A WONDERFUL SWEET STACK OF GEMS from: TZADIK: FRED FRITH / EVELYN GLENNIE, HENRY KAISER / CHARLES NOYES / SANG-WON PARK & TEIJI ITO, ROBERT FRIPP SOLO, HEINER GOEBBELS & ALFRED HARTH, PAOLO ANGELI, MICHAEL MUSILLAMI TRIO + MARK FELDMAN, JOHN HEMMERSAM /DOM MINASI QUARTET w/ KEN

FILIANO / KRESTEN OSGOOD, 3 from MICHAEL JEFRY STEVENS, BRUCE COATES & JAMIE SMITH, EXPLODING CUSTOMER, ANEKDOTEN, RALPH SHAPEY, WOLFGANG MITTERER, AMADO / ZINGARO / ULRICH / FILIANO,

3 from RICHARD CRANDELL + HISTORIC DISCS from: CAPTAIN BEEFHEART & THE MAGIC BAND, FOUR from THELONIUS MONK, TWO from JOE LEE WILSON, ROY HAYNES & BOB MINTZER w/ JACO PASTORIOUS, KEVIN AYERS & THE WIZARDS OF TWIDDLY, LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III, FLO & EDDIE [MARK VOLMAN & HOWARD KAYLAN], JORGE BEN & GARY LUCAS!

AND OUR RECENT USED &or RARE CD LISTING UPDATE! [Newsletter Subscribers only!]



***************


We were sorry to hear of the passing of Paul Rutherford, British trombone master and guiding light of European free-improv and modern jazz for the past four decades.
Beginning with the early version of Spontaneous Music Ensemble in 1966, Rutherford played with many ensembles large (Mike Westbrook, Globe Unity, LJCO & Keith Tippett's Tapestry) and small. Paul worked with many of the best improvisers from Europe and the US, including Peter Brotzmann, Anthony Braxton, Lol Coxhill, Elton Dean, Evan Parker, Alex Von Sclippenbach, Paul Rogers & Paul Dunmall. Mr. Rutherford in well-known for his pioneering solo trombone improvisations, especially his first one, 'The Gentle Harm of the Bourgeoisie' from 1974. Paul Rutherford also led the great Iskra 1903 & Iskra 1912 which featured Barry Guy, Derek Bailey and Phil Wachsmann, with a half dozen superb discs on Emanem.
Victoriaville Fest attendees had a couple of chances to hear Mr. Rutherford with the London Jazz Composers Orchestra and later, with Keith Tippett's Tapestry. The Vision Fest had Rutherford play with a fine trio with Torsten Muller & Dylan Van Der Schyff in 2006.
Paul Rutherford was a major influence on trombonists worldwide, as well as many improvising musicians of all stripes. His funeral is August 16 10:30 am at Lewisham Crematorium in Hither Green - Cemetery on Verdant Lane, London SE6 1JX. He will be missed.
- Bruce Lee Gallanter, Manny "Lunch" Maris, Mikey IQ Jones, Chuck Bettis & Bret Sjerven from DMG


****************



THREE IMPORTANT NEW DISCS FROM TZADIK!!!

FRED FRITH/ EVELYN GLENNIE - The Sugar Factory (Tzadik 7623; USA) Dynamic and astonishing music from two of the world's greatest musical pioneers, this is another special project from multi-instrumentalist /composer/ improviser Fred Frith who has been bravely crossing musical borders since the early 1970's. These remarkable duo sessions were recorded during the filming of Thomas Riedelsheimer's exquisite documentary 'Touch the Sound' about Scottish virtuoso percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Combining the unpredictability of an improvised first encounter with the magic of studio composition, this is music of another dimension, highlighting the power and sensitivity of both players. TZADIK KEY SERIES
CD $14

HENRY KAISER / CHARLES NOYES / SANG-WON PARK - Invite the Spirit (Tzadik 7622; USA) Free improvisation meets the Korean shamanistic tradition in this historic and groundbreaking band that includes kayagum virtuoso Sang-Won Park, guitar legend Henry Kaiser and the enigmatic Charles K. Noyes on percussion. Digitally remastered for the first time direct from the original two track tapes, this is the complete 1983 double LP release by one of the most evocative and successful bands blending East and West. This historic and important classic recording is finally made available again and now sounds better than it ever has before. TZADIK KEY SERIES
CD $14

TEIJI ITO - Music for Maya / The Film Music of Teiji Ito [2 CD Set] (Tzadik 8038; USA) Focusing on his remarkable relationship with the legendary cinematic poet Maya Deren, Tzadik's third Teiji Ito release highlights his versatile and evocative music for films. Included are two major Deren scores and recently discovered music for a rare film she scripted alongside pieces written for industrial films, documentaries, dance films and the avant-garde. Much of this remarkable collection is being released for the first time through the cooperation of the Ito estate. Includes an extended booklet filled with scores, storyboards, photos, notes and a rare interview Maya Deren conducted with Teiji Ito in the late 1950's. A fascinating view into the early groundbreaking work of an American maverick seen through the lens of his muse and wife, filmmaker Maya Deren. TZADIK COMPOSER SERIES
2 CD Set $20



HEINER GOEBBELS & ALFRED HARTH - Hommage / Fier Fauste fur Hanns Eisler & Von Sprengen des Gartens [2 CD Set] (ReR GH1; UK) A long and extraordinarily fruitful partnership started here - continuing through the Sogennantes Linksradikales Blasorchester - where Alfred and Heiner picked up Christoph Anders, the three of whom then went on to co-found Cassiber, with Chris Cutler. A critical success in its own time, this duo recorded two more CDs before parting company, each more musically open than its predecessor. These first two sorties are a kind of jazz-inflected, punk-inflected, highly spirited and imaginative - series of adapted Hanns Eisler compositions - as well as some original pieces by the duo itself, who between them cover a lot of instruments, and combinations of instruments, and - ah youth - are never less than hurling themselves into their performances. Heiner went on, after Cassiber, to become one of Germany's leading music-theatre writer and directors, as well as composing for the ensemble modern, orchestras and opera companies (he had an orchestra premiere to mark the opening of the Festival Hall complex in London on July 12th) & has a number of great discs on ECM. Alfred went on to form several other bands, including Gestalt et Jive before relocating to Seoul in Korea, where he now lives and works. He is currently part of Otomo Yoshihide's New Jazz Orchestra. Both original LPs have been re-mastered for this release by Bob Drake.
2 CD Set $24

PAOLO ANGELI - Tessuti: Paolo Angeli plays Frith & Bjork (ReR PA3; UK) Another extraordinary release by Sardinian virtuoso Paolo Angeli, this time featuring compositions by Fred Frith and Bjork - all played solo in real time (though when you hear it, it's hard to believe it) on his highly customized and extended, electrified, giant Sardinian folk guitar. A tour de force of technique and at the same time highly musical; and there is so much going on here at any given time that it is difficult to relate what your ears tell you to just one Frankenstein instrument. Dense enough that it rewards listening to a few songs at a time, though you could probably also dance to it. This is Paulo's 3rd release for ReR; the first introduced his remarkable instrument and more remarkable technique, the second was of closely scored very large ensemble works; here he returns to the guitar but under the discipline of the real-time realisation of written and arranged compositions.
Paolo Angeli learned to play guitar from his father when he was still a small child. He later abandoned an intended career in the merchant marine when he moved to Bologna in 1989, and joined the legendary Laboratorio di Musica & Imagina group. He played many international festivals with the group, as well as in various ensembles with such well-known improvisers as Fred Frith, Jon Rose, Butch Morris and Eva Kant. He has studied with the father figure of Sardinian guitar, Giovanni Scanu, and has worked compiling the music library for Sardinia's Regional Institute for Ethnic Studies. He now works as artistic director of the Isole che Parlano arts festival in Sardinia. His work appears on many CDs, including Pacifica with Fred Frith on the Tzadik label, and Linee di fuga on the Erosha label.
CD $16


