FREEDOM/ESP/EINSTEIN CD SALE - TZADIK T-SHIRTS - NEW RELEASES, REISSUES & A FEW DELAYED ITEMS FOR OCTOBER 26th, 2001!!!

*** We have just received a few dozen TZADIK T-SHIRTS and they look beautiful! They 100% cotton, high quality black t-shirts with the 3" Tzadik logo and name in golden yellow placed over one's heart on the front and a large flaming red & gold outline of the sun on the back, plus a small red & gold bug shaped flame on the sleeve. They come in three sizes - XL, Large & Medium, although they seem to run a size smaller than they are. Each Tzadik t-shirt costs $16.

A FEW DELAYS TO NOTE : Speaking of Tzadik, Bobby Previte's "The 23 Constellations of Joan Miro" has been delayed for a few weeks, since the lovely booklet is too big to fit in the jewel case. The three eagerly anticipated Sackville reissues from Julius Hemphill, Don Pullen and George Lewis are also in limbo since the label is playing games with both US distributors. Neither has any clear idea when they will get these in stock, so please be patient!

A HANDFUL OF NEW RELEASES & REISSUES FOR OCTOBER 26th, 2001:

1.MILES DAVIS - The Complete 'In a Silent Way' Sessions (Columbia/Legacy 65362) Three cd set. In many ways this was the beginning of what would be referred to as "fusion" when it came out in 1969 and combined the best elements of electric jazz with some subtle, sublime and mysterious rock rhythms. Miles' incredible ('64-'69) quintet was going their own ways to give birth to the Tony Williams' Lifetime, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi Sextet & Headhunters and the Mahavishnu Orchestra - so the floating personnel on this milestone features the first US appearance of (guitar great) John McLaughlin & Dave Holland (on bass), plus Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea & Joe Zawinul on electric keyboards and the soon to depart Wayne Shorter on soprano sax and Tony Williams on mostly cymbals. Longtime Miles producer Teo Macero did amazing job of making this magical, mystical work flow seamlessly with two side long, dream-like enchantments. This triple cd includes pieces that ended up on 'Filles de Kilimanjaro', 'Water Babies', 'Circle in the Round' and 'Directions'. Three cd set & beautiful booklet for $43.

2. BILL LASWELL - Points of Order (Inner Rhythmic 011) This was previously available only as a download from eMusic under the title 'Cyclops' and features Buckethead on guitar, Graham Haynes & Toshinori Kondo on cornet & el. trumpet, Karsh Kale on drums, Karl Berger on vibes and members of the Anti-Pop Consortium on a wee bit of hip-hop vocals. $15.

3. PRINCE LASHA QUINTET - The Cry (OJC 1945) Featuring Sonny Simmons on alto sax & English horn, Gary Peacock on double bass, Gene Stone on drums and Prince Lasha on various saxes. Legendary west coast multi-reeds hero Prince Lasha played with Ornette in the early fifties when they were both living in Texas and collaborated with pre-ESP sax wonder Sonny Simmons in Oakland as early as 1954, helping to invent what would become known as 'free jazz'. 'The Cry' is one of their earliest recordings from 1962 and both saxists play immensely inspired throughout! Prince Lasha recorded a half dozen fine or so records throughout the mid seventies, but little or none are currently available on cd. $15.

4. OASIS: MUSIC FROM MILLS 2001 - (Mills 4) Featuring three compositions from Fred Frith, plus pieces by Alvin Curran, Pauline Oliveros, Chris Brown and Maggi Payne. All of these composers are currently professors at Mills College and this label intends to release a compilation of works by their in-house composers each year. These are all electro-acoustic solo works and this is a spectacular and challenging offering. $15.

5. JAPANESE INDEPENDENT MUSIC BOOK & CD (Sonore/French import) "From Abe Kaoru to Zeni Geva, the fullest picture available of Japan's explosively radical musical underground of the '80s and '90s... Western fans of Japanese independent and underground music have never had it easy. Once over the first hurdle of actually laying hands on the music, the next greatest barrier has been the lack of information about the scene in Western languages. Like a pig snuffling for truffles in a garbage dump, snippets have had to be gleaned from poorly translated interviews in fanzines, the rare CD booklet in English, and the occasional feature in the press. Misapprehensions, misconceptions, incomprehension, and sheer befuddlement have been the usual result. With the appearance of this book, perhaps some of these deficiencies can at last be righted. Completely revised and greatly expanded from the previous French edition, it draws together the cumulative knowledge of obsessive fans, freaks and sages in Europe, America, and Japan. In many cases the artists themselves have contributed data. The book's treasure trove of otherwise unobtainable information includes biographies and discographies for hundreds of groups from the 80's and 90's (as well as some crucial figures from earlier), spanning the breadth of underground music production in Japan from noise and avant-rock, punk and prog, to electronica and free improvisation. A clutch of informative and analytical essays on the music, as well as interviews with some of the artists set the scene. Voluminous lists of artist websites and label contact details complete this invaluable resource. This also features an amazing cd of rare and previously unreleased tracks from: The Saboten, Haino Keiji, Ex-Girl, Hoppy Kamiyama, Toshimaru Nakamura/Sachiko M, Gaji, Harpy, Hair Stylistics, KK Null, Yuko Nexus 6, Haco, Bondage Fruit, Ruins, Jyoji Sawada, Kangaroo Paw, Wono Satoru, Acid Mothers Temple, Furudate Tetsuo." - [Alan Cummings - Japanese music expert]. A most impressive book & cd - BLG! $29.

