, even if (perhaps especially if), you’re more used to sitting and nodding your head to post-bop sax solos.” – Pop Matters
Nu Tones is out now on Ubiquity Records. Can u dig it? RIYL: YNQ, Pharoah Sanders, afro-pop, etc…
MP3 | Nomo – Nu Tones Nu Tones
MP3 | Nomo – Hand And Mouth Nu Tones
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz, World Music
Review: Katahdin's Edge - The Ridge (or) hiking quietly along the ridge
Posted on 6 June 2006 | 8 Comments
Now I’m mainly a punk and indie rock kinda guy, but I do (however) know great jazz when I hear it. Katahdin’s Edge is that kind of group. They are a progressive piano trio that straddles the fine line between Thelonious Monk and Radiohead. I know, it really isn’t that fine a line, but their rock-inspired jazz compositions effortlessly blend old and new into something truly unique.
Pianist (and Berklee alum) Willie Myette’s great sense of melody is perfectly countered by the trio’s rhythmic intensity, giving the music a little extra grit and punch. They manage to take improvisation, odd time signatures, and virtuosic playing and turn them into haunting avant-garde jazz that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Hell, they were one of only a handful of jazz groups to play SXSW in 2006, and by all accounts they rocked the house. I was sent a copy of their latest CD The Ridge a few weeks back (buy it here) and haven’t stopped listening since then. RIYL: The Bad Plus, Brad Mehldau, Chris Potter, etc…
MP3 | Katahdin’s Edge – Glad You Called The Ridge
MP3 | Katahdin’s Edge – Broken Leg Blues Live @ Berklee 02/06
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz
Review: Bebek - Open Eyes (or) caution bebek on board
Posted on 25 May 2006 | No Comments
Bebek is a musical ensemble that calls the city of brotherly love (Philadelphia, PA) their home. They are not necessarily a group that would normally be featured here at CYSTSFTS?, but whatever. Classifications be damned. On their new EP Open Eyes, the band lays down a dark, late-night, atmospheric, almost trip-hop foundation for the sultry female vocals of Lynn Michalopolous. The music is an interesting blend of dub-influenced world music grooves that is not unlike a combination of Portishead and the music of Cirque du Soleil.
Again, this is not punk. It is not even really very “indie” sounding. What Bebek does offer, though, is excellent musicianship and a unique, laid-back sound that many of you may be interested in. Have a listen.
MP3 | Bebek – Balance Beam Open Eyes
MP3 | Bebek – 807 Dub Open Eyes
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz
Saturdays are jazz days
Posted on 30 April 2006 | 2 Comments
Spending the day at home with my daughter sounds like a great idea to me, and what could be better than that and putting a little jazz on the stereo? No rain and a little sunshine wouldn’t hurt. Anyhow, here are a few classic tracks from the likes of jazz greats like Thelonious Monk, Bobby Hutcherson, and Booker Ervin that were part of our playlist yesterday.
Its strange though. I don’t remember when I actually started to like jazz music so much. Hell, I don’t even know what it is about jazz that I like. Call me ignorant or unknowing, whatever. All I do know is that there is a lot of great jazz music out there that just sounds really good to my ears. I mean, I still love stuff like Converge, Black Dice, or Killswitch Engage as much as the next guy, but yesterday was just a jazz sorta day.
MP3 | Thelonious Monk – Bye Ya Monk’s Dream
MP3 | Bobby Hutcherson – Tin Tin Deo Ambos Mundos
MP3 | Booker Ervin – Boo That’s It
Review: Omar Rodriguez - Omar Rodriguez (or) and how they disappoint
Posted on 19 March 2006 | 2 Comments
The latest offering from former At The Drive-In and current Mars Volta guitarist Omar Rodriguez is a self-titled effort that is an exciting adventure into prog-jazz that only he could lead.
“Recorded in Amsterdam last June, these songs are an extension of the Omar Rodriguez Quintet side project, and along for the ride are various musicians on horns, keys, and percussion, including several ATDI and Mars Volta cohorts. The results are extended, improv-style jams that mix wailing guitar solos, spasmodic drumming, and computer and tape effects with more traditional jazz elements. – Pitchfork
The music is great. Sonically adventurous and something this is (undeniably) of Rodriguez’s making. Maybe a little something like the crazy jazz-funk of Bitches Brew.
MP3 | Omar Rodriguez – Regenbogen Stelen Van Prostituees ST
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz, Post Rock, World Music
Review: The Bad Plus - The Empire Strikes Backwards (or) ladies and gentlemen of the opposite
Posted on 4 March 2006 | 4 Comments
The Bad Plus is an unconventional (and somewhat controversial in jazz circles) Midwestern jazz trio. Comprised of drums-bass-piano they form their own jazz version of a rock power trio. They confound listeners with rock-ish song structures that serve as a framework for their adventurous and rhythmic post-60’s free jazz sound. The Bad Plus has even been referred to as “the loudest jazz band on the planet.” They have covered the likes of Nirvana, Bjork, The Pixies, Black Sabbath, Aphex Twin and more. While totally modern in scope, it is sometimes hard to realize that there is nothing but piano, bass, and drums driving the music into the future.
