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New releases Oct-Nov 2024, Q-S

Records offered for review to Jazz Journal in August-September 2024

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Quinichette, Paul: The Vice ‘Pres’ · Legendary Sessions 1951-1954 (2-CD Box Set)

They say : All the recordings on this 2-CD box set were produced by Bob Shad between 1951 and 1954 and originally released on the Mercury, EmArcy, Dale, and Decca labels. (Fresh Sound Records FSRCD 1150)

Ra, Sun: Jazz In Silhouette

They say : Nothing. (20th Century Masterworks 350271 LP)

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Ramamurthy, Arun: New Moon

They say : The core of the Arun Ramamurthy Trio’s new album New Moon (Sept 20, Greenleaf Music) is the “New Moon Suite” – a 4-part work that reflects on the inspiration of ancestors, family and tradition, and how we navigate the world as multicultural beings. (Greenleaf Music GRE-1111)

Reinhardt, Django & Stephane Grappelli: La Marseillaise – La Quintette a Cordes 1946 -1947

They say : Nothing. (Autre Distribution 3040802 LP)

Reitan, Greg: The Bounding Line

They say : The English poet and artist William Blake wrote of the intentionality and originality in art as being demarcated by a “bounding line,” meaning that the more “sharp and distinct” the boundaries of the piece are drawn, the more perfect the art. Pianist Greg Reitan took this idea to heart during an artist residency at composer Aaron Copland’s home, Rock Hill, in Cortlandt Manor, New York, in the summer of 2019. Inspired by the seclusion, environment, and Copland’s library, Reitan utilized his time at Rock Hill to create a blueprint for his new recording, The Bounding Line. Ft. Jack Daro & Dean Koba (Sunnyside Records SC1740)

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Riley, Howard: BBC Sessions 1968-1970

They say : Nothing. (Rhythm & Blues Records RANDB100)

Roberts, Bryn: Aloft

They say : Aloft is the vibrant trio debut from pianist and composer Bryn Roberts on Elastic Recordings. After a long career as a sideman in the jazz world (Seamus Blake, Will Vinson, Alan Ferber, Jon Gordon, Caity Gyorgy), and as a collaborator with several singer-songwriters (Rosanne Cash, Shawn Colvin, Dar Williams), Bryn Roberts has assembled his dream trio. Bassist Matt Penman and drummer Quincy Davis join Roberts on Aloft, a collection of five sparkling originals and novel takes on two standards. (Elastic Recordings (ER 015))

Rojas, Fabio: Perseverance

They say : Venezuelan drummer Fabio Rojas first immigrated to the USA 14 years ago to pursue a career in music. Guided by the proverb “el que persevera, vence” (he who perseveres, wins), Rojas’ new album (featuring Greg Osby) reflects on Venezuela’s transition from democarcy to dictatorship, as well as the blood, sweat and tears of his personal journey in music. (Self Release)

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Rose, Melinda & Romero, Frenchy: I’m On My Way

They say : Having performed together for 12 years, vocalist Melinda Rose & pianist Frenchy Romero’s debut is a marvel of top-rate jazz vocals and pianism, supported by A-list drummer Matt WIlson and others (Self Released)

Rubalcaba, Gonzalo Dongfeng Liu: China Afro Cuba

They say : Maestro Dongfeng Liu is back. And this time he brought a friend, mentor, and genius collaborator in Gonzalo Rubalcaba. They flow together as kindred spirits. “We are two pianists having an exploratory and innovative musical conversation. We’ve made a non-traditional interpretation of traditional music,” says Liu. (ZOHO ZM 202407)

Rush, Otis: I Can’t Quit You Baby – The Cobra Sides

They say : Nothing. (Blues Joint 8030 LP)

