MUSICIAN'S PLAYLIST
The Musician's Playlist is a feature where we ask one of our foremost jazz musicians to pick their all time Top Ten favourite albums, and tell why they have selected these particular recordings.
Click in the images below to read the latest Playlist.
Click in the images below to read the latest Playlist.
TOM CAWLEY
Tom Cawley is established as one of the UK’s leading jazz pianists and has performed worldwide with a huge mix of artists from Jack deJohnette and Gregory Porter to Peter Gabriel and U2. As a bandleader he has toured, recorded and broadcast extensively and his piano trio, Curios, which won Best Band at the 2008 BBC Jazz Awards. Cawley regularly leads the house band at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and is a professor of jazz piano at the Royal Academy of Music.
With the recent release of his latest album, Catenaccio, on the Ubuntu label, we asked Tom to select his all time top ten favourite albums... continue reading
Tom Cawley is established as one of the UK’s leading jazz pianists and has performed worldwide with a huge mix of artists from Jack deJohnette and Gregory Porter to Peter Gabriel and U2. As a bandleader he has toured, recorded and broadcast extensively and his piano trio, Curios, which won Best Band at the 2008 BBC Jazz Awards. Cawley regularly leads the house band at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and is a professor of jazz piano at the Royal Academy of Music.
With the recent release of his latest album, Catenaccio, on the Ubuntu label, we asked Tom to select his all time top ten favourite albums... continue reading
BEN CROSLAND
Bass guitarist, Ben Crosland, has been a mainstay on the UK jazz scene for nearly forty years, notching up a CV that includes playing with Dick Morrisey, Bobby Wellin, Louis Stewart, Mike Walker, Nikki Iles, John Taylor; and so the list goes on...
Taking his experience gathered over a long career, Crosland brings a wide variety of musical influences to the table and uses them to play jazz on the bass guitar that is deeply swinging in the finest jazz tradition yet also contains elements of the pop and rock music that were an important part of his formative years.
It should therefore came as not surprise when the bassist released Ben Crosland Quintet plays The Ray Davies Songbook in 2016 to wide critical acclaim, and has now followed this up with The Ray Davies Songbook Volume II on his own Jazz Cat imprint...continue reading
Bass guitarist, Ben Crosland, has been a mainstay on the UK jazz scene for nearly forty years, notching up a CV that includes playing with Dick Morrisey, Bobby Wellin, Louis Stewart, Mike Walker, Nikki Iles, John Taylor; and so the list goes on...
Taking his experience gathered over a long career, Crosland brings a wide variety of musical influences to the table and uses them to play jazz on the bass guitar that is deeply swinging in the finest jazz tradition yet also contains elements of the pop and rock music that were an important part of his formative years.
It should therefore came as not surprise when the bassist released Ben Crosland Quintet plays The Ray Davies Songbook in 2016 to wide critical acclaim, and has now followed this up with The Ray Davies Songbook Volume II on his own Jazz Cat imprint...continue reading
STEVE FISHWICK & ALEX GARNETT
Trumpeter Steve Fishwick and saxophonist Alex Garnett need no introduction, having been at the forefront of jazz in the UK for decades. They are set to tour their new release,Marshian Time Slip, in March with New York bassist Mike Karn and Matt Fishwick on drums.
The album is the result of a 15 year association between Alex Garnett and the Fishwick brothers, Steve and Matt.
Just ahead of the tour, we asked Steve and Alex to pick their all time favourite top ten albums, each taking five a piece... continue reading
Trumpeter Steve Fishwick and saxophonist Alex Garnett need no introduction, having been at the forefront of jazz in the UK for decades. They are set to tour their new release,Marshian Time Slip, in March with New York bassist Mike Karn and Matt Fishwick on drums.
The album is the result of a 15 year association between Alex Garnett and the Fishwick brothers, Steve and Matt.
Just ahead of the tour, we asked Steve and Alex to pick their all time favourite top ten albums, each taking five a piece... continue reading
CLARK TRACEY
Drummer, Clark Tracey is now into his fourth decade a leader of some of the finest straight ahead small groups in the UK, using these groups to introduce new young talent to a wider audinece. This is no better in evidence than in Clark's latest release, No Doubt, on his own TenToTen Records imprint.
In a distinguished career, from the age of seventeen he was the driving force behind the bands, large or small, of pianist father Stan Tracey to leading his own groups or teaching at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, or as a promoter of the Herts Jazz Club and their annual Festival he tirelessly works to keep the music he loves alive and swinging... continue reading
Drummer, Clark Tracey is now into his fourth decade a leader of some of the finest straight ahead small groups in the UK, using these groups to introduce new young talent to a wider audinece. This is no better in evidence than in Clark's latest release, No Doubt, on his own TenToTen Records imprint.
In a distinguished career, from the age of seventeen he was the driving force behind the bands, large or small, of pianist father Stan Tracey to leading his own groups or teaching at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, or as a promoter of the Herts Jazz Club and their annual Festival he tirelessly works to keep the music he loves alive and swinging... continue reading
FRANK HARRISON & BRIGITTE BERAHA
With what is sure to be one of the most beautiful albums of the year, pianist Frank Harrison & Brigitte Beraha release their stunning duet album The Way Home.