While jazz purists might be turned off, the latest album from The Bad Plus Suspicious Activity is certainly worth a listen for any music fan. It is out now on Columbia Records and can be purchased here.
MP3 | The Bad Plus – Anthem For The Earnest Suspicious Activity
MP3 | The Bad Plus – The Empire Strikes Backwards Suspicious Activity
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Jazz
How about a little jazz?
Posted on 7 February 2006 | 1 Comment
How about about a little jazz? Some vibes, saxophone, and piano for your listening (dis)pleasure.
MP3 | Bobby Hutcherson – Tin Tin Deo Ambos Mundos
MP3 | Chris Potter – Megalopolis Traveling Mercies
MP3 | Alan Broadbent – Serenata Round Midnight
Funny you should mention that
Posted on 20 January 2006 | 2 Comments
While I am no jazz expert (by any means) I know what I like and what sounds good to these ears. And, as a fan of a lot of music that could be considered noisy, I absolutely love the work of saxophonist Ornette Coleman.
Jazz critics all agree that Ornette Coleman was one of the most important (and controversial) innovators of the jazz avant-garde. He was a revolutionary and challenged the notions of what jazz should sound like when he burst on the scene in 1959. His music may sound tame by today’s standards, but back then it was a bold new statement that rattled, turned off, and even frightened many listeners. Even Miles Davis said, “Hell, just listen to what he writes and how he plays. If you’re talking psychologically, the man is all screwed up inside.”
Now my first exposure to jazz music was (as a kid) to the the generic, boring, click-track stuff you can readily hear on smooth jazz radio stations. I wasn’t impressed at all and forgot about jazz until sometime in college when I was exposed to Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue. I discovered that jazz could be really good and (over the next few years) slowly expanded my collection and knowledge of the genre. In my early 20’s I stumbled upon some recordings by Ornette Coleman in the library. I took them home and put ‘em on the stereo. As my jaw dropped I may have said something like, “Holy s#!t, what the f#&k is this?”
I had never heard jazz music like that before. Ornette’s performances were virtuosic, emotional, and exciting. His music was all over the map and seemed to just flow and move along as if it had a life of its own. The music wasn’t so much dissonant as it was chaotic and definitely pulse-quickening. If Thurston Moore played saxophone he might be Ornette Coleman.
In 1961 Coleman released Free Jazz, a 37-minute improvisational jam that featured Coleman, Don Cherry, Charlie Haden, Eric Dolphy, and others as a double quartet. The left channel features Coleman’s quartet and the right channel features Dolphy’s. This is glorious noise and (although a bit challenging) pure musical magic.
MP3 | Ornette Coleman – Free Jazz Free Jazz
Filed Under: Jazz
Muzzle Of Bees interview
Posted on 13 January 2006 | 4 Comments
Hi everyone! In case you didn’t know, Ryan from Muzzle Of Bees posted an interview with yours truly for his ongoing “get to know your blogger” series. Head over to Muzzle Of Bees to read it, or just click right here.
I’ll leave you with a few renditions of Radiohead songs for solo piano by Brad Mehldau and Christopher O’Riley. Enjoy.
MP3 | Brad Mehldau – Paranoid Android Deregulating Jazz
MP3 | Christopher O’Riley – Let Down True Love Waits
Review: Yesterday's New Quintet - The Funky Side Of Life (or) lay down sally
Posted on 9 January 2006 | 3 Comments
Everyone loves Madlib. I do. You do. He is the producer/beat-making genius behind such projects as Madvillain, Quasimoto and Yesterday’s New Quintet.
Now I was not too familiar with YNQ until recently when I heard Madlib’s Sound Directions The Funky Side Of Life which began as an offshoot of YNQ. It is Madlib’s first full length collaboration with session musicians (including wicked UK drummer Malcom Cotto) and is a collection of “vintage soul grooves, electronic freewheeling funk, and fusion-oriented jazz breaks” that are all given the Madlib treatment. His grimy abstract hip-hop beats still mess through the tracks but aren’t necessarily their central focus. By incorporating live instrumentation (including drums, bass, horns, rhodes, and guitar) Madlib pays homage to the old school jazz that has influenced him and lets us come along for the glorious (and certainly funky) ride.
Madlib presents Sound Directions The Funky Side Of Life is out now on Stones Throw Records.
MP3 | Sound Directions – Dice Game The Funky Side Of Life
MP3 | Sound Directions – On The Hill The Funky Side Of Life
Filed Under: Album Reviews, Hip Hop, Jazz
Sharper than the serpent's tooth
Posted on 14 December 2005 | 3 Comments
I’m in the mood for a little jazz tonight and was inspired by some of the great posts over at Feed Me Good Tunes. First is a version of the classic Christmas tune “Winter Wonderland” by saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins. I give you a great tune from avant-garde pianist Matthew Shipp, and also something from one of the free-jazz pioneers, Cecil Taylor. Closing out the set is organist Jimmy Smith’s souped up rendition of “Jingle Bells.”
MP3 | Sonny Rollins – Winter Wonderland The Standard Sonny Rollins
MP3 | Matthew Shipp – Galaxy 105 Harmony And Abyss
MP3 | Cecil Taylor – Luyah! The Glorious Step Looking Ahead!
MP3 | Jimmy Smith – Jingle Bells Christmas Cookin’