6. THOMAS JADERLUND-Amazing Orchestra (Sweden import) Jaderlund plays saxes & leads an amazing international lineup of CHRISTY DORAN on guitar, Guy Klucevsek on accordion Thomasz Stanko on trumpet (ECM all-star), Stein-Erik Tafjord on tuba, Svante Henryson on cello & electric bass and Jonny Axelsson on percussion. There are some very great and incredibly hot band arrangements that run through these tightly composed new-jazz and new music arrangements, as well as solo/duo/trio spots for all of the players featured. An outstanding two cd set for about $26.

7. TOMAHAWK -s/t (Ipecac 18) New project from our fave post-rock-punk-improv vocalist Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle & Fantomas) with an all-star line up of Kevin Rutmanis (Melvins & Cows), John Stanier (Helmet) and Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard & DK3)!!! Smokin'! $15.

8. STARS OF THE LID - The Tired Sounds of Stars of the Lid (Kranky 050) Are there other earthling-conjured soundworks rivaling the majesty of Henry Flynt's minimalist hillbilly fiddle fantasias or the heavens-rending power of Messiaen's works for organ? Undoubtedly, else why bother listening. But the only thing speaking at us right now from these charmed regions are the celestial sonorities of these Stars of the Lid. Alternately lulling and wielding a potency that wholly escapes most 'experimental' music, SOTL bring big, whomping chunks of sonic firmament with a sustaining, life-affirming sweep. For the most part the latest SOTL missive offers sound sources which refuse to readily reveal themselves. Treated strings, organ or backwards tubular bell runs -- it's simply a sublime chorus of instrument voices, irresistible as the undertow. Also gurgling up in the mix are whimpering pups, shuffling feet, dictaphone-preserved foreign lecture hall blather, a city bus shouldering to an unsteady stop -- common enough stuff, but rendered here as the sounds of civilization heard distantly, the human receiver filtering everything through a palpable disease that bespeaks a higher yearning! Incredibly bizarre stuff! Two cd set for $16.

9. JOE McPHEE - Underground Railroad/Live At Holy Cross Monastery (Atavistic 226). Underground Railroad is Joe McPhee's first record. It was recorded at Holy Cross Monastery in West Park, New York, in April 1969, and issued promptly as the first release on Craig Johnson's CjR label. Only 500 copies of the LP were manufactured and it was never reprinted. 2CD set for $18

10. STEVE BERESFORD, DAVID TOOP & TOSHINORI KONDO, TRISTAN HONSINGER- DoublIdemnity/Imitation Of Life (Atavistic 224). Two classic Y records reissued on the UMS hardcore improvised music by Beresford (Slits, Premiere U.K. Journalist), Honsinger (cellist extraordinaire), Toop (experimental Genius/author) & Kondo (Japanese impro legend). $14

11. TIM BUCKLEY- Lorca (Elektra 61339) Currently out of print. This was the incredible vocalist's space-jazz-folk gem and part of a trilogy with "Happysad" and "Star Sailor". Cosmic, sublime and tormented. $12

FREEDOM - ESP - EINSTEIN $10. CD SALE - CHECK IT OUT!!!

*** The (Arista) Freedom label of the seventies was one of the most consistently incredible modern jazz series to document the first recordings of Julius Hemphill, Oliver Lake, Anthony Braxton, Albert Ayler, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Human Arts Ensemble, Stanley Cowell, Charles Tolliver & many more. Less than half of their fabulous catalogue was reissued by the Black Lion label, with a number of gems still not reissued - Hemphill's 'Dogon A.D.' and all of Braxton's incredible albums for Freedom. More than a dozen of these classic titles are listed below and all come highly recommended!!!

*** The ESP label was another fabulous avant jazz and psych/folk/rock label which also recorded many of the first records from dozens of the legendary sixties free-jazz giants! Besides recording the cream of American avant-jazz, they also released a half dozen of Europes' finest avant-jazz greats (Gunter Hampel, Karl Berger & Peter Lemer). This label was amazingly consistent, no matter how little known some it's artists were, so I decided to check a few of the lesser known players recently and was knocked by the results. Hence, I highly recommend the cds from the Byron Allen Trio and European (unknown) delights - Karel Velebny and Nedley Elstak - these $10. copies of the ESP cds are almost gone and certainly out-of-print, so don't delay!!

