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New releases Oct-Nov 2024, V-Z

Records offered for review to Jazz Journal in September-October 2024, including Chucho Valdes, Steve Waterman, Bobby Wellins, Immanuel Wilkins, Phil Woods

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Valdes, Chucho: Jazz Nocturno

They say : Nothing. (Descarga 637002 LP)

Vallon, Colin: Samares

They say : The signature-lyricism of Colin Vallon’s compositions and his trio’s understated three-way interaction remain magically intact on “Samares”. Yet, much has evolved in the sound of the Swiss pianist’s group (with bassist Patrice Moret and drummer Julian Sartorius) since 2017’s “Danse”, among other things Vallon’s freshly introduced use of electronics to modulate his instrument’s pitch. (ECM Records 6593279)

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Valory, Ross: All Of The Above

They say : From the Latin-fired “Wild Kingdom” to the dirge “No One Wins a War,” the partying “Low Rider” or the Santana’s “Incident of Neshabur,” the album presents an evolved artist. Musicians drummer Gregg Errico (Sly & the Family Stone), drummer Steve Smith (Jean-Luc Ponty, Focus), saxophonist Marc Russo (Yellowjackets). (Oid Records)

van Wijck, Friso: Friso van Wijck’s Candy Container

They say : Release 14 December 2024. Friso van Wijck’s Candy Container is the debut album of composer/drummer Friso van Wijck. Influenced by the serialism and aleatoricism of Boulez, Stockhausen, etc, but also by jazz, metal, open improvisation, and writers/poets such as James Joyce and e.e. cummings, Friso’s music is a synergy between these different, sometimes completely opposite worlds, ranging from totally rationalized to highly intuitive. Candy Container brings together a group of energetic virtuosos, whose abilities to switch between contrasting style elements lend the music a hyper expressionistic frenzy, imbued with high-octane interaction. Friso van Wijck – compositions, drums, gongs, bells etc, Jasper van Damme – alto saxophone, flute, Joao Driessen – tenor saxophone, flute, ewi, Jorn ten Hoopen – guitar, Frank Jonas – guitar, Bas Kloosterman – bass (TryTone TT559-107)

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Various Artists: Punkt Live…2

They say : A collection of live remixes from the Punkt Festival. Includes performances from the late Jon Hassel, Eivind Aarset, Hamid Drake and Eténèsh Wassie. (Punkt Editions 3779635)

Various Artists: Charles Mingus in Session – Mingus Fingus

They say : Arguably one of the greatest musicians and composers in the history of Jazz, Charlie Mingus was a bassist, pianist, composer, arranger and band leader. Before finding fame in his own right, he played with many of the world’s greatest musicians as a sideman. This set features him playing on sides from Russell Jacquet, Howard McGhee, Ernie Andrews, Dinah Washington, Lionel Hampton, Oscar Pettiford, Charlie Parker, Quincy Jones & Duke Ellington as well as early studio bands of his own. The original 78’s of many of these sides are extremely rare and many have not been re-issued until now. This set is a must for jazz fans and a tribute to Mingus’s artistry and versatility. (Jasmine Records JASMCD2840)

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Various Artists: Classic V-Disc Small Group Jazz Sessions

They say : This set collects some of the finest small-group jazz of the artistically turbulent Forties in collaborations (Mosaic Records #279)

Vazesh: Tapestry

They say : Tapestry captures in exquisite clarity one night of improvisation between Iranian tar player Hamed Sadeghi, saxophonist-bass clarinettist Jeremy Rose and bassist Lloyd Swanton (of The Necks). Inspired by the Persian Radif and Hamed’s music, this is a compelling interplay of an ancient venerable musical tradition and contemporary improv. (Earshift Music EAR092)

Venezia, Giuseppe: I’ve Been Waiting For You

They say : Active on the international jazz scene for almost twenty years, the bassist and composer Giuseppe Venezia recorded this new album with Fabrizio Bosso (trumpet), Attilio Troiano ( tenor saxophone and flute), Bruno Montrone (piano), Pasquale Fiore (drums). The album crosses all the themes and forms of modern Jazz and postbop. (GleAM Records AM7031)

