Bart – Don Ellis – “K.C. Blues” Live – 2023 the year of Don Ellis! I believe Bart and I have played 3 tunes with Don Ellis featured on them this year. Though this track has the added focus on 2 underrated horn men John Klemmer and Frank Strozier both sounding vicious. Klemmer diverges into smooth jazz eventually. To me he slipped into obscurity, though he gained popularity on that avenue at the time. His early recordings are pretty heated post-Trane tenor. that is worth a listen. Strozier is an alto hero of mine, and he essentially persisted stylistically after his early recordings with Memphis musicians, but rarely received much acknowledgment. He has a unique and intense alto voice. It’s nice to hear them both on this track!
Nawi – Chick Corea & Gary Burton Duets “Children Songs” – Beautiful little miniatures. Gary Burton had a certain profile at Berkley, and in Boston, when I was growing up that really didn’t live up to his early coolness. Most 70’s Burton was of a high quality and pretty experimental. I also appreciate early Corea much more than what I thought about what he was doing in the 80’s. In both cases I think my teenage perception of their respective 80’s career arcs has lead me to ignore the significance of their early career work. It’s usually a taste over substance issue, but both had lots of substance early, and later, in their careers. These are really sweet moments captured in songs, playful & bright.
Dan – Hamilton de Holanda Quinteto – “Ano Bom” – Hamilton is coming to town on 2/27! i’m going, are you? This track is smoking and buoyant. He offers a lot of diversity in his musical choices, here he has a sort of Brazilian Jazz fusion vibe. Elegant, with limitless technique and groove. He always seems to have a foot in tradition and a foot in the future.
My 2nd play was to end our conversations with something light. Something to push Bart home after a long drive (during the Sesh!). Luiz Gonzaga – “Sete Meninas” ft. Dominguinhos – The hats! I have another Dominguinhos recording to play in the future, he is still wearing the same style hat now and I’m dying to know what occasion it is for – or is it branding? Incredible vibe, everybody is having a good time, Brazilian Accordion rules!
Found Sounds 