MICHAEL MUSILLAMI TRIO + MARK FELDMAN - The Treatment [CD+DVD] (Playscape 050607; USA) Featuring Michael Musillami on guitar, Mark Feldman on violin, Joe Fonda on contrabass and George Schuller on drums. Another extraordinary effort from the great jazz guitarist, Michael Musillami and featuring the ever-incredible Mark Feldman on violin. On each of Mr. Musillami's dozen+ discs for the Playscape label, Michael has chosen different personnel and his ensembles often vary in size, from a trio to an octet. He has used drummer George Schuller & bassist Joe Fonda on a number of previous dates, but this is his first time with violin wizard Mark Feldman. Musillami specializes in challenging compositions and thus was smart to chose Mark Feldman, who consistently soars no matter how difficult the music might be. On the opening piece, "Brooms", Michael has written a complex, fast-tempo piece and Feldman pulls off an astonishing first solo. I like the Michael's guitar solo goes in the opposite direction, slow and spacious, giving the rhythm team a chance to swirl intricately around him in layered spirals. Musillami sounds like John McLaughlin on his first album, 'Extrapolation' from 1968 and considered to be one of the greatest modern jazz discs of all time. On the title track, Michael has written another theme that has one of those difficult stop and start structures, while Michael and Mark both play fine solos that begins minimally and then build to a grand finales. "Stark Beauty" is a most appropriate title for the next track, as it is an exquisite, sublime piece with a gorgeous solo from Marks enchanting violin. The melody itself is quite touching and goes directly from and to the heart. On "Human Conditions", Michael has written a piece that is both laid back and difficult simultaneously. Although the guitar, bass and drums play this repeating line while Feldman plays a great slow burn solo, they keep changing the dynamics slightly so that the rhythm and melody are in a state of subtle flux. "Mezz Money" has one of those Mario Pavone-like bass-leading, constantly changing structures, which keeps the quartet on their toes as they work their way through some difficult passages. Both the guitar and violin take, great passion-filled solos as they move through shifting rhythmic waves. The closing piece, Beijing to Brooklyn", is an immensely haunting work, that begins sparsely and builds ever so slowly with sublime unaccompanied solos from the guitar and violin that ascend into heavenly territory. A truly superb effort throughout. The DVD features long live versions of three of the aforementioned pieces with the quartet stretching out even more. It is indeed wonderful to be able watch these incredible sorcerers of sound play and interact on a high level of magical activity. - BLG
2 CD/DVD Set $16


JON HEMMERSAM / DOM MINASI QUARTET With KEN FILIANO / KRESTEN OSGOOD - Hemmersam/Minasi Quartet (CDM 1008; USA) On each of Dom Minasi's previous half dozen discs, the personnel and/or concept always changes. For this disc, Dom co-leads with another fine jazz guitarist from Denmark, John Hemmersam. Mr. Hemmersam has collaborated, roomed and recorded with pianist Michael Jefry Stevens in the past. Former West Coast now East Coast bassist Ken Filiano has been working with Dom for his past few CD's. Kresten Osgood is perhaps the busiest Scandinavian drummer and has worked with Paul Bley, Sam Rivers, Oliver Lake & John Tchicia, The opening piece, "Sprint" is taken at a fast and furious pace and both guitars sound as if they in a race, swinging their tushes off, both with that golden round jazz guitar tone. Each piece is different and provides another challenge for the quartet. While one trio takes off into the stratosphere, the other guitarist solos intensely. There is a balancing act going on here as each guitarist pushes the rest of the trio in one direction as the other guitar swirls freely interconnecting on certain levels. It sounds as if there are a couple of duos playing simultaneously (the bass & drums and both guitars), yet they remain somehow always connected. I love the way Dom writes these pieces that have nice melodic themes yet they move through freer sections and the quartet ends up together at certain points. Although this is the first recording that both of these gifted guitarists have done together, they often sound as if they have been playing together for many years as they both seem to flow, sail and swinging in a similar way. Jon plays some sublime nylon-string acoustic guitar on Dom's exquisite ballad, Woman", one of the most elegant and lovely tunes we've heard from anyone in the downtown scene. Dom's equally beautiful melody, "Nathalia's Waltz", has both guitarists playing telepathically around one another in hypnotic circles, both taking incredible fleet-fingered solos. "Birth" begins with both guitars (acoustic and semi-acoustic) spinning quick layers of notes around one another in a breathtaking way that must heard to be believed, free and intricate at the same time. There are moments when it seems as both guitarists are playing mirrored images of each other so that it is impossible to tell who is doing what or how many guitars are being played. For adventurous jazz guitar fans this is one of finest double guitar discs ever captured. - BLG
CD $14


IN TRANSIT [JOURG SOLOTHURNMANN/MICHAEL JEFRY STEVENS/DANIEL STUDER/DIETER ULRICH] - Moving Stills (Unit 4175; EEC) Featuring Jurg Solothurnmann on alto & soprano saxes, Michael Jefry Stevens on piano, Daniel Studer on contrabass and Dieter Ulrich on drums. It is also great to hear some strong cross-cultural collaborations and this one is particularly strong. Former downtown piano great, Michael J. Stevens, can be heard on more than 3 dozen discs in bands like Conference Call, the Fonda/Stevens Group, as well as having number of solo & trio discs. Saxist Jurg Solothurnmann has collaborated with Evan Parker in September Winds and has a trio disc on Leo. Daniel Studer & Dieter Ulrich have both played in Day & Taxi plus Dieter has recorded with Werner Ludi and with Co Strieff in Objects Trouves, who have a fine CD on Intakt. This gives you an idea of where these men are coming from.
'Moving Stills' consists of twelve spontaneous compositions and each one is fascinating in its own way. "Still" is slow and spacious with Jurg's sly soprano sprinkling notes above the cautious rhythm team. Michael's piano erupts powerfully on "Canto Lunatico" and the rest of the quartet soon kick in with some intense yet focused free explosions, Jurg's alto screaming on top. Yeah! "Trio" is great, swirling piano trio with all three members buzzing around one another. On "Up-Current", Michael's piano and Daniel's bowed bass spin as one solid force while Jurg's sputtering alto balances in the middle of the haze. Mr. Stevens has a special ability to transform melodic fragments into pieces that don't sound so free with the rest of the quartet weaving around him and connecting on different levels. This is what often turns improv into something more magical and is often the case here. Marvelous! - BLG
CD $16 [special limited time price; normally $18!]

MICHAEL JEFRY STEVENS/JEFF 'SIEGE' SIEGEL/TIM FERGUSON - Get Out Of Town (Imaginary 16; USA) Featuring Michael J. Stevens on piano, Tim Ferguson on bass and Jeff Siegel on drums. Michael & Jeff have been playing together as a trio for some 15 years and have developed a solid chemistry. For this studio date, the trio picked half standards and half original pieces by each member of the group. The title track opens and it is a Cole Porter song. I don't recall Mr. Stevens covering standards very often, but the trio does a fine job of swinging in an uplifting way. "Jeepers Creepers"? Actually, it is also done in an elegant way with a fine bass solo up front. Michael's "The Last Embrace" even sounds like a standard, the melody quite lovely and a bit sad. I dig Tim's "Momemtum" since it moves through a few different sections and has some unexpected twists. What is a bit surprising is that their bassist, Tim Ferguson, is at the center of each piece and gets quite a bit of solo space. Jeff's "Stealth" is contemplative and has a majestic melody, played superbly by Mr. Stevens. What is also interesting is that without a score card, most wouldn't know the standards from the originals, they both sound similar. A mature effort from a fine trio. - BLG
CD $14 (back to $16 after we sell out of the copies that Michael has provided)