Ventling, Alex & Burgoyne, Phelan: The View

They say : After 8 years of collaboration, British drummer, Phelan Burgoyne, and New Zealand/Swiss rising-star pianist, Alex Ventling, release their awaited debut album, ‘The View’ – a culmination of the duo’s originals in a robust and shining statement. Their release tour kicks off in Trondheim, then India, Singapore and New Zealand. (Sonic Transmissions Records (STRP 27))

von Hattenberger, Sahara: 1Q84

They say : Fans of Japanese literature may recognize the title of Montreal cellist Sahara von Hattenberger’s new album as having been borrowed from acclaimed author Haruki Murakami’s most famous fantasy novel, 1Q84. The story begins in 1984 and follows a young woman named Aomame as she travels to a parallel universe – one almost identical to our own, except for a few eerie differences. She calls this parallel reality 1Q84 (‘Q’ is pronounced Kyuu, the same way that the number 9 is pronounced in Japanese.) (Odd Sound – ODS36)

Ward Greg, Ravitz Ziv, Stevens Matthew and Genovese Leo : Full Cream

They say : Sugah Hoof Records is proud to announce the November 1 release of Full Cream, the debut from a collective of four celebrated and innovative musicians comprising Greg Ward and Ziv Ravitz alongside GRAMMY-Award winners Matthew Stevens and Leo Genovese. (Sugah Hoof Records)

Warren, Nikara: The Queen of Kings County

They say : Drawing from Brooklyn’s rich Caribbean heritage and icons like Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone, the album weaves together jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and house music, creating an immersive sonic landscape rooted in rhythm and groove (Switch Hit Records)

Waterman, Steve; Lodder, Steve; Crosland, Ben: Harken!

They say : Harken! is the new album of original music by Threeway, featuring Steve Waterman on trumpet/flugelhorn, Steve Lodder on piano, Rhodes and Hammond organ and Ben Crosland on electric bass which celebrates the trio’s 20th anniversary; special guest John Etheridge. (Jazz Cat – JCCD120)

Watson, Ali: Terrarium

They say : Driven by a desire to craft music that serves as an escape and antidote to the relentless overstimulation of modern life, Glasgow bassist Ali Watson’s debut features some of Scotland’s most celebrated young voices including Matt Carmichael and Alan Benzie. (Self Release)

Webb, Joe: Hamstrings & Hurricanes

They say :  An effervescent piano trio album, celebrated by the likes of Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum. (Edition Records EDN1248)

Webber, Anna: simpletrio2000

They say : Anna Webber’s Simple Trio, featuring Matt Mitchell on piano and John Hollenbeck on drums, is her long standing working trio. The forthcoming album, simpletrio2000, will be released on Intakt Records on October 18, 2024. This release marks the 10-year anniversary of Simple Trio, and all of the tracks are based on polyrhythms. Highly recommended if you like Anna Webber’s Shimmer Wince, John Hollenbeck’s Claudia Quintet or GEORGE (which Webber is a part of), or any of Matt Mitchell’s albums. (Intakt)

Wellard, Gordon: Tribute to Keezer

They say : Drawing from a pool of a dozen top young British jazz musicians Wellard has made this recording with different ensembles based around a core septet. Most of the compositions and arrangements are provided by the pianist that featured in the last edition of The Jazz Messengers, Geoffrey Keezer. It features young tenor sax prodigy James Scannell, Jamie O Donnell on alto and Steve Fishwick on trumpet. This CD was Jazz CD of the month in the Evening Standard in March 2000 (Victoria Records 003)

Wellard, Gordon: Round Midnight

They say : Round Midnight is a sextet performance which features the late American alto sax player Bob Martin. Originally recorded in 1997 the CD showcases 20 year old Steve Fishwick on trumpet and 21 yr old James Scannell on tenor sax. All the arrangements were purchased from Don Sickler and all the compositions are by Thelonous Monk.Originally intended as a demo ,drummer leader Wellard has issued this recording as a Tribute to Bob Martin. (Victoria Records 001)

Wellard, Gordon: The Language of Jazz

They say : The Language of Jazz is released as another tribute to alto player Bob Martin (1948-2023) and also features Steve Fishwick on trumpet and Ed Jones on tenor sax. There are compositions by American ex Jazz Messengers Brian Lynch, James Williams and Geoffrey Keezer. If hard bop is your bag then this is for you. Mike Edmonds on bass and Nick Tomalin on piano complete the rhythm section with Wellard on drums. There is a guest appearance from guitarist Jim Mullen on a tune by Hank Mobley. (Victoria Records 002)

Wellins, Bobby: Homage To Caledonia

They say : On download, streaming and CD for the first time ever, the Bobby Wellins Sextet performing The Culloden Moor Suite and other favourites. (Jazz In Britain – JIB-67-S-CD)