Sabbagh, Jerome: Heart

They say : Paris-born, Brooklyn-based saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh’s 10th album as a leader and first for his new label, Analog Tone Factory, is an elegant, creative trio session with bassist Joe Martin & drummer Al Foster. Martin has been Sabbagh’s go-to bassist for more than 20 years, while Foster is his “favorite living drummer.” (Analog Tone Factory)

Salvador, Henri: Essential

They say : Nothing. (French Connection 490643 LP)

Samebito: A Tale of Gratitude

They say : Nothing. (Self Released)

Sanders, Joe: Parallels

They say : Bassist Joe Sanders’ “Parallels” presents a live recording from a dream line-up: Seamus Blake (tenor saxophone), Logan Richardson (alto saxophone) and Gregory Hutchinson (drums). Alongside this is a studio production with Jure Pukl (tenor saxophone) and Taylor Eigisti (piano/keyboards). Filtered through Joe’s questing persona, all the musical elements are unified into a thrillingly unpredictable whole. (Whirlwind Recordings WR4827)

Sands, Christian: Embracing Dawn

They say : Pianist/composer Christian Sands’ “Embracing Dawn” serves as a cinematic narration of the stages of grief and healing and explores musical styles as varied as neo- and alternative soul, mid-tempo swing, funky gospel, ballads and acoustic jazz-rock. Features bassist Yasushi Nakamura, drummer Ryan Sands, guitarist Marvin Sewell, vibraphonist Warren Wolf and harmonica player Grégoire Maret. (Mack Avenue Records MAC1209)

Sarian, Michael: Live at Cliff Bell’s

They say : Recorded live at legendary Cliff Bell’s in Detroit at the end their tour through Canada, the northeast and Midwest, Michael Sarian’s Quartet, with Santiago Leibson on piano, Marty Kenney on bass, and Nathan Ellman-Bell on drums, performed a selection of songs from their previous two records, as well as a few of Sarian’s new compositions featuring gritty swing, Armenian sensibilities and ample room for group exploration and interplay. (Shifting Paradigm Records, SP208)

Scarla O’Horror: Semiconductor Taxidermy For The Masses

They say : Featuring celebrated musicians: James Allsopp,Alex Bonney,Tim Giles and Isambard Khroustaliov, here is an adventurous album that fuses free jazz and electronic music through the quartet’s singular ‘Frankensteinian’ approach that employs machine learning improvising alongside master musicians. (Not Applicable NOT075)

Scheinman, Jenny: All Species Parade

They say : Acclaimed violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman is joined by guitarists Bill Frisell, Julian Lage and Nels Cline, pianist Carmen Staaf, bassist Tony Scherr and drummer Kenny Wollesen on her latest album, All Species Parade. Containing 10 sprawling tracks stretching over 72+ minutes of music, the collection was written as an homage to Humboldt County’s Lost Coast where Scheinman was raised and recently returned to live. (Royal Potato Family RPF 2410)

Schubert – Pilz – Scheib – Kugel: Live At Freejazzsaar 2019

They say : The quartet’s three-part improvisation on Live at FreeJazzSaar 2019 is antithetically unique. A first-time collaboration, each track is titled “Where is Charles”, since the group filled a festival slot when Charles Gayle didn’t appear. All are mature enough to improvise at a high level as if such a situation happened every day. The music is very energetic from the first note, and the musicians involved show a mastery as individual players as much as a collective, as a group. (Nemu Records, nemu032)

Sclavis, Louis & Benjamin Moussay: Unfolding

They say : Having previously joined forces on several recordings for ECM, in recent years clarinettist Louis Sclavis and pianist Benjamin Moussay increasingly focused on their two-way communication, playing well-received concerts throughout Europe. In a programme of originals – two-thirds from the pianist, the remainder by Sclavis – the French duo juxtaposes lyrical contemplation with whimsical inventiveness. (ECM Records 6561404)