*** The Einstein label comes from the Roulette performance space, which is run by the great avant trombonist Jim Staley. Roulette recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. Their label has only a dozen releases and features many of downtown's finest improvisers - John Zorn, Ikue Mori, Fred Frith, Elliott Sharp, Zeena Parkins and many more. Each of their releases are a gem!

BYRON ALLEN TRIO - [s/t] (XYZ/ESP 1005) NY 9/25/64 w/ Maceo Gilchrist on bass, Theodore Robinson on drums and Byron Allen on alto sax. Nope, I am not familiar with Byron either, but this is yet another out-jazz gem!!

ART ENSEMBLE OF CHICAGO - Tutankhamun (Black Lion 760199) Paris studio recording from 6/26/69 w/ Lester Bowie, Malachi Favors, Roscoe Mitchell, Joseph Jarman and Don Moye! This was half of a double album entitled 'The Paris Session' and is pretty cosmic!

ALBERT AYLER - Going Home (Black Lion 760197) NY studio recording from 2/24/64 with Call Cobbs Jr. on piano, Henry Grimes on bass and Sunny Murray on drums! An early studio date from the legendary tenor sax god - Albert Ayler!

ALBERT AYLER - Witches & Devils (Black Lion 741018) NY studio recording from 2/24/64 w/ Henry Grimes, Sunny Murray, Earle Henderson and Norman Howard!

GATO BARBIERI -In Search of the Mystery (ESP 1049) with Carlo Scott, Norris "Sirone" Jones and Robert "Bobby" Kapp. Gato's debut & pretty amazing! Recommended by Tony Malaby!

PAUL BLEY TRIO -Touching (Black Lion 760195) Copenhagen 11/5/65 with Kent Carter (incredible bassist) and Barry Altschul (except track 8 w/Mark Levinson subbing for Carter) Compositions by Paul & Carla Bley and Annette Peacock. Exciting!

MARION BROWN - Porto Novo (Black Lion 760200) [1-5] recorded in Holland 12/14/67 w/ Maartin Altena and Han Bennink [tracks 6 & 7] recorded 12/70 w/Leo Smith!! Two albums on one cd and both are great!

DAVE BURRELL - High Won-High Two (Black Lion 760206) NY 2/6/68 w/ Sirone on bass, Bobby Kapp on drums and Pharoah Sanders [on tamborine] (except 8 9/9/68 w/ Sunny Murray subbing for B Kapp) - an outstanding out-jazz piano trio date from one of the masters of modern piano! Another two album set on one cd!

CONFEDERACY OF DANCES [V.A.] (Einstein 001) Otherwise unreleased live performances from NY's famous new music performance space - Roulette - by the usual suspects of both loft jazz and downtown scenes: Billy Bang, Bill Frisell, Jeanne Lee, Chris Cochrane, Ikue Mori, Leo Smith, Zeena Perkins, Christian Marclay, John Zorn and many more!

STANLEY COWELL - Brilliant Circles (Black Lion 760204) NY studio recording 9/25/69 Featuring an amazing all-star cast of Woody Shaw on trumpet, Tyrone Washington on tenor sax, Bobby Hutcherson on vibes, Reggie Workman on bass & Joe Chambers on drums! Incredible!!

STANLEY COWELL - Travellin' Man (Black Lion 760199) London studio recording 6/69 w/ Steve Novosell and Jimmy Hopps. Stanley Cowell is one of my favorite modern jazz pianists and everything he put out in the 70's was superb.

NEDLEY ELSTAK TRIO - The Machine (XYZ/ESP 1076) Amsterdam based quartet from May of '68 with Nedley on trumpet, Martin Duynhoven on drums and Maartin Altena on contrabass and Sofie Van Lier on vocal (two tracks only) - considering we've only heard of the bassist Maarten Altena - this is pretty great!

BURTON GREENE TRIO - On Tour (ESP 1074) w/ Steve Tintweiss on bass, Shelly Rusten on drums & the superb avant-jazz piano legend Burton Greene!

JULIUS HEMPHILL - Coon Bid'ness (Black Lion 760217) [cuts 1-4] NY studio recording 1/29/75 w/ Arthur Blythe & Hamiet Bluiett on saxes, Abdul Wadud on cello, Barry Altschul on drums & Daniel Ben Zebulon on percussion; [cut 5] recorded in St. Louis, MO in 2/72 w/ Bluiett, Wadud, Philip Wilson on drums and Baikida Carroll on trumpet - completely outstanding and essential early date by one of our favorite saxists and composers!!