MICHAEL JEFRY STEVENS/MILES GRIFFITH QUARTET - Songbook [ltd ed CD-R] (self released; Germany) Featuring Michael Jefry Stevens on piano & compositions, Miles Griffith on vocals, Peter Herbert on bass, Rob Garcia on drums plus guests Sue Terry on saxes & clarinet and Kevin McNeal on guitar. When former downtown piano ace, Michael J. Stevens, heard the vocalist, Miles Griffiths, sing one song at a recital in 1994, Michael was so inspired that he was determined to collaborate with Miles. It took six years and finally the two premiered a set of songs at the Greenwich House in December of 2000. The only one player here I know previously is the great Austrian bassist Peter Herbert, who has a half dozen excellent discs out under his name in solo, duo, group and bass ensemble formations. It turns out that Miles is a fine jazz singer and Michael a great songwriter. Miles loves to scat and twist his voice into all types of odd shapes with weird sounds, reminding me of Shelley Hirsch's wacky antics at times. Both Peter Herbert on bass and Kevin McNeal on guitar take short yet inspired solos on the opening songs. Many of these songs sound like standards and are equally lovely and at times enchanting. In a better world, this disc would get heavy airplay on WBGO, that straight-ahead jazz radio station from Newark, NJ, that favors jazz singers. Perhaps some of this was a bit too normal for me, jazz-wise, but I have to admit that I was touched by a number of these songs. Perhaps I'm not the free/jazz snob that some folks think I am?!? - BLG
CD $14


EXPLODING CUSTOMER [MARTIN KUCHEN/KJELL NORDESON/TOMAS HALLONSTEN/BENJAMIN QUIGLEY] - At Your Service (Ayler 63; EEC) This is the third disc from the incredible Exploding Customer quartet, who continue to feature Martin Kuchen on alto & tenor sax, Tomas Hallonsten on trumpet, Benjamin Quigley on bass and Kjell Nordeson on drums. After two dynamite live discs, this is their first studio effort and Martin Kuchen again wrote most of their pieces with one by their trumpeter, Hallonsten, and one traditional song arranged by Carla Bley. "Goodbye Smith Town" opens and has a twisted sort of funky groove with the group shouting out the song title as a chorus. Martin has a great way of bending the notes of his tenor inside-out like Gary Windo once did or similar to the way Mats Gustafsson bends his bari sax sounds into odd fragments in The Thing. "Let's Tear the Threads of Trust" has a great melody that sounds somewhat Masada-like (except that it is performed on tenor), a righteous middle-Eastern groove. Often it sounds as if Martin's sax is on the verge of exploding or at least distorting. This quartet is incredible tight and each member an integral part of their great passionate sound. Each solo from Mr. Kuchen is a powerful gem as is each of these memorable songs. On "Who Serves the Servant?", I had to get up and dance, 'cause the groove was f**king fat! What I love about these guys is that they have the fun-factor completely down and in-your-face at times! Carla Bley's arrangement of "Els Segadors" is especially heartfelt and very well done. Without a doubt, one of the most spirited bands to emerge from Scandinavia in many, many moons. - BLG
CD $20


BRUCE COATES/JAMIE SMITH - In Lubenham (Owlhouse 01; UK) Featuring Bruce Coates on soprano & sopranino saxes and Jamie Smith on guitars & percussion. We know of Bruce Coates from a couple of discs he has done with Paul Dunmall, as well as a fine trio disc with John Edwards & David Ryan, which we offered a few months ago. I can't say that I had heard of Jamie Smith before this disc. We I find most fascinating about this odd duo CD is that it was recorded in a number of unlikely spaces. Each of the five pieces was recorded in the village of Lubenham (where Jamie lives) in a different place. "Disused Railway Bridge" was recorded under an unused bridge in the dark. Two different folks in our store asked if this was Lol Coxhill playing, another fellow Brit who loves to play & record in unusual outdoor spots. There is strong balance here of bent yet playful soprano sax and either quick spinning free acoustic guitar or organic hand percussion. "The California Prune Board Office" was recorded in a converted chapel next to an aviary. The sopranino has a rich echo is further in the distance as the guitar plays low-end drones. The duo work well together as they spin lines around and with one another just right. "Luberman All Saints Church" is carpeted and someone is mowing the grass in the nearby graveyard as the duo plays. Both players create ominous drones and odd sounds as they slowly float like old ghosts in the church. The humming gong, subtle percussion and soprano sax sound great together as they add to the reverential ambience. Bruce sounds somewhat Evan Parker-like on soprano as focuses in on just a few notes and lets them reverberate. "The Tower House" was recorded in a private residence and is more restrained and lovely at times. Jamie actually plays more melodic, dreamy guitar as he quietly strums. I don't think the duo wanted to offend the owner of the house too much. "Lubenham Village Hall" closes this disc and is "a large varnished wooden box". Again, Bruce's sax is in the distance as Jamie taps on his acoustic guitar with drumsticks as it is resting on the floor. As Jamie takes us further out, Bruce brings us further inside, there is again a good balance of ideas flowing back and forth. Overall, one gets the feeling they have been a long day's journey with this fine duo of great low-key improvisers. - BLG
CD $15


THE KEVIN FRENETTE 4 - Connections (Fuller Street 1781; USA) Featuring Kevin Frenette on guitar, Andy McWain on piano, Todd Keating on bass and Tatsuya Nakatani on drums. I am previously familiar with just 2 members of this quartet. Boston pianist, Andy McWain, has had a couple of strong discs on this same label, a quartet date with Assif Tsahar and a trio with Albey Balgochian & Lawrence Cook that I reviewed. Former Boston-based percussion wiz, Tatsuya Nakatani, remains one of the best and most distinctive of all improvising drummers and moved to Pennsylvania a couple of years back. Although Kevin has nice round jazz guitar tone, his playing quite free and focused. Both he and pianist, Andy McWain, have a special relationship as they swirl layers of notes around one another with a magical connection. The other magic is the way the acoustic bass and drums also swirl freely at an astonishing pace that is sparse and well-connected simultaneously. It is as is there are two incredible duos playing at the same time yet they are subliminally always connected. I had to play the first piece again, since there was so much going on to hear in one sitting. I dig that Tatsuya is not a jazz drummer per se and never worries about having to swing, instead he keeps up an ongoing dialogue that is fresh and often surprising. Tatsuya unique approach features much, rubbing, bowing and thin sticks on the drums and cymbals. He is ever so restrained and crafty, never covering any of the other sounds that the rest of this magical quartet provides. I find this music to be rich in colors and textures, like a wonderful dream world being revealed. It never ceases to amaze when incredible music comes from voices mostly unknown. - BLG
CD $14


RODRIGO AMADO/CARLOS ZINGARO/TOMAS ULRICH/KEN FILIANO - For Alto, Baritone, And Strings (Clean Feed/European Echoes 02; Portugal) Portugal) Featuring Rodrigo Amado on alto & bari saxes, Carlos Zingaro on violin & viola, Tomas Ulrich on cello and Ken Filiano on double bass. This is an intense studio date that was improvised, yet it often sounds worked out with superb warm and balanced sound. "Uncommon Places" features some deep and contemplative bari sax with growling low-end strings. There is a recent Clean Feed quartet date with 3 of the four same players and Elliott Sharp replacing Mr. Amado. The three string players here work so well together, plucking, bowing and twisting their notes into lots of odd shapes. Often two or three of the members will set up a groove or structure while the other player(s) interject layered lines. Each player gets a chance to direct the improvisations and play inspired duos, trios and quartet sections. "Surface Suite" contains five short sections and features Rodrigo playing some cautious melodic fragments while the strings swirl around him. I like the way Rodrigo's bari and alto sax remain calm while the rest of the quartet often weave more furiously around him. It is hard to tell who is the leader here or if there is an actual instigator. There are quite a few astonishing moments when the sax and strings erupt together and launch together into the stratosphere. So watch out or you might drown. - BLG
CD $17


ROBERT FRIPP - At The End Of Time: Churchscapes - Live In England & Estonia 2006 (DGM 0701; USA) Drawn from a series of performances in churches and cathedrals in England and Estonia in 2006, "At The End Of Time" provides a beautiful atmospheric recording of a unique tour. The choice of venues is deliberate. The music is informed by the space provided and utilizes that space in return, the intent of the composer is to produce a form of "devotional music" as "personal thanksgiving". "These performances are live, and recorded live. There are small technical flaws in the recording, and major functional flaws in the performer." - RF
"Multicoloured stained-glass windows to the cosmic soul - in sound. Don't dare confuse this with ambient twaddle. All Thumbs Everywhere..UP!" - MannyLunch
CD $15