Wendel, Ben: Live at the Village Vanguard

They say : Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard by GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist Ben Wendel captures the raw, intimate energy of live jazz, recorded at one of the most iconic venues in the world. (Edition)

Whitley, Christopher: almost as soft as slience

They say : Last year, multifaceted Canadian violinist Christopher Whitley released his acclaimed debut as a contemporary music interpreter (including his JUNO-award winning performance of Nicole Lizée). This new, completely improvised recording was captured in the same sessions and shows his remarkable gift for spontaneous invention—from the melodic to the textural. (self-released)

Wilcox, Andrew: Dear Mr. Hill

They say : The album teams Wilcox with the veteran rhythm section of bassist Avery Sharpe and drummer Yoron Israel, both of whom have taken the young pianist under their prodigious wings. (Truth Revolution Recording Collective)

Wilkins, Immanuel: Blues Blood

They say : Nothing. (Blue Note)

Winters, Pinky: Pinky + Lonely One

They say : Pinky Winters (vcl), Bud Lavin, Gerald Wiggins (p), Howard Roberts (g), Jim Wolf (b), Stan Levey, Chico Hamilton (d) (Fresh Sound Records FSRV 140)

Wood, Jack & Nichaud Fitzgibbon: Movie Magic Great Songs From The Movies

They say : Jack Wood, a top interpreter of the Great American Songbook, and Nichaud Fitzgibbon, a major Australian jazz singer, team up on Movie Magic: Great Songs From The Movies. The compilation of some of their most rewarding solo recordings is highlighted by their six heartwarming duets. (Jazz Hang Records)

Woods, Phil: Integrity

They say : Nothing. (Red Records RR1231772 CD)

Works Trio: Scouring For The Elements

They say : A distinct and powerful musical voice with its unique instrumentation, innovative compositions and 17 years of group chemistry on the new album Scouring For The Elements. (Connection Works Records)

Wright Gee, Naomi: Meteor Trail

They say : Oti-O Records is proud to announce the release of ‘Meteor Trail’, the debut album by the Naomi Gee Wright Band. Led by cellist/composer Naomi Gee Wright. this unique trio brings her compositions and improvisations together with the iridescent vocals of Brigitte Beraha and dynamic tabla playing of Ben Hazleton. (Oti-O Records 009)

Yai: Sky Time

They say : NYC dream jazz abstractionists YAI (David Lackner and John Thayer) return with Sky Time, a mesmerizing mix of woodwinds, waves, and ethereal echo. Moving deftly from ambient soundscapes through fourth world aesthetics, Sky Time is a joyful and clear-eyed exercise of stop motion in slow motion. (AKP Recordings (AKP032))

Yokely Darryl: Un Mundo En Soledad

They say : The seed of Un Mundo en Soledad was planted over two decades ago when Yokley read Gabriel García Márquez’s 1967 classic One Hundred Years of Solitude during his junior year of high school. (TRR)

Younge, Adrian: Linear Labs: São Paulo

They say : Adrian Younge presents Linear Labs: Sao Paulo is a psychedelic and soulful compilation of new songs showcasing the musical brilliance of Adrian Younge with artists from around the world. The album features one unreleased song from an array of forthcoming albums Younge has produced for Linear Labs, including Something About April III, the tertiary instalment of Younge’s masterwork trilogy, and a new blaxploitation adventure from hip hop legend Snoop Dogg, entitled Don’t Cry For the Devil. (Linear Labs )

Zaitz, Artie: The Regulator

They say : Artie Zaitz’s new album of six compositions, tracked live in the studio and recorded in full analogue glory features features Ross Stanley on Hammond C-3 ‘Big Bertha’, Steve Brown on drums and Dave Pattman on conga (Banger Factory Records – BF005/BF005LP)

Zenón, Miguel: Golden City

They say : This landmark recording from 2024 Grammy winning saxophonist/composer Miguel Zenón, Golden City is a sweeping suite inspired by the complex and promising history of the San Francisco Bay Area. Zenón is joined by Miles Okazaki, Matt Mitchell, Dan Weiss, Chris Tordini, Daniel Díaz, Alan Ferber, Diego Urcola, and Jacob Garchik. (Miel Music)

Zinn, Dann: Two Roads

They say : The music on Dann Zinn’s 6th album explores the wide swath of styles that have informed the Bay Area saxophonist’s unmistakably original voice as both a composer and a player. Featuring Zinn with pianist Rachel Z, bassist Jeff Denson, & drummer Omar Hakim (+ percussionist Brian Rice on two tracks). (Ridgeway Records)

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