Ahead of the release of the album on 18th May, and forthcoming concert to celebrate the albums launch at Kings Place, London on 23rd May, the two musicians selected their all time favourite albums picking five apiece... continue reading
With what is sure to be one of the most beautiful albums of the year, pianist Frank Harrison & Brigitte Beraha release their stunning duet album The Way Home.
Ahead of the release of the album on 18th May, and forthcoming concert to celebrate the albums launch at Kings Place, London on 23rd May, the two musicians selected their all time favourite albums picking five apiece... continue reading
ALCYONA MICK & TORI FREESTONE
The art of the duo can be a precarious affair, and a setting that is often favoured by improvising musicians with its intimate sound world and room for conversational improvisation. The duos that work best are frequented by musicians that are fearless, relishing in the exposed setting that they find themselves, and who are also unhindered by stylistic boundaries.
Two such musicians are pianist, Alcyona Mick and tenor/soprano saxophonist and flautist, Tori Freestone and this is ably demonstrated on their latest album for Whirlwind Recordings entitled Criss Cross. Exploring music by Thelonious Monk in the title track, coupled with the Alycona and Tori's fondness for dipping into folk and world music we are presented with a rich and diverse set...continue reading
The art of the duo can be a precarious affair, and a setting that is often favoured by improvising musicians with its intimate sound world and room for conversational improvisation. The duos that work best are frequented by musicians that are fearless, relishing in the exposed setting that they find themselves, and who are also unhindered by stylistic boundaries.
Two such musicians are pianist, Alcyona Mick and tenor/soprano saxophonist and flautist, Tori Freestone and this is ably demonstrated on their latest album for Whirlwind Recordings entitled Criss Cross. Exploring music by Thelonious Monk in the title track, coupled with the Alycona and Tori's fondness for dipping into folk and world music we are presented with a rich and diverse set...continue reading
SIMON LASKY
As the Simon Lasky Group are about to release their second album, About The Moment, on 33 Records, the pianist tells us about his all time favourite albums, and why he has chosen them...continue reading
As the Simon Lasky Group are about to release their second album, About The Moment, on 33 Records, the pianist tells us about his all time favourite albums, and why he has chosen them...continue reading
GILAD ATZMON
Israeli born-UK based saxophonist, Gilad Atzmon has been stirring up audiences with his unique brand of bebop/hard bop/klezmer style jazz with his Orient House Ensemble. A passionate man, Atzmon's passion spills over into his music making, thus making every gig an event.
Perhaps best known as an alto player, it may surprise some that the tenor was the first saxophone that he picked up and that was Coltrane who was his inspiration to do so. Fifty years on since Trane's passing, Atzmon releases The Spirit Of Trane, his own very personal dedication to the tenor saxophonist whose work continues to inspire countless musicians all over the globe...continue reading
Israeli born-UK based saxophonist, Gilad Atzmon has been stirring up audiences with his unique brand of bebop/hard bop/klezmer style jazz with his Orient House Ensemble. A passionate man, Atzmon's passion spills over into his music making, thus making every gig an event.
Perhaps best known as an alto player, it may surprise some that the tenor was the first saxophone that he picked up and that was Coltrane who was his inspiration to do so. Fifty years on since Trane's passing, Atzmon releases The Spirit Of Trane, his own very personal dedication to the tenor saxophonist whose work continues to inspire countless musicians all over the globe...continue reading
ALAN BROADBENT
Grammy winning pianist and composer, Alan Broadbent has been a most welcome visitor to these shores over the last couple of years, and this year has seen to the release of two wonderful recordings. The first with UK based singer and lyricist, Georgia Mancio on their collaboration, Songbook and in June Alan released Developing Story recorded at the famous Abbey Road studio with the London Metropolitan Orhestra and his trio featuring Harvie S on bass and drummer, Peter Erskine.
Straying a little outside the usual format for the Musicians' Playlist, Alan's contribution was so interesting and enlightening that it is published below just as written by the pianist, and of his selection Alan modestly says...continue reading
Grammy winning pianist and composer, Alan Broadbent has been a most welcome visitor to these shores over the last couple of years, and this year has seen to the release of two wonderful recordings. The first with UK based singer and lyricist, Georgia Mancio on their collaboration, Songbook and in June Alan released Developing Story recorded at the famous Abbey Road studio with the London Metropolitan Orhestra and his trio featuring Harvie S on bass and drummer, Peter Erskine.
Straying a little outside the usual format for the Musicians' Playlist, Alan's contribution was so interesting and enlightening that it is published below just as written by the pianist, and of his selection Alan modestly says...continue reading
FREDDIE GAVITA
Norwich born, but now resident in London, trumpeter Freddie Gavita has been building quite a reputation for himself, as a great new talent to watch. In truth he has been on the last the scene for a decade or so but has now chosen to release his debut album as leader, Transient on Froggy Records.
To celebrate the occasion, Freddie will be launching the album at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London on the 19th April, a place in which he should feel right at home as a member of the Ronnie Scott's Club Quintet as well a being a bandleader in his own right... continue reading
Norwich born, but now resident in London, trumpeter Freddie Gavita has been building quite a reputation for himself, as a great new talent to watch. In truth he has been on the last the scene for a decade or so but has now chosen to release his debut album as leader, Transient on Froggy Records.