GUSTAVO AGUILAR - Unsettled On An Old Sense Of Place (Henceforth 103; USA) Featuring Gustavo Aguilar, composer, percussion, teponaztli, flute, live electronics, electric guitar, plucked dulcimer, whistles, snare drum, and glockenspeil; Phil Curtis, live processing; Nina Eidsheim, vocals; Anne LeBaron, prepared harp; Alan Lechusza, woodwinds; Mary Oliver, viola; Steve Schick, voice
This brilliant percussionist covers a wide range of music: solo on snare drum, glockenspiel and poetry, his compositions performed by talented and creative ensembles, and a solo guitar track. No holding Aguilar back; he pays no attention to genres, thank heavens.
CD $15


THE CONVERGENCE QUARTET [TAYLOR HO BYNUM/HARRIS EISENSTADT/ALEXANDER HAWKINS/DOMINIC LASH] - Live In Oxford (FMR 223; UK) Featuring Taylor Ho Bynum on cornet & flugelhorn, Alexander Hawkins on piano & small instruments, Dominic Lash on double bass and Harris Eisenstadt on drums. Simon H. Fell says in the liner notes that he has no idea how this quartet got together and just wrote the notes based on his hearing the disc only. I recall Taylor telling me that the two young British gents here, got some sort of grant funds and asked Taylor and Harris to join them in the UK to work together. Anyone in the know, is well aware of the young master, Taylor Ho Bynum, from his recent collaborations with Anthony Braxton, as well as a handful of his own discs. Since moving back from L.A., where he worked with Adam Rudolph, Sam Rivers & Vinny Golia, Harris Eisenstadt has become another of those fine local percussionists who has turned up in many different projects over the past few years and has a half dozen fine discs of his own. I can't say that I had heard of the other two players before this, but I am greatly impressed. Each musician contributes a piece, while Taylor gets one long and one short one. Taylor's "Miscellaneous" opens with a fine drum solo, soon the bass, cornet and piano enter. The rhythm is like twisted funk with Taylor adding odd smears against the groove. The next section features cornet fragments, bowed bass scrapes, restrained free percussion and piano eruptions. It ends with a similar closing theme to the beginning. Dominic's "Goad" has Taylor bending his notes slowly in the distance and then the rest of the quartet enters in swirling waves. A series of intricate duos and trios take place, as the musicians exchange roles and ideas. Harris' "Convergence" opens with a haunting bass solo, a great theme unfolds with an unforgettable melody played by the flugel and piano over a grand throbbing bass line and hypnotic percussion groove. The theme reminds me of one of those wonderful South African songs and Alexander takes an appropriate Keith Tippett-like rambunctious, free piano solo. Alexander's "Goodbye, Sir" is next and begins freely and sparsely with Taylor's free-wheeling cornet insanity while Alex plays soft eerie sounds inside the piano. The piece gets more and more spare, until midway point when it slowly erupts with some restrained yet intense free piano and percussion. Taylor's "mm(pf)" brings things to a close with sparse and haunting sounds that float freely yet seem playfully connected and concludes with a nice melodic themed ending. This is a most interesting disc that evolves through a variety of unexpected directions and will take some time to absorb completely. - BLG
CD $16


NORMAN HOWARD/JOE PHILLIPS - Burn Baby Burn (ESP Disk 4033; USA)"This is a mysterious and legendary long lost session from 1968 that features Norman Howard on trumpet, Joe Phillips on alto sax, Walter Cliff on bass and Cornelius Milsap on drums. Both Norman Howard and Albert Ayler came from Cleveland and both ended up in NY in late 1963/early 1964. Ayler's debut album, 'Spirits' (later reissued as 'Witches & Devils') was recorded in early 1964 and featured Ayler on tenor sax, Norman Howard on trumpet, Henry Grimes & Earle Henderson on basses and Sunny Murray on drums. Their definitive theme song, "Witches & Devils" was actually written by Mr. Howard, although it was credited to Albert Ayler. After a couple of years, Mr. Howard returned to Cleveland due to the lack of gigs and began working with Cleveland musicians once more. He put together a quartet with alto saxist, Joe Phillips, as recorded two records worth of material in 1968 in a Cleveland studio. ESP was supposed to release one of these but was having hard times and eventually they were released on two limited-edition cassettes by a collector named Roy Morris. Norman eventually left the music world and attempts at locating and contacting him and the other members of this quartet have proved fruitless. Finally, almost forty years later, ESP-Disk has released the 'Burn Baby Burn' sessions, so the records can be set straight.
The long (ten pages of) liner notes tell the sad story of Joe Phillips's beating, arrest and jail-time thanks to the racist cops in Cleveland during the dark racial unrest of the mid-sixties. This music seems to embody those times and that restless spirit. "The Sound from There" is a dirge-like piece for simmering, haunting alto sax with trumpet cries and minimal yet effective bowed bass and somber drums. "Bug Out" is an appropriately titled Ayler-like intense free excursion with furious trumpet blasts over a quick spinning rhythm team. Soon Joe's screaming alto enters and spirals powerful bent notes at a super quick tempo. Philips sounds like an animal that has been wounded and is crying out for help as he shrieks with his sax. There is a strong bond between Joe's alto and Norman's trumpet. You can hear them completing each others phrases on "Deep Black Mystery". The notes of their horns swirl around one another in a strong unison force. Walter's bass also provides a strong central force, as he varies the throb and tempo organically with Cornelius' understated drums. I really dig Joe's tone and playing on "Time and Units", there is a purity of spirit that is difficult to describe. Both he and Norman hit many of the same notes simultaneously here. "Sad Miss Holiday" is a mournful piece that features the alto sax and trumpet playing their sad song bravely together, each horn taking an immensely gut-wrenching solo. "Haunted" is another aptly titled work with stunning, eerie trumpet and sax cries and bent notes shimmering along with the bowed bass. The title track was written by Mr. Howard and is one of those fast and furious fire music with burning trumpet, explosive alto sax and free-wheeling Sunny Murray like drumming. A perfect conclusion for an incredible free/jazz classic." - BLG
CD $14


ANEKDOTEN - The Time Of Day (Virta 05; EEC) "Latest studio album from this extraordinary Swedish band successfully completes the transition from old school to modern progressive band. This is not to say that the 70s elements are not present - still lots of Mellotron and other analogue keyboards slamming you but the production owes more to current post-rock bands. Paying respect to ancient Gods, Gunnar Bergsten of Flasketbrinner contributes flute on two tracks. Anekdoten are still the reigning champions of dark, moody and melancholy progressive rock. HUZZAH! Highly recommended."- Ken Golden
CD $17


RALPH SHAPEY - Radical Traditionalism [2 CD set] (New World 80681; USA) This collection - drawn from the original CRI LPs - provides a glimpse into a critical point in Ralph Shapey's (1921-2002) artistic development and comprises several of his most important compositions. It covers a period from 1963 to 1979, when he moved from an astringent, visionary modernism, to a version of the same that was tempered by a more 'classical' character.
"Radical traditionalist" is what I've been called. My music combines two fundamentally contradictory impulses-radical language and romantic sensibility. The melodies are disjunct and dissonant; they contain atonal harmonies and extremes in register, dynamics and textural contrast. Yet the musical structures are grandly formed and run the gamut of dramatic gestures. Like the Romantics, I conceive of art in a deeply spiritual way. A great work of art transcends the immediate moment into a world of infinity. - Ralph Shapey 2 CD set for $28


WOLFGANG MITTERER - Das Tapfere Schneiderlein: Kleine Oper Nach Den Bruderen Grimm (Col Legno 20801; Germany) "A little opera after the Brothers Grimm. Drop the usual children's opera platitudes, add a liberal measure of cheek - result: a smart musical comedy, young and saucy, just like the brave little people that go about their business here. Do the children today know at all what this fairytale is about? Well, if they don't, Wolfgang Mitterer will bring it home to them, with just a few characteristic instruments: double bass, samples, synthetic sounds. Elisabeth Rombach as the little tailor takes to the road boldly and merrily, parading the famous slogan before all and sundry that cross her path: Seven at one stroke! Shudder! And on top of all the trouble with the giant, the wild boar and the unicorn, the goofy princess (Theresa Dlouhy and her brave coloratura) turns out to be a sore trial to the little tailor... So, is your mouth watering for a fairytale yet? Even old Grimm Brothers can be cool, thanks to Wolfgang Mitterer."
CD $20