STEVE LACY - The Forest and the Zoo (ESP 1060) Featuring Enrico Rava on trumpet, Johnny Dyanni on acoustic bass and Louis Moholo on drums!!! Amazing quartet date with the fabulous (South African transplants) Blue Notes rhythm team!!!

OLIVER LAKE -Heavy Spirits (Black Lion 760209) 2 sessions (NY 1/31/75 and Boston 2/3/75) involving various permutations of Lake w/ Olu Dara, Joseph Bowie, Donald Smith, Stafford James, Victor Lewis, Al Philemon Jones, Steve Peisch, and Charles 'Bobo' Shaw. One of Oliver's first and best!!!

FRANK LOWE - Fresh (Black Lion 760214) Recorded 9/74 & 3/75 and feat. Lester and Joseph Bowie, Abdul Wadud, Charles Bobo Shaw & Steve Reid. Two great Monk covers stretched out - "Epistrophy" & "Mysterioso:!

FRANK LOWE - Black Beings (ESP 3013) Featuring Joseph Jarman & Frank Lowe on saxes, the Wizard on violin (young Japanese dude whose name could not be revealed), William Parker on bass and Rasid Sinan on drums! Great studio date from March, 1973 one of William Parker's first studio recordings!

ZEENA PARKINS - The Opium War (Einstein 010) Fascinating avant music/radio play featuring Ikue Mori, David Shea, Tenko, Chris Cochrane, DJ Olive, Margaret & Zeena Parkins.

ROSWELL RUDD - Flexible Flyer (Black Lion 760215) NY studio recording 3/74 with Hod O'Brien on piano, Arild Anderson on bass, Barry Altschul on drums and Sheila Jordan on fabulous vocals!!

SONNY SIMMONS - Music from the Spheres (ESP) w/ Barbara Donald on trumpet, Bert Wilson on sax & Juney Booth on bass. An essential out/jazz gem from 1966.

JIM STALEY - Mumbo Jumbo (Einstein 004) A great series of improvised trios from Downtown's best - John Zorn, Elliott Sharp, Bill Frisell, Fred Frith, Samm Bennett, Wayne Horvitz & Shelley Hirsch!!

JIM STALEY - Don Giovanni (Einstein 002) More amazing improvisations from Ikue Mori, Zeena Parkins, Tenko, Davey Williams, Jim Staley & produced by Fred Frith!

JIM STALEY - Northern Dancer (Einstein 006) Even more intense improv from John Zorn, Elliott Sharp, Davey Williams, Ikue Mori, Shelley Hirsch and Jim Staley!

JIM STALEY - BORAH BERGMAN - PHEOBE LEGERE - Blind Pursuits (Einstein 011) excellent series of duos with the brilliant and ever-challenging pianist - Borah Bergman and that wacky and inventive pianist/vocalist/accordionist Phebe Legere!

SUN RA - Outer Spaceways Incorporated (Black Lion 760191) NY '68 with the Arkestra includes "Intergalactic Motion" not originally on the LP. This is also a part of the three cd box-set - 'Calling Planet Earth'. Superb and out there!

CECIL TAYLOR - Trance (Black Lion 760199) Live at Montmartre Jazz Cafe in Copenhagen 11/23/62 w/ Jimmy Lyons and Sunny Murray!! This is beginning of free-jazz and is an essential listen! This has _ of the 'Nefertiti' reissue which is quite expensive and currently in print on the Revenant label.

CECIL TAYLOR - Silent Tongues (Freedom 41005) An incredible solo set from Montreaux Jazz Fest in7/2/74! One his best ever!

CECIL TAYLOR - Indent (Freedom 41038) Another wonderful live solo set from Antioch College in 3/11/73!!

CHARLES TOLLIVER - Grand Max (Black Lion 760199) Smokin' live set from the Loosdrecht Jazz Festival - 8/9/72 w/ John Hicks. Reggie Workman and Alvin Queen!! Outstanding!!

CHARLES TOLLIVER - The Ringer (Black Lion 760174) Outstanding quartet date with Stanley Cowell on piano, Steve Novosel on bass, Jimmy Hopps on drums and the always amazing trumpet & flugelhorn master - Charles Tolliver!!

KAREL VELEBNEY - SHQ (ESP 1080) 4/67 w /Jiri Stivin, Ludek Sabensky, Karel Vejvoda and Josef Vejvoda. Unknown but amazing Polish (?) out-jazz classic! The cover has Velebny in a hospital bed, his leg in a sling with sunglasses on!?!

RANDY WESTON - Carnival (Freedom/Black Lion 41004) Montreux Jazz Festival from July of 1974 & featuring a stellar unit w/ Billy Harper, Don Moye, William Allen and Steve Berrios!!!

RANDY WESTON - Blues To Africa (Freedom/Black Lion 41014) Zurich 8/14/74 - Solo piano live and fine.