July 2005


Each month we provide a series of CD reviews plus "Star Rated" items.

You can listen to clips of some of our picks. You'll need a RealAudio Player to do this, and you can download by clicking on the following icon:

Our reviewing staff members are:

John Sutherland: John has a keen interest in piano jazz and brings with him a wealth of knowledge in this area.

Robert Fogle: Rob is Director of Musical Services for Fogle Entertainment in Toronto, as well he hosts his own radio programme on CHRY-FM (105.5). His background as a fan, in jazz music is extensive, and he is a serious collector of all genres of the music.

Colin Smith: Colin began his interest in jazz in his native Jamaica, and since settling in Toronto has become more involved in the music he loves. He is the school programme director for the Markham Jazz Festival and hosts his own jazz show on CKLN-FM (88.1).

Bob Eckersley: Bob Eckersley emigrated from England in 1957 and settled in Owen Sound (Northern Ontario), where he worked as an inspector for the government on Highway construction. His interest in jazz started during the war years, and though he is not a trained musicologist, he listens from the heart and judges accordingly.

By way of identification, reviewer's initials are inserted at the end of each review.

Previous Picks


Pat Collins - "In the Moment"

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Mike Murley surfaces again as a member of bassist Pat Collins' Quartet along with guitarist Reg Schwager and drummer Barry Elmes. Presently on the music a faculty of Humber and Mohawk Colleges, Collins has played with the best, from Oscar Peterson and Dizzy Gillespie to Rob McConnell and Moe Koffman. On this, his debut album, he chooses to feature nine of his own compositions, exchanging front-and-centre roles with Murley on "My Happy Place", sharing the melodic lines of "Mrs. P.C." with guitarist Schwager, or pursuing an extended freely improvised solo with "In the Moment" and "A Momentary Lapse". A welcome introduction to the world of bassist Collins as a leader!

J.S.

Cornerstone CRST CD 126

Time Warp - "Warp 1X"

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Recorded in Caledon, Ontario, Canada, in 2002, this disc celebrates the 20th anniversary of Time Warp performances/recordings (1982-2002). The aggregation has showcased many noteworthy musicians over those years including Mike Murley, Bob Brough, Alex Dean, Bob Fenton, Mark Eisenman, and Jerry Fuller, et al. Newcomer Kelly Jefferson - soprano/tenor saxes joins alumni members Kevin Turcotte - trumpet/flugelhorn, Al Henderson - bass, and Barry Elmes - drums, in an engaging series of nine performer originals ranging from the swingingly rhythmic "Theme for Eric Dolphy" to the melancholic strains of "Feelings in Exile". The CD pays tribute to the memory of jazz drummers Jerry Fuller and Joe Bendza.

J.S.

Cornerstone CRST CD 119

Alice Coltrane - "Translinear Light"

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Now making only infrequent sorties into the world of jazz from her self-imposed devotion to spiritual pursuits, keyboard artist/composer Alice Coltrane emerges "….to the scene in triumphant fashion…" on a disc produced by her tenor playing son, Ravi, and featuring drummers Jack DeJohnette/Jeff 'Tain' Waits, as well as bassists Charlie Haden/James Genus. She has lost none of her imaginative capacity nor her keyboard artistry, choosing to integrate a mix of original compositions, traditional numbers, and several by John Coltrane, with performances on piano, synthesizer or Wurlitzer organ. The opening traditional Indian "Sita Rama" heralds the depth of her involvement both spiritually and musically.

J.S.

Universal Music B0002191-02

Marian McPartland - "85 Candles-Live in New York"

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In celebration of pianist/composer Marian McPartland's 85th birthday, and in tribute to her unflagging support for the preservation of the heritage of jazz and her encouragement of young musical talent, Concord Records has released this double CD package. Recorded live at Birdland, McPartland is joined by a host of friends and peers in what amounts to al all-star event. She appears on the majority of the selections, either accompanying vocalists such as Norah Jones, Karrin Allyson, Curtis Stigers, Jackie Cain and Nneena Freelon, in duet format with pianists George Wein, Jason Moran, Billy Taylor, guitarist Jim Hall, flugelhornist Roy Hargrove, or in small groups from trio to quintet. McPartland steps aside for performing pianists Bill Charlap, James Williams, Billy Taylor, and Barbara Carroll (the latter also singing along with McPartland's rhythm team of bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and drummer Glenn Davis). This is a "must have" session whether your interest in jazz is extensive or only marginal.

