Rahsaan Kirk displays his fully unique musicality on this previously unreleased live recording. Rahsaan Roland Kirk Live in Paris 1970 (Transversales, 2024) In 1970 Roland Rahsaan Kirk was among the most vital jazz musicians. He had a total grasp of … Continue reading The unique Rahsaan Kirk live
Black Beauty, one of Miles Davis’ most successful live versions of Bitches Brew, was released 50 years ago. Miles Davis – Black Beauty (Sony, 1973) Trumpeter Miles Davis toured a lot in 1969 and 1970 playing the music from his … Continue reading Miles Davis live – electric and intense
Melissa Aldana explores a very wide palette of music with her quartet. She can be a powerhouse saxophonist on one song to sound as frail as possible on another. Melissa Aldana, tenor saxophone; Lage Lund, electric guitar; Pablo Menares, bass; … Continue reading Melissa Aldana Quartet live
The composer and arranger Mary Halvorson sounds more traditional than the adventuresome improviser on her new album Cloudward. Mary Halvorson – Cloudward (Nonesuch, 2024) When Mary Halvorson plays the solo introduction to the piece “The Tower” on her new album … Continue reading Mary Halvorson in the clouds
One of piano genius Bud Powell’s best albums are reissued for his centennial anniversary. The Amazing Bud Powell Volume 1 (Blue Note, 2024) Is three versions of Bud Powell’s “Un Poco Loco” one or two too many? I do not … Continue reading The amazing Bud Powell
The outstanding saxophone playing and the rhythm section of Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette makes this 50 year old album great. Joe Henderson – Multiple (Milestones, 2023) Joe Henderson never had the big commercial success of the most popular fusion … Continue reading Joe Henderson’s funky fusion album
Today is legendary drummer Max Roach’s 100th birthday. He was the heartbeat of bebop and never stopped inventing. The career of drummer Max Roach is spectacular. In the late 1940s he was the drummer in Charlie Parker’s most important bebop … Continue reading To the max – Max Roach at 100
This jazz quartet recording written by John Zorn featuring Julian Lage is charming and easily accessible. Homenaje A Remedios Varo by John Zorn (Tzadik, 2023) I never would have guessed John Zorn if I had heard this music blindfolded. When … Continue reading Pretty Zorn
Imagine an album by McCoy Tyner with Wayne Shorter, Alice Coltrane, and Elvin Jones being shelved for several years. It happened to the 50-year-old Extensions. McCoy Tyner – Extensions (Blue Note, 2023) It seems fitting that this vinyl reissue of one … Continue reading McCoy Tyner with Wayne Shorter and Alice Coltrane
Cecil Taylor’s first solo piano recording was released 50 years ago. Cecil Taylor – Indent (Unit Core Records, 1973) Solo piano playing has a rich history in jazz. Art Tatum, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk; they all recorded solo albums. In … Continue reading Cecil Taylor’s first solo album at 50
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