Seim, Trgve & Frode Haltli: Our Time

They say : On “Our Time” Trgve Seim and Frode Haltli exchange contrapuntal glances, lyrical swells and textural explorations with grace and nuance, presenting a programme of originals, improvisations and recasting’s of traditional Ukranian and North-Indian folk songs. Recorded in Munich in 2023, “Our Time” sees the saxophonist and accordionist’s tones meet in a surreal and magical dance. (ECM Records 6558599)

Sentient Beings: Truth Is Not The Enemy

They say : Fire music recorded live at The Vortex, London. Faith Brackenbury – violin / viola : John O’Gallagher – alto sax : John Pope – bass : Tony Bianco – drums (Discus 183CD)

Serra, Arturo: Pensativa

They say : Arturo Serra (vib), Juan Galiardo (p), Bori Albero (b), Santi Colomer (d) (Fresh Sound Records (Swing Alley) SA049)

Sevaldsen, Kristin: The Sonic Experience -Iceland

They say : SE-Iceland is the 2nd volume in Kristin Sevaldsen’s upcoming trilogy based on field recordings from various locations, situations, and countries in the Arctic. A sonic retelling of my experiences from nature and society. Performer: Kristin Sevaldsen-saxophone/voice/electronics – Composer/producer (d’Label Records, CXU2401)

Sex Magick Wizards: Death Grip

They say : Nothing. (Nice Things Records – NTR016)

Shepik, Brad: Human Activity: Dream of the Possible

They say : Brad Shepik’s ‘Human Activity Dream of the Possible’ is a ten movement meditation on the climate challenges we face, aiming to inspire people to take any action they can to preserve and adapt in a sustainable way for future generations. Shepik composed and premiered the work in 2021 as response to the that year’s climate report and his previous composition Human Activity Suite (2007). The concert length work weaves stringed instruments and rhythms from around the world with jazz into a narrative of hope. (Shifting Paradigm Records, SP210)

Shinobi, Bleu: Things You Won’t Do Today

They say : Nothing. (Autre Distribution ZCPLC001LP LP)

Shorter, Wayne : Celebration, Volume 1

They say : First in a series of archival releases curated before the legendary twelve-time Grammy winning saxophonist and composer passed away last year. Released via Blue Note marking 60 years since he began his recording career with the famed jazz label. The 2014 live recording captures Shorter’s acclaimed quartet with pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade at the Stockholm Jazz Festival in Sweden. (Blue Note )

Siegel, Dan: Unity

They say : Pianoman Siegel’s 23rd release featuring several guitarists that have played with Babyface, Michael Jackson, Boz Scaggs, Chick Corea, Whitney Houston, Roberta Flack. (DSM)

Siegel, Naomi Moon: Shatter The Glass Sanctuary

They say : Trailblazing composer-trombonist Naomi Moon Siegel’s Shatter The Glass Sanctuary, a collection of original works that chronicles her adjustment to small-town living in Missoula, Montana, after residing in Seattle. Performed by acclaimed Seattle sextet: pianist Marina Albero, guitarist Andy Coe, percussionist Christopher Icasiano, trumpeter Ray Larsen, and bassist Kelsey Mines. (Slow & Steady Records BOR-110)

Simone, Nina: Little Girl Blue

They say : Nothing. (Essential Jazz Master Sessions 2617 CD)

Sinatra, Frank: In The Wee Small Hours

They say : Nothing. (Number One Essentials 291012 LP)

Smith III, Walter : three of us are from Houston and Reuben is not

They say : The new album’s wry title signifies the lineup, which includes fellow Houston natives – pianist Jason Moran and drummer Eric Harland – while bassist Reuben Rogers, who hails from the Virgin Islands, rounds out the quartet. Together they enliven 10 compelling Smith originals and an imaginative rendering of a Sam Rivers composition – all of which speaks to Smith’s ascending status as one of modern jazz’s most engaging talents of his generation. (Blue Note )

Smith, Jimmy: The Complete Sermon Sessions

They say : Nothing. (Essential Jazz Master Sessions 2614 CD)