DANIEL BERNARD ROUMAIN - Etudes 4 Violin & Electronix (Thirsty Ear/Blue Series 57179; USA) "Etudes 4 violin & Electronix" is the classically driven kaleidoscopic album for discerning new music lovers with a penchant for progressive electronic music. Known for fusing his classical music roots with a myriad of sound-scapes, DBR has carved a reputation for himself as a passionately innovative violinist and composer. In etudes4violin&electronix, his debut solo album from Thirsty Ear Recordings, this artist displays his own intricate, hybrid series of solo works and pulsing duets with world class musicians including Philip Glass, Ryuichi Sakamoto, DJ Spooky that Subliminal Kid and Christian A. Davis aka DJ Scientific. Deep and personal, soulful and contemplative, this album represents a unified dialogue between one Harlem-based, Haitian-American composer and ambassadors from today's contemporary musical landscape. Featuring: Philip Glass, Ryuiichi Sakamoto, DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid, and Christian A. Davis, a/k/a DJ Scientific
CD $16


********************


Tzadik recording artist and mbira master, Richard Crandell came to town this week to play at The Stone and record his second disc for Tzadik. Mr. Crandell plays an mbira, an African thumb piano with a small pick-up, which he learned to play when he was tour manager for Thomas Mapfumo, from members of Mapfumo's band. Richard's first Tzadik CD, 'Mbira Magic', is a favorite of the DMG staff and one of the most enchanting discs on the Tzadik label. He just recorded his second Tzadik CD, which is a duo with Cyro Baptista. We listened to some of it in the store and it is again superb. It turns out that Mr. Crandell recorded a few legendary acoustic guitar records in the eighties, three of which have recently been reissued on CD for the first time. He left us with a handful of copies of each, which are listed below. Richard Crandell will be playing a solo mbira set here at DMG at about 8pm this Sunday, August 12th. Come on down!

RICHARD CRANDELL - In The Flower Of Our Youth: Solo Acoustic Guitar (Sound Advice; USA) This charming solo acoustic guitar recording was released in 1980 and recorded in a studio in Eugene, Oregon. This disc includes four bonus tracks, not found on the original out-of-print album. There are many solo acoustic guitar pickers out there, some famous (John Fahey, Leo Kottke) and many not-so-famous. There is only one Richard Crandell. I find this disc to be ever so lovely, poignant, melancholy, elegant and filled with rich, wonderful melodies and quaintly probing flourishes. Each piece seems like a cozy old dream, warm, tender and often touching. This is music for a rainy day, sitting at home, sipping hot herbal tea by a fireplace and thinking of good times. Richard has a magical way of stitching Baroque melodies with more modern tapestries. He sounds as if he a playing a harpsichord at times. This music is the perfect antidote for our often stressful, fast-paced and anxiety driven lives. - BLG
CD $15

RICHARD CRANDELL/BILL BARTELS - Oregon Hill: Acoustic Guitar Duets (Sound Advice; USA) This excellent acoustic guitar duo record was recorded & released in 1985 and has just been reissued on CD this year with three bonus tracks added. It opens with "Boxcars", a sort of radio hit for Mr. Crandell when he opened for John Fahey in the eighties. All of the 14 songs have been by composed by either Mr. Crandell or Mr. Bartels or both together. I find this music to be timeless since it blends the past and present and a number of styles (blues, jazz, folk, old-timey, baroque) seamlessly together. Both guitarists play together superbly, the arrangements well worked out so that each has an integral part of each song, often sounding as if there is one guitarist overdubbing himself. Bill's songs have a tasty blues-like vibe that rings truly as both guitars bend their blue notes warmly together. Fans of Jorma Kaukonen's acoustic endeavors should really dig this. The playing and arrangements are consistently flawless and quite enchanting. The hopeful spirit that was so present in the sixties seem to glow at the center of this as well. Warm and welcome spirits indeed. - BLG

CD $15

RICHARD CRANDELL/BILL BARTELS - High Places (Sound Advice; USA) This duo effort features Richard Crandell on 6 & 12 string guitars, piano, synth & pennywhistle, Bill Bartells on 6-string guitar plus Billy Oskay on violin & production, Tommy Hayes Bodhran on jaw harp and BJ Wilson (from Procol Harum) on drums. Like the other recent reissue by this duo, this was also recorded in 1985. Again, both Mr. Crandell and Mr. Bartels, composed all of the songs. On "Stampede", both guitars sound like two Leo Kottkes playing together in exquisite layers of notes. Most of these pieces feature just the two acoustic guitars and they both spin their lines of shimmering notes into a well-woven tapestry of golden sounds. Of the three disc that Richard has left with us, this one is the most laid back and lovely and perhaps not as engaging as the usual DMG avant/prog/noise discs that we most often offer. There is something quite magical and charming about this music that harks back to the good old days of my youth in the sixties and early seventies. - BLG
CD $15



HISTORIC & ARCHIVAL RECORDINGS, RESTOCKS & REISSUED ITEMS:

CAPTAIN BEEFHEART & THE MAGIC BAND - Live at Bickershaw Festival 1972 (Ozit/Milksafe 9006; UK) "Joe Strummer says this was the best concert he ever went to as a member of the audience. Fantastic set from the Captain with full biographical CD booklet of the show. There are a few references to the Spotlight Kid throughout the show, a reference to the spotlight being played on the band from the lighting tower in the audience. At the beginning of the tape after Rockette Morton's bass solo, there is some weird wordplay on The Mascara Snake. Firstly Rockette remarks 'The Mascara Snake' and then during a pause in the solo Beefheart says 'and this is the Mascara Fake.' Rockette then plays his ass off some more, pauses and then he says 'and this is the Mascara for gods sake.' The solo finally finishes and then Don says 'and this is the Mascara...' to much laughter from band and crowd alike. 'Why don't you turn off the monitors, we'll do this next composition without the monitors. We don't need the monitors to play. Doh?, Oh it's not the monitor. Now everybody's going to know we're human beings. No, I'm just kidding, I'm kidding, I'm kidding.' He then mutters something indiscernible and the band laugh. 'If I had an electric light on right now, I wouldn't take it out for nothing.' 'Sorry.' 'All right, here we go, ah. Zoot Horn Rollo on guitar. A composition, a composition Peon from the album Lick My Decals Off Baby. Rockette Morton on bass this time. Thank you, thank you for waiting.' The band: Captain Beefheart/Don Van Vliet: vocals, sax, harmonica, Rockette Morton/Mark Boston: bass guitar, guitar. Orejon-Audi Hon/Roy Estrada: bass guitar. Zoot Horn Rollo/Bill Harkleroad: guitar, slide guitar. Winged Eel Fingerling/Elliot Ingber: guitar, slide guitar. Ed Marimba/Art Tripp: drums, percussion."
CD $20


THELONIOUS MONK - Live in New York Vol.1: The Five Spot 1958 (Explore 30; UK) Originally available only on the internet (through Thelonious Records, a label owned by the Monk Estate), Live in New York Vol.1 is a rare live document of one of most infamous gigs in the history of jazz. When the Five Spot Cafe reopened in its new location in New York City's Cooper Square, it was with a seven month long residency of Thelonious Monk. It was his first time performing in New York since losing his cabaret card in 1951 and it was a major step in America's recognition of Monk's genius. While some tapes of the Five Spot engagement have been released with much fanfare (such as Blue Note's Discovery! Live at the Five Spot featuring Monk with John Coltrane), the existence of this recording has been relatively unknown until now. While this wonderful audience recording may lack some sonic luster, it contains amazing performances by Monk, Charlie Rouse, Ahmed Abdul-Malik and Roy Haynes, and transports the listener to a New York club in the jazz heyday of the late 1950s! What is rather charming for this is that it is a radio broadcast with some narration by Baroness Pannonica de Koenigswarter, who was a close friend and patron to Monk and Bird. Although this was recorded on a reel-to-reel tape deck with a single mic and the sound is often not very good, the music is still pretty amazing. You can tell that the quartet has been in residence as they take chances and turn the turns inside-out.
CD $14