To celebrate the occasion, Freddie will be launching the album at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London on the 19th April, a place in which he should feel right at home as a member of the Ronnie Scott's Club Quintet as well a being a bandleader in his own right... continue reading
ANDRE CANNIERE
Pennsylvania born, London based trumpeter, Andre Canniere is now an established name on the UK scene. With the release a new album, The Darkening Blue, his third for Whirlwind Recordings, Canniere takes a step away from his work on his previous recordings delving into the poetry of Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke and American author Charles Bukowski.
The Darkening Blue is a sextet project which reaches into the heart of Stephen Mitchell’s insightful translations of Rilke, some of which are conveyed by one of UK jazz’s most expressive vocalists, Brigitte Beraha. There are instrumentally diverse interpretations, too, of Bukowski’s writings, which are illuminated throughout by... continue reading
Pennsylvania born, London based trumpeter, Andre Canniere is now an established name on the UK scene. With the release a new album, The Darkening Blue, his third for Whirlwind Recordings, Canniere takes a step away from his work on his previous recordings delving into the poetry of Bohemian-Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke and American author Charles Bukowski.
The Darkening Blue is a sextet project which reaches into the heart of Stephen Mitchell’s insightful translations of Rilke, some of which are conveyed by one of UK jazz’s most expressive vocalists, Brigitte Beraha. There are instrumentally diverse interpretations, too, of Bukowski’s writings, which are illuminated throughout by... continue reading
GLAUCO VENIER
Fraulian pianist Glauco Venier is perhaps best known for his ECM recordings with the collaborative trio with German saxophonist/clarinettist Klaus Gesing and Norma Winstone, with the group having recorded three acclaimed albums for the imprint; Distances, Stories Yet To Tell and Dance Without Answer.
Venier's initial musical experiences came from playing organ in his local village church. His first forays into jazz were self-taught and in 1991 he won a scholarship to study at Berklee College of music in Boston.Since then he has played and toured with Enrico Rava, Lee Konitz, Kenny Wheeler, Maria Pia De Vito, Joey Baron and Paolo Fresu amongst others.
His debut album for ECM, Minutures was released in June 2016 to much critical acclaim, in which he incorparates improvisation with with his early influences from playing organ in church and his love of classiscal music as well as jazz...continue reading
Fraulian pianist Glauco Venier is perhaps best known for his ECM recordings with the collaborative trio with German saxophonist/clarinettist Klaus Gesing and Norma Winstone, with the group having recorded three acclaimed albums for the imprint; Distances, Stories Yet To Tell and Dance Without Answer.
Venier's initial musical experiences came from playing organ in his local village church. His first forays into jazz were self-taught and in 1991 he won a scholarship to study at Berklee College of music in Boston.Since then he has played and toured with Enrico Rava, Lee Konitz, Kenny Wheeler, Maria Pia De Vito, Joey Baron and Paolo Fresu amongst others.
His debut album for ECM, Minutures was released in June 2016 to much critical acclaim, in which he incorparates improvisation with with his early influences from playing organ in church and his love of classiscal music as well as jazz...continue reading
CLAIRE MARTIN & RAY GELATO
Claire Martin and Ray Gelato have been friends and collaborators for more than 30 years.
Their new album ‘We’ve Got A World That Swings’ (Linn Records) will be launched at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club later this month.
Here, Claire and Ray choose the five recordings that have shaped and influenced their musical careers...continue reading
Claire Martin and Ray Gelato have been friends and collaborators for more than 30 years.
Their new album ‘We’ve Got A World That Swings’ (Linn Records) will be launched at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club later this month.
Here, Claire and Ray choose the five recordings that have shaped and influenced their musical careers...continue reading
MATT RIDLEY
A graduate from Trinity College of Music in 2005, Matt Ridley has gone on to forge a reputation as one of the most creative and versatile bassists on the UK scene. He has a long term collaboration with with Darius Brubeck and has also played in the quartet and big band of Michael Garick.
However it was with the release of his debut album, Thymos, on Whirlwind Recordings in 2013 that it was apparent that Ridley was emerging as a composer and bandleader in his own right, and this has been cemented further by his latest album (also on Whirlwind), Metta...continue reading
A graduate from Trinity College of Music in 2005, Matt Ridley has gone on to forge a reputation as one of the most creative and versatile bassists on the UK scene. He has a long term collaboration with with Darius Brubeck and has also played in the quartet and big band of Michael Garick.
However it was with the release of his debut album, Thymos, on Whirlwind Recordings in 2013 that it was apparent that Ridley was emerging as a composer and bandleader in his own right, and this has been cemented further by his latest album (also on Whirlwind), Metta...continue reading
JULIAN ARGüELLES
Since coming to prominence with the iconic big band Loose Tubes, saxophonist/composer & educator, Julian Argüelles has performed in a wide variety of contexts on the international stage, and has worked with such luminaries as Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Dave Holland, Django Bates and Hermeto Pascoal.
He was also a member of the last incarnation of Chris McGregor’s Bortherhood of Breath, and his latest album on Basho Records, Let It Be Told, recorded with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band presents some superb arrangements by Argüelles of music composed by the The Blue Notes and Chris McGregor in an invigorating set...continue reading
Since coming to prominence with the iconic big band Loose Tubes, saxophonist/composer & educator, Julian Argüelles has performed in a wide variety of contexts on the international stage, and has worked with such luminaries as Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Dave Holland, Django Bates and Hermeto Pascoal.