Sofia Goodman Group: Receptive

They say : Nashville drummer/composer Sofia Goodman follows up on last year’s “Secrets of the Shore” with a very different concept album: what are the stages & aspects of receptivity, she asks musically. Working with producer Pascal Le Boeuf, Goodman presents eight new compositions arranged for octet, expressing varied moods, grooves, and swing. (Joyous Records)

SORBD: Wild Peacock In Transit

They say : SORBD brings together 5 musicians from the European improvised music and free jazz scene who have distinguished themselves as strong artistic personalities. The five instrumentalists and composers are characterized by their own sound language and the development of contemporary concepts of ensemble playing. The improvisation in various constellations, as well as conceptual composition sketches, lead to a high degree of interactive playfulness, surprising moments of noise and sensual sound images. Edith Steyer – Bb clarinet; Mia Dyberg – alto saxophone; Rieko Okuda – piano; Isabel Rößler – bass; Sofia Borges – drums, percussion (Relative Pitch Records RPR1189)

Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Swing Forever

They say : On the cusp of their 24th anniversary, the world-renowned, 3x GRAMMY-Award winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra returns with their ninth studio album, Swing Forever. Releasing on August 23, 2024, Swing Forever solidifies Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s well-earned reputation as the true sound of the barrio, and “the leading light of the salsa reconstruction movement” (Newsday). Under the direction of Latin music legend Oscar Hernández, the 13-piece all-star salsa band showcases their signature hard-hitting, contemporary New York sound that pays homage to the rich musical history of the genre. (Ovation)

Speyer, Loz, Inner Space: Live in Leipzig

They say : The first album of this great lineup featuring saxophonists Xhosa Cole and Dee Byrne – trumpeter Loz Speyer’s Jazz Portrait compositions create spaces for free playing where the group can explore new areas and discover where the music might GO – while drawing deeply on the Jazz tradition, all the way back to Bebop and New Orleans. (Spherical Records SPR007)

Sphere: Complete Live At Umbria Jazz

They say : Nothing. (Red Records RR1233421 LP)

Sphere: Complete Live At Umbria Jazz

They say : Nothing. (Red Records RR1233422 CD)

Stern, Mike: Echoes and Other Songs

They say : Legendary guitarist Mike Stern has been celebrated for his versatile playing style since he first hit the scene with Billy Cobham, Miles Davis and others. With “Echoes and Other Songs”, Stern brings together an all-star group of musicians (including Chris Potter, Jim Beard, Christian McBride, Antonio Sanchez, Richard Bona, Dennis Chambers) for eleven new originals. (Mack Avenue Records/Artistry Music ART7087)

Stewart, Louis & Hall, Jim: The Dublin Concert

They say : At Christmastime 1982 Jim Hall contacted Louis Stewart. Hall was holidaying in Ireland, could they play a gig? A venue was booked, tickets sold out and Livia Records’ Gerald Davis recorded the gig. The tapes lay dormant until 2022. This is the only known recording of these guitar masters together. (Livia Records LRCD 2401)

Superposition: II

They say : Led by drummer Olavi Louhivuori, Superposition features Linda Fredriksson and Adele Sauros on saxes and Mikael Saastamoinen on bass. Having won the EMMA prize for the Finnish jazz album of the year with their debut (We Jazz Records, 2020), Superposition take leaps forward with their remarkably strong new album, taking the quartet’s acoustic free jazz based sound towards a more melodic, flowing direction. (We Jazz Records – WJLP72)

Swing from Paris: I Love Paris

They say : Gloucestershire-based quartet Swing from Paris present their new album, featuring numbers inspired by pioneering guitarists Mary Osborne, Charlie Christian and the innovative yet underrated George Barnes; a classical-inspired arrangement of No Moon at All; Oblivion, by the master of nuevo tango Astor Piazzolla; and Dizzy Gillespie’s progressive Afro-Cuban influenced Tangorine. (Self released)

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