Dan – Asha Puthli – “Wild Samurai” – My current favorite song and POWER jam for 2023. In a search for the lyrics it is sad to discover that several Asha Puthli albums have never been released on CD (including the album this song is from – 1982’s Only the Headaches Remain). I reached out directly to her website to discover those lyrics – I’ll give an update if I receive a response. I have been catching Asha’s reissues from Mr. Bongo, there are 3 so far and was already familiar with Ornette Coleman collaboration. She is entirely under recognized and this song feels like a lost Blondie song that I’m happy to have discovered.
Bart – I feel I know this song? This is not the original recording. Trumpet & Piano Jazz Calypso? That limits the options, the sound is also very live which also shrinks those options. A more Bop-pish piano player who can sustain the swang in his solo un-supported by bass or drums. I think maybe this is more of a set duet piece and there may be more musicians on the recording. Roy Hargrove & Mulgrew Miller – “Funghii Mama” (Blue Mitchell’s tune which is where I recognize it and from a live duet album)
D2 – Slim Galliard & his Trio – “Dunkin’ Bagels” – Lots of Hip Viper slang in this Zootie Rootie. I like the ode to NY Deli culture, tho I’ve never dunked a bagel in coffee. The Bass solo reveals some of their advanced musicianship, which is somewhat concealed by the novelty nature of the recording. Slim was silly but also a hell of a musician and in on that Bop thing.
B2 – Some nice Cheeze Funk. Flute lead, maybe Herbie Mann? Though not sounding like him to me right now. (2 mins later….) Probably does now tho. The vibes suggests it too, early Roy Ayers. I just got the double album collection of Herbie’s insane band with Roy, Sonny (& Linda) Sharrock, Miroslav, Steve Marcus & Bruno Carr @ the Whiskey a Go Go. Herbie brings the Cheeze but is surprisingly hip too. He should be included on the band leaders who hire the best cats list!
D3/4 – Eddie Harris (feat. Don Ellis) – “Brother Wardo” & “Steps Up” – Bart has a bit of a Don Ellis problem and didn’t know of this collaboration so we dug in. My problem with this Eddie Harris is only that there is a significant lack of Don Ellis on the recording. These 2 tunes are it, but the entirety of the album is very strong. Featuring Eddie’s diversity, musicianship and his typical excellence in curating a variety of songs & vibes on his recordings. “Steps Ahead” features some sick Bass playing (by Bradley Bobo, who’s website was active until a day or two ago) that reminds of “Giant Steps” variations I worked on with both Odean & Bobby Zankel.
Found Sounds 