He was also a member of the last incarnation of Chris McGregor’s Bortherhood of Breath, and his latest album on Basho Records, Let It Be Told, recorded with the Frankfurt Radio Big Band presents some superb arrangements by Argüelles of music composed by the The Blue Notes and Chris McGregor in an invigorating set...continue reading
PETE OXLEY
For more than three decades Pete Oxley has been a shining light in the world of jazz. His art was fine tuned during a decade in Paris whilst playing with the New Noakes Quartet. Pete also help set up Oxford's contemporary jazz club The Spin which has played host to the best of modern jazz. Pete Oxley is very much a people person and has recorded with many talented musicians including Luis D’Agostino. This year Pete releases a second collaboration with Nicolas Meier, the stunning Chasing Tales through MGP Records...continue reading
For more than three decades Pete Oxley has been a shining light in the world of jazz. His art was fine tuned during a decade in Paris whilst playing with the New Noakes Quartet. Pete also help set up Oxford's contemporary jazz club The Spin which has played host to the best of modern jazz. Pete Oxley is very much a people person and has recorded with many talented musicians including Luis D’Agostino. This year Pete releases a second collaboration with Nicolas Meier, the stunning Chasing Tales through MGP Records...continue reading
MAX LUTHERT
One of the most in-demand bassists of his generation, Max Luthert is known for his distinctive sound and approach to improvisation. In the last couple of years Luthert has been performing in the UK and Europe with artists such as Zara McFarlane, Benet McLean, Duncan Eagles, Gareth Lochrane, Mark Mondesir, Ollie Howell and Peter Edwards; and has featured on a number of albums as a co-leader and sideman including the debut, eponymous album of co-led trio Partikel with the bands second album Cohesion, released in 2012 to rave reviews...continue reading
One of the most in-demand bassists of his generation, Max Luthert is known for his distinctive sound and approach to improvisation. In the last couple of years Luthert has been performing in the UK and Europe with artists such as Zara McFarlane, Benet McLean, Duncan Eagles, Gareth Lochrane, Mark Mondesir, Ollie Howell and Peter Edwards; and has featured on a number of albums as a co-leader and sideman including the debut, eponymous album of co-led trio Partikel with the bands second album Cohesion, released in 2012 to rave reviews...continue reading
TRISH CLOWES
Trish Clowes is a saxophonist and composer based in London, now concluding her tenure as a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist. Her third album ‘Pocket Compass’, out now on Basho, features a quintet with Gwilym Simcock on piano as well as the BBC Concert Orchestra on three tracks. The album will be launched at a special show in the London Jazz Festival on 18th November...continue reading
Trish Clowes is a saxophonist and composer based in London, now concluding her tenure as a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist. Her third album ‘Pocket Compass’, out now on Basho, features a quintet with Gwilym Simcock on piano as well as the BBC Concert Orchestra on three tracks. The album will be launched at a special show in the London Jazz Festival on 18th November...continue reading
STEFANO BOLLANI
Italian pianist, Stefano Bollani, has become a familiar name to many through his association with ECM Records since making his label debut in 2003 on Enrico Rava's Easy Living in an all Italian quintet...continue reading
Italian pianist, Stefano Bollani, has become a familiar name to many through his association with ECM Records since making his label debut in 2003 on Enrico Rava's Easy Living in an all Italian quintet...continue reading
For more Musician's Playlists click here, or scroll down to read previous Playlists from Jeff Williams, Kit Downes and John Turville.
JEFF WILLIAMS
Veteran drummer, Jeff Williams, has a career that spans four decades, and has worked with jazz luminaries such as Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Cedar Walton, and Art Farmer. He was also a major collaborator in Dave Liebman's Lookout Farm in the seventies, for which he is perhaps best known.
With the launch of his new album, The Listener, on Whirlwind Recordings, we ask Jeff to pick his all time top ten albums, and why they are special to him.
Unusually, Jeff has selected multiple recordings from the same artist, which perhaps suggest that the drummer has gone for his formative influences as well as his favourite recordings.
Of his selection Jeff says:
With the launch of his new album, The Listener, on Whirlwind Recordings, we ask Jeff to pick his all time top ten albums, and why they are special to him.
Unusually, Jeff has selected multiple recordings from the same artist, which perhaps suggest that the drummer has gone for his formative influences as well as his favourite recordings.
Of his selection Jeff says:
AHMAD JAMAL - A Portfolio Of Ahmad Jamal
Reissued under various guises and sometimes referred to as the white album, this was a live double LP from '58 at the Spotlight in Washington DC. with Israel Crosby and Vernell Fourier that my parents purchased when it was released. I'd already been swept up by Mr. Jamal's spell and was playing along (on a cardboard box with brushes) with At the Pershing and Count 'Em 88. I did this everyday after school. The live atmosphere transported me and I could imagine myself actually playing in the club with my hero. It was how I learned standards, though in Jamal's terms--departing from the form and vamping for a while. I thought that's how everyone played these tunes but I haven't heard many do it. I was eight.
MILES DAVIS - Workin'
Also in heavy rotation at my house during this time, the Workin' LP was another favourite to play along with. ‘Trane's Blues’ (known by other titles elsewhere) is perfect and cemented my love of Coltrane then and there. Four with its drum intro was thrilling. There are two versions of the famous ‘Theme’, one with Philly Joe doing a one-handed triplet break on the snare killed me.
Between Philly Joe's brilliant drumming architecture and sound and Fournier's swinging minimalism I had my first two favourite drummers.
