Sonny Clark's album for Time, his only session as a leader that was not for Blue Note. Clark is inspired by his sidemen (bassist George Duvivier and drummer Max Roach) as he digs into a full set of his originals. None of the tunes became standards, but all are excellent. The music falls between classic bebop and hard bop, with Clark as usual displaying the influence of Bud Powell along with his own voice. His life was unfortunately quite brief, but Sonny Clark never recorded an unworthy record. This one is well worth picking up.

With the help of his friends from Norway, Madagascar, India and Morocco, Michy Mano and hip Norwegian producer Bugge Wesseltoft have created an exciting hybrid of dancefloor electronica and the traditional folk music of Morocco. Whenever Wesseltoft takes on a musical project, you can be sure the result will be an unpredictable journey full of imagination.

This is not taken from the Fillmore Tree. The Fillmore Tree version is about 25 mns. This here is almost the complete show, only "Directions", the set-opener is missing: total time is about 64 mns. This FM source sounds great.

This intriguing set features the compositions and bass playing of Lars Danielsson. The music is beautifully recorded, often sparse (à la ECM) and thoughtful. The instrumentation varies from track-to-track even if the mood tends to stay quiet and reflective. Soprano-saxophonist David Liebman is featured on "Libera Me," singer Caecilie Norby has a guest pop vocal on "Newborne Broken," and the Danish Radio Concert Orchestra is heard with their huge string section on a few numbers, sometimes sounding a little sleepy. Other than a few spots for Nils Petter Molvaer's introspective trumpet, most of the other solos are by bassist Danielsson. This melodic set works well as both background music and for close listening although it develops slowly. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.

Down Beat (1960) - 5 Stars - Excellent - "..swings as much if not more than any of the quartet's previous efforts…A fine and worthy addition to your file of 5 Star albums.."

An excellent Webster's small club live recording taped at the Renaissance (Hollywood, CA) on October 14, 1960. Supported by Jimmi Rowles on piano, Jim Hall on guitar, Red Mitchel on bass and Frank Butler on drums. Arguably the Webster's best.

The title "Saturation" refers to the process of developing an idea from a pure simple melodic figure through polyphonic and harmonic structures until the point where it becomes pure texture, completely saturated.

On this 2001 album, Norwegian pianist/composer/producer Bugge Wesseltoft further refines his concept of 'the new conception of jazz'. Having started out playing stereotypically Nordic ECM-style jazz, Bugge (pronounced 'Boogie') formed the jazzland label and brought out several records in a new, experimental jazz style that fused elements of electronic music with traditional jazz instrumentation to excellent effect.

Taylor's subtle but energized touch and flowing melodic inventions find a ready response from Johnson and Baron, two players who excel in the kind of unexpected twists and turns and intricate textural interplay so typical of the pianist's musical imagination. Taylor's original inspiration lies deep in the central jazz tradition, whatever the complex weave of influences and new directions he may have added. Lyrical, intelligent and hugely resourceful music-making, with pristine recorded sound to match.
~ Jazzwise, Kenny Mathieson

Saxophonist Stefano Di Battista's third release for Blue Note records, Round About Roma, is awash with lush, orchestral arrangements in concert with a silky smooth jazz touch and shifting rhythms. With this outing, the artist pays homage to his birthplace as he paints a vivid musical canvas of Rome, Italy – where he conjures up imagery of a city beset with intrigue and romance.