THELONIOUS MONK - Live in Paris Vol.1 (Explore 31; UK) Thelonious Monk piano, Charlie Rouse tenor saxophone, Butch Warren bass, Ben Riley drums
Originally available only on the internet (through Thelonious Records, a label owned by the Monk Estate), Live in Paris Vol.1 is a rare, exquisite live document of one of most influential musicians in the history of jazz. Recorded February 23rd 1964, Thelonious is at the height of his powers, performing here with some of his favorite collaborators: saxophonist Charlie Rouse, bassist Butch Warren and drummer Ben Riley. Well recorded, and digitally re-mastered by the great Rudy Van Gelder, this is a fine set of Thelonious Monk favorites - a welcome addition to any Monk collection.
This is extremely well-recorded and the band sounds amazing and inspired throughout. The quartet play long versions of "Four in One," "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You," "Straight No Chaser" and "Well You Needn't", and a chance to stretch out. Both Monk and tenor sax great Charlie Rouse, who worked with Monk longer than any other musician play a number of outstanding solos.
CD $14

THELONIOUS MONK - Live in Paris Vol.2 (Explore 32; UK) Thelonious Monk piano, Charlie Rouse tenor saxophone, Butch Warren bass, Ben Riley drums
Originally available only on the internet (through Thelonious Records, a label owned by the Monk Estate), Live in Paris Vol.2 is a rare, exquisite live document of one of most influential musicians in the history of jazz. Recorded on February 23rd 1964 and again, superbly well-recorded. The quartet stretch out and work wonders on Monk songs, "Blue Monk," "Hackensack," Rhythm-A-Ning," "Bright Mississippi" and "Epistrophy", as well as the standard "Sweet and Lovely".
CD $14

THELONIOUS MONK - The Transformer: Thelonious Monk Transforms "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" [2 CD set] (Explore 28; UK) These recordings were made with a portable reel-to-reel tape recorder with a single microphone. This certainly one of the most unusual of all Monk recordings as he plays just one song in a variety of different ways and "transforming" it into something else. The first disc is a home recording with five different versions of the same song, approached, dissected and twisted into a wide variety of shapes. These versions run from 5-minutes to nearly 29-minutes. It is like listening to Monk as he thinks and explores and it is quite fascinating. The second disc contains four more versions played live in Paris (1963 & 1964) and in Stockholm (May of 1961).
2 CD Set $24

ROY HAYNES With GEORGE ADAMS/CRAIG HANDY/MARCUS MILLER - The Island (Explore 23; UK) Roy Haynes drums, George Adams tenor sax, Craig Handy soprano & tenor sax, Graham Haynes cornet, Marcus Miller, Cecil McBee bass, David Kikoski, Harry Whitaker keyboard & piano, Barry Finnerty and Spaceman Patterson guitar, Jerry Gonzales, Steve Thornton, Chuggy Carter: percussion. A rare, unreleased album by Roy Haynes, one of jazz music's best-loved and most-recorded drummers. Recorded in 1990, The Island features Roy combining traditional and contemporary elements on concert favourites Brown Skin Girl, Anniversary Waltz and Equipoise, among other great tunes. Featuring smooth jazz innovator and bassist Marcus Miller, sax legend George Adams and latin percussion giant Jerry Gonzales, The Island also features some of Roy's first recordings with his son Graham.
CD $14

JOE LEE WILSON - The Shadow (Explore 25; UK) Featuring Joe Lee Wilson vocals, Jimmy Ponder guitar, Harry Whitaker piano, Leroy Vinnegar bass, Chuggy Carter percussion & Bruno Carr drums. One of the most original vocalists in jazz, Joe Lee Wilson has been criminally hard to find on CD. This is about to change with Explore Records' reissue of The Shadow. This bluesy set features Wilson's baritone in all of its raw glory on an exquisite selection of standards and originals. Backed by a killer combo featuring the great Bruno Carr on drums and Jimmy Ponder on guitar, Joe Lee Wilson simply shines on this rare side from the Cheetah Records catalogue.
CD $14

JOE LEE WILSON With JIMMY PONDER - Come And See (Explore 24; UK) "One of the 70s' most striking vocalists" - Ron Wynn, All Music Guide. Music collectors will rejoice as one of the great injustices of the world - the lack of Joe Lee Wilson titles available on CD - is corrected with the release of Come and See. Known by many for his work with Archie Shepp in the 70s (the classic Attica Blues), the unparalleled power and depth of Joe Lee's baritone was never more evident than on these duets with soul-jazz guitarist Jimmy Ponder. Stirring moments, playful interludes and vocal notes that reach inside to shake your soul - this is a must-hear collection of vocal jazz!
CD $14

BOB MINTZER With JACO PASTORIUS/DON GROLNICK/RANDY BRECKER - Source (Explore 33; UK) A highly collectible side by Yellowjackets frontman and Grammy winning bandleader Bob Mintzer. An eclectic mix of traditional jazz and commercial jazz (vintage 1982), this is one grooving period piece! Starting with a rare Mintzer vocal - Bob's answer to Just The Two of Us - this is his smooth jazz hit single that never was. Other highlights include a gorgeous ballad called Centering, the latin flavoured I Don't Know, and a pre-big band take on Mr. Fone Bone. Source, Mintzer's second album (released only in Japan), features an illustrious group of players, including bass god Jaco Pastorius, trumpeters Randy Brecker and Lew Soloff, Peter Erskin on drums and the late Don Grolnick on keys. All tied together with Mintzer's sweet, easy swing, this album's release will surely delight collectors, fans and DJs.
CD $14


FLO & EDDIE [MARK VOLMAN/HOWARD KAYLAN] - Illegal Immoral And Fattening/Moving Targets (Acadia 8157; UK) Self-described as the Partridge Family and Redd Foxx on one album, Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan, otherwise known as Flo & Eddie, presented one of the more eclectic duos in the history of rock & roll. Their friendship and musical partnership, which began in their high school choir in Westchester, CA, led at first to a surf band called the Crossfires, which changed its name to the Turtles after its members graduated high school. The Turtles had some of the sweetest, most feel-good sounds in pop music, but underneath the melodic pop there was always an undercurrent of mischief. When the band broke up in 1970, Volman and Kaylan became members of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, which provided them a perfect breeding ground for their quirky ways. Performing under the name the Phlorescent Leech & Eddie, they eventually shortened their moniker to Flo & Eddie. They recorded seven solo albums, eventually producing inexplicably weird reggae albums, but their real name was made by their radio show, which started out in the mid-'70s in Detroit, but eventually ended up on KROQ in California and was syndicated by nearly 50 stations at its peak. Flo & Eddie scored two low-budget films, Dirty Duck and Texas Detour, and, surreally enough, also worked on music for several kids' television shows, including the animated series Strawberry Shortcake and the Care Bears.
This CD edition presents their excellent 3rd and 4th albums complete on one disc~ Stacia Proefrock, AMG
CD $17

LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III - Dead Skunk - The Complete Columbia Years: Album III/Attempted Moustache/Unrequited [2 CD set] (Acadia 8161; UK) 2007 two CD set featuring Loudon's three albums recorded for Columbia. After two albums with Atlantic, Loudon signed with Columbia and released his third album in 1972, curiously titled 3, which featured his only Top 40 hit, 'Dead Skunk'. The album Attempted Moustache followed in 1973 and the half live Unrequited in 1975, which ended Loudon's association with CBS.
2 CD Set $25

JORGE BEN - Forca Bruta (Dusty Groove 3005; USA) "First time on CD in the U.S. and first time in the world in over 15 years! A groundbreaking album from the young Jorge Ben -- one of Brazil's most soulful singers ever -- heard here at a pivotal point in his career. For¨a Bruta is a record that forever transformed Brazilian music with its unique blend of samba and soul -- and it features some tremendous rhythm work from Trio Mocoto -- who bring in a wide variety of percussion techniques to make the whole thing groove. There's an earthy, laid-back feel to the whole set -- one that makes the album feel like a spontaneous expression of genius, even at the few points when larger orchestrations slide into the mix. The album is easily one of Jorge Ben's greatest -- and it's a much heralded Brazilian treasure that's finally getting reissued!"
CD $14



LAST COPIES OF THESE OUT-OF-PRINT CDs!