Reissued under various guises and sometimes referred to as the white album, this was a live double LP from '58 at the Spotlight in Washington DC. with Israel Crosby and Vernell Fourier that my parents purchased when it was released. I'd already been swept up by Mr. Jamal's spell and was playing along (on a cardboard box with brushes) with At the Pershing and Count 'Em 88. I did this everyday after school. The live atmosphere transported me and I could imagine myself actually playing in the club with my hero. It was how I learned standards, though in Jamal's terms--departing from the form and vamping for a while. I thought that's how everyone played these tunes but I haven't heard many do it. I was eight.
MILES DAVIS - Workin'
Also in heavy rotation at my house during this time, the Workin' LP was another favourite to play along with. ‘Trane's Blues’ (known by other titles elsewhere) is perfect and cemented my love of Coltrane then and there. Four with its drum intro was thrilling. There are two versions of the famous ‘Theme’, one with Philly Joe doing a one-handed triplet break on the snare killed me.
Between Philly Joe's brilliant drumming architecture and sound and Fournier's swinging minimalism I had my first two favourite drummers.
MILES DAVIS - Kind of Blue
On everyone's list but I would also include Jazz Track from this period and its versions of ‘On Green Dolphin Street’ and ‘Stella By Starlight’. My mother liked to play these on Sundays. For her it was like going to church. So much beauty. What Miles learned from Ahmad is put to use, as had also been the case with the late Prestige LPs where Jamal's arrangements are often used verbatim. ‘Green Dolphin's’ dates back to a '56 version by Jamal. The harmonic expansion of Bill Evans' contribution provides the next step. I didn't know any of this at the time; for me it was of a piece and all I wanted to hear for a while: Miles and Ahmad.
OSCAR PETERSON TRIO - Night Train
Being in thrall to Jamal naturally directed me toward the piano trio recordings of The Three Sounds, Ramsey Lewis, Andre Previn (w/Shelley Manne), Les McCann and whatever else was laying around. The spare instrumentation of piano, bass and drums allowed for greater scrutiny of what the drummer was doing. My first visit to the Village Vanguard in 1961 was to see Oscar's magnificent group with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen and I was blown away. They were on another level in almost all respects but particularly in playing fast tempos and swinging like crazy. Ed's brush playing is breathtaking. This recording is one of their best.
On everyone's list but I would also include Jazz Track from this period and its versions of ‘On Green Dolphin Street’ and ‘Stella By Starlight’. My mother liked to play these on Sundays. For her it was like going to church. So much beauty. What Miles learned from Ahmad is put to use, as had also been the case with the late Prestige LPs where Jamal's arrangements are often used verbatim. ‘Green Dolphin's’ dates back to a '56 version by Jamal. The harmonic expansion of Bill Evans' contribution provides the next step. I didn't know any of this at the time; for me it was of a piece and all I wanted to hear for a while: Miles and Ahmad.
OSCAR PETERSON TRIO - Night Train
Being in thrall to Jamal naturally directed me toward the piano trio recordings of The Three Sounds, Ramsey Lewis, Andre Previn (w/Shelley Manne), Les McCann and whatever else was laying around. The spare instrumentation of piano, bass and drums allowed for greater scrutiny of what the drummer was doing. My first visit to the Village Vanguard in 1961 was to see Oscar's magnificent group with Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen and I was blown away. They were on another level in almost all respects but particularly in playing fast tempos and swinging like crazy. Ed's brush playing is breathtaking. This recording is one of their best.
MILES DAVIS - Four and More
This is one of the first records I remember buying myself. I was given Miles' ESP for Christmas that year ('65?) and wasn't quite up to its listening challenges at first. Four and More was released after this and I understood it right away, being familiar with the repertoire. This changed everything! Tony Williams became my new inspiration. I had started playing in jazz clubs by this time with guys in their forties and had been wondering if the music would continue to have the same conventions. (I hadn't heard Ornette or more adventurous players yet and my associates thought they were charlatans.) This band showed me that there was a way forward in
honouring tradition without being bound by it.
LARRY YOUNG - Unity
I had just seen Woody Shaw and Joe Henderson with Horace Silver at the Half Note, a life-changing moment, so I didn't hesitate to pick this one up, even though I was unfamiliar with Larry Young. I had also seen Elvin Jones play with Duke Ellington and failed to register his genius at the time ('63?), it being a context that made his playing seemed truly avant garde. Unity signified for me a further advancement of the form with musicians in perfect accord. The duet with Larry and Elvin on Monk's Dream remains an all time favourite.
This is one of the first records I remember buying myself. I was given Miles' ESP for Christmas that year ('65?) and wasn't quite up to its listening challenges at first. Four and More was released after this and I understood it right away, being familiar with the repertoire. This changed everything! Tony Williams became my new inspiration. I had started playing in jazz clubs by this time with guys in their forties and had been wondering if the music would continue to have the same conventions. (I hadn't heard Ornette or more adventurous players yet and my associates thought they were charlatans.) This band showed me that there was a way forward in
honouring tradition without being bound by it.
LARRY YOUNG - Unity
I had just seen Woody Shaw and Joe Henderson with Horace Silver at the Half Note, a life-changing moment, so I didn't hesitate to pick this one up, even though I was unfamiliar with Larry Young. I had also seen Elvin Jones play with Duke Ellington and failed to register his genius at the time ('63?), it being a context that made his playing seemed truly avant garde. Unity signified for me a further advancement of the form with musicians in perfect accord. The duet with Larry and Elvin on Monk's Dream remains an all time favourite.