J.S.

Concord CCD2-2218-2

Kye Marshall - "Standard Time"

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There have been very few cellists featured as soloists in jazz over the years; only a handful come readily to mind - Oscar Pettiford, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Abdul Wadud, David Eyges, Peggy Lee. Cellist Kye Marshall not only straddles the boundaries between classical music and jazz, she does so with ease and panache. Conceived with the familiarity of Standard Time in mind, this recent release (2004) features bassist/pianist Don Thompson, guitarist Dan Ionescu, percussionist Mark Duggan supporting Marshall on ten numbers from the opening lyrical rendition of "Have You Met Miss Jones", through the haunting nostalgia of "Round Midnight" and melodic beauty of Summertime", to a spirited closing "I Remember You".

J.S.

Zephyr/Westwind P305

Tord Gustavsen Trio - "The Ground"

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The three art photos in the liner notes to this CD are quite striking; however, there is virtually no information given about the trio members except for their names and the instruments they play - Tord Gustavsen - piano, Harald Johnsen - bass, Jarle Vespestad - drums, and that they recorded the twelve numbers (originals) in Oslo (2004). It's strange marketing ploy unless the distribution is aimed at a local clientele. The music and the musicians, I believe, deserve better. Collectively, the twelve pieces unfold sequentially with great delicacy and subtle modulations into a seemingly predetermined pattern. It's sheer poetry at the keyboard. In this case purchaser, take a chance on the unknown. Recommended.

J.S.

ECM 1892

Charles Lloyd - "Jumping the Creek"

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Saxophonist/composer/educator Charles Lloyd was one of those vibrantly youthful musical voices that helped to keep jazz a viable option for young people facing the onslaught of Rock 'n Roll in the 60's. Though he may have "…missed the bandstand presence of a few", he developed a recognizable style of his own. Charles Lloyd continues to express his own musical creativity with six original compositions, yet remains always eager to explore fresh interpretations of works such as Jacques Frel's "Ne Me Quitte Pas" or Ellington's "Come Sunday". Here, he is joined by the trio of Geri Allen - piano, Robert Hurst - bass, and Eric Harland - percussion who give collective vitality and empathy to his unique artistry.

J.S.

ECM 1911

Thomas Winther Andersen Line Up - "Out from a Cool Storage"

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Two Americans and three Norwegians form the quintet on this 2003 session of ten compositions recorded in Oslo's Musikkogskole. Bassist/leader Andersen describes their "…style as music with a reference to the fifties and sixties"; however, as the opener, "Counter Action", reveals, the music transcends such defined limitations. Tenorman Jimmy Halperin, trumpeter Torgrim Sollid, and guitarist Hakon Storm Mathisen move freely and probingly through five of the eight originals, firing up the tempo on "Chromatic Things", "ASAM", and "Folk". Added bonuses are offered in the digressive lyricism of Bill Evans' "Only Child" and the contrapuntal intricacy given "Ghost of a Chance".

J.S.

TWA Music 0104

Joe Negri - "Uptown Elegance"

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The chief motivation behind the music is undoubtedly to showcase the melodic lyricism of Joe Negri's style of guitar playing in various musical contexts ranging from a full 17-piece orchestral setting to an original duet composition of guitar/percussion "Nina's Smile". Selections are generally timeless tunes given fresh interpretations by some great musical talent including appearances by Gerry Niewood - reeds, Terry Gibbs - vibes, and Buddy DeFranco - clarinet. Negri proves to be an enthusiastically adept performer whether swinging through Ellingtonia, Porter, Berlin, or simply, Mr. Rogers' theme - "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood". All proceeds from the CD's sale go to support the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild learning centre in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

J.S.

Manchester Guild MGG Jazz 1015


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