KEVIN AYERS AND THE WIZARDS OF TWIDDLY - Turn The Lights Down: Live In London 1995 (Market Square; UK) As brilliant and as enigmatic as he may be, Kevin Ayers is the least consistent of the entire Canterbury clan. He left Soft Machine after "Volume One" and began his solo career in 1969, making three amazing albums and two pretty great ones, before nose-diving into the abyss around 1975 with 'Sweet Deceiver'. Even with the incredible Olly Halsall on lead guitar on a half dozen records, his albums have been spotty. His live sets whether solo or with a band have also been rather erratic. Alcohol, drugs or general loonyness, no one knows for certain which demons have continued to plague his career. I have caught a couple of great gigs myself, like Hurrahs and Trax in 1981 and a solo set at Maxwell a few years later, as well as a couple of disasters. Kevin's live performances with a band often depend on the how well a band knows his songs and/or if they had some time to prepare for the set.
The Wizards of Twiddly are a British rock quintet from Liverpool who have obviously learned Kevin's songs. Kevin is focused and has even written or pull out a few new or as yet unrecorded songs for the occasion. Starting with a sort of rockabilly song called "There Goes Johnny", they are already into a nice groove. This was recorded live at the Waterman's Art Center in West London in March of 1995. Kevin & The Wizards do some spirited versions of "Didn't Feel Lonely 'Till I Thought of You", "Lady Rachel", "Why Are We Sleeping" and "Stranger in Blue Suede Shoes". Guitarist, Carl Bowry, plays like Olly Halsall at times and the band includes a couple of horn players who as some fine sax, flute & trumpet to a few of these gems. Without a doubt, this is the best live recording that Kevin has done a long while. The good news that Mr. Ayers will have a new studio recording with special guests like Phil Manzanera, Robert Wyatt (?), Hugh Hopper & Bridget St. John called "The Unfairground' in early September. Will Kevin Ayers finally deliver the goods once more?!?!? - BLG
CD $20


PHANTOM ORCHARD [ZEENA PARKINS/IKUE MORI] - Phantom Orchard (Mego 071; Austria) A gentle stylistic morphing from two major figures in the global realm of experimental sound and improv. Zeena Parkins sits firm as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, improviser, well-known as a pioneer of the electric harp, she has also extended the language of the acoustic harp with the inventive use of unusual playing techniques, preparations, and layers of digital and analog processing. Ikue Mori has long been a stalwart of the New York improvisation via the post punk set. Her work has seen her evolve from drums to drum machine to laptop -- how about that? Super. As a result the language she presents is as diverse as the wide range of people she has played with. Now, these two swinging cats have hooked up too create a delicate blend of organic acoustic and digital sources. Walk deep in the woods, think far beyond the reaches of our immediate environment. A soft mental and physical scenario in which to bathe, absorb and (gasp horror!) relax.
CD $16


CHRIS McGREGOR & THE SOUTH AFRICAN EXILES - Thunderbolt (Pam 405; Germany) Superb, enchanting and nearly impossible to find post-Brotherhood of Breath live date from 1986 featuring Chris McGregor on pianos, Dudu Pukwana on alto sax, Harry Beckett on trumpet, Johnny Dyani on acoustic bass, Ernest Mothle on guitar, Gilbert Matthews on drums and Phinise Saul on vocals, plus three on-stage dancers. This was an historic reunion gig for three of the original Blue Notes, South African expatriates who moved to London in 1964 and inspired many of England's finest jazz musicians for years to come. By 1990, all three of these legends, would no longer be with us. This wonderful cd is an excerpt from a monumental three hour performance and includes a number of highlights. Dudu's delectable "MRA" opens with that endearing South African gospelish groove, Phinise's luscious, soulful voice and both Harry Beckett and Dudu Pukwana swirling their magic horns in righteous, uplifting ways. "Chandeliers & Mirrors" is an eloquent, laid back ballad with Dudu's alto sax and Harry's trumpet caressing the melody in all its glorious beauty. "You and Me" is a beautiful solo piano spotlight for Chris and "U.D.F." is somewhat funkier solo piano thang. "Magwazakazo" is guitarist Lucky Ranku's delightful solo guitar interlude, which blends his jazz chords with a gospelish groove. Johnny Dyani's "Yanci Inkonzo" has layers of infectious vocals and makes me want to dance and sway, while "Funk Them D.P. to Erico" closes our groove fest with another infectious, hip-swaying vibration for just bass and piano. Perfect music for late night, laid back party or a Sunday morning wake-up call for peace - BLG
CD $18


GARY LUCAS' GODS AND MONSTERS - Gods And Monsters (Enemy 133; USA) There was no need for Gary Lucas to make an album just to prove that he could play everything from folk ditties to bebop and rap, but on Gods and Monsters he came pretty close to doing just that. The album starts off with a pair of cheery acoustic pieces that are relatively simple except for the nervous, jittery guitar lines. From there on things get more complex and generally harder, with more edgy original tunes and covers of tunes by Miles Davis, Suicide, and Syd Barrett. Psychedelia and blues influences thread through almost every piece, and Lucas' own style is distinctive enough to make almost every piece his own. Most of the album is excellent indeed; standout tracks include the bright, acoustic "Fool's Cap," the terrifying version of "Astronomy Domine," and the extraordinary progressive metal jam that closes ... an album of work that is extraordinary and concise. Players include Tony Maimone, Michael Blair, and Mary Margaret O'Hare [!] ~ Richard Foss, AMG
CD $16


GARY LUCAS With ANTHONY COLEMAN/FRED LONBERG-HOLM/ERNIE BROOKS/JONATHAN KANE - Bad Boys Of The Arctic (Enemy 146; USA)
CD $16




************RECOMMENDED NYC GIGS************



THE DOWNTOWN MUSIC GALLERY 'FREE IN-STORE MUSIC' CONTINUES:

This Sunday, August 12th-
6pm - MIGUEL FRASCONI - Solo glass improvisations!
7pm - ROB PRICE & DAVID GROLLMAN - Electric guitar & drums!
8pm - RICHARD CRANDELL - Solo Mbira (African thumb piano)!

Next Sunday, August 19th-
6pm - GORDON GRDINA - Solo oud player from Vancouver, BC!
7pm - TAYLOR HO BYNUM & KYOKO KITAMURA - trumpets & voice!

Saturday, August 25th - Rare Saturday performance
7pm - DAVID HANEY, JUAN PABLO CARLETTI & RYAN SNOW!
CIMP recording artist, David Haney plays a rare East Coast gig!

Sunday, August 26th -
6pm - ADAM SIMMONS - Australian solo saxist from Bucketrider!
7pm - THOMAS HELTON - double-bass, DANIELLE REICH - vocal PHIL GAYLE - waterphone & MAX GROSCH - violin

*******************

THE STONE is located at the NW corner of Avenue C & 2nd St.

July, 2007 at The Stone curated by Trey Spruance & Chuck Bettis

August 2007 at the Stone
curated by Duck Baker / Eugene Chadbourne

A NIGHT OF HERBIE NICHOLS
featuring Duck Baker and Eric T. Johnson
The complex and beautiful compositions of the elusive jazzman Herbie Nichols in stunning arrangements for guitar.

8/10 Friday
8 pm - Duck Baker (guitar) plays the Music of Herbie Nichols
10 pm - Eric T. Johnson Quartet plays the Music of Herbie Nichols
Eric T. Johnson (guitar) Tony Malaby (tenor sax) Mark Helias (acoustic bass) Tom Rainey (drums)

8/11 Saturday
8 & 10 pm - Ellery Eskelin (tenor sax) Andrea Parkins (accordion) Jim Black (drums)

8/12 Sunday
8 pm - Sylvie Courvoisier Solo Piano
10 pm - David Fabris (guitar) Geoff Burleson (piano) Maria Tegzes (voice) Jordan Scannella (bass), Andrew Frawley (drums)
The founder of the Fabulous School of Music in his Stone debut.