GRANT
GREEN - Street of Dreams
This one my mother found and proceeded to play everyday for months, basking in the mood of it. I thought it a little sleepy initially but the title track and' Somewhere in the Night' have ridiculously swinging grooves and I was hooked. Elvin is perfectly calibrated. Arrangements of' I Wish You Love' and 'Lazy Afternoon' are inspired. It's a recording that wears well and wouldn't offend many. Bobby Hutcherson adds a sparkling element to an organ trio yet to be
equalled.
BOBBY HUTCHERSON - Happenings
Another mom-find that was played nearly to death, this contains a lovely
version of 'Maiden Voyag'e that captures the composition better than Herbie Hancock's recording of it to me. Joe Chambers was making a lot of interesting records at the time and I think this was the first time I heard him. Herbie and
Bobby have a beautiful blend. Quite a bit of ground is covered, inside and out, and that influenced by thinking; one needn't be confined to one or the other.
GREEN - Street of Dreams
This one my mother found and proceeded to play everyday for months, basking in the mood of it. I thought it a little sleepy initially but the title track and' Somewhere in the Night' have ridiculously swinging grooves and I was hooked. Elvin is perfectly calibrated. Arrangements of' I Wish You Love' and 'Lazy Afternoon' are inspired. It's a recording that wears well and wouldn't offend many. Bobby Hutcherson adds a sparkling element to an organ trio yet to be
equalled.
BOBBY HUTCHERSON - Happenings
Another mom-find that was played nearly to death, this contains a lovely
version of 'Maiden Voyag'e that captures the composition better than Herbie Hancock's recording of it to me. Joe Chambers was making a lot of interesting records at the time and I think this was the first time I heard him. Herbie and
Bobby have a beautiful blend. Quite a bit of ground is covered, inside and out, and that influenced by thinking; one needn't be confined to one or the other.
CHARLES LLOYD - Forest Flower
This is the record that introduced me to Jack DeJohnette. It also indicated that further change was underway. Keith's playing is just phenomenal here. Jack confirmed for me some ideas I was working on at the time. Seemingly looser than Tony, Jack had processed everyone and had come
up with another way to play--more open and flowing. There is a freedom in how the time is stated and stretched that appealed to me.
MILES DAVIS - Miles Smiles
I love all of the Miles studio recordings from this period ('65-'68) but this one absolutely floored me when it came out. The way it's recorded is a big part of it, the fact that Herbie lays out or confines himself to right hand lines; it seemed a departure from what had come before. Maybe it has an Ornette influence. The amount of content and interaction from Tony is incredible. He advanced drumming considerably on this one.
This is the record that introduced me to Jack DeJohnette. It also indicated that further change was underway. Keith's playing is just phenomenal here. Jack confirmed for me some ideas I was working on at the time. Seemingly looser than Tony, Jack had processed everyone and had come
up with another way to play--more open and flowing. There is a freedom in how the time is stated and stretched that appealed to me.
MILES DAVIS - Miles Smiles
I love all of the Miles studio recordings from this period ('65-'68) but this one absolutely floored me when it came out. The way it's recorded is a big part of it, the fact that Herbie lays out or confines himself to right hand lines; it seemed a departure from what had come before. Maybe it has an Ornette influence. The amount of content and interaction from Tony is incredible. He advanced drumming considerably on this one.
The Listener by Jeff Williams is released on the Monday 3rd June 2013,
and is available from
Whirlwind Recordings.
Read out review in our May 2013 CD Reviews.
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KIT DOWNES
Over the last few years, pianist Kit Downes, has become a one of the leading young musicians on the UK scene. He can be heard working with contemporaries in The Golden Age of Steam, Troyka, Seb Rochford and also in Stan Sulzmann’s ‘Neon’, as well as with his own Trio and Quintet.
In anticipation of his new quintet album, Light From Old Stars, soon to be released on Basho Records, JAZZ VIEWS invited Kit to contribute his Musician’s Playlist, and giving an insight into his favourite albums.
An all together, and not unexpected, eclectic choice Kit writes:
SKIP JAMES - The Complete Early Recordings
I love Skip's voice - as one of the early delta high singers (like Blind Willie McTell - another favourite of mine) he creates this atmosphere which really sums up the blues for me - melancholic, sad and defiant at the same time. His guitar playing is great as well, not conventionally speaking - but unique and personal.
MARVIN PONTIAC - The Legendary Marvin Pontiac
Such a great record - John Lowrie (from the Lounge Lizards, and films such as Down by Law - Jim Jarmusch) sings along with friends Martin, Medeski and Wood, plus playing from Tony Scherr and Kenny Wolleson (both from Bill Frisells band) and the great Marc Ribot. Theres a bizarre slightly theatrical world created around and within this record, you’re not sure what's real or not!
PAUL SIMON - Graceland
I came to this record later than most, but simply just such amazing lyric writing combined with a unique sounding band that transcend genre and all sorts of other divides - a powerful artistic vision!
BILL FRISELL - Good Dog, Happy Man
I'm torn whether to put this album or Where in the World which I also love almost as much. Good Dog is a less dark record, but what I love about this is that it’s definitely a grower - understated but with so much detail, each listen reveals new things - and it has great melodies and is incredibly produced (like all Frisell albums).
DJANGO BATES - Summer Fruits and Unrest
Some of the most complicated music negotiated with the greatest amount of freedom Ive ever heard! Django is (for me) one of the most important musicians in the world now and for the last 20 years. He creates a world that is uniquely his own, but so incredible widely and well-referenced. There is so much in this music, feeling and detail - but the overriding thing of it all is the amount of JOY in the music - a hard thing to do when playing complex music!
DEERHOOF - Friend Opportunity
Brainy and feely - like Django - but in a different context. Amazing compositions - rich in detail and never what you expect. There is a lot of skill and inner logic within it - lying behind a proper rock and roll attitude. Almost mathy sometimes, but played in such a loose open way that it never feels cold.
PAUL BLEY - Footloose
This is my joint favourite piano trio and definitely my favourite Paul Bley record. A real revolutionary language in piano playing, there is life before Bley and life after. Often a under-appreciated source, Bley has been a huge influence of people like Keith Jarrett, Bobo Stenson, Geri Allen, who have in turn been a huge influence on everyone else! A unique voice and approach to piano, but underneath all the apparent chaos and freedom is a heavy groove and strong melodic sensibility.
I came to this record later than most, but simply just such amazing lyric writing combined with a unique sounding band that transcend genre and all sorts of other divides - a powerful artistic vision!
BILL FRISELL - Good Dog, Happy Man
I'm torn whether to put this album or Where in the World which I also love almost as much. Good Dog is a less dark record, but what I love about this is that it’s definitely a grower - understated but with so much detail, each listen reveals new things - and it has great melodies and is incredibly produced (like all Frisell albums).
DJANGO BATES - Summer Fruits and Unrest
Some of the most complicated music negotiated with the greatest amount of freedom Ive ever heard! Django is (for me) one of the most important musicians in the world now and for the last 20 years. He creates a world that is uniquely his own, but so incredible widely and well-referenced. There is so much in this music, feeling and detail - but the overriding thing of it all is the amount of JOY in the music - a hard thing to do when playing complex music!
DEERHOOF - Friend Opportunity
Brainy and feely - like Django - but in a different context. Amazing compositions - rich in detail and never what you expect. There is a lot of skill and inner logic within it - lying behind a proper rock and roll attitude. Almost mathy sometimes, but played in such a loose open way that it never feels cold.
PAUL BLEY - Footloose
This is my joint favourite piano trio and definitely my favourite Paul Bley record. A real revolutionary language in piano playing, there is life before Bley and life after. Often a under-appreciated source, Bley has been a huge influence of people like Keith Jarrett, Bobo Stenson, Geri Allen, who have in turn been a huge influence on everyone else! A unique voice and approach to piano, but underneath all the apparent chaos and freedom is a heavy groove and strong melodic sensibility.
EDDIE HARRIS - The in Sound and the Mean Greens
Very happy music, amazing groove music - Billy Higgins on this/these records combined with Cedar Walton and Ron Carter is such a great rhythm section for Eddie Harris (who is so groovy) and for his tunes. Cryin Blues is a big favourite of mine - to listen to and to play.
DR JOHN - Locked Down
Dr John's latest album - produced by Dan Auerbach (from the Black Keys - whos album Brothers I really like) is a masterpiece in filthy broken blues. Dr John almost talks his way through some amazing riffs and songs, all produced amazingly - amazing sound.
OSCAR PETERSON - Night Train
My first ever Jazz album and definitely my most listened to album - Oscars playing is groovy and soulful, and complimented perfectly by his best ever band - Ed Thigpen and Ray Brown. Simply the most swinging music and awesome piano sound.
Very happy music, amazing groove music - Billy Higgins on this/these records combined with Cedar Walton and Ron Carter is such a great rhythm section for Eddie Harris (who is so groovy) and for his tunes. Cryin Blues is a big favourite of mine - to listen to and to play.
DR JOHN - Locked Down
Dr John's latest album - produced by Dan Auerbach (from the Black Keys - whos album Brothers I really like) is a masterpiece in filthy broken blues. Dr John almost talks his way through some amazing riffs and songs, all produced amazingly - amazing sound.
OSCAR PETERSON - Night Train
My first ever Jazz album and definitely my most listened to album - Oscars playing is groovy and soulful, and complimented perfectly by his best ever band - Ed Thigpen and Ray Brown. Simply the most swinging music and awesome piano sound.
Kit Downes new album, Light From Old Stars, is released on Basho Records on 22nd April 2013.
Watch out for our review coming soon.
For more information visit http://www.kitdownes.com
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Watch out for our review coming soon.
For more information visit http://www.kitdownes.com
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JOHN TURVILLE
So to kick off this series of Playlists, and the first of 2013, we have put pianist John Turville in the hot seat.
Riding high on some significant, and well deserved accolades for his latest trio CD ‘Conception’ it was a fascinating process to find out just what has influenced and motivated the pianist on his musical journey.
Of his Top Ten choices, John says:
DIEGO SCHLISSI – Tren
This is one of those albums that really changes the way you hear things. Diego’s music is so individual and really reflects his versatility. I came across him after a recommendation from my friend and great singer Guillermo Rozenthuler, and he was a huge inspiration in the writing on Conception. He has his own jazz group as well as playing for the Quinteto Urbano and having his own large ensemble (double quartet) which is the instrumentation on this album. There is something about the detail in the writing here, especially on the duo ‘El Zapallo Que Se Hizo Cosmos’ and ‘Las Puertas Del Cielo’ that perfectly unites the worlds of contemporary classical music (particularly Hindemith), contemporary jazz and tango – which is almost a reference point, an emotional intention. He very generously publishes all the scores for free too, so it’s a great way to try to understand what’s going on there harmonically and rhythmically. To me, its music that lives, has such a positive spirit and goes far beyond labels.
JOHN TAYLOR – Insight
There’s so much to say about this album (and indeed John Taylor) – you just have to listen to appreciate how world-class he is. There are echoes of Messiaen, Ravel and John Ireland in his writing and improvising but beyond that, there’s this boundless creativity leaping out the music. It’s also incredibly detailed. I’ve transcribed three or four tracks of this solo album, and it’s all extraordinary. So many beautiful moments – but his work inside the piano on Vaguely Asian, the intro to Ambleside or the inner parts and the beautiful legato thirds on Glebe Ascending and the interaction between the hands in the solo is something really special. This was one of the albums I would say inspired me the most over the years – and you can return to it each time and hear new detail.
HORACIO SALGAN – Trayectoria
I think to try to understand Diego Schissi, you have to start with Salgan. His work with the guitarist De Lio and with the ‘Quinteto Real’ is really special. Although this is in one sense traditional tango, there’s a rhythmic freedom (in the piano breaks in La Ultima Curda, for example) and a linear approach that has a huge amount of jazz in it. Of course it’s all arranged, but the music really breathes, and there is certainly something of Duke Ellington in the conception.
PUNCH BROTHERS – Punch
Again, this is music that crosses a lot of boundaries. At first listen, it sounds like a slightly leftfield country group, but the more you listen the more you hear – their technique and the quality of the writing is mindboggling, no matter what genre it is. The suite (The Blind Leaving The Blind) is particularly standout – there is a sort of confidence about the writing that demands close listening – it’s kind of schizophrenic, going from interweaving contrapuntal lines sounding like a Bach fugue to folky themes but with an intense lyrical intention and beauty throughout.
GARY HUSBAND – A Meeting Of Spirits
Although he’s known as the drummer of Level 42, Gary Husband is, extraordinarily, a full-on classical virtuoso at the piano, and this album (and it’s pair, The Things I See) is just incredible. His touch is something else, and there’s huge range too on the album, from beautiful free harmonic explorations (like Development, Jazz Jungle and especially the perfect Lotus Feet) to complex loopy rhythmic cycles like ‘Dance of Maya’. There’s a lot of overdubbing throughout as well, but if never feels busy to me. The whole album is a tribute to John Mclaughlin (and its pair to Alan Holdsworth) but the music assumes a completely new life and vibrancy. I think it really speaks to me because of our shared classical backgrounds perhaps.
JULIAN ARGUELLES – Phaedrus
This is, again, one of those albums that you need to hear many times to appreciate. For a start, the writing is varied, mature and open – with a great balance between complexity and lyricism that really works. Then you have the band itself – all the space in the writing (on Phaedrus and Hi Steve for example) is filled by these beautiful flourishes from John Taylor or Mick Hutton) and that continues into the solos. JT breaks all the ‘rules’ of comping – almost interrupting Arguelles mid-flow, but it really works. This was also a big inspiration on Conception – you may notice the similarity between Maxine and Arc-En-Ciel (with a common rainbow theme)!
BJORK – Vespertine
Just a perfect album, again – not jazz at all, but I think it has a pace and creativity about it which is really appealing. The dark mood on ‘An Echo, A Stain’, the beautiful violin lines and electronics on ‘Hidden Place’ and the subtle phasing on ‘Undo’ are exquisite. I wouldn’t say this has influenced my own writing, but I’d love to cover one of her tunes someday – maybe on the next album!
NICK DRAKE – Five Leaves Left
I covered ‘Fruit Tree’ from Five Leaves Left on my first album. Everything about him appeals, his voice, the lyrics, harmony and the incredible guitar playing of course. Obviously, a lot of jazz artists have covered tunes on the album (Stan Sulzmann and Brad Mehldau for example), and I think that has a lot to do with the emotional intensity and a certain level of complexity in the harmony – for the same reasons I suppose Joni Mitchell is covered a lot too. ‘River Man’, ‘Time Has Told Me’ and ‘Fruit Tree’ are particularly great I think.
MILES DAVIS – Birth Of The Cool
There are so many great Miles albums, you can’t really pick one. But I love this one especially – the arranging is so fresh and open (especially tracks like ‘Jeru’ or ‘Moon Dreams’) and there are some lovely Konitz and Mulligan solos. Clearly this was a precursor to the more ambitious Gil Evans albums (Porgy And Bess, Sketches of Spain and Miles Ahead) but there’s something about the rawness and imperfection that stays with you after many listens.
DUKE ELLINGTON – Such Sweet Thunder
Again, there are so many great Ellington suites and albums to pick from (this could just as easily be the Far East Suite, Money Jungle or Piano Reflections). The track I always remember from this is ‘Star-Crossed Lovers’, with the arpeggio intro/outro, generous glissandos from Johnny Hodges, beautiful arranging throughout (but never over-arranged) and some haunting voicings with everything in the wrong place. Extraordinary stuff.
Read a review of Conception by John Turville Trio in our CD Reviews.
For more information visit www.johnturville.com
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