8/14 Tuesday
8 pm - Charlie Kohlhase (saxophones) Duck Baker (guitar)
10 pm - Charlie Kohlhase's Explorers' Club w/ Charlie Kohlhase (alto, tenor and baritone saxes) Matt Langley (tenor and soprano saxes) Jeff Galindo (trombone) Eric Hofbauer (guitar) Jef Charland (bass) Miki Matsuki, Chris Punis (drums)

8/15 Wednesday
8 pm - Michael Moore (sax and clarinet) Duck Baker (guitar)
The great reedman based in Amsterdam in duo with Duck Baker.
10 pm - Michael Moore (sax and clarinet) Cody Brown (drums)
The great reedman based in Amsterdam in duo with a killer drummer.

August 16 to 31 - CHADFEST 2007 - Dr. Chadbourne comes up from Greensboro for two weeks of madness, horror, humor and political intrigue.

8/16 Thursday
8 pm - Pops plays Pops I-Fencing (acoustic version) featuring: Eugene Chadbourne (acoustic and electric guitar) Mark Ribot (acoustic and electric guitar) Duck Baker (acoustic and electric guitar); John Zorn's classic game piece from 1978 performed by an all-star guitar trio.
10 pm - Pops plays Pops II-Fencing (electric version) w/ Eugene Chadbourne (acoustic and electric guitar) Mark Ribot (acoustic and electric guitar) Duck Baker (acoustic and electric guitar); John Zorn's classic 1978 game piece performed by an all-star guitar trio.

8/17 Friday
8 pm - Pops Plays Pops III-Eugene Chadbourne plays the solo guitar music of John Zorn - w/ Eugene Chadbourne (acoustic and electric guitar)plays from The Book of Heads, a collection of solo guitar etudes written for him in 1978 by John Zorn.
10 pm - Pops plays Pops IV-Eugene Chadbourne plays the solo guitar music of John Zorn; featuring - Eugene Chadbourne (banjo); In the late night hipster's set, Dr. Chad presents a banjo arrangement of Dominoes, an even earlier solo guitar piece by Zorn which like the Book of Heads was originally written expressly for Chadbourne. First performance in nearly thirty years.

8/18 Saturday
8 and 10 pm - Improv Night - a Stone Benefit
John Zorn (alto saxophone) Eugene Chadbourne (acoustic and electric guitars, banjo) Richard Baker (acoustic guitar) Timothy Dahl (electric bass) Special guests. Come and support the Stone in 2007. Twenty dollars.

8/19 Sunday
8 and 10 pm - Eugene Chadbourne (acoustic and electric guitars, banjo) Lukas Ligeti (percussion); This is the first duo meeting of Chadbourne and Ligeti; they played together previously when Ligeti came through Greensboro on a trio tour.

Performances take place at 8 & 10 PM from Tuesday - Sunday nights,
There are no advance tickets, first come, first served, there is no phone
There is no food or beverages served or allowed, just a serious listening environment
Admission for each set is $10, unless otherwise indicated
Check out the website for The Stone at thestonenyc.com



********************


j a z z a t t h e s e a p o r t

august 10 MAGICAL LISTENING HOUR - nate wooley, trumpet, micha‘l attias, alto sax, louie belogenis, tenor sax, steve swell, trombone

august 17 OLD DOG DUO - michael bisio, bass & louie belogenis, tenor sax

august 24 RADIO I-CHING - andy haas, sax, fife and electronics, don fiorino, guitar and other strings, dee pop, drums and percussion

august 31 ADAM SIMMONS / URSEL SCHLICHT QUARTET - adam simmons, tenor & soprano sax, ursel schlicht, piano, reuben radding, bass & john hollenbeck, drums

seaport district cultural association performance space
Front Street at Beekman Street (South Street Seaport)
rsvp: 1.212.393.9191
subway: 2,3,4,5 to Fulton Street or A to Broadway/Nassau


**************


Saturday, August 11th

Music Now!
At The Brecht Forum

8pm - Matt Lavelle Ensemble: "the manifestation drama part 2"
with Shelley Burgon, Lola Danza, Shayna Dulberger, Catherine Sikora
9pm - Ras Moshe/Anders Nilsson/Christopher Dean Sullivan
10pm - The Ken Filiano Trio with Michael Attias & Michael "TA" Thompson

The Brecht Forum - 212-242-4201
451 West St. (west side highway between Bank & Bethune Sts.)


**************


Special Saturday Show: Aug 18 8pm - Midnight

The Medicine Music Show * Hosted by Radio I-Ching:
Andy Haas, Don Fiorino & Dee Pop
Featuring special guests:
UNCLE MONK (feat: Tommy Ramone)
Skip Heller Trio


***********


August 19
7pm Jessica Pavone, Matt Bauder, Patrick Farrell
9pm The Denominators with Roland Schneider

August 26
7pm Jon Lundbom, Moppa Elliot, Jeff Davis
9pm Clifton Hyde Quartet

Dee Pop presents: The Freestyle Creative Music Series EVERY SUNDAY @ Jimmy's Restaurant
43 East 7th Street * NYC * 212-982-3006


************************


GORDON GRDINA / MARK HELIAS / GERRY HEMINGWAY!

Saturday, August 19th at 9pm at Zebulon!

http://www.zebuloncafeconcert.com/


***********************


COMA/ABC No-Rio NYC Schedule for August

August 12th, 2007 8:00 PM
1. Carsten Radtke (Munich) and friends
2. Tom Blatt Ensemble -Michele Smith, flute Andy O'Neill, drums Kayana Ishihara, piano Tom Blatt, bass guitar
3. Open Session

August 19th, 2007 8:00 PM
1. Killick (Athens GA) and friends
2. Clifton Hyde - Sympathy for Lady Vengence
Clifton Hyde guitar Motoko Shimizu vocals/toys Robyn Siwula viola
3. Open Session


Aug 26th no coma


what is C.O.M.A.??? C.O.M.A. is citizens ontological music agenda - started March 1998 and has presented improvised music on Sunday evenings at ABC No-Rio 156 Rivington NYC. ABC No-Rio is near the Delancey J and F train station between Clinton St. and Suffolk St. ...the sets are 35-40 minutes followed with an open session at the end with various configurations of players. C.O.M.A. is an open series that has consistently suggested a donation of $3.00 at the door for the musicians will now suggest $5.00. - times change -


********************


MATTHEW SHIPP TRIO

CD RELEASE PERFORMANCE FOR 'PIANO VORTEX' on THIRSTY EAR

Monday, August 27th - 2 Sets at 8pm & 10:30pm
At The Blue Note - 131 West 3rd St. in NYC


************


IF YOU'RE ALREADY SUBSCRIBED TO OUR NEWSLETTER, BUT SOMEHOW YOU'RE NOT RECEIVING THEM IN YOUR INBOX..

Many of your incoming emails are being blocked and you don't know it! Many emails like our newsletter are frequently blocked by aggressive spam filters being used by nearly all email services.

To help avoid this problem and get our newsletter:

Hotmail Users: Place the domain " downtownmusicgallery.com " on your Safe List, so that you can receive our emails. The safe list can be accessed via the "Options" link next to the main menu tabs. Also place the email address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com in your address book.

AOL: Place the domain " downtownmusicgallery.com " in your Address Book. Also add the email address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com to your address book.

Yahoo! Mail: If one of our e-newsletters is filtered to your 'bulk' folder, open the message and click on the "this is not Spam" link next to the "From" field. The same goes for any other e-mail you receive that doesn't belong there. Add the address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com to your address book.

Other email services [Earthlink, GMail et al]: Place the domain " downtownmusicgallery.com " on your email filter's whitelist. You may need to search your email help menu for details on how to do this. Depending on software/version, they may call it a "whitelist," a "good list" or similar name. Adding the address dmg@downtownmusicgallery.com to